EP2750409B1 - A dipole antenna for a hearing aid - Google Patents
A dipole antenna for a hearing aid Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP2750409B1 EP2750409B1 EP12199674.8A EP12199674A EP2750409B1 EP 2750409 B1 EP2750409 B1 EP 2750409B1 EP 12199674 A EP12199674 A EP 12199674A EP 2750409 B1 EP2750409 B1 EP 2750409B1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- hearing aid
- antenna
- pole element
- attachment member
- aid housing
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
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Links
- 238000004891 communication Methods 0.000 claims description 36
- 230000005236 sound signal Effects 0.000 claims description 21
- 230000005540 biological transmission Effects 0.000 claims description 6
- 230000005672 electromagnetic field Effects 0.000 claims description 5
- 238000006243 chemical reaction Methods 0.000 claims description 4
- 206010011878 Deafness Diseases 0.000 claims description 3
- 230000010370 hearing loss Effects 0.000 claims description 3
- 231100000888 hearing loss Toxicity 0.000 claims description 3
- 208000016354 hearing loss disease Diseases 0.000 claims description 3
- 230000008901 benefit Effects 0.000 description 10
- 230000005855 radiation Effects 0.000 description 10
- 239000004020 conductor Substances 0.000 description 8
- 210000003128 head Anatomy 0.000 description 7
- 230000008878 coupling Effects 0.000 description 3
- 238000010168 coupling process Methods 0.000 description 3
- 238000005859 coupling reaction Methods 0.000 description 3
- 238000013016 damping Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000001419 dependent effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 210000000883 ear external Anatomy 0.000 description 2
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000005404 monopole Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000004044 response Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000003990 capacitor Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000005352 clarification Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000003247 decreasing effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000003989 dielectric material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 210000000613 ear canal Anatomy 0.000 description 1
- 210000003027 ear inner Anatomy 0.000 description 1
- 230000006870 function Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000011810 insulating material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000003071 parasitic effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000009467 reduction Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000004904 shortening Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000000638 solvent extraction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000001131 transforming effect Effects 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01Q—ANTENNAS, i.e. RADIO AERIALS
- H01Q9/00—Electrically-short antennas having dimensions not more than twice the operating wavelength and consisting of conductive active radiating elements
- H01Q9/04—Resonant antennas
- H01Q9/16—Resonant antennas with feed intermediate between the extremities of the antenna, e.g. centre-fed dipole
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01Q—ANTENNAS, i.e. RADIO AERIALS
- H01Q1/00—Details of, or arrangements associated with, antennas
- H01Q1/27—Adaptation for use in or on movable bodies
- H01Q1/273—Adaptation for carrying or wearing by persons or animals
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01Q—ANTENNAS, i.e. RADIO AERIALS
- H01Q1/00—Details of, or arrangements associated with, antennas
- H01Q1/36—Structural form of radiating elements, e.g. cone, spiral, umbrella; Particular materials used therewith
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01Q—ANTENNAS, i.e. RADIO AERIALS
- H01Q9/00—Electrically-short antennas having dimensions not more than twice the operating wavelength and consisting of conductive active radiating elements
- H01Q9/04—Resonant antennas
- H01Q9/16—Resonant antennas with feed intermediate between the extremities of the antenna, e.g. centre-fed dipole
- H01Q9/26—Resonant antennas with feed intermediate between the extremities of the antenna, e.g. centre-fed dipole with folded element or elements, the folded parts being spaced apart a small fraction of operating wavelength
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04R—LOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; DEAF-AID SETS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS
- H04R25/00—Deaf-aid sets, i.e. electro-acoustic or electro-mechanical hearing aids; Electric tinnitus maskers providing an auditory perception
- H04R25/55—Deaf-aid sets, i.e. electro-acoustic or electro-mechanical hearing aids; Electric tinnitus maskers providing an auditory perception using an external connection, either wireless or wired
- H04R25/554—Deaf-aid sets, i.e. electro-acoustic or electro-mechanical hearing aids; Electric tinnitus maskers providing an auditory perception using an external connection, either wireless or wired using a wireless connection, e.g. between microphone and amplifier or using Tcoils
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04R—LOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; DEAF-AID SETS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS
- H04R2225/00—Details of deaf aids covered by H04R25/00, not provided for in any of its subgroups
- H04R2225/021—Behind the ear [BTE] hearing aids
- H04R2225/0213—Constructional details of earhooks, e.g. shape, material
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04R—LOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; DEAF-AID SETS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS
- H04R2225/00—Details of deaf aids covered by H04R25/00, not provided for in any of its subgroups
- H04R2225/021—Behind the ear [BTE] hearing aids
- H04R2225/0216—BTE hearing aids having a receiver in the ear mould
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04R—LOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; DEAF-AID SETS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS
- H04R2225/00—Details of deaf aids covered by H04R25/00, not provided for in any of its subgroups
- H04R2225/51—Aspects of antennas or their circuitry in or for hearing aids
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04R—LOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; DEAF-AID SETS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS
- H04R25/00—Deaf-aid sets, i.e. electro-acoustic or electro-mechanical hearing aids; Electric tinnitus maskers providing an auditory perception
- H04R25/60—Mounting or interconnection of hearing aid parts, e.g. inside tips, housings or to ossicles
- H04R25/607—Mounting or interconnection of hearing aid parts, e.g. inside tips, housings or to ossicles of earhooks
Definitions
- the invention relates to antennas for hearing aids, and especially for antennas extending in hearing aid housing attachment members or outside of a hearing aid housings, and particularly to antennas, such as dipole antennas, having a first pole element extending in an attachment member and a second pole element extending in the hearing aid housing.
- Hearing aids are very small and delicate devices and comprise many electronic and metallic components contained in a housing small enough to fit in the ear canal of a human or behind the outer ear.
- the many electronic and metallic components in combination with the small size of the hearing aid housing impose high design constraints on radio frequency antennas to be used in hearing aids with wireless communication capabilities.
- antennas in hearing aids have been used for receiving radio broadcasts or commands from a remote control.
- antennas are designed to fit in the hearing aid housing without special concern with relation to the efficiency of the antenna.
- a variety of hearing aids are known, including so called behind-the-ear hearing aids, in-the-ear hearing aids, receiver-in-the-ear hearing aids, etc.
- Some hearing aids have been designed with a cable or a sound tube connecting hearing aid elements positioned behind the ear of a user with hearing aid elements position in the ear of a user. It has been suggested to use such cables or sound tubes for accommodating antenna elements.
- a hearing aid having a cable or a sound tube connecting the hearing aid to a receiver in the ear of a user or to a speaker in the ear, respectively, is configured for wireless communication via an antenna, and the cable or sound tube comprises a conducting element forming at least part of the antenna.
- EP 2 088 804 discloses a hearing aid having a cable comprising one or more conductors for connecting a hearing aid housing with a transducer in the ear of a user.
- a wireless transceiver in the hearing aid may be connected to one of the transducer cables to provide a monopole antenna, or the wireless transceiver may be connected to two transducer cables to provide a dipole antenna for the wireless transceiver.
- US20110022121A1 describes an improved antenna device for BTE devices, such a hearing prostheses, is disclosed.
- Antenna elements are disposed in the BTE body and in the earhook, with dielectric material disposed between, so as to form a capacitive coupling.
- US20090124201A1 describes a communication system for wirelessly transmitting at least one signal, the system comprising: a first device configured to receive and modulate the at least one signal, the first device having a first conductive element operatively adapted to contact a first human body and a second conductive element isolated from the first human body, wherein the first and second elements operate to wirelessly transmit the modulated signal; and a second device having a first conductive element operatively adapted to contact a second human body, and a second conductive element isolated from the second human body, wherein the first and second elements operate to receive the transmitted modulated signal from the first device.
- US20100321269A1 describes a behind-the-ear wireless device includes a main body casing including a wireless circuit housed therein and an audio transmission unit having a function of transmitting sound to an ear.
- the main body casing and the audio transmission unit are integrally connected to each other, whereby the wireless device can be fitted to the ear.
- An antenna element having a length of about half wave length is disposed in a hollow of the sound tube.
- a parasitic element having a length of about a half wave length is disposed in the main body casing.
- the present invention relates to a hearing aid as defined in claim 1. Further details are defined in the dependent claims. In the following, examples for understanding the present invention are described. Although entitled as “embodiments”, not all of these examples fall within the scope of the present invention as defined in the appended claims.
- the antenna is not connected to a ground plane in the hearing aid housing.
- the radiation pattern of the antenna may be independent of e.g. circuit board radiation, and thereby the radiation pattern for the antenna may be more tightly controlled.
- the first pole element and the second pole element may be separated so that coupling between the first pole element and the second pole element is minimized.
- the length of the attachment member may be determined by the size of a user's ear to allow for a smooth fitting, and may for example be selected during fitting of the hearing aid.
- the length of an attachment member varies depending on the type of attachment member provided. For some attachment members, e.g. for attachment members for sound transmission, the length of the attachment members may typically range from about 50 mm to about 70 mm, and the attachment members are typically available in a number of predetermined lengths. As the attachment members are exposed to the environment, including the user's head, the material may degrade over time, and typically need to be exchanged at regular intervals.
- the length of the antenna such as the length of first pole element, may be a fixed or same length, such that the length of the antenna, such as the length of the first pole element, is the same for all attachment member lengths.
- the first pole element and the second pole element may have a same length, such as a length of half a wavelength of an operating frequency for the antenna, such as a length corresponding to the length of the attachment member, such as a length corresponding to a smallest length of the attachment member.
- the length of first pole element may extend over the length of the attachment member.
- the required physical length of the antenna may be decreased by interconnecting the antenna with an electronic component, a so-called antenna shortening component, having an impedance that modifies the standing wave pattern of the antenna thereby changing its effective length.
- the required physical length of the antenna may for example be shortened by connecting the antenna in series with an inductor or in shunt with a capacitor to obtain a desired length of the antenna, to e.g. obtain a desired frequency response for the antenna.
- the attachment member is a sound transmission member for transmission of sound from the hearing aid housing to the ear of a user.
- the second sound signal may be transmitted electrically or acoustically to the ear of a user.
- the attachment member comprises one or more conductors for conducting the second audio signal to a receiver positioned in the ear of a user.
- the conductors are electrically conducting conductors and the second audio signal is transmitted electrically to the ear of a user via the conductors.
- this configuration is used when a hearing aid housing of a receiver-in-the-ear hearing aid is provided behind the ear of a user and the second audio signal is electrically transmitted to a receiver positioned in the ear of a user.
- the electrical signal is transmitted to the ear and at this stage.
- An ear mould may receive the transmitted signal and provide it to the inner ear of the user.
- the hearing aid housing of the behind-the-ear hearing aid may thus further comprise a transducer for transforming the second audio signal into a sound to be transmitted by the sound tube to the ear of a user.
- the antenna has a first pole element and a second pole element for emission and reception of an electromagnetic field, and is fed in between the first and second pole elements.
- the antenna is a dipole antenna.
- the antenna including the first pole element and the second pole element may be confined within the hearing aid housing and the attachment member, so that no part of the antenna protrudes from the hearing aid housing or the attachment member.
- the first pole element or at least a part of the first pole element, such as substantially the entire first pole element, may extend in free air outside of the hearing aid housing, and outside any attachment member.
- the attachment member comprises a conducting element, particularly an electrically conductive element, and the conducting member forms at least a part of the first pole element.
- the conducting element may be an additional conducting element provided in the attachment member to form at least a part of the first pole element, for example, the conducting element may be provided specifically or exclusively to form a part of the first pole element.
- the conducting element may form part of a cable assembly configured to connect the hearing aid housing with the ear of a user, such as for example to electrically transmit the second audio signal from the hearing aid housing to the ear of a user, such as to a receiver in the ear of a user.
- the antenna may reuse the conducting element electrically transmitting the second audio signal from the hearing aid housing to the ear of a user to also act as antenna.
- the second pole element may have any shape, and may have the shape of a patch antenna, a rod antenna, a meander line antenna, etc. or any combination thereof.
- the second pole element is positioned in the hearing aid housing and is at least primarily extending within the hearing aid housing.
- the positioning of the second pole element within the housing may be a determining factor for the radiation pattern for the antenna.
- the second pole element may extend along a top surface of the hearing aid housing. It is an advantage of positioning the second pole element along a top surface of the hearing aid that the position of the head with respect to the second pole element is substantially unchanged irrespective of whether the hearing aid is positioned at the right ear of a user or the left ear of a user.
- the second pole element has a first section extending along a first side of the hearing aid housing and a second section extending along a second side of the hearing aid housing.
- a length of the first section may corresponds substantially to a length of the second section, and the length of the first section and the second section of the second pole element may be substantially the same, i.e. substantially equal.
- the first section and the second section may have a substantially same shape, and the first section and the second section may be symmetrical.
- the first section and the second section may be symmetrical about an axis of the hearing aid housing, such as about a middle plane partitioning the hearing aid housing in two equal parts in a longitudinal direction, i.e. in a direction parallel to the surface of the head when the hearing aid is provided in its intended operational position.
- the first pole element may have a first section extending via the attachment member and a second section extending in the hearing aid housing.
- the second section of the first pole element extending in the hearing aid housing may have a same shape as the second pole element.
- the second section of the first pole element may extend along one side of the hearing aid housing while the second pole element may extends along another side of the hearing aid housing.
- the wireless communications unit is configured for wireless data communication, and in this respect interconnected with the antenna for emission and reception of an electromagnetic field.
- the wireless communications unit may comprise a transmitter, a receiver, a transmitter-receiver pair, such as a transceiver, a radio unit, etc.
- the wireless communications unit may be configured for communication using any protocol as known for a person skilled in the art, including Bluetooth, WLAN standards, manufacture specific protocols, such as tailored proximity antenna protocols, such as proprietary protocols, such as low-power wireless communication protocols, etc.
- the wireless communications unit interconnected with the antenna may be configured for operation in the ISM frequency band.
- the wireless communications unit interconnected with the antenna may be configured for operation at a frequency of at least 100 MHz, such as at a frequency of at least 800 MHz, such as at at least 1 GHz, such as at a frequency between 1.5 GHz and 3 GHz, such as at a frequency of 2.4 GHz, such as at substantially 2.4 GHz.
- the wireless communications unit may be configured for communication with external devices, such as hearing aid accessories, such as remote controls, telephones, such as mobile telephones, televisions, television boxes, television streamer boxes, spouse microphones, hearing aid fitting systems, etc.
- external devices such as hearing aid accessories, such as remote controls, telephones, such as mobile telephones, televisions, television boxes, television streamer boxes, spouse microphones, hearing aid fitting systems, etc.
- the wireless communications unit may also be configured for communication with another hearing aid in a binaural hearing aid, so that data may be exchanged between the hearing aid positioned at the right ear of a user and the hearing aid positioned at the left ear of the user.
- binaural communication may be used for example for binaural beam forming, for binaural noise reduction, etc.
- the hearing aid may further comprise a variable matching circuit for electrically matching the antenna with the wireless communications unit.
- the antenna is a dipole antenna and may be fed in between the first pole element and the second pole element, such as in the center between the first pole element and the second pole element, such as substantially in the center between the first pole element and the second pole element.
- the dipole antenna may be a balanced dipole antenna.
- the antenna design may be inherently symmetric, so as to provide a balance antenna without the use of balun components, etc.
- the hearing aid housing may comprise hearing aid electronics, such as hearing aid electronics provided on e.g. a printed circuit board.
- hearing aid electronics such as hearing aid electronics provided on e.g. a printed circuit board.
- many hearing aid antennas have been using the printed circuit board as a ground plane for a hearing aid antenna, whereby the radiation pattern is dependent also on the (non-controlled) radiation from the printed circuit board.
- the antenna the printed circuit board is not used as a ground plane for the antenna.
- Fig. 1 shows schematically a behind the ear type hearing aid 120 having a hearing aid housing 140.
- the hearing aid housing comprises a microphone 160 for reception of sound and conversion of the received sound into a corresponding first audio signal, a signal processor 150 for processing the first audio signal into a second audio signal compensating a hearing loss of a user of the hearing aid 120, and a wireless communications unit 130 connected to the signal processor 150 for wireless data communication.
- the hearing aid has an attachment member 100 connectable to the hearing aid housing 140, and the wireless communications unit 130 is interconnected with an antenna 110 having a first pole element 111 and a second pole element 112 for emission and reception of an electromagnetic field.
- the signal processor 150 is connected to a speaker 170 for conversion of the second audio signal into a sound.
- the attachment member 100 is a sound tube, and the sound is acoustically transmitted to the ear of a user (not shown) via acoustic wave propagation in the thin tube 100.
- the antenna 110 having first and second poles 111, 112 may be longer than an antenna 110 extending only in the hearing aid housing.
- the hearing aid designers strive to minimize the size of the hearing aids, it is an advantage that a part of the antenna may extend outside of the housing.
- the antenna 110 is not connected to a ground plane in the hearing aid housing.
- the radiation pattern of the antenna 110 is independent of e.g. circuit board radiation, and thereby the radiation pattern may be more tightly controlled.
- the first pole element 111 and the second pole element 112 are separated so that coupling between the first pole element 111 and the second pole element 112 is minimized.
- Fig. 2a shows schematically a receiver in the ear type hearing aid 220 having a hearing aid housing 240.
- the hearing aid housing 240 comprises a microphone 260 for reception of sound and conversion of the received sound into a corresponding first audio signal, a signal processor 250 for processing the first audio signal into a second audio signal compensating a hearing loss of a user of the hearing aid 220, and a wireless communications unit 230 connected to the signal processor 250 for wireless data communication.
- the hearing aid has an attachment member 200 connectable to the hearing aid housing 240, and the wireless communications unit 230 is interconnected with an antenna 210 having a first pole element 211 and a second pole element 212 for emission and reception of an electromagnetic field.
- At least a part of the first pole element 211 extends via the attachment member 200, and the second pole element 212 extends in the hearing aid housing 240.
- the antenna 210 having a first pole element 211 and a second pole element 212 is fed approximately in the center from the wireless communications unit thus implementing a dipole antenna.
- Conducting element 280 connects the signal processor 250 to receiver in the ear 270, thereby electrically transmitting the second audio signal from the signal processor 250 in the hearing aid housing 240 to the receiver in the ear 270.
- the attachment member 200 is a cable assembly comprising at least conducting element 280 and at least a part of the first pole element 211. It is envisaged that more conducting elements may be provided connecting the receiver in the ear with hearing aid electronics, such as with the signal processor 250.
- Fig. 2b shows schematically a hearing aid of the receiver in the ear type, wherein the conducting element 280 is also used as at least a part of the first pole element 211.
- the wireless communications unit 230 is connected to conducting element 280 and the conducting element 280 will act as the first pole element 211 of the antenna 210 for the wireless communications unit.
- the first pole element extends over the entire length of the attachment member.
- Fig. 3 shows schematically a hearing aid housing with an attachment member in 3D.
- the hearing aid 320 may be any hearing aid type including a behind the ear hearing aid, a receiver in the ear type, etc.
- the attachment member 300 may thus be any attachment member including a sound tube, a cable assembly comprising at least one conducting element, a hook, etc.
- the wireless communications unit 330 and the antenna 310 interconnected with the wireless communications unit 330 is shown schematically, for clarification further elements, including signal processor etc., are not shown.
- the first pole element 311 extends via the attachment member 300 and the second pole element 312 extends along a side 342 of the hearing aid housing 340.
- the hearing aid is preferably positioned so that the side 342 of the hearing aid housing 340 along which the second pole element 312 is positioned is fronting the surroundings and not the side of the head of a user when the hearing aid is worn in its intended operational position.
- the field distribution of transmitted and/or received signals is most powerful in free air and any damping effect of the head of the user is reduced.
- a hearing aid 320 as in Fig. 3 is shown.
- the hearing aid housing 340 has an attachment member 300 wherein an antenna 310 has a first pole element 311 extending via the attachment member 300 and a second pole element 314, 316 extending in the hearing aid housing 340.
- the second pole element 314, 316 has a first section 314 extending along a first side 341 of the hearing aid housing 340 and a second section 316 extending along a second side 342 of the hearing aid housing 340.
- the first section 314 and the second section 316 are of the same shape, they are identical.
- the hearing aid may then be optionally positioned at the right ear or the left ear of a user and still obtain a same or at least comparable field distribution of a field received or transmitted by the antenna 310 comprising first pole element 311, first section 314 of second pole element 314, 316 and second section 316 of the second pole element 314, 316. It can be seen that the first section 314 and second section 316 are distributed symmetrically about a longitudinal center axis of the hearing aid housing 340. It is an advantage of having a symmetric antenna in the hearing aid housing 340 in that the field distribution about the antenna is the same or substantially the same regardless of whether the hearing aid is positioned on a right hand side of the user or a left hand side of the user.
- Fig. 5 shows a hearing aid 320 with a hearing aid housing 340 with an attachment member 300 wherein an antenna 311, 312 has a first pole element 311 extending via the attachment member 300 and a second pole element 312 extending along a top side 343 of the hearing aid housing 340.
- the field distribution of a transmitted and/or received signal may be substantially the same on both a right hand side and a left hand side of the hearing aid housing 340 in that the second pole element 312 of the antenna will experience a same, such as substantially a same, damping effect from the head of a user whether the hearing aid is provided on a left hand side or a right hand side of the hearing aid housing 340 in its intended operational position.
- Fig. 6 shows a hearing aid housing 340 with an attachment member 300 wherein an antenna has a first pole element having a first section 311 extending via the attachment member 300 and a second section 313 extending along a side 342 of the hearing aid housing 340, and a second pole 314 extending along another side 341 of the hearing aid housing 340.
- the length and/or shape of the second pole element 314 corresponds to the length and/or shape of the second section 313 of the first pole element to obtain a symmetric antenna in the hearing aid housing 340 as discussed above.
- a hearing aid 320 has wireless communications unit 330 and an antenna interconnected therewith.
- the antenna has a first pole element 317 extending outside of the hearing aid housing, and a second pole element 312 extending within the hearing aid housing 340.
- Fig. 8 shows schematically in 3D, a receiver in the ear type hearing aid 220 in more detail.
- the hearing aid 220 has a hearing aid housing 240 comprising a microphone 260, a signal processor 250, a wireless communications unit 230.
- An attachment member 200 comprises electrical conductor 280 transmitting the second audio signal from the signal processor 250 to the receiver in the ear 270.
- the receiver in the ear 270 is provided in an ear mould 290 configured to be positioned in the ear of a user.
- the wireless communications unit 230 is interconnected with an antenna having a first pole element 211 extending along the attachment member 200.
- the first pole element extends within the attachment member and an insulating material may be provided between the first pole element 211 and the electrical conductor 280, e.g. to avoid cross talk.
- a second pole element 212 extends within the hearing aid housing 240.
- Fig. 9 shows the intended operational position of the hearing aid 320 behind the ear 900 of a user.
- the attachment member 300 is conveniently located at a face 344 of the hearing aid housing 320.
- the top side of the hearing aid is the side of the hearing aid housing 320 furthers away from the ear
- the side 341 is the side of the hearing aid adjacent the head (not shown) of a user
- the side 342 is the side of the hearing aid exposed to the surroundings, i.e. exposed to the surroundings through the thin outer ear which is substantially loss less for the electromagnetic or RF radiation.
- Figs. 10a-d show fixed lengths of antennas 311 extending in attachment members 301, 302, 303, 304 of different lengths.
- the fixed lengths antennas may be monopole antennas, or the fixed length antennas may be dipole antennas wherein only one pole element of the dipole antenna is shown.
- Figs. 11a-d show variable lengths of antennas 321, 322, 323, 324 extending in attachment members 301, 302, 303, 304 of different lengths.
- Table 1 shows exemplary lengths of the attachment members for an attachment member being a sound tube.
Description
- The invention relates to antennas for hearing aids, and especially for antennas extending in hearing aid housing attachment members or outside of a hearing aid housings, and particularly to antennas, such as dipole antennas, having a first pole element extending in an attachment member and a second pole element extending in the hearing aid housing.
- Hearing aids are very small and delicate devices and comprise many electronic and metallic components contained in a housing small enough to fit in the ear canal of a human or behind the outer ear. The many electronic and metallic components in combination with the small size of the hearing aid housing impose high design constraints on radio frequency antennas to be used in hearing aids with wireless communication capabilities.
- Conventionally, antennas in hearing aids have been used for receiving radio broadcasts or commands from a remote control. Typically, such antennas are designed to fit in the hearing aid housing without special concern with relation to the efficiency of the antenna.
- A variety of hearing aids are known, including so called behind-the-ear hearing aids, in-the-ear hearing aids, receiver-in-the-ear hearing aids, etc. Some hearing aids have been designed with a cable or a sound tube connecting hearing aid elements positioned behind the ear of a user with hearing aid elements position in the ear of a user. It has been suggested to use such cables or sound tubes for accommodating antenna elements. For example in
US 8,300,863 , a hearing aid having a cable or a sound tube connecting the hearing aid to a receiver in the ear of a user or to a speaker in the ear, respectively, is configured for wireless communication via an antenna, and the cable or sound tube comprises a conducting element forming at least part of the antenna. Furthermore,EP 2 088 804 discloses a hearing aid having a cable comprising one or more conductors for connecting a hearing aid housing with a transducer in the ear of a user. To enable wireless communication, a wireless transceiver in the hearing aid may be connected to one of the transducer cables to provide a monopole antenna, or the wireless transceiver may be connected to two transducer cables to provide a dipole antenna for the wireless transceiver. -
US20110022121A1 describes an improved antenna device for BTE devices, such a hearing prostheses, is disclosed. Antenna elements are disposed in the BTE body and in the earhook, with dielectric material disposed between, so as to form a capacitive coupling. -
US20090124201A1 describes a communication system for wirelessly transmitting at least one signal, the system comprising: a first device configured to receive and modulate the at least one signal, the first device having a first conductive element operatively adapted to contact a first human body and a second conductive element isolated from the first human body, wherein the first and second elements operate to wirelessly transmit the modulated signal; and a second device having a first conductive element operatively adapted to contact a second human body, and a second conductive element isolated from the second human body, wherein the first and second elements operate to receive the transmitted modulated signal from the first device. -
US20100321269A1 describes a behind-the-ear wireless device includes a main body casing including a wireless circuit housed therein and an audio transmission unit having a function of transmitting sound to an ear. The main body casing and the audio transmission unit are integrally connected to each other, whereby the wireless device can be fitted to the ear. An antenna element having a length of about half wave length is disposed in a hollow of the sound tube. A parasitic element having a length of about a half wave length is disposed in the main body casing. - It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved antenna design for hearing aids.
- The present invention relates to a hearing aid as defined in claim 1. Further details are defined in the dependent claims. In the following, examples for understanding the present invention are described. Although entitled as "embodiments", not all of these examples fall within the scope of the present invention as defined in the appended claims.
- It is an advantage that the antenna is not connected to a ground plane in the hearing aid housing. Hereby, the radiation pattern of the antenna may be independent of e.g. circuit board radiation, and thereby the radiation pattern for the antenna may be more tightly controlled. It is a further advantage that the first pole element and the second pole element may be separated so that coupling between the first pole element and the second pole element is minimized.
- The length of the attachment member may be determined by the size of a user's ear to allow for a smooth fitting, and may for example be selected during fitting of the hearing aid. The length of an attachment member varies depending on the type of attachment member provided. For some attachment members, e.g. for attachment members for sound transmission, the length of the attachment members may typically range from about 50 mm to about 70 mm, and the attachment members are typically available in a number of predetermined lengths. As the attachment members are exposed to the environment, including the user's head, the material may degrade over time, and typically need to be exchanged at regular intervals.
- The length of the antenna, such as the length of first pole element, may be a fixed or same length, such that the length of the antenna, such as the length of the first pole element, is the same for all attachment member lengths.
- The first pole element and the second pole element may have a same length, such as a length of half a wavelength of an operating frequency for the antenna, such as a length corresponding to the length of the attachment member, such as a length corresponding to a smallest length of the attachment member.
- Thus, by providing a fixed length of the antenna, such as of the first pole element, for all attachment member lengths, a properly matched antenna is ensured irrespective of attachment member changes. It is a further advantage of providing a fixed length of the first pole element irrespective of the length of the attachment member that the second pole element positioned in the hearing aid housing has a fixed length so that the frequency response of the antenna is not varied if an attachment member is exchanged.
- Alternatively, the length of first pole element may extend over the length of the attachment member.
- The required physical length of the antenna, whether the length is the same or is varied with attachment member length, may be decreased by interconnecting the antenna with an electronic component, a so-called antenna shortening component, having an impedance that modifies the standing wave pattern of the antenna thereby changing its effective length. The required physical length of the antenna may for example be shortened by connecting the antenna in series with an inductor or in shunt with a capacitor to obtain a desired length of the antenna, to e.g. obtain a desired frequency response for the antenna.
- The attachment member is a sound transmission member for transmission of sound from the hearing aid housing to the ear of a user. The second sound signal may be transmitted electrically or acoustically to the ear of a user.
- The attachment member comprises one or more conductors for conducting the second audio signal to a receiver positioned in the ear of a user. Typically, the conductors are electrically conducting conductors and the second audio signal is transmitted electrically to the ear of a user via the conductors. Typically, this configuration is used when a hearing aid housing of a receiver-in-the-ear hearing aid is provided behind the ear of a user and the second audio signal is electrically transmitted to a receiver positioned in the ear of a user. Thus, the electrical signal is transmitted to the ear and at this stage. An ear mould may receive the transmitted signal and provide it to the inner ear of the user. The hearing aid housing of the behind-the-ear hearing aid may thus further comprise a transducer for transforming the second audio signal into a sound to be transmitted by the sound tube to the ear of a user.
- The antenna has a first pole element and a second pole element for emission and reception of an electromagnetic field, and is fed in between the first and second pole elements. The antenna is a dipole antenna.
- The antenna including the first pole element and the second pole element may be confined within the hearing aid housing and the attachment member, so that no part of the antenna protrudes from the hearing aid housing or the attachment member.
- Alternatively, the first pole element, or at least a part of the first pole element, such as substantially the entire first pole element, may extend in free air outside of the hearing aid housing, and outside any attachment member.
- The attachment member comprises a conducting element, particularly an electrically conductive element, and the conducting member forms at least a part of the first pole element. The conducting element may be an additional conducting element provided in the attachment member to form at least a part of the first pole element, for example, the conducting element may be provided specifically or exclusively to form a part of the first pole element.
- The conducting element, particularly an electrically conductive element, may form part of a cable assembly configured to connect the hearing aid housing with the ear of a user, such as for example to electrically transmit the second audio signal from the hearing aid housing to the ear of a user, such as to a receiver in the ear of a user. The antenna may reuse the conducting element electrically transmitting the second audio signal from the hearing aid housing to the ear of a user to also act as antenna.
- The second pole element may have any shape, and may have the shape of a patch antenna, a rod antenna, a meander line antenna, etc. or any combination thereof.
- The second pole element is positioned in the hearing aid housing and is at least primarily extending within the hearing aid housing. The positioning of the second pole element within the housing may be a determining factor for the radiation pattern for the antenna. In some embodiments, the second pole element may extend along a top surface of the hearing aid housing. It is an advantage of positioning the second pole element along a top surface of the hearing aid that the position of the head with respect to the second pole element is substantially unchanged irrespective of whether the hearing aid is positioned at the right ear of a user or the left ear of a user.
- The second pole element has a first section extending along a first side of the hearing aid housing and a second section extending along a second side of the hearing aid housing. A length of the first section may corresponds substantially to a length of the second section, and the length of the first section and the second section of the second pole element may be substantially the same, i.e. substantially equal. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the first section and the second section may have a substantially same shape, and the first section and the second section may be symmetrical. The first section and the second section may be symmetrical about an axis of the hearing aid housing, such as about a middle plane partitioning the hearing aid housing in two equal parts in a longitudinal direction, i.e. in a direction parallel to the surface of the head when the hearing aid is provided in its intended operational position.
- In one or more embodiments, the first pole element may have a first section extending via the attachment member and a second section extending in the hearing aid housing. The second section of the first pole element extending in the hearing aid housing may have a same shape as the second pole element.
- The second section of the first pole element may extend along one side of the hearing aid housing while the second pole element may extends along another side of the hearing aid housing.
- The wireless communications unit is configured for wireless data communication, and in this respect interconnected with the antenna for emission and reception of an electromagnetic field. The wireless communications unit may comprise a transmitter, a receiver, a transmitter-receiver pair, such as a transceiver, a radio unit, etc. The wireless communications unit may be configured for communication using any protocol as known for a person skilled in the art, including Bluetooth, WLAN standards, manufacture specific protocols, such as tailored proximity antenna protocols, such as proprietary protocols, such as low-power wireless communication protocols, etc.
- The wireless communications unit interconnected with the antenna may be configured for operation in the ISM frequency band. The wireless communications unit interconnected with the antenna may be configured for operation at a frequency of at least 100 MHz, such as at a frequency of at least 800 MHz, such as at at least 1 GHz, such as at a frequency between 1.5 GHz and 3 GHz, such as at a frequency of 2.4 GHz, such as at substantially 2.4 GHz.
- The wireless communications unit may be configured for communication with external devices, such as hearing aid accessories, such as remote controls, telephones, such as mobile telephones, televisions, television boxes, television streamer boxes, spouse microphones, hearing aid fitting systems, etc.
- The wireless communications unit may also be configured for communication with another hearing aid in a binaural hearing aid, so that data may be exchanged between the hearing aid positioned at the right ear of a user and the hearing aid positioned at the left ear of the user. Such binaural communication may be used for example for binaural beam forming, for binaural noise reduction, etc.
- The hearing aid may further comprise a variable matching circuit for electrically matching the antenna with the wireless communications unit.
- The antenna is a dipole antenna and may be fed in between the first pole element and the second pole element, such as in the center between the first pole element and the second pole element, such as substantially in the center between the first pole element and the second pole element. The dipole antenna may be a balanced dipole antenna. The antenna design may be inherently symmetric, so as to provide a balance antenna without the use of balun components, etc.
- The hearing aid housing may comprise hearing aid electronics, such as hearing aid electronics provided on e.g. a printed circuit board. In the prior art, many hearing aid antennas have been using the printed circuit board as a ground plane for a hearing aid antenna, whereby the radiation pattern is dependent also on the (non-controlled) radiation from the printed circuit board.
- It is an advantage of the present antenna that the antenna the printed circuit board is not used as a ground plane for the antenna.
- It is envisaged that preferred features and characteristics of one aspect and/or embodiment of the invention are applicable to another aspect and/or embodiment, mutatis mutandis.
- The present invention will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which exemplary embodiments of the invention are shown. Like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout. Like elements will, thus, not be described in detail with respect to the description of each figure.
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Fig. 1 shows schematically a behind the ear type hearing aid housing with a sound tube and having an antenna extending via the sound tube, which is not part of the present invention, -
Figs. 2a and2b show a receiver in the ear type hearing aid having a hearing aid housing with an attachment member comprising one or more conductors and having an antenna extending via the attachment member, -
Fig. 3 shows a hearing aid housing with an attachment member wherein a first pole extends via the attachment member and a second pole extend along a side of the hearing aid housing, -
Fig. 4 shows a hearing aid housing with an attachment member wherein an antenna has a first pole extending via the attachment member and a second pole having a first and a second section, extending along a first and a second side of the hearing aid housing, respectively, -
Fig. 5 shows a hearing aid housing with an attachment member wherein an antenna has a first pole extending via the attachment member and a second pole extend along a top side of the hearing aid housing, -
Fig. 6 shows a hearing aid housing with an attachment member wherein an antenna has a first pole having a first section extending via the attachment member and a second section extending along a side of the hearing aid and a second pole extending along another side of the hearing aid housing, -
Fig. 7 shows a hearing aid housing without an attachment member wherein an antenna has a first pole extending outside of the hearing aid, and a second pole extending within the hearing aid housing, -
Fig. 8 shows a 3D drawing of a hearing aid housing with an attachment member and a receiver in the ear, -
Fig. 9 shows the intended operational position of the hearing aid. -
Figs. 10a-d show fixed lengths of antenna extending in attachment members of different lengths, -
Figs. 11a-d show variable lengths of antennas extending in attachment members of different lengths. -
Fig. 1 shows schematically a behind the eartype hearing aid 120 having ahearing aid housing 140. The hearing aid housing comprises amicrophone 160 for reception of sound and conversion of the received sound into a corresponding first audio signal, asignal processor 150 for processing the first audio signal into a second audio signal compensating a hearing loss of a user of thehearing aid 120, and awireless communications unit 130 connected to thesignal processor 150 for wireless data communication. The hearing aid has anattachment member 100 connectable to thehearing aid housing 140, and thewireless communications unit 130 is interconnected with anantenna 110 having afirst pole element 111 and asecond pole element 112 for emission and reception of an electromagnetic field. At least a part of thefirst pole element 111 extends via theattachment member 100, and thesecond pole element 112 extends in thehearing aid housing 140. Thesignal processor 150 is connected to aspeaker 170 for conversion of the second audio signal into a sound. Theattachment member 100 is a sound tube, and the sound is acoustically transmitted to the ear of a user (not shown) via acoustic wave propagation in thethin tube 100. - It is seen that the
antenna 110 having first andsecond poles antenna 110 extending only in the hearing aid housing. In that the hearing aid designers strive to minimize the size of the hearing aids, it is an advantage that a part of the antenna may extend outside of the housing. - It is a further advantage that the
antenna 110 is not connected to a ground plane in the hearing aid housing. Hereby, the radiation pattern of theantenna 110 is independent of e.g. circuit board radiation, and thereby the radiation pattern may be more tightly controlled. It is a further advantage that thefirst pole element 111 and thesecond pole element 112 are separated so that coupling between thefirst pole element 111 and thesecond pole element 112 is minimized. -
Fig. 2a shows schematically a receiver in the eartype hearing aid 220 having ahearing aid housing 240. Thehearing aid housing 240 comprises amicrophone 260 for reception of sound and conversion of the received sound into a corresponding first audio signal, asignal processor 250 for processing the first audio signal into a second audio signal compensating a hearing loss of a user of thehearing aid 220, and awireless communications unit 230 connected to thesignal processor 250 for wireless data communication. The hearing aid has anattachment member 200 connectable to thehearing aid housing 240, and thewireless communications unit 230 is interconnected with anantenna 210 having afirst pole element 211 and asecond pole element 212 for emission and reception of an electromagnetic field. At least a part of thefirst pole element 211 extends via theattachment member 200, and thesecond pole element 212 extends in thehearing aid housing 240. Theantenna 210 having afirst pole element 211 and asecond pole element 212 is fed approximately in the center from the wireless communications unit thus implementing a dipole antenna. - Conducting
element 280 connects thesignal processor 250 to receiver in theear 270, thereby electrically transmitting the second audio signal from thesignal processor 250 in thehearing aid housing 240 to the receiver in theear 270. It is seen that theattachment member 200 is a cable assembly comprising at least conductingelement 280 and at least a part of thefirst pole element 211. It is envisaged that more conducting elements may be provided connecting the receiver in the ear with hearing aid electronics, such as with thesignal processor 250. -
Fig. 2b shows schematically a hearing aid of the receiver in the ear type, wherein the conductingelement 280 is also used as at least a part of thefirst pole element 211. Thewireless communications unit 230 is connected to conductingelement 280 and the conductingelement 280 will act as thefirst pole element 211 of theantenna 210 for the wireless communications unit. InFig. 2b it is seen that the first pole element extends over the entire length of the attachment member. -
Fig. 3 shows schematically a hearing aid housing with an attachment member in 3D. Thehearing aid 320 may be any hearing aid type including a behind the ear hearing aid, a receiver in the ear type, etc. Theattachment member 300 may thus be any attachment member including a sound tube, a cable assembly comprising at least one conducting element, a hook, etc. Thewireless communications unit 330 and theantenna 310 interconnected with thewireless communications unit 330 is shown schematically, for clarification further elements, including signal processor etc., are not shown. Thefirst pole element 311 extends via theattachment member 300 and thesecond pole element 312 extends along aside 342 of thehearing aid housing 340. In this embodiment, the hearing aid is preferably positioned so that theside 342 of thehearing aid housing 340 along which thesecond pole element 312 is positioned is fronting the surroundings and not the side of the head of a user when the hearing aid is worn in its intended operational position. Hereby, the field distribution of transmitted and/or received signals is most powerful in free air and any damping effect of the head of the user is reduced. - In
Fig. 4 , ahearing aid 320 as inFig. 3 is shown. Thehearing aid housing 340 has anattachment member 300 wherein anantenna 310 has afirst pole element 311 extending via theattachment member 300 and asecond pole element hearing aid housing 340. Thesecond pole element first section 314 extending along afirst side 341 of thehearing aid housing 340 and asecond section 316 extending along asecond side 342 of thehearing aid housing 340. In the present example thefirst section 314 and thesecond section 316 are of the same shape, they are identical. This is an advantage as the hearing aid may then be optionally positioned at the right ear or the left ear of a user and still obtain a same or at least comparable field distribution of a field received or transmitted by theantenna 310 comprisingfirst pole element 311,first section 314 ofsecond pole element second section 316 of thesecond pole element first section 314 andsecond section 316 are distributed symmetrically about a longitudinal center axis of thehearing aid housing 340. It is an advantage of having a symmetric antenna in thehearing aid housing 340 in that the field distribution about the antenna is the same or substantially the same regardless of whether the hearing aid is positioned on a right hand side of the user or a left hand side of the user. -
Fig. 5 shows ahearing aid 320 with ahearing aid housing 340 with anattachment member 300 wherein anantenna first pole element 311 extending via theattachment member 300 and asecond pole element 312 extending along atop side 343 of thehearing aid housing 340. Hereby, the field distribution of a transmitted and/or received signal may be substantially the same on both a right hand side and a left hand side of thehearing aid housing 340 in that thesecond pole element 312 of the antenna will experience a same, such as substantially a same, damping effect from the head of a user whether the hearing aid is provided on a left hand side or a right hand side of thehearing aid housing 340 in its intended operational position. -
Fig. 6 shows ahearing aid housing 340 with anattachment member 300 wherein an antenna has a first pole element having afirst section 311 extending via theattachment member 300 and asecond section 313 extending along aside 342 of thehearing aid housing 340, and asecond pole 314 extending along anotherside 341 of thehearing aid housing 340. In one or more embodiments, the length and/or shape of thesecond pole element 314 corresponds to the length and/or shape of thesecond section 313 of the first pole element to obtain a symmetric antenna in thehearing aid housing 340 as discussed above. - In
Fig. 7 , a further embodiment is shown, wherein ahearing aid 320 haswireless communications unit 330 and an antenna interconnected therewith. The antenna has afirst pole element 317 extending outside of the hearing aid housing, and asecond pole element 312 extending within thehearing aid housing 340. Regarding the electromagnetic properties of the antenna, it may be advantageous to provide thefirst pole element 317 in free space. -
Fig. 8 shows schematically in 3D, a receiver in the eartype hearing aid 220 in more detail. Thehearing aid 220 has ahearing aid housing 240 comprising amicrophone 260, asignal processor 250, awireless communications unit 230. Anattachment member 200 compriseselectrical conductor 280 transmitting the second audio signal from thesignal processor 250 to the receiver in theear 270. The receiver in theear 270 is provided in anear mould 290 configured to be positioned in the ear of a user. Thewireless communications unit 230 is interconnected with an antenna having afirst pole element 211 extending along theattachment member 200. The first pole element extends within the attachment member and an insulating material may be provided between thefirst pole element 211 and theelectrical conductor 280, e.g. to avoid cross talk. Asecond pole element 212 extends within thehearing aid housing 240. -
Fig. 9 shows the intended operational position of thehearing aid 320 behind theear 900 of a user. Theattachment member 300 is conveniently located at aface 344 of thehearing aid housing 320. The top side of the hearing aid is the side of thehearing aid housing 320 furthers away from the ear, theside 341 is the side of the hearing aid adjacent the head (not shown) of a user, and theside 342 is the side of the hearing aid exposed to the surroundings, i.e. exposed to the surroundings through the thin outer ear which is substantially loss less for the electromagnetic or RF radiation. -
Figs. 10a-d show fixed lengths ofantennas 311 extending inattachment members -
Figs. 11a-d show variable lengths ofantennas attachment members Table 1 below shows exemplary lengths of the attachment members for an attachment member being a sound tube. Tube name length (mm) -1B 52.1 0A 57,9 0B 55,0 1A 60,0 1B 57,9 2A 67,0 2B 64,0 3A 72,0 3B 69,0 - Although particular embodiments of the present inventions have been shown and described, it will be understood that it is not intended to limit the claimed inventions to the preferred embodiments, and it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications may be made without departing from scope of the claimed inventions. The specification and drawings are, accordingly, to be regarded in an illustrative rather than restrictive sense. The claimed inventions are intended to cover alternatives, modifications, and equivalents.
Claims (8)
- A hearing aid (120, 220, 320) comprising
a hearing aid housing (140, 240, 340) havinga microphone (160, 260, 360) for reception of sound and conversion of the received sound into a corresponding first audio signal,a signal processor (150, 250, 350) for processing the first audio signal into a second audio signal compensating a hearing loss of a user of the hearing aid (120, 220, 320), anda wireless communications unit (130, 230, 330) connected to the signal processor (150, 250, 350) for wireless data communication, and an attachment member (100, 200, 300) connectable to the hearing aid housing (140, 240, 340),the wireless communications unit (130, 230, 330) being interconnected with an antenna (110, 210, 310) having a first pole element (111, 211, 311) and a second pole element (112, 212, 312) for emission and reception of an electromagnetic field, wherein the antenna (110, 210, 310) is a dipole antenna,
wherein at least a part of the first pole element (111, 211, 311) extends via the attachment member and the second pole element (112, 212, 312) extends in the hearing aid housing (140, 240, 340), characterized in that the attachment member (100, 200, 300) being a sound transmission member configured to transmit the second audio signal from the hearing aid housing (140, 240, 340) to an ear (900) of the user, wherein the attachment member (200) comprises one or more conducting elements (280) at least one of the one or more conducting elements (280) forming at least a part of the first pole element (211) of the antenna (210), and wherein at least one of the one or more conducting elements (280) conduct the second audio signal to a receiver (270) positioned in the ear (900) of the user, and
the second pole element (212, 312) of the antenna has a first section (214, 314) extending along a first side of the hearing aid housing and a second section (216, 316) extending along a second side of the hearing aid housing (240, 340). - A hearing aid (120, 220, 320) according to any of claims 1, wherein the antenna (110, 210, 310) is confined within the hearing aid housing (140, 240, 340) and the attachment member (100, 200, 300).
- A hearing aid (120, 220, 320) according to claim 1, wherein the first section (214, 314) and the second section (216, 316) are substantially symmetrical.
- A hearing aid (120, 220, 320) according to any of the previous claims, wherein the first pole element (111, 211, 311) and the second pole element (112, 212, 312) have a same length.
- A hearing aid (120, 220, 320) according to any of claims 1-4, wherein a length of the first pole element (111, 211, 311) of the antenna (110, 210, 310) extends over a length of the attachment member (100, 200, 300).
- A hearing aid (120, 220, 320) according to claim 5, wherein the hearing aid (120, 220, 320) further comprises a variable matching circuit for electrically matching the antenna (110, 210, 310) with the wireless communications unit (130, 230, 330).
- A hearing aid (120, 220, 320) according to any of the previous claims, wherein the antenna (110, 210, 310) is a balanced dipole antenna
- A hearing aid (320) according to any of the previous claims, wherein the first pole element (311) of the antenna (310) has a first section extending via the attachment member (300) and a second section (313) extending in the hearing aid housing (340), the second section (313) of the first pole element (311) extends along a first side (342) of the hearing aid housing (340) and the second pole element (312) of the antenna (310) extends along a second side (341) of the hearing aid housing (340).
Priority Applications (5)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
EP12199674.8A EP2750409B1 (en) | 2012-12-28 | 2012-12-28 | A dipole antenna for a hearing aid |
DK12199674.8T DK2750409T3 (en) | 2012-12-28 | 2012-12-28 | Dipole antenna for a hearing aid |
US13/848,605 US9237404B2 (en) | 2012-12-28 | 2013-03-21 | Dipole antenna for a hearing aid |
JP2013258396A JP5670545B2 (en) | 2012-12-28 | 2013-12-13 | Dipole antenna for hearing aids |
CN201310713296.7A CN103916803B (en) | 2012-12-28 | 2013-12-20 | Hearing aid |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
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EP12199674.8A EP2750409B1 (en) | 2012-12-28 | 2012-12-28 | A dipole antenna for a hearing aid |
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EP2750409A1 EP2750409A1 (en) | 2014-07-02 |
EP2750409B1 true EP2750409B1 (en) | 2020-02-26 |
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EP12199674.8A Active EP2750409B1 (en) | 2012-12-28 | 2012-12-28 | A dipole antenna for a hearing aid |
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DK2986030T3 (en) | 2014-08-15 | 2021-08-09 | Gn Hearing As | Hearing aid with an antenna |
CN104401574B (en) * | 2014-11-18 | 2016-08-17 | 苏州立人听力器材有限公司 | One tests supporting vanning |
US9912042B2 (en) | 2015-07-28 | 2018-03-06 | Futurewei Technologies, Inc. | Coupled multi-bands antennas in wearable wireless devices |
DE102016200831A1 (en) * | 2016-01-21 | 2017-07-27 | Sivantos Pte. Ltd. | hearing Aid |
EP3343955B1 (en) | 2016-12-29 | 2022-07-06 | Oticon A/s | Assembly for hearing aid |
US11546683B2 (en) * | 2017-12-29 | 2023-01-03 | Sony Corporation | Acoustic output device |
CN208820046U (en) * | 2018-08-30 | 2019-05-03 | 易力声科技(深圳)有限公司 | A kind of dipole antenna being placed in wireless headset shell |
DE102020209124A1 (en) | 2020-07-21 | 2022-01-27 | Sivantos Pte. Ltd. | ITE hearing aid |
CN117793594A (en) * | 2020-09-10 | 2024-03-29 | 华为技术有限公司 | Wireless earphone |
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US20100321269A1 (en) * | 2008-02-04 | 2010-12-23 | Panasonic Corporation | Behind-the-ear wireless device |
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US8634773B2 (en) * | 2007-10-12 | 2014-01-21 | Cochlear Limited | Short range communications for body contacting devices |
DK2076065T4 (en) | 2007-12-27 | 2017-02-20 | Oticon As | Hearing aid and method for wireless reception and / or transmission of data |
US8867765B2 (en) | 2008-02-06 | 2014-10-21 | Starkey Laboratories, Inc. | Antenna used in conjunction with the conductors for an audio transducer |
EP2265331B1 (en) * | 2008-03-28 | 2016-03-23 | Cochlear Limited | Antenna for behind-the-ear (bte) devices |
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US20100321269A1 (en) * | 2008-02-04 | 2010-12-23 | Panasonic Corporation | Behind-the-ear wireless device |
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