CN116896700A

CN116896700A - Hearing device

Info

Publication number: CN116896700A
Application number: CN202310330163.5A
Authority: CN
Inventors: J·约翰森; H·尼尔森; T·J·查普尔; T·D·梅尔卡; T·奥斯加德
Original assignee: GN Hearing AS
Current assignee: GN Hearing AS
Priority date: 2022-03-31
Filing date: 2023-03-30
Publication date: 2023-10-17

Abstract

A hearing device is proposed. The invention relates to an ITE component (1) for placement at least partially within an ear canal, the ITE component (1) comprising: a connector (21) coupled to a BTE component worn behind the pinna; comprises the following hollow ear mold (3): front end (5), rear end (7) and cavity (23), ear mould make front end (5) face the user's tympanic membrane during use, front end (5) include front opening (9), front opening (9) include preceding filter (15), rear end (7) include back opening (10), ITE part (1) still include: a receiver (11) arranged in the hollow cavity (23), a sound channel extending between the front opening (9) and the rear end (7) and allowing a fluid connection between the front opening (9) and the outside of the hollow ear mold (3); an active vent (13) comprising a valve, the valve being positioned at the front end (5), the active vent having an open state in which the valve provides a fluid connection through the acoustic channel and a closed state in which the valve blocks the fluid connection through the acoustic channel; a post-filter (17) arranged in the post-opening or in the hollow cavity between the post-opening and the valve.

Description

Hearing device

Technical Field

The invention relates to an in-the-ear (ITE) component (part) configured for placement at least partially within an ear canal of a user, the ITE component comprising: a connector configured for coupling to a BTE component configured to be worn behind a pinna of a user; the hollow ear mold comprises the following components: a front end, a rear end, and a hollow cavity, the earmold configured for eardrum positioning with the front end facing a user during use, the front end including a front opening, the front opening including a front filter, and the rear end including a rear opening. The ITE component additionally comprises: a receiver disposed in the hollow cavity; a sound channel extending between the front opening and the rear end and configured to allow fluid connection between the front opening and an exterior of the hollow ear mold; an active vent comprising a valve, the valve positioned at the front end, and the active vent configured to have an open state and a closed state, wherein the valve provides a fluid connection through the acoustic channel in the open state, wherein the valve blocks the fluid connection through the acoustic channel in the closed state; and a post-filter disposed at the post-opening or in the hollow cavity and between the post-opening and the valve of the active vent.

Background

Some hearing devices have an in-the-ear (ITE) component that is placed at least partially within the ear canal of the user of the hearing device. In this way, the receiver, i.e., the speaker unit, within the ITE component may be brought into a position relatively close to the tympanic membrane of the ear canal during use. When a part of the hearing device is located in the ear canal, a frequent occurrence of a trouble is a blockage, whereby the blockage of the ear canal results in the user experiencing an undesired sound while speaking or chewing.

One approach to alleviating the obstruction is to use an open hearing device in which the ITE component has one or more vents configured to allow air and thus sound to escape the ear canal. However, the open fit also allows sound to enter the ear canal of the user of the hearing device, which can lead to a number of problems, such as making it more difficult to control the sound delivered to the user by the hearing device; for example, the sound delivered by the hearing device may not be heard on the ambient sound or may be distorted by mixing with the ambient sound.

One solution to this is to have an active vent within the ITE component, where the active vent can manually or automatically open or close one or more valves in response to a given situation in which the user is located. Thus, in the case of benefit to the user, the vent may be in an open state to allow air (and thus sound) to pass through the ITE component, for example to reduce clogging and/or to allow the user to maintain environmental awareness. In other cases, the vent may be in a closed state to isolate ambient sound from entering the user's ear canal, for example, to provide better transmission of sound generated by the receiver, and/or to prevent sound, such as sound generated by the receiver, from exiting the earmold to the outside. However, ITE components with active vents are complex systems with many challenges, many of which depend on the design of the ITE component.

Thus, there is a need for an improved ITE component that includes an active vent.

It is an object to provide an improved ITE component comprising an active vent.

It is a further object to provide an improved configuration of ITE components including active vents.

It is a further object to provide a hearing device comprising an improved ITE component comprising an active vent.

Disclosure of Invention

In a first aspect, there is provided an in-the-ear (ITE) component configured for placement at least partially within an ear canal of a user, the ITE component (1) comprising a connector configured for coupling to a BTE component configured to be worn behind an auricle of the user. An in-the-ear (ITE) component may be at least partially shaped to conform to at least a portion of an ear canal of a user. The ITE component additionally includes a hollow ear mold having a front end, a rear end opposite the front end, and a hollow cavity. The ear mold is configured for tympanic membrane positioning with the front end facing the user during use. The front end has a front opening with a front filter configured to block contaminants from entering the ear mold through the front opening. The contaminants may be e.g. moisture, dust, hair, oily substances, wherein the oily substances may be e.g. cerumen, i.e. the pre-filter may be a cerumen grating. The pre-filter may be removable so that it can be replaced as required.

The ITE component additionally includes a receiver disposed in the hollow cavity and configured such that sound generated by the receiver propagates through the front opening and the front filter. In this way, the receiver enables the transmission of sound to the ear canal of the user. The receiver may be housed within a receiver housing/receiver body.

The ITE component may include electronics, which may be included, for example, in a receiver housing and/or in an ear mold. The ITE component may include electronics and circuitry that generate, process, and/or cancel audible sounds, such as electronics for providing hearing compensation.

A sound channel extends between the front opening and the rear end and is configured to allow fluid connection between the front opening and the exterior of the hollow ear mold. Thus, the acoustic channel allows fluid, such as air or liquid, to pass from outside the ear mold, i.e., the user's surroundings, to the front opening during use of the ITE piece. In particular, the sound channel may be configured to allow air to flow between the front opening and the exterior of the hollow ear mold while the ear mold is positioned within the ear canal of the user.

The active vent includes a valve positioned at the front end. The active vent is configured to have an open state and a closed state, wherein the valve provides fluid connection through the acoustic channel in the open state, and wherein the valve blocks fluid connection through the acoustic channel in the closed state. Thereby, when in the open state, fluid, in particular air, is allowed to pass from the surroundings through the ITE component to the ear canal of the user. Conversely, in the closed state, the passage of fluid, in particular sound, such as ambient sound, to the ear canal of the user is reduced. The open state may be configured to allow the valve to be fully or partially open. The active vent may be configured to be controlled by a vent control arrangement included in the ITE component or the hearing device. 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 active vent enables opening or closing of the vent and includes a valve during use of the hearing device. The valve may be positioned between the receiver and the front opening.

The receiver and the active vent may be integrated in the active vent receiver. In the active vent receiver, the active vent may be integrated into the receiver spout, wherein the fluid connection between the front opening and the exterior of the ear mold may pass at least partially through the interior of the receiver spout, and the valve may include one or more through holes in the receiver spout that allow fluid ingress between the front opening and the hollow cavity.

The receiver and active vent may be provided by separate electronics.

The rear end has a rear opening. A post-filter is disposed at the post-opening or in the hollow cavity and between the post-opening and the valve of the active vent, the post-filter being configured to allow ambient sound to pass therethrough and additionally configured to block contaminants from entering the space between the post-filter and the vent.

The post-filter protects the active vent system from contaminants such as moisture, dust, hair, oily substances (such as cerumen) and other debris by reducing the amount of contaminants that can reach the valve that can affect the function of the valve mechanism. If the valve becomes too contaminated, it may cease to function entirely, or at least be damaged. Thus, the post-filter has two important features: the critical components, such as very delicate components, that keep contaminants away from the active vent and maintain the acoustic openness of the ITE component when the active vent is in an open state.

In some embodiments, the hearing device is configured to be worn by a user. The hearing device may be arranged at, on, above, in the ear of the user, in the ear canal of the user, behind the ear of the user and/or in the outer ear of the user, i.e. the hearing device is configured to be worn in, on, above and/or at the ear of the user. The user may wear two hearing devices, one for each ear. The two hearing devices may be connected, e.g. wirelessly and/or by wires, e.g. a binaural hearing assistance system.

The hearing device may be implemented in 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 (MaRIE) hearing devices. These devices may include a BTE unit configured to be worn behind a user's ear and an in-the-ear (ITE) unit configured to be partially or fully inserted into the user's ear canal. In general, a BTE unit may 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 comprised in the BTE unit and sound is directed to the ITE unit via a sound tube connecting the BTE and ITE units, while the terms RIE, RIC and MaRIE hearing device refer to a hearing device in which a receiver may be comprised in the ITE unit, which ITE unit is coupled to the BTE unit via a connector cable or wire configured for transmitting electrical signals between the BTE and ITE units.

In some embodiments, 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 converters configured to convert the analog first input signal to a digital first input signal.

In some embodiments, 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 higher than 800MHz, preferably involving wavelengths between 900MHz and 6 GHz. The first frequency may be 902MHz to 928MHz. The first frequency may be 2.4 to 2.5GHz. The first frequency may be 5.725GHz to 5.875GHz. 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 magnetic core. The magnetic antenna may be configured for wireless communication at a second frequency. The second frequency may be below 100MHz. The second frequency may be between 9MHz and 15 MHz.

In some embodiments, 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 transceivers. 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 enable a user to perform a telephone call.

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 originate from another hearing device, e.g. as part of a binaural hearing system, and/or from one or more auxiliary devices, such as a smartphone and/or a smartwatch.

In some embodiments, the hearing device may comprise 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 processing to perform feedback cancellation, beamforming, tinnitus reduction/masking, noise reduction, noise cancellation, speech recognition, bass adjustment, treble adjustment, and/or user input. 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 the first and/or second electrical input signal. The processing unit may be configured to provide a second electrical output signal. The second electrical output signal may be based on processing the first and/or second electrical input signal.

In some embodiments, 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. Note that in this context, the receiver may be a speaker, while 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 included in an ITE unit or earpiece of the hearing device, such as an in-ear Receiver (RIE) unit or an in-ear microphone and receiver (MaRIE) unit. One or more of the input transducers may be included in an ITE unit or earphone.

In some embodiments, the wireless communication unit may be configured to convert the second electrical output signal into 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 some embodiments, 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 some embodiments, 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 a second voltage. The power source may include a charging coil. The charging coil may be provided by a magnetic antenna.

In some embodiments, the hearing device may include memory, including volatile and non-volatile forms of memory.

The term "removable" is used herein in connection with a variety of devices. Note that the term "removable" means that the device referred to in connection with the term is intended to be removable, and that the user or hearing health professional can remove/detach the device without using excessive force.

In some embodiments, the rear end of the ear mold is an open housing structure. That is, the posterior end is not a closed structure, although in some embodiments the posterior filter will be located at or very near the posterior end of the ear mold.

In some embodiments, the post-filter comprises a filter mesh, i.e. a filter made of woven material, or a reticulated foam filter, i.e. a filter having a reticulated foam structure. In some embodiments, the post-filter is made at least in part of reticulated polyurethane foam or reticulated polyester foam. Due to the large surface area of the filter mesh, the filter mesh is very suitable, which means that the acoustic openness is not impaired, and thus, when the valve is in the open state, it will acoustically appear as a fully open ventilation ear mold.

In some embodiments, the post-filter is configured to contact one or more inner walls of the hollow earmold. In some embodiments, the post-filter is configured to be removably disposed within the ear mold. In some embodiments, the post-filter is removably attached or removably connected to the ear mold. The post-filter may be removably attached to a structure within the interior space of the earmold. The post-filter may be removably attached to a device in the ear mold. Thus, the post-filter may be replaceable, allowing the defective or damaged post-filter to be replaced with a new post-filter. The replaceable post-filter will improve the functionality of the ITE piece and may extend the usable life of the ITE piece and/or the hearing device. By having a replaceable post-filter, the useful life of one or more devices in the ITE component can be extended. For example, the active vent may have a longer useful life because the active vent is at least partially protected by the post-filter. The exchangeable post-filter may be exchanged by the user, the hearing aid fitter or the technician.

In some embodiments, the ITE component further comprises a panel attached to the back end of the earmold. In some embodiments, the faceplate is removably attached to the earmold. The panel may be manufactured as a separate device, later combined with the ear mold. Preferably, the panel is removable from the ear mold. Removable panels allow replacement of the panels when needed or desired. In addition, the removable panel allows access to the interior space of the ear mold. The panel may be thick or thin when compared to the ear mold, and the panel may be made of the same material as the ear mold or of a different material than the ear mold.

In some embodiments, the post-filter is incorporated into the panel, i.e., the post-filter is part of the panel, as an integral component, a securely attached component, or as a removable attached component. The post-filter may be attached to the panel, such as removably attached to the panel. Thus, in some embodiments, the post-filter is removably incorporated into the panel. Thus, in some embodiments, both the panel and the incorporated filter may be replaceable, while in other embodiments, only the incorporated filter is replaceable. The panel may cover the entire rear opening, or the panel may cover a portion of the rear opening. In some embodiments, the panel is configured to allow the connector to extend through the panel. The panel may be a filter panel, i.e. a panel comprising a filter.

In some embodiments, the receiver is configured to be removably disposed within the ear mold. In some embodiments, the receiver is configured to be removably disposed within the ear mold. In some embodiments, the ear mold further comprises a filter retaining element extending from a portion of the ear mold, the filter retaining element configured to secure the post-filter in place. In some embodiments, the filter retaining element extends from the ear mold into the hollow cavity. For example, the filter retaining element may extend from an inner wall of the hollow ear mold. That is, the ear mold having a hollow cavity has at least one inner wall from which the filter retaining element can extend. In a preferred embodiment, the receiver is replaceable. The replaceable receiver allows the receiver to be replaced when needed or desired. For example, if the receiver is defective or is part of a replacement or upgrade of an ITE component or a part of the hearing device, the receiver may be replaced.

In some embodiments, the receiver comprises a receiver body, and the post-filter is at least partially attached to the receiver body. The post-filter may be configured to contact one or more inner walls of the hollow earmold when attached to the receiver body. In some embodiments, the post-filter surrounds the receiver body. The post-filter may completely surround the receiver body.

The ITE component may additionally include a support structure configured to hold the receiver housing in place within the ear mold. In some embodiments, the filter retaining element is integral with the support structure, i.e., the structure configured to hold the receiver housing in place is integral with the element configured to secure the post-filter in place.

The support structure may be arranged in a number of ways for the purpose of holding the receiver housing in place within the ear mold. In some embodiments, the support structure comprises a plurality of support structures. The support structure may be configured to allow the receiver housing to move, such as when the user speaks or chews, which provides increased comfort to the user of the ITE component. In some embodiments, the support structure is an integral part of the ear mold. Thus, in some embodiments, the support structure is made of the same material as the ear mold.

In some embodiments, at least a portion of the support structure extends from an inner wall of the ear mold.

In some embodiments, at least a portion of the support structure is disposed at the front end of the ear mold and/or at least a portion of the support structure is disposed at the rear end of the ear mold.

In some embodiments, the support structure is configured to at least partially surround the receiver housing. In some embodiments, the receiver housing includes a structure configured to connect with a portion of the support structure. In some embodiments, the receiver housing includes a structure configured to connect with a portion of a support structure at least partially surrounding the receiver housing. Thus, in some embodiments, the receiver housing includes an interlocking element configured to interconnect with at least a portion of the support structure. In some embodiments, the active vent is coupled to the receiver housing, and the active vent may include an interlocking element configured to interconnect with at least a portion of the support structure.

In some embodiments, the support structure is configured to suspend the receiver housing within the ear mold. The support structure may be configured to allow a degree of freedom of movement of the receiver housing within the ear mold. This will allow the receiver housing to move in response to forces acting on the ear mold, such as during mandibular movement of the user, and may also dampen any vibrations from the receiver. For example, the receiver housing may be disposed within the ear mold such that at least a portion or a majority of an outer surface of the receiver housing is not in contact with the support structure. For example, the receiver housing may be coupled to the ear mold via the active vent only at the front opening. In some embodiments, the location where the receiver housing is coupled to the ear mold may be only at the front opening (which may be via an active vent), and at a portion of the receiver housing that is disposed further from the front opening.

In some embodiments, at least a portion of the support structure is included in the front opening. In some embodiments, the support structure includes a stationary tip attached to the front end of the earmold. The fixation tip may be part of the front opening. The fixation tip may be configured to hold the receiver housing in place within the ear mold. In some embodiments, the fixation tip includes a front opening. The fixation tips may be custom-made for the user or may be provided as standard components of various sizes. The receiver housing and/or an active vent coupled to the receiver housing may be held in place at the front opening. In some embodiments, the ear mold further comprises a flexible and resilient element configured to cushion the abutment of the receiver housing against the inner wall of the ear mold. The flexible and resilient element may comprise a foam material. Buffering by the flexible and resilient element allows the receiver housing to move, such as when the user speaks or chews, which provides increased comfort to the user of the ITE component.

At least a portion of the support structure included in the front opening may include a softer material than the material of the intermediate component, and the receiver housing and/or an active vent coupled to the receiver housing may be removably attached to the support structure at the front opening.

At least a portion of the support structure may comprise a softer material than the material used to make the intermediate component of the ear mold. In some embodiments, the entire support structure is made of a softer material than the material used to make the intermediate component of the ear mold.

To characterize the hardness of a material, standard methods, such as measurement using a shore durometer, can be used. The ear mold, or at least the intermediate part of the ear mold, may be a hard ear mold comprising or being made entirely of: a material having a hardness of 60-100 shore D, such as 70-90 shore D, such as 75-85 shore D, is measured. The ear mold, or at least the intermediate part of the ear mold, may be made using 3D printing techniques. Thus, the ear mold, or at least the intermediate part of the ear mold, may be made of a photopolymer resin such as a DLP (digital light processing) resin.

A material being softer than another material means that it measures a lower indentation hardness value. For example, the hardness of the material in the intermediate part of the ear mold and the support structure may be determined on the shore hardness scale. In some preferred embodiments, the ear mold is a hard shell ear mold. Hard shell ear molds are commonly used to make custom ear molds, i.e., ear molds in which at least a portion of the ear mold has been shaped to conform to the ear canal of a particular user. The use of an ear mold as a hard shell makes the ear mold more comfortable for the user, and the ear mold is generally more likely to remain in place in the user's ear canal than a soft ear mold.

In some embodiments, all or a portion of the earmold, such as the intermediate component, is configured to at least partially conform to at least a portion of the user's ear canal. In some embodiments, the intermediate component of the ear mold is made of acrylic. In some embodiments, the support structure comprises silicone rubber, TPE, TPA, EPDM, and/or LSR. In some embodiments, the support structure comprises a flexible material configured to stretch to accommodate the receiver housing during insertion into the ear mold and to hold the receiver housing in place after insertion. Having a support structure made of a material softer than the material of the ear mold allows compensating deviations during manufacture, such as low fidelity printing resolution, i.e. the receiver housing is inserted into the ear mold, which is not itself flexible enough to provide elasticity during insertion, and wherein even small deviations during manufacture may make insertion of the receiver housing difficult or impossible, in particular if the receiver housing is removable.

In some embodiments, at least a portion of the support structure is disposed at the posterior end of the ear mold. The receiver housing occupies a significant portion of the available space within the ear mold. In particular, some receiver housings have a relatively large spout diameter, i.e., a relatively large structural diameter, wherein sound exits the receiver housing. For example, an active vent receiver having an active vent included in the receiver housing may have a larger spout diameter. The design of the ear mold is challenged by the space available within the user's ear canal, and this can be problematic if the overall size of the ear mold increases. For example, an increase in the overall size of the ear mold may reduce the insertion depth of the ear mold and its fit within the ear canal. Having a support structure at or primarily at the rear end of the ear mold may save space at the front of the ear mold compared to securing the receiver housing at the front end. It may be advantageous to combine a soft material at the front opening providing an acoustic seal between the receiver housing and the ear mold with a support structure at the intermediate member or rear end providing the force required to hold the receiver housing in place.

In some embodiments, the receiver or receiver housing includes a wired connection configured to connect the receiver electronics with other components of the hearing device, such as with a Behind The Ear (BTE) component. In some embodiments, the support structure is configured to at least partially surround the wired connection. The component from which the wired connection of the receiver housing extends may include a structure configured to connect with a support structure.

In some embodiments, the ear mold further comprises a panel attached to a rear end of the ear mold. The faceplate may be configured to allow ambient sound from outside the ear canal of the user to pass through it. The faceplate may be removably attached to the earmold. In some embodiments, the support structure is included in or coupled to the panel. In some embodiments, the support structure is an integral part of the panel.

The receiver housing may be removably disposed within the ear mold. Thus, in some embodiments, the support structure is configured such that the receiver housing is removably disposed within the ear mold. The replaceable receiver allows the receiver to be replaced when needed or desired. For example, if the receiver is defective or is part of a replacement or upgrade of a part of the hearing device, the receiver may be replaced. Having a removable receiver in the hearing device may extend the usable lifetime of the hearing device and save costs. In addition, material may be saved, as the manufacturer may avoid replacing the entire ear mould, but only a part of the hearing device, such as the receiver and/or the one or more filters, thereby making the production and maintenance of the hearing device more sustainable. The user may be able to keep the ear mold well fitted even if a part of the hearing device, such as the receiver housing, needs to be replaced. Furthermore, the ear mold may be partially replaced because it may be difficult to fit the user.

In an embodiment, the receiver housing optionally includes one or more biosensors for retrieving signals such as, but not limited to, pressure signals, heart rate signals, snore detection signals. Optionally, the receiver housing additionally comprises one or more movement sensors, such as a gyroscopic sensor, an acceleration sensor.

In a second aspect, there is provided a hearing device comprising: the ITE component according to the first aspect, and a BTE component configured to be worn behind a pinna of a user, wherein the ITE component is coupled to the BTE component via a connector.

Drawings

Exemplary embodiments of the present invention are described in more detail below with reference to the attached drawing figures, wherein:

figures 1A and 1B schematically illustrate ITE components and connectors according to some embodiments,

figure 2 schematically illustrates ITE components and connectors according to some embodiments,

figures 3A and 3B schematically illustrate ITE components and connectors according to some embodiments,

figures 4A and 4B schematically illustrate a hearing device according to some embodiments,

figures 5A and 5B schematically illustrate a hearing device according to some embodiments,

figures 6A and 6B schematically illustrate a hearing device according to some embodiments,

figures 7A and 7B schematically illustrate a hearing device according to some embodiments,

Figures 8A and 8B schematically illustrate a hearing device according to some embodiments,

figure 9 schematically illustrates a hearing device according to some embodiments,

figures 10A and 10B schematically illustrate a receiver housing including an interlocking element and a portion of a support structure according to some embodiments,

fig. 11 schematically illustrates a hearing device according to some embodiments, an

Fig. 12 schematically illustrates a hearing device according to some embodiments.

List of reference numerals:

1. an in-ear (ITE) component;

3. ear mold;

5. a front end;

7. a rear end;

8. an intermediate member;

9. a front opening;

10. a rear opening;

11. a receiver;

13. an active vent;

15. a pre-filter;

17. a post-filter;

19. a panel;

21. a wired connection;

23. a hollow cavity;

25. a receiver body/receiver housing;

27. the inner wall of the ear mold;

29. a support structure;

31. a filter holding element;

35. fixing the tip;

37. foam/flexible and resilient elements;

39. an interlocking element;

41. a first support structure;

43. a second support structure;

45. a fluid opening;

47. a battery;

49. an electronic device;

51. a fluid pipe.

Detailed Description

Various exemplary embodiments of the disclosed ITE components, including the ear mold, receiver, sound channel, active vent, and post-filter, are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Those skilled in the art will understand that the drawings are schematic and simplified for clarity, and thus show only details that are essential to an understanding of the invention, while omitting other details. Elements shown in the figures are not necessarily drawn to scale, but may primarily be indicative of relative position, orientation, and function. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout. Therefore, it is not necessary to describe the same elements in detail for each figure.

Fig. 1A and 1B schematically illustrate ITE components according to some embodiments.

In fig. 1A, an in-the-ear (ITE) component 1 of a hearing device and a connector for coupling the BTE component to the ITE component 1 are shown. The ITE component 1 shown has an elongate shape and is configured for placement at least partially within the ear canal of an intended user. The ITE component has a hollow ear mold 3 that includes a majority of the housing for many of the devices in the ITE component. The hollow ear mold and possible additional elements of the housing may be made of a hard material, such as a hard polymer or metal, or of a soft material, such as a rubbery polymer, molded to have an external shape conforming to the shape of the ear canal of a particular user.

The ear mold 3 has a front end 5 with a front opening 9 and a rear end 7 opposite the front end with a rear opening 10. The rear end is not closed to the exterior of the ear mold so that the ear mold has an open shell structure.

The ear mould is configured such that the front end may be positioned to face the tympanic membrane of the ear canal of the user during use of the hearing device. The receiver within the hollow cavity 23 of the ear mould is arranged such that sound generated by the receiver will leave the ear mould via the front opening 9 at the front end. The front filter 15 at the front opening reduces the amount of contaminants that may enter through the front opening 9. The receiver 11 is secured within the hollow cavity 23 of the ear mold by a support structure 29. A support structure is arranged at the front opening 9 and interlocks with a portion of the receiver 11 to secure it in place. This support structure 29 may be configured so that the receiver may be removed and replaced later when needed.

The ear mould is made with a sound channel extending between the front opening 9 and the rear end 7 to allow air to move between the front opening and the outside of the hollow ear mould.

The ITE component additionally has an active vent 13 with a valve positioned between the receiver 11 and the front opening 9. When the valve in the vent is closed, movement of air between the front opening 9 and the rear end 7 is impeded. Conversely, opening the valve allows air to flow through the sound channel. The receiver 11 and the active vent 13 may be integrated in an active vent receiver. The receiver 11 and the active vent 13 may be provided by separate electronics.

A post-filter 17 in the form of a filter skirt is attached to the receiver 11 so as to be positioned between the rear opening 10 and the valve of the active vent. A filter skirt extends from the receiver 11 to cover the interior space between the receiver and the inner wall 27 of the ear mold 3. To prevent contaminants from bypassing the post-filter, the post-filter 17 may be made of a flexible material and the post-filter is configured so as to be in close contact with the inner wall 27. For example, the post-filter 17 may be made of a woven material or a foam material.

The post-filter 17 is attached using a tie strap (bellyband) secured around the receiver body 25. The post-filter 17 may be made removable, for example by making it possible to remove the band on which the filter skirt is attached. In this way, the filter skirt can be withdrawn from the hollow chamber and cleaned or replaced, if desired. The receiver body 25 may include one or more protrusions configured to releasably secure the strap.

In fig. 1B, it is illustrated how the ITE component 1 in fig. 1A is assembled. First, the filter mesh or filter foam 17 is attached to the receiver 11 using a strap secured around the receiver body 25. The combined receiver 11 and filter mesh/foam is then inserted into the ear mold 3. When the receiver 11 is secured within the ear mold 3, the post-filter 17 forms a separation between at least a portion of the interior of the ear mold and the exterior accessible to contaminants. The filter skirt 17 is configured to conform to the interior shape of the ear mold by contacting the circumference of the interior wall 27 of the ear mold.

Fig. 2 schematically illustrates an ITE component 1 and a connector 21 according to some embodiments. The ITE component 1 shown has an elongate shape and is configured for placement at least partially within the ear canal of an intended user. The ITE piece 1 has a hollow ear mold 3 that includes most of the housing for many of the devices in the ITE piece. The hollow ear mold 3 and possible additional elements of the housing may be made of a hard material, such as a hard polymer or metal, or of a soft material, such as a rubbery polymer, molded to have an outer shape that conforms to the shape of the ear canal of a particular user.

The ear mould 3 has a front end 5 and a rear end 7 opposite the front end, and the ear mould is configured such that the front end can be positioned to face the tympanic membrane of the ear canal of the user during use of the hearing device. The ear mold 3 is made with a sound channel extending between the front opening 9 and the rear end 7 to allow air to flow between the front opening and the outside of the ear mold during use.

At the rear end 7 a panel 19 is attached, which may be permanently attached or removable. The panel covers the entire rear end and has a rear filter 17 incorporated therein. The post-filter may be a filter mesh permanently attached or removably attached to the panel. Thus, the post-filter 17 and/or the panel 19 may be removable. The holes in the faceplate 19 allow the connector 21 to connect to a receiver in the ear mold.

If removable, the faceplate 19 may be mechanically secured into the ear mold 3, such as by a snap or press fit. This allows the entire panel 19 to be replaced, for example, if the post-filter 17 becomes too contaminated, then the post-filter is replaced, in which case it may clog and lose the acoustic transparency required for the function of the active vent in the ear mold 3.

If permanently attached, the panel 19 may be glued or welded to the ear mold 3. The post-filter 17 itself may be replaceable so that it can be replaced if desired. The removable post-filter 17 may be, for example, a sticker or a filter, which may be mechanically fixed into the ear mold 3, for example, by a snap or press fit. For example, the post-filter 17 may be mounted in a frame that fits into a filter frame shaped aperture in the panel.

The post-filter 17 in the panel 19 may be a specially designed filter with the minimum surface area required for acoustic openness of the system, or it may be made as large as possible within physical constraints such as the size of the panel, and allow holes for connectors, etc.

Fig. 3A and 3B schematically illustrate an ITE component 1 and a connector 21 according to some embodiments.

In fig. 3A, an in-the-ear (ITE) component 1 of a hearing device and a connector 21 for coupling the BTE component to the ITE component 1 are shown. The ITE component 1 shown has an elongate shape and is configured for placement at least partially within the ear canal of an intended user. The ITE component has a hollow ear mold 3 that includes a majority of the housing for many of the devices in the ITE component. The hollow ear mold and possible additional elements of the housing may be made of a hard material, such as a hard polymer or metal, or of a soft material, such as a rubbery polymer, molded to have an external shape conforming to the shape of the ear canal of a particular user.

The ear mold 3 has a front end 5 with a front opening 9 and a rear end 7 opposite the front end with a rear opening 10.

The ear mould is configured such that the front end may be positioned to face the tympanic membrane of the ear canal of the user during use of the hearing device. The receiver within the hollow cavity 23 of the ear mould is arranged such that sound generated by the receiver will leave the ear mould via the front opening 9 at the front end. The front filter 15 at the front opening reduces the amount of contaminants that may enter through the front opening 9. The receiver 11 is secured within the hollow cavity 23 of the ear mold by a support structure 29. A support structure is arranged at the front opening 9 and interlocks with a portion of the receiver 11 to secure it in place. This support structure 29 may be configured so that the receiver may be removed when needed and replaced later.

The ear mold 3 is made with a sound channel extending between the front opening 9 and the rear end 7 to allow air to move between the front opening and the outside of the hollow ear mold.

A post-filter 17 is attached to the receiver 11 and positioned between the post-opening and the valve of the active vent. The post-filter extends to cover the interior space between the receiver and the inner wall 27 of the ear mold. The post-filter may be in intimate contact with the inner wall 27 so that contaminants cannot bypass the filter. The post-filter 17 may be made of reticulated foam, such as a foam pressure filter, which is attached to the receiver body 25 and may be made removable. In this way, the post-filter can be removed from the ear mold for cleaning or replacement, if desired.

The ear mold 3 has a filter holding element 31 in the form of a protruding element which extends from the inner wall 27 at the rear opening 10. The filter retaining element 31 is configured to retain the post-filter 17 in place in the ear mold 3, and the protruding element accomplishes this by covering at least a portion of the post-filter.

In fig. 3B, it is illustrated how the ITE component 1 in fig. 3A is assembled. First, the post-filter 17 is attached to the receiver 11, for example by using a strap as described in relation to fig. 1A and 1B. The combined receiver 11 and post-filter 17 is then inserted into the ear mold 3. When the receiver 11 is secured within the ear mold, the post-filter 17 creates a separation between the interior of the ear mold and the exterior accessible to contaminants. The post-filter 17 may be configured to accommodate the shape of the ear mold by contacting the circumference of the inner wall 27 of the ear mold. The filter holding element 31 described above may be an integral part of the ear mold 3 or may be a part attached to the ear mold. For example, the filter retaining element may be mechanically attached to the ear mold, such as by a snap or press fit attachment arrangement.

Fig. 4A and 4B schematically illustrate hearing device components in cross-section, according to some embodiments.

In fig. 4A, an ear mold 3 is shown, which may be part of an in-the-ear (ITE) component 1 of a hearing device. The connector 21 connects the receiver 11 arranged in the receiver housing 25 in the ear mould 3 to another component of the hearing device, such as a BTE component. The ear mold 3 has an elongated shape and is configured for being at least partially placed within the ear canal of an intended user. The earmold may be made of a hard material such as a hard polymer or metal, or a soft material such as a rubbery polymer such as acrylic, and may be molded to have an external shape at least partially conforming to the shape of the ear canal of a particular user.

The ear mold 3 has a front end 5 with a front opening 9, a rear end 7 opposite the front end with a rear opening 10, and an intermediate part 8. The rear end of the ear mold 3 in fig. 4A is not closed to the outside of the ear mold, so that the ear mold has an open housing structure.

The ear mould is configured such that the front end may be positioned to face the tympanic membrane of the ear canal of the user during use of the hearing device. The receiver housing 25 is arranged within the ear mould such that sound generated by the receiver will leave the ear mould via the front opening 9 at the front end. The front filter 15 at the front opening reduces the amount of contaminants that may enter through the front opening 9.

The receiver housing 25 is held in the ear mold by a support structure 29. The support structure 29 includes a fixation nib 35 attached to the front end of the ear mold and configured to hold the receiver housing 25 in place within the ear mold by interlocking with a portion of the receiver housing 25 to secure it in place. This support structure 29 may be configured so that the receiver may be removed when needed and replaced later.

Optionally, the support structure 29 comprises a soft material at the front opening, which has a number of advantages, as it allows the support structure to be configured: providing an acoustic seal between the user's ear canal and the interior space of the ear mold allows the receiver housing to be removably attached in the support structure and allows some mobility of the receiver housing within the ear mold, which increases user comfort.

The ear mould is made with a sound channel extending between the front opening 9 and the rear end 7 to allow air to move between the front opening and the outside of the ear mould. The ear mold 3 has an active vent 13 with a valve positioned between the receiver 11 and the front opening 9. When the valve in the vent is closed, movement of air between the front opening 9 and the rear end 7 is impeded. Conversely, opening the valve allows air to move through the acoustic channel. The receiver and the active vent may be integrated in the active vent receiver.

A post-filter (not shown) may be arranged so as to be positioned at the rear opening or between the rear opening 10 and the valve of the active vent 13. Such post-filters may be configured to allow ambient sound to pass therethrough and additionally configured to block contaminants from entering the space between the post-filter and the vent. To prevent contaminants from bypassing the filter, the post-filter may be made of a flexible material. For example, the post-filter may be made of a woven material or a foam material. When the receiver housing 25 is secured within the ear mold, the post-filter creates a separation between the interior of the ear mold and the exterior accessible to contaminants.

In fig. 4B it is illustrated how the ear mould 3 and the support structure 29 in the form of a stationary tip 35 are assembled to create an assembly ready for insertion into a receiver housing, resulting in the hearing device component 1 shown in fig. 4A. The custom ear mold 3, which is shaped to fit a portion of the user's ear canal, is attached to the softer fixed tip 35, for example, using an adhesive such as glue. The fixation tip includes a front opening configured such that the receiver housing 25 may be inserted therein.

Fig. 5A and 5B schematically illustrate hearing device components according to some embodiments.

In fig. 5A, an ear mold 3 is shown in a cross-section, which may be part of an in-ear (ITE) piece 1 of a hearing device. The connector 21 connects the receiver 11 arranged in the receiver housing 25 in the ear mould 3 to another component of the hearing device, such as a BTE component. The ear mold 3 has an elongated shape and is configured for being at least partially placed within the ear canal of an intended user. The earmold may be made of a hard material such as a hard polymer or metal, or a soft material such as a rubbery polymer such as acrylic, and may be molded to have an external shape at least partially conforming to the shape of the ear canal of a particular user.

The ear mold 3 has a front end 5 with a front opening 9, a rear end 7 opposite the front end with a rear opening 10, and an intermediate part 8. The rear end of the ear mold 3 in fig. 5A is not closed to the outside of the ear mold, so that the ear mold has an open housing structure.

The ear mould is configured such that the front end may be positioned to face the tympanic membrane of the ear canal of the user during use of the hearing device. The receiver housing 25 is arranged within the ear mould such that sound generated by the receiver will leave the ear mould via the front opening 9 at the front end. A front filter may be positioned at the front opening to reduce the amount of contaminants that may enter through the front opening.

The receiver housing 25 is held in the ear mold by a support structure comprising a plurality of support structures 41, 43. The first support structure 41 extends from the inner wall 27 closer to the rear end than to the front end. Having the support structure mainly towards the rear end of the ear mold saves space at the front of the ear mold, which is advantageous, because the space available at the front is usually more limited than at the rear. This may reduce the insertion depth of the ear mold in the ear canal of the user and/or make it more difficult to obtain a good fit of the ear mold in the ear canal if the front portion of the ear mold has to be made larger.

The first support structure 41 may be manufactured as a 3D print together with the ear mold 3 and may be made of the same material as that used for the ear mold 3. A portion of the first support structure 41 has a shape that allows the receiver housing 25 to fit therein, but is made slightly larger than necessary so that the receiver housing 25 will fit even if there is a small deviation in printing due to, for example, low fidelity printing resolution. The first support structure is made to surround the receiver housing and provide a visual indication of proper attachment into the ear mold.

Optionally, the second support structure 41 is made of a softer material than the material used to make the ear mold. Either or both of the first support structure 41 and the second structure 43 may be made of a material that is softer than the material used to make the ear mold, or at least the material that is softer than the material used to make the intermediate component of the ear mold. The first and second support structures may have different stiffness, i.e. the first support structure may have a different stiffness than the second support structure-even though both the first and second support structures are softer than the material used for the ear mold, or at least softer than the material used for the intermediate part of the ear mold.

The second support structure 43 is shaped as a ring that fits within a groove in the first support structure 35. Optionally, the second support structure is configured to provide some resilience when the receiver housing 25 is inserted into the support structure and to provide the holding force necessary to hold the receiver housing within the ear mold. The second support structure 43 may also be configured to allow the receiver housing to be removed from the support structure.

Optionally, the hearing device comprises a soft material at the front opening 9, into which the receiver housing 25 or the active vent 13 coupled to the receiver housing is inserted, the soft material being configured to provide elasticity during insertion. The soft material at the front opening may be configured to allow the receiver housing to be removed from the ear mold if desired. The soft material at the front opening 9 may be a stationary tip and thus be part of the support structure. The fixation tip 35 shown in fig. 5A is smaller than the fixation tips shown in fig. 4A and 4B.

The receiver housing 25 has an active vent 13 coupled thereto, which may be, for example, an active vent receiver, with the active vent being built into the receiver. In order for the active vent to function satisfactorily, the soft material at the front opening is configured to provide an acoustic seal between the user's ear canal and the interior space of the ear mold that opens to the exterior of the user's ear canal. This allows ambient sound to pass from the external environment to the user's ear canal when the valve within the active vent is in the open state and blocks ambient sound from entering the user's ear canal when the valve is in the closed state.

In addition, the soft material at the front opening 9 may be configured to allow a certain mobility of the receiver housing and the active vent in the ear mold, which increases the comfort for the user when wearing the hearing device.

In fig. 5B, a view is shown towards the rear end 7 of the ear mold 3 shown in fig. 5A. The first support structure 41 and the second support structure 43 are shown without insertion into the receiver housing, so that the 3D structure is better visualized together with fig. 5A.

Fig. 6A and 6B schematically illustrate hearing device components according to some embodiments.

In fig. 6A, an ear mold 3 is shown in a cross-section, which may be part of an in-ear (ITE) piece 1 of a hearing device. The connector 21 connects the receiver 11 arranged in the receiver housing 25 in the ear mould 3 to another component of the hearing device, such as a BTE component. The ear mold 3 has an elongated shape and is configured for being at least partially placed within the ear canal of an intended user. The ear mold 3 and the receiver housing 25 may be substantially as described above in connection with fig. 5A, and the receiver may be an active vent receiver.

The receiver housing 25 is held in the ear mold by a support structure. The support structure 29 extends from the inner wall 27 closer to the rear end than to the front end and comprises a softer material than the material of the intermediate part used to make the ear mold. The support structure may be attached to the ear mold using an adhesive, such as glue. Having the support structure mainly towards the rear end of the ear mold saves space at the front of the ear mold, which is advantageous, because the space available at the front is usually more limited than at the rear. This may reduce the insertion depth of the ear mold in the ear canal of the user and/or make it more difficult to obtain a good fit of the ear mold in the ear canal if the front portion of the ear mold has to be made larger.

The support structure 29 has a shape that allows a portion of the wired connection 21 to fit therein. The support structure 29 is configured such that it will provide resilience allowing the wired connection 21 to be inserted therein, but is also configured such that once inserted, the support structure will provide a retaining force to retain the wired connection 21 such that the receiver housing is held in place within the ear mold.

The structure disposed at the front portion 5 of the ear mold holds the receiver housing or active vent coupled to the receiver housing in place at or near the front opening 9, such as but not limited to at or near the soft material at the front opening 9 as described above.

Alternatively, the embodiment in fig. 6A shows an embodiment in which the support structure comprises a plurality of support structures. The first support structure 41 extends from the inner wall 27 closer to the rear end than to the front end and can be manufactured as a 3D print together with the ear mold 3 and can be made of the same material as used for the ear mold 3, which then has to provide sufficient elasticity for the wired connection to be inserted into the first support structure 41. The second support structure 43 is arranged at the front end 5 of the ear mold and comprises a material which is optionally softer than the material used for making the ear mold. The second support structure 43 may be a fixed tip and may be configured to provide an acoustic seal between the user's ear canal and the interior space of the ear mold.

Fig. 6B shows a view towards the rear end 7 of the ear mold 3 shown in fig. 6A to show another view of the (first) support structure 29, 41, wherein the wired connection 21 is held in the support structure such that the receiver housing 25 is held in place in the ear mold 3.

Fig. 7A and 7B schematically illustrate hearing device components according to some embodiments.

In fig. 7A, an ear mold 3 is shown in a cross-section, which may be part of an in-ear (ITE) piece 1 of a hearing device. The connector 21 connects the receiver 11 arranged in the receiver housing 25 in the ear mould 3 to another component of the hearing device, such as a BTE component. The ear mold 3 has an elongated shape and is configured for being at least partially placed within the ear canal of an intended user. The earmold may be made of a hard material, such as a hard polymer or metal, or a softer material, such as a rubbery polymer, such as acrylic, and may be molded to have an outer shape that at least partially conforms to the shape of the ear canal of a particular user.

The ear mold 3 has a front end 5 with a front opening 9, a rear end 7 opposite the front end with a rear opening 10, and an intermediate part 8. The rear end of the ear mold 3 in fig. 7A is not closed to the outside of the ear mold, so that the ear mold has an open housing structure.

The ear mould 3 is configured such that the front end 5 can be positioned to face the tympanic membrane of the user's ear canal during use of the hearing device. The receiver housing 25 is arranged within the ear mould such that sound generated by the receiver will leave the ear mould via the front opening 9 at the front end. A front filter may be positioned at the front opening to reduce the amount of contaminants that may enter through the front opening.

The receiver housing 25 is held in the ear mold by a support structure 29. The support structure 29 may extend from the inner wall 27 and be arranged closer to the rear end 7 than to the front end 5 of the ear mold. The support structure may be attached to the ear mold using known methods, such as using an adhesive, e.g., glue. Having the support structure mainly towards the rear end of the ear mold saves space at the front of the ear mold, which is advantageous, because the space available at the front is usually more limited than at the rear. This may reduce the insertion depth of the ear mold in the ear canal of the user and/or make it more difficult to obtain a good fit of the ear mold in the ear canal if the front portion of the ear mold has to be made larger.

The support structure 29 shown in fig. 7A and 7B is made of a flexible material that can be stretched to accommodate the receiver housing 25 during and after insertion of the receiver housing into the ear mold 3. The support structure 29 may be made of or at least include the following: a softer material than the material used to make the ear mold, or at least a softer material than the material used to make the intermediate member of the ear mold.

The support structure is shaped to cover a portion of the receiver housing from which the wired connection 21 extends and has an aperture through which the wired connection extends. The wired connection 21 extends from the end of the elongated receiver housing 25 facing away from the front end 5 of the ear mold and the support structure 29 is shaped to fit over this end and in addition extends a distance along the receiver housing so as to form a cavity shaped to fit over the end of the receiver housing. The flexible support structure 29 is configured to provide some elasticity when the receiver housing 25 is inserted into the ear mold and to provide the holding force necessary to hold the receiver housing within the ear mold.

The wired connection 21 may be permanently fixed to the receiver housing 25 or removably attached to the receiver housing, for example using a known wired interface. If the wired connection is fixed to the receiver housing 25, the other end of the wired connection must be removably attached in order for the receiver housing to be removably disposed in the ear mold. If the wired connection 21 is removably attached to the receiver housing 25, the housing may be inserted into an ear mold and secured in a support structure before the wired connection 21 is attached to the housing 25.

The support structure 29 may be configured to secure the receiver housing 25 alone in place within the ear mold, i.e., even when a wired connection is not present, or a wired connection extending through an aperture in the support structure may help hold the receiver housing 25 in place by restricting movement of the receiver housing 25.

Optionally, the hearing device comprises a soft material at the front opening 9, into which the receiver housing 25 or the active vent 13 coupled to the receiver housing is inserted, the soft material being configured to provide elasticity during insertion. The soft material at the front opening may be configured to allow the receiver housing to be removed from the ear mold if desired. The soft material at the front opening 9 may be a stationary tip, as discussed elsewhere, and thus be part of the support structure.

The receiver housing 25 shown in fig. 7A has an active vent 13 coupled thereto, for example it may be an active vent receiver with the active vent built into the receiver. In a preferred embodiment, in which the front opening is made of a soft material, in order for the active vent to function satisfactorily, the soft material at the front opening is configured to provide an acoustic seal between the user's ear canal and the interior space of the ear mold that opens to the exterior of the user's ear canal. This allows ambient sound to pass from the external environment to the user's ear canal when the valve within the active vent is in the open state and blocks ambient sound from entering the user's ear canal when the valve is in the closed state.

In addition, in an optional embodiment, wherein the front opening 9 is made of a softer material than the ear mold, the soft material at the front opening 9 may be configured to allow a certain mobility of the receiver housing and the active vent within the ear mold, which increases the comfort for the user when wearing the hearing device.

Fig. 7B shows a view towards the rear end 7 of the ear mold 3 shown in fig. 7A to show another view of the support structure 29, wherein the receiver housing 25 is held by the support structure 29 such that the housing is held in place within the ear mold 3. The wired connection 21 extends through a hole in the support structure 29.

Fig. 8A and 8B schematically illustrate hearing device components according to some embodiments.

In fig. 8A, an ear mold 3 is shown in a cross-section, which may be part of an in-ear (ITE) piece 1 of a hearing device. The connector 21 connects the receiver 11 arranged in the receiver housing 25 in the ear mould 3 to another component of the hearing device, such as a BTE component. The ear mold 3 has an elongated shape and is configured for being at least partially placed within the ear canal of an intended user. The earmold may be made of a hard material, such as a hard polymer or metal, or a softer material, such as a rubbery polymer, such as acrylic, and may be molded to have an outer shape that at least partially conforms to the shape of the ear canal of a particular user.

The ear mold 3 has a front end 5 with a front opening 9, a rear end 7 opposite the front end with a rear opening 10, and an intermediate part 8. The rear end of the ear mold 3 in fig. 8A is not closed to the outside of the ear mold, so that the ear mold has an open housing structure.

The receiver housing 25 is held in the ear mold by a support structure 29. Optionally, the support structure 29 comprises a flexible material that is softer than the material used to make the ear mold 3. The support structure 29 is made of a flexible material that can be stretched to accommodate the receiver housing 25 during and after insertion of the receiver housing into the ear mold 3. The flexible support structure 29 is configured to provide some elasticity when the receiver housing 25 is inserted into the ear mold and to provide the holding force necessary to hold the receiver housing 25 within the ear mold 3.

The support structure 29 extends from the inner wall 27 of the ear mold and a portion thereof forms a tube that mates with the receiver housing 25. The tubular shape is sized to fit snugly around the elongated body of the receiver housing 25 and thereby create a retention force. The support structure 29 may be attached to the ear mold 3 using known methods, such as using an adhesive, e.g. glue. The tubular support structure 29 may be arranged mainly towards the rear end of the ear mould to save space at the front of the ear mould. The support structure 29 may be configured to allow the receiver housing 25 to be removed from the ear mold 3 if desired.

The receiver housing 25 shown in fig. 8A has an active vent 13 coupled thereto, for example it may be an active vent receiver with the active vent built into the receiver. In order for the active vent to function satisfactorily, a portion of the support structure at or near the front opening 9 is configured to provide an acoustic seal between the user's ear canal and the interior space of the ear mold that opens to the exterior of the user's ear canal. This allows ambient sound to pass from the external environment to the user's ear canal when the valve within the active vent is in the open state and blocks ambient sound from entering the user's ear canal when the valve is in the closed state. In addition, the support structure 29 has one or more fluid openings 45 positioned and configured to allow a fluid, such as air, to pass through so that the support structure 29 does not interfere with the function of the active vent 13.

Additionally, in an optional embodiment in which the support structure 29 is made of a softer material than the ear mold, the flexible and soft support structure 29 may allow for some mobility of the receiver housing 25 and the active vent 13 within the ear mold, which increases the comfort for the user when wearing the hearing device.

Fig. 8B shows a view towards the rear end 7 of the ear mold 3 to show another view of the support structure 29 without the insertion of the receiver housing 25, so that the 3D structure of the support structure is better visualized together with fig. 8A.

Fig. 9 schematically illustrates a hearing device component in a cross-sectional view, according to some embodiments. An ear mould 3 is shown, which may be part of an in-the-ear (ITE) component 1 of a hearing device. The ear mold 3 has an elongated shape and is configured for being at least partially placed within the ear canal of an intended user. The earmold may be made of a hard material, such as a hard polymer or metal, or a softer material, such as a rubbery polymer, such as acrylic, and may be molded to have an outer shape that at least partially conforms to the shape of the ear canal of a particular user.

The ear mold 3 has a front end 5 with a front opening 9, a rear end 7 opposite the front end with a rear opening 10, and an intermediate part 8. The rear end of the ear mold 3 is not closed to the outside of the ear mold so that the ear mold has an open housing structure.

The ear mould 3 is configured such that the front end 5 can be positioned to face the tympanic membrane of the user's ear canal during use of the hearing device. The receiver housing 25 is arranged within the ear mould such that sound generated by the receiver will leave the ear mould via the front opening 9 at the front end. A front filter 15 is positioned at the front opening 9 to reduce the amount of contaminants that may enter through the front opening.

The receiver housing 25 is held in the ear mold by a support structure 29. The support structure 29 is optionally made of a softer material than the material used to make the ear mold 3. The support structure 29 is made of a material that can be stretched to accommodate the receiver housing 25 during and after insertion of the receiver housing into the ear mold 3. The support structure 29 is positioned inside the ear mold at the front end 5 and close to the front opening 9. The support structure 29 is shaped to accommodate a portion of the active vent 13 that is coupled to the receiver housing 25 and configured to hold the active vent and thus the receiver housing 25 in place within the ear mold 3.

The support structure 29 may be attached to the ear mold 3 using known methods, such as using an adhesive, e.g., glue, and if desired, the support structure 29 may be configured to allow the receiver housing 25 to be removed from the ear mold 3.

The ear mold 3 further comprises a flexible and resilient element 37 configured to cushion the abutment of the receiver housing 25 against the inner wall of the ear mold 3. The flexible and resilient element may be, for example, a foam material. The cushioning arrangement by the flexible and resilient element is configured to allow the receiver housing 25 to move within the ear mold, such as when the user speaks or chews, which provides increased comfort to the user of the hearing device. The flexible and resilient element 37 may be attached to the receiver housing using straps secured around the receiver housing 25. The flexible and elastic element 37 may be made removable, for example by making it possible to remove the belt on which the element is attached. In this way, the flexible and elastic element 37 can be withdrawn from the ear mold 3 and cleaned or replaced, if desired.

The flexible and resilient element 37 may additionally be configured to act as a rear filter 17 and may be arranged so as to be positioned at the rear opening or between the rear opening 10 and the valve of the active vent 13. To prevent contaminants from bypassing the post-filter 17, the post-filter may be made of a flexible material such as a woven material or a foam material. When the receiver housing 25 is secured within the ear mold 3, the post-filter 17 forms a separation between the interior space of the ear mold 3 and the exterior of the ear mold where contaminants may reach. The post-filter 17 is configured so as to be acoustically open so that the function of the active vent is not compromised and the system will appear acoustically as a fully open vent ear mold when the valve is in the open state.

Fig. 10A and 10B schematically illustrate a receiver housing 25 including an interlocking element 39 and a portion of a support structure 29, according to some embodiments.

Fig. 10A shows a receiver housing 25 comprising an interlocking element 39 having a cylindrical shape. One end of the cylindrical shape is attached to the receiver housing 25, and the other end of the cylindrical shape has a stopper. The wired connection 21 extends from the interlocking element 39 and connects to the receiver through the center of the cylindrical shape.

Also shown is a portion of a support structure 29 that includes a cutout shaped to fit around the cylindrical shape of the interlocking element 39. The support structure 29 is coupled to the ear mold, such as to an inner wall of the ear mold.

The interlocking element 39 and the support structure 29 are configured to interlock with each other. When the cylindrical shape of the interlocking element 39 is introduced into the cutout of the support structure, the interlocking element and the support structure interlock with each other and the stop on the interlocking element helps to hold the receiver housing in place relative to the support structure 29.

Fig. 10B shows a receiver housing 25 that includes an interlocking element 39. The interlocking element 39 is part of, or attached to, one end of the receiver housing 25. The interlocking element 39 comprises a hole extending through the interlocking element in a direction substantially parallel to the end face of the receiver housing 25. The wired connection 21 extends from the receiver housing 25 and may extend through a portion of the interlocking element 39.

Also shown is the portion of the support structure 29 shaped to fit within the aperture of the interlocking element 39. The support structure 29 is coupled to the ear mold, for example to an inner wall of the ear mold.

The interlocking element 39 and the support structure 29 are thus configured to interlock with each other. The receiver housing 25 may be attached to the support structure 29 by applying a force to push the interlocking element 39 onto the support structure 29 such that the portion of the support structure 29 that fits into the aperture of the interlocking element 39. In this way, the receiver housing 25 is held in place relative to the support structure 29.

Fig. 11 schematically illustrates a hearing device according to some embodiments in a cross-sectional view.

In fig. 11, a cross-sectional view of an ITE hearing device 1 comprising an ear mold 3 is shown. The ear mold 3 has an elongated shape and is configured for placement at least partially within the ear canal of an intended user and may be customized to that user by being shaped to conform to the ear canal of the particular user. The ear mould is made of a hard material, such as a hard polymer, which increases the comfort for many users during use of the hearing device.

The ear mold 3 has a front end 5 with a front opening 9, a rear end 7 opposite the front end with a rear opening 10, and an intermediate part 8. The rear end of the ear mold 3 is closed to the outside of the ear mold by a panel 19 having a door to a battery compartment in which a battery 47 is accommodated.

The ear mould 3 is configured such that the front end can be positioned to face the tympanic membrane of the user's ear canal during use of the hearing device. The receiver housing 25 comprises a receiver 11 and is arranged within the ear mould such that sound generated by the receiver will leave the ear mould through the active vent 13 and through the front opening 9 at the front end. A front filter may be positioned at the front opening to reduce the amount of contaminants that may enter through the front opening. The receiver housing 25 may include various electronics, and further electronics 49 may be disposed inside the ear mold 3 outside the receiver housing 25.

The ear mold 3 is configured with a sound channel extending between the front opening 9 and the rear end 7 to allow air to flow between the front opening and the exterior of the ear mold.

The active vent 13 is positioned between the active openings and includes a valve. The valve allows the active vent to have an open state and a closed state, wherein the valve provides fluid connection through the acoustic channel in the open state, and wherein the valve blocks fluid connection through the acoustic channel in the closed state. Thereby, when the valve in the vent is closed, movement of air between the front opening 9 and the outside of the ear mold is hindered during use of the ear mold. Conversely, opening the valve allows air to move through the acoustic channel. The receiver and the active vent may be integrated in the active vent receiver.

The receiver housing 25 is held in the ear mold by a support structure 29 extending from the inner wall 27. Having the support structure more towards the rear end of the ear mold than the front saves space at the front of the ear mold, which is advantageous because the space available at the front is generally more limited than at the rear. This may reduce the insertion depth of the ear mold in the ear canal of the user and/or make it more difficult to obtain a good fit of the ear mold in the ear canal if the front portion of the ear mold has to be made larger.

The support structure 29 is shaped as a disc, i.e. it has a flat shape, and in the embodiment shown in fig. 11 is coupled to the inner wall 27 around its outer circumference. There is an aperture in the disc-shaped support structure 29 in which the receiver housing 25 is retained. A disc-shaped support structure 29 is positioned between the active vent 13 and the panel 19.

The faceplate 19 and the disc-shaped support structure 29 each have one or more fluid openings 45 that form part of a sound channel that allows air to flow from outside the ear canal to the part of the interior of the ear mould that includes the active vent during use of the hearing device.

Optionally, the support structure 29 is at least partially made of a softer material than the material used to make the ear mold 3 and may be configured to allow some movement of the receiver housing 25. This freedom of the receiver housing 25 within the ear mold 3 may provide greater comfort to the user during use.

In an optional embodiment, in which the support structure 29 is made of a softer material than the ear mold, the hearing device may comprise a soft material at the front opening 9, into which the receiver housing 25 or the active vent 13 coupled thereto is inserted, the soft material being configured to provide elasticity during insertion. The soft material at the front opening may be part of a support structure that holds the receiver housing 25 in place within the ear mold 3. In addition, the soft material at the front opening may be configured to provide an acoustic seal between the user's ear canal and the interior space of the ear mold.

In an optional embodiment in which the support structure 29 is made of a softer material than the ear mold, the support structure 29, the soft material at the front opening, the receiver housing 25, and the faceplate may each be configured to allow the receiver housing to be removed from the ear mold, if desired. The receiver housing 25 may also be disconnected from the further electronics 49 of the hearing device 1. In some embodiments, the support structure 29, the soft material at the front opening and the faceplate 19 may all be removably attached to the ear mold 3 to allow a person, such as a user, a hearing aid fitter or a technician, to replace a portion of the hearing device.

Fig. 12 schematically illustrates a hearing device according to some embodiments in a cross-sectional view.

In fig. 12, a cross-sectional view of an ITE hearing device comprising an ear mold 3 similar to that shown in fig. 11 is shown. In the embodiment shown in fig. 12, the fluid openings 45 in the panel 19 and the fluid openings 45 in the disc-shaped support structure 29 are connected by fluid pipes 51. Each fluid tube 51 extends between a fluid opening in the panel 19 and a fluid opening in the disc-shaped support structure 29. By having the fluid tube 51, sound propagating from the outside of the ear mould 1 during use of the hearing device is guided to the part of the inside of the ear mould comprising the active vent 13. In addition, by having the fluid tube 51, any sound originating from the interior of the ear mold 3 in the space between the faceplate 19 and the disc-shaped support structure 29 may be suppressed such that the sound is reduced or removed before propagating to the active vent 13.

Claims

1. An in-the-ear ITE component (1) configured for placement at least partially within an ear canal of a user, the ITE component (1) comprising:

a connector (21) configured for coupling to a BTE component configured to be worn behind a pinna of a user, and

hollow ear mould (3), comprising:

A front end (5), a rear end (7) and a hollow cavity (23), the ear mold being configured such that the front end (5) is oriented towards the tympanic membrane of the user during use,

the front end (5) comprises a front opening (9), the front opening (9) comprises a front filter (15), and

the rear end (7) comprises a rear opening (10),

the ITE component (1) further comprises:

a receiver (11) arranged in said hollow cavity (23),

a sound channel extending between the front opening (9) and the rear end (7) and configured to allow a fluid connection between the front opening (9) and the outside of the hollow ear mold (3),

an active vent (13) comprising a valve positioned at the front end (5) and configured to have an open state and a closed state, wherein the valve in the open state provides a fluid connection through the acoustic channel, wherein the valve in the closed state blocks the fluid connection through the acoustic channel, and

a rear filter (17) is arranged at the rear opening or in the hollow cavity and between the rear opening and the valve of the active vent.

2. The ITE component (1) according to claim 1, wherein said ear mold is a hard ear mold.

3. The ITE component (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said ear mould is made of acrylic.

4. The ITE component (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the rear end of said ear mould is an open shell structure.

5. The ITE component (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said post-filter comprises a filter mesh or a reticulated foam filter.

6. The ITE component (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said ITE component further comprises a panel (19) attached to the rear end of said ear mold.

7. The ITE component (1) according to claim 6, wherein said panel is removably attached to said ear mold.

8. The ITE component (1) according to any one of claims 6 or 7, wherein said post-filter is incorporated in said panel.

9. The ITE component (1) according to any one of claims 6-8, wherein said post-filter is removably incorporated in said panel.

10. The ITE component (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said receiver is configured to be removably arranged within said ear mold.

11. The ITE component (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said receiver comprises a receiver body (25) to which said post-filter is removably attached, and said post-filter is configured to contact one or more inner walls (27) of said hollow ear mold.

12. The ITE piece (1) according to claim 11, wherein said post-filter surrounds said receiver body.

13. The ITE component (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said ear mould further comprises a filter retaining element (31) extending from a portion of said ear mould, said filter retaining element being configured to secure said post-filter.

14. The ITE component (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said valve is positioned between said receiver (11) and said front opening (9).

15. A hearing device comprising:

the ITE component (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, and

a BTE component configured to be worn behind a pinna of a user,

wherein the ITE component (1) is coupled to the BTE component via a connector (21).