Abstract: Various embodiments of a hearing device and a method of using such device are disclosed. The hearing device includes a housing having an inner surface and an outer surface, electronic components disposed within the housing, and a port disposed in the housing and extending between a first end at the outer surface of the housing and a second end disposed within the housing, where the port is acoustically connected to at least one of a speaker or a microphone of the electronic components. The hearing components also include a controller that is electrically connected to a sensor and that is adapted to detect a change in capacitance of the sensor, where the change in capacitance is associated with debris at least partially occluding the port.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are embodiments of a portable electric device. The portable electronic device can include a substrate configured to retain one or more electrical components. The substrate can be configured include one or more arms and/or surfaces in particular configurations. The portable electronic device can be used to deliver audio to a user.

Abstract: A vent assembly and a receiver for a hearing device is disclosed, the receiver comprising a receiver housing having a distal end and a proximal end with a first receiver wall extending between the distal end and the proximal end; a receiver membrane; and a vent assembly associated with a vent wall of the receiver housing for venting of a chamber of the receiver housing, the vent assembly comprising a base, the base having one or more vent apertures comprising a first vent aperture, wherein the vent assembly comprises a vent element, the vent element configured to in a first position block the one or more vent apertures in the base and in a second position provide fluid communication through the one or more vent apertures in the base.

Abstract: A loudspeaker box that is particularly suitable for a hearing aid, includes a cup-like box bottom shell, which delimits a box interior for at least partially receiving a loudspeaker, and a cup-like box cover shell, which, in the intended assembly state of the loudspeaker box, is placed on the box bottom shell overlapping it for a part of its cup height to enclose the box interior and to house the loudspeaker. In the intended assembly state, the box bottom shell and the box top shell form a fluid-tight seal of the box interior in the region of their overlap by the use of a material with increased elasticity relative to the box bottom shell and/or the box cover shell. The box bottom shell and cover shell are reversibly connected to one another in a nondestructively releasable manner.

Abstract: An earphone includes a housing that defines a force input surface opposite a touch input surface. A spring member in the housing includes a first arm that biases a touch sensor toward the touch input surface. The spring member also includes a second arm that biases a first force electrode toward the housing and allows the first force electrode to move toward a second force electrode when a force is applied to the force input surface. A non-binary amount of the force is determinable using a change in a mutual capacitance between the first force electrode and the second force electrode. The mutual capacitance between the first force electrode and the second force electrode may be measured upon detecting a touch using the touch sensor.

Abstract: Various embodiments of a hearing device and a method of forming such device are disclosed. The device includes a housing adapted to be worn on or behind an ear of a wearer and includes a housing body and a top plate connected to the housing body. The hearing device further includes a sensor disposed on at least one of a first side surface and a second side surface of the housing body. The sensor is adapted to be in contact with either a pinna or a skull of the wearer. The sensor is further adapted to detect a physiological characteristic of the wearer and generate a sensor signal based on the physiological characteristic.

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: A hearing device, such as a receiver-in-canal hearing aid, has a receiver unit with a receiver, and a control unit. The control unit is connected to the receiver unit via two activation lines to activate the receiver. In addition, a further component, such as a controllable ventilation element, is located in the receiver unit, and the further component is likewise activated via the activation lines by a control signal which is output by the control unit.

Abstract: A system comprising an earpiece, the earpiece having a first end facing a tympanic membrane, and a second end facing toward a surrounding of a user when the earpiece is worn by the user, includes: a vent channel coupled to a first vent opening at the first end, and to a second vent opening at the second end, wherein the vent channel comprises a vent port; a closing element comprising a first magnetic member, the closing element configured to cause the vent port to be open, and to cause the vent port to be closed; an inductive member comprising a conductive material, the inductive member configured for inductive coupling with a second magnetic member, wherein the second magnetic member is configured for displacing the closing element by magnetic interaction with the first magnetic member; and a processor configured to obtain an electrical measurement value of the second magnetic member.

Abstract: An acoustic filter (100) comprises a filter housing (10) with an acoustic channel (11) and acoustic valve (20) in the channel. The acoustic valve (20) can be moved to along a trajectory (S) between positions (P1, P2). An actuator (30) is configured to actuate the acoustic valve (20) along the trajectory (S). The actuator (30) comprises one or more mechanical elements (31,32). The mechanical elements can move the acoustic valve (20) along at least an initial part of the trajectory. The actuator (30) comprises one or more magnetic elements (41, 42) with a magnetic field (M1,M2) configured to exert a magnetic force (Fm) on the acoustic valve (20). This may help to move the acoustic valve (20) to the second position (P2) along a final part of the trajectory and keep the acoustic valve (20) at the second position (P2). Accordingly the stroke of the valve can be enhanced.

Abstract: An earpiece for an earphone comprising a leading portion, a trailing portion, and a resilient bridge interconnecting the leading portion and trailing portion. The resilient bridge is configured to flex so that the earpiece can conform to ear canal geometry as it is received in a user ear canal and to provide a biasing effect so that the leading portion and/or trailing portion contact the ear canal wall. An actuator to augment low frequency sound is provided on the leading portion.

Abstract: The present invention provides a customizable ear insert for fitting within a user's outer ear or ear canal or both and methods therefor. In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a customizable ear insert having: a body formed of photocurable polymer, the body having a first shape configured for insertion into the outer ear canal of a user; a light source, the light source positioned adjacent the body, and wherein the body can be cured into a second shape by application of light generated by the light source, the second shape snugly conforming to the interior surface of the user's outer ear or ear canal or both.

Abstract: A cochlear implant system includes: an electrode array implanted within a cochlea; an internal processor in communication with the electrode array; an implanted antenna which is electrically coupled to the internal processor; and a modular external headpiece which is removably positioned over the implanted antenna, the modular external headpiece including a core containing a sound processor for processing sound and providing a corresponding signal to the implanted antenna; and a modular component configured to releasably engage the core and supply electrical power to the core.

Abstract: A hearing device includes: a multi-chip assembly including a plurality of integrated circuit chips, the plurality of integrated circuit chips including one or a combination of a wireless communication chip, a power management chip, and a signal processing chip; wherein the multi-chip assembly comprises: a first layer having a surface, a spacer layer being configured to accommodate one or more of the plurality of integrated circuit chips as one or more embedded chips, and a ground layer below the first layer and the spacer layer, and a first shielding layer between the spacer layer and the first layer.

Abstract: An earmold having an earmold shell, the earmold shell having a first end facing a tympanic membrane when the earmold is worn by a user, and a second end facing toward a surrounding of the user when the earmold is worn by the user, includes: a receiver configured to provide an audio output signal; a receiver channel coupled to an output of the receiver and extending to a receiver opening in the first end; and a vent channel coupled to the receiver channel through a first vent port, the vent channel having a vent opening in the second end; wherein the receiver channel comprises a closing element, the closing element comprising a first magnetic member, wherein the closing element is configured to cause the first vent port to be open when in a first state, and to cause the first vent port to be closed when in a second state.

Abstract: A hearing device, such as a receiver-in-canal hearing aid, has a receiver unit with a receiver, and a control unit. The control unit is connected to the receiver unit via two activation lines to activate the receiver. In addition, a further component, such as a controllable ventilation element, is located in the receiver unit, and the further component is likewise activated via the activation lines by a control signal which is output by the control unit.

Abstract: An ear-worn electronic device is configured to be worn by a wearer and comprises a housing configured to be supported at, by, in or on the wearer's ear. A processor is disposed in the housing, and a speaker or a receiver is operably coupled to the processor. A radio frequency transceiver is disposed in the housing and operably coupled to the processor. A battery/antenna module is disposed in the housing and comprises a battery, a helical antenna wrapped around the battery, and electrically insulating material disposed between the helical antenna and the battery. The helical antenna is operably coupled to the transceiver.

Abstract: Embodiments are directed to an ear-worn electronic device configured to be worn by a wearer. The device comprises an enclosure configured to be supported at, by, in or on the wearer's ear. A processor is disposed in the enclosure. A speaker or a receiver is coupled to the processor. A radio frequency transceiver is disposed in the enclosure and coupled to the processor. An antenna is disposed in or on the enclosure. A magnetically coupled feed arrangement comprises a separable transformer. The separable transformer comprises a first coil coupled to the antenna and a second coil coupled to the transceiver, wherein the second coil is physically and electrically separated from the first coil. The feed arrangement is configured to feed the antenna via mutual inductance between the first and second coils.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus change operation of a hearing device based on a state of an acoustic valve in the hearing device. In some examples an electrical circuit performs one or more of differing operations depending on a state of the acoustic valve. Some operations change the signal to a sound producing transducer and other operations change other operations of the hearing device. For example, an electrical circuit changes active noise cancelling operation, changes equalization settings, provides noise reduction improvements, provides beam forming changes and other operations based on a state of the acoustic valve. In some implementations, a change in acoustic valve state is used to change the operation of 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: A hearing assisting (10) device including a receiver (1) for generation of acoustic signals and a fixture (3, 8, 9) for positioning the receiver. A suspension (2, 21, 22) supports the receiver to the fixture. The combination of the receiver and the suspension has a mechanical resonance frequency in the range from 6 kHz to 10 kHz.

Abstract: A hearing aid device includes: a hearing aid housing surrounding an inner space; a frame structure arranged in the inner space, the frame structure configured for mounting at least a microphone and a signal processing unit; a sound emitter sized for being arranged in an ear canal; a conductor, wherein the sound emitter is arranged on a first end of the conductor; a connector socket arranged in the frame structure, wherein the hearing aid housing comprises a passage located in front of the connector socket; a connector plug arranged on a second end of the conductor, the connector plug configured for insertion through the passage for connection to the connector socket; a recess at an outer surface of the connector plug; and a locking plug having a first part configured to extend through a housing opening at the hearing aid housing, and engage with the recess.

Abstract: A low-profile earbud is disclosed that sits securely within an ear of a user. The earbud includes a protruding portion that passes through a channel defined by the tragus and anti-tragus of the ear. In some embodiments, the protruding portion can take the form of a cable configured to supply power and transfer data to the earbud. In some embodiments, the protruding portion can provide additional space for electrical components and sensors supporting the earbud.

Abstract: Systems and methods are directed to a headphone having a headphone cap and a headphone housing. The headphone cap is mechanically coupled to a printed circuit board (PCB) which has a first electrical connector and a second electrical connector. The headphone housing is configured to be mechanically coupled with the headphone cap, and comprises a battery having a third electrical connector and a fourth electrical connector. The third electrical connector is configured to form a first electrical connection with the first electrical connector as a result of the headphone housing being mechanically coupled with the headphone cap. The fourth electrical connector is configured to form a second electrical connection with the second electrical connector as a result of the headphone housing being mechanically coupled with the headphone cap. In mechanically coupling the headphone housing to the headphone cap, the battery is configured to be horizontally adjacent to the PCB.

Abstract: A hearing aid device comprising: a body, accommodating a circuit unit; a ear mold, capable of being accommodated in ear canal to convey sound; a connecting portion, capable of connecting the body with the ear mold; a wireless transmission unit, electrically coupled with the circuit unit, capable of communicating with at least one wireless device; and a rechargeable battery unit, coupled with the body and provided with a convex structure on a side facing the body.

Abstract: Embodiments are directed to a wearable audio device, such as an earbud. The earbud may be configured to detect input using various sensors and structures. For example, the earbud may be configured to detect gestures, physical manipulations, and so forth performed along or on the earbud. In response to the detected inputs, the earbud may be configured to change various outputs, such as an audio output or a haptic output of the device. The earbud may also include a microphone to register voice commands. In some cases, the microphone may be used to control the earbud using the registered voice command in response to one or more detected gestures or physical manipulations.

Abstract: A low-profile earbud is disclosed that sits securely within an ear of a user. The earbud includes a protruding portion that passes through a channel defined by the tragus and anti-tragus of the ear. In some embodiments, the protruding portion can take the form of a cable configured to supply power and transfer data to the earbud. In some embodiments, the protruding portion can provide additional space for electrical components and sensors supporting the earbud.

Abstract: A hearing device has a sealable housing with a wall that delimits an inner space. In addition, the hearing device has a microphone which is arranged in the inner space, and a microphone opening in the wall, as well as a protective element for protecting the microphone. The housing has a sound channel with at least one sound inlet opening, and the protective element is positioned in the sound channel.

Abstract: A housing is provided for an acoustic device which is worn in the ear. The housing includes two housing shells, which can be connected with one another along a housing connecting line. The housing connecting line extends at most sectionally in one plane. The housing connecting line is predefined such that the housing shells are configured without undercuts. An outer shape of the housing is adapted to a human ear shape such that the housing lies form-fittingly on an inner side of a tragus and on an inner side of a counter-ledge or antihelix of a human auricle, if the housing is arranged in the auricle.

Abstract: An assembly is provided that includes a semiconductor device positioned on a frame and connected to electroplated traces via wire bonding. A connector can be integrated into the frame. Terminals can be molded into the frame. Traces can be connected to the terminals so as to provide a three-dimensional circuit.

Abstract: A low-profile earbud is disclosed that sits securely within an ear of a user. The earbud includes a protruding portion that passes through a channel defined by the tragus and anti-tragus of the ear. In some embodiments, the protruding portion can take the form of a cable configured to supply power and transfer data to the earbud. In some embodiments, the protruding portion can provide additional space for electrical components and sensors supporting the earbud.

Abstract: A hearing device that can be produced particularly efficiently has a housing, which can be inserted into an auditory canal of a person wearing the hearing device, and also a flexible retainer dome releasably fastened to the housing. The retainer dome serves to support the housing in the auditory canal. The housing has a one-piece housing shell and a face place. A structural unit with a receiver is disposed on the housing shell. The housing shell has a first, front-side opening, which is closed with the face plate, and a second, rear-side opening opposite the first opening. The structural unit protrudes from the rear-side opening with a retainer stub. The structural unit is fixed on the housing shell by a securing ring that is mounted externally onto the retainer stub.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invent include a method of controlling unwanted vibration in a tympanic lens, wherein the tympanic lens comprises a perimeter platform connected to a microactuator through at least one biasing element, the method comprising the step of: damping the motion of the at least one biasing element. In embodiments of the invention, the at least one biasing element is a spring. In embodiments of the invention, the at least one bias spring is coated in a damping material.

Abstract: A cochlear implant system includes: an electrode array implanted within a cochlea; an internal processor in communication with the electrode array; an implanted antenna which is electrically coupled to the internal processor; and a modular external headpiece which is removably positioned over the implanted antenna, the modular external headpiece including a core containing a sound processor for processing sound and providing a corresponding signal to the implanted antenna; and a modular component configured to releasably engage the core and supply electrical power to the core.

Abstract: There is provided a personal device to be worn at the body of a user (15), comprising an interface (20) for wireless data exchange with an external device (11, 39, 50); at least one sensor (28, 42, 44, 46) for sensing a parameter indicative of the proximity of the personal device (10) to the user; a loss detection unit (40) for determining, by regularly analyzing signals received from the sensor, whether the personal device is presently worn by the user or not; a control unit (38) for controlling operation of the personal device in a regular mode as long as the loss detection unit determines that the personal device is worn by the user and in a loss mode as long as the loss detection unit determines that the personal device is no longer worn by the user, wherein the wireless interface is directed to transmit in the regular mode a non-traceable device address and to transmit in the loss mode a traceable public device address.

Abstract: An ear unit and a portable sound device having the same are provided. The ear unit includes a driver unit, an ear housing configured to form an electric part in which the driver unit is mounted and including a bass hole and a flat hole formed in a first surface of the electric part, a rotator including a second surface opposite the first surface and rotatably coupled to the ear housing, and an opening/closing hole provided in the second surface of the rotator to open or close the bass hole or the flat hole according to rotation of the rotator. The flat hole is connected to an inner hole formed in one position inside the first surface so as to form a duct.

Abstract: This invention relates to an earpiece (1) for coupling a hearing aid (10) to the ear (20) of a hearing aid user, comprising a seal (2) conforming to the shape of the user's ear canal (30) and therein retained; wherein the seal (2) comprises a sound output bore (3) connected to a receiver (11) of the hearing aid (10); and a multiplicity of through openings (4) spaced around the sound output bore (3). The number of the openings (4) is comprised in a range of 50 to 2000; and the openings (4) have diameters in the range of 50 to 250 micrometers. The present invention also relates to a method of manufacturing such an earpiece (1).

Abstract: A hearing device comprising a housing configured to be arranged in the ear canal or behind the outer ear of a user, wherein an attachment arrangement is mechanically connected to the housing. The attachment arrangement comprises at least one first attachment part and at least one second attachment part, which is configured to be arranged relative to each other by means of one or more attraction members provided on each of said first and second attachment parts.

Abstract: A hearing device comprises a microphone configured to produce microphone signals and is coupled to an input of a first amplifier. A wireless transceiver is configured to receive an audio stream and is coupled to an input of a second amplifier. The second amplifier is configured to amplify the audio stream at a pre-established gain. A digital signal processor (DSP) is coupled to the microphone and the first and second amplifiers. The DSP is configured to monitor the microphone signals for a predetermined sound type of interest to the wearer during playback of the audio stream by a speaker and, while maintaining playback of the audio stream at the pre-established gain, automatically adjust gain of the first amplifier coupled to the microphone in response to detecting the predetermined sound type of interest.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to methods and apparatus for constructing and fitting a component that is designed to be worn at least partially within an ear canal. The methods and apparatus may be used in hearing aids such as receiver-in-canal hearing aids and completely-in-canal hearing aids. The techniques may also be use in constructing and fitting other devices including audio earbuds and ear plugs.

Abstract: A system and method for device action and configuration based on user context detection from sensors in peripheral devices are disclosed. A mobile device includes an interface to receive sensor data from a sensor of a wearable peripheral device worn by a user. The mobile device further includes at least one processor to: identify an activity engaged in by the user based on the sensor data, detect a completion of the activity based on the sensor data, and configure the mobile device to generate a notification to the user in response to the detection of the completion of the activity.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to hearing devices having a battery drawer. The present disclosure further relates to hearing devices having a battery drawer for a rechargeable battery or at least the capability to hold a rechargeable battery, however, other types of batteries may also be stored in the battery drawer.

Abstract: Pressure sensing earbuds and systems are disclosed. The earbuds can include one or more pressure sensors to determine the size and shape of a user's ear. The pressure signals can be relayed back to a processor, which may use them to dynamically optimize the volume levels delivered for frequencies over the audible range for a particular user.

Abstract: A hearing aid, in particular a behind-the-ear hearing aid, has a housing to be worn behind an ear of a user, and a receiver which, in order to transmit sound to the ear, is connected to a sound tube having a housing-side end on which a plug connector is arranged. The plug connector is connected releasably to the housing. The hearing aid is characterized in that the plug connector contains a holder for the receiver, and the receiver is a component part of the plug connector.

Abstract: A hearing aid includes a shell for accommodation of a signal processor for processing an audio signal into a processed audio signal, and a receiver that is connected to an output of the signal processor for converting the processed audio signal into an acoustic sound signal, and a flexible elongated member with a first end attached to the shell, and a second free end, wherein the flexible elongated member comprises a lumen for housing a wire that is for providing current to an electronic device, the flexible elongated member having a shape for stabilizing the shell relative to a user's ear.

Abstract: A hearing aid (1) comprising a behind-the-ear part (2), an in-the-ear part (3) and a connecting part (4) connecting the behind-the-ear part and the in-the-ear part. The in-the-ear part comprises a first end (7) adapted to be aligned in the ear canal in a direction towards the ear drum when in use, and a second end (8) adapted to abutting a part of the ear outside the ear canal when in use. At least one side wall (15, 16) is arranged between said first end (7) and said second end (8). The direction from a centre of the first end to a centre of the second end defines an axis. The connecting part (4) is attached to the side wall and is extending from this side wall in an angle to the axis between 20-70 degrees. The invention also provides a receiver unit for a hearing aid and a method for fitting a hearing aid.

Abstract: A canalphone system may include a canalphone housing, and a low frequency sound bore to carry a low frequency signal to the canalphone housing's outside. The system may also include a high frequency sound bore to carry a high frequency signal to the canalphone housing's outside, and the low frequency sound bore's length and/or the high frequency sound bore's length determined based upon being acoustically proper as well as a user's ear canal size.

Abstract: Examples of canal hearing devices including a lateral section having a frequency shaping sound port system are disclosed. A lateral section includes an elongate sound channel for receiving an incoming sound and producing a frequency-shaped sound output. The hearing device includes a microphone, a speaker for transmitting sound to the eardrum, and a sound port to receive the frequency-shaped sound output from the elongate sound channel and provide a pathway for the frequency-shaped sound output to reach the microphone.

Abstract: Retention members for an in-ear headphone include a base portion and a substantially straight flexible finger extending from the base portion. Absent external forces, the flexible finger includes a substantially straight longitudinal axis and a back surface extending from a proximal end portion to a distal end portion and having a plurality of recesses along a length of the back surface. The flexible finger is configured to, during use, bend into a curved shape for disposition under a user's antihelix. In-ear headphones include a shell defining a volume housing an audio driver, a nozzle extending from the shell configured for at least partial insertion into an ear canal, and a flexible retention member coupled to the shell, the flexible finger including a substantially straight longitudinal axis, a back surface, and a concave front surface.

Abstract: Disclosed herein, among other things, are systems and methods for detection of special environments for hearing assistance devices. One aspect of the present subject matter includes a method of operating a hearing assistance device for a user. A signal is received from a mobile device, such as a cellular telephone, representative of an environmental parameter sensed by the mobile device. In various embodiments, an acoustic environment about the mobile device is identified based on the received signal using a signal processor. An operational mode of the hearing assistance device is adjusted using the signal processor based on the identified acoustic environment, according to various embodiments.