Abstract: Disclosed is an earphone for a hearing device, wherein the earphone is configured to be worn at the ear of a user, the earphone comprising: a speaker housing comprising an output transducer for reproduction of audio signals, wherein the speaker housing has a first side configured to face towards the ear of the user when the earphone is worn by the user, and a second side opposite the first side; an earphone housing configured to retain the speaker housing such that the second side of the speaker housing faces a first side of the earphone housing, wherein the earphone housing has as a second side opposite the first side; a battery compartment for accommodating a replaceable battery, such that the replaceable battery is located at least partly between the second side of the speaker housing and at least a portion of the earphone housing; wherein the earphone comprises a retaining mechanism configured to retain the speaker housing and the earphone housing in a mechanical relationship with each other; wherein the

Abstract: It is possible within a bounded system, through manipulation of the built environment using novel combinations of technology, overall system design, and process cycle management, to moderate increases in system entropy for both energy and matter with a structurally coupled external environment. One example embodiment forms an engineered ecosystem, moderating eight primary systems—thermal management, atmospheric optimization, radiation controls, hydrological systems, energy systems, material flows, systems management, and built systems—to provide homeostatic regulation of cascading flows of matter and energy. Ideally the system's symbiotic processes work through reciprocity and devolved autonomy to form the unity of the system that balances resource use, reduces transport requirements, shortens cycles of water, minerals, and residual flows, and offers storage of surplus and reserves.