Abstract: A wearable apparatus includes a wearable electronic device comprising a rechargeable power source, charging circuitry, a processor, and a display. A strap arrangement is connected to the wearable electronic device and comprises one or more charge ports. Each charge port is electrically coupled to the wearable electronic device and comprises a volume of resilient material comprising a through-hole dimensioned to receive one of the electronic devices. The volume of resilient material is configured to stretch and generate a retentive force sufficient to retain the electronic device within the through-hole. Electrical contacts are disposed on a wall of the volume of resilient material and recessed within a thickness of the volume of resilient material. The electrical contacts are configured to electrically communicate with corresponding electrical contacts of the electronic device.

Abstract: A hearing aid assembly includes a receiver speaker enclosed within a receiver housing. The receiver housing defines a circuitous receiver acoustic channel, wherein the receiver channel defines an open side along at least a portion of the receiver channel. The receiver channel also defines a pass-through passage extending from a first side of the receiver housing to a second side of the receiver housing, wherein the pass-through passage is partially defined by the wall defining a receiver opening. The hearing aid assembly also includes an earbud configured to fit over at least a portion of the receiver housing and partially cover the open side of the receiver channel.

Abstract: Disclosed herein, among other things, are apparatus and methods to provide improved connections for components of hearing assistance devices. Various embodiments include an apparatus including a receiver case configured to house a hearing assistance device receiver, the receiver case including a spherical receiver spout having an opening. The apparatus also includes a receptacle housing having a spherical socket adapted to mate with the spherical receiver spout to form a ball and socket connection. An insert within the spherical socket is configured to establish a retained interference fit with the opening of the receiver spout when the connection is formed so as to create an acoustic seal therebetween.

Abstract: A hearing aid comprising a microphone, a receiver, hearing aid electronics coupled to the microphone and the receiver, and conductive traces overlaying an insulator, the conductive traces configured to interconnect the hearing aid electronics and to follow non-planar contours of the insulator. Examples are provided wherein the insulator includes a hearing aid housing.

Abstract: An ear-wearable device is described that includes a plurality of modules that mate together forming a physical outer shell of the ear-wearable device. Each module from the plurality of modules is associated with a different, corresponding feature of the ear-wearable device and each module from the plurality of modules includes a respective physical portion that comprises a different, corresponding part of the outer shell. In addition, each module from the plurality of modules shares a physical interface with at least one other module from the plurality of modules.

Abstract: A hearing assistance system and method are described herein. The system includes a first ear-worn device, a second ear-worn device, and a case. The system is configured to detect a vibration sequence at an IMU and decide whether to pair wireless communication devices of the first and second ear-worn devices based on the vibration sequence detected at the IMU.

Abstract: Various embodiments of an earbud for insertion into an ear canal and a hearing device that includes such earbud are disclosed. The earbud includes an elongated body having a first end, a second end, and a cavity that extends along a body axis between the first end and the second end of the elongated body. The earbud also includes a first flange connected to the elongated body, where the first flange includes a first end adjacent the first end of the elongated body, a second end, and a sound hole disposed in the first end of the first flange that is acoustically connected to the cavity of the elongated body. The first flange further includes a vent disposed through the first flange. The earbud also includes a second flange connected to the second end of the elongated body and including a first end adjacent the second end of the elongated body and a second end.

Abstract: Photoactive cleaning hearing assistance devices and methods of cleaning hearing assistance devices are described. Photoactive nanoparticles may be disposed on or in the hearing assistance devices. The photoactive nanoparticles provide a localized surface plasmon resonance effect when illuminated with light.

Abstract: A hearing aid assembly includes a receiver speaker enclosed within a receiver housing. The receiver housing defines a circuitous receiver acoustic channel, wherein the receiver channel defines an open side along at least a portion of the receiver channel. The receiver channel also defines a pass-through passage extending from a first side of the receiver housing to a second side of the receiver housing, wherein the pass-through passage is partially defined by the wall defining a receiver opening. The hearing aid assembly also includes an earbud configured to fit over at least a portion of the receiver housing and partially cover the open side of the receiver channel.

Abstract: Described is a solid wax mitigation barrier for a hearing aid that is cleanable via a simple wiping motion, is not a cause of irritation within the ear canal, and is acoustically transparent. In one embodiment, a wax barrier function is provided by a tube cap for fitting over the acoustic port tube of a hearing aid receiver. The tube cap may be constructed of an elastomeric high tear strength material so as create a small flexible acoustic tube cap that prevents direct ingress of wax into the hearing aid receiver. The design of the cap may also include a bridge that spans an acoustic port inlet so as to block direct material ingress.

Abstract: A recharging system includes a contact pad charger having a compressible contact pad conformable to a rechargeable device body for charging a power storage device in the rechargeable device body. The contact pad charger includes a power supply configured to provide a supply voltage. The compressible contact pad is electrically coupled to the power supply and defines a first variable resistance in response to a first conductor compression. The rechargeable device body includes a power manager electrically coupled to the power supply and is configured to receive a variable input voltage in response to a first variable voltage drop across the first conductor and to provide a regulated output voltage in response to the received variable input voltage. The regulated output voltage is less than the supply voltage. The power storage device is electrically coupled to the power manager and configured to receive the regulated output voltage for charging.

Abstract: A suspension assembly for a hearing aid receiver is described in which the receiver is contained within a receiver can. A cover assembly may be provided for covering the open top end of the receiver can and for containing the receiver's spout when the receiver is mounted within the receiver can. To dampen or reduce the transmission of receiver vibrations within the receiver can, a spout seal and corner bumpers may also be provided.

Abstract: Various embodiments of an earbud for insertion into an ear canal and a hearing device that includes such earbud are disclosed. The earbud includes an elongated body having a first end, a second end, and a cavity that extends along a body axis between the first end and the second end of the elongated body. The earbud also includes a first flange connected to the elongated body, where the first flange includes a first end adjacent the first end of the elongated body, a second end, and a sound hole disposed in the first end of the first flange that is acoustically connected to the cavity of the elongated body. The first flange further includes a vent disposed through the first flange. The earbud also includes a second flange connected to the second end of the elongated body and including a first end adjacent the second end of the elongated body and a second end.

Abstract: An ear-wearable device is described that includes a plurality of modules that mate together forming a physical outer shell of the ear-wearable device. Each module from the plurality of modules is associated with a different, corresponding feature of the ear-wearable device and each module from the plurality of modules includes a respective physical portion that comprises a different, corresponding part of the outer shell. In addition, each module from the plurality of modules shares a physical interface with at least one other module from the plurality of modules.

Abstract: A computing system wirelessly receives data from an ear-wearable device and determines, based on the data received from the ear-wearable device, a current position of the ear-wearable device. Additionally, the computing system determines, based on the current position of the ear-wearable device and data regarding a golf course, golf advice data that provides a recommendation regarding play of the golf course. Furthermore, the computing system wirelessly sends audio data to the ear-wearable device. The audio data represents soundwaves of a vocalization of the golf advice data.

Abstract: The present subject matter relates to an improved connection assembly for hearing assistance devices. The improved connection assembly provides a connection system that is reliable, straightforward to manufacture, and easy to use. The present connection assembly provides a rapid replacement option for the cable and/or the receiver or other electronics connected to the cable. The present subject matter provides for a connection assembly that can be extended to provide connections for a variety of applications which are not limited to a speaker (receiver) in the ear. Sensors and new configurations of component placement are supported using the present assembly, including, but not limited to telecoils, and GMR or TMR sensors. Various electromagnetic interference issues are addressed. In some examples a shielded set of wires are included. In some examples a twisted pair of wires is included. Various combinations of wires for different applications are supported with the present connector system.

Abstract: A suspension assembly for a hearing aid receiver is described in which the receiver is contained within a receiver can. A cover assembly may be provided for covering the open top end of the receiver can and for containing the receiver's spout when the receiver is mounted within the receiver can. To dampen or reduce the transmission of receiver vibrations within the receiver can, a spout seal and corner bumpers may also be provided.

Abstract: Disclosed herein, among other things, are methods and apparatus for improved microphone protection for hearing assistance devices. One aspect of the present subject matter includes a hearing assistance device, such as a completely-in-the-canal (CIC) type hearing aid, that includes a battery door with a microphone slit and a battery contact including a microphone port. In various embodiments, the microphone slit and the microphone port are configured to create a nonlinear acoustic path to a microphone of the hearing assistance device. In various embodiments, the acoustic path is configured to prevent earwax from blocking and/or damaging the microphone, such as during insertion, removal or cleaning of the hearing assistance device.

Abstract: An ear-wearable device includes a shell shaped for wearing in a user's ear. The shell comprises a tunnel wall shaped to define a tunnel that passes through the ear-wearable device. The tunnel wall defines one or more contact pin apertures through which distal ends of two or more contact pins pass. One or more electrical components are encased within the shell. The contact pins are conductors from the one or more electrical components. The distal ends of the contact pins are positioned to make electrical contact with terminals of a cable plug that is removably inserted into the tunnel.

Abstract: Various embodiments of a detent assembly are disclosed. The detent assembly includes a base having a major surface, a first magnetic region, and a second magnetic region, where the first and second magnetic regions are disposed on or within the major surface. Each of the first and second magnetic regions includes a magnetic polarity. The detent assembly further includes an actuator connected to the base, where the actuator includes a major surface and a magnetic region disposed on or within the major surface. The magnetic region of the actuator includes the same magnetic polarity as the magnetic polarity of the first and second magnetic regions of the base. The base and the actuator are adapted to move relative to each other. Further, the first and second magnetic regions of the base repel the magnetic region of the actuator to define detent positions between the base and the actuator.