EP3637799A1

EP3637799A1 - Hearing device comprising a housing with a venting passage

Info

Publication number: EP3637799A1
Application number: EP18201112.2A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Erwin Kuipers
Original assignee: Sonova AG
Current assignee: Sonova Holding AG
Priority date: 2018-10-18
Filing date: 2018-10-18
Publication date: 2020-04-15
Anticipated expiration: 2038-10-18
Also published as: EP3637799B1

Abstract

The disclosure relates to a hearing device comprising a housing (22) having a front opening (33) and a rear opening (34), the housing (22) configured to be at least partially inserted in an ear canal with the front opening (33) facing an inner region of the ear canal extending toward an ear drum, the housing (22) enclosing a cavity (35) between the front opening (33) and the rear opening (34) such that a venting passage (39) for providing an acoustic connection between said inner region of the ear canal and an ambient environment outside the ear canal extends through the cavity (35), the hearing device further comprising an acoustic transducer (44) provided in the cavity (35), and an acoustic valve (41, 81, 111) configured to adjust an effective size of the venting passage (39).

To allow an efficient venting between the inner region of the ear canal and the ambient environment, the disclosure proposes an acoustic valve (41, 81, 111) configured to adjust an effective size of the venting passage (39), wherein the acoustic valve (41, 81, 111) is provided at the rear opening (34) and configured to adjust the effective size of the venting passage (39) at the rear opening (34).

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure generally relates to a hearing device comprising a housing configured to be at least partially worn in an ear canal, and more specifically to a hearing device comprising a venting passage, according to the preamble of claim 1.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

Hearing devices may be used to improve the hearing capability or communication capability of a user, for instance by compensating a hearing loss of a hearing-impaired user, in which case the hearing device is commonly referred to as a hearing instrument such as a hearing aid, or hearing prosthesis. A hearing device may also be used to produce a sound in a user's ear canal. Sound may be communicated by a wire or wirelessly to a hearing device, which may reproduce the sound in the user's ear canal. For example, earpieces such as earbuds, earphones or the like may be used to generate sound in a person's ear canal. Furthermore, hearing devices may be employed as hearing protection devices that suppress or at least substantially attenuate loud sounds and noises that could harm or even damage the user's sense of hearing. Hearing devices are often employed in conjunction with communication devices, such as smartphones, for instance when listening to sound data processed by the communication device and/or during a phone conversation operated by the communication device. More recently, communication devices have been integrated with hearing devices such that the hearing devices at least partially comprise the functionality of those communication devices.
Hearing devices can comprise a housing accommodating an acoustic transducer. Different types of hearing devices can be distinguished by the position at which the housing is intended to be worn relative to an ear canal of the user. Hearing devices which are configured such that the housing enclosing the transducer can be at least partially inserted into the ear canal can include, for instance, earbuds, earphones, and hearing instruments such as receiver-in-the-canal (RIC) hearing aids, in-the-ear (ITE) hearing aids, invisible-in-the-canal (IIC) hearing aids, and completely-in-the-canal (CIC) hearing aids. The housing can be an earpiece adapted for an insertion and/or a partial insertion into the ear canal. Some hearing devices comprise a housing having a standardized shape intended to fit into a variety of ear canals of different users. Other hearing devices comprise a housing having a customized shape adapted to an ear canal of an individual user. The customized housing can be a shell, in particular a shell of a hearing instrument. The shell can be formed, for instance, from an ear mould.
When the housing is inserted at least partially into an ear canal, it may form an acoustical seal with an ear canal wall such that it blocks the ear canal so that an inner region of the ear canal between the housing and the eardrum is acoustically insulated from the ambient environment outside the ear canal to some extent. The acoustical seal between the housing and the ear canal can prevent sound waves, such as ambient sound, passing from an outer region of the ear canal lateral to the housing into the inner region of the ear canal medial to the housing. Isolation provided by the housing may be desirable because it can prevent interference of ambient sound with the acoustic output of the acoustic transducer. However, because ambient sound may be blocked from the eardrum, it may prevent a user of the hearing device from directly hearing external sounds such as someone trying to communicate with the user.
In addition, sealing the ear canal can create an occlusion effect in the ear canal which may be perceived as "hollow" or "booming" echo-like sounds by a wearer of the hearing device. The occlusion effect can be caused by bone-conducted sound vibrations reverberating in the sealed inner region of the ear canal, so that speaking, chewing, body movement, heart beat or the like may create echoes or reverberations in the inner region. Occlusion can occur when an atmospheric connection between the inner region of the ear canal and the ambient environment outside the ear canal is strongly reduced or cut off such that no pressure equalisation in between the isolated regions can take place. Compared to a completely open ear canal, the occlusion effect can boost low frequency sound pressure in the ear canal by 20 decibels (dB) or more resulting in an undesirable loud perception of low frequencies, in particular below 500 Hertz (Hz).
A vent may be included in the housing comprising a venting passage through the housing. The venting passage can provide an atmospheric connection and/or an acoustic connection between the inner region of the ear canal and the ambient environment outside the ear canal. International patent application publication No. WO 98/47318 discloses a hearing device comprising a shell and an outer face plate insertable into an ear canal. A venting passage extends from pinholes at the faceplate through a cavity inside the shell to a hose. The hose connects the shell cavity to an exterior of the shell. The venting passage allows a reduction and/or damping of occlusion effects. But the venting passage has a rather large acoustic mass affected by a rather long and thin dimension of the hose and a rather small size of the faceplate aperture defined by the pinholes. This increases an acoustic impedance of the venting passage at relevant frequencies and limits, on the one hand, the venting efficiency such that occlusion may still disturb the listening experience. On the other hand, ambient sound may not be transmitted through the venting passage to a desired degree in certain hearing situations, for instance during conversations, and/or the transmission of ambient sound through the venting passage may be perceived as disturbing in other hearing situations, for instance in a noisy environment.

SUMMARY

It is an object of the present disclosure to avoid at least one of the above mentioned disadvantages and to provide a hearing device with a housing configured to be at least partially worn in an ear canal and allowing an improved wearing comfort and/or listening experience for the wearer. It is another object to provide an efficient venting between an inner region of the ear canal and an ambient environment outside the ear canal through the housing. It is a further object to allow a variable adjustment of an amount by which a venting of sound waves in between an inner ear canal region and an ambient environment is provided for. It is a further object to provide an effective way for an adjustment of the venting passage, in particular such that an acoustic mass and/or an acoustic impedance of the venting passage can be changed between a rather small value and a rather large value.
At least one of these objects can be achieved with a hearing device comprising the features of patent claim 1. Advantageous embodiments are defined by the dependent claims.
Accordingly, a hearing device comprises a housing having a front face and a rear face opposing each other. A front opening is provided at the front face and a rear opening is provided at the rear face. The housing is configured to be at least partially worn in an ear canal with the front opening facing an inner region of the ear canal extending toward an ear drum. During wearing, the rear opening can be in acoustic communication with an ambient environment outside the ear canal. The housing encloses a cavity between the front opening and the rear opening such that a venting passage extends through the cavity. The venting passage can provide an acoustic connection, in particular a ventilation, between the inner region of the ear canal and the ambient environment outside the ear canal. The hearing device further comprises an acoustic transducer provided in the cavity. The hearing device further comprises an acoustic valve configured to adjust an effective size of the venting passage. The acoustic valve is provided at the rear opening and configured to adjust the effective size of the venting passage at the rear opening.
In this way, the cavity enclosed by the housing can be advantageously exploited for an efficient venting between the inner region of the ear canal and the ambient environment. An occlusion caused by wearing of the housing in the ear canal can thus be reduced or avoided. Venting through the housing can also be exploited to reduce or avoid humidity in the inner region of the ear canal. Humidity may be caused by an atmospheric isolation of the inner region, in particular by a sealing at the ear canal wall by the housing. Humidity in the inner region may result in changed properties of the eardrum and the ear canal wall resulting in a deteriorated hearing experience for the wearer. Reducing or avoiding occlusion and/or humidity through the venting passage can thus improve a wearing comfort and/or listening experience for the wearer. Moreover, a risk of ear canal related diseases can be reduced by an efficient venting. Typically, ear canal related diseases tend to occur more often if a high humidity is present. In addition, reducing humidity can be beneficial regarding a reliability of the acoustic transducer inside the cavity.
The venting passage through the cavity can further provide an acoustic pathway for sound waves between the ambient environment outside the ear canal and the inner region of the ear canal. Ambient sound can thus be transmitted via the venting passage. In this way, the ambient sound may be perceivable by the wearer of the hearing device, in particular in addition and/or alternatively to a sound generated by the acoustic transducer provided in the cavity. The acoustic valve can permit an adjustment of the effective size of the venting passage, in particular such that an amount of ambient sound transmitted via the venting passage can be changed. The acoustic valve provided at the rear opening can provide the adjustment at an entering position of the ambient sound into the cavity. Thus, the effective size of the venting passage can be changed rather effectively at the entering position, wherein the remaining volume portion of the cavity in front of the acoustic valve may be exploited for an optimized sound delivery from the cavity to the inner region of the ear canal. Moreover, a space-saving accommodation of the acoustic valve at the rear opening, in particular in the cavity and/or outside the cavity, may be provided in such a manner.
A venting efficiency of the venting passage through the housing can be improved by an appropriate geometry of the housing. In some implementations, the front opening constitutes at least ten percent of an area of the front face. In some implementations, the rear opening constitutes at least ten percent of an area of the rear face. In some implementations, the front opening comprises a diameter at the front face and the cavity comprises a length between a center of the front opening and a center of the rear opening, wherein a ratio between the front opening diameter and the cavity length is at least one tenth. In this way, an acoustic mass of the volume inside the cavity can be decreased allowing a more efficient venting through the cavity. In some implementations, the rear opening comprises a diameter at the rear face and the cavity comprises a length between a center of the front opening and a center of the rear opening, wherein a ratio between the rear opening diameter and the cavity length is at least one tenth. In some implementations, the front opening comprises a diameter larger or equal to a diameter of the rear opening.
In some implementations, an empty space is provided in the cavity, the empty space constituting at least one fourth of a volume of the cavity. In some implementations, the empty space constitutes at least one half of the volume of the cavity. By providing such an empty space inside the cavity, an efficient venting can be provided through the cavity. The empty space in the cavity may be defined as a space in which no components of the hearing device are provided. The empty space may be defined as a space in which the cavity can be filled with an environmental gas, in particular air. In some implementations, the rear opening faces the front opening with the cavity provided in between. The acoustic transducer can be provided between the front opening and the rear opening. The acoustic transducer can comprise a sound output facing the front opening. In some implementations, the front opening is provided by a single aperture at the front face and/or the rear opening is provided by a single aperture at the rear face. The front opening and/or the rear opening can comprise a curved shape, in particular a substantially oval shape and/or circular shape. In some implementations, the front opening can comprise a plurality of apertures at the front face and/or the rear opening can comprise a plurality of apertures at the rear face. An area constituted by the front opening at the front face and/or the rear opening at the rear face can be defined as a sum of the areas of the front face and/or rear face covered by the respective apertures. A center of the front opening at the front face and/or the rear opening at the rear face can be defined as a center of a central aperture of the apertures of the front opening and/or the rear opening.
In some implementations, the housing comprises a side wall portion extending in a longitudinal direction between the front face and the rear face. The longitudinal direction can be defined as a direction in which the housing is configured to be inserted into an ear canal. A middle axis can be defined as an axis extending between a centre of the front opening and a centre of the rear opening. The acoustic transducer can be spaced from the side wall portion at a lateral distance perpendicular to the longitudinal direction and/or a lateral distance perpendicular to the middle axis. In this way, the acoustic transducer can be provided in the cavity by allowing an efficient venting through the venting passage around the acoustic transducer.
In some implementations, the acoustic transducer comprises a transducer housing accommodating electroacoustic components. Thus, the components can be protected inside the cavity by the transducer housing. The transducer housing can comprise a rear wall. The rear wall can be facing the rear opening. The rear wall can be provided at a distance to the rear opening, in particular at a distance larger or equal to one third of the cavity length of the cavity. The transducer housing can comprise a front wall. The front wall can be facing the front opening. The front wall can comprise a sound output of the acoustic transducer. The front wall can be provided in proximity to the front opening, in particular at a distance smaller or equal to one tenth of the cavity length of the cavity. The transducer housing can comprise a lateral wall. The lateral wall can be facing the inner surface of the side wall portion of the housing.
In some implementations, a support supporting the acoustic transducer at the lateral distance is provided. The housing can comprise an inner surface surrounding the cavity, wherein the support is fixed to the inner surface. In some implementations, the support comprises a through hole, the venting passage passing through the through hole. In this way, the support can allow an efficient venting through the venting passage. The through hole can extend in the longitudinal direction and/or in parallel to the middle axis. In some implementations, the support comprises a plurality of support members radially extending between the inner surface and the acoustic transducer. The support members can be spaced from one another.
The through hole of the support can be formed in at least one support member, in particular in a plurality of support members. The support members can be spaced from one another in a circumferential direction of the inner surface. The through hole of the support can be provided by the circumferential spacing between the support members. The circumferential direction can be defined as a direction around a circumference of inner surface. The support members can encircle the acoustic transducer. The support members can be substantially equidistantly spaced around a housing of the acoustic transducer. The support members can be spaced from one another in the longitudinal direction. In this way, the support can be accommodated inside the cavity by occupying a comparatively low space allowing an efficient venting through the cavity.
In some implementations, a hearing device component is attached to an inner surface of the housing. The hearing device component can comprise at least one of a processor, an energy source, a microphone, a controller, an input circuitry for the acoustic transducer, and a sensor. The hearing device component can comprise a surface portion attached to the inner surface. This can further contribute to a space saving arrangement of components in the cavity to allow an efficient venting through the cavity. In some implementations, a protective cover covering the hearing device component is provided. The cover can cover the component toward the cavity. The cover can be configured to protect the component, in particular against humidity and/or dirt. In this way, even rather sensitive components can be provided at the venting passage in a secure way.
In some implementations, a filter member is arranged at the front opening and/or a filter member is arranged at the rear opening. The filter member can be configured to cover the front opening and/or the rear opening by allowing passing of sound waves through the filter member. In some implementations, a first filter member is arranged at the front opening and a second filter member is arranged at the rear opening. The filter member can be provided as an acoustic screen, in particular a wax filter. In particular, the filter member can provide a contamination barrier and/or a humidity barrier at the front opening and/or the rear opening. Thus, components in the cavity can be further protected from harmful external impacts. The filter member can be attached to the housing. The filter member can be detachable from the housing.
In some implementations, the side wall portion comprises an outer surface configured to engage with an ear canal wall of the ear canal. The cavity in the housing can thus be maximized by providing the outer surface rather close the ear canal wall in order to allow an efficient venting through the housing. In some implementations, a flexible member is provided at the side wall portion, wherein the flexible member comprises a surface configured to engage with an ear canal wall of the ear canal.
In some implementations, the housing is provided by a one-piece body. In some implementations, the housing is a shell, in particular a shell of an in-the-ear (ITE) hearing device or an invisible-in-the-canal (IIC) hearing device or an completely-in-the-canal (CIC) hearing device or a receiver-in-the-canal (RIC) hearing device. The shell can be adapted to an individual shape of an ear canal deviating from a rotationally symmetric shape. In some implementations, the housing comprises a standardized shape for a variety of ear canals. For instance, such a housing can be provided as a housing for a receiver-in-the-canal (RIC) hearing device or an earphone or an earbud.
In some implementations, the acoustic valve comprises an actuator configured to actuate the adjustment of the effective size of the venting passage. The actuator can be an electrical actuator configured to actuate the adjustment of the effective size of the venting passage depending on an electric current provided to the actuator. The actuator can be provided in the cavity. A hearing device component for controlling the adjustment of the effective size of the venting passage, in particular a controller and/or processor, can be provided in the cavity. The component can be configured to provide a current to the actuator via a current supply line. In some implementations, the acoustic valve is mounted on the inner surface of the housing. In some implementations, the acoustic valve is mounted on the outer surface of the housing. In some implementations, the housing comprises a rear wall portion at the rear face, wherein the acoustic valve is mounted on the rear wall portion. The rear opening can be provided in the rear wall portion. In some implementations, the housing comprises a side wall portion between the front face and the rear face, wherein the acoustic valve is mounted on the side wall portion. In some implementations, the acoustic valve is mounted on the rear wall portion and the side wall portion.
The venting passage can comprise any passage providing an acoustic pathway through the housing, in particular between an inner region of the ear canal and an ambient environment at an outer region of the ear canal and/or outside the ear canal. The pathway may be provided as a ventilation channel for sound waves, such that sound waves can propagate through the venting passage, and/or a ventilation channel for a medium, such that a medium can be transported through the venting passage. An effective size of the venting passage can be defined as any parameter or combination of parameters on which an efficiency of the venting through the venting passage may depend. The expression venting may refer to a venting of soundwaves through the venting passage and/or a venting of a medium through the venting passage, for instance air, another atmospheric medium, a propagation medium for sound waves, and/or any other medium, in particular such that a pressure equalisation in between an inner region of the ear canal and an outer region of the ear canal and/or an ambient environment outside the ear can be at least increased and/or provided by the venting. A reduced effective size of the venting passage can be defined as any parameter value or combination of parameter values which can lead to a less efficient venting through the venting passage. An enlarged effective size of the venting passage can be defined as any parameter value or combination of parameter values which can lead to a more efficient venting through the venting passage.
The adjustment of the venting passage can comprise an enlarging and/or reducing of the cross sectional size of the venting passage. In some implementations, at least one parameter of the effective size of the venting passage comprises a cross sectional size and/or length of the venting passage. The adjustment of the venting passage can comprise an enlarging and/or reducing of the cross sectional size and/or length of the venting passage. In some implementations, at least one parameter of the effective size can be a ratio between a cross section and a length of the ventilation channel. The adjustment of the venting passage can comprise an enlarging and/or reducing of the ratio. In some implementations, at least one parameter of the effective size can be a parameter determining an acoustic mass and/or an acoustic impedance inside the venting passage. The adjustment of the venting passage can comprise an enlarging and/or reducing of the acoustic mass and/or an acoustic impedance. In some implementations, at least one parameter of the effective size can be a parameter determining the mobility of a medium inside the ventilation channel. The adjustment of the venting passage can comprise an enlarging and/or reducing of the mobility of the medium. The adjustment of the effective size of the venting passage can comprise at least any combination of an enlarging and/or reducing of these parameters of the effective size.
In some implementations, the acoustic valve comprises a valve member moveable relative to the housing. The valve member van be provided at the venting passage, in particular such that the valve member is movable between a position reducing the venting passage and a position enlarging the venting passage. The acoustic valve can comprise a coupling surface. The valve member can be moveably coupled with the coupling surface. The moveable coupling can be configured to allow a relative motion of the valve member and the coupling surface. The motion of the valve member relative to the coupling surface can comprise at least one of a translational motion of the valve member with respect to the housing and a rotational motion of the valve member with respect to the housing. The effective size of the venting passage can be adjustable by a motion of the valve member along the coupling surface. Thus, the acoustic valve can be configured to provide for said adjustment of the effective size of the venting passage by said relative motion. The hearing device can further comprise an electric actuator configured to activate said relative motion, in particular to move the valve member along the coupling surface. The coupling surface can extend in the longitudinal direction. A lateral wall can comprise the coupling surface at which said moveable coupling is provided such that said relative motion is directed along the coupling surface. The lateral wall can be fixed to the housing.
The acoustic valve can comprise a valve casing. The valve casing can comprise the coupling surface, in particular the lateral wall comprising the coupling surface. The valve casing can enclose a valve chamber. The valve casing can be provided at the rear opening, in particular such that the rear opening leads to the valve chamber. The valve member can be provided in the valve chamber. In some implementations, the valve casing is mounted on the inner surface of the housing. Thus, a rather compact form of the hearing device can be provided. In some implementations, the valve casing is mounted on the outer surface of the housing. In this way, an increased empty space can be provided inside the cavity. The valve casing can comprise a vent opening. The vent opening can lead from the valve chamber to an exterior of the valve chamber. The vent opening can be arranged in the venting passage. The vent opening can be configured to provide for venting of sound waves through the vent opening. The acoustic valve can be configured, in particular by said motion of the valve member relative to the coupling surface, to provide for at least one of opening the vent opening, closing the vent opening, and adjusting a size of the vent opening. In particular, the valve member can be configured to be displaced between a first position in which the vent opening is open and a second position in which the vent opening is at least partially closed by the valve member.
In some implementations, the actuator is configured to provide a magnetic field, by which magnetic field a driving force for said relative motion is provided. The actuator can comprise a first driving part fixedly coupled to said coupling surface, in particular to said lateral wall, and a second driving part fixedly coupled to the valve member, wherein the first driving part and the second driving part are configured to interact via said magnetic field. The first driving part and the second driving part can comprise a magnetic member. The magnetic member can be configured to generate at least part of said magnetic field and/or comprise a magnetizable material and/or comprise a conductor configured to be supplied with a current such that a Lorentz force can be generated in the conductor. The magnetic member of at least one of the first driving part and the second driving part can comprise a conductor configured to be supplied with a current, in particular such that the conductor is configured to generate at least part of said magnetic field.
In some implementations, the acoustic valve comprises a deformable cover comprising a cover surface configured to cover the rear opening. The deformable cover can comprise an electroactive layer deformable by a current supplied to the electroactive layer. The deformable cover can be deformed between a first state in which the rear opening is open and a second state in which the rear opening is closed. Thus, the effective size of venting passage can be adjusted by the current supplied to the electroactive layer. In some implementations, the deformable cover is mounted on the inner surface of the housing. Thus, a rather compact form of the hearing device can be provided. In some implementations, the deformable cover is mounted on the outer surface of the housing. In this way, an increased empty space can be provided inside the cavity.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. In the drawings:

Fig. 1: schematically illustrates a hearing device comprising an acoustic valve, the hearing device partially inserted into an ear canal, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure;
Fig. 2: schematically illustrates the hearing device depicted in Fig. 1 in greater detail in a longitudinal sectional view, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure;
Fig. 3: schematically illustrates another hearing device in a longitudinal sectional view, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure;
Fig. 4: schematically illustrates a housing of the hearing device depicted in Figs. 1, 2 and 3 in a longitudinal sectional view, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure;
Fig. 5: schematically illustrates a cross sectional view of the hearing device depicted in Figs. 1, 2 and 3, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure;
Figs. 6 and 7: schematically illustrates a hearing device comprising an acoustic valve including an electromagnetic actuator in a longitudinal sectional view, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure;
Fig. 8: schematically illustrates another hearing device comprising an acoustic valve including an electromagnetic actuator in a longitudinal sectional view, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure;
Figs. 9 and 10: schematically illustrates a hearing device comprising an acoustic valve including an electroactive actuator in a longitudinal sectional view, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure; and
Fig. 11: schematically illustrates another hearing device comprising an acoustic valve including an electroactive actuator in a longitudinal sectional view, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the following detailed description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the subject matter herein. However, it will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that the subject matter may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well known methods, techniques, procedures, processes, algorithms, components, circuits, structures and systems have not been described in detail so as not to unnecessarily obscure features of the embodiments. In the following description, it should be understood that features of one embodiment may be used in combination with features from another embodiment where the features of the different embodiment are not incompatible. The ensuing description provides some embodiment(s) of the invention, and is not intended to limit the scope, applicability or configuration of the invention or inventions. Various changes may be made in the function and arrangement of elements without departing from the scope of the invention as set forth herein.
Figures 1 and 2 illustrate a hearing device 21 in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. Hearing device 21 is worn by a user at a wearing position at an ear 1. Ear 1 comprises an auricle 2 including a helix 3 and a concha 4. Ear 1 further comprises an ear canal 6. Ear canal 6 extends from an eardrum 7 at an inner end of ear canal 6 to an ear canal opening 8 leading to auricle 2 at an outer end of ear canal 6. Ear canal 6 is laterally delimited by an ear canal wall 9.
Hearing device 21 comprises a housing 22. Housing 22 is partially inserted into ear canal 6. Housing 22 comprises a front face 23 and a rear face 24. Front face 23 and rear face 24 are opposing each other in a longitudinal direction of housing 22. The longitudinal direction can be defined as a direction in which housing 22 is configured to be inserted into ear canal 6. Housing 22 is inserted into ear canal 6 such that the longitudinal direction of housing 22 points in a direction of extension of ear canal 6 toward eardrum 7. Rear face 24 is substantially parallel to ear canal opening 8. Housing 22 comprises a front wall portion 26, a side wall portion 27, and a rear wall portion 28. Front wall portion 26 is provided at front face 23. Rear wall portion 28 is provided at rear face 24. Side wall portion 27 connects front wall portion 27 and rear wall portion 28 in the longitudinal direction of housing 22. Side wall portion 27 extends in the longitudinal direction between rear face 24 and front face 23. A front opening 33 is provided at front face 23. Front opening 33 adjoins front wall portion 26. A circumference of front opening 33 is delimited by an inner edge of front wall portion 26. A rear opening 34 is provided at rear face 24. Rear opening 34 adjoins rear wall portion 28. A circumference of rear opening 34 is delimited by an inner edge of rear wall portion 28.
Housing 22 encloses a cavity 35. Cavity 35 extends between front opening 33 and rear opening 34. Housing 22 comprises an inner surface 36 surrounding cavity 35. Inner surface 36 faces cavity 35. Inner surface 36 comprises an inner surface of side wall portion 27. Inner surface 36 further comprises an inner surface of front wall portion 26 and rear wall portion 28. Housing 22 comprises an outer surface 37 opposing inner surface 36. Outer surface 37 faces away from cavity 35. Outer surface 37 comprises an outer surface of side wall portion 27. Outer surface 37 further comprises an outer surface of front wall portion 26 and rear wall portion 28. Outer surface 37 is configured to engage with ear canal wall 9 of ear canal 6. A portion of outer surface 37 at side wall portion 37 engages with a section of ear canal wall 9 located behind ear canal opening 8. Another portion of outer surface 37 at side wall portion 37 contacts auricle 2 in front of ear canal opening 8.
Front opening 33 of housing 22 faces an inner region 12 of ear canal 6. Inner region 12 extends from front face 23 of housing 22 toward ear drum 7 of ear 1. Rear face 24 of housing 22 faces an ambient environment outside ear canal 6. Rear opening 34 of housing 22 is in acoustic communication with the ambient environment outside ear canal 6. The portion of outer surface 37 of housing 22 engaging with ear canal wall 9 of ear canal 6 provides an acoustical seal at ear canal wall 9. The acoustical seal can prevent acoustic signals, such as ambient sound, passing from the ambient environment outside ear canal 6 to inner region 12 of ear canal 6, and vice versa. The acoustical seal can provoke occlusion and/or humidity at inner region 12 of ear canal 6. A venting passage 39 extends through cavity 35, in particular between front opening 33 and rear opening 34 of housing 22. Venting passage 39 can provide an acoustic connection, in particular a ventilation, between inner region 12 of ear canal 6 and the ambient environment outside ear canal 6 through cavity 35. In this way, acoustic signals, such as ambient sound, can pass between the ambient environment outside ear canal 6 and inner region 12 of ear canal 6 via venting passage 39. Moreover, occlusion and/or humidity at inner region 12 of ear canal 6 can be reduced or avoided by the ventilation provided by venting passage 39.
An acoustic valve 41 is provided at rear opening 34. Acoustic valve 41 is configured to adjust an effective size of venting passage 39. In particular, acoustic valve 41 is configured to enlarge and/or reduce the effective size. In this way, an amount of acoustic signals, such as ambient sound, passing between the ambient environment outside ear canal 6 and inner region 12 of ear canal 6 via venting passage 39 can be changed by acoustic valve 41. Acoustic valve 41 is configured to adjust the effective size of venting passage 39 at rear opening 34. Acoustic valve 41 is provided in cavity 35. In particular, acoustic valve 41 is mounted on inner surface 36 of housing 22.
An acoustic transducer 44 is provided in cavity 35. Acoustic transducer 44 is configured to generate sound waves and/or to emit sound waves toward front opening 33 of housing 22. Sound waves generated by acoustic transducer 44 can propagate from cavity 35 through front opening 33 toward eardrum 7, in particular in addition and/or alternatively to an ambient sound transmitted through cavity 35 via venting passage 39. Acoustic transducer 44 comprises a sound output 30 through which the sound waves generated by acoustic transducer 44 are emitted. Sound output 30 faces front opening 33. Sound output 30 is provided in proximity to front opening 33, in particular such that a distance between sound output 30 and front opening 33 is smaller or equal to one fifth of a cavity length of cavity 35. The cavity length can be defined as a length between a center of front opening 33 at front face 23 and a center of rear opening 34 at rear face 24. In this way, the sound waves generated by acoustic transducer 44 can be provided such that they traverse only a comparatively small portion of cavity 35 before entering the ear canal through front opening 33.
An adjustment of the effective size of venting passage 39 can be applied to change an amount of ambient sound transmitted via venting passage 39 depending on a sound generated by acoustic transducer 44. Acoustic transducer 44 is spaced from side wall portion 27. The spacing is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of housing 22 and provides a lateral distance between acoustic transducer 44 and side wall portion 27. The lateral distance can be larger or equal to one tenth of a diameter, in particular one fifth of a diameter, of a respective cross section of cavity 35 at which transducer 44 is provided. In this way, an efficient venting around transducer 44 can be provided. Venting passage 39 extends through a portion of cavity 35 surrounding acoustic transducer 44 within the lateral distance between acoustic transducer 44 and side wall portion 27.
Acoustic transducer 44 comprises a transducer housing 40. In this way, electronic components of acoustic transducer 44 can be protected inside cavity 35 against humidity and/or dirt outside cavity 35. Transducer housing 40 comprises a rear wall 43 facing rear opening 34. Rear wall 43 is provided at a distance to rear opening 34, in particular at a distance larger or equal to one third of the cavity length of cavity 35. In this way, a comparatively large space inside cavity 35 can be provided between transducer housing 40 and rear opening 34 which can be exploited for an accommodation for additional components, such as a microphone, and an efficient venting through cavity 35 around the additional components. Transducer housing 40 comprises a lateral wall 38 facing inner surface 36 of side wall portion 27 of housing 22. Lateral wall 38 is provided at the lateral distance of acoustic transducer 44 to side wall portion 27. Transducer housing 40 comprises a front wall 42 facing front opening 33. Sound output 30 is provided at front wall 42.
Acoustic transducer 44 is supported at the lateral distance by a support 45. Support 45 is fixed to inner surface 36 of housing 22. Support 45 is fixed to transducer housing 40. The fixation is provided at lateral wall 38. Sound output 30 is arranged at an aperture of support 45 facing front opening 33 in order to allow an efficient transition of sound waves through the aperture. The aperture is provided as a sound conduit at a central portion of support 45. The sound conduit leads from sound output 30 to front opening 33. Support 45 comprises a front support 46 provided at a front side of acoustic transducer 44. The front side comprises a portion facing front opening 33 of housing 22. Support 45 comprises a rear support 47 provided at a rear side of acoustic transducer 44. The rear side comprises a portion facing rear opening 34 of housing 22. The sound conduit of support 45 leading from sound output 30 to front opening 33 is provided in front support 46.
Front support 46 and rear support 47 are spaced from one another in the longitudinal direction of housing 22. Front support 46 and rear support 47 are each mounted on inner surface 36 of housing 22. The mounting on inner surface 36 of housing 22 is provided at a respective end face of front support 46 and rear support 47, the end face opposing acoustic transducer 44. Front support 46 and rear support 47 are also mounted on lateral wall 38 of transducer housing 40. A first through hole 48 is provided in front support 46. A second through hole 49 is provided in rear support 47. Through holes 48, 49 extend in the longitudinal direction of housing 22. Through holes 48, 49 are provided within the lateral distance between acoustic transducer 44 and side wall portion 27. Venting passage 39 passes through through holes 48, 49. Front support 46 and rear support 47 enclose an entire circumference of acoustic transducer 44. Front support 46 and rear support 47 are mounted around an entire circumference of inner surface 36 of housing 22. In this way, a secure fixation of acoustic transducer 44 can be provided in addition to an efficient venting through venting passage 39.
A filter member 32 is provided at front opening 33. Filter member 32 is configured to cover front opening 33 while being attached to housing 22. In particular, a covering surface of filter member 32 is larger or equal to a cross section of front opening 33. Filter member 32 is provided by a body configured to be traversed by sound waves, in particular an acoustic screen passable by sound waves. For instance, filter member 32 can be provided by a wax filter configured to prevent ear way from entering cavity 35 and/or a humidity barrier and/or a contamination barrier. In this way, cavity 35 can be shielded from humidity and/or dirt entering cavity 35 through front opening 33 without obstructing sound waves passing through front opening 33. Thus, components provided inside cavity 35 can be protected from harmful external influences. Filter member 32 is provided at front face 23 of housing 22. Filter member 32 is attached to outer surface 37 of housing 22. Filter member 32 is detachable from housing 22, in particular such that it can be replaced by another filter member.
Figure 3 illustrates a hearing device 31 in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. Corresponding features with respect to embodiments of hearing device 21 depicted in Figs. 1 and 2 are illustrated by the same reference numerals. Acoustic valve 41 is provided at rear opening 34, wherein acoustic valve 41 is mounted on outer surface 37 of housing 22. Thus, acoustic valve 41 is provided outside cavity 35. In this way, an empty space inside cavity 35 can be increased allowing an efficient venting through cavity 35. In particular, additional components can be provided inside cavity 35, wherein a good venting efficiency through the remaining empty space can be maintained.
Figure 4 illustrates housing 22 of hearing devices 21, 31 depicted in Figs. 1, 2 and 3 in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. A longitudinal direction 55 of housing 22 is defined as a direction in which housing 22 is configured to be inserted into an ear canal. Side wall portion 27 extends in longitudinal direction 55 between rear face 24 and front face 23. A cavity length 56 is defined as a length between a center of front opening 33 at front face 23 and a center of rear opening 34 at rear face 24. A middle axis 51 is defined as an axis extending through a center of front opening 33 at front face 23 and a center of rear opening 34 at rear face 24. In some implementations, housing 22 is substantially rotationally symmetric around middle axis 51. In some other implementations, housing 22 has a shape different from a rotationally symmetric shape around middle axis 51. For instance, housing 22 can be a shell adapted to an individual shape of an ear canal deviating from a rotationally symmetric shape. Middle axis 51 substantially extends along cavity length 56.
A front opening diameter 53 is defined as a diameter of front opening 33 at front face 23. A rear opening diameter 54 is defined as a diameter of rear opening 34 at rear face 24. A ratio between front opening diameter 53 and cavity length 56 is one tenth or larger, more preferred one fifth or larger. A ratio between rear opening diameter 54 and cavity length 56 is one tenth or larger, more preferred one fifth or larger. In this way, a rather small acoustical mass can be provided inside cavity 35. The small acoustical mass can be exploited for an efficient venting through venting passage 39. Front opening diameter 53 can have a value of at least half, more preferred at least two third, of a diameter of housing 22 at front face 23. Front opening 33 can constitute at least one eighth, more preferred at least one fourth of an area of rear face 24. In some implementations, front opening 33 has the same size as compared to rear opening 34, or front opening 33 is larger than rear opening 34. In particular, front opening diameter 53 and rear opening diameter 54 can be approximately equal or front opening diameter 53 can be larger than rear opening diameter 54. The rather large size of front opening 33 relative to the total area covered by front face 23 and/or the rather large size of rear opening 34 relative to the total area covered by rear face 24 can further contribute to an efficient venting through venting passage 39. In some implementations, front opening 33 and rear opening 34 are approximately circular.
Housing 22 is provided as one piece, in particular a one piece body. Front opening 33 and rear opening 34 are integrally formed in housing 22. Housing 22, as illustrated in Figs. 1-4, is a shell. Shell 22 has a customized shape adapted to an ear canal of an individual user. Shell 22 can be formed, for instance, by an ear mould. In particular, shell 22 can be formed from at least one synthetic material and/or at least one metallic material. For instance, shell 22 can be fabricated by injection moulding. Shell 22, as illustrated in Figs. 1 - 4, is a housing for an in-the-ear (ITE) hearing aid. Accordingly, hearing device 21 as illustrated in Figs. 1 and 2 and hearing device 31 as illustrated in Fig. 3 is an ITE. Shell 22 comprises a broader portion 57 at rear face 24 tapering into a narrower portion 58 in longitudinal direction 55 toward front face 23. Narrower portion 58 is configured to be inserted into ear canal 6. Broader portion 57 is configured to contact ear 1 outside ear canal 6. In other implementations, shell 22 can be provided as a housing for an invisible-in-the-canal (IIC) hearing aid and/or completely-in-the-canal (CIC) hearing aid, wherein shell 22 is configured to be fully inserted into ear canal 6. In other implementations, shell 22 can be configured to protrude further outside ear canal 6 at rear face 24. Housing 22 can also have a standardized shape for a variety of ear canals. For instance, housing 22 can be provided as a housing for a receiver-in-the-canal (RIC) hearing aid, earbud, earphone and/or the like.
Figure 5 illustrates a cross-section of hearing device 21 along V in Fig. 3 in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. Front support 47 of support 45 comprises a mounting member 62. Mounting member 62 is mounted on inner surface 36 of housing 22 at side wall portion 27. Mounting member 62 has an annular shape. Mounting member 62 has an outer circumference substantially matching an inner circumference of side wall portion 27 along inner surface 36. Front support 47 of support 45 comprises a receiving member 63. Receiving member 63 encloses a receiving space for acoustic transducer 44. Acoustic transducer 44 is provided in the receiving space. Receiving member 63 has an inner surface matching a shape of acoustic transducer 44, in particular a circumferential shape of lateral wall 38. Mounting member 62 and receiving member are spaced from one another at a lateral distance perpendicular to longitudinal direction 55. In this way, the lateral distance of acoustic transducer 44 from side wall portion 27 perpendicular to longitudinal direction 55 is provided.
Front support 47 of support 45 comprises four support members 65, 66, 67, 68. Support members 65 - 68 connect receiving member 63 and mounting member 62 at the lateral distance perpendicular to longitudinal direction 55. Support members 65 - 68 radially extend between inner surface 36 and acoustic transducer 44, in particular perpendicular to longitudinal direction 55. Support members 65 - 68 are spaced from one another between their radial extension. Support members 65 - 68 are thus spaced from one another in a circumferential direction of inner surface 36 of housing 22 at side wall portion 27. The circumferential direction is defined as a direction around inner surface 36 of housing 22 at side wall portion 27. Support members 65 - 68 lead to a surface of acoustic transducer 44, in particular to a respective edge formed in lateral wall 38 of transducer housing 40. Support members 65 - 68 encircle acoustic transducer 44, in particular such that they are equidistantly spaced from one another around acoustic transducer 44. Through hole 46 comprises the spacing between support members 65 - 68. Through hole 46 thus extends through support 45 in longitudinal direction 55. Rear support 48 of support 45 comprises a similar structure as front support 47 including mounting member 62, receiving member 63, and support members 65 - 68. Through hole 46 thus also comprises the spacing between support members 65 - 68 in rear support 48. Support members 65 - 68 of front support 47 are spaced from the support members of rear support 48 in longitudinal direction 55. In this way, a resilient accommodation of acoustic transducer 44 inside cavity 35 can be provided by support 45, wherein an empty space inside cavity 35 can be kept large enough to allow an efficient venting through cavity 35 via venting passage 39.
Figures 6 and 7 illustrate a hearing device 71 in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. Corresponding features with respect to embodiments of hearing device 21 illustrated in Figs. 1 - 5 are illustrated by the same reference numerals. Hearing device 71 comprises a hearing device component 74 in addition to acoustic transducer 44. For instance, hearing device component 74 can comprise a processor, a controller, an input circuitry for acoustic transducer 44, a battery, a sensor, a microphone, and/or the like. Component 74 comprises a surface portion 75 attached to inner surface 36 of housing 22 at side wall portion 27. In this way, an empty space inside cavity 35 can be kept large enough to allow an efficient venting through cavity 35 via venting passage 39. A protective cover 76 is covering component 74 toward cavity 35. Cover 76 is configured to protect component 74 against humidity and/or dirt.
Hearing device 71 comprises an acoustic valve 81. Acoustic valve 81 is provided in cavity 35. Acoustic valve 81 comprises a valve casing 82 provided at rear opening 34. Valve casing 82 is mounted on inner surface 36 of housing 22 at rear wall portion 28. Valve casing 82 encloses a valve chamber 83. Valve chamber 83 forms part of cavity 35. Valve chamber 83 encompasses rear opening 34 at a rear end of valve chamber 83. A cross section of valve chamber 83 perpendicular to middle axis 51 substantially corresponds to a cross section of rear opening 34. A vent opening 85 is formed in casing 82 between valve chamber 83 and a remaining part of cavity 35 outside valve chamber 83. Vent opening 85 is spaced from middle axis 51 of housing 22 at a lateral distance perpendicular to middle axis 51 of housing 22. Vent opening 85 faces middle axis 51 of housing 22. Venting passage 39 thus comprises an acoustic pathway in cavity 35 extending from front opening 33 through vent opening 85 to rear opening 34.
Casing 82 comprises a lateral wall 88. Lateral wall 88 extends in longitudinal direction 55 of housing 22. Lateral wall 88 surrounds middle axis 51 at a lateral distance perpendicular to middle axis 51. In particular, lateral wall 88 surrounds a cross sectional area perpendicular to middle axis 51 substantially corresponding to a cross sectional area of rear opening 34. Lateral wall 88 can have a cylindrical shape, in particular a circular cylindrical shape or an oval cylindrical shape or a rectangular cylindrical shape. Lateral wall 88 comprises a rear end fixed to inner surface 36 of housing 22 at rear wall portion 28. The rear end of lateral wall 88 adjoins rear wall portion 28 at a circumference of rear opening 34 delimited by an inner edge of rear wall portion 28. An inner surface 87 of lateral wall 88 substantially adjoins the inner edge of rear wall portion 28. Inner surface 87 of lateral wall 88 spans an inner diameter perpendicular to middle axis 51 substantially corresponding to a diameter of rear opening 34.
Vent opening 85 is provided in lateral wall 88. Vent opening 85 extends around at least part of a circumference of lateral wall 88. Vent opening 85 can comprise a plurality of holes in lateral wall. The holes can be spaced from one another in a circumferential direction of lateral wall 88 such that lateral wall 88 extends in between the holes. The circumferential direction is defined as a direction around a surface of lateral wall 88. Vent opening 85 is provided in a rear portion of lateral wall 88. The rear portion corresponds to half a length of lateral wall 88 in longitudinal direction 55 of housing 22 at the rear end of lateral wall 88. Vent opening 85 can thus be provided in proximity to rear opening 34 contributing to an efficiency of the venting through venting passage 39. Casing 82 comprises a chamber end wall 89. Chamber end wall 89 is provided at a front end of valve chamber 83. Chamber end wall 89 is provided at a front end of lateral wall 88. Chamber end wall 89 covers a cross sectional area surrounded by lateral wall 88. Valve chamber 83 is thus delimited by lateral wall 88 and chamber end wall 89. Chamber end wall 89 faces rear opening 34.
Acoustic valve 81 comprises a valve member 91. Valve member 91 is provided in valve chamber 83 enclosed by valve casing 82. Acoustic valve 81 can be moved relative to casing 82 in a relative motion. In a first end position of the relative motion, as depicted in Fig. 6, valve member 91 is located in a position inside valve chamber 83 such that vent opening 85 is not covered by valve member 91. Venting passage 39 through vent opening 85 is thus in an open state, in particular such that venting passage 39 is not blocked by valve member 91. In the first end position, valve member 91 is located in a front portion of valve chamber 83 adjoining chamber end wall 89. In a second end position of the relative motion, as depicted in Fig. 7, valve member 91 is located in a position inside valve chamber 83 such that vent opening 85 is covered by valve member 91. Venting passage 39 through vent opening 85 is thus in a closed state, in particular such that venting passage 39 is blocked by valve member 91. In the second end position, valve member 91 is located in a rear portion of valve chamber 83 adjoining rear opening 34. An effective size of venting passage 39 can thus be adjusted by the relative motion of valve member 91 between the first end position, in which vent opening 85 is fully open, and the second end position, in which vent opening 85 is fully closed. In particular, valve member 91 can be moved to any intermediate position between the first end position and the second end position such that vent opening 85 is only partially open and/or partially closed. In this way, the effective size of venting passage 39 can be continuously adjusted.
Valve member 91 comprises an outer surface 92. Outer surface 92 has a diameter substantially corresponding to a diameter of inner surface 87 of lateral wall 88 of valve chamber 83. Valve member 91 can be provided as a bushing, in particular a cylindrical bushing. Outer surface 92 of acoustic valve 81 is movable coupled with inner surface 87 of lateral wall 88. Acoustic valve 81 can thus be moved relative to casing 82 along inner surface 87. In this way, said relative motion of acoustic valve 81 relative to casing 82 between the first end position and the second end position can be provided. Inner surface 87 of lateral wall 88 constitutes a coupling surface for valve member 91 along which said relative motion of valve member 91 can be provided. Outer surface 92 of valve member 91 is configured to be coupled with coupling surface 87. Coupling surface 87 and outer surface 92 of valve member 91 are configured such that a translational motion, in particular a sliding movement, of valve member 91 relative to vent opening 85 of valve chamber 83 along coupling surfaces 87, 92 can be provided. The sliding movement comprises a longitudinal motion, in particular in parallel to middle axis 51 of housing 22. A spatial restriction of the translational motion can be provided by chamber end wall 89 at the first end position and/or by rear wall portion 28 of housing 22 at the second end position.
Acoustic valve 81 comprises an actuator 95. Actuator 95 is configured to actuate the adjustment of the effective size of venting passage 39, in particular to actuate said relative motion of acoustic valve 81 relative to casing 82 between the first end position and the second end position. Actuator 95 is an electrical actuator configured to actuate the adjustment depending on a current supplied to the actuator. Actuator 95 comprises a first driving part 96 and a second driving part 97. First driving part 96 is included in valve casing 82, in particular such that it is rigidly attached to lateral wall 88 of casing 82. Lateral wall 88 of casing 82 comprises a recess in which first driving part 96 is provided. The recess is provided in a front portion of lateral wall 88. The front portion corresponds to half a length of lateral wall 88 in longitudinal direction 55 of housing 22 at the front end of lateral wall 88 adjoining chamber end wall 89. First driving part 96 is arranged in the recess such that an inner surface of first driving part 96 forms a part of inner surface 87 of lateral wall 88 of valve chamber 83. Second driving part 97 is included in valve member 91, in particular such that it is provided at outer surface 92 of valve member 91.
First driving part 96 and second driving part 97 are configured to interact via a magnetic field. First driving part 96 comprises a magnetic member configured to generate a magnetic field. First driving part 96 comprises a conductor configured to be supplied with a current, by which current the magnetic field can be provided and/or changed. In particular, the conductor of first driving part 96 can be provided by a coil and/or a solenoid. The current supply to the conductor can be provided and/or changed and/or controlled by component 74 via a supply line 77. Second driving part 97 comprises a magnetic member configured to interact with the magnetic field generated by first driving part 96. The magnetic member of second driving part 97 can comprise a magnet, in particular a permanent magnet and/or a coil and/or a solenoid, and/or a magnetizable material, in particular a ferromagnetic material. By providing and/or changing the magnetic field generated by the first driving part 96, said relative motion of acoustic valve 81 relative to casing 82 between the first end position and the second end position can be actuated. Thus, the effective size of venting passage 39 can be adjusted.
Acoustic valve 41 comprises a filter member 25. Filter member 25 is provided at rear opening 34. Filter member 25 is configured to cover rear opening 34 while being attached to housing 22. In particular, a covering surface of filter member 25 is larger or equal to a cross section of rear opening 34. Filter member 25 is provided by a body configured to be traversed by sound waves, in particular an acoustic screen passable by the sound waves. Filter member 25 can be provided by a wax filter configured to prevent ear way from entering cavity 35 and/or a humidity barrier and/or a contamination barrier. In this way, cavity 35 can be shielded from humidity and/or dirt entering cavity 35 through rear opening 34 without obstructing sound waves passing through rear opening 34. Thus, components provided inside cavity 35 can be protected from harmful external influences. Filter member 25 is provided at rear face 24 of housing 22, in particular on outer surface 37 of housing 22. Filter member 25 is detachable from housing 22, in particular such that it can be replaced by another filter member. An arrangement of first filter member 32 at front opening 33 and second filter member 25 at rear opening 34 can allow an enhanced protection of cavity 35.
Figure 8 illustrates a hearing device 121 in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. Corresponding features with respect to embodiments of hearing devices 21, 31, 71 depicted in Figs. 1 - 7 are illustrated by the same reference numerals. Acoustic valve 81 is provided at rear opening 34, wherein acoustic valve 81 is mounted on outer surface 37 of housing 22. Thus, acoustic valve 81 is provided outside cavity 35. In this way, an empty space inside cavity 35 can be increased allowing an efficient venting through cavity 35. In particular, additional components can thus be provided inside cavity 35, wherein a good venting efficiency can be maintained. Casing 82 is provided outside cavity such that chamber end wall 89 facing rear opening 34 is provided at a rear end of valve chamber 83. Lateral wall 88 comprises a front end fixed to outer surface 37 of housing 22 at rear wall portion 28. In this way, an empty space inside cavity 35 can be increased allowing an efficient venting through cavity 35. A filter member 125 is provided at vent opening 85 of casing 82. Filter member 125 is configured to cover vent opening 85 while being attached to casing 82. In particular, a covering surface of filter member 125 is larger or equal to a cross section of vent opening 85. Filter member 125 is provided by a body configured to be traversed by sound waves, in particular an acoustic screen passable by the sound waves. Filter member 125 can be provided by a wax filter configured to prevent ear way from entering cavity 35 and/or a humidity barrier and/or a contamination barrier. Filter member 125 is detachable from casing 82, in particular such that it can be replaced by another filter member. The arrangement of first filter member 32 at front opening 33 and second filter member 125 at rear opening 34 can allow an enhanced protection of cavity 35.
Figures 9 and 10 illustrate a hearing device 101 in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. Corresponding features with respect to embodiments of hearing devices 21, 31, 71, 101, 121 depicted in Figs. 1 - 8 are illustrated by the same reference numerals. Acoustic transducer 44 is supported in cavity 35 at the lateral distance to side wall portion 27 of housing 22 by a support 145. Support 145 is fixed to inner surface 36 of housing 22. Support 145 is fixed to transducer housing 40, in particular at lateral wall 38. Support 145 comprises a front support 146 provided at a front side of acoustic transducer 44 facing front opening 33 of housing 22. Support 145 comprises a rear support 147 provided at a rear side of acoustic transducer 44 facing rear opening 34 of housing 22. Front support 146 and rear support 147 are spaced from one another in the longitudinal direction of housing 22. Front support 146 and rear support 147 are each mounted on inner surface 36 of housing 22. The mounting is provided at a respective end face of front support 146 and rear support 147, the end face opposing acoustic transducer 44. A first through hole 148 is provided in front support 146. A second through hole 149 is provided in rear support 147. Through holes 148, 149 extend in the longitudinal direction of housing 22. Through holes 148, 149 are provided within the lateral distance between acoustic transducer 44 and side wall portion 27. Venting passage 39 passes through through holes 148, 149. Front support 146 and rear support 147 enclose less than half of a circumference of acoustic transducer 44. Front support 146 and rear support 147 are mounted on less than half of a circumference of inner surface 36 of housing 22. In this way, a venting efficiency through venting passage 39 can be improved by a rather space saving arrangement of support 145 providing a comparatively large empty space in cavity 35, wherein acoustic transducer 44 can still be securely fixed by support 145.
Hearing device 101 comprises an acoustic valve 111. Acoustic valve 111 is provided in cavity 35. Acoustic valve 111 comprises a bendable cover 112. Bendable cover 112 is provided at rear opening 34. Bendable cover 112 is mounted on inner surface 36 of housing 22 at rear wall portion 28. Bendable cover 112 comprises a cover surface exceeding an area of rear opening 34. Bendable cover 112 is thus configured to cover rear opening 34 with the cover surface. Bendable cover 112 is configured to be bent along the cover surface. In particular, bendable cover 112 can comprise a planar shape adapted to cover rear opening 34 and configured to be deformed from the planar shape relative to the position of rear opening 34. Bendable cover 112 comprises a first end fixed to rear wall portion 28 lateral to rear opening 34. Bendable cover 112 comprises a second end opposing the first end, wherein the second end is moveable relative to rear opening 34. Rear opening 34 can thus be covered and uncovered by bending bendable cover 112.
In a first bending position, as depicted in Fig. 9, the cover surface of bendable cover 112 is curved such that it is bent away from rear opening 34 toward front opening 33. Venting passage 39 through rear opening 34 is thus in an open state, in particular such that venting passage 39 is not blocked by the cover surface of bendable cover 112. In a second bending position, as depicted in Fig. 10, the cover surface of bendable cover 112 is planar such that it extends in parallel to inner surface 36 of housing 22 at rear wall portion 28 and covers rear opening 34. Venting passage 39 through rear opening 34 is thus in a closed state, in particular such that venting passage 39 is blocked by the cover surface of bendable cover 112. An effective size of venting passage 39 can thus be adjusted by the bending of bendable cover 112 between the first bending position, in which rear opening 34 is open, and the second bending position, in which rear opening 34 is fully closed. In particular, bendable cover 112 can be bent to any intermediate position between the first bending position and the second bending position by which an opening size of rear opening 34 can be adjusted. In this way, the effective size of venting passage 39 can be continuously adjusted.
Bendable cover 112 comprises an electroactive layer spanning over the cover surface. In particular, the electroactive layer can be provided by an electroactive polymer. The electroactive layer is sandwiched in between two conductive layers. A bending of bendable cover 112 can thus be actuated by providing a current to the two conductive layers and the electroactive layer in between. Acoustic valve 111 comprises an actuator 115. Actuator 115 is configured to actuate the adjustment of the effective size of venting passage 39, in particular to actuate said bending of bendable cover 112 relative to rear opening 34 between the first bending position and the second bending position. Actuator 115 is an electrical actuator configured to actuate the adjustment depending on a current supplied to the actuator. Actuator 115 is provided at the first end of bendable cover 112 fixed to rear wall portion 28. Actuator 115 is provided by an electrical contact configured to provide the two conductive layers and the electroactive layer of bendable cover 112 with a current. The current supplied to electrical contact can be provided and/or changed and/or controlled by component 74 via supply line 77. In this way, said bending of bendable cover 112 relative to rear opening 34 between the first bending position and the second bending position can be actuated. Thus, the effective size of venting passage 39 can be adjusted.
Figure 11 illustrates a hearing device 131 in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. Corresponding features with respect to embodiments of hearing devices 21, 31, 71, 101, 101, 121 depicted in Figs. 1 - 10 are illustrated by the same reference numerals. Acoustic valve 111 is provided at rear opening 34, wherein acoustic valve 111 is mounted on outer surface 37 of housing 22. Thus, acoustic valve 81 is provided outside cavity 35. In this way, an empty space inside cavity 35 can be increased allowing an efficient venting through cavity 35. In particular, additional components can thus be provided inside cavity 35, wherein a good venting efficiency can be maintained. Filter member 25 is provided on inner surface 36 of housing 22. Filter member 25 is detachable from housing 22, in particular such that it can be replaced by another filter member.
While the principles of the disclosure have been described above in connection with specific devices, it is to be clearly understood that this description is made only by way of example and not as limitation on the scope of the invention. The above described preferred embodiments are intended to illustrate the principles of the invention, but not to limit the scope of the invention. Various other embodiments and modifications to those preferred embodiments may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the present invention that is solely defined by the claims.

Claims

A hearing device comprising a housing (22) having a front face (23) and a rear face (24) opposing each other, a front opening (33) provided at the front face (23) and a rear opening (34) provided at the rear face (24), the housing (22) configured to be at least partially inserted in an ear canal with the front opening (33) facing an inner region of the ear canal extending toward an ear drum and with the rear opening (34) in acoustic communication with an ambient environment outside the ear canal, the housing (22) enclosing a cavity (35) between the front opening (33) and the rear opening (34) such that a venting passage (39) for providing an acoustic connection between said inner region of the ear canal and said ambient environment outside the ear canal extends through the cavity (35), the hearing device further comprising an acoustic transducer (44) provided in the cavity (35), characterized by an acoustic valve (41, 81, 111) configured to adjust an effective size of the venting passage (39), wherein the acoustic valve (41, 81, 111) is provided at the rear opening (34) and configured to adjust the effective size of the venting passage (39) at the rear opening (34).
The hearing device according to claim 1, characterized in that the housing (22) comprises a side wall portion (27) extending in a longitudinal direction (55) between the front face (23) and the rear face (24), the acoustic transducer (44) spaced from the side wall portion (27) at a lateral distance perpendicular to said longitudinal direction (55).
The hearing device according to claim 2, characterized in that the housing (22) comprises an inner surface (36) surrounding the cavity (35), wherein a support (45, 145) is fixed to the inner surface (36), the support (45, 145) supporting the acoustic transducer (44) at said lateral distance.
The hearing device according to claim 3, characterized in that the support (45, 145) comprises a through hole (48, 49, 148, 149), the venting passage (39) passing through the through hole (48, 49, 148, 149).
The hearing device according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that the support (45, 145) comprises a plurality of support members (65, 66, 67, 68, 146, 147) radially extending between the inner surface (36) and the acoustic transducer (44).
The hearing device according to claim 5, characterized in that the support members (65, 66, 67, 68, 146, 147) are spaced from one another in the longitudinal direction (55).
The hearing device according to any of claims 3 to 6, characterized by a hearing device component (74) comprising a surface portion (75) attached to said inner surface (36).
The hearing device according to claim 7, characterized by a protective cover (76) covering the component (74) toward the cavity (35).
The hearing device according to any of the claims 2 to 8, characterized in that the side wall portion (27) comprises an outer surface (37) configured to engage with an ear canal wall of the ear canal.
The hearing device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by a filter member (32) arranged at the front opening (33) while being attached to the housing (22), wherein the filter member (32) is detachable from the housing (22).
The hearing device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the acoustic valve (41, 81, 111) comprises a valve member (91) and a coupling surface (87), wherein the valve member (91) is moveably coupled with the coupling surface (87) such that the effective size of the venting passage (39) can be adjusted by a motion of the valve member (91) along the coupling surface (87).
The hearing device according to claim 11, characterized in that the acoustic valve (41, 81, 111) comprises an actuator (95) configured to provide a magnetic field, by which magnetic field a driving force for said motion of the valve member (91) along the coupling surface (87) is provided.
The hearing device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the front opening (33) constitutes at least one fourth of an area of the front face (23).
The hearing device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by an empty space provided in the cavity (35), the empty space constituting at least one fourth of a volume of the cavity (35).
The hearing device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the front opening (33) comprises a diameter (53) at the front face (23) and the cavity (35) comprises a length (56) between a center of the front opening (33) and a center of the rear opening (34), wherein a ratio between said front opening diameter (53) and said cavity length (56) is at least one tenth.