Abstract: A removable component for use with an earphone is disclosed. As an example, the removable component can be an ear tip. According to one aspect, an improved ear tip can be provided for use with a headphone. The ear tip is suitable for in-ear operation and can have a cosmetic deformable outer member. The deformable outer member can enable the ear tip to readily conform to a user's ear. The ear tip can also include an inner member to structurally support the outer member and to facilitate attachment to a headphone. Methods for forming such ear tips are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a hearing device (1) for being worn at least partly within an ear canal of a user of the hearing device (1), the hearing device (1) comprising a shell (2) with a wall and an opening (4), wherein the wall has a rim (11) at the opening (4), and wherein the wall is thickened along at least part of the rim (11). Furthermore, a method for manufacturing such a hearing device (1) is specified, especially comprising determining an area of a bonding surface (12) at the rim (11) for bonding a face plate (3) to the shell at the opening (4).

Abstract: A hearing aid system includes an electronic device that may be manipulated. A hearing aid is provided and the hearing aid is selectively worn in an ear thereby facilitating the hearing aid to amplify ambient sounds. A noise generator is coupled to the hearing aid and the noise generator is in electrical communication with the electronic device. The electronic device controls operational parameters of the noise generator and the noise generator selectively emits white noise. The noise generator is in electrical communication with the hearing aid such that the hearing aid emits the white noise in conjunction with the ambient sounds. In this way the noise generator enhances a sensitivity threshold of the ear.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for earphones with motion sensitive inflation. In an audio system that comprises an audio output element that is applied directly to or is in contact with at least a portion of an ear of a user of the audio system, one or more adjustments to positioning of the least portion of the audio output element relative to the ear of the user may be determined and applied. The one or more adjustments may be determined as to account for or counteract one or more conditions affecting the outputting of the audio signals and/or contact between the audio output element and the one ear of the user. The one or more adjustment may be applied by modifying characteristics of one or more positioning components of (or coupled to) the audio output element. The one or more positioning components comprise at least one inflation-based component.

Abstract: Provided is a sound output device worn on an ear of a listener and used, and having listening characteristics of an ambient sound in a wearing state. A sound output device 100 includes a sound generating portion 110 that generates a sound, a sound guiding portion 120 that takes in the sound generated in the sound generating portion 110 from one end 121, and a holding portion 130 that holds the sound guiding portion 120 in the vicinity of the other end 122. The holding portion 130 is engaged with an intertragic notch, and supports the sound guiding portion 120 such that a sound output hole of the other end 122 of the sound guiding portion 120 to face a depth side of an ear canal. Even in a state where the listener wears the sound output device 100, the sound output device 100 does not block an ear cavity of the listener, and the listener can listen to the ambient sound.

Abstract: A wireless earbud including a shell housing having an inner shell portion and an outer shell portion. The inner shell portion has an inwardly facing ovate-shaped surface with a forward end portion configured to fit toward the user's ear canal, and a rearward end portion configured to fit in the concha of the user's ear. The outer shell portion has an outwardly facing surface and one or more outwardly protruding abutment surfaces configured to engage other parts of the user's ear to restrict rotation and prevent the earbud from falling out. For example, a first abutment may engage the user's tragus, a second abutment may engage the user's antitragus, and the first and second abutments may together form a convex surface that fits within the user's intertragical notch. Additional protrusions or surfaces may be provided to further improve the self-locking functionality of the earbud in the user's ear.

Abstract: Disclosed are various designs of earbud structures including detachable and replaceable ear-wings and/or detachable and replaceable earplugs. In various embodiments, the body of a proposed earbud is a fixed component of the earbud which is configured to receive and accommodate different types of ear-wings and/or earplugs based on the user's need. Various embodiments of the proposed earbud designs provide an ear-wing structure that includes at least two components: a wing-shaped structure for fitting into the ear to achieve a desired stability, and a shell structure for attaching the wing-shaped structure onto the body of the earbud thereby attached the wing-shaped structure firmly onto the body of the earbud.

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 hearing aid includes a microphone unit arranged in a hearing aid housing. The microphone unit is oriented in the housing relative to a microphone inlet element to cause a pressure equalization that allows acoustic cancellation of vibrations in the microphone unit.

Abstract: An apparatus for transmitting electrical signals is disclosed. The apparatus includes a substrate and a twisted pair of conductors located on the substrate. The twisted pair of conductors has a first layer comprising conductive material, a second layer comprising nonconductive material, and a third player comprising conductive material. The first layer has a plurality of segments separated by a plurality of gaps. The second layer is positioned in said gaps and electrically insulates a portion of the segments positioned within the gaps. The third layer is positioned over the second layer. The third layer is configured to electrically connects an end of one segment to an end of another segment. The twisted pair of conductors formed by the three dimensional structure comprises two electrically isolated conductors twisted about each other.

Abstract: Securing mechanisms for space access devices, such as an audio signal transmitting device, include a plurality of outwardly projecting members that are configured to transition from a relaxed state to a securing state when the space access device is inserted into an internal space or opening that has an inside diameter smaller than an outside diameter of the outwardly projecting members in the relaxed state. The outwardly projecting members securely engage a surface of the internal space and conform to the shape and size of the internal space. A sound blocking portion can be provided to substantially prevent air/sound flow past the sound blocking portion of the securing mechanism.

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: The present disclosure discloses a wearable device with a sound sealing structure. The disclosed device may include a housing having at least one or more sound holes, at least one or more substrates fixed inside the housing, and at least one or more sound element portions disposed in the housing to face a 1st direction(+) and including a sound path comprising a duct structure for connection to the sound hole. At least one or more coupling structures on which a coupling force is exerted in a 2nd direction facing a vertical direction of the 1st direction may be formed between the housing and the sound element portion, and the sound element portion may be prevented from and/or resist being moved back in a 1st direction(?) due to the at least one or more coupling structures.

Abstract: A hearing aid includes: a wireless communication element for wireless communication; a signal processing element for providing an audio signal; a connector for coupling an in-ear element to the hearing aid; a first conductor connected to the wireless communication element; and a second conductor configured for carrying the audio signal to the connector; wherein the first conductor is capacitively coupled to the second conductor or the connector during an operation of the hearing aid.

Abstract: A wearable device is adapted to monitor a wearer's physical activity patterns and to provide assistance to the wearer when a need for assistance is indicated. The device includes a processor is programmed to cause the device to collect activity data necessary to determine the physical activity pattern of the wearer over time, to provide the gathered activity data to a server via a network interface for processing to create or update behavioral rules for the wearer, to receive the behavioral rules from the server for comparison to the received activity data, and to provide to the wearer via the user interface assistance information when the wearer has requested assistance or when a check of the wearer's activity against the behavioral rules indicates that the wearer may need assistance.

Abstract: According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a wearable electronic device comprises a circuit board including first portions where a plurality of electronic parts are mounted, and second portions arranged between the first portions and rotatably connecting the first portions with each other, and a bracket having a plurality of contact surfaces corresponding to the first portions, wherein the circuit board is coupled to surround at least a portion of the bracket. The circuit board may be coupled to surround at least a portion of the bracket. The wearable electronic device may be implemented in various manners according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

Abstract: A hearing aid comprises a housing with a sound channel in a longitudinal direction and terminating in a sound opening, a transducer for transducing sound at the sound opening, and an insert member having an insert part for insertion into the sound channel and a support part arranged against the housing. The insert member forms a sound path from a first sound opening to a second sound opening. The first sound opening is arranged in the insert part and the second sound opening is arranged in the support part outside the sound channel. The insert part comprises a retention member for retaining wax. The retention member includes an opening and is arranged so that a part hereof extends transverse to the longitudinal direction. The support part forms a protruding engagement member which facilitates catching of the insert member without engaging the sound path during removal of the insert member.

Abstract: A dome for a personal audio device. The dome forms a first flexible circumferential member and comprising a guiding structure extending in a longitudinal direction and forming an interface for guiding sound from or to the personal audio device. The guiding structure comprises a least one sound opening configured for passage of sound from or to the personal audio device in a direction transverse to the longitudinal direction of the guiding structure. The first flexible member is configured to at least partly close the sound opening during insertion of the dome into an ear canal of a user.

Abstract: In-ear headphone assemblies and related methods are disclosed. An in-ear headphone assembly includes a rigid shell, a rigid nozzle, and a resilient overmold structure permanently molded to the rigid nozzle and the rigid shell. The resilient overmold structure secures a proximal end of the rigid nozzle proximate to a first side of the rigid shell defining a sound aperture. The resilient overmold structure defines a sound passage acoustically coupling a volume defined by the rigid shell to a sound channel of the rigid nozzle through the sound aperture and the proximal end of the rigid nozzle. A method of manufacturing a headphone assembly includes positioning the rigid nozzle and the rigid shell within a cavity of a mold, and injecting a polymer or polymer precursor material into the cavity of the mold.

Abstract: Headphone eartips with internal support components and methods for making the same are provided. At least one support component may provide specific amounts and types of rigidity at specific portions of an inner eartip body defining an inner eartip space that transmits sound to an eardrum when an eartip subassembly is positioned within an ear canal, such that the eartip subassembly may ensure an effective sound path while also at least partially conforming to various ear canal geometries.

Abstract: A kit-of-parts includes: a hearing aid having a first attachment member; a first device comprising a second attachment member that is configured to mate with the first attachment member of the hearing aid; and a second device comprising a third attachment member that is configured to mate with the first attachment member of the hearing aid; wherein the second attachment member and the third attachment are alternatively attachable to the first attachment member of the hearing aid; and wherein the first device comprises a first electrical power source that is rechargeable, and the second device comprises an accessible compartment configured for holding a second electrical power source.

Abstract: Embodiments include an earbud headphone adapter configured to securely retain an earbud headphone in a user's ear, preserve the quality of sound emitted from the earbud headphone into a user's ear, and/or reduce the discomfort commonly experienced by users from prolonged wearing of an earbud headphone. A hollow body having a cavity extending from a first plane to an earbud opening about an axis substantially perpendicular to a second plane is configured to stretch over and securely retain an earbud headphone. A portion of the hollow body may taper from the earbud opening to a sound opening. A stabilizer extends from the hollow body generally along the first plane and is configured to engage with the concha area of a user's ear while the sound opening is within the ear canal opening to securely retain the earbud adapter and earbud headphone in the user's ear.

Abstract: Disclosed herein, among other things, are methods and apparatus for own-voice sensing in hearing assistance devices. One aspect of the present subject matter includes an in-the-ear (ITE) hearing assistance device adapted to process sounds, including sounds from a wearer's mouth. According to various embodiments, the device includes a hollow plastic housing adapted to be worn in the ear of the wearer and a differential sensor mounted to an interior surface of the housing in an ear canal of the wearer. The differential sensor includes inlets located within the housing and the differential sensor is configured to improve speech intelligibility of sounds from the wearer's mouth, in various embodiments.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for customizing audio data processing are provided. The method includes receiving audio data through a wireless communication channel from an external device; decoding the received audio data; reducing noise of the decoded audio data; identifying hearing characteristics of a user by testing hearing abilities of the user at a plurality of frequency bands; adjusting a dynamic range of each of the plurality of frequency bands based on the hearing characteristics; processing the noise-reduced audio data based on the adjusted dynamic range of each of the plurality of frequency bands; and outputting the processed audio data.

Abstract: The application relates to a portable electronic device comprising a) a folded substrate carrying components of the device, and b) another, separate component having a fixed outer contour, and c) a housing for enclosing said folded substrate and said separate component, said housing having an inner contour, wherein said folded substrate is folded from a planar substrate along a folding line, said folded substrate exhibiting outer edges comprising a folded edge following said folding line. The application further relates to a method of manufacturing a folded substrate. The object of the present application is to facilitate miniaturization of a portable electronic device, such as a hearing aid. The problem is solved in that the folded substrate is shaped to provide that at least one of said outer edges follow(s) the fixed outer contour of the separate component and/or the inner contour of said housing.

Abstract: An earphone assembly with a manifold at the earpiece having a first driver directly coupled and second driver coupled through a tube, both driven by a common signal source such, which results in a propagation time differential in the arrival of first emitted signals and second emitted signals from the drivers, respectively, at the earpiece.

Abstract: Seamless earbud structures and methods for making the same are disclosed. Seamless earbud structures can be constructed using an insert molding construction method, which overmolds a cosmetic material over two sub-enclosures that are mated together. The two sub-enclosures form a housing that can encompass a driver assembly (e.g., woofer and tweeter), a conductor bundle, and provide one or more acoustic volumes. The housing has a non-occluding member and a neck member, and has a seamless or nearly seamless construction. The cosmetic material is insert molded around the housing to provide a smooth and seamless surface disposed around the periphery of the housing.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an encapulated hearing device (50), e.g. for long-term wear, in which an electronics module (10) is encapsulated into a thermoformed hull (30) by means of an appropriate adhesive (41). This thermoformed hull (30) acts as an improved barrier between the electronics module (10) and the environment of the inner ear, reducing the risk of moisture reaching electrical components.

Abstract: Securing mechanisms for space access devices, such as an audio signal transmitting device, include a plurality of outwardly projecting members that are configured to transition from a relaxed state to a securing state when the space access device is inserted into an internal space or opening that has an inside diameter smaller than an outside diameter of the outwardly projecting members in the relaxed state. The outwardly projecting members securely engage a surface of the internals space, conform to the shape and size of the internal space, and modulate at least one of the attenuation and frequency of audio signals and/or differentially acoustically impede audio signals transmitted through the securing mechanism and/or internal space and the space access device, without fully occluding the internal space.

Abstract: A method for phoneme identification. The method includes receiving an audio signal from a speaker, performing initial processing comprising filtering the audio signal to remove audio features, the initial processing resulting in a modified audio signal, transmitting the modified audio signal to a phoneme identification method and a phoneme replacement method to further process the modified audio signal, and transmitting the modified audio signal to a speaker. Also, a system for identifying and processing audio signals. The system includes at least one speaker, at least one microphone, and at least one processor, wherein the processor processes audio signals received using a method for phoneme replacement.

Abstract: A personal wearable EEG monitor comprises a base part (1) having signal processing means (23), and an electrode part (2) with at least two electrodes (11, 12) for measuring an EEG signal of a person. The electrode part (2) comprises means for converting the EEG signal into a digital signal. The EEG monitor comprises a databus for transferring data between the base part (1) and the electrode part (2) and for providing power from one part to the other. The databus is adapted for application of two electrical wires. The invention further provides a method for communicating between two parts of an EEG monitor.

Abstract: An in-ear headphone comprises an earbud body constructed and arranged for positioning in an ear canal of a wearer, and configured to have a distal end farther into the ear canal than a proximal end. The earbud body includes a cavity and an opening to the cavity. The in-ear headphone further comprises a transducer in the opening to the cavity, a portion of the transducer facing outward from the opening; a microphone at the distal end of the earbud body; an earbud tip on the earbud body and complying with a surface of the earbud body; and an acoustically resistive mesh structure at a distal end of the earbud tip. The mesh structure covers the microphone and the portion of the transducer facing outward from the opening.

Abstract: An exemplary sound processor apparatus included in an auditory prosthesis system includes 1) an interface assembly that includes a plurality of contacts and that facilitates interchangeable connectivity of a plurality of external components to the sound processor apparatus, and 2) a control module communicatively coupled to the plurality of contacts and that interacts with each of the external components by overloading each contact included in the plurality of contacts with a plurality of functions. Corresponding sound processor apparatuses, systems, and methods are also described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an ear wing including: a coupling portion coupled to a sound output device; a deformable fixing portion deformed with a curvature to correspond to the shape of the antihelix in such a manner as to be located inside the antihelix and for fixing the position of the coupling portion to an external ear; and a variable portion for connecting the coupling portion and the deformable fixing portion in such a manner as to support the deformable fixing portion thereagainst and having at least one or more variable parts changed in shape according to the deformation of the deformable fixing portion.

Abstract: In a process for producing a hearing aid, comprising a housing made out, at least partially, of a metallic or ceramic part using powder injection molding technique (PIM) within the housing (1) at least one additional element (3) made out of a polymeric material is arranged for placing functional parts (5, 7, 13) within or at the housing (1) to reduce complexity of P parts and/or to compensate any tolerances due to the PIM process.

Abstract: The present invention proposes a sound tube (3) for an earpiece (1), wherein a first section (4) of an inner surface of the sound tube (3) has a structured surface, in particular a textural pattern forming a relief comprising convexities (13) and/or concavities (11). Alternatively or additionally, the sound tube (3) features a radially extending, circumferential flange (8), annular lip (8?) or collar at an outer surface of the sound tube (3). The present invention is further directed to a sound tube arrangement comprising two of the proposed sound tubes integrally formed in one piece and to an earpiece (1) with such a sound tube (3) or such a sound tube arrangement as well as to a hearing device with such an earpiece (1).

Abstract: An electronic device privacy case. The electronic device privacy case includes a tray configured to store an electronic device having a display. A pair of foldable side panels extend upward from the tray and connect to support members, each of which are hingedly connected at one end to the tray via a locking hinge. A top panel is slidably disposed within channels in the support members and connected at one end to a rotatable shaft disposed in a housing attached to one end of the tray. The top panel may be retracted and rolled up along the rotatable shaft or may be extended to obscure the display from view. Further, the foldable side panels may be in a stored configuration within the tray, or may be lifted to a deployed configuration in order to prevent other individuals in public from viewing the display of the electronic device.

Abstract: An in-ear headphone comprises an earbud body constructed and arranged for positioning in an ear canal of a wearer, and configured to have a distal end farther into the ear canal than a proximal end. The earbud body includes a cavity and an opening to the cavity. The in-ear headphone further comprises a transducer in the opening to the cavity, a portion of the transducer facing outward from the opening; a microphone at the distal end of the earbud body; an earbud tip on the earbud body and complying with a surface of the earbud body; and an acoustically resistive mesh structure at a distal end of the earbud tip. The mesh structure covers the microphone and the portion of the transducer facing outward from the opening.

Abstract: A system for audio content delivery to an in-the-ear device from a local computing device. Also, a system for audio content delivery to an in-the-ear device from a content delivery network. The in-the-ear device is sized and shaped such that it universally and ergonomically fits into the human ear without slipping out and provides the user with a comfortable fit. The in-the-ear device is secured in the user's ear taking advantage of the natural curvature of the human to provide support and shift the center of gravity from outside the ear to further inside the pinna to prevent the device from slipping out while retaining a high level of comfort.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a hearing instrument including a housing to be worn at an ear of a person. The hearing instrument including an antenna unit having a slot. Further, the antenna unit comprises a loading wing arranged so as to focus the nearfield of the inside the hearing instrument.

Abstract: A hearing aid device comprising means for being at least partly inserted into the ear canal of a hearing aid user is disclosed. The hearing aid device comprises at least one electro-active member comprising a top electrode layer and a bottom electrode layer and a dielectric elastomer member sandwiched between the top electrode layer and the bottom electrode layer.

Abstract: A hearing aid device comprising a receiver unit arranged in a compartment in a shell, wherein the shell comprises a venting passage between first and second opposite faces of the shell to provide air passage from one side of the shell to another, and wherein the shell comprises an opening in the first face into the compartment and a closing member positioned to close off the compartment. The opening is shaped to allow the receiver unit to be inserted into the compartment through the opening, and the compartment is acoustically connected to the venting passage to allow the sound to emit through the venting passage. The receiver unit may be releasably mounted in the compartment such that the receiver unit can be retracted from the shell through the opening.

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 positioned within.

Abstract: A MEMS microphone system suited for harsh environments. The system uses an integrated circuit package. A first, solid metal lid covers one face of a ceramic package base that includes a cavity, forming an acoustic chamber. The base includes an aperture through the opposing face of the base for receiving audio signals into the chamber. A MEMS microphone is attached within the chamber about the aperture. A filter covers the aperture opening in the opposing face of the base to prevent contaminants from entering the acoustic chamber. A second metal lid encloses the opposing face of the base and may attach the filter to this face of the base. The lids are electrically connected with vias forming a radio frequency interference shield. The ceramic base material is thermally matched to the silicon microphone material to allow operation over an extended temperature range.

Abstract: A computing device compensates a coordinate of a position device for a computerized numerical control (CNC) machine. The computing device generates a point cloud according to contour points of the position device. The computing device deletes selected contour points from the point cloud upon the condition that the distance corresponding to each selected contour point exceeds a predetermined threshold. The computing device calculates an average coordinate of the contour points which are remained in the point cloud.

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: In accordance with an aspect of the invention, a method of fitting a hearing instrument to a user's ear is provided. The method comprises taking an impression of the user's ear canal and manufacturing, based on geometrical data of the impression, an earmold. In accordance with the aspect of the invention, the method comprises the further step of performing an acoustical measurement while the impression is being taken.

Abstract: An ear canal earpiece comprising an electroacoustic sound transducer, a first sound guide unit for guiding the sound from the electroacoustic sound transducer, a second sound guide unit for prolonging the first sound guide unit, a third sound guide unit whose outside contour is matched to an inside contour of an ear canal of a user and which surrounds the second sound guide unit, and a sound wall in the region of the second sound guide unit, wherein the sound wall extends between the second and third sound guide units.

Abstract: A hearing device includes: a housing with a frame; a battery door attached to the housing and configured to pivot in relation to the housing about a pivot axis, the battery door having a side wall with a first wall surface at least partly defining a battery compartment with a battery axis, the first wall surface comprising contact points for supporting a battery, the contact points having equal distances to the battery axis, wherein a first vector extends from the battery axis and perpendicularly crosses the pivot axis in a first direction to the pivot axis; and a closure mechanism comprising a protruding member with a distal end, and an engagement member having a first arm with a first distal end, wherein the protruding member is configured to engage with the engagement member when the battery door is in a closed position.

Abstract: A removable component for use with an earphone is disclosed. As an example, the removable component can be an ear tip. According to one aspect, an improved ear tip can be provided for use with a headphone. The ear tip is suitable for in-ear operation and can have a cosmetic deformable outer member. The deformable outer member can enable the ear tip to readily conform to a user's ear. The ear tip can also include an inner member to structurally support the outer member and to facilitate attachment to a headphone. Methods for forming such ear tips are also disclosed.