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: An earpiece that substantially lacks a lower lobe is disclosed. In one example, the earpiece can have a generally arcuate rib having upper and lower ends. A lobe can be formed at the upper end of the arcuate rib. No lobe is formed at the lower end of the arcuate rib. An extension can extend from the earpiece and can be configured to extend into the ear canal. Eliminating the lower lobe mitigates discomfort during use and also reduces the likelihood of tissue damage and infection. The extension can enhance communication of desired sound, e.g., from a two-way radio, to an eardrum while mitigating communication of undesirable ambient noise to the eardrum. Other implementations and related methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: A hearing aid includes a speaker in a tip that is located in an ear canal. The tip includes a coupling, a retainer that mechanically engages the coupling, and a sleeve axially surrounding the retainer. The retainer attenuates lower frequencies than are attenuated by the sleeve. The sleeve is preferably a foam rubber and the retainer is preferably a composite material. A flange on the retainer reflects sound back into the sleeve for additional attenuation. It has been discovered that operation is improved if the outside diameter of the sleeve and the outside diameter of the retainer are in the ratio of approximately 1.75:1.

Abstract: A magnetic field antenna that provides high efficiency and a compact form factor. Electromagnetic shielding of electrical components used in the antenna is provided, and one embodiment of the invention is a wireless battery-free communications earplug.

Abstract: An improved electrostatic membrane pump/transducer having an array of electrostatic membrane pump transducers that utilize a venturi channel. The electrically conductive membrane of the electrostatic membrane pump transducers can be a polymer membrane coated with a conductive coating. The electrostatic membrane pump transducers can be optionally controlled such that one set is out of phase with another set.

Abstract: A hearing aid or a transducer for use in a hearing aid, having a housing with an opening from an inner chamber thereof to surroundings thereof. A moisture transporting element is positioned in the opening. The moisture transporting element may be capillary channels or a thread made of fibers which may fan out at the outer side in order to increase evaporation. The chamber may be hydrophobic and surroundings of the opening be hydrophilic to encourage humidity to travel toward the humidity transporting element to be removed from the chamber.

Abstract: Described herein is a multi-pin flex-based electrical plug and socket that can be incorporated into a hearing aid and be used to serve two purposes depending on the orientation with which the plug is inserted into the socket. For example, the plug may be inserted into the socket in a first orientation (e.g., right-side up) for programming the hearing aid and inserted in a second orientation (e.g., upside down) for inputting a DAI signal. In an alternate embodiment, the plug and socket forms a both-ways-okay connector such that the plug can be inserted in a either a first orientation or a second orientation (e.g., either right-side up or upside down) and still function.

Abstract: A circuit assembly (600) includes a printed circuit board assembly (100). The printed circuit board assembly includes a first circuit board (101), a second circuit board (102), and a first flexible substrate (103) interposed between, and continuous with, the first circuit board and the second circuit board. A second flexible substrate (108) extends from, and is continuous with, the second circuit board. One or more electronic circuits comprising electronic components (301,302,303,304,305) are disposed along one or more of the first circuit board or the second circuit board. The printed circuit board assembly is folded about a battery (601), with the first circuit board adjacent to the first major face, the second circuit board adjacent to the second major face, and the first flexible substrate spanning the one or more side faces.

Abstract: In a method of audio signal processing, a hearing aid system is configured to: collect sound information of a surrounding environment of the hearing aid system; capture an image of the surrounding environment of the hearing aid system; perform a directional signal processing operation on the sound information so as to generate an output audio signal; the output audio signal containing an extracted voice signal that comes from an area corresponding to a location of a target object in the image; and output the output audio signal.

Abstract: An acoustic apparatus includes a mechanical shell, a first electronic component, a first connector, and a receiver. The mechanical shell is generally cylindrical in shape and forms a cavity, the shell having an inner surface, the inter surface in communication with the cavity. The first electronic component is disposed in the cavity. The first connector includes electrical contacts and is disposed on the inner surface of the shell. A first electrical connection electrically couples the microphone to the first connector. The receiver is disposed in the cavity, and the receiver has a second connector. An electrical connection is formed between the first electronic component and the receiver via the first connector and the second connector. A rotation of the shell causes the electrical contacts to rotate within or with respect to the second connector such that the rotation does not cause the electrical connection between the first connector and the second connector to be broken.

Abstract: A modular headphone system includes a headband holding an earphone module at each end of two ends thereof, a circuit module formed of an active noise cancelling module, a Bluetooth module, high-frequency module and/or a multi-channel audio controller and detachably mounted in one earphone module, and a power module detachably mounted in the other earphone module. Each earphone module includes an earphone body pivotally connected to one end of the headband, a speaker holder mounted at the earphone body and electrically connected to the earphone body, a speaker mounted in the speaker holder and electrically connected to the speaker holder and an ear cushion covered on the speaker holder over the speaker.

Abstract: An antenna configured in a hybrid circuit provides a compact design for a hearing aid to communicate wirelessly with a system external to the hearing aid. In an embodiment, an antenna includes metallic traces in a hybrid circuit that is configured for use in a hearing aid. The antenna includes contacts in the hybrid circuit to couple the metallic traces to electronic devices in the hybrid circuit. In an embodiment, the metallic traces form a planar coil design having a number of turns of the coil in a substrate in the hybrid circuit. In another embodiment, the metallic traces are included in a flex circuit on a substrate in the hybrid circuit. An antenna configured in a hybrid circuit allows for use in a completely-in-the-canal hearing aid.

Abstract: A headphone device includes a housing having a leakage hole to reduce pressure between a user's ear and the housing, a speaker positioned within the housing, and an audio processing module. The audio processing module is configured to receive an audio signal from an audio device, determine whether the audio signal includes at least a predetermined level of audio having a frequency in a first range of frequencies, transmit a first leakage control signal to a leakage hole valve when it is determined that the audio includes at least the predetermined level of low frequency audio; and transmit a second leakage control signal to the leakage hole valve when it is determined that the audio does not include at least the predetermined level of low frequency audio. The leakage hole valve is configured to close the leakage hole upon receipt of the first leakage control signal and open the leakage hole upon receipt of the second leakage control signal.

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 an earphone device of an ear-hole insertion type having a noise cancelling function, the earphone device including a left channel housing unit that accommodates a left channel driver unit outputting a left channel sound; and a right channel housing unit that accommodates a right channel driver unit outputting a right channel sound. A microphone for noise cancelling and a battery are accommodated in each of the left and right channel housing units.

Abstract: A BTE prosthetic device for use in a medical system or prosthesis comprises a connector configured to mechanically attach an auxiliary device of the system to the BTE prosthetic device. The connector is electrically connected to an transceiver of the BTE prosthetic device. The connector operates as an electromagnetic antenna for transmitting and/or receiving signals between the BTE prosthetic and other components of the medical system.

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: A balanced electromagnetic transducer, including first and second components connected together by a flexible component, at least a part of which flexes upon exposure of the transducer to energy, wherein the transducer is configured to generate a static magnetic flux that passes from the first component to the second component via the flexible component and travels across no more than two air gaps.

Abstract: Embodiments presented herein are generally directed to a protective sleeve for an external component of a hearing prosthesis. The protective sleeve comprises a base plug configured to be inserted into a main body. The main body and base plug are each primarily formed from a substantially flexible material and each comprises one or more substantially rigid members. When the base plug is inserted into the main body the substantially rigid members operate to deform a portion of substantially flexible material forming part of the main body or base plug to seal the base plug to the main body.

Abstract: A hearing aid includes: a hearing aid housing; a receiver; and a filter; wherein the hearing aid housing comprises an outer surface, a housing opening at the outer surface, and an internal cavity configured for containing the receiver; wherein the filter is insertable into the housing opening and is releasably mounted to the hearing aid housing; and wherein the housing opening is configured to provide sound emitted from the receiver, and wherein the housing opening and the receiver are relatively sized in order to allow for insertion of the receiver through the housing opening into the internal cavity for containment of the receiver in the internal cavity.

Abstract: A receiver for a hearing aid includes: a receiver housing having a side face with a sound opening; and a filter holder with a filter, wherein the filter holder is fastened to the receiver housing; wherein the filter holder has a bottom face, a first opening at the bottom face, a second opening configured for releasably mounting the filter to the filter holder, and a sound channel located between the first and second openings and aligned with the first opening; and wherein the bottom face of the filter holder abuts the side face of the receiver housing.

Abstract: Sound processor housings, sound processors and systems including sound processors are disclosed.

Abstract: A speaker apparatus or system with a user selectably expandable chamber is provided. The chamber in its expanded state enhances the speaker's acoustical properties. The chamber in its collapsed (in physical dimension or shape) state provides a thin profile for increased portability or low profile mounted solutions. The speaker is compatible with current electronics.

Abstract: A portable electronic device (100) comprises a fuel cell (101) and a boost converter (102), wherein said boost converter (102) is adapted for boosting the fuel cell voltage to a level suitable to power the portable electronic device (100) and wherein said boost converter (102) is powered by said fuel cell (101). The invention also provides a method of operating a portable electronic device.

Abstract: An electroacoustic transducer comprises a piezoelectric vibrator; a casing being provided with a predetermined space from the piezoelectric vibrator and including a frustum shape cutout in an inner wall thereof; and an acoustic absorption material being fitted in the cutout wherein a sound hole is formed in the casing in front of the piezoelectric vibrator in an oscillating direction of the piezoelectric vibrator; and the casing is formed in the casing such that a hole diameter of a sound path decreases toward a front end in the oscillating direction of the piezoelectric vibrator.

Abstract: A sound amplifying case for an electronic device includes a shell that receives and secures the electronic device on a front side of the shell. The shell has a sound channel formed therein which receives sound from the electronic device at an inlet sound port on the shell front side, amplifies the redirected sound, and directs the amplified sound to an outlet sound port on a back side of the shell. The case includes a folding cover attached at one end to the shell back side and extends around one edge of the shell to a free end. With the case in an open configuration, the cover folds between the attached end and the free end forming an acoustic chamber between the cover and the rear side of the shell. The chamber receives the amplified sound from the outlet sound port and further amplifies/redirects it out of the acoustic chamber.

Abstract: In a hearing aid system, which comprises at least one hearing aid device, incorrect adaptation of the signal processing unit of the hearing aid device to the receiver used is intended to be avoided. To this end, automatic identification of the type of receiver used is proposed, as well as automatic adaptation of the signal processing in the hearing aid device by the hearing aid system. Incorrect manual adaptation is thereby prevented.

Abstract: A closure member and a hearing device are disclosed. The hearing device comprising a housing; a battery door attached to the housing and configured to pivot in relation to the housing about a pivot axis; closure member attached to the housing and having a first closure arm with a first distal end; the battery door comprising a closure device comprising a first primary closure element configured to engage with the first closure arm when the battery door is in a closed position, wherein the first closure arm is flexible such that the first distal end displaces in a first direction when the battery door is moved from an open position to the closed position.

Abstract: A hearing instrument includes a housing and an exchangeable receiver. The hearing instrument further includes an opening in the housing for receiving the exchangeable receiver therein, and a coupler for actuating/de-actuating a physical coupling between the housing and the exchangeable receiver and for enabling the housing to hold the receiver.

Abstract: An exemplary auditory prosthesis system includes a sound processor module configured to process an audio signal and operate in accordance with a plurality of control parameters and an accessory header module configured to be selectively coupled to the sound processor module and facilitate external adjustment of one or more control parameters included in the plurality of control parameters while coupled to the sound processor module. Corresponding systems and methods are also described.

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: A microphone system has a chip system coupled to a base. Among other things, the chip system includes a microphone chip and a circuit chip, in a stacked relationship, configured to electrically communicate. The microphone chip has a diaphragm configured to move upon receipt of an incident audio signal, while the circuit chip has at least one through hole audibly coupled with the diaphragm of the microphone chip.

Abstract: A behind the ear (BTE) hearing instrument has a coupling between a housing and a sound tube. The sound tube is removably connected to the housing by a coupling connected to the sound tube. A sound-tube-side coupling component has a sound channel leading to the sound tube and a housing-side coupling component has a sound channel leading to a receiver, which, when the coupling is closed, are connected to each other by an acoustic seal. The coupling has a lug and an abutment, which connect the sound-tube-side coupling component to the housing-side coupling component in a form-fit and movable manner, in a spatial direction relative to each other. A locking device is provided that, when it is closed, impedes a movement of the coupling components relative to each other. The lug including the corresponding abutment and the locking device are disposed spatially separated from each other in the coupling.

Abstract: An apparatus including a near field communication (NFC) system and a hearing aid compatibility (HAC) system. The near field communication system includes a near field communication antenna. The hearing aid compatibility system is configured to generate a magnetic field to be received by a hearing aid. The hearing aid compatibility system includes the near field communication antenna. Thus, both the near field communication system and the hearing aid compatibility system include the near field communication antenna as at least a portion of a common communication component for both of the systems.

Abstract: A hearing aid safety aid is provided. The hearing aid is configured to attach a hearing aid to an earring of the wearer. If the hearing aid comes loose and falls off, the hearing aid safety aid prevents it from falling off the user by its connection to the user's earring.

Abstract: An earphone includes a generally conical housing having generally circular front face adapted to be seated in the concha of the user's ear. The housing tapers away from the front face toward the rear of the housing. A speaker is disposed in the housing. A first resilient portion is disposed on the sidewall of the housing to form a first contact surface. A second resilient portion is disposed on the sidewall of the housing, opposite from the first resilient portion. The second resilient portion extends sufficiently circumferentially around the housing to form second and third contact surfaces disposed on opposite sides of the wire guide. The first, second, and third contact surfaces allow the housing to be grasped between the thumb and two fingers of the user to facilitate insertion of the front portion of the housing into the user's ear.

Abstract: A hearing aid includes electronics, a physically manipulable member, and a receiver. The receiver is configured to output sound in a first mode at a first decibel level and in a second mode at a second decibel level higher than the first decibel level. The first mode is based on an input from a microphone. The second mode is based on the physically manipulable member not having been manipulated over a selected period of time. In various examples, wireless approaches are used to perform location identification. Examples using antennas and radio frequency identification (RFID) are provided. Various location approaches are possible using different location tones and methods for generation of such tones. Other apparatus are provided for location identification in a system with one or more hearing aids.

Abstract: An ultra miniature hearing device for extended wear entirely in the ear canal past the cartilaginous region is provided. The hearing device comprises a microphone and a speaker, each having a respective diaphragm. The speaker and microphone are placed parallel to each other in a single lateral assembly. The microphone and speaker can be arranged such that their diaphragms are orthogonal to one another so that cross coupling of vibrations is minimized, thus reducing internal feedback. Due to the parallel co-placement of the speaker and microphone in the single lateral assembly, the length of the device is substantially shorter than that of prior hearing aid devices. The hearing device is 12 mm or less in length to fit in the bony part of the ear canal for most individuals and is placed within approximately 3 mm from the eardrum.

Abstract: Sound processor housings, sound processors and systems including sound processors are disclosed.

Abstract: Hearing devices configured to fit within the bony portion of the ear canal. The hearing device may include a hearing device core, with a battery, an acoustic assembly, a magnetically actuated switch, and a magnetic shield positioned between the battery and the magnetically actuated switch, and a seal apparatus on the hearing device core.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are apparatus and methods for delivering bone conduction stimuli for measuring the gravitation receptor functions of the inner ear. In some embodiments, an apparatus may include (i) an impactor operatively linked to a guide disposed within a housing and (ii) an electrically driven actuator enclosed within the housing. The electrically driven actuator may be configured to cause the impactor to (i) travel to a striking point to deliver a mechanical bone conduction stimulus for transmission to a skull bone and (ii) controllably decelerate prior to the instance of stimuli delivery.

Abstract: Examples of a rechargeable canal hearing device and charging systems are described. An exemplary rechargeable hearing device includes a battery module and a main module adapted to be removably couple together to form a modular canal hearing device assembly configured to be inserted inconspicuously in the ear canal. The modular canal hearing device assembly may include electrical contacts or an inductive charging system to couple charging energy from a charging station. According to examples described, the charging station includes a receptacle cavity shaped to partially accommodate the modular canal hearing device assembly including its handle. The receptacle cavity includes features operable to manipulate the handle as an actuator for automatically disengaging the battery module from the main module upon insertion of the lateral end into the receptacle cavity.

Abstract: A wearable wireless communication device is provided, including a behind-the-ear main electronics enclosure housing wireless communication electronics, a main electronics enclosure mount engaging the behind-the-ear main electronics enclosure, an ear mount fitting the main electronics enclosure mount, and a decorative mount including a speaker. The decorative mount attaches to the ear mount which is configured to fit over an ear of a wearer. Signals are transmitted from the main electronics enclosure to the main electronics enclosure mount, to the ear mount, and to the speaker in the decorative mount. Audio from the speaker is provided to the ear of the user. Pierced ear and non-pierced ear versions are provided, wherein the ear mount for the non-pierced ear version includes a clip that clips to the wearer's ear lobe. The pierced ear version includes a conductive post that passes through a piercing in the wearer's ear.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an antenna module for a hearing device. The antenna module comprises a hollow core provided with an axial passageway and a winding around the core which is connectable with a hearing device. The antenna module is arranged to be at least partially contained within the ear canal of a user. This enables the antenna to be separated from sources of interference, since it can be positioned inside the ear canal away from hearing device electronics, thus reducing requirements for shielding and/or compensation. The invention further relates to an ear tip and a hearing device comprising such an antenna module.

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: There is provided a method for optimizing performance of a multi-transducer earpiece, where the multi-transducer earpiece includes a perpendicular flange that partitions the cross sectional area of the acoustic delivery channel in a manner where mixing of signals from both the high frequency transducer and the mid/low frequency transducer is carried out in the ear canal of a user during reproduction of audio signals.

Abstract: A positioning and retaining structure for an in-ear earpiece. An outer leg and an inner leg are attached to each other at an attachment end and attached to a body of the earpiece at the other end. The outer leg lies in a plane. The positioning and retaining structure have a stiffness that is greater when force is applied to the attachment end in a counterclockwise direction in the plane of the outer leg than when force is applied to the attachment end in a clockwise direction in the plane of the outer leg. The positioning and retaining structure position an earpiece associated with the earpiece in a user's ear and retains the earpiece in its position.

Abstract: A positioning and retaining structure for an in-ear earpiece. An outer leg and an inner leg are attached to each other at an attachment end and attached to a body of the earpiece at the other end. The outer leg lies in a plane. The positioning and retaining structure have a stiffness that is greater when force is applied to the attachment end in a counterclockwise direction in the plane of the outer leg than when force is applied to the attachment end in a clockwise direction in the plane of the outer leg. The positioning and retaining structure position an earpiece associated with the earpiece in a user's ear and retains the earpiece in its position.

Abstract: A hearing assistance device has one multipurpose control device that operates in an algorithm selection mode and a daily use mode. In the algorithm selection mode, the multipurpose control device is used to switch between amplification algorithms and select one of the algorithms to be implemented in an audio processing program. In the daily use mode, the multipurpose control device is used to adjust the volume of sound generated by an audio output section. A battery compartment door of the device has an open position in which the device is powered off, and a closed position in which the device is powered on. The multipurpose control device and the battery compartment door are the only user-operable controls on the hearing assistance device for controlling the device and powering the device on or off. No other controls are needed for adjusting volume, selecting algorithms, and switching between and selecting programs.

Abstract: A hearing aid comprises a microphone for transforming an acoustic signal surrounding a hearing aid user into an electrical signal, a signal processing means for processing the electrical signal into an electrical output signal and to a receiver (2) driven by the electrical output signal and generating an acoustical signal into the ear canal (11) of a hearing aid user. The hearing aid comprises an ear plug part (1) prepared for being arranged in the ear canal of a hearing aid user. The hearing aid comprises sound generation means for generating an acoustic guiding signal to be provided for a limited period through said receiver during insertion of the ear plug part into the ear canal, in order to be applied by the hearing aid user to optimize the positioning of the ear plug part (1). The invention further provides a method for guiding a hearing aid user during insertion of an ear plug.