Abstract: An illustrative hearing device includes a battery having a battery voltage, a microphone for transducing sound into an input signal, a processor configured to be operated with an operating voltage and to generate an output signal from the input signal, a speaker for transducing the output signal to an acoustic signal, and a valve. An acoustic effect of the valve is adjustable by applying a valve voltage, wherein the adjustment is controllable by the processor. The hearing device comprises a voltage regulator configured to generate the operating voltage from the battery voltage, wherein the operating voltage is less than the battery voltage and wherein the valve voltage is greater than the operating voltage.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a hearing device comprising a housing surrounding a venting channel comprising a valve member moveable relative to the venting channel between different positions comprising a first valve position and a second valve position, an actuator configured to provide an actuation force with a direction and a magnitude acting on the valve member, and a controller a controller configured to provide a first control signal controlling the actuator to provide the actuation force in a first direction, and to provide a second control signal controlling the actuator to provide the actuation force in a second direction. The disclosure further relates to a method of operating such a hearing device.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for avoidance of user discomfort due to pressure differences by vent valve. In one embodiment, a method for equalizing air pressure in ear canal includes sensing a pressure difference between a pressure in ear canal (PEC) and an ambient pressure (PAMB) by a sensor of a hearing device. Based on sensing the pressure difference, an active valve is set to a first position to open a vent through the hearing device or to a second position to close the vent through the hearing device.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for avoidance of user discomfort due to pressure differences by vent valve. In one embodiment, a method for equalizing air pressure in ear canal includes sensing a pressure difference between a pressure in ear canal (PEC) and an ambient pressure (PAMB) by a sensor of a hearing device. Based on sensing the pressure difference, an active valve is set to a first position to open a vent through the hearing device or to a second position to close the vent through the hearing device.

Abstract: A hearing device includes a behind-the-ear (BTE) component with a speaker, an earpiece with an active vent, and a sound tube operatively connecting the earpiece and the speaker of the BTE component. The hearing device further includes a controller that adjusts the configuration of the active vent. The controller can adjust the configuration of the active vent by control signals transmitted via conductive wires, electrically conductive layers, or via a wireless link.

Abstract: Provided is a hearing device including a housing configured to be at least partially inserted into an ear canal of a user, a vent that provides venting between an inner region of the ear canal and the ambient environment, an acoustic valve with a valve member configured to adjust the effective size of the vent, an actuator that actuates the valve member, and an acoustic output transducer acoustically coupled to the inner region of the ear canal and configured to generate a sound output according to an audio signal. The hearing device further includes a control unit operatively connected to the actuator and the acoustic output transducer and configured to control the audio signal supplied to the acoustic output transducer such that the sound output is modified during adjustment of the valve member.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for avoidance of user discomfort due to pressure differences by vent valve. In one embodiment, a method for equalizing air pressure in ear canal includes sensing a pressure difference between a pressure in ear canal (PEC) and an ambient pressure (PAMB) by a sensor of a hearing device. Based on sensing the pressure difference, an active valve is set to a first position to open a vent through the hearing device or to a second position to close the vent through the hearing device.

Abstract: A communication device configured for use in a user's ear canal including a sealing mechanism configured to acoustically seal a section of the ear canal and a sound conduit in acoustic communication with a sound source. The sound conduit has a first and second opening, a conduit housing, and a vent opening. To provide a reliable adjustment for the venting of sound waves between a sealed section of the ear canal and an ambient environment outside the sealed section, an acoustic valve having a valve member is moveably coupled with the conduit housing, which moveable coupling is configured to provide a relative motion of the valve member and the conduit housing, such that by such relative motion the acoustic valve provides for opening the vent opening, closing the vent opening, and/or adjusting a size of the vent opening. The communication device further includes an electrical actuator to activate the relative motion.

Abstract: An elevator installation with an elevator shaft and an elevator car which is connected with a counterweight such that on movement of the elevator car the counterweight executes an opposite movement and the elevator car moves past the counterweight in a proximity region in the elevator shaft. Provided in the proximity region is an enlargement of the cross-section of the elevator shaft so as to reduce a pressure shock which builds up in the proximity region when the elevator car moves past the counterweight. Noise and vibrations can thereby be prevented.

Abstract: An elevator installation with an elevator shaft and an elevator car which is connected with a counterweight such that on movement of the elevator car the counterweight executes an opposite movement and the elevator car moves past the counterweight in a proximity region in the elevator shaft. Provided in the proximity region is an enlargement of the cross-section of the elevator shaft so as to reduce a pressure shock which builds up in the proximity region when the elevator car moves past the counterweight. Noise and vibrations can thereby be prevented.

Abstract: An apparatus for sealing a gap between an elevator car door and the associated car wall during car travel includes a sealing strip of resilient material with wall portions that can be reversibly stretched to bridge and seal the gap.