CN116489582A - Connector and hearing device comprising same - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a connector configured to connect a post-aural BTE component of a hearing device to an in-ear ITE component of the hearing device, the connector comprising: a first portion configured to be connected to an ITE assembly of a hearing device and configured to be at least partially inserted into an ear canal of a user, wherein the first portion is configured to extend at least partially in the ear canal of the user when the connector is in its intended position relative to the ear of the user, wherein the connector comprises an identifiable marking, wherein the identifiable marking is user guidance.

Description

Connector and hearing device comprising same

Cross Reference to Related Applications

This application is a continuation-in-part application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/581,829 filed on day 21 of 2022 (currently not yet examined). The entire disclosure of this application is incorporated herein by reference.

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a connector for providing sound to the ear canal of a user. The connector is configured to connect a Behind The Ear (BTE) component of the hearing device to an ITE component of the hearing device. Furthermore, the invention relates to a hearing device comprising such a connector.

Background

Currently, there are different types of hearing devices on the market. Popular hearing devices include a behind-the-ear (BTE) device and an in-the-ear Receiver (RIE) device connected by wires or the like. However, inserting such RIE devices in the ear is often a challenge for the user. In particular, it is more challenging to insert such RIE apparatus for new users or users with reduced capabilities. Thus, such a user may not be able to insert the RIE apparatus in the correct manner. This may lead to an undesirable installation of the hearing device. Furthermore, the user may not obtain optimal performance of the hearing device designed for the user, e.g. compensating for the hearing loss of the user. Thus, there is a need for an improved hearing device that addresses the above challenges.

Disclosure of Invention

According to a first aspect, a connector for providing sound to an ear canal of a user is disclosed. The connector is configured to connect a behind-the-ear BTE component of the hearing device to an in-the-ear ITE (in-the-ear) component of the hearing device. The connector includes a first portion. The first portion is configured to be connected to an ITE component of a hearing device. The first portion is configured to be at least partially inserted into the ear canal of the user when the connector is in its intended position at the user's ear. The first portion is configured to extend at least partially in the ear canal of the user when the connector is in its intended position at the user's ear. The connector further includes at least one identifiable marking as a user guide.

The connector is configured to connect the BTE component of the hearing device to the ITE component of the hearing device. The BTE component of the hearing device may be configured to be disposed behind the pinna of the user of the hearing device. The ITE assembly may be configured to be disposed in an ear canal of a user of the hearing device. The connector may comprise a flexible member. The length of the connector may be in the range 15mm to 60 mm. The cross-sectional dimension (e.g., diameter) of the connector may be in the range of 0.1mm to 1.5mm, such as 0.9mm. The connector may include a first end and a second end, for example, the flexible member of the connector may have a first end and a second end. The first end of the connector may be configured to connect to a BTE component of a hearing device. The second end of the connector may be configured to connect to an ITE component of the hearing device.

The first portion of the connector is configured to connect to an ITE component of a hearing device. The first portion of the connector may be connected to the ITE assembly by a plug-and-socket connector or the like.

The first portion of the connector is configured to be at least partially inserted into an ear canal of a user. The first portion of the connector is configured to extend at least partially in the ear canal of the user when the connector is in its intended position at the user's ear. The length of the first portion of the connector may be in the range 5mm to 30 mm. The first portion of the connector may be configured such that a portion or section of the first portion of the connector having a length of 0.5mm to 20mm may be inserted into the ear canal of the user. The first portion of the connector may be configured such that a portion or section of the first portion of the connector having a length of 0.5mm to 20mm may extend in the ear canal of the user when the connector is in its intended position at the user's ear. The first portion of the connector may be configured such that a portion of the first portion of the connector having a length of 4.5mm to 29.5mm may not be inserted into the ear canal of the user. The first portion of the connector may be configured such that a portion of the first portion of the connector having a length of 4.5mm to 29.5mm may extend outside the ear canal of the user when the connector is in its intended position at the user's ear. The first portion of the connector may be configured to be fully inserted into the ear canal of the user when the connector is in its intended position at the user's ear. The first portion of the connector may be configured to extend entirely within the ear canal of the user when the connector is in its intended position at the user's ear.

The connector further includes at least one identifiable marking as a user guide. The identifiable indicia is a user guide in that it is configured to guide a user in inserting the ITE assembly into the ear. The length of the identifiable marking may range from 1mm to 60mm. The length of the identifiable marking may range from 2mm to 30mm. The length of the identifiable marking may range from 4mm to 15mm. The length of the identifiable marking may range from 6mm to 10mm, for example 8mm.

An advantage of the at least one identifiable marking of the connector is that it helps the user to distinguish, identify or locate the connector from other things, such as other components of the hearing device. The wires and/or sound tubes of the hearing device are typically designed to be unobtrusive, e.g., transparent. The at least one identifiable marking of the connector enables a user to identify the connector by identifying the at least one identifying marking of the connector by at least one of a human sensation such as vision or touch. Thus, the at least one identifiable marking of the connector enables a user to identify and locate the connector by, for example, seeing the connector or by, for example, feeling the connector out of sight. Identifying the connector from, for example, other components of the hearing device or hair that may cover the connector also assists the user in successfully grasping the connector and successfully inserting or removing the connector from her/his ear canal. In addition, the at least one identifiable marking assists the user in controlling insertion of the ITE assembly into her/his ear canal, e.g., depth of insertion. For example, the user may visually or tactilely perceive and examine at least one identifiable marking to control insertion of the ITE assembly in her/his ear canal. Thus, the at least one identifiable marking of the connector enables a user to obtain optimal insertion of the ITE assembly. This in turn enables the user to obtain optimal performance of the hearing device.

Another advantage of the at least one identifiable marking of the connector is that it facilitates users with reduced ability (e.g., reduced dexterity and/or low vision, such as achromatopsia). Thus, the at least one identifiable marking of the connector facilitates such a user to distinguish, identify, or locate the connector by visually or tactilely sensing and inspecting the at least one identifiable marking of the connector. For example, at least one identifiable marking of the connector may have a different surface roughness, which may help users with reduced dexterity find a good grip of the connector. Thus, such users may also successfully distinguish, identify or locate the connector of the hearing device. In addition, such users may also successfully grasp the connector and successfully insert the ITE component of the hearing device into their ear canal by inserting at least one identifiable marking. Thus, the at least one identifiable marking of the connector also enables a user to control insertion of the ITE assembly with reduced capability and obtain optimal insertion of the ITE assembly. Thus, the at least one identifiable marking of the connector also enables a user with reduced ability to obtain optimal performance of the hearing device.

For example, the connector may include a visually identifiable marking at a first portion of the connector. The visually identifiable indicia serve as visual user guidance. The visually identifiable indicia enable the user to see and thus distinguish, identify or locate the first portion of the connector, i.e., the connector. Thus, the visually identifiable marking of the connector aids the user in grasping and inserting the ITE assembly into her/his ear canal. For example, the visually identifiable indicia may be disposed at a portion of the first portion and may be configured to be inserted into the ear canal of the user. Thus, a user may control insertion of an ITE assembly in her/his ear canal by visually identifiable marking, such as by visual sensing/visual inspection of the connector's visually identifiable marking. Thus, the user may control insertion of the ITE assembly while inserting the ITE assembly into the ear canal until the visually identifiable marking is fully inserted into the user's ear canal. Thus, the visually identifiable marking of the connector helps the user to obtain optimal insertion of the ITE assembly, and thus optimal performance of the hearing device.

A further advantage of the at least one identifiable marking of the connector is that it enables a flexible and user-friendly connector, since the at least one identifiable marking of the connector can be designed according to the needs or desires of the user. For example, the user may be achromatopsia and may prefer a visually identifiable marking, i.e., a visual user guide with a particular color.

In one embodiment, the hearing device is configured to be worn by a user. The hearing device may be arranged at the user's ear, in the user's ear canal, behind the user's ear and/or in the user's outer ear, i.e. the hearing device is configured to be worn at, in and/or behind the user's ear. The user may wear two hearing devices, one for each ear. The two hearing devices may be connected (e.g. wirelessly and/or by wire) such as a binaural hearing aid system.

The hearing device may be audible, such as a headset, an earplug, a hearing aid, a Personal Sound Amplification Product (PSAP), an Over The Counter (OTC) hearing device, a hearing protection device, a general-purpose hearing device, a custom hearing device, or another head-mounted hearing device. The hearing devices may include prescription devices and over-the-counter devices.

The hearing devices may be configured for audio communication, for example to enable a user to listen to media such as music or radio, and/or to enable a user to make telephone calls. The hearing device may be configured to perform hearing compensation for the user. The hearing device may be configured to perform noise detection, etc.

The hearing device may take on a variety of shell styles or form factors. Some of these form factors are Behind The Ear (BTE) hearing devices, in-the-Canal-Receiver (RIC) hearing devices, in-the-Ear Receiver (RIE) hearing devices or in-the-Ear Microphone and Receiver (mahe) hearing devices. These devices may include a BTE component configured to be worn behind a user's ear and an in-the-ear (ITE) component configured to be partially or fully inserted into a user's ear canal. In general, a BTE component can include at least one input transducer, a power source, and a processing unit. The term BTE hearing device refers to a hearing device in which a receiver (i.e. an output transducer) is included in the BTE component and sound is directed to the ITE component via a sound tube or connector connecting the BTE and ITE components, while the terms RIE, RIC and MaRIE hearing devices refer to hearing devices in which a receiver may be included in the ITE component that is coupled to the BTE component by a cable, connector or wire configured to transmit electrical signals between the BTE component and the ITE component.

Some form factors are in-the-ear (ITE) hearing devices, full in-the-canal (CIC) hearing devices, or visual in-the-canal (IIC) hearing devices. These hearing devices may include an ITE component, where the ITE component may include at least one input transducer, a power source, a processing unit, and an output transducer. These form factors may be custom devices, meaning that the ITE component may include a housing made of a hard material (e.g., hard polymer or metal) or a soft material (e.g., rubbery polymer) molded to have a shape that conforms to the shape of the specific user's ear canal.

Different kinds of hearing devices are well known to the person skilled in the art, as well as different options for arranging the hearing devices in, behind and/or at the ears of the wearer of the hearing devices. The hearing device (or pair of hearing devices) may be custom fitted, standard fitted, open fitted, and/or closed fitted.

In one embodiment, the hearing device may include one or more input transducers. The one or more input transducers may include one or more microphones. The one or more input transducers may include one or more vibration sensors configured to detect bone vibrations. The one or more input transducers may be configured to convert the acoustic signal into a first electrical input signal. The first electrical input signal may be an analog signal. The first electrical input signal may be a digital signal. The one or more input transducers may be coupled to one or more analog-to-digital transducers configured to convert an analog first input signal to a digital first input signal.

In one embodiment, the hearing device may include one or more antennas configured for wireless communication. The one or more antennas may include an electrical antenna. The electrical antenna may be configured for wireless communication at a first frequency. The first frequency may be above 800MHz, preferably the wavelength is between 900MHz and 6 GHz. The first frequency may be between 902MHz and 928 MHz. The first frequency may be between 2.4 and 2.5 GHz. The first frequency may be between 5.725GHz and 5.875 GHz. The one or more antennas may include a magnetic antenna. The magnetic antenna may include a magnetic core. The magnetic antenna may comprise a coil. The coil may be wound around the core. The magnetic antenna may be configured to wirelessly communicate at a second frequency. The second frequency may be below 100MHz. The second frequency may be between 9MHz and 15 MHz.

In one embodiment, the hearing device may include one or more wireless communication units. The one or more wireless communication units may include one or more wireless receivers, one or more wireless transmitters, one or more transmitter-receiver pairs, and/or one or more transmitters. At least one of the one or more wireless communication units may be coupled to one or more antennas. The wireless communication unit may be configured to convert a wireless signal received by at least one of the one or more antennas into a second electrical input signal. The hearing device may be configured for wired/wireless audio communication, for example to enable a user to listen to media such as music or radio and/or to make telephone calls.

In one embodiment, the wireless signals may originate from one or more external sources and/or external devices, such as a spouse microphone device, a wireless audio transmitter, a smart computer, and/or a distributed microphone array associated with the wireless transmitter. The wireless input signal may come from another hearing device, e.g. as part of the binaural hearing system and/or from one or more auxiliary devices, e.g. a smartphone and/or a smartwatch.

In one embodiment, a hearing device may include a processing unit. The processing unit may be configured to process the first and/or second electrical input signals. The processing may comprise compensating for a hearing loss of the user, i.e. applying a frequency dependent gain to the input signal in accordance with the frequency dependent hearing loss of the user. The processing may include performing feedback cancellation, beamforming, tinnitus reduction/masking, noise reduction, noise cancellation, speech recognition, bass adjustment, treble adjustment, and/or user input processing. The processing unit may be a processor, an integrated circuit, an application, a functional module, etc. The processing unit may be implemented in a signal processing chip or a Printed Circuit Board (PCB). The processing unit may be configured to provide the first electrical output signal based on processing of the first and/or second electrical input signals. The processing unit may be configured to provide a second electrical output signal. The second electrical output signal may be based on processing of the first and/or second electrical input signal.

In one embodiment, the hearing device may include an output transducer. The output transducer may be coupled to the processing unit. The output transducer may be a receiver. It should be noted that in this text, the receiver may be a speaker and the wireless receiver may be a device configured to process wireless signals. The receiver may be configured to convert the first electrical output signal into an acoustic output signal. The output transducer may be coupled to the processing unit via a magnetic antenna. The output transducer may be contained in an ITE unit or in an ITE component, such as an in-ear Receiver (RIE) device or an in-ear microphone and receiver (MaRIE) unit. One or more input transducers may be contained in an ITE unit or ITE assembly.

In one embodiment, the wireless communication unit may be configured to convert the second electrical output signal to a wireless output signal. The wireless output signal may include synchronization data. The wireless communication unit may be configured to transmit the wireless output signal via at least one of the one or more antennas.

In one embodiment, the hearing device may include a digital-to-analog converter configured to convert the first electrical output signal, the second electrical output signal, and/or the wireless output signal to an analog signal.

In one embodiment, the hearing device may include a vent. The vent is a physical channel, such as a tube or pipe, primarily intended to provide pressure equalization through a housing placed in the ear (e.g., ITE hearing device, ITE unit of BTE hearing device, CIC hearing device, RIE hearing device, RIC hearing device, maRIE hearing device or dome tip/ear mold). The vent may be a pressure vent having a small cross-sectional area, preferably being acoustically sealed. The vent may be an acoustic vent to remove occlusions. The vent may be an active vent that is capable of opening or closing the vent during use of the hearing device. The active vent may include a valve.

In one embodiment, the hearing device may include a power source. The power source may include a battery that provides a first voltage. The battery may be a rechargeable battery. The battery may be a replaceable battery. The power supply may comprise a power management unit. The power management unit may be configured to convert the first voltage to the second voltage. The power source may include a charging coil. The charging coil may be provided by a magnetic antenna.

In one embodiment, the hearing device can include memory, including volatile and non-volatile forms of memory.

In some embodiments, the connector further comprises a second portion. The second portion is configured to be connected to a BTE component of a hearing device. The second portion is configured to be at least partially disposed at a front edge of an auricle of the user's ear when the connector is in its intended position at the user's ear. The connector further includes a third portion. The third portion connects the first portion and the second portion. The third portion is configured to extend along an ear of the user. At least one identifiable marking is disposed at one or more locations in the first, second and third portions of the connector.

The second portion of the connector may be configured to connect to a BTE component of the hearing device. The second portion of the connector may be connected to the BTE component by a plug-and-socket connector or the like.

The second portion of the connector may be configured to be at least partially disposed at the anterior edge of the pinna of the user's ear when the connector is in its intended position at the user's ear. The second portion of the connector may be configured to be at least partially disposed in front of the pinna of the user's ear when the connector is in its intended position at the user's ear. The length of the second portion of the connector may be in the range 5mm to 30 mm. The second portion of the connector may be configured to be at least partially disposed behind the pinna of the user's ear of the hearing device when the connector is in its intended position at the user's ear. The second portion of the connector may be configured such that a portion of the second portion of the connector having a length in the range of 0mm to 15mm may be configured to be at least partially disposed at the front edge of the pinna of the user's ear when the connector is in its intended position at the user's ear. The second portion of the connector may be configured such that a portion of the second portion of the connector having a length of 0mm to 15mm may be configured to be disposed at least partially in front of the pinna of the user's ear when the connector is in its intended position at the user's ear.

The second portion of the connector may be configured such that a portion of the second portion of the connector having a length of 5mm to 30mm may be configured to be at least partially disposed behind the pinna of the user's ear of the hearing device when the connector is in its intended position at the user's ear. The second portion of the connector may be configured to be disposed entirely at the front edge of the pinna of the user's ear when the connector is in its intended position at the user's ear.

The third portion of the connector may connect the first portion and the second portion. The third portion may be connected to the first and second portions by connectors as a continuous assembly.

The third portion may be configured to extend along the ear when the connector is in its intended position in the user's ear. The third portion of the connector may extend from the front edge of the pinna of the user's ear to the opening of the ear canal of the user of the hearing device when the connector is in the intended position at the user's ear. The length of the third portion of the connector may be in the range 5mm to 50 mm.

The connector has a first curved portion. The first bend may be disposed between the first portion and the third portion of the connector. The length of the first curved portion may be in the range of 5mm to 15 mm. The first bend may have an angle in the range of 45 degrees to 140 degrees relative to the first and third portions of the connector. In other words, the first and third portions of the connector may have an angle therebetween in the range of 45 degrees to 140 degrees. The connector may have a second bend. The second bend may be disposed between the second portion and the third portion of the connector. The length of the second curved portion may be in the range of 5mm to 15 mm. The second bend may have an angle of 45 degrees to 140 degrees with respect to the second and third portions of the connector. In other words, there may be an angle in the range of 45 degrees to 140 degrees between the second portion and the third portion of the connector.

The at least one identifiable marking may be disposed at one or more locations in the first portion, the second portion, and the third portion of the connector. At least one identifiable marking may be disposed at the first portion of the connector. The at least one identifiable marking may be disposed at least a portion of the first portion of the connector. At least one identifiable marking may be disposed at the second portion of the connector. The at least one identifiable marking may be disposed at least a portion of the second portion of the connector. At least one identifiable marking may be disposed at the third portion of the connector. The at least one identifiable marking may be disposed at least a portion of the third portion of the connector. At least one identifiable marking may be disposed at the first portion and the second portion of the connector. The at least one identifiable marking may be disposed at least a portion of the first portion and at least a portion of the second portion of the connector. At least one identifiable marking may be disposed at the first portion and the third portion of the connector. At least one identifiable marking may be disposed at least a portion of the first portion and at least a portion of the third portion of the connector. At least one identifiable marking may be disposed at the second and third portions of the connector. At least one identifiable marking may be disposed at least a portion of the second portion and at least a portion of the third portion of the connector. At least one identifiable marking may be disposed at the first portion, the second portion, and the third portion of the connector. The at least one identifiable marking may be disposed at least a portion of the first portion, at least a portion of the second portion, and at least a portion of the third portion of the connector. At least one identifiable marking may be disposed at the first bend of the connector. The at least one identifiable marking may be disposed at least a portion of the first bend of the connector. At least one identifiable marking may be disposed at the second bend of the connector. The at least one identifiable marking may be disposed at least a portion of the second bend of the connector. At least one identifiable marking may be disposed at the first bend and the second bend of the connector. The at least one identifiable marking may be disposed at least a portion of the first bend and at least a portion of the second bend of the connector.

The connector may include more than one identifiable marking. More than one identifiable marking may be disposed at one or more of the first portion, the second portion, and the third portion of the connector. More than one identifiable marking may be disposed at the first portion of the connector. More than one identifiable marking may be disposed at least a portion of the first portion of the connector. For example, one portion of the first portion of the connector may have one identifiable marking and another portion of the first portion of the connector may have another identifiable marking. More than one identifiable marking may be disposed at the second portion of the connector. More than one identifiable marking may be disposed at least a portion of the second portion of the connector. For example, one portion of the second portion of the connector may have one identifiable marking and another portion of the third portion of the connector may have another identifiable marking. More than one identifiable marking may be disposed at the third portion of the connector. More than one identifiable marking may be disposed at least a portion of the third portion of the connector. For example, one portion of the third portion of the connector may have one identifiable marking and another portion of the third portion of the connector may have another identifiable marking. More than one identifiable marking may be disposed at the first and second portions of the connector. More than one identifiable marking may be disposed at least a portion of the first portion and at least a portion of the second portion of the connector. For example, the connector may have two identifiable markings. One of the two identifiable markings may be disposed at the first portion of the connector. The other of the two identifiable markings may be disposed at the second portion of the connector. More than one identifiable marking may be disposed at the first and third portions of the connector. More than one identifiable marking may be disposed at least a portion of the first portion and at least a portion of the third portion of the connector. For example, the connector may have two identifiable markings. One of the two identifiable markings may be disposed at the first portion of the connector. The other of the two identifiable markings may be disposed at the third portion of the connector. More than one identifiable marking may be disposed at the second and third portions of the connector. More than one identifiable marking may be disposed at least a portion of the second portion and at least a portion of the third portion of the connector. For example, the connector may have two identifiable markings. One of the two identifiable markings may be disposed on the second portion of the connector. The other of the two identifiable markings may be disposed at the third portion of the connector. More than one identifiable marking may be disposed at the first, second and third portions of the connector. More than one identifiable marking may be disposed at least a portion of the first portion, at least a portion of the second portion, and at least a portion of the third portion of the connector. For example, the connector may have three identifiable markings. One of the three identifiable markings may be disposed at the first portion of the connector. Another of the three identifiable markings may be disposed at the second portion of the connector. A further one of the three identifiable markings may be arranged at the third portion of the connector. More than one identifiable marking may be disposed at the first bend of the connector. The at least one identifiable marking may be disposed at least a portion of the first bend of the connector. For example, a portion of the first bend of the connector may have one identifiable marking and another portion of the first bend of the connector may have another identifiable marking. At least one identifiable marking may be disposed at the second bend of the connector. The at least one identifiable marking may be disposed at least a portion of the second bend of the connector. For example, a portion of the second bend of the connector may have one identifiable marking and another portion of the second bend of the connector may have another identifiable marking. At least one identifiable marking may be disposed at the first bend and the second bend of the connector. The at least one identifiable marking may be disposed at least a portion of the first bend and at least a portion of the second bend of the connector. For example, the connector may have two identifiable markings. One of the two identifiable markings may be disposed at the first bend of the connector. The other of the two identifiable markings may be disposed at the second bend of the connector. More than one identifiable marking of the connector may be similar. The more than one identifiable marking of the connector may be different.

For example, the connector may include two identifiable markings. The connector may include a first visually identifiable marking at a first portion of the connector. The connector may further include a second tactilely identifiable marker at a third portion of the connector. The first visually identifiable indicia serves as visual user guidance and aids the user in distinguishing, identifying or locating the connector. The first visually identifiable indicia further assists the user in controlling insertion of the ITE component in her/his ear canal by controlling the first visually identifiable indicia. The second tactile identifiable marking serves as a tactile user guide and also aids the user in distinguishing, identifying or locating the connector. The second tactile indicia also helps the user find a good grip of the connector that might otherwise be difficult to handle. Thus, the user may successfully identify, locate, grasp and insert the ITE component of the hearing device into her/his ear canal by visually inspecting the first visually identifiable indicia until the intended insertion of the ITE component in the user's ear canal is achieved. Thus, the first visual and second tactile identifiable indicia of the connector facilitate optimal insertion of the ITE assembly by a user, thereby achieving optimal performance of the hearing device. The second tactilely identifiable marker further assists the user in removing the ITE component from her/his ear canal when desired.

An advantage of the more than one identifiable marking of the connector is that a flexible and user-friendly connector can be obtained, since at least one identifiable marking of the connector can be designed based on the needs or requirements of the user. For example, the user may preferably have identifiable markings on the first and/or third portions. Thus, connectors comprising at least one identifiable marking at the first portion and/or at the third portion may be designed and manufactured accordingly for such users.

In some embodiments, the at least one identifiable marking is not removable. Thus, at least one identifiable marking cannot be removed. An advantage of the at least one identifiable marking being non-removable is that the at least one identifiable marking is durable and visually perceptible during use.

In some embodiments, the at least one identifiable marking is configured to control an insertion depth of the ITE assembly into the user's ear canal. Thus, a user can control the insertion depth of the ITE assembly by examining at least one identifiable marking. For example, the connector may include a visually identifiable marking at the first portion of the connector that indicates that a portion of the first portion of the connector is to be inserted into the ear canal of the user. Thus, the user may check the visually identifiable marking as the ITE assembly and a portion of the first portion are inserted until the user reaches the desired depth of insertion. Thus, the at least one identifiable marking of the connector may help the user to obtain an optimal insertion depth of the ITE assembly and thus an optimal performance of the hearing device.

In some embodiments, the at least one identifiable marking of the connector comprises a pattern of any one or any combination of color, grid, transparency, fabric, texture, surface roughness, or shape. Thus, the at least one identifiable marking may comprise various patterns selected based on the needs or requirements of the user of the connector. The term "pattern" herein refers to a particular manner in which at least one identifiable marking is disposed or formed at, within, and/or on a connector. The at least one identifiable marking of the connector may comprise a repeating pattern. The at least one identifiable marking of the connector may comprise a regularly repeating pattern. The at least one identifiable marking of the connector may include a non-repeating pattern. The at least one identifiable marking of the connector may include a combination of a repeating pattern and a non-repeating pattern. The at least one identifiable marking of the connector may comprise a pattern of any color, such as red, blue or green. The at least one identifiable marking of the connector may comprise any pattern of fabric, such as a mesh-like fabric. The at least one identifiable marking of the connector may comprise any pattern of texture, such as a textile-like texture. The at least one identifiable marking of the connector may comprise any pattern of surface roughness, such as a sand surface or a gravel surface. The at least one identifiable marking of the connector may comprise a pattern of any shape, such as stripes or dots.

In some embodiments, the at least one identifiable marking comprises a tactile pattern. Thus, the haptic pattern may be identified tactilely. One advantage is that the haptic pattern may not affect the vision of the connector. The at least one identifiable marking as a tactile pattern may affect the transparency of the portion of the connector including the at least one identifying marking. Thus, the tactile pattern may allow the connector to comprise an at least translucent color, as the tactile pattern may keep its presence separate and elegant.

In some embodiments, a tactile pattern is formed on an outer surface of the connector to improve a user's grip on the connector when inserting the ITE component of the hearing device. Thus, the tactile pattern on the outer surface of the connector may enable a user to more easily grasp the connector and position the connector by feel rather than viewing. Furthermore, the tactile pattern on the outer surface of the connector may further help the user distinguish the connector from other things such as other components of the hearing device, even from hairs that cover the connector when the connector is removed from the ear. Furthermore, the connector may include different haptic patterns, e.g., of equal length, on different portions of the connector, which may further assist a user in identifying and locating the different portions of the connector. The tactile pattern may be engraved or embossed on the connector.

In some embodiments, the at least one identifiable marking comprises a visual pattern. Thus, the visual pattern may be visually identifiable. This has the advantage that the at least one identifiable marking comprising a visual pattern may further assist the user in identifying the connector more quickly on the image or in the mirror. For example, the at least one identifiable marking may comprise a colored stripe pattern of the first portion of the connector indicating an optimal insertion depth of the ITE component in the user's ear canal. Thus, the visual pattern of the at least one identifiable marking may further assist the user in assessing the insertion depth of the ITE assembly and obtaining an optimal insertion depth, thereby obtaining optimal performance of the hearing device.

In some embodiments, the at least one identifiable marking may include a combination of a visual pattern and a tactile pattern. For example, the connector may include a visual pattern in which the connector is in direct contact with the skin of the user, and may have a tactile pattern in which the connector is not in direct contact with the skin of the user.

In some embodiments, the visual pattern comprises a visible spectrum pattern. Thus, a visual pattern comprising a visual spectral pattern may be visible to the human eye. Thus, the user can see the visible pattern through her/his eyes and can check the insertion depth of the connector by looking at a mirror or a photo, for example. The visible spectrum pattern may have a visible spectrum with a wavelength in the range of about 380 to 780 nm.

In some embodiments, the visual pattern comprises a non-visible spectrum pattern. Thus, visual patterns, including non-visual spectral patterns, may be invisible to the human eye. Advantageously, the invisible spectral pattern does not affect the appearance of the connector, i.e. keeps the connector unobtrusive, as it is invisible to the human eye. For example, the connector may include an invisible spectrum pattern at a third portion of the connector. The invisible spectrum pattern may have an invisible spectrum such as ultraviolet light or infrared light. The invisible spectrum pattern may have a wavelength below about 380nm or above about 780 nm. The invisible spectrum pattern may become visible to the human eye when viewed by a camera or telephone camera that is responsive to the invisible spectrum pattern (e.g., infrared or ultraviolet). Thus, the user can see the invisible pattern when viewing through such a camera, and thus can check the insertion depth of the connector.

In some embodiments, the visual pattern is a drawn pattern. Thus, the visual pattern may be drawn on the connector, for example on the outer surface of the connector. The visual pattern may include a drawn pattern having a visible spectrum. The visual pattern may include a drawn pattern having an invisible spectrum. The visual pattern may be drawn in any color.

In some embodiments, the connector includes a transparent housing disposed on an outer surface of the connector such that the transparent housing encloses the visual pattern.

Thus, the transparent housing disposed on the outer surface of the connector may prevent or at least mitigate potential allergic reactions that may be caused by direct contact of the painted pattern with the user's skin. Further, the transparent housing disposed on the outer surface of the connector may extend the life of the visual pattern, since the pattern is not removed by direct contact with other surfaces, for example.

In some embodiments, the connector may be made of transparent plastic. The connector may be made of flexible transparent plastic. The connector may be made of any other suitable material, such as resin, thermoplastic, silicone, or other exemplary flexible material.

According to a second aspect, a hearing device is disclosed. The hearing device includes a behind-the-ear BTE assembly. The BTE component is configured to be placed behind the user's ear when the user wears the hearing device in its intended position. The hearing device further includes an ITE component. The ITE assembly is configured to be disposed in the ear canal of the user when the hearing device is worn by the user in its intended position. The hearing device further comprises a connector according to the first aspect. The connector is configured to connect the BTE component of the hearing device to the ITE component of the hearing device. The second aspect has substantially the same or corresponding advantages as the first aspect.

According to a third aspect, a method of inserting an ITE component of a hearing device according to the second aspect into an ear canal of a user is disclosed. The method comprises the following steps: identifying a connector of the hearing device, inserting an ITE component of the hearing device into an ear canal of the user, and controlling a depth of insertion of the ITE component into the ear canal of the user. The third aspect has the same or corresponding advantages as the first aspect. During access with the hearing expert, the user may be taught the optimal depth of insertion of her/his ITE component. Thus, the hearing expert may teach the user how to control the depth of insertion of the ITE assembly.

In some embodiments, the step of controlling the insertion depth of the ITE assembly comprises tactile sensing of the at least one identifiable marking. Thus, the user may sense, i.e. feel, the at least one identifiable marking of the connector with a touch without viewing. Alternatively or in combination, the step of controlling the insertion depth of the ITE assembly may comprise viewing at least one identifiable marking of the visual sensing connector by a mirror or a photograph taken by a camera, so long as the at least one identifiable marking is visible. This in turn may enable the user to obtain optimal insertion of the ITE component, and thus optimal performance of the hearing device.

In some embodiments, the step of controlling the insertion depth of the ITE assembly comprises visually sensing at least one identifiable marking. Thus, the user may visually sense, i.e. see, at least one identifiable marking of the connector. The step of controlling the insertion depth of the ITE assembly may comprise viewing a mirror or a photograph taken by any camera when the at least one identifiable marking comprises a visual pattern of the visible spectrum. The step of controlling the depth of insertion of the ITE assembly may comprise viewing by a camera responsive to the invisible visual pattern when the at least one identifiable marking comprises the invisible spectrum visual pattern. This in turn may enable the user to obtain an optimal insertion of the ITE component, thereby obtaining an optimal performance of the hearing device.

The present invention relates to various aspects of hearing devices including connectors, and methods of inserting ITE assemblies into a user's ear canal, each yielding one or more benefits and advantages associated with the description of the first aspect above, and each having one or more embodiments corresponding to the embodiments described in connection with the first aspect above and/or disclosed in the appended claims.

Drawings

The above and other features and advantages will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments thereof, which is to be read in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 schematically illustrates an exemplary hearing device 10 worn at a user's ear;

fig. 2 schematically illustrates the example hearing device 10 shown in fig. 1 not worn at the user's ear, fig. 2 schematically illustrates the example hearing device 10 including a BTE assembly 300, an ITE assembly 200, and a connector 100 including an identifiable marking 150;

fig. 3 and 4 schematically illustrate the exemplary hearing device 10 shown in fig. 2, including two other exemplary connectors 100. The connector 100 of each hearing device 10 includes 158 of two identifiable indicia 152, 154, 156;

fig. 5 schematically illustrates steps of a method 400 of inserting the ITE assembly 200 of the hearing device 10.

List of reference numerals

10: hearing device

100: connector with a plurality of connectors

200: in-ear assembly

300: behind-the-ear assembly

140: first part

120: second part

160: third part

150: identifiable marking

152: identifiable marking

154: identifiable marking

156: identifiable marking

158: identifiable marking

400: method of

410: identification of

420: insertion into

430: control of

Detailed Description

Various embodiments are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout. Accordingly, similar elements will not be described in detail with respect to the description of each figure. It is also noted that the drawings are only for convenience of description of the embodiments. They are not intended as an exhaustive description of the claimed invention or as a limitation on the scope of the claimed invention. In addition, the illustrated embodiments need not have all of the aspects or advantages shown. Aspects or advantages described in connection with a particular embodiment are not necessarily limited to that embodiment and may be implemented in any other embodiment even if not so illustrated or so explicitly described.

Fig. 1 schematically illustrates an exemplary hearing device 10 worn at a user's ear. The hearing device 10 shown in fig. 1 includes a BTE component 300. The BTE component 300 is disposed behind the user's ear when the user wears the hearing device 10 in its intended position. The hearing device 10 shown in fig. 1 further includes an ITE assembly 200. The ITE assembly 200 is disposed within the ear canal of a user when the user wears the hearing device 10 in its intended position. The ITE assembly 200 shown in fig. 1 is a sound outlet that includes a dome (dome). The ITE component 200 may be an ITE component of a hearing device. The hearing device 10 as shown in fig. 1 further comprises a connector 100. Fig. 1 illustrates a connector 100 connecting a BTE component 300 of a hearing device 10 to an ITE component 200 of the hearing device 10.

Fig. 2 schematically illustrates the example hearing device 10 shown in fig. 1, not worn at the user's ear. The connector 100 as shown in fig. 2 includes a first portion 140. The first portion 140 is configured to be connected to an ITE assembly 200 of the hearing device 10. Fig. 2 shows the ITE assembly 200 with the first section 140 connected to the hearing device 10. The first portion 140 is configured to be at least partially inserted into the ear canal of a user. The first portion 140 is configured to extend at least partially in the ear canal of the user when the connector 100 is in the desired position at the user's ear, as shown in fig. 1.

Fig. 2 also shows that connector 100 includes a second portion 120. The second portion 120 is configured to be connected to a BTE component 300 of the hearing device 10. Fig. 2 illustrates the BTE component 300 with the second part 120 connected to the hearing device 10. As shown in fig. 1, the second portion 120 is configured to be at least partially disposed at the anterior edge of the pinna of the user's ear when the connector 100 is in its intended position at the user's ear.

Fig. 2 also shows that the connector 100 includes a third portion 160. The third portion 160 connects the first portion 140 and the second portion 120. The third portion 160 is configured to extend along the ear of the user, as shown in fig. 1. The connector 100 further includes at least one identifiable marking 150, 152, 154, 156, 158 as a user guide. Fig. 2 illustrates that the connector 100 includes an identifiable marking 150 disposed on the first portion 140 of the connector 100. The at least one identifiable marking 150, 152, 154, 156, 158 may include a pattern of any one or any combination of color, grid, transparency, fabric, texture, surface roughness, or shape. The at least one identifiable marking 150, 152, 154, 156, 158 may include a tactile pattern. A tactile pattern may be formed on the outer surface of the connector 100. The identifiable marking 150 may be a tactile pattern in the form of a surface roughness. The identifiable marking 150 may be a visual pattern, such as a visible spectrum drawing pattern. The identifiable marking 150 may be a non-visible spectrum painted pattern.

Fig. 3 and 4 schematically illustrate an exemplary hearing device 10 as shown in fig. 2, including two respective other exemplary connectors 100. The connector 100 of each hearing device 10 includes two identifiable indicia 152, 154, 156, and 158.

Fig. 3 shows that connector 100 includes two identifiable markings 152 and 154 disposed at a third portion 160 of connector 10. Fig. 3 also shows that the two identifiable markings 152 and 154 include two different patterns. The two different patterns 152 and 154 shown in fig. 3 include two different shapes. Fig. 3 shows that identifiable marking 152 includes a pattern of dots. Fig. 3 also shows that the identifiable marking 154 includes a stripe pattern. The two identifiable markings 152 and 154 as shown in fig. 3 may include a visible pattern. One of the two identifiable indicia 152 and 154 may be a tactile pattern. The other of the two identifiable indicia 152 and 154 may be a visible pattern.

Fig. 4 shows that connector 100 includes two identifiable markings 156 and 158 disposed at first portion 140 and third portion 160, respectively, of connector 10. Fig. 4 also shows that the two identifiable indicia 156 and 158 include two similar patterns. The two different patterns 152 and 154 shown in fig. 3 include two bar patterns. The two identifiable indicia 156 and 158 shown in fig. 4 may include a tactile pattern. The two identifiable indicia 156 and 158 shown in fig. 4 may include a visible pattern. One of the two identifiable indicia 156 and 158 may be a tactile pattern and the other of the two identifiable indicia 156 and 158 may be a visual pattern.

Fig. 5 schematically illustrates steps of a method 400 of inserting the hearing device 10 and ITE assembly 200. Fig. 5 shows that the method 400 comprises an identification step 410 of identifying the connector 100 of the hearing device 10. Fig. 5 illustrates the method 400 further comprising an inserting step 420 of inserting the ITE assembly 200 of the hearing device 10 into the ear canal of the user. Fig. 5 shows that the method 400 further includes a control step 430 of controlling the insertion depth of the ITE assembly 200 into the ear canal of the user. The controlling step 430 of controlling the insertion depth of the ITE assembly 200 may include tactilely sensing the at least one identifiable marking 150, 152, 154, 156, 158. The controlling step 430 of controlling the insertion depth of the ITE assembly 200 may include visually sensing the at least one identifiable marking 150, 152, 154, 156, 158.

While particular features have been shown and described, it will be understood that they are not intended to limit the claimed invention, and that various changes and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the claimed invention, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The specification and drawings are, accordingly, to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense. The claimed invention is intended to cover all alternatives, modifications and equivalents.

The project is as follows:

1. a connector (100) for providing sound to an ear canal of a user, the connector being configured to connect a behind-the-ear BTE assembly (300) of a hearing device (10) to an in-the-ear ITE assembly (200) of the hearing device (10), the connector (100) comprising:

a first portion (140) configured to be connected to an ITE assembly (200) of a hearing device (10) and configured to be at least partially inserted into an ear canal of a user, wherein the first portion (140) is configured to extend at least partially in the ear canal of the user when the connector (100) is in its intended position at the ear of the user,

wherein the connector (100) comprises at least one identifiable marking (150, 152, 154, 156, 158) as user guidance.

2. The connector (100) of item 1, wherein the connector (100) further comprises:

-a second portion (120) configured to be connected to a BTE component (300) of the hearing device (10) and configured to be arranged at least partially at a front edge of a pinna of a user's ear when the connector (100) is in its intended position at the user's ear; and

a third portion (160) connecting the first portion (140) and the second portion (120) and configured to extend along an ear of a user,

Wherein at least one identifiable marking (150, 152, 154, 156, 158) is located at one or more of the first portion (140), the second portion (120), and the third portion (160) of the connector (100).

3. The connector (100) of item 1 or 2, wherein at least one identifiable marking (150, 152, 154, 156, 158) is not removable.

4. The connector (100) of any of the above items, wherein the at least one identifiable marking (150, 152, 154, 156, 158) is configured to control an insertion depth of the ITE assembly (200) into the user's ear canal.

5. The connector (100) of any of the above items, wherein the at least one identifiable marking (150, 152, 154, 156, 158) comprises a pattern of any one or any combination of color, grid, transparency, fabric, texture, surface roughness, and shape.

6. The connector (100) of any of the above items, wherein at least one identifiable marking (150, 152, 154, 156, 158) comprises a tactile pattern.

7. The connector (100) of item 6, wherein a tactile pattern is formed on an outer surface of the connector (100) to improve a user's grip on the connector (100) when inserting (420) the ITE assembly (200) of the hearing device (10).

8. The connector (100) of any of claims 1-5, wherein at least one identifiable marking (150, 152, 154, 156, 158) comprises a visual pattern.

9. The connector (100) of item 8, wherein the visual pattern comprises a visible spectrum pattern.

10. The connector (100) of item 8, wherein the visual pattern comprises a non-visible spectrum pattern.

11. The connector (100) according to any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein the visual pattern is a drawn pattern.

12. The connector (100) according to any one of claims 8 to 11, wherein the connector (100) comprises a transparent shell arranged on an outer surface of the connector (100) such that the transparent shell encapsulates the visual pattern.

13. The connector (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the connector (100) is made of transparent plastic.

14. A hearing device (10), comprising:

-a behind-the-ear BTE assembly (300) configured to be arranged behind the ear of the user when the hearing device (10) is worn by the user in its intended position;

-an in-ear ITE assembly (200) configured to be arranged in the ear canal of a user when the hearing device (10) is worn by the user in its intended position; and

-the connector (100) according to any of the preceding items, the connector (100) being configured to connect a BTE component (300) of a hearing device (10) to an ITE component (200) of the hearing device (10).

15. A method (400) of inserting an ITE assembly (200) of a hearing device (10) according to item 14 into an ear canal of a user, the method (400) comprising the steps of:

-an identification step (410) of identifying a connector (100) of the hearing device (10),

-an inserting step (420) of inserting the ITE assembly (200) of the hearing device (10) into the ear canal of the user, and

-a control step (430) of controlling the insertion depth of the ITE assembly (200) into the ear canal of the user.

16. The method (400) of item 15, wherein the controlling step (430) of the insertion depth of the ITE assembly (200) includes tactile sensing of the at least one identifiable marking (150, 152, 154, 156, 158).

17. The method (400) of item 15, wherein the controlling step (430) of the insertion depth of the ITE assembly (200) includes visually sensing at least one identifiable marking (150, 152, 154, 156, 158).

Claims (16)

1. A connector configured to connect a post-ear BTE component of a hearing device to an in-ear ITE component of the hearing device, the connector comprising:

A first portion configured to be connected to an ITE component of the hearing device and configured to be at least partially inserted into an ear canal of a user, wherein the first portion is configured to extend at least partially in the ear canal of the user when the connector is in its intended position relative to the ear of the user,

wherein the connector comprises an identifiable marking, wherein the identifiable marking is user-directed.

2. The connector of claim 1, wherein the connector further comprises:

a second portion configured to be connected to a BTE component of the hearing device and configured to be at least partially disposed at a front edge of a pinna of a user's ear when the connector is in its intended position at the user's ear; and

a third portion connecting the first portion and the second portion,

wherein the identifiable marking is located at the first portion, the second portion, or the third portion of the connector.

3. The connector of claim 2, further comprising an additional identifiable marking,

wherein the additional identifiable marking is located at the first portion, the second portion, or the third portion of the connector.

4. The connector of claim 1, wherein the identifiable marking is not removable.

5. The connector of claim 1, wherein the identifiable marking is configured to indicate a depth of insertion of the ITE assembly into a user's ear canal.

6. The connector of claim 1, wherein the identifiable marking comprises a pattern of any one or any combination of color, grid, transparency, fabric, texture, surface roughness, and shape.

7. The connector of claim 1, wherein the indicia comprises a tactile pattern.

8. The connector of claim 7, wherein the tactile pattern is located on an outer surface of the connector to improve a user's grip on the connector when inserting the ITE component of the hearing device into the user's ear canal.

9. The connector of claim 1, wherein the identifiable marking comprises a visual pattern.

10. The connector of claim 9, wherein the visual pattern comprises a visible spectrum pattern.

11. The connector of claim 9, wherein the visual pattern comprises an invisible spectrum pattern.

12. The connector of claim 9, wherein the visual pattern is a drawing pattern.

13. The connector of claim 9, wherein the connector comprises a transparent shell encapsulating the visual pattern.

14. The connector of claim 1, wherein the connector is made of transparent plastic.

15. The connector of claim 1, wherein the identifiable indicia is identifiable by a user to guide the user in locating the connector.

16. A hearing device comprising:

a behind-the-ear BTE assembly configured to be disposed behind the ear of a user when the hearing device is worn by the user;

an in-ear ITE assembly configured to be disposed in an ear canal of a user when the hearing device is worn by the user; and

the connector of claim 1, configured to connect a BTE component of the hearing device to an ITE component of the hearing device.