Custom-made in-ear audio assembly

Abstract

The present invention relates to a custom-made in-ear audio assembly comprising a custom-made shell, an interface and an audio assembly, wherein the custom-made shell comprises a first opening adapted for receiving the interface and a first opening locking member for releasably locking the interface to the custom-made shell in or around the first opening; and a space defined by the custom-made shell, and wherein the audio assembly is positioned in the space defined by the custom-made shell, which audio assembly is in acoustic communication with the first opening, and wherein the interface is adapted to cover the first opening, comprises one or more sound openings for acoustic communication through the first opening and a first interface locking member for releasably locking the interface to the custom-made shell in or around the first opening; and wherein the first opening locking member and the first interface locking member are adapted to collaborate and form a releasable lock. The present invention further relates to an interface configured for use in the custom-made in-ear audio assembly; and to a hearing device comprising the custom-made in-ear audio assembly.

Description

[0001] CUSTOM-MADE IN-EAR AUDIO ASSEMBLY

[0002] FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The present invention relates to a custom-made in-ear audio assembly; to an interface for use in the custom-made in-ear audio assembly; and to a hearing device comprising the custom-made in-ear audio assembly. The present invention further relates to a process for the manufacture of a custom-made in-ear audio assembly; and a process for the fitting of a hearing device comprising the custom-made in-ear audio assembly.

[0004] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0005] Hearing devices come in a variety of types, shapes and form factors. In many countries, the most popular hearing device is a so-called Behind-the-Ear (BTE) hearing device. This includes a housing that sits behind the ear that includes a battery, one or more microphones, amplification, and a processor. The housing in traditional BTEs also includes a receiver (speaker) and amplified sound from the speaker is fed via a tube into the ear.

[0006] More modern BTEs, also known as Receiver in the Ear (RITE) hearing aids, locate the receiver in the ear canal. Thus, instead of a tube, the RITE hearing aid comprises a behind the ear housing comprising a battery, one or more microphones, amplification, a processor and a connector electrically connecting the behind the ear housing with a Receiver in Canal (RIC) assembly. The RIC assembly typically comprises an electrically conductive cable, wire, a receiver housing and a receiver. A dome attaches to the receiver housing to allow easy fit into the ear canal. The electrically conductive cable is typically permanently fixed to the receiver housing and receiver such that the RIC may be removed from the ear by pulling on the cable.

[0007] RITE hearing aids offer multiple advantages over BTE hearing aids. The BTE component can be significantly smaller, making it less visible and more comfortable for the wearer. Also, physical separation of the microphones from the receiver in a RITE means that the RITE suffers from less whistling and feedback noises. Also, if the wearer needs a more powerful or different receiver due to an increase in hearing loss, the behind the ear part of the hearing device may stay the same and another RIC assembly may be connected to the behind the ear part of the hearing device.

[0008] The RIC assembly with dome also makes that the ear canal is less closed off, making it more comfortable for the wearer than more closed types of hearing aid, leading to a more natural sound because of less ear occlusion and because of the receiver in the ear canal leading to less distortion.

[0009] Another category of hearing device is the so-called In the Ear (ITE) hearing device category. ITEs comprise a custom mold of the wearer's ear and for that reason are comfortable to wear. The custom mold typically contains the full hearing aid, including batteries, microphones, amplifiers and the like. A disadvantage of ITEs is their size, making them very visible, and wearers may experience occlusion. Smaller, less visible, custom-mold, hearing aids are so-called In the Canal (ITC) and Completely in the Canal (CIC) hearing devices. They are similar to ITEs in that they are custom molded, contain all elements required for a hearing aid in the ear and suffer from a number of disadvantages, including that wearers may experience occlusion.

[0010] Another disadvantage of custom-made hearing devices like ITE, ITC and CIC hearing devices is that they can be very expensive for the patient, and, moreover, very difficult to service. One of the main issues that may lead to failure, break-down, of hearing devices is that ear wax and wax fumes may enter the hearing device and damage high tech components like receivers. Especially for custom-made hearing devices, cleaning, removing ear wax before they damage high-tech components and replacing damaged components may be cumbersome, difficult or simply impossible.

[0011] German Utility Model DE 20 2023 105 660 U1 describes a custom-made hearing device in which the receiver may be removed from the custom-made hearing device, so that the receiver may be serviced or replaced. Inside the custom-made hearing device, connector pins on the receiver releasably connect into electrical sockets in the custom-made hearing device, which connection itself is potentially fragile and may be difficult to service if earwax enters the space in which the receiver is held.

[0012] Of the hearing device categories mentioned above, the RITE, comprising a RIC assembly with dome, has become most popular in many countries. It offers a good compromise between performance, comfort in wearing, limited visibility, less feedback due to amplification being spaced apart from the receiver, costs and serviceability. Thus, a dome may be detached from the RIC assembly and separately cleaned or replaced. In addition, separate wax filters, wax guards or buckets, if present in the receiver housing, may be removed from the receiver housing and replaced by first removing the dome and servicing the RIC assembly. An example of a RIC assembly also comprising an inward (i.e. towards the tympanic membrane) facing microphone, has been published in US2023 / 0300514. US2020 / 0186949 describes a hearing device comprising a flexible earpiece. The earpiece may be a dome which may be customised. Audiologists, Hearing Care Professionals (HCPs), support the end-user in selecting the right hearing device for their needs; support the end-user (wearer, patient) by adapting, programming, fitting the hearing device of choice to the specific hearing impairment and ear canal configuration of the end-user. HCPs may use Real Ear Measurement (REM) to measure sound near the tympanic membrane in the ear canal and produce an audiogram, using a microphone that will detect sound when the hearing device, such as a RITE is fitted in the ear. The audiogram helps in tailoring, programming and fitting the hearing device to the enduser's needs.

[0013] A disadvantage of a RITE hearing device comprising a RIC assembly with a dome is that domes are typically produced in a finite number of shapes and sizes. Thus, some end-users may not find the RIC assembly with a dome suitable for their needs, the dome may be either too large in one or more directions, making the fit not ideal for their ear canal configuration, or too small, leading to potential dropping of the RIC assembly out of the ear canal, or at least from the preferred position in the ear canal, due to it not being sufficiently fixed in the ear canal of the end-user. To this end, custom-made shells, also referred to as custom molds, have been developed that encase the RIC assembly and fit the ear canal of the enduser. Serviceability of such RIC assemblies encased in a custom mold may be difficult.

[0014] It will be appreciated that it may be a challenge for end-users to regularly visit an HCP for tailoring, fitting, servicing of their hearing device, due to travel distance and time, mobility issues, adverse weather conditions, waiting lists to get an appointment with an HCP, inability to visit an HCP e.g. due to travel restrictions caused by natural and man-made disasters, strikes, riots or pandemic lock-downs; traffic jams; accidents; costs of visiting and the like. Similarly, it may be a challenge for HCPs that the cumulative time spent per year per enduser on optimally fitting and servicing a hearing device may be too high, potentially leading to long waiting lists and an inability to provide an optimal service to all end users within their practice.

[0015] It would therefore be desirable if RIC assemblies with domes could be more easily replaced by RIC assemblies with custom-made shells or other custom-made in-ear audio assemblies; if they would be easier to service and clean; If HCPs could more often help and instruct endusers remotely; if hearing devices could be fitted remotely or with limited assistance.

[0016] DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0017] It would be desirable to provide a custom-made in-ear audio assembly that overcomes one or more of the above-mentioned drawbacks, and has an improved serviceability, including increased self-help capability for a larger proportion of end-users; requires less time from the HCP; and preferably also allows remote fitting.

[0018] It may therefore be seen as an object of embodiments of the present invention to provide for a custom-made in-ear audio assembly that combines one or more, preferably all, of these advantages. The present invention provides such custom-made in-ear audio assembly.

[0019] Accordingly, the present invention provides according to a first aspect, a custom-made in-ear audio assembly according to claim 1. Thus, according to the first aspect, the present invention provides a custom-made in-ear audio assembly comprising a custom-made shell, an interface and an audio assembly, wherein:

[0020] - the custom-made shell comprises a first opening adapted for receiving the interface and a first opening locking member for releasably locking the interface to the custom-made shell in or around the first opening; and a space defined by the custom-made shell;

[0021] - the audio assembly is positioned in the space defined by the custom-made shell, such as encompassed within the space defined by the custom-made shell, which audio assembly is in acoustic communication with the first opening; and

[0022] - the interface is adapted to cover the first opening of the custom-made shell, comprises one or more sound openings for acoustic communication through the first opening and a first interface locking member for releasably locking the interface to the custom-made shell in or around the first opening; and wherein the first opening locking member and the first interface locking member are adapted to collaborate and form a releasable lock.

[0023] Typically, the custom-made shell is adapted to custom fit into an ear canal of a person. The custom-made shell may be made custom-fit by first making a cast of wax, gypsum or another suitable material such as silicone of at least a part of the ear canal, preparing a mold from the cast and using the mold to prepare a custom-made shell. Typically, an insert is put in the mold and the custom-made shell is then cast in the space between the inside of the mold and the insert. In practice, silicone is most commonly applied for making a cast.

[0024] Alternatively, the dimensions of the ear canal may be measured in detail and a 3-dimensional digital model created which is used for 3D printing a custom-made shell. Further background on custom-made shells and making casts may be found in Chester Pirzanski, 'Earmolds and Hearing Aid Shells: A Tutorial', The Hearing Review, April 1, 2006.

[0025] Typically, the custom-made shell is made of a (hard) plastic. Examples include polyacrylic, such as photosensitive polyacrylic resin, polyvinyl, such as (medical grade) polyvinylchloride, polyetheretherketone (PEEK), copolyester resin, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyphenylsulfone, polycarbonate, polyetherimide, polyurethane, polyamide. According to another embodiment, the custom-made shell is made of a metal such as titanium. Preferably, the Young's modulus of a plastic to be used is at least 0.2 GPa and the hardness is typically at least 10, preferably at least 20 such as 40-90 on the Shore D hardness scale. Typically the polymer or metal selected is biocompatible. Typically, a polymer is biocompatible if it passes the United States Pharmacopoeia IV (USP Class IV) Biological Reactivity Test and / or adheres to the International Standards Organization 10993 (ISO 10993) Biological Evaluation of Medical Devices standard.

[0026] The first opening in the custom-made shell may be arranged on the side of the custom-made shell which, in use, is nearest the tympanic membrane of the ear canal. The first opening is preferably an oval shaped opening to create a relatively large opening within the dimensions of the custom-made shell fitting in the generally oval-shaped ear canal. The interface is adapted to cover the first opening and will therefore preferably be oval-shaped as well. The interface is preferably dimensioned such that the outer perimeter, circumference, of the interface on the outside, i.e. the tympanic membrane facing side, of the first opening is substantially within the circumference, outer perimeter, of the custom-made shell at the first opening. Preferably, the ratio of the longest diameter to the shortest diameter of the ovalshaped interface is about 4:3, such as in the range from 3.5:3 to 4.5:2.5.

[0027] Preferably, the first opening locking member is positioned in the space defined by the custom-made shell. More preferably, the first opening locking member is a rim, a protrusion in the custom-made shell. Even more preferably, the first opening locking member is a circumferential protrusion at the first opening. In this embodiment, the first opening locking member will typically define the circumference of first opening in the custom-made shell.

[0028] The interface is adapted to cover the first opening and comprises a first interface locking member for releasably locking the interface to the custom-made shell in or around the first opening. The first interface locking member may be in the form of a groove, more preferably a circumferential groove, configured to accommodate the first opening locking member in the form of a rim, more preferably a circumferential protrusion. It will be appreciated that other configurations are also possible and may even be preferable in certain circumstances. The first opening locking member, preferably in the form of a rim, and the first interface locking member, preferably in the form of a groove, are adapted to collaborate and form a releasable lock.

[0029] Preferably, the interface for use in the custom-made audio assembly further comprises a second interface locking member; the audio assembly for use in the custom-made audio assembly comprises an audio assembly locking member; and the second interface locking member and the audio assembly locking member are adapted to collaborate and form a releasable lock between the interface and the audio assembly.

[0030] Preferably, the second interface locking member is a circumferential protrusion leaving an opening for the audio assembly locking member in the form of a circumferential groove, wherein the second interface locking member is arranged within the circumference of the first interface locking member.

[0031] The interface is preferably made of a biocompatible polymer such as a silicone polymer, preferably having a Shore A hardness in the range of from 40 to 80. Alternatively, a Thermoplastic Elastomer may be used. Typically, the interface will be able to be elastically deformed. In the custom-made audio assembly, the first opening locking member is preferably configured to exert some pressure on the first interface locking member, compressing the first interface locking member and thereby the interface. The amount the first interface locking member can be compressed is in the most preferred configuration limited by the audio assembly, releasably locked to the interface via the audio assembly locking member and the second interface locking member. Thus, in the most preferred embodiment, the audio assembly locking member in the form of a circumferential groove is releasably locked with a second interface locking member in the form of a circumferential protrusion to the interface. The second interface locking member is preferably arranged within the circumference of the first interface locking member in the form of a circumferential groove. The first opening locking member is preferably a circumferential protrusion which is preferably configured to exert some pressure on the first interface locking member. The pressure on the first interface locking member results in an additional pressure on the second interface locking member, securely locking the interface to the custom-made shell and the audio assembly.

[0032] The audio assembly preferably comprises a receiver having a receiver sound outlet arranged for acoustic communication with the one or more sound openings in the interface. The receiver is preferably a balanced armature receiver. Suitable balanced armature receivers are available and marketed by Sonion A / S.

[0033] According to a preferred embodiment, the audio assembly further comprises a microphone having a microphone sound inlet arranged for acoustic communication with the one or more sound openings in the interface. The microphone may in one embodiment be used for Real Ear Measurement (REM). In the absence of a microphone, REM may be conducted by HCPs using a separate microphone which is then positioned in front of the audio assembly, nearer the tympanic membrane, to measure sound near the tympanic membrane in the ear canal and produce an audiogram. The audiogram helps in tailoring, programming, and fitting the hearing device to the end-user's needs. It will be appreciated that especially in case of a custom-made audio assembly, having a separate microphone assembly that needs to be positioned in front of the custom-made audio assembly to conduct detailed real ear measurement, will result in distorted results, due to the custom-made audio assembly not fitting precisely, for example due to additional tubing connecting with the microphone used for REM.

[0034] A particular advantage of this embodiment of the custom-made audio assembly of the present invention incorporating a microphone, is that the microphone is integrated in the audio assembly and REM can be conducted with the custom-made in-ear audio assembly positioned in the ear as in normal use. In addition, this allows remote fitting and easier servicing during the lifetime of a hearing aid.

[0035] According to another embodiment, the microphone may be used in operation to detect sound near the tympanic membrane of the ear canal. This detected sound may then be used to provide input for an active-occlusion reduction (AOR) algorithm. These embodiments may be combined. Thus, according to a more preferred embodiment, the microphone is used for both REM and AOR.

[0036] The microphone is preferably a Micro Electro-Mechanical System (MEMS) microphone. Suitable MEMS microphones are available and marketed by Sonion A / S. MEMS microphones are advantageous because of their small size. Typical dimensions of MEMS microphones to be used in the custom-made audio assembly according to the invention include MEMS microphones with a footplate varying from (1.6 mm x 2.5 mm) to (2.5 mm x 3.35) mm and an height from 0.85 mm to 1.2 mm.

[0037] According to a preferred embodiment, the audio assembly comprises an audio assembly housing comprising a receiver mount adapted to house at least part of the receiver, wherein the audio assembly housing comprises at least one receiver nozzle sound channel and receiver nozzle sound outlet opening in acoustic communication with the receiver sound outlet and the one or more sound openings in the interface; and the audio assembly housing further comprises a microphone mount adapted to house at least part of the microphone, wherein the audio assembly housing comprises at least one microphone mount sound channel and microphone mount sound inlet opening in acoustic communication with the microphone sound inlet and the one or more sound openings in the interface. Preferably, the microphone is arranged in the microphone mount such that the microphone sound inlet is arranged at an angle of at least 90° from the one of more sound openings in the interface. More preferably, the microphone sound inlet is oriented towards an interior portion of the microphone mount of the audio assembly housing.

[0038] WO 2022 / 042951 Al, incorporated herein by reference, describes a preferred audio assembly for use in the custom-made in-ear audio assembly according to the invention.

[0039] Preferably, the interface comprises at least two sound openings, at least one sound opening in acoustic communication with the microphone sound inlet and at least one sound opening in acoustic communication with the receiver sound outlet, preferably via a receiver sound outlet nozzle and receiver nozzle sound outlet opening as described above. More preferably, the one or more sound openings in the interface in acoustic communication with the microphone sound inlet are spaced apart from the one or more sound openings in the interface in acoustic communication with the receiver sound outlet.

[0040] The interface may in one embodiment further comprise one or more wax protection members configured to at least limit wax ingress into the custom-made audio assembly through one or more sound openings of the interface. The interface may further comprise a pressure vent channel. The pressure vent channel dimensions are typically 0.4 to 1.0 mm. It will be appreciated that the pressure vent may also be positioned in the custom-made shell but positioning in the interface is preferred. The custom-made shell may according to one preferred embodiment further comprise an acoustic vent channel. The acoustic vent channel dimensions are typically 0.8 to 3.0 mm. It will be appreciated that the acoustic vent may also be positioned in the interface but positioning in the custom-made shell is preferred.

[0041] The custom-made audio assembly according to the invention is typically connected to the remainder of a hearing device, for example located behind the ear, via an electrically conductive cable. Preferably, the custom-made audio assembly further comprises an electrically conductive cable, wherein the custom-made shell comprises a second opening for at least the electrically conductive cable; the space defined by the custom-made shell is between the first and the second opening; and wherein the audio assembly is in electric communication with the electrically conductive cable.

[0042] Preferably, the electrically conductive cable is configured such, and connected to the audio assembly such, that the user may pull the custom-made in-ear audio assembly out of their ear canal by pulling on the electrically conductive cable. EP 3 073 765 Al, incorporated herein by reference, describes a preferred cable connection means for connecting the electrically conductive cable to the audio assembly. Preferably, a first end of the electrically conductive cable is connected to the audio assembly with a fixed connection. The second end of the electrically conductive cable may be equipped with a plug for releasably connecting to a socket in a behind the ear part of the hearing device.

[0043] The present invention provides, according to a second aspect, an interface for use in the custom-made in-ear audio assembly according to claim 12. Thus, according to the second aspect, the present invention provides an interface for use in the custom-made in-ear audio assembly comprising an audio assembly positioned in a custom-made-shell, which custom- made shell is equipped with a first opening and a first opening locking member as described herein, the interface comprising one or more sound openings and a first interface locking member, wherein the interface is configured to cover a first opening of the custom-made shell, comprises one or more sound openings for acoustic communication through the first opening and a first interface locking member for releasably locking the interface to the custom-made shell in or around the first opening; and wherein the first interface locking member is configured to collaborate and form a releasable lock with the first opening locking member of the custom-made shell. Preferred embodiments of the interface according to the present invention have been described in more detail herein in relation to the description of the custom-made in-ear audio assembly.

[0044] The present invention provides, according to a third aspect, a hearing device according to claim 15. Thus, according to the third aspect, the present invention provides a hearing device comprising the custom-made in-ear audio assembly.

[0045] In general, the various aspects of the present invention may be combined and coupled in any way possible within the scope of the invention. These and other aspects, features and / or advantages of the present invention will be apparent from and elucidated with reference to the embodiments described hereinafter.

[0046] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0047] In the following, example embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings, wherein:

[0048] Figure 1 illustrates a top view of an interface according to the invention,

[0049] Figure 2 illustrates a top view of another interface according to the invention,

[0050] Figure 3 illustrates a top view of yet another interface according to the invention, Figure 4 illustrates the interface according to the invention depicted in Figure 1, but in crosssection along the longest diameter of the oval shaped interface of Figure 1, the interface comprising first and second interface locking members and an audio assembly, the audio assembly comprising an audio assembly locking member; and wherein the second interface locking member and the audio assembly locking member are adapted to form a releasable lock between the interface and the audio assembly,

[0051] Figure 5 illustrates the interface according to the invention depicted in Figure 3, but in crosssection along the longest diameter of the oval shaped interface of Figure 3, the interface comprising first and second interface locking members and an audio assembly, the audio assembly comprising an audio assembly locking member; and wherein the second interface locking member and the audio assembly locking member are adapted to form a releasable lock between the interface and the audio assembly,

[0052] Figures 6, 7 and 8 illustrate different stages of assembly of a custom-made in-ear audio assembly according to the invention,

[0053] Figure 9 illustrates in more detail the front part of the custom-made in-ear audio assembly shown in Figure 8, and

[0054] Figure 10 (a) and (b) illustrate an audio assembly preferably used in the custom-made in-ear audio assembly according to the invention.

[0055] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0056] Figure 1 illustrates a top view of interface 1 according to the invention. The interface 1 is preferably oval-shaped as this typically fits the ear canal better than a round shape. Sound outlet 2 is configured to output sound from the audio assembly via a sound output channel (not shown) into the ear canal. Sound inlet 3 is configured to input sound and connect via a sound inlet channel (not shown) to a microphone in the audio assembly. If desired, interface

[0057] 1 may be equipped with a pressure vent, not shown.

[0058] In an alternative embodiment, for example if the audio assembly according to the invention does not comprise a microphone, sound inlet 3 may be replaced with another sound outlet 2.

[0059] Figure 2 illustrates a top view of another interface 1 according to the invention. Sound outlet

[0060] 2 is configured to output sound from the audio assembly via a sound output channel (not shown) into the ear canal. Sound inlet 3 is configured to input sound and connect via a sound inlet channel (not shown) to a microphone in the audio assembly. As shown in Figure 5, sound inlet 3 may be equipped with a wax protection system (not shown in Figure 2). If desired, interface 1 may further be equipped with a pressure vent, not shown.

[0061] Figure 3 illustrates a top view of yet another interface 1 according to the invention. The interface is similar to the interface illustrated in Figure 2, except that two sound outlets 2 are provided and one sound inlet 3.

[0062] Figure 4 illustrates the interface according to the invention depicted in Figure 1, but in crosssection along the longest diameter of the oval shaped interface of Figure 1, the interface 1 comprising a first interface locking member 4 and a second interface locking member 12. Audio assembly 5 comprises an audio assembly housing 25 containing a receiver 6 and a microphone 8. The receiver 6 outputs sound into receiver nozzle sound channel 7. The receiver nozzle sound channel 7 in the audio assembly housing 25, is in acoustic communication with sound outlet 2 via sound output channel 20 and receiver nozzle sound outlet opening 11. Sound inlet 3 is configured to input sound and connect via sound inlet channel 30 to microphone 8 in the audio assembly 5. The audio assembly 5 comprises an audio assembly locking member 18 in the form of an indentation in audio assembly housing 25. The second interface locking member 12 and the audio assembly locking member 18 are adapted to form a releasable lock between the interface 1 and the audio assembly 5.

[0063] Figure 5 illustrates the interface according to the invention depicted in Figure 3, but in crosssection along the longest diameter of the oval shaped interface of Figure 3, the interface 1 comprising a first interface locking member 4 and a second interface locking member 12. Audio assembly 5 comprises an audio assembly housing 25 containing a receiver 6 and a microphone 8. The receiver 6 outputs sound into receiver nozzle sound channel 7. The receiver nozzle sound channel 7 in the audio assembly housing 25, is in acoustic communication with sound outlets 2 via sound output channels 20 and receiver nozzle sound outlet openings 11. Sound inlet 3 is configured to input sound and connect via sound inlet channel 30 to microphone 8 in the audio assembly 5. Wax protection member 9 is configured to limit wax ingress into sound inlet 3, sound inlet channel 30. The audio assembly 5 comprises an audio assembly locking member 18 in the form of an indentation in audio assembly housing 25. The second interface locking member 12 and the audio assembly locking member 18 are adapted to form a releasable lock between the interface 1 and the audio assembly 5.

[0064] Figures 6, 7 and 8 illustrate, in cross-section, different stages of assembly of a custom-made in-ear audio assembly according to the invention. Figure 6 depicts an interface 1, an audio assembly 5 and a custom-made shell 10. The custom-made shell 10 has a first opening 15 adapted for receiving the interface 1 and a first opening locking member 14 for releasably locking the interface 1 to the custom-made shell 10 in or around the first opening 15; a second opening 17 for at least the electrically conductive cable 16; and a space defined by the custom-made shell 10 between the first opening 15 and the second opening 17. The electrically conductive cable 16 is secured to audio assembly 5, such that the audio assembly may be pulled through the custom-made shell 10 by pulling on the electrically conductive cable 16. In use, the end-user will typically use the electrically conductive cable 16 to pull custom-made in-ear audio assembly out of their ear canal. Suitable ways to secure the electrically conductive cable 16 to the audio assembly 5 are known in the art and have for example been described in EP3073765, incorporated herein by reference. The interface 1 comprises a first interface locking member 4 and a second interface locking member 12. The audio assembly 5 comprises an audio assembly locking member 18 in the form of an indentation in the audio assembly housing. The second interface locking member 12 and the audio assembly locking member 18 are adapted to form a releasable lock between the interface 1 and the audio assembly 5.

[0065] Figure 7 depicts the interface 1, audio assembly 5 and custom-made shell 10 of Figure 6, where the Interface 1 has been mounted on audio assembly 5. Typically, first the interface will be mounted onto the audio assembly before mounting on the custom-made shell. Figure 8 depicts the interface 1, audio assembly 5 and custom-made shell 10 of Figure 7, where the interface / audio assembly has been mounted on the custom-made shell 10. One receiver nozzle sound outlet opening 11 is visible in this cross-section. Preferably, the audio assembly comprises more than one receiver nozzle sound outlet opening, such as two receiver nozzle sound outlet openings 11.

[0066] Figure 9 illustrates in more detail the front part of the custom-made in-ear audio assembly shown in Figure 8. The custom-made shell 10 has a first opening locking member 14 for releasably locking the interface 1 to the custom-made shell 10. The first opening locking member 14 and the first interface locking member 4 are adapted to collaborate and form a releasable lock between the interface 1 and the custom-made shell 10. The second interface locking member 12 and the audio assembly locking member 18 are adapted to form a releasable lock between the interface 1 and the audio assembly 5. Pressure exerted on interface 1, first interface locking member 4, by first opening locking member 14 also functions to more securely lock the interface 1 and the audio assembly 5.

[0067] Figure 10 (a) and (b) illustrate an audio assembly preferably used in the custom-made in-ear audio assembly according to the invention. The audio assembly 200 comprises an audio assembly housing 203, 210, 207 comprising a receiver mount 203 adapted to house at least part of the receiver 201, wherein the audio assembly housing 203, 210, 207 comprises a receiver nozzle sound channel 210 and at least one receiver nozzle sound outlet opening 205 in acoustic communication with the receiver sound outlet (not shown). The audio assembly housing 203, 210, 207 further comprises a microphone mount 207 adapted to house at least part of the microphone 202, wherein the audio assembly housing 203, 210, 207 comprises at least one microphone mount sound channel (not shown) and microphone mount sound inlet opening 208, 209 in acoustic communication with the microphone sound inlet (not shown). The microphone 202 is arranged in the microphone mount 207 such that the microphone sound inlet faces away from the interface to be mounted onto and over microphone mount 207 and receiver nozzle sound channel 210. Protrusion 204 forms part of the audio assembly locking member 204, 210. The second interface locking member (not shown) and the audio assembly locking member 204, 210 are adapted to form a releasable lock between the interface (not shown) and the audio assembly 200. Preferably replaceable wax protection member 206 is secured to microphone mount 207, protecting microphone 202 against ear wax.

[0068] Although the present invention has been discussed in the foregoing with reference to exemplary embodiments of the invention, the invention is not restricted to these particular embodiments which can be varied in many ways without departing from the invention. The discussed exemplary embodiments shall therefore not be used to construe the appended claims strictly in accordance therewith. On the contrary, the embodiments are merely intended to explain the wording of the appended claims, without intent to limit the claims to these exemplary embodiments.

[0069] EMBODIMENTS

[0070] 1. A custom-made in-ear audio assembly comprising a custom-made shell, an interface and an audio assembly, wherein:

[0071] - the custom-made shell comprises a first opening adapted for receiving the interface and a first opening locking member for releasably locking the interface to the custom-made shell in or around the first opening; and a space defined by the custom-made shell;

[0072] - the audio assembly is positioned in the space defined by the custom-made shell, which audio assembly is in acoustic communication with the first opening; and

[0073] - the interface is adapted to cover the first opening of the custom-made shell, comprises one or more sound openings for acoustic communication through the first opening and a first interface locking member for releasably locking the interface to the custom-made shell in or around the first opening; and wherein the first opening locking member and the first interface locking member are adapted to collaborate and form a releasable lock.

[0074] 2. A custom-made audio assembly as described in embodiment 1, wherein the custom-made shell is adapted to custom fit into an ear canal of a person.

[0075] 3. A custom-made audio assembly according to embodiment 1 or 2, wherein the custom- made shell is a biocompatible plastic or metal shell.

[0076] 4. A custom-made audio assembly according to any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the audio assembly is positioned within the space defined by the custom-made shell.

[0077] 5. A custom-made audio assembly according to any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the first opening locking member is positioned in the space defined by the custom- made shell.

[0078] 6. A custom-made audio assembly according to any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the interface further comprises a second interface locking member; the audio assembly comprises an audio assembly locking member; and the second interface locking member and the audio assembly locking member are adapted to collaborate and form a releasable lock between the interface and the audio assembly.

[0079] 7. A custom-made audio assembly according to any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the audio assembly comprises a receiver having a receiver sound outlet arranged for acoustic communication with the one or more sound openings in the interface.

[0080] 8. A custom-made audio assembly according to embodiment 7, wherein the audio assembly further comprises a microphone having a microphone sound inlet arranged for acoustic communication with the one or more sound openings in the interface.

[0081] 9. A custom-made audio assembly according to embodiment 8, wherein audio assembly comprises an audio assembly housing comprising a receiver mount adapted to house at least part of the receiver, wherein the audio assembly housing comprises at least one receiver nozzle sound channel and receiver nozzle sound outlet opening in acoustic communication with the receiver sound outlet and the one or more sound openings in the interface; and the audio assembly housing further comprises a microphone mount adapted to house at least part of the microphone, wherein the audio assembly housing comprises at least one microphone mount sound channel and microphone mount sound inlet opening in acoustic communication with the microphone sound inlet and the one or more sound openings in the interface.

[0082] 10. A custom-made audio assembly according to embodiment 9, wherein the microphone is arranged in the microphone mount such that the microphone sound inlet is arranged at an angle of at least 90° from the one of more sound openings in the interface.

[0083] 11. A custom-made audio assembly according to embodiment 10, wherein the microphone sound inlet is oriented towards an interior portion of the microphone mount of the audio assembly housing.

[0084] 12. A custom-made audio assembly according to any one of embodiments 8-11, wherein the one or more sound openings in the interface in acoustic communication with the microphone sound inlet are spaced apart from the one or more sound openings in the interface in acoustic communication with the receiver sound outlet.

[0085] 13. A custom-made audio assembly according to any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the interface further comprises one or more wax protection members configured to at least limit wax ingress into the custom-made audio assembly through one or more sound openings of the interface.

[0086] 14. A custom-made audio assembly according to any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the interface further comprises a pressure vent channel.

[0087] 15. A custom-made audio assembly according to any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the custom-made shell further comprises an acoustic vent channel.

[0088] 16. A custom-made audio assembly according to any one of the preceding embodiments further comprising an electrically conductive cable, wherein the custom-made shell comprises a second opening for at least the electrically conductive cable; the space defined by the custom-made shell is between the first and the second opening; and wherein the audio assembly is in electric communication with the electrically conductive cable.

[0089] 17. An interface configured for use in a custom-made audio assembly comprising an audio assembly positioned in a custom-made-shell, which custom-made shell is equipped with a first opening and a first opening locking member according to any one of the preceding embodiments, the interface comprising one or more sound openings and a first interface locking member, wherein the interface is configured to cover a first opening of the custom- made shell, comprises one or more sound openings for acoustic communication through the first opening and a first interface locking member for releasably locking the interface to the custom-made shell in or around the first opening; and wherein the first interface locking member is configured to collaborate and form a releasable lock with the first opening locking member of the custom-made shell. 18. An interface according to embodiment 17, wherein the interface further comprises a second interface locking member; and the interface is configured for use in a custom-made audio assembly comprising an audio assembly locking member according to embodiment 6, and according to any embodiment 7-16 in so far as referring to embodiment 6, wherein the second interface locking member is configured to collaborate and form a releasable lock with the audio assembly locking member.

[0090] 19. An interface according to embodiment 18, wherein the first interface locking member is a circumferential groove configured to receive the first opening locking member in the form of a circumferential protrusion and the second interface locking member is a circumferential protrusion leaving an opening for the audio assembly locking member in the form of a circumferential groove, wherein the second interface locking member is arranged within the circumference of the first interface locking member.

[0091] 20. A hearing device comprising a custom-made audio assembly according to any one of embodiments 1-16.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A custom-made in-ear audio assembly comprising a custom-made shell, an interface and an audio assembly, wherein:- the custom-made shell comprises a first opening adapted for receiving the interface and a first opening locking member for releasably locking the interface to the custom-made shell in or around the first opening; and a space defined by the custom-made shell;- the audio assembly is positioned in the space defined by the custom-made shell, which audio assembly is in acoustic communication with the first opening; and- the interface is adapted to cover the first opening of the custom-made shell, comprises one or more sound openings for acoustic communication through the first opening and a first interface locking member for releasably locking the interface to the custom-made shell in or around the first opening; and wherein the first opening locking member and the first interface locking member are adapted to collaborate and form a releasable lock.

2. A custom-made audio assembly according to claim 1, wherein the first opening locking member is positioned in the space defined by the custom-made shell.

3. A custom-made audio assembly according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the interface further comprises a second interface locking member; the audio assembly comprises an audio assembly locking member; and the second interface locking member and the audio assembly locking member are adapted to collaborate and form a releasable lock between the interface and the audio assembly.

4. A custom-made audio assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the audio assembly comprises a receiver having a receiver sound outlet arranged for acoustic communication with the one or more sound openings in the interface.

5. A custom-made audio assembly according to claim 4, wherein the audio assembly further comprises a microphone having a microphone sound inlet arranged for acoustic communication with the one or more sound openings in the interface.

6. A custom-made audio assembly according to claim 5, wherein audio assembly comprises an audio assembly housing comprising a receiver mount adapted to house at least part of the receiver, wherein the audio assembly housing comprises at least one receiver nozzle sound channel and receiver nozzle sound outlet opening in acoustic communication with thereceiver sound outlet and the one or more sound openings in the interface; and the audio assembly housing further comprises a microphone mount adapted to house at least part of the microphone, wherein the audio assembly housing comprises at least one microphone mount sound channel and microphone mount sound inlet opening in acoustic communication with the microphone sound inlet and the one or more sound openings in the interface.

7. A custom-made audio assembly according to claim 6, wherein the microphone is arranged in the microphone mount such that the microphone sound inlet is arranged at an angle of at least 90° from the one of more sound openings in the interface; and wherein the microphone sound inlet is oriented towards an interior portion of the microphone mount of the audio assembly housing.

8. A custom-made audio assembly according to any one of claims 5-7, wherein the one or more sound openings in the interface in acoustic communication with the microphone sound inlet are spaced apart from the one or more sound openings in the interface in acoustic communication with the receiver sound outlet.

9. A custom-made audio assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the interface further comprises one or more wax protection members configured to at least limit wax ingress into the custom-made audio assembly through one or more sound openings of the interface.

10. A custom-made audio assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the interface further comprises a pressure vent channel and / or the custom-made shell further comprises an acoustic vent channel.

11. A custom-made audio assembly according to any one of the preceding claims further comprising an electrically conductive cable, wherein the custom-made shell comprises a second opening for at least the electrically conductive cable; the space defined by the custom-made shell is between the first and the second opening; and wherein the audio assembly is in electric communication with the electrically conductive cable.

12. An interface configured for use in a custom-made audio assembly comprising an audio assembly positioned in a custom-made-shell, which custom-made shell is equipped with a first opening and a first opening locking member according to any one of the preceding claims, the interface comprising one or more sound openings and a first interface locking member, wherein the interface is configured to cover a first opening of the custom-made shell, comprises one or more sound openings for acoustic communication through the first opening and a first interface locking member for releasably locking the interface to thecustom-made shell in or around the first opening; and wherein the first interface locking member is configured to collaborate and form a releasable lock with the first opening locking member of the custom-made shell.

13. An interface according to claim 12, wherein the interface further comprises a second interface locking member; and the interface is configured for use in a custom-made audio assembly comprising an audio assembly locking member according to claim 3, and according to any claim 4-11 in so far as dependent on claim 3, wherein the second interface locking member is configured to collaborate and form a releasable lock with the audio assembly locking member.

14. An interface according to claim 13, wherein the first interface locking member is a circumferential groove configured to receive the first opening locking member in the form of a circumferential protrusion and the second interface locking member is a circumferential protrusion leaving an opening for the audio assembly locking member in the form of a circumferential groove, wherein the second interface locking member is arranged within the circumference of the first interface locking member.

15. A hearing device comprising a custom-made audio assembly according to any one of claims 1-11.

Images