Abstract: An earbud includes: a speaker unit which generates a sound wave; a first housing which houses the speaker unit, and has a first opening which faces a sound wave generation surface of the speaker unit; a sound conduit having one end connected to the first opening; an ear plug which is attached to the other end of the sound conduit, the ear plug being inserted into the ear canal; and an air conduit which is disposed so as to penetrate the ear plug and the first housing, the air conduit being disposed independently from the sound conduit.

Abstract: An earpiece for insertion into an ear canal of a user and having a longitudinal axis is disclosed. The earpiece comprises an earpiece part comprising an earpiece housing having a distal end, a proximal end, and an outer surface connecting the distal end to the proximal end. The earpiece housing comprises a first primary vent aperture and a second primary vent aperture in the outer surface. The earpiece part optionally comprises a receiver arranged within the earpiece housing. The earpiece comprises a dome for securing the earpiece in the ear canal. The dome has an inner surface extending circumferentially along the outer surface of the earpiece housing. The dome comprises a proximal surface having a first primary vent aperture. The earpiece comprises a vent path forming a fluid communication between the first primary vent aperture of the dome and the second primary vent aperture of the earpiece housing.

Abstract: Devices and methods to reduce ear wax clogging of acoustic ports, hearing aid systems, and feedback reduction systems are provided. A conformal hearing aid includes a hearing aid body, where the hearing aid body houses a microphone and a receiver, where the microphone is positioned within the hearing aid body to measure acoustic signals from an ambient environment, and where the receiver is positioned within the hearing aid body to emit acoustic signals toward a tympanic membrane of a user; an expandable element, where the expandable element is operatively connected to the hearing aid body, and where the expandable element is configured to encompass a circumferential portion of the hearing aid body when expanded; and an inflation management system, where the inflation management system is configured to expand the expandable element when actuated.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are method, system, and computer program product embodiments for performing the continuous tuning of received audio input from an earpiece, wherein the audio input is independently altered in the frequency domain for output to an earpiece worn by a user based on tuning profiles chosen by the user, or in combination with power conservation tuning profile auto-switching modes, including a time only and location only mode, switching tuning profiles based on data analyzed from various electronic sensors, for an optimal experience.

Abstract: An earphone includes a speaker housing; a speaker positioned in the speaker housing; a stem extending from the speaker housing, the stem defining an input surface; a conductive object disposed within the stem; a flexible circuit positioned between the stem and the conductive object; a member positioned between the flexible circuit and the conductive object operable to allow the flexible circuit to move with respect to the stem; a force sensor electrode disposed within the flexible circuit; and a controller operable to determine an input to the earphone using a change in capacitance detected using the force sensor electrode, the change in capacitance corresponding to a non-binary amount of a force applied to the input surface. In some examples, the earphone further includes a touch sensor electrode disposed within the flexible circuit.

Abstract: The systems and methods described relate to the concept that smart devices can be used to 1) sense various types of phenomena like sound, blue light exposure, RF and microwave radiation, and 2) in real-time analyze, report and/or control outputs (e.g., displays or speakers). The systems are configurable and use standard computing devices, such as wearable electronics, tablet computers, and mobile phones to measure various frequency bands across multiple points, allowing a single user to visualize and/or adjust environmental conditions.

Abstract: A hearing aid device is disclosed. The hearing aid device comprises means to improve, augment and/or protect the hearing capability of a user by receiving acoustic signals from the surroundings of the user, generating corresponding audio signals, possibly modifying the audio signals and providing the possibly modified audio signals as audible signals to at least one of the user's ears. The hearing aid device comprises a sensor member for detecting the movement and/or acceleration and/or orientation (or spatial position) of the hearing aid device. The hearing aid device comprises at least two hearing aid microphones and a control unit for determining the position or a deviation from an intended position of the hearing aid device or hearing aid microphones. The hearing aid device is configured to compensate for a possible dislocation of the hearing aid microphones.

Abstract: A device to test the seal quality of an earpiece. Audio processing circuitry produces an audio signal for driving a speaker. Output from the microphone while the speaker is being driven by the audio signal is used to determine the seal. The device or method further includes control circuitry to evaluate a seal quality of the device. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system, a hearing device and a method for encapsulating one or more electronic components on a substrate. The method comprises providing a dam on the substrate, the dam is provided around the one or more electronic components, the dam comprises a dam material comprising an electrically conducting material. The method comprises providing a liquid fill encapsulation material within the dam on the substrate, the fill encapsulation material encapsulates the one or more electronic components, the fill encapsulation material is configured to solidify, the solidified fill encapsulating material comprises a first surface exposed to surroundings. The method comprises applying a cover material on the first surface of the solidified fill encapsulation material, the cover material comprising an electrically conducting material, whereby the one or more electronic components are encapsulated and electromagnetically shielded.

Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure provide methods and apparatuses for determining a nozzle of an audio device is, at least partially blocked. More specifically, based on a measured transfer function between the driver and a microphone and an expected transfer function between the driver and the microphone, a blockage is detected. In response to the detected blockage, the user is notified.

Abstract: An earpiece for a hearing device, includes: an earpiece housing comprising an ear canal portion and an outer ear portion, the ear canal portion extending along an ear canal axis for positioning in an ear canal of a user, the ear canal portion having a first end; a first microphone for detecting ambient sound via a first input port in the earpiece housing; a second microphone; and a receiver for providing an audio output signal to the ear canal when the earpiece is inserted in an ear of the user; wherein the first microphone is arranged at a first distance from the first input port, wherein the first distance is at least 2 mm when measured parallel to a main plane having a main plane normal parallel to a main axis, the main axis forming a first main angle that is less than 30 degrees with the ear canal axis.

Abstract: Aspects describe air flow relief features in the cosmetic surface of the housing of an in-ear audio output device. Due to design constraints based, at least in part, on the limited space available in the acoustic chamber and ear geometry, ports coupling the acoustic chamber with an area outside the housing are susceptible to full blockage when placed in-ear. Air flow relief channels for ports, extending from the port aligned in the concha cymba, over the helix crus, to the cymba cavum minimize complete blockages of the port as compared to current designs.

Abstract: An ear-worn electronic monitoring system includes an on-ear component comprising a housing configured for placement on, in or about the wearer's ear. The on-ear component comprises a power source and a first interface coupled to the power source. The monitoring system also includes an in-ear component comprising a housing configured for deployment at least partially within an ear canal of the wearer. The in-ear component comprises a second interface configured to couple to and decouple from the first interface, a controller coupled to a memory, one or more physiologic sensors coupled to the controller and memory, and power management circuitry coupled to the controller. The power management circuitry comprises a wireless power receiver configured to receive power from a wireless powering arrangement. The power management circuitry is further configured to receive power from the power source of the on-ear component when the second interface is coupled to the first interface.

Abstract: Systems and methods for acoustic event detection model selection are disclosed. For example, models may be calibrated utilizing audio samples from sound output by specific audio-output devices. Thereafter, a determination may be made as to which audio-input devices are near a give audio-output device and a model selector may select a model trained to detect an acoustic event produced by the audio-output device. The proximate audio-input device(s) may be configured with the selected model to detect the acoustic event.

Abstract: A magnetically driven pressure generator including a housing, flexible member, first magnetic force generator, and second magnetic force generator. The magnetically driven pressure generator oscillates the flexible member to increase or decrease the volume of a chamber, inversely increasing or decreasing the pressure of the chamber.

Abstract: Methods and systems for providing audio to a user include retrieving aural attributes of the user and analyzing the aural attributes to detect any aural imbalance between two ears of the user. An audio generated by an interactive application is dynamically calibrated, in accordance to aural imbalance detected between the two ears of the user, to generate a calibrated audio. The audio of the interactive application is forwarded to a first side of a headphone directed toward a first ear of the user and the calibrated audio to second side of the headphone directed toward a second ear. The different audio provided via different sides of the headphone compensate for the aural imbalance detected in the user.

Abstract: Disclosed is an earpiece and a retaining member for an earpiece. The earpiece being configured for insertion into at least a part of the ear canal of a user's ear. The retaining member comprising a body part configured to be attached to the earpiece. The retaining member comprising an elongated part configured to abut at least a part of the concha of the user's ear, when the retaining member is attached to the earpiece and the earpiece is inserted in its intended position in the user's ear, thereby providing retention of the earpiece in the ear canal. The body part comprises an opening/slit/gap configured to be arranged on a protrusion on the earpiece.

Abstract: A hearing protection system, a hearing protection device and related method, the hearing protection device comprising an earpiece device comprising a first connector, and first and second earpieces, the first earpiece comprising a first primary microphone and a first receiver wired to the first connector and the second earpiece comprising a second primary microphone and a second receiver wired to the first connector; and a processing device comprising a processor, an earpiece interface, and a wireless communication interface, wherein the processor is configured to receive a first microphone input signal from the first primary microphone; process the first microphone input signal for provision of a first primary output signal for the first receiver based on the first microphone input signal; receive a communication request from a communication device via the communication interface; and in response to receipt of the communication request, communicate with the communication device via the communication interfac

Abstract: A wearable audio device sized to fit within an ear of an user comprises an outer housing; a circuit board positioned within the outer housing; a battery having an anode and a cathode, the battery being connected to the circuit board; a speaker adjacent the battery; and an electromagnetic interference (“EMI”) shield tab coupled to the anode. The EMI shield tab may be configured to shield the speaker from EMI generated by the circuit board and to provide an electrical interconnection to the anode.

Abstract: This disclosure describes techniques and systems for encoding instructions in audio data that, when output on a speaker of a first device in an environment, cause a second device to output content in the environment. In some instances, the audio data has a frequency that is inaudible to users in the environment. Thus, the first device is able to cause the second device to output the content without users in the environment hearing the instructions. In some instances, the first device also outputs content, and the content output by the second device is played at an offset relative to a position of the content output by the first device.

Abstract: Wireless earbuds may be provided with adjustable-shape housings. The housings may have bendable portions. Bendable metal members, hinges, or other flexible structures may be used in forming bendable structures for the earbuds. Electrical components may be covered by a layer of molded foam. A cover such as a fabric cover may be used to cover the molded foam. Spacer fabric or other soft material may be interposed between the fabric cover and the foam. The housing may be bent or otherwise adjusted between two or more states such as a normal, non-sleep, walking state in which the housing is expanded for normal operation while a user is sitting or walking and a sleep state in which the housing is bent to enhance comfort while sleeping. The wireless earbuds may have illumination systems, sensors, and other components.

Abstract: Hearing systems for both hearing impaired and normal hearing subjects comprise an input transducer and a separate output transducer. The input transducer will include a light source for generating a light signal in response to either ambient sound or an external electronic sound signal. The output transducer will comprise a light-responsive transducer component which is adapted to receive light from the input transducer. The output transducer component will vibrate in response to the light input and produce vibrations in a component of a subject's hearing transduction pathway, such as the tympanic membrane, a bone in the ossicular chain, or directly on the cochlea, in order to produce neural signals representative of the original sound.

Abstract: A guard for a space access device is configured to output air flow through a distal end portion thereof. The guard includes q housing having a proximal end opening, a distal end opening, and a filter portion positioned between the proximal and distal end openings. The filter includes a first plate having a first opening therethrough and a second plate having a second opening therethrough. When the first plate is overlaid in contact with the second plate, this forms an aperture that extends through both the first and second plates.

Abstract: An earpiece having a longitudinal axis and having an earpiece housing comprising a proximal end and a distal end, a receiver located within the earpiece housing, a wire extending from the earpiece housing, the wire comprising a plurality of conductors including a ground conductor and a first conductor, and an intermediate module located within the earpiece housing, the intermediate module comprising a primary set of connector terminals and a secondary set of connector terminals, the primary set of connector terminals including wire connector terminals electrically connected to the plurality of conductors of the wire, and the secondary set of connector terminals comprising a first secondary connector terminal and a second secondary connector terminal, wherein the first secondary connector terminal and the second secondary connector terminal are each connected to a wire connector terminal of the primary set of connectors.

Abstract: A hearing aid is described which incorporates an antenna integrated into the housing that is configured to radiate with linear polarization such that the electric field is perpendicular to the head of a wearer. The described technique results in lower propagation losses from ear to ear and an improvement in ear-to-ear communications using a far-field link (e.g., in the 2.4 GHz band).

Abstract: A flexible circuit board of a hearing aid and the hearing aid are provided. The flexible circuit board has an annular portion bent into an annular shape, wherein the annular portion is used for surrounding a peripheral side of a battery, and an outer side surface of the annular portion has pads; the flexible circuit board has a device portion located on a front side of the annular portion, wherein the device portion is used for installing electronic devices and is used for electrically connecting a receiver; the flexible circuit board has a chip portion connected to a bottom end of the annular portion, wherein the chip portion is used for binding a chip. The flexible circuit board strings together the receiver, the chip and the battery into a compact structure.

Abstract: An earphone comprising: an earphone housing having a cap portion and a body portion that interlock with one another to enclose a driver, the driver having a front face that outputs sound waves and a back face opposite the front face, the cap portion defines a first chamber coupled to the front face of the driver and the body portion defines a second chamber coupled to the back face of the driver, a first opening formed through the cap portion; a first port and a second port formed through the body portion and open to a surrounding environment; and a mesh coupled to the first opening, the first port or the second port.

Abstract: An earpiece including an external surface having a first fixed configuration disposable within the outer ear and having a passage adapted for retention of an in ear device, the earpiece heatable to achieve a moldable condition which allows reconfiguration of the external surface by engagement with the outer ear to dispose the external surface in a second fixed configuration in greater conformity to the outer ear.

Abstract: There is provided a sound device used while being worn on the listener's ears. The sound device includes a main body installed on a medial surface of an auricle, a holding portion having an annular hollow structure arranged to be coupled to an intertragic notch of an ear near an entrance of an ear canal, a sound guide portion formed as a pipe structure having one end communicating with the main body and another end communicating with the holding portion, an open/close operation unit configured to open or close an earhole, and a control unit configured to control driving of the open/close operation unit. The earhole open/close state is set for each user. The earhole open/close state can be switched depending on the type of application or content to be played, ambient noise level, user behavior, position information, or the like.

Abstract: Embodiments presented herein are generally directed to a protective sleeve for an external component of a hearing prosthesis.

Abstract: An illustrative hearing device may include a battery compartment located in a housing and including a microphone and a battery. The housing may include a casing forming the battery compartment and a lid member having a hinged end pivotally connected to the casing such that the lid member is configured to pivot between an open position and a closed position relative to the casing. The lid member may be formed to define an opening through the lid member that is configured to allow the microphone and the battery to be in air communication with ambient air when the lid member is in the closed position.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a bone conduction speaker and its compound vibration device. The compound vibration device comprises a vibration conductive plate and a vibration board, the vibration conductive plate is set to be the first torus, where at least two first rods inside it converge to its center; the vibration board is set as the second torus, where at least two second rods inside it converge to its center. The vibration conductive plate is fixed with the vibration board; the first torus is fixed on a magnetic system, and the second torus comprises a fixed voice coil, which is driven by the magnetic system. The bone conduction speaker in the present disclosure and its compound vibration device adopt the fixed vibration conductive plate and vibration board, making the technique simpler with a lower cost; because the two adjustable parts in the compound vibration device can adjust both low frequency and high frequency area, the frequency response obtained is flatter and the sound is broader.

Abstract: A gas control device includes a pump, a valve, a cuff, and a controller. The valve includes a first plate having a first vent hole and a first vent hole, a channel forming plate having an exhaust hole and an exhaust channel, a second plate having a second vent hole, and an edge separation plate. A manchette rubber tube in the cuff is joined to the periphery of the second vent hole in the second plate by an adhesive, and thus the valve is connected to the cuff. The exhaust hole is opened to the atmosphere. The pump includes a pump housing having a discharge hole and a discharge hole. The upper surface of the pump housing is joined to the bottom surface of the edge separation plate.

Abstract: Earphone positioning and retention mechanisms are disclosed. One earphone described includes a speaker driver, a flexible eartip comprising a first oval shaped contact surface at an opening forming a hole through the eartip, the first oval shaped contact surface configured to contact an outer surface of a user's ear canal when worn, a body portion comprising a second contact surface configured to position behind an anti-tragus portion of the user's ear, and, a retaining member formed of a compliant material, comprising a third contact surface configured to conform to a cymba conch portion of the user's ear, where the body portion and the retaining member are shaped in a way that the second contact surface contacts the anti-tragus portion and the third contact surface contacts the cymba conch portion at the same time, when the first contact surface is already in contact with the outer surface of the ear canal.

Abstract: In embodiments of the invention, the invention comprises a light tip cable including a cartridge assembly affixed to a medial end of the cable, the cartridge assembly including an emitter housing where the emitter housing includes an opening at a medial end of the housing and a flange at a lateral end of the housing. In embodiments of the invention, the cartridge assembly includes a light emitting element in the housing extending to the opening, retention features covering at least a portion of the housing, including the flange, the retention features comprising a lateral face and a lobe and at least one load bearing strand extending from the cable to the emitter; and electrical connectors extending from the cable to the light emitting element.

Abstract: A wireless power receiver and a wireless power reception method are disclosed. The wireless power receiver includes a charging element, a receiving coil configured to wirelessly receive power from a wireless power transmitter, a rectifier configured to convert an alternating current (AC) voltage generated from the receiving coil to a direct current (DC) voltage, and to output the DC voltage, a voltage converter configured to generate a charging current to charge the charging element, based on the DC voltage output from the rectifier, a current measurer configured to measure the charging current transferred to the charging element, and a controller configured to control a level of the charging current generated from the voltage converter based on a result of the measuring.

Abstract: Devices and methods to reduce ear wax clogging of acoustic ports, hearing aid systems, and feedback reduction systems are provided. A conformal hearing aid includes a hearing aid body, where the hearing aid body houses a microphone and a receiver, where the microphone is positioned within the hearing aid body to measure acoustic signals from an ambient environment, and where the receiver is positioned within the hearing aid body to emit acoustic signals toward a tympanic membrane of a user; an expandable element, where the expandable element is operatively connected to the hearing aid body, and where the expandable element is configured to encompass a circumferential portion of the hearing aid body when expanded; and an inflation management system, where the inflation management system is configured to expand the expandable element when actuated.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a hearing device is disclosed. The hearing device comprises a speaker, a first chamber, and a sound channel arranged between the first chamber and the surroundings of the hearing device or a second chamber. An element of a thermoplastic material being in a solid state is arranged in the sound channel. A laser light is applied to the element to thereby activate the element to change from the solid state to a liquid state. The element then changes from the solid state to the liquid state filling out a cross-section of the sound channel and thereby sealing the sound channel. Finally, cooling of the element is allowed leading to a change of the element from the liquid state to solid state while filling out the cross-section of the sound channel.

Abstract: A set of headphones include a zone that is sensitive to electromagnetic radiation, a first earpiece including a first directional antenna operable at a first frequency and having a first radiation pattern radiating away from the zone, and a second earpiece including a second directional antenna operable at the first frequency and having a second radiation pattern radiating away from the zone.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a speaker device. The speaker device may include a core housing, a circuit housing, an ear hook, and a housing sheath. The core housing may be configured to accommodate an earphone core. The circuit housing may be configured to accommodate a control circuit or a battery. The control circuit or the battery may be configured to drive the earphone core to vibrate to produce sound. The ear hook may be configured to connect the core housing with the circuit housing. The housing sheath may at least partially cover the circuit housing and the ear hook. The housing sheath may include waterproof material. The waterproof effect of a speaker device may be improved through sealed connections between various components of the speaker device in this the present disclosure.

Abstract: This application relates to earbuds configured with one or more biometric sensors. At least one of the biometric sensors is configured to be pressed up against a portion of the tragus for making biometric measurements. In some embodiments, the housing of the earbud can be symmetric so that the earbud can be worn interchangeably in either a left or a right ear of a user. In such an embodiment, the earbud can include a sensor and circuitry configured to determine and alter operation of the earbud in accordance to which ear the earbud is determined to be sitting in.

Abstract: A device, comprising a coupling apparatus configured to couple to a male mating coupling component and also configured to couple to a female mating coupling component. In some embodiments, the coupling apparatus is configured to snap couple to a male mating coupling component and also configured to snap couple to a female mating coupling component.

Abstract: A device or a method using the device includes a balloon configured to seal a user's orifice, where the balloon is configured to produce an acoustic seal between a first side and a second side of the balloon in an ear canal. At least a second side of the balloon is fitted into the ear canal. Audio processing circuitry produces an audio signal for driving a speaker in the device and to measure sound level using output from the microphone in the device while the speaker is being driven by the audio signal. The device or method further includes control circuitry to evaluate a seal quality of the device. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a wearable system wherein elements of the system, including various sensors adapted to detect biometric and other data and/or to deliver drugs, are positioned proximal to, on the ear or in the ear canal of a person. In embodiments of the invention, elements of the system are positioned on the ear or in the ear canal for extended periods of time. For example, an element of the system may be positioned on the tympanic membrane of a user and left there overnight, for multiple days, months, or years. Because of the position and longevity of the system elements in the ear canal, the present invention has many advantages over prior wearable biometric and drug delivery devices.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the present invention is directed to a contact hearing system including: an ear tip including a transmit circuit having a first Q value, wherein the ear tip includes a transmit coil wound on a ferrite core; a contact hearing device including a receive circuit having a second Q value, wherein the first Q value is greater than the second Q value; a receive coil positioned on the contact hearing device, wherein the receive coil includes a core of a non-ferromagnetic material.

Abstract: An open-ear headphone with an acoustic module that is configured to be located at least in part in a concha of an outer ear of a user. The acoustic module includes an acoustic transducer, and a sound-emitting opening that is configured to emit sound produced by the acoustic transducer. A body is coupled to the acoustic module and includes a first portion that is configured to pass over an outer side of at least one of an anti-helix and a helix and a lobule of the outer ear, and a second portion that is configured to be located behind the outer ear.

Abstract: Headphone eartips with internal support components and methods for making the same are provided. Different support components may provide specific amounts and types of additional rigidity at specific portions of an exterior surface of an outer eartip body that may be expected to interface with specific portions of an ear canal geometry when an eartip subassembly is positioned within the ear canal, such that the eartip subassembly may conform to the various shapes of the ear canal while maintaining an acoustic seal.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a hearing aid for placement in an ear canal, the hearing aid having a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end is inserted into the ear canal to face the tympanic membrane, the distal end is opposite. The hearing aid comprises a shell customized for the ear canal. The shell comprises an inner space configured for at least partly receiving a rechargeable battery, a charging arrangement, at least one microphone arrangement, and an integrated circuit. The hearing aid comprises a faceplate comprising an upper face and a lower face, the upper face being exposed at the distal end when the shell is placed in the user's ear canal. The faceplate is configured for closing the inner space, wherein the IC is arranged between the faceplate and the proximal end.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a faceplate for a hearing device, the faceplate configured to cover a lateral opening of a housing of the hearing device and having a side which is laterally oriented when the hearing device is worn at least partially in the ear canal, including the steps of: providing a faceplate base part including a first surface, a faceplate insertion part including a second surface, and a printed circuit board (“PCB”) with an antenna; inserting the antenna PCB into the faceplate base part so that that the antenna PCB extends along the first surface; inserting the faceplate insertion part into the faceplate base part so that the second surface of the faceplate insertion part pushes the antenna PCB against the first surface of the faceplate base part; and fixing the faceplate insertion part within the faceplate base part so as to form the faceplate.

Abstract: Devices and methods to reduce ear wax clogging of acoustic ports, hearing aid systems, and feedback reduction systems are provided. A conformal hearing aid includes a hearing aid body, where the hearing aid body houses a microphone and a receiver, where the microphone is positioned within the hearing aid body to measure acoustic signals from an ambient environment, and where the receiver is positioned within the hearing aid body to emit acoustic signals toward a tympanic membrane of a user; an expandable element, where the expandable element is operatively connected to the hearing aid body, and where the expandable element is configured to encompass a circumferential portion of the hearing aid body when expanded; and an inflation management system, where the inflation management system is configured to expand the expandable element when actuated.