Abstract: A hearing aid includes a casing, an ear hook, and an ear tube. The casing includes a first connector on an upper portion of the casing and a second connector on a lower portion of the casing, wherein the first and second connectors are substantially identical. The ear hook includes a receptacle sized to fit the first and second connectors and adapted to releasably couple to one of the first connector and the second connector. The ear tube includes a receptacle sized to fit the first and second connectors and adapted to releasably couple to another of the first connector and the second connector.

Abstract: The present subject matter provides method and apparatus for improved microphones sharing an acoustic volume. Some embodiments are useful for hearing assistance devices. Examples of an improved microphone module offering omnidirectional and directional microphone capsules are provided. Different mounting and interconnection embodiments are provided. Different electrical connector embodiments are discussed. Improvements in space and performance, and other efficiencies, are provided by the teachings set forth herein.

Abstract: In-situ measurement comprises two consecutive measurements (open ear gain and in-situ gain), from which a result is formed by forming a difference. For the two measurements, it is important that the in-situ tube is positioned in the same place in the auditory canal. Otherwise there are different level and phase ratios, such that the result obtained from the formation of a difference is not meaningful. Thus, the in-situ tube is permanently connected to the ear plug, as a result of which the positioning of the in-situ tube remains the same for both measurements.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for a modular hearing aid for a user having a hearing canal, including a microphone connected to signal processing electronics and a power supply, a housing shaped for use in at least a portion of the hearing canal and including at least one opening and a microphone hood detachably connected to the opening in the housing, wherein the microphone hood includes one or more external ports linked to an internal port such that air may flow between the one or more external ports and the internal port. In various examples, a microphone housing is adapted to mount to the housing and to fit within the at least one access port, and to connect to the microphone, the signal processing electronics and the power supply. In one variant, the apparatus includes a receiver connected to the signal processing electronics, and a fastener as a unitary connector of the cover and microphone housing to the housing. Other variations are presented herein.

Abstract: A hearing aid has an interchangeable earpiece, which, on its own and separately from further components, can be replaced in a simple fashion and without great complexity, and without specialist tools. The hearing aid has a housing of a multi-part design and a receiver and a signal processing device within the housing. The receiver is arranged detachably in a first housing part and the signal processing device is disposed in a further housing part and the two housing parts are detachably interconnected. A detachable locking mechanism connects the housing parts. The receiver is connected to the signal processing device by way of a detachable electrical connector with a receiver-side and a signal-processing-device-side electrical contact. At least one of the electrical contacts is elastic.

Abstract: A hearing aid comprises a microelectromechanical systems microphone which receives inputs of external sound signals, converting the sound signals to analog signals, and outputting the analog signals; a hearing aid processor chip which converts the analog signals to digital signals, performs gain correction and digital signal processing to the digital signals, and converts the processed digital signals to analog signals; and a microelectromechanical system receiver which outputs the analog signals converted from the processed digital signals as sound signals, wherein the microelectromechanical system microphone is attached to a first surface of the hearing aid processor chip, and the microelectromechanical system receiver is attached to a second surface of the hearing aid processor chip, so that the microelectromechanical system microphone, the hearing aid processor chip, and the microelectromechanical system receiver are integrated as a single body.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a hearing aid housing is provided. The hearing aid housing may include a first behind-the-ear hearing aid housing portion, a second behind-the-ear hearing aid housing portion, and a moisture protector at least partially arranged between the first behind-the-ear hearing aid housing portion and the second behind-the-ear hearing aid housing portion.

Abstract: A hearing aid device has a shell that fits into the upper part of the concha of the outer ear of a hearing-impaired person, and connecting element that is held in the concha of the outer ear and terminates in an ear piece in the ear canal. The combination of the shell and the connecting element in the concha retain the hearing aid in the outer ear.

Abstract: An earphone comprises an inner shell, a stem and a pivot connection. The inner shell has a generally circular periphery shaped to at least partially fit in a user's concha. The stem is mounted to the inner shell at a position spaced from a rotational center of the inner shell and supports a wire leading to the inner shell. The inner shell and the stem are rotatable relative to each other by the pivot connection to configure the earphone to fit the user's ear with the shell member positioned at least partially in the user's concha and the stem positioned exteriorly along an intertragic notch of the ear.

Abstract: An In-The-Ear (ITE) device is disclosed. This ITE is adapted for connection to a cable from a Behind-The-Ear (BTE) device, the ITE device including a releasable mechanical retention device for the cable, such that the cable may be customized in length and may be attached to the retention device.

Abstract: A hearing aid may include a housing shaped to rest behind an ear of a user, electric circuitry, a microphone, an antenna which receives wireless signals, a signal processor, a receiver, and a sound guide configured to sound from the receiver towards the ear. An enclosure may be provided for sound isolation of the receiver and includes a detachable lid providing access to the enclosure. A suspension body may be attached to a first suspension area and a second suspension area of the lid. The suspension body holds the receiver suspended within the enclosure. The suspension body includes suspension members connected to the suspension areas of the lid. The suspension members include protrusions that form a shelf that holds a metal shield plate between the lid and the receiver and spaced away from the receiver.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an in the ear device sized and shaped such that the in the ear device universally and ergonomically fits into the human ear without slipping out and providing 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 hearing aid comprises a power supply, a microphone and a base part to be arranged outside the ear canal of a hearing aid user, and an ear plug part to be arranged in the ear canal of a hearing aid user. The ear plug part comprises a receiver for transmitting sound into the ear canal, and a transducer generating a signal to be transferred to said base part. A databus connects the ear plug part with the base part. The databus comprises two electrical wires adapted for transmission of signal to the receiver, and for transmission of signal from the transducer to the base part. The databus provides power supply either from the base part to the ear plug part, or, from the ear plug part to the base part. The invention further provides a method for communicating between two parts of a hearing aid.

Abstract: A hearing aid is described. The hearing aid includes a control surface and a control element. The hearing aid further includes a plurality of components in addition to the control surface and the control element. A portion of the control surface is configured to engage a portion of the control element. The control surface at least partially circumscribes at least one of the plurality of components.

Abstract: Hearing apparatuses and in particular hearing devices are to be designed to be smaller. To this end, provision is made for an assembly device for fastening a component in the housing of a hearing apparatus with a first arm for retaining the component and a second arm, which can be plugged at least partially into/onto a corresponding fastening element on the interior of the housing. A hinge connects the two arms in a pivotable fashion. After connecting the assembly device to the fastening element, the two arms are snapped onto one another by pivoting about the hinge and thus adopt a final assembly position. This retractable mechanism also allows the use of space below a cover segment of the housing.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for a hearing assistance device housing for use in real ear measurements. The methods and apparatus for configuration of a hearing assistance device using an apparatus including an opening to receive a sound tube for real ear measurements and providing an opening for connection of a sound hook to a housing of the hearing assistance device.

Abstract: An earpiece includes an open tip in the shape of a dome, with apertures in the dome and a protrusion at the top of the dome for displacing ear wax, wherein the dome merges with the protrusion along a continuous curve. The dome is supported from a central body by non-linear ribs that normally have high compliance but exhibit low compliance at a limit of extension or compression. The tip can include more than one dome on the central body. If there is more than one dome, the apertures in the domes are not aligned with each other.

Abstract: A microphone assembly having a housing, a transducer, and an electronic circuit. The housing has an opening, and the transducer is disposed within that opening. The electronic circuit covers the opening such that the transducer is surrounded by at least the electronic circuit and the housing. The electronic circuit includes a substrate and an amplifier for amplifying the electrical signal into an amplified electrical signal which is coupled to a connection means. The connection means provides a direct electrical connection between the electronic circuit and a receiver. The amplifier is mounted on the substrate and disposed on a side of the substrate of the electronic circuit facing the transducer. The receiver is disposed on a side opposite the side and outside the housing.

Abstract: The present subject matter relates to a hearing assistance device for an ear of a wearer comprising a microphone for receiving sound, hearing assistance electronics in communications with the microphone, the hearing assistance electronics including a hybrid circuit, and a wearable housing adapted to house at least the hearing assistance electronics. The hybrid circuit comprises a first integrated circuit die having one or more through-silicon-vias (TSVs), a first redistribution layer disposed on a surface of the first integrated circuit, and a second integrated circuit die having one or more contacts, the second integrated circuit die disposed on the first redistribution layer, wherein the first redistribution layer is adapted to connect one or more of the one or more TSVs of the first integrated circuit die to one or more of the one or more contacts of the second integrated circuit die.

Abstract: A hearing aid (100) having a microphone, a signal processing unit, an electrical-acoustical output transducer, a housing (101) and a wind shield cover (102) wherein the housing has a surface with a microphone inlet (112, 113), and the wind shield cover is adapted to be attached to the housing, to cover the microphone inlet, to provide for sound to be guided in a gap between the wind shield cover and the housing, hereby providing for the transmission of sound from the surroundings and to said microphone inlet, wherein a first dimension of a cross-section of the gap is in the range between 0.15 mm and 0.5 mm, and wherein the minimum distance, along the gap, from the microphone inlet and to the opening of the gap, towards the surroundings, is at least 1 mm.

Abstract: A hearing aid includes an identifier for identifying usage of the hearing aid at a correct side on the left ear or the right ear of a wearer. The identifier is constructed as a rotational element having a first feature and a second feature to be respectively set by a rotational movement.

Abstract: A battery bay of a hearing device should be better protected against unwanted opening. A housing for a hearing device is therefore provided with: a battery bay that is mounted on the housing and can be moved into an open position as well as a closed position; a projection that is permanently attached to the housing, and a securing element to prevent a movement of the battery bay. The securing element is supported on the battery bay and can be pivoted between a secured position and an unsecured position. The securing element also engages behind the projection in the secured position and the closed position of the battery bay so that the battery bay cannot be moved into the open position. The securing element has a recess in which, in the secured position, a tool can be held to move the securing element into the unsecured position.

Abstract: An arc-shaped waterproof wall is provided around a shaft to which a hearing aid main body case and a battery case are rotatably attached, and waterproof ribs are provided to the outer periphery of the installation face of the battery case and the hearing aid main body case, which improves the ability to prevent the penetration of moisture while also keep the cost low.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for transmitting vibrations via an electronic and/or actuator assembly through a custom-fitted dental appliance are disclosed herein. The customized fitting is done by the user. The assembly may be attached, adhered, or otherwise embedded intra-orally on a tooth or oral tissue. The electronic and actuator assembly may receive incoming sounds either directly or through a receiver to process and amplify the signals and transmit the processed sounds via a vibrating actuator element coupled to a tooth or other bone structure, such as the maxillary, mandibular, or palatine bone structure.

Abstract: In order to connect a hearing device to a carrying hook, a connecting element is used, which has to satisfy high demands with regards to its precision and stability. To ensure this, the connecting element is designed as a powder injection molded part, in particular as a ceramic injection molded part or metal part, which is manufactured in a ceramic injection molding process or a metal injection molding process.

Abstract: An external inserting meatus of user is closed with an insert earphone device in use so that it is hard that external sound penetrates into the external inserting meatus; not only an internal sound propagation path but also an external sound propagation path are formed in an inserting body of the earphone device, and an active diaphragm is provided in the inserting body so as to make the external sound propagation path closed therewith and block the external auditory meatus from the external sound; the active diaphragm is formed from electroactive polymer layer sandwiched between electrodes, and the active diaphragm is deformed in the presence of voltage so as permit the user easily to control it.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a hearing device with a main housing (10) to be worn behind the ear, a secondary housing (20) separated thereof and to be arranged partly or completely within the ear and a speaker, and a connecting element (30) being arranged between the main housing (10). The secondary housing (20), includes at least an electrical and/or an acoustical connection between the speaker and the main housing (10). According to the present invention, at least one damping element (44) is arranged between the main housing (10) and the secondary housing (20). The damping element (44) reduces or prevents the transfer of vibrations between the microphone (15) and the speaker.

Abstract: An electronic component and, in particular, an external receiver of a hearing aid, are intended to be capable of being configured to be simpler and more robust. To this end, it is proposed that the electronic apparatus, which has an electronic component and a cable which is connected to the electronic component, is equipped with a first sleeve which is arranged around a part of the electronic component and a part of the cable and mechanically connects the two, and a second sleeve, which surrounds another part of the electronic component. The first sleeve and the second sleeve are coaxially directly connected to one another such that both sleeves together also completely surround the electronic component in the axial direction. The two sleeves can possibly be connected to one another by laser welding.

Abstract: A behind the ear hearing aid is provided with a casing part comprising electronics adapted for signal processing where the casing is adapted for placing behind the ear of a user and a speaker is provided in or near the ear canal and leads are arranged between the speaker and the casing part. A plug and socket electrical and mechanical interconnection is arranged between the leads and the electronics inside the casing and the mutual motion between the plug and socket parts for establishing connection is in a direction essentially off axis to the axis of the leads at the casing part.

Abstract: Provided herein is a device for wirelessly communicating with hearing assistance devices. According to various embodiments, the device includes a first interface for communicating with a programmer and a second interface for wirelessly communicating with a hearing assistance device. The second interface is adapted to receive a plurality of communication modules. Each of the modules is adapted for communication with at least one specific type of hearing assistance device. The device includes a housing for the first interface, the second interface, and electrical connections between the interfaces. The housing adapted to be worn around the neck of a person wearing the hearing assistance device.

Abstract: A hearing aid (1) comprises a receiver (19), an output port (6), a conduit (13) for conveying sound to the port and a barrier element (39) adapted for baffling entry of ear wax and moisture and for being acoustically transparent. The invention further provides a barrier element (39) for a hearing aid comprising a slab having an exterior surface and through openings for transverse transmission of sound, wherein the exterior surface is super-hydrophobic.

Abstract: A hearing aid device for placement in an ear of a user includes an elongate support and a transducer. The elongate support has a proximal portion and a distal end, and the transducer is attached to the elongate support near the distal end. The support is adapted to position the transducer near an eardrum while the proximal portion is placed at the location near an ear canal opening. The elongate support is sized to minimize contact with the ear between the proximal portion and distal end. The elongate support permits sound waves to travel along the ear canal. In some embodiments, a microphone is positioned in the ear canal along the support, for example inside the support, to provide directionally dependent sound localization cues, and the transducer on the distal end of the elongate support comprises a coil assembly coupled to a magnet positioned on the tympanic membrane.

Abstract: A combination of a hearing aid (1) and an adapter shoe (13), wherein the hearing aid has a pivotable battery compartment (6), and wherein the adapter shoe has engagement means (14, 15) for engaging the exterior of the hearing aid housing, blocking means (21) for blocking pivoting of the pivotable wall, and engagement means (23) for engaging the pivotable wall. The invention also provides an adapter shoe and a method of attaching an adapter shoe.

Abstract: A hearing aid includes a device housing (2) in which a programmable sound processing device is received on a carrier. The carrier is provided on a main surface with a conductor track which lies exposed in an opening (8) in an outer casing of the device housing (2). A coupling connector (20) of an external programming device can be received in the opening in order to place the conductor track on the main surface of the carrier into direct and operative contact with a corresponding conductor track on the coupling connector. A separate connector for the purpose of programming and tuning the sound processing device to the individual hearing characteristics and/or wishes of a user can thus be omitted from the hearing aid.

Abstract: A hearing aid is provided having a behind the ear component comprising a casing adapted to cover, accommodate or protect electronics components of the hearing aid. Further the hearing aid has at least one through going opening in the casing element and electronic switching elements placed at the through going opening. According to the invention a plate element is provided, which is mountable in the through going opening and adapted to form, when mounted herein, a surface flush with the casing. This plate element which covers the switches is used when the switches has been disabled such as is often the case with hearing aids for small children.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hearing aid device and a hearing aid switch. The switch is operable to open and close an electric circuit of the hearing aid device. A lock for the switch is operable to selectively enable and disenable a hearing aid device function. The hearing aid device comprises a device for selectively inhibiting the operation of the switch to enable or to disenable the hearing aid device function.

Abstract: An in-the-ear technology delivery, positioning and sound management system comprises a body portion that provides support for a conformable fitting element adapted to be positioned in the user's ear canal and which is structured and arranged to anchor sound management technologies and medical instrumentalities at selected positions in the canal for the delivery and control of sound or for the performance of medical procedures therein. In an embodiment, a sound tube is provided which is adapted to deliver sound in close proximity to the ear drum and a method for selectively fitting the system in accordance with the wearer's personal comfort level is provided. In another embodiment, an apparatus and a method for a fitting pressure to be automatically applied along the device or aided by a fitting element that will facilitate placement and a secure fit in the ear canal is presented.

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: An earpiece including a tubular core portion attached to an end of an electro-acoustic transducer and extending in an acoustic wave output direction, and an external auditory canal fitting portion disposed outside the core portion to cover an end surface of the core portion and having lower hardness than the core portion is provided. This maintains appropriate flexibility of the external auditory canal fitting portion covering the end surface of the core portion and forms the core portion with appropriate hardness. This eliminates sound quality degradation due to the core portion deformation, earpiece detachment and contact of the core portion with the external auditory canal. Consequently, this improves fitting properties with the external auditory canal and attachment properties with the electro-acoustic transducer.

Abstract: A hearing aid includes a main body and a battery holder that can be opened and closed with respect to the main body by revolving around a revolving shaft. The main body has a lock bar provided so as to traverse the space in which the battery holder is installed, and a protruding portion that protrudes toward this installation space. The battery holder has a first concave portion and a second concave portion that latch the lock bar and the protruding portion.

Abstract: An ear piece to be detachably attached to a sound tube protruding from a housing of an earphone has a base portion with a through hole. The through hole has an inner wall with a first, a second, and a third portion continuously provided in order when viewed from the housing. The first portion protrudes inwardly and has a first distance from a protruding inner surface of the first portion to an axis line passing through the cross section of the base portion and the through hole. The second portion has a circumferential inner surface having a second distance longer than the first distance to the axis line. The third portion is formed continuously with the second portion, having a circumferential inner surface with a third distance longer than the second distance to the axis line.

Abstract: An connector assembly for use in, for example, a hearing aid, the assembly having a first connector and a second connector adapted to be detachably attached and being able to transport both sound and electric signals. The invention also relates to an assembly comprising the connector assembly and having a first part comprising an electrical input and a sound providing receiver as well as both an audio output and an electrical output. The two outputs are connected to a second element, normally for positioning inside an ear canal of a person, the second element having a receiver for receiving the electrical signal from the first elements and providing a corresponding sound which is mixed with the sound output by the second element, the mixed sound being output from the second element. The receiver of the first element may be a woofer, and the receiver of the second element may be a tweeter.

Abstract: A hearing aid has a housing, a battery compartment, and a locking mechanism for the battery compartment. A shaft which is arranged on the housing or the battery compartment, and a slide having a hole which forms a fit with the shaft, such that the slide can be moved on the shaft in order to lock and unlock the battery compartment in the housing. The hole has a circular cross section, and the shaft has a cross section which is not a circle, with rotational symmetry when rotated through 360°/n, where n is an integer greater than 1. A battery compartment for a hearing aid has a locking mechanism such as this. Because a cross section of said shaft is different from the cross section of the hole in the battery compartment, the shaft is connected to the hole in the battery compartment only at a number of points. This ensures that the slide is held adequately on the shaft even in the event of a production tolerance on the one hand, while, on the other hand, the slide can move on the shaft with little resistance.

Abstract: A system for adapting a hearing aid to a user includes a unit generating an image of the user's ear together with a model of the hearing aid, wherein the model of the hearing aid in-situ includes a physical model of the hearing aid inserted in the user's ear prior to generating the image. The system also generates a mesh based on the image, calculates acoustic response to a simulated acoustic signal in the mesh, calculates a frequency response curve for a fixed position in the mesh, and identifies an optimal position of a microphone of the hearing aid in-situ from the acoustic response. They system also includes a comparator configured to compare the frequency response curve for the fixed position in the mesh with a maximum frequency response curve for the mesh stored by the system.

Abstract: An earphone is disclosed that is used in connection with reproducing audio sounds that are supplied from an audio-frequency source. The earphone includes a housing that includes a boot assembly positioned in the housing. A first audio driver is positioned in the boot assembly such that a first output of the first audio driver is in acoustic communication with a mixing chamber. A second audio driver is also positioned in the boot assembly such that a second output of the second audio driver is in acoustic communication with a chamber in the boot assembly. A tubular needle is positioned in the boot assembly having a first end in acoustic communication with the chamber and a second end in acoustic communication with the mixing chamber.

Abstract: An implantable fixation assembly (30) for removably securing a (medical) device in a human body is disclosed. The assembly includes: an anchor portion (1) securable to bone; a pair of spaced apart legs (15), at least one leg (15) being resiliently flexible, the ends (15a) of the legs (15) attached to the anchor portion (1); a clamp portion (2) attached towards or at the ends (15a) of the legs (15); a screw and nut combination having an axis of rotation longitudinal to the legs, the combination operably engaging at least one of the legs (15) so as to pull them together or push them apart thereby actuating the clamp portion (2) to secure the device, wherein the actuating is reversible for selectively gripping and releasing the device.

Abstract: A detachable earpiece auditory device comprises a housing, a speaker, and a connector. The housing has a sound outlet, a second opening, and a spring element positioned at the second opening. The speaker is provided within the housing and comprises an electrically conducting speaker terminal at an outer surface of the speaker. The connector comprises a first insert part, an electrically conducting connector terminal, and a second insert part. The first insert part is insertable into the second opening. The electrically conducting connector terminal is positioned in the first insert part to obtain electrical contact with the electrically conducting speaker terminal and forms a mating pair of a speaker terminal and a connector terminal when the first insert part is inserted into the second opening. The second insert part operatively contacts the spring element to bias the speaker terminal against the connector terminal with a predetermined bias force.

Abstract: The present hearing device with at least one microphone (1) arranged within the housing of the hearing device, wherein the microphone (1) is arranged within a mounting plate (4) of the hearing device, an opening (3) for receiving the microphone (1) is inventively provided within said mounting plate (4) and further elastic material (2) is arranged in at least a part area between said microphone (1) and the wall of said opening (3) facing said microphone (1). The elastic material (2) is providing a clamping action or friction fit that reliably fixes the microphone (1) in its built-in position within the mounting plate (4) or the opening (3) respectively.

Abstract: In the case of a receiver facility to be fixed in the auditory canal, particularly for hearing devices with an external receiver, the receiver is to be mounted in the earmold in an acoustically advantageous fashion which guards against contaminations and is also easily exchangeable. Provision is thus made for a receiver facility with a longish receiver and a earmold, which has a borehole, into which the receiver is inserted. A tubular connector, which is more elastic than the receiver and the earmold, is used to accommodate for the most part the longitudinal extension of the receiver in a friction-locking fashion. The connector is for its part force-fitted into a borehole of the earmold in a friction-locking fashion. The receiver is thus elastically mounted and can be easily removed from the earmold together with the connector with the aid of a pin-like tool for replacement purposes.

Abstract: The invention specifies a hearing device, which has at least one contact means which can be flush with the hearing device housing. The contact means contacts an external unit, for instance a battery charging unit, when in an extended or folded-out position. The unit has a corresponding opening for receiving the contact means. As a result, a reliable connection can be established between the hearing device and the charging device when charging a rechargeable battery of the hearing device for instance. The contact means can comprise first and second contact elements, and third contact elements which correspond to the external unit.