CN116896702A - hearing device - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a hearing device comprising: ear mold (3), comprising: a front end (5), a rear end (7), and an intermediate portion (8) arranged between the front end and the rear end, the front end (5) comprising a front opening (9) and the rear end (7) comprising a rear opening (10), wherein the ear mold is configured such that the front end (5) is arranged to face the tympanic membrane of a user during use, the hearing device further comprising: a receiver housing (25) disposed at least partially within the ear mold, and a support structure (35) configured to hold the receiver housing (29) in place within the ear mold, wherein the support structure comprises a softer material than a material used to fabricate a middle portion of the ear mold.

Description

Hearing device

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a hearing device comprising an ear mould. The hearing device further comprises a receiver housing at least partially disposed within the ear mold, and a support structure configured to hold the receiver housing in place within the ear mold, wherein at least a portion of the support structure comprises a material softer than a material used to fabricate the middle portion of the ear mold.

Background

Some hearing devices have an ear mold that is at least partially placed within the ear canal of the user of the hearing device. This enables the receiver (i.e. the speaker unit) within the ear mould to be arranged relatively close to the tympanic membrane of the ear canal during use.

Wearing the ear mold may be uncomfortable for the user for various reasons, such as occlusion of the ear mold in the ear canal of the user, poor fit, etc.

In addition, it is expected that the production of the commodity will be more sustainable.

Accordingly, there is a need for an improved hearing device comprising an ear mold.

It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved hearing device comprising an ear mould.

It is a further object to provide an improved ear mold for a hearing device.

It is a further object to provide a hearing device comprising an improved ear mold.

Disclosure of Invention

A hearing device is provided that includes an ear mold. The ear mold includes a front end, a rear end opposite the front end, and a middle portion disposed between the front end and the rear end. The front end includes a front opening and the rear end includes a rear opening. The ear mold is configured to position the front end toward the tympanic membrane of the user during use. The hearing device further includes a receiver housing at least partially disposed within the ear mold, and a support structure configured to hold the receiver housing in place within the ear mold. At least a portion of the support structure comprises a softer material than the material used to make the intermediate portion of the ear mold. In some embodiments, the entire support structure is made of a softer material than the material used to make the middle portion of the ear mold.

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

By softer material than another material, it is meant that the indentation hardness measured is a lower value. For example, the hardness of the material in the middle portion of the earmold and the support structure may be determined according to 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., at least a portion of the ear mold has been shaped to fit the ear canal of a particular user. Molding the ear into a hard shell makes the ear mold more comfortable for the user and 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 portion, is configured to at least partially fit at least a portion of the user's ear canal. In some embodiments, the middle portion 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. Making the support structure of a softer material than the ear mold allows compensating for deviations in the manufacturing process (e.g. low fidelity printing resolution), i.e. the ear mold itself is not soft enough for the receiver housing to be inserted into the ear mold and thus does not provide elasticity during insertion, and wherein even minor deviations in the manufacturing process may make the receiver housing difficult or impossible to insert, especially if the receiver housing is removable.

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 as needed or desired. For example, if the receiver is defective, or as part of an update or upgrade of the hearing device, the receiver may be replaced. Removable receivers in a hearing device may extend the usable life 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, thus making the production and maintenance of the hearing device more sustainable. Even if a part of the hearing device, such as the receiver housing, needs to be replaced, the user can leave a very adapted ear mold. In addition, when the ear mold is difficult to fit to a user, the ear mold may be partially replaced.

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

The receiver housing may include a receiver. The receiver housing may include electronic components. The receiver in the ear mould of the hearing device is configured such that sound generated by the receiver passes through the front opening of the ear mould. In this way, the receiver is able to deliver sound to the ear canal of the user.

The anterior opening may include an anterior filter configured to prevent contaminants from entering the earmold through the anterior opening. The contaminants may be, for example, moisture, dust, hair, oily substances (such as cerumen), i.e. the pre-filter may be a cerumen mesh. The pre-filter may be removable so as to be replaceable when required.

The support structure may be arranged in various ways for the purpose of holding the receiver housing in place in the ear mold. In some embodiments, the support structure comprises a plurality of support structures. The support structure may be configured to allow movement of the receiver housing, for example when the user speaks or chews, which increases comfort for the user of the hearing device.

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 contained in the front opening. In some embodiments, the support structure includes a stationary tip attached to the anterior 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 in various sizes as standard pieces. 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 receiver housing against an inner wall of the ear mold. The flexible and resilient member may comprise a foam material. The cushioning of the flexible and resilient element enables the receiver housing to move, such as when the user speaks or chews, which increases the comfort for the user of the hearing device.

At least a portion of the support structure contained in the front opening may comprise a softer material than the intermediate portion, 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.

The active vent includes a valve and 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. Thus, in some embodiments, the sound channel extends between the front opening and the rear end and is configured to allow a fluid connection between the front opening and the exterior of the ear mold. The active valve forms at least a portion of the acoustic path.

Thus, the sound channel will allow a fluid, such as air or liquid, to flow between the front opening and the outside of the ear canal during use of the hearing device. Thus, when in an open state, a fluid, such as air, is allowed to pass through the hearing device between the surroundings and the ear canal of the user. Conversely, in the closed state, the fluid is blocked from passing through the sound channel.

The active vent may be configured to be controlled by a vent control device included in the hearing device. An active vent may be disposed between the receiver and the front opening. The active vent may be arranged such that sound generated by the receiver passes through the vent. The active vent may be contained within the receiver housing or incorporated into the receiver housing. By coupled is meant that the active vent and the receiver housing are physically coupled, such as being coupled as an active vent receiver. In some embodiments, the active vent is held in place within the ear mold by at least a portion of the support structure. If the active vent is coupled to the receiver housing, holding the active vent in place within the ear mold will hold the receiver housing in place within 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 receiver or receiver housing includes a wired connection configured to connect the receiver electronics with other parts of the hearing device, such as with a Behind The Ear (BTE) portion. In some embodiments, the support structure is configured to at least partially surround the wired connection. The portion of the receiver housing from which the wired connection extends may include a structure configured to connect with a support structure.

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 coupled to the receiver housing includes an interlocking element configured to interconnect with at least a portion of the support structure.

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 space available in the ear mold. In particular, some receiver housings have a relatively large diameter of the spout through which sound exits the receiver housing, i.e., a relatively large diameter of the structure. Such as an active vent receiver having an active vent contained in a receiver housing, may have a larger spout diameter. The design of the ear mold is challenged by the space available in 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 reduce its fit within the ear canal. Placing the support structure at the rear end of the ear mold or mainly at the rear end of the ear mold may save space in front of the ear mold compared to fixing the receiver housing at the front end. Advantageously, the soft material that provides an acoustic seal between the receiver housing and the ear mold at the front opening is combined with a support structure that provides the necessary force at the intermediate portion or rear end to hold the receiver housing in place.

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

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 the receiver housing some freedom of movement within the ear mold. This will allow the receiver housing to move in response to forces acting on the ear mold (e.g., during movement of the user's chin) 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 bonded to the ear mold only at the front opening (possibly via an active vent). In some embodiments, the receiver housing is bonded to the ear mold only at the front opening (possibly via an active vent) and is disposed furthest from the front opening at a portion of the receiver housing.

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 pinna of the user, that is to say 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 a wire connection, e.g. a binaural hearing aid system.

The hearing device may be audible, such as an earphone, 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-wearable hearing device. The hearing devices may include both prescription-type devices and over-the-counter-type devices.

The hearing devices may be embodied 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, or in-the-ear Ventilation Receiver (VRIE) 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 a 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 contained 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 contained in the ITE unit, which is coupled to the BTE unit via a connector cable or wire configured to transfer electrical signals between the BTE and ITE units.

Some of these form factors are in-ear (ITE) hearing devices, full-canal (CIC) hearing devices, or in-ear hidden form (IIC) hearing devices. These hearing devices may include an ITE unit, where the ITE unit 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 unit may comprise a housing having a shell made of a hard material (such as a hard polymer or metal) or a soft material (such as a rubber-like polymer) molded to an external shape that fits the shape of the specific user's ear canal.

Some of these form factors are earplugs, on-ear headphones, or over-the-ear headphones. Those skilled in the art are aware of different kinds of hearing devices and different options for arranging the hearing devices in, on, above and/or at the ear of the wearer of the hearing device. The hearing devices (or pair of hearing devices) may be custom fitted, standard fitted, open fitted and/or occlusion fitted.

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 a motorized antenna. The motorized antenna may be configured to wirelessly communicate at a first frequency. The first frequency may be above 800MHz, preferably a wavelength 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 include 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 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 conversation.

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

In some embodiments, the hearing device may include a processing unit. The processing unit may be configured to process the first electrical input signal(s) and/or the second electrical input signal. 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 single signal processing chip or Printed Circuit Board (PCB). The processing unit may be configured to provide the first electrical output signal based on processing of the first electrical input signal(s) and/or the 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 electrical input signal(s) and/or the second electrical input signal.

In some embodiments, the hearing device may include an output transducer. The output transducer may be coupled to a processing unit. The output transducer may be a receiver. Note that in this context, the receiver may be a loudspeaker 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 earpiece of the hearing device, such as an in-ear Receiver (RIE) unit or a microphone and in-ear receiver (MaRIE) unit. One or more of the input transducer(s) may be contained in the ITE unit or earpiece.

In some embodiments, 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 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 vent. The vent is a physical channel, such as a tube or pipe, that is primarily placed to provide pressure equalization for a housing placed in the ear, such as an ITE hearing device, ITE unit of a BTE hearing device, CIC hearing device, RIE hearing device, RIC hearing device, maRIE hearing device, or dome tip, or ear mold. The vent may be a pressure vent of smaller cross-sectional area, which is preferably acoustically sealed. The vent may be an acoustic vent configured to eliminate obstruction. The vent may be an active vent that enables the vent to be opened or closed during use of the hearing device. The active vent may include a valve.

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 the second voltage. The power supply may include a charging coil. The charging coil may be provided by a magnetic antenna.

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

In an embodiment, the receiver housing optionally includes one or more biometric sensors for detecting signals such as, but not limited to, pressure signals, heart rate signals, snore detection signals, and the like. Optionally, the receiver housing further comprises one or more movement sensors, e.g. a gyroscopic sensor, an acceleration sensor.

Throughout this text, the term "removable" is used with various components. It is noted that the term "removable" means that the component referred to with the term is intended to be removable and that the user or hearing care professional can remove/disassemble the component without using undue effort.

Drawings

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

fig. 1A and 1B schematically illustrate a hearing device according to some embodiments;

fig. 2A and 2B schematically illustrate a hearing device according to some embodiments;

fig. 3A and 3B schematically illustrate a hearing device according to some embodiments;

fig. 4A and 4B schematically illustrate a hearing device according to some embodiments;

fig. 5A and 5B schematically illustrate a hearing device according to some embodiments;

Fig. 6 schematically illustrates a hearing device according to some embodiments;

fig. 7A and 7B schematically illustrate a receiver housing including an interlocking element and a portion of a support structure, in accordance with some embodiments; and is also provided with

Fig. 8 schematically illustrates a hearing device according to some embodiments.

Reference numerals illustrate:

1 Hearing device section/ITE section

3. Ear mould

5. Front end

7. Rear end

8. Middle part

9. Front opening

10. Rear opening

11. Receiver with a receiver body

13. Active vent

15. Pre-filter

17. Post-filter

19. Panel board

21. Wired connection

25 receiver body/receiver housing

Inner wall of 27 ear mold

29 fixing element/support structure

31. Filter holding element

35. Fixed tip

37 foam/flexible and resilient element

39. Interlocking element

41. First support structure

43. Second support structure

45. Fluid opening

47. Battery cell

49. An electronic component.

Detailed Description

Various exemplary embodiments of the disclosed hearing devices are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The skilled person will understand that the drawings are schematic and simplified for clarity, whereby only details essential to an understanding of the invention are shown, while other details are omitted. Elements shown in the figures are not necessarily drawn to scale but are primarily intended to illustrate relative positions, orientations, and functions. Like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout. Accordingly, a detailed description of similar elements for each view is not necessary.

Fig. 1A and 1B schematically illustrate portions of a hearing device according to some embodiments in a cut-away view.

In fig. 1A an ear mould 3 is shown, which may be part of an in-the-ear (ITE) part 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 part of the hearing device, such as the BTE part. The ear mold 3 has an elongated shape and is configured to be placed at least partially 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 rubber-like polymer, such as acrylic) and may be molded to have an external shape that at least partially fits the shape of the ear canal of a particular user.

The ear mold 3 includes: a front end 5 having a front opening 9; a rear end 7 opposite the front end, having a rear opening 10; and an intermediate portion 8. The rear end of the ear mold 3 in fig. 1A is not closed to the outside of the ear mold, so that the ear mold has an open shell structure.

The ear mould is configured such that the front end can be arranged 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 can 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 or fixing element 29. The support structure 29 includes a fixation nib 35 attached to the front end of the ear mold and configured to secure the receiver housing 25 in place within the ear mold by interlocking with a portion of the receiver housing 25. The fixing element/support structure 29 may be configured such that the receiver may be removed when required and may be replaced later.

Optionally, the support structure 29 comprises a soft material at the front opening, which has several advantages, as it allows the support structure to be configured to: providing an acoustic seal between the user's ear canal and the interior space of the ear mold, providing a receiver housing removably attached in the support structure, and providing the receiver housing with some mobility within the ear mold 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 a fluid connection between the front opening and the outside of the ear canal. The ear mold 3 has an active vent 13 with a valve arranged between the receiver 11 and the front opening 9. Thus, when the valve in the vent is closed, fluid movement between the front opening 9 and the rear end 7 is impeded. Conversely, opening the valve allows fluid to pass 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 arranged between the rear opening 9 and the valve of the active vent 13. Such a post-filter may be configured to allow sound to pass through and further configured to block contaminants from entering the space between the post-filter and the vent. To prevent contaminants from bypassing the post-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 barrier between the interior of the ear mold and the exterior of the ear mold from which contaminants may enter.

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

Fig. 2A and 2B schematically illustrate portions of a hearing device according to some embodiments.

In fig. 2A, an ear mold 3 is shown in a cut-away view, which may be part of an in-the-ear (ITE) portion 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 part of the hearing device, such as the BTE part. The ear mold 3 has an elongated shape and is configured to be placed at least partially 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 rubber-like polymer, such as acrylic) and may be molded to have an external shape that at least partially fits the shape of the ear canal of a particular user.

The ear mold 3 includes: a front end 5 having a front opening 9; a rear end 7 having a rear opening 10 and opposite the front end; and an intermediate portion 8. The rear end of the ear mold 3 in fig. 2A is not closed to the outside of the ear mold, so that the ear mold has an open shell structure.

The ear mould is configured such that the front end can be arranged 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 disposed 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/fixation element 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 in front of the ear mold, which is advantageous, because the space available in front is usually more limited than in rear. If the front of the ear mold has to be made larger, this may reduce the insertion depth of the ear mold in the user's ear canal and/or make it more difficult to obtain a good fit of the ear mold in the ear canal.

The first support structure 41 may be manufactured in 3D printing 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 fits 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 visual guidance for 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 softer than the material used to make the middle portion of the ear mold. The first support structure and the second support structure may have different stiffness, i.e. the first support structure may have a different stiffness than the second support structure-even if both the first support structure and the second support structure are softer than the material used for manufacturing the ear mold, or at least softer than the material used for manufacturing the middle portion of the ear mold.

The second support structure 43 is formed as a ring which fits within a recess 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 necessary retention force to retain the receiver housing within the ear mold. The second support structure 41 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 for insertion of the receiver housing 25 or the active vent 13 coupled to the receiver housing, the soft material being configured to provide elasticity during the insertion process. The soft material at the front opening may be configured to allow the receiver housing to be removed from the ear mold when desired. The soft material at the front opening 9 may be a stationary tip and thus be part of the support structure. The fixed tip 35 shown in fig. 2A is smaller than that shown in fig. 1A and 1B.

The receiver housing 25 has an active vent 13 associated therewith, which may be, for example, an active vent receiver, wherein the active vent is 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 is open to the outside of the user's ear canal. This results in a sound channel, i.e. a fluid connection, between the front opening and the exterior of the user's ear canal when the valve in the active vent is in an open state, and prevents ambient sound from entering the user's ear canal when the valve is in a closed state.

Furthermore, 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 improves the comfort for the user when wearing the hearing device.

A post-filter (not shown) may be arranged to be located at the rear opening or between the rear opening 9 and the valve of the active vent 13. Such a post-filter may be configured to allow sound to pass, i.e. to allow a fluid connection between the front opening and the outside of the ear canal, and further configured to block contaminants from entering the space between the post-filter and the vent. To prevent contaminants from bypassing the post-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 barrier between the interior space of the ear mold and the exterior of the ear mold where contaminants may enter.

In fig. 2B, a view is shown towards the rear end 7 of the ear mold 3 shown in fig. 2A. The first support structure 41 and the second support structure 43 are shown without insertion into the receiver housing, whereby the 3D structure is better visualized together with fig. 2A.

Fig. 3A and 3B schematically illustrate portions of a hearing device according to some embodiments.

In fig. 3A, an ear mold 3 is shown in a cut-away view, which may be part of an in-the-ear (ITE) portion 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 part of the hearing device, such as the BTE part. The ear mold 3 has an elongated shape and is configured to be placed at least partially within the ear canal of an intended user. The ear mold 3 and the receiver housing 25 may be substantially as described above with respect to fig. 2A, and the receiver may be an active vent receiver.

The receiver housing 25 is held in the ear mold by a support structure/fixing element. 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 intermediate portion of the ear mold from which it is made. 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 may save space in front of the ear mold, which is advantageous, because the space available in front is usually more limited than in the rear. This may reduce the insertion depth of the ear mold in the user's ear canal and/or make it more difficult to obtain a good fit of the ear mold in the ear canal if the front 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 to allow the wired connection 21 to be inserted therein, and such that once inserted, it will provide a retention 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 end 5 of the ear mold holds the receiver housing or active vents incorporated into the receiver housing in place at or near the front opening 9, such as, but not limited to, soft material at the front opening 9 as described above.

Alternatively, the embodiment in fig. 3A 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 in 3D printing together with the ear mold 3 and can be made of the same material as used for manufacturing the ear mold 3, and then sufficient elasticity must be provided in order to insert the wired connection 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 that is optionally softer than the material used for manufacturing 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. 3B shows a view towards the rear end 7 of the ear mold 3 to show another view of the (first) support structure 29, 41, wherein the wired connection 21 remains in the support structure such that the receiver housing 25 is held in place in the ear mold 3.

Fig. 4A and 4B schematically illustrate portions of a hearing device according to some embodiments.

In fig. 4A, an ear mold 3, which may be part of an in-the-ear (ITE) portion 1 of a hearing device, is shown in a cut-away view. The connector 21 connects the receiver 11 arranged in the receiver housing 25 in the ear mould 3 to another part of the hearing device, such as the BTE part. The ear mold 3 has an elongated shape and is configured to be placed at least partially 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 rubber-like polymer, such as acrylic) and may be molded to have an external shape that at least partially fits the shape of a particular user's ear canal.

The ear mold 3 includes: a front end 5 having a front opening 9; a rear end 7 opposite the front end, having a rear opening 10; and an intermediate portion 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 shell structure.

The ear mould 3 is configured such that the front end 5 may be arranged 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 leaves the ear mould via the front opening 9 at the front end. A pre-filter may be disposed 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/securing element 29. The support structure 29 extends from the inner wall 27 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, for example using an adhesive such as glue. Having the support structure mainly towards the rear end of the ear mold saves space in front of the ear mold, which is advantageous, because the space available in front is usually more limited than in the rear. If the front of the ear mold has to be made larger, this may reduce the insertion depth of the ear mold in the user's ear canal and/or make it more difficult to obtain a good fit of the ear mold in the ear canal.

The support structure 29 is made of a flexible material which can be stretched to accommodate the receiver housing 25 both during insertion of the receiver housing into the ear mold 3 and afterwards. The support structure 29 may be made of, or at least comprise, a material that is softer than the material used to make the ear mold, or at least softer than the material used to make the middle portion of the ear mold.

The support structure is formed to cover a portion of the receiver housing from which the wired connection 21 extends and has a hole through which the wired connection extends. The wired connection 21 extends from the end of the elongated receiver housing 25 that faces away from the front end 5 of the ear mold, and the support structure 29 is shaped to fit the end and extends further along the receiver housing to a degree to form a cavity shaped to fit the end of the receiver housing. The flexible support structure 29 is configured to provide a certain elasticity when the receiver housing 25 is inserted into the ear mold and to provide the necessary retention force 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 wire interface. If the wired connection is fixed to the receiver housing 25, the other end of the wired connection must be removably attached so that the receiver housing is 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 self-secure the receiver housing 25 in place within the ear mold, that is, even when a wired connection is not present, or a wired connection extending through an aperture in the support structure may assist in holding 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 for insertion of the receiver housing 25 or the active vent 13 coupled to the receiver housing, 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 when 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. 4A has an active vent 13 coupled thereto, which may be an active vent receiver, for example, in which the active vent is built into the receiver. In a preferred embodiment, the front opening is made of a soft material, the soft material at the front opening being configured to provide an acoustic seal between the user's ear canal and the interior space of the ear mold, which is open to the outside of the user's ear canal, in order for the active vent to function satisfactorily.

Furthermore, in an alternative embodiment, where 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.

A post-filter (not shown) may be arranged to be located at the rear opening or between the rear opening 9 and the valve of the active vent 13. Such a post-filter may be configured to allow sound to pass through and further 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 barrier between the interior space of the ear mold and the exterior from which contaminants may enter.

Fig. 4B shows a view towards the rear end 7 of the ear mold 3 shown in fig. 4A 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. 5A and 5B schematically illustrate portions of a hearing device according to some embodiments.

In fig. 5A, an ear mold 3, which may be part of an in-the-ear (ITE) portion 1 of a hearing device, is shown in a cut-away view. The connector 21 connects the receiver 11 arranged in the receiver housing 25 in the ear mould 3 to another part of the hearing device, such as the BTE part. The ear mold 3 has an elongated shape and is configured to be placed at least partially 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 rubber-like polymer, such as acrylic) and may be molded to have an external shape that at least partially fits the shape of a particular user's ear canal.

The ear mold 3 includes: a front end 5 having a front opening 9; a rear end 7 opposite the front end, having a rear opening 10; and an intermediate portion 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 shell structure.

The ear mould 3 is configured such that the front end 5 can be arranged 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 leaves the ear mould via the front opening 9 at the front end. A front filter may be disposed 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 (also referred to as a fixing element) 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 both during and after the receiver housing is inserted into the ear mold 3. The flexible support structure 29 is configured to provide a certain elasticity when the receiver housing 25 is inserted into the ear mold and to provide the necessary retention force 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 part thereof forms a tube into which the receiver housing 25 fits. The tube shape is sized to closely surround 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, for example using an adhesive such as glue or the like. The tubular support structure 29 may be arranged mainly towards the rear end of the ear mould to save space in 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 when desired.

The receiver housing 25 shown in fig. 5A has an active vent 13 associated therewith, which may be, for example, an active vent receiver, wherein the active vent is 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, which is open to the exterior of the user's ear canal. This allows a sound channel, i.e. a fluid connection, to be formed between the front opening and the outside of the ear canal when the valve in the active vent is in an open state, and prevents ambient sound from entering the ear canal of the user when the valve is in a closed state. In addition, the support structure 29 has one or more fluid openings 45 arranged 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.

Furthermore, in an alternative embodiment where 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.

A post-filter (not shown) may be arranged between the rear opening 9 and the valve of the active vent 13. Such a post-filter may be configured to allow sound to pass through and further 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 barrier between the interior space of the ear mold and the exterior of the ear mold from which contaminants may enter.

Fig. 5B shows a view towards the rear end 7 of the ear mold 3 to show another view of the support structure 29 without insertion into the receiver housing 25, whereby the 3D structure of the support structure is better visualized together with fig. 5A.

Fig. 6 schematically illustrates a hearing device part according to some embodiments in a cut-away view. 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 to be placed at least partially within the ear canal of an intended user. The ear mold may be made of a hard material (e.g., a hard polymer or metal), or a softer material (e.g., a rubber-like polymer such as acrylic), and may be molded to have an exterior shape that at least partially conforms to the shape of a particular user's ear canal.

The ear mold 3 includes: a front end 5 having a front opening 9; a rear end 7 opposite the front end, having a rear opening 10; and an intermediate portion 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 shell structure.

The ear mould 3 is configured such that the front end 5 can be arranged 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 leaves the ear mould via the front opening 9 at the front end. A front filter 15 is arranged 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/securing element 29. The support structure 29 is optionally made of a softer material than the material used for manufacturing the ear mold 3. The support structure 29 is made of a material that can be stretched to accommodate the receiver housing 25 both during and after insertion of the receiver housing into the ear mold 3. The support structure 29 is arranged in the ear mold at the front end 5 and near the front opening 9. The support structure 29 is shaped to receive a portion of the active vent 13 that is coupled to the receiver housing 25 and is 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, for example using an adhesive such as glue, and the support structure 29 may be configured to allow the receiver housing 25 to be removed from the ear mold 3 when desired.

The ear mold 3 further comprises a flexible and resilient element 37 configured to cushion 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 effect of the flexible and resilient element is configured to allow the receiver housing 25 to move within the ear mold (e.g., when the user speaks or chews), which adds greater comfort to the user of the hearing device. The flexible and resilient element 37 may be attached to the receiver housing using a bellyband secured around the receiver housing 25. The flexible and resilient element 37 may be made removable, for example by removing the binder to which the element is attached. In this way, the flexible and elastic element 37 can be removed from the ear mold 3 and cleaned or replaced when necessary.

The flexible and resilient element 37 may also be configured to act as a rear filter 17 and may be arranged to be located at the rear opening or between the rear opening 9 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 creates a barrier between the interior space of the ear mold 3 and the exterior of the ear mold from which contaminants may enter. The post-filter 17 is constructed to be acoustically open so that the function of the active vent is not affected and the system appears acoustically as a fully open vent ear mold when the valve is in the open state.

Fig. 7A and 7B schematically illustrate a receiver housing 25 including an interlocking element 39 and a portion of a support structure 29 according to some embodiments.

Fig. 7A shows a receiver housing 25 comprising an interlocking element 39, which has a cylindrical shape. One end of the cylinder is attached to the receiver housing 25, while the other end of the cylinder has a stop. The wired connection 21 extends from the interlocking element 39 and is connected to the receiver through the center of the cylinder.

Also shown is a portion of the 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, for example 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. 7B shows the receiver housing 25 including the interlocking element 39. The interlocking element 39 is part of one end of the receiver housing 25 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 through and may extend through a portion of the interlocking element 39.

Also shown is a portion of the support structure 29 that is shaped to fit into a hole in 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 fitted into the hole is located within the hole of the interlocking element 39. In this way, the receiver housing 25 is held in place relative to the support structure 29.

Fig. 8 schematically illustrates a hearing device according to some embodiments in a cut-away view.

In fig. 8 a cut-away perspective 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 to be placed at least partially within the ear canal of an intended user and may be customized for that user by being shaped to fit 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 most users when using the hearing device.

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

The ear mould 3 is configured such that the front end can be arranged 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 leaves the ear mould via the front opening 9 at the front end. A front filter may be disposed at the front opening to reduce the amount of contaminants that may enter through the front opening. The receiver housing 25 may include various electronic components, and further electronic components 49 may be arranged within the ear mold 3 outside the receiver housing 25.

The receiver housing 25 is held within the ear mold by a support structure/securing element 29 extending from the inner wall 27 closer to the rear end of the ear mold than to the front end. Having the support structure mainly towards the rear end of the ear mold saves space in front of the ear mold, which is advantageous, because the space available in front is usually more limited than in rear. If the front of the ear mold has to be made larger, this may reduce the insertion depth of the ear mold in the user's ear canal and/or make it more difficult to obtain a good fit of the ear mold in the ear canal. The support structure 29 is shaped as a disc, i.e. having a flat shape, and is bonded to the inner wall 27 around its outer periphery. A hole is provided in the disc-shaped support structure 29, in which hole the receiver housing 25 is located.

Optionally, the support structure 29 is at least partly made of a softer material than the material used for manufacturing the ear mold 3 and may be configured to allow a certain movement of the receiver housing 25. The freedom of the receiver housing 25 in the ear mold 3 may make it more comfortable for the user during use.

In an alternative embodiment, where 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 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 part of a support structure that holds the receiver housing 25 in place within the ear mold 3. Further, 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 alternative embodiments where 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 when desired. The receiver housing 25 may also be disconnected from other electronic components 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, hearing aid dispenser or technician) to replace a portion of the hearing device.

Claims (15)

1. A hearing device comprising:

ear mold (3), comprising:

a front end (5), a rear end (7), and an intermediate portion (8) arranged between the front end and the rear end,

the front end (5) comprises a front opening (9) and

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

wherein the ear mould is configured such that the front end (5) is arranged to face the tympanic membrane of a user during use,

the hearing device further comprises:

a receiver housing (25) at least partially disposed within the ear mold, and

a support structure (35) configured to hold the receiver housing (29) in place within the ear mold,

wherein the support structure comprises a softer material than the material used to make the intermediate portion of the ear mold.

2. The hearing device of claim 1, wherein the intermediate portion is configured to at least partially fit at least a portion of the user's ear canal.

3. The hearing device of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the receiver housing is removably disposed within the ear mold.

4. The hearing device of one of the preceding claims, wherein the receiver housing comprises a receiver (11).

5. The hearing device of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the middle portion of the ear mold is made of acrylic.

6. The hearing device of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the support structure comprises silicone rubber, TPE, TPA, EPDM and/or LSR.

7. The hearing device of any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least a portion of the support structure is contained in the front opening and comprises a softer material than the material of the intermediate portion, and wherein the receiver housing and/or an active vent incorporated into the receiver housing is removably attached to the support structure at the front opening.

8. The hearing device of any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least a portion of the support structure extends from an inner wall of the ear mold.

9. The hearing device of claim 8, wherein a portion of the support structure extending from the inner wall is configured to suspend the receiver housing within the ear mold.

10. The hearing device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein at least a part of the support structure is arranged at the front end (5) of the ear mould and/or at least a part of the support structure is arranged at the rear end (7) of the ear mould.

11. The hearing device of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the receiver comprises a wired connection (21), and the support structure is configured to at least partially surround the wired connection.

12. The hearing device of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the receiver housing or an active vent coupled thereto comprises an interlocking element configured to interconnect with at least a portion of the support structure.

13. The hearing device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the support structure (35) comprises a plurality of support structures.

14. The hearing device of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the support structure is configured to at least partially surround the receiver housing.

15. The hearing device of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the support structure comprises a flexible material configured to stretch to accommodate the receiver housing during insertion of the receiver housing into the ear mold and to retain the receiver housing after insertion.