Abstract:
Disclosed herein, among other things, are systems and methods for integrating a living-hinge in a hearing instrument. A system may include a living-hinge cover for a momentary, multi-function switch. The living-hinge switch may be used for volume adjustment. The system may be used to prevent debris ingress or rattling sounds.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/113,828 filed Feb. 9, 2015, which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    Modern hearing instruments typically include a multi-function, momentary switch. The switch is used to change internal memory presets or to adjust volume of the hearing instrument. In general, a conventional momentary switch contains some type of actuator mechanism along with a switch cover. Disadvantages of these approaches include audible rattling during a manual shake test, tolerance issues due to manufacturing, and high cost. Other switches incorporating capacitive-touch or other touch-sensitive technologies have also been used. One drawback of touch-sensitive switches is that users may prefer a tactile switch. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0003]    Disclosed herein, among other things, are systems and methods for integrating a living-hinge in a hearing instrument. Systems and methods may include a living-hinge (e.g., a momentary switch) in a housing of a hearing instrument, such as a behind-the-ear hearing (BTE) instrument. The living-hinge may include a tactile feel, robust design, barrier to debris ingress, or consistent housing connections, placement, or surfaces. 
         [0004]    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 
         [0005]      FIG. 1  illustrates a rocker switch. 
           [0006]      FIG. 2  illustrates an exploded view of a rocker switch. 
           [0007]      FIG. 3  illustrates a close-up view of a rocker switch. 
           [0008]      FIG. 4  illustrates a living-hinge switch, according to an embodiment of the present subject matter. 
           [0009]      FIG. 5  illustrates a system including a living-hinge switch and a hearing instrument, according to an embodiment of the present subject matter. 
           [0010]      FIG. 6  illustrates a close-up view of parts of a system including a living-hinge switch and a hearing instrument, according to an embodiment of the present subject matter. 
           [0011]      FIG. 7  illustrates a cross-section view of parts of a system including a living-hinge switch and a hearing instrument, according to an embodiment of the present subject matter. 
           [0012]      FIGS. 8-9  illustrate close-up views of a triple living hinge for a hearing instrument, according to various embodiments of the present subject matter. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0013]    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 examples in which the present subject matter may be practiced. These examples are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the present subject matter. References to “an”, “one”, or “various” examples in this disclosure are not necessarily to the same example, and such references contemplate more than one example. 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. 
         [0014]      FIG. 1  illustrates a rocker switch  100 .  FIG. 1  includes an oblique view (left) and section view (right) of an example rocker switch  100 . Rocker switch  100  contains a cylindrical hinge  110 , an exterior curved surface  120 , a switch actuator  130 , and a switch actuator  140 . In an example, the rocker switch  100  may include a male cylindrical hinge  110  as a pivot. When rocker switch  100  is pressed on exterior surface  120  above actuator  130 , rocker switch  100  may rotate counterclockwise around male cylindrical hinge  110  thereby engaging actuator  130  while disengaging actuator  140 . In another example, when rocker switch  100  is pressed on exterior surface  120  above actuator  140 , rocker switch  110  rotates clockwise around cylindrical hinge  110  thereby engaging actuator  140  while disengaging actuator  130 . The perimeter of rocker switch  100  may feature an orthogonal surface  150 . 
         [0015]      FIG. 2  illustrates an exploded view of a rocker switch  100 .  FIG. 2  includes an exploded view of a rocker switch  100 , a hearing instrument  230 , and a switch cover  200 . The rocker switch  100  may be attached to the switch cover  200  and held in place by a female cylindrical seat  210 . The cutout of the switch cover  200  may contain its own orthogonal surface  220  that, when assembled, may abut orthogonal surface  150 . 
         [0016]      FIG. 3  illustrates a close-up view of a rocker switch (not labeled). The rocker switch  100  and switch cover  200  of  FIGS. 1 and 2  may attach to a hearing instrument  230  in  FIG. 3 , which may create a butt joint  300 . If molding tolerances are not kept tight, the butt joint  300  may be loose, leading to a rattling effect when handled and also providing a potential path for debris ingress. More complex joints may not be possible with this approach. In another example, a rocker switch  100  may not contain male a cylindrical hinge  110  so it may not snap into the hearing instrument but rather may be sandwiched loosely between the switch cover and the hearing instrument housing. Audible rattling and debris ingress may be worse with this approach. Thus,  FIGS. 1-3  illustrate previous solutions that have disadvantages that are overcome by the present subject matter. 
         [0017]      FIG. 4  illustrates a living-hinge switch  400  according to an embodiment of the present subject matter. The living-hinge switch  400  may integrate a switch actuator  420  and a switch cover into a single component, which may reduce tolerance stack-up while providing a more-robust joint condition, such as an overlap joint instead of a butt joint. In an example, the living-hinge switch  400  includes integration of an aesthetically-pleasing conventional momentary switch into a hearing instrument while preventing debris ingress and audible rattle. The living-hinge switch  400  in a hearing instrument application may undergo very small strain. There are a number of ways a living-hinge switch could be designed. In one example in  FIG. 4 , the living-hinge switch  400  is molded with snap features  410 , actuator  420 , perimeter ridge  430 , and local weak spot  440 . 
         [0018]    In an example, the actuator  420  and perimeter ridge  430  may be mirrored on the other side of snap features  410  for a dual actuator design. This design may operate as an up/down volume control and may provide the benefits of the living-hinge. 
         [0019]    In an example, the living-hinge may actuate a switch using no separate parts. For example, consider the top of a hearing instrument as one smooth surface where the user pushes in the center of the surface to actuate the switch underneath. In this example, the living-hinge actuates a switch without any need for additional parts. In another example, the living-hinge switch may be integrated into a battery drawer. In this example, the living-hinge switch may undergo large strains. 
         [0020]      FIG. 5  illustrates a system  500  including a living-hinge switch  400  and a hearing instrument according to an embodiment of the present subject matter. In an example, living-hinge switch  400  together with a switch bezel  510  and switch bezel barbed snaps  515  may be attached to a hearing instrument  520 . The underside of switch bezel  510  may create an overlap joint and slight contact interference with perimeter ridge  430 . In an example, the living-hinge switch  400  reduces the number of piece parts for a switch or hearing instrument. The living-hinge switch  400  may provide a tighter tactile feel for the end user. In another example, the living-hinge switch allows an overlap joint around a perimeter of a switch cover and may be less vulnerable to foreign debris. In yet another example, the living-hinge switch eliminates rattle noise during handling. The living-hinge switch may provide a sleeker profile for industrial design. 
         [0021]      FIG. 6  illustrates a close-up view of parts of a system  600  including a living-hinge switch  400  and a hearing instrument  520  according to an embodiment of the present subject matter. In an example, the system  600  may include the hearing instrument  520  and a switch bezel  510  covering the living-hinge switch  400 . When the switch bezel  510  covers the living-hinge switch  400 , an overlap joint  610  may be created. In another example, snap features  410  attach living-hinge switch  400  to the hearing instrument  520  allowing the actuator  420  on the opposite end of snap features  410  to deflect subtly. The dimensions and tolerances of switch bezel  510  and switch bezel barbed snaps  515  may be engineered to interfere slightly with perimeter ridge  430  of living-hinge switch  400 . This slight interference may create a contact condition that that prevents rattling and that inhibits debris ingress. 
         [0022]      FIG. 7  illustrates a cross-section view of parts of a system  700  including a living-hinge switch  400  and a hearing instrument  520  according to an embodiment of the present subject matter. As shown in the section view of  FIG. 7 , an overlap joint  610  may be more robust than a butt joint, such as the butt joint  300  shown in  FIG. 3 , because the overlap joint  610  may create a more tortuous path for debris ingress. 
         [0023]    The methods described above provide ways to mount a momentary switch within the housing of a BTE hearing instrument so as to improve its tactile feel, improve its robustness to debris ingress, and provide more consistent case gaps. An example may include a plastic, living-hinge cover for a momentary, multi-function switch. In an example, the perimeter of the living-hinge switch provides an overlap joint boundary condition that is less susceptible to debris ingress than other switches. In another example, the living-hinge switch eliminates rattle noise. The profile of the living-hinge switch may provide a sleeker aesthetic for industrial design. 
         [0024]    In an example, the living-hinge switch may be made of plastic, rubber, metal, etc. The living-hinge switch may include a material or color similar to a hearing instrument, a switch cover, a battery case, or another apparatus connected to a system for aiding in hearing assistance. In an example, the living-hinge switch may be integrated into the housing of the hearing instrument, which may reduce the number of piece parts and simplify final assembly of the hearing instrument. In another example, the living-hinge switch provides a tighter tactile feel for an end user. 
         [0025]    In an example, a system may include a hearing instrument, a living-hinge switch attached to the hearing instrument, the living-hinge switch configured to adjust volume on the hearing instrument, and a switch cover attached to the hearing instrument. The system may include, wherein at least one surface of the switch cover is in contact with at least one surface of the living-hinge. 
         [0026]    Various embodiments of the present subject matter include a triple living hinge. In one embodiment, the triple living hinge is used on an electronic headset device. The triple living hinge can be used on other hearing instruments without departing from the scope of the present subject matter.  FIGS. 8-9  illustrate close-up views of a triple living hinge for a hearing instrument, according to various embodiments of the present subject matter. A switch actuator  810  with triple living hinge  820  shown in  FIG. 8 . The “-”, “O”, and “+” symbols represent three separate buttons that control volume and power, in an embodiment. Molding these all into a single part creates a significant cost savings by reducing the number of plastic parts needed (from four to one), and considerably improves device quality. In one embodiment, switch actuation force is controlled by the plastic wall section thickness in the localized area behind  820 . 
         [0027]    In various embodiments, raised plus features  830  on the backside of switch actuator  810  protrude through front case part  910  via circular openings  920  to actuate switches on the PCB, as shown in  FIG. 9 . The perimeter rib  840  on switch actuator  810  interfaces with inset groove  930  on front case  910 , in various embodiments. This interface prevents the user from actuating multiple switches simultaneously, and provides a torturous path for foreign material ingress. 
         [0028]    Hearing assistance devices typically include at least one enclosure or housing, a microphone, hearing assistance device electronics including processing electronics, and a speaker or “receiver.” Hearing assistance devices may include a power source, such as a battery. In various examples, the battery may be rechargeable. In various examples multiple energy sources may be employed. It is understood that in various examples the microphone is optional. It is understood that in various examples the receiver is optional. It is understood that variations in communications protocols, antenna configurations, and combinations of components may be employed without departing from the scope of the present subject matter. 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. 
         [0029]    It is understood that digital hearing aids include a processor. In digital hearing aids with a processor, programmable gains may be employed to adjust the hearing aid output to a wearer&#39;s particular hearing impairment. The processor may be a digital signal processor (DSP), microprocessor, microcontroller, other digital logic, or combinations thereof. The processing may be done by a single processor, or may be distributed over different devices. The processing of signals referenced in this application can be performed using the processor or over different devices. Processing may be done in the digital domain, the analog domain, or combinations thereof. Processing may be done using subband processing techniques. Processing may be done using frequency domain or time domain approaches. Some processing may involve both frequency and time domain aspects. For brevity, in some examples drawings may omit certain blocks that perform frequency synthesis, frequency analysis, analog-to-digital conversion, digital-to-analog conversion, amplification, buffering, and certain types of filtering and processing. In various examples the processor is adapted to perform instructions stored in one or more memories, which may or may not be explicitly shown. Various types of memory may be used, including volatile and nonvolatile forms of memory. In various examples, the processor or other processing devices execute instructions to perform a number of signal processing tasks. Such examples may include analog components in communication with the processor to perform signal processing tasks, such as sound reception by a microphone, or playing of sound using a receiver (i.e., in applications where such transducers are used). In various examples, different realizations of the block diagrams, circuits, and processes set forth herein can be created by one of skill in the art without departing from the scope of the present subject matter. 
         [0030]    It is further understood that different hearing assistance devices may embody the present subject matter without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The devices depicted in the figures are intended to demonstrate the subject matter, but not necessarily in a limited, exhaustive, or exclusive sense. It is also understood that the present subject matter can be used with a device designed for use in the right ear or the left ear or both ears of the wearer. 
         [0031]    The present subject matter may be employed in hearing assistance devices, such as headsets, headphones, and similar hearing devices. 
         [0032]    The present subject matter may be employed in hearing assistance devices having additional sensors. Such sensors include, but are not limited to, magnetic field sensors, telecoils, temperature sensors, accelerometers and proximity sensors. 
         [0033]    The present subject matter is demonstrated for hearing assistance devices, including hearing aids, including but not limited to, behind-the-ear (BTE), in-the-ear (ITE), in-the-canal (ITC), receiver-in-canal (RIC), or completely-in-the-canal (CIC) 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, including but not limited to receiver-in-canal (RIC) or receiver-in-the-ear (RITE) designs. It is understood that other hearing assistance devices not expressly stated herein may be used in conjunction with the present subject matter. 
         [0034]    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.