Abstract:
Disclosed herein, among other things, are methods and apparatus for hearing assistance devices, including, but not limited to connections for receiver-in-canal hearing devices. In various embodiments, a hearing device includes a hearing device component adapted to rest on or behind the ear and hearing assistance electronics disposed in the component. A first connector portion is disposed in the component, the first connector portion electrically connected to the hearing assistance electronics. A second connector portion is adapted to conform to a portion of the component and to electrically and physically connect a cable to the first connector portion. In various embodiments, at least one of the first connector portion and the second connector portion employ scratch pads for contacts. The first connector portion is top loading, in an embodiment.

Description:
CLAIM OF PRIORITY 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/364,358, filed Jul. 14, 2010, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present subject matter relates generally to hearing assistance devices, including, but not limited to hearing aids, and in particular to hearing aids having wired connections to a behind-the-ear component. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    Modern hearing assistance devices include a number of connectors for an increasing array of connected device components. For example, hearing aids include receiver-in-canal designs that feature a receiver disposed near or in the wearer&#39;s ear canal that is connected by a wires. Other apparatus may be connected to the hearing aid as well. These connections can pose problems with regard to reliability, ease of use, and modular replacement. 
         [0004]    What is needed in the art are improved connections for hearing assistance devices. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0005]    Disclosed herein, among other things, are methods and apparatus for hearing assistance devices, including, but not limited to connections for receiver-in-canal hearing devices. In various embodiments, a hearing device includes a hearing device component adapted to rest on or behind the ear and hearing assistance electronics disposed in the component. A first connector portion is disposed in the component, the first connector portion electrically connected to the hearing assistance electronics. A second connector portion is adapted to conform to a portion of the component and to electrically and physically connect a cable to the first connector portion. In various embodiments, at least one of the first connector portion and the second connector portion employ scratch pads for contacts. The first connector portion is top loading, in an embodiment. 
         [0006]    Various embodiments include a method for providing a connection between a hearing device component adapted to rest on or behind the ear and a cable. The method includes mounting a first connector portion in the component, the first connector portion electrically connected to hearing assistance electronics disposed in the component. The method also includes connecting a second connector portion to the cable, the second connector portion adapted to conform to a portion of the component and to electrically and physically connect the cable to the first connector portion. 
         [0007]    This Summary is an overview of some of the teachings of the present application and not intended to be an exclusive or exhaustive treatment of the present subject matter. Further details about the present subject matter are found in the detailed description and appended claims. The scope of the present invention is defined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0008]      FIG. 1A  shows a behind-the-ear or on-the-ear component of a receiver-in-canal hearing device according to one embodiment of the present subject matter. 
           [0009]      FIG. 1B  shows a cross sectional drawing of the hearing assistance device of  FIG. 1A  according to one embodiment of the present subject matter. 
           [0010]      FIGS. 1C and 1D  show different perspective drawings of the connector and socket of  FIGS. 1A and 1B , according to one embodiment of the present subject matter. 
           [0011]      FIG. 2A  shows a top loading connector, according to one embodiment of the present subject matter. 
           [0012]      FIG. 2B  shows an embodiment of the connector of  FIG. 2A  where the connections are performed using scratch pads, according to one embodiment of the present subject matter. 
           [0013]      FIG. 2C  shows an embodiment of the connector of  FIG. 2A  where the connections are performed using pins, according to one embodiment of the present subject matter. 
           [0014]      FIG. 3  shows a variation of the front load cable connection approach according to one embodiment of the present subject matter. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0015]    The following detailed description of the present subject matter refers to subject matter in the accompanying drawings which show, by way of illustration, specific aspects and embodiments in which the present subject matter may be practiced. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the present subject matter. References to “an”, “one”, or “various” embodiments in this disclosure are not necessarily to the same embodiment, and such references contemplate more than one embodiment. The following detailed description is demonstrative and not to be taken in a limiting sense. The scope of the present subject matter is defined by the appended claims, along with the full scope of legal equivalents to which such claims are entitled. 
         [0016]    The present subject matter includes various embodiments of a multi-point sealed connector assembly designed to facilitate the coupling of one or more in the ear transducers and other devices to a receiver-in-canal (RIC) hearing device. 
         [0017]      FIG. 1A  shows a behind-the-ear or on-the-ear component  102  of a receiver-in-canal hearing device  100  according to one embodiment of the present subject matter. The component  102  typically includes a microphone, signal processing electronics, a power source, and a connection for a wired receiver adapted to fit near or in the ear canal of the wearer. In various embodiments, the component  102  may include a plurality of controls for controlling the hearing assistance device  100 .  FIG. 1B  shows a cross sectional drawing of the hearing assistance device  100  according to one embodiment of the present subject matter. It is understood that configurations of the hearing assistance device  100  may vary. This configuration is intended to demonstrate one aspect of the present connector according to one embodiment of the present subject matter. Component  102  includes the battery  104  and battery door  106  and associated contacts. The electronics are connected to the battery  104  and a socket  110 . The wired receiver (not shown) is attached via a cable  114  to a connector  108 . In this embodiment connector  108  includes a plug  112  adapted to mate with socket  110  to provide connections to the cable  114  and any attached components. Such attached components may include one or more of a receiver, a plurality of receivers, a microphone, a plurality of microphones, a magnetic sensing device (such as a telecoil, a magnetoresistive sensor, a GMR, an AMR, a TMR, or other magnetic sensing device), an antenna, or other device or sensor. In various embodiments, various combinations are accommodated.  FIGS. 1C and 1D  show different perspective drawings of the connector  108  and socket  110 , according to one embodiment of the present subject matter. It is understood that the connector  108  may include socket instead of a plug without departing from the scope of the present subject matter. In various embodiments, tools are not required to remove the cable  114 . 
         [0018]    In various embodiments, the connector  108  provides electrical connections and seals at least a portion of the component  102 . In various embodiments, the connector  108  is pliable. In various embodiments the connector  108  is rigid. In various embodiments the connector  108  includes rigid and pliable portions. In various embodiments, the connections are performed by running wires along the connector  108  to the plug  112 . In various embodiments electrical traces are used to make the connections. In various embodiments a flexible conductive connector is used to make the connections. Other connections are possible without departing from the scope of the present subject matter. 
         [0019]    Socket  110  is demonstrated to have surface mount connections for mounting to the component  102 , however, it is understood that other connections may be used without departing from the present subject matter. In the embodiment shown  8  contacts  116  are demonstrated, however, it is understood that other numbers of contacts and types of contacts may be used without departing from the scope of the present subject matter. In various embodiments the connections are achieved via scratching contacts. In various embodiments, pins and pads are used. Combinations of scratching contacts, pins and pads may be employed without departing from the scope of the present subject matter. In various embodiments the transmission of signal is through twisted pair and shielded combination wire assemblies through a custom formed tube. The shielded wires prevent adverse affects on the signal due to EMI and prevent crosstalk between the transducers. In one embodiment, the primary connection is moved back in the device to an area in front of the battery. This allows for a smaller device while facilitating better directionality by moving the front microphone forward about 2 to 4 mm. This placement also results in a more robust design by eliminating the effects of wiggle and other movements on the cable from affecting the connector area. In various embodiments, sealing of the assemblies is accomplished by a molded in place elastomeric gasket that radially seals the connector from the outside environment. Other approaches are possible without departing from the present subject matter. 
         [0020]    Some advantages of the present subject matter include, but are not limited to, that in various embodiments a fully keyed assembly can be produced which makes it difficult or even impossible to accidentally misalign. In various embodiments the connection is moved from the front of device (which is usually the smallest area) back to just in front of the battery (which may be the widest area in some designs). The present subject matter also provides better directionality via forward microphone placement. The present subject matter also may use the device case as a retention feature. In various embodiments, the present subject matter lowers cable exit out of the snout yielding a lower profile device. In various embodiments, the present subject matter provides a larger connector that may be easier to handle. The present subject matter in various embodiments may yield a tamper-resistant locking feature. In various embodiments, the present subject matter provides larger contact area that affords wider tolerances. In various embodiments, the present subject matter provides balance bars that prevent contact spring on one side from biasing the other. 
         [0021]      FIG. 2A  shows a top loading connector according to one embodiment of the present subject matter. Component  202  of hearing assistance device  200  has a socket  210  which receives a plug  212  in connector  208  to connect to cable  214 . In the embodiment shown connector  208  has a grooved assembly adapted to slide along ridges  260  in the socket of component  202 . Other retention mechanisms can be employed in various embodiments, without departing from the scope of the present subject matter.  FIG. 2B  and  FIG. 2C  show embodiments where the connections are performed using scratch pads  220  and pins  230 , respectively. 
         [0022]      FIG. 2A  shows a behind-the-ear or on-the-ear component  202  of a receiver-in-canal hearing aid  200 . The component  202  typically includes a microphone, signal processing electronics, a power source, and a connection for a wired receiver adapted to fit near or in the ear canal of the wearer. In various embodiments, the component  202  may include a plurality of controls for controlling the hearing assistance device  200 . It is understood that configurations of the hearing assistance device  200  may vary. This configuration is intended to demonstrate one aspect of the present connector according to one embodiment of the present subject matter. Component  202  includes a battery, a battery door and associated contacts. The electronics are connected to the battery and a socket  210 . The wired receiver (not shown) is attached via a cable  214  to a connector  208 . In this embodiment connector  208  includes a plug  212  adapted to mate with socket  210  to provide connections to the cable  214  and any attached components. Such attached components may include one or more of a receiver, a plurality of receivers, a microphone, a plurality of microphones, a magnetic sensing device (such as a telecoil, a magnetoresistive sensor, a GMR, an AMR, a TMR, or other magnetic sensing device), an antenna, or other sensor. In various embodiments, various combinations are accommodated. It is understood that the connector  208  may include socket instead of a plug without departing from the scope of the present subject matter. In various embodiments, tools are not required to remove the cable  214 . 
         [0023]    In various embodiments, the connector  208  provides electrical connections and seals at least a portion of the component  202 . In various embodiments, the connector  208  is pliable. In various embodiments the connector  208  is rigid. In various embodiments the connector  208  includes rigid and pliable portions. In various embodiments, the connections are performed by running wires along the connector  208  to the plug  212 . In various embodiments electrical traces are used to make the connections. In various embodiments a flexible conductive connector is used to make the connections. Other connections are possible without departing from the scope of the present subject matter. 
         [0024]    In various embodiments, socket  210  has surface mount connections for mounting to the component  202 . Other connections may be used without departing from the present subject matter. In the embodiment shown  8  contacts are demonstrated, however, it is understood that other numbers of contacts and types of contacts may be used without departing from the scope of the present subject matter. In various embodiments the connections are achieved via scratching contacts. In various embodiments, pins and pads are used. Combinations of scratching contacts, pins and pads may be employed without departing from the scope of the present subject matter. In various embodiments the transmission of signal is through twisted pair and shielded combination wire assemblies through a custom formed tube. The shielded wires prevent adverse affects on the signal due to EMI and prevent crosstalk between the transducers. In various embodiments, sealing of the assemblies is accomplished by a molded in place elastomeric gasket that radially seals the connector from the outside environment. Other approaches are possible without departing from the present subject matter. 
         [0025]    Some advantages of the present subject matter include, but are not limited to, that in various embodiments a fully keyed assembly can be produced which makes it difficult or even impossible to accidentally misalign. The present subject matter in various embodiments may yield a tamper-resistant locking feature. In various embodiments, the present subject matter provides larger contact area that affords wider tolerances. In various embodiments, the top loading connector approach provides significantly increased resistance to loss of signal caused by cable twisting, bending or pull-out. A less intuitive insertion direction makes it more difficult for patient removal of the cable. 
         [0026]      FIG. 3  shows a variation of the front load cable connection approach according to one embodiment of the present subject matter. Component  302  of hearing assistance device  300  has a socket  310  which receives a plug  312  of connector  308  to connect to cable  314 . In the embodiment shown connector  308  has a pinned assembly adapted to slide into the socket  310  of component  302 . Other retention mechanisms can be employed in various embodiments, without departing from the scope of the present subject matter. In various embodiments the connections are performed by scratch pads, or scratch pads in combination with pins. Other connections are possible without departing from the scope of the present subject matter. 
         [0027]      FIG. 3  shows a cross section of a portion of the behind-the-ear or on-the-ear component  302  of a receiver-in-canal hearing aid  300 . The component  302  typically includes a microphone, signal processing electronics, a power source, and a connection for a wired receiver adapted to fit near or in the ear canal of the wearer. In various embodiments, the component  302  may include a plurality of controls for controlling the hearing assistance device  300 . It is understood that configurations of the hearing assistance device  300  may vary. This configuration is intended to demonstrate one aspect of the present connector according to one embodiment of the present subject matter. Component  302  includes a battery, a battery door and associated contacts. The electronics are connected to the battery and a socket  310 . The wired receiver (not shown) is attached via a cable  314  to a connector  308 . In this embodiment connector  308  includes a plug  312  adapted to mate with socket  310  to provide connections to the cable  314  and any attached components. Such attached components may include one or more of a receiver, a plurality of receivers, a microphone, a plurality of microphones, a magnetic sensing device (such as a telecoil, a magnetoresistive sensor, a GMR, an AMR, a TMR, or other magnetic sensing device), an antenna, or other sensor. In various embodiments, various combinations are accommodated. It is understood that the connector  308  may include socket instead of a plug without departing from the scope of the present subject matter. In various embodiments, tools are not required to remove the cable  314 . 
         [0028]    In various embodiments, the connector  308  provides electrical connections and seals at least a portion of the component  302 . One such approach is the use of seal  319  that provides a seal to socket  310 . In various embodiments, the connector  308  is pliable. In various embodiments the connector  308  is rigid. In various embodiments the connector  308  includes rigid and pliable portions. In various embodiments, the connections are performed by running wires along the connector  308  to the plug  312 . In various embodiments electrical traces are used to make the connections. In various embodiments a flexible conductive connector is used to make the connections. Other connections are possible without departing from the scope of the present subject matter. 
         [0029]    In various embodiments, socket  310  may have surface mount connections for mounting to the component  302 . Other connections may be used without departing from the present subject matter. In the embodiment shown a  5  contact system is demonstrated, however, it is understood that other numbers of contacts and types of contacts may be used without departing from the scope of the present subject matter. In various embodiments the connections are achieved via scratching contacts. In various embodiments, pins and pads are used. Combinations of scratching contacts, pins and pads may be employed without departing from the scope of the present subject matter. In various embodiments the transmission of signal is through twisted pair and shielded combination wire assemblies through a custom formed tube. The shielded wires prevent adverse affects on the signal due to EMI and prevent crosstalk between the transducers. In various embodiments, sealing of the assemblies is accomplished by a molded in place elastomeric gasket  319  that radially seals the connector from the outside environment. Other approaches are possible without departing from the present subject matter. 
         [0030]    This present embodiments provide among other things a connection between the self contained “modular” RIC cable assembly and the hearing device. The unique pin and socket designs can be produced with different approaches including, but not limited to, injection molding. The approach can provide a plurality of connection numbers and configurations and can be used across a wide variety of “RIC” products. In various embodiments the cable is a solid core tube co-extruded with the wires giving the wires a strain relief the length of the cable thus eliminating the need for a “service” loop strain relief. The wires are then either soldered or crimped to the pins which then is insert molded into a unique shaped plastic pin housing which provides an environmentally safe condition and also that when molded the pins are recessed (protected) within the plastic housing. The pin housing also holds the o-ring  319  for an environmental seal and keying features for proper alignment with the socket sub assembly. The socket sub assembly has a molded component which holds the sockets in place and has the mating alignment features that accepts the pin sub assembly and is housed in the hearing device with tongue and groove type alignment and holding features. The design of the socket sub assembly is such that it can be soldered to the “flex” PCB in the flat state and then folded and assembled accurately and easily into the “spine” of the hearing device. This “insert molded” pin and socket connection gives the user a robust connection that has a positive tactile feel when connecting and is “user friendly” when disconnecting. 
         [0031]    Some advantages of the present subject matter include, but are not limited to, that in various embodiments a fully keyed assembly can be produced which makes it difficult or even impossible to accidentally misalign. The present subject matter in various embodiments may yield a tamper-resistant locking feature. In various embodiments, the present subject matter provides larger contact area that affords wider tolerances. A more positive tactile feel and robust RIC cable assembly connection is provided that does not require any tools or the use of hearing device parts (such as the microphone cover) for the assembly and disassembly of the RIC cable assembly. 
         [0032]    In various embodiments using an antenna is understood that antenna can be any of a variety of antenna types, including a tuned antenna, a multiband antenna, and a broadband antenna. It is understood that antenna can be a variety of structures, including, but not limited to a single element or an antenna array. Some antenna configurations and related teachings include but are not limited to the following patent applications, which are all hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety: U.S. patent application Ser. Nos.: 10/768,735 (now issued as U.S. Pat. No. 7,256,747); 11/676,420 (now issued as U.S. Pat. No. 7,446,720); 11/357,751 (now issued as U.S. Pat. No. 7,593,538); 12/027,151, filed Feb. 6, 2008; 12/550,821, filed Aug. 31, 2009; 12/340,600, filed Dec. 19, 2008; 12/340,604, filed Dec. 19, 2008; and 12/638,720, filed Dec. 15, 2009. Other antenna configurations and hardware are possible without departing from the scope of the present subject matter. 
         [0033]    It is understood that various tuning approaches can be used including, but not limited to, selection of a tuned antenna appropriate for the frequency of operation from a plurality of tuned antennas, automatic matching of an antenna for a selected frequency of operation, a broadband antenna approach and combinations of the foregoing. 
         [0034]    In various embodiments the electronics includes a processor adapted to perform hearing assistance processing. In various embodiments the processor includes a digital signal processor. In various embodiments processor includes a microprocessor. In various embodiments processor includes combinational logic. In various embodiments processor is a microcontroller. For example, in hearing aid applications the processor is adapted to perform functions associated with programmable gain to improve hearing of a subject with hearing loss. Some embodiments may include one or more aspects including, but not necessarily limited to sub band processing, acoustic feedback cancellation, entrainment reduction, adjustable gain, compression, and/or limiting. 
         [0035]    It is understood that variations in designs, contact count and configurations, and combinations of components may be employed without departing from the scope of the present subject matter. It is understood that in various embodiments the microphone is optional. It is understood that in various embodiments the receiver is optional. Antenna configurations may vary and may be included within an enclosure for the electronics or be external to an enclosure for the electronics. Thus, the examples set forth herein are intended to be demonstrative and not a limiting or exhaustive depiction of variations. 
         [0036]    The present subject matter can be used for a variety of hearing assistance devices, including but not limited to, cochlear implant type hearing devices, and hearing aids, such as behind-the-ear (BTE) type hearing aids. It is understood that behind-the-ear type hearing aids may include devices that reside substantially behind the ear or over the ear. Such devices may include hearing aids with receivers associated with the electronics portion of the behind-the-ear device, or hearing aids of the type having receivers in the ear canal of the user. Such devices are also known as receiver-in-the-canal (RIC) or receiver-in-the-ear (RITE) hearing instruments. It is understood that other hearing assistance devices not expressly stated herein may fall within the scope of the present subject matter. 
         [0037]    This application is intended to cover adaptations or variations of the present subject matter. It is to be understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive. The scope of the present subject matter should be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of legal equivalents to which such claims are entitled.