Patent Publication Number: US-2022225011-A1

Title: Antenna designs for hearing instruments

Description:
This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application 62/909,023, filed Oct. 1, 2019, the entire content of which is incorporated by reference. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     This disclosure relates to hearing instruments. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Hearing instruments are devices designed to be worn on, in, or near one or more of a user&#39;s ears. Common types of hearing instruments include hearing assistance devices (e.g., “hearing aids”), earbuds, headphones, hearables, cochlear implants, and so on. In some examples, a hearing instrument may be implanted or integrated into a user. Some hearing instruments include additional features beyond just environmental sound-amplification. For example, some modern hearing instruments include advanced audio processing for improved device functionality, controlling and programming the devices, and beamforming, and some can even communicate wirelessly with external devices including other hearing instruments (e.g., for streaming media). 
     SUMMARY 
     This disclosure describes antenna designs for hearing instruments. There are a number of challenges faced by designers of antennas for hearing instruments. For example, because hearing instruments are primarily worn within the ear canals of users and because all functional components of hearing instruments are typically located within the hearing instruments themselves, the space available for antennas is limited. Also, because the functional components of hearing instruments are typically located within the hearing instruments themselves, the batteries of hearing instruments are typically quite small. Accordingly, the antennas of hearing instruments should use battery power efficiently. Moreover, because some types of hearing instruments, such as completely-in-canal (CIC) hearing instruments, are primarily worn within the ear canals of users, the user&#39;s head and ear tissue may affect signals received and transmitted by antennas of hearing instruments. 
     This disclosure describes antennas for hearing instruments that may address one or more of these challenges. As described herein, an antenna for a hearing instrument may be connected to a first feedline segment and a second feedline segment. The first feedline segment and the second feedline segment together form a feedline for the antenna. The first and second feedline segments each extend horizontally (e.g., laterally) along an inner lateral surface of a shell of the hearing instrument. The inner lateral surface may be aligned with an anterior or posterior wall of the user&#39;s ear canal. The antenna itself includes a first arm connected to the first feedline segment and a second arm connected to the second feedline segment. The first arm initially extends in an inferior direction along the inner lateral surface of the shell from the first feedline segment. The second arm initially extends in a superior direction from the second feedline segment. Lengths of the first arm and the second arm may be selected for use in transmitting and receiving in a 2.4 GHz band. 
     In one example, this disclosure describes an antenna for a hearing instrument, wherein the antenna is connected to: a first feedline segment extending laterally along an inner lateral surface of a shell of the hearing instrument, a second feedline segment extending laterally along the inner lateral surface of the shell of the hearing instrument, and wherein the antenna comprises: a first arm connected to the first feedline segment and initially extending in an inferior direction, along the inner lateral surface of the shell, from the first feedline segment; and a second arm connected to the second feedline segment and initially extending in a superior direction, along the inner lateral surface of the shell, from the second feedline segment. 
     The details of one or more aspects of the disclosure are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features, objects, and advantages of the techniques described in this disclosure will be apparent from the description, drawings, and claims. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a conceptual diagram illustrating an example system that includes one or more hearing instrument(s), in accordance with one or more techniques of this disclosure. 
         FIG. 2  is a block diagram illustrating example components of a hearing instrument, in accordance with one or more aspects of this disclosure. 
         FIG. 3A  is a conceptual diagram illustrating a first example antenna for a hearing instrument, in accordance with one or more aspects of this disclosure. 
         FIG. 3B  is a conceptual diagram illustrating a version of the first example antenna of  FIG. 3A  when folded flat, in accordance with one or more aspects of this disclosure. 
         FIG. 4A  is a conceptual diagram illustrating a second example antenna for a hearing instrument, in accordance with one or more aspects of this disclosure. 
         FIG. 4B  is a conceptual diagram illustrating a version of the second example antenna of  FIG. 4A  when folded flat, in accordance with one or more aspects of this disclosure. 
         FIG. 5A  is a conceptual diagram illustrating a third example antenna for a hearing instrument, in accordance with one or more aspects of this disclosure. 
         FIG. 5B  is a conceptual diagram illustrating a version of the third example antenna of  FIG. 5A  when folded flat, in accordance with one or more aspects of this disclosure. 
         FIG. 6A  is a conceptual diagram illustrating a fourth example antenna for a hearing instrument, in accordance with one or more aspects of this disclosure. 
         FIG. 6B  is a conceptual diagram illustrating a version of the fourth example antenna of  FIG. 6A  when folded flat, in accordance with one or more aspects of this disclosure. 
         FIG. 7A  is a conceptual diagram illustrating a fifth example antenna for a hearing instrument, in accordance with one or more aspects of this disclosure. 
         FIG. 7B  is a conceptual diagram illustrating a version of the fifth example antenna of  FIG. 7A  when folded flat, in accordance with one or more aspects of this disclosure. 
         FIG. 7C  is a conceptual diagram illustrating a version of the fifth example antenna of  FIG. 7A  when folded flat with a meandered superior segment and a meandered second sub-arm, in accordance with one or more aspects of this disclosure. 
         FIG. 7D  is a conceptual diagram illustrating example details of the meandered superior segment of the fifth example antenna of  FIG. 7C , in accordance with one or more aspects of this disclosure. 
         FIG. 7E  is a conceptual diagram illustrating example details of the meandered second sub-arm of the fifth example antenna of  FIG. 7C , in accordance with one or more aspects of this disclosure. 
         FIG. 8A  is a conceptual diagram illustrating a sixth example antenna, in accordance with one or more aspects of this disclosure. 
         FIG. 8B  is a conceptual diagram illustrating a version of the sixth example antenna of  FIG. 8A  when folded flat, in accordance with one or more aspects of this disclosure. 
         FIG. 9  is a flowchart illustrating an example method of manufacturing a hearing instrument, in accordance with one or more techniques of this disclosure. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Wireless communication links are becoming an increasingly important aspect of hearing instruments, such as hearing aids. A hearing instrument may use wireless communication links to communicate with other hearing instruments or with other types of devices, such as mobile phones or hearing instrument accessories. Such communication links may serve a wide variety of purposes, such as streaming media data and sending sensor data. 
     A hearing instrument requires an antenna in order to perform wireless communication. In part because of the small sizes of hearing instruments and the limited storage capacities of the batteries of hearing instruments, designing antennas for hearing instruments is challenging. This is especially the case with respect to completely-in-canal (CIC) hearing instruments, In-The-Canal (ITC) hearing instruments, In-The-Ear (ITE) hearing instruments, and Invisible-In-The-Canal (IITC) hearing instruments. Because such hearing instruments are compact in size and may be fully located inside a user&#39;s ear or ear canal, antennas for such hearing instruments may suffer from head loading. Head loading is the attenuation of electromagnetic signals by the user&#39;s head. The problem of head loading may be especially pronounced in 2.4 GHz antennas used for Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) radio applications. This disclosure describes antennas suitable for use in hearing instruments, such as CIC hearing instruments, ITC hearing instruments, ITE hearing instruments, and IITC hearing instruments. For example, the antenna designs of the disclosure may be suitable for use in hearing instruments with BLE radio applications in the 2.4 GHz band. 
       FIG. 1  is a conceptual diagram illustrating an example system  100  that includes hearing instruments  102 A,  102 B, in accordance with one or more techniques of this disclosure. This disclosure may refer to hearing instruments  102 A and  102 B collectively, as “hearing instruments  102 .” A user  104  may wear hearing instruments  102 . In some instances, such as when user  104  has unilateral hearing loss, user  104  may wear a single hearing instrument. In other instances, such as when user  104  has bilateral hearing loss, the user may wear two hearing instruments, with one hearing instrument for each ear of the user. 
     Hearing instruments  102  may comprise one or more of various types of devices that are configured to provide auditory stimuli to a user and that are designed for wear and/or implantation at, on, or near an ear of the user. Hearing instruments  102  may be worn, at least partially, in the ear canal or concha. One or more of hearing instruments  102  may include behind the ear (BTE) components that are worn behind the ears of user  104 . In some examples, hearing instruments  102  comprise devices that are at least partially implanted into or integrated with the skull of the user. In some examples, one or more of hearing instruments  102  is able to provide auditory stimuli to user  104  via a bone conduction pathway. 
     In any of the examples of this disclosure, each of hearing instruments  102  may comprise a hearing assistance device. Hearing assistance devices include devices that help a user hear sounds in the user&#39;s environment. Example types of hearing assistance devices may include hearing aid devices, Personal Sound Amplification Products (PSAPs), cochlear implant systems (which may include cochlear implant magnets, cochlear implant transducers, and cochlear implant processors), and so on. In some examples, hearing instruments  102  are over-the-counter, direct-to-consumer, or prescription devices. Furthermore, in some examples, hearing instruments  102  include devices that provide auditory stimuli to the user that correspond to artificial sounds or sounds that are not naturally in the user&#39;s environment, such as recorded music, computer-generated sounds, or other types of sounds. For instance, hearing instruments  102  may include so-called “hearables,” earbuds, earphones, or other types of devices. Some types of hearing instruments provide auditory stimuli to the user corresponding to sounds from the user&#39;s environmental and also artificial sounds. 
     In some examples, one or more of hearing instruments  102  includes a housing or shell that is designed to be worn in the ear for both aesthetic and functional reasons and encloses the electronic components of the hearing instrument. Such hearing instruments may be referred to as in-the-ear (ITE), in-the-canal (ITC), completely-in-the-canal (CIC), or invisible-in-the-canal (IIC) devices. In some examples, one or more of hearing instruments  102  may be behind-the-ear (BTE) devices, which include a housing worn behind the ear contains all of the electronic components of the hearing instrument, including the receiver (i.e., the speaker). The receiver conducts sound to an earbud inside the ear via an audio tube. In some examples, one or more of hearing instruments  102  may be receiver-in-canal (RIC) hearing-assistance devices, which include a housing worn behind the ear that contains electronic components and a housing worn in the ear canal that contains the receiver. 
     Hearing instruments  102  may implement a variety of features that help user  104  hear better. For example, hearing instruments  102  may amplify the intensity of incoming sound, amplify the intensity of certain frequencies of the incoming sound, or translate or compress frequencies of the incoming sound. In another example, hearing instruments  102  may implement a directional processing mode in which hearing instruments  102  selectively amplify sound originating from a particular direction (e.g., to the front of the user) while potentially fully or partially canceling sound originating from other directions. In other words, a directional processing mode may selectively attenuate off-axis unwanted sounds. The directional processing mode may help users understand conversations occurring in crowds or other noisy environments. In some examples, hearing instruments  102  may use beamforming or directional processing cues to implement or augment directional processing modes. 
     In some examples, hearing instruments  102  may reduce noise by canceling out or attenuating certain frequencies. Furthermore, in some examples, hearing instruments  102  may help user  104  enjoy audio media, such as music or sound components of visual media, by outputting sound based on audio data wirelessly transmitted to hearing instruments  102 . 
     Hearing instruments  102  may be configured to communicate with each other. For instance, in any of the examples of this disclosure, hearing instruments  102  may communicate with each other using one or more wirelessly communication technologies. Example types of wireless communication technology include Near-Field Magnetic Induction (NFMI) technology, a 2.4 GHz technology, a BLUETOOTH™ technology, a WI-FI™ technology, audible sound signals, ultrasonic communication technology, infrared communication technology, an inductive communication technology, or another type of communication that does not rely on wires to transmit signals between devices. In some examples, hearing instruments  102  use a 2.4 GHz frequency band for wireless communication. In some examples of this disclosure, hearing instruments  102  may communicate with each other via non-wireless communication links (e.g., in addition to wireless communication links), such as via one or more cables, direct electrical contacts, and so on. 
     As shown in the example of  FIG. 1 , system  100  may also include a computing system  108 . In other examples, system  100  does not include computing system  108 . Computing system  108  comprises one or more computing devices, each of which may include one or more processors. For instance, computing system  108  may comprise one or more mobile devices, server devices, personal computer devices, handheld devices, wireless access points, smart speaker devices, smart televisions, medical alarm devices, smart key fobs, smartwatches, smartphones, motion or presence sensor devices, smart displays, screen-enhanced smart speakers, wireless routers, wireless communication hubs, prosthetic devices, mobility devices, special-purpose devices, accessory devices, and/or other types of devices. Accessory devices may include devices that are configured specifically for use with hearing instruments  102 . Example types of accessory devices may include charging cases for hearing instruments  102 , storage cases for hearing instruments  102 , media streamer devices, phone streamer devices, external microphone devices, remote controls for hearing instruments  102 , and other types of devices specifically designed for use with hearing instruments  102 . Actions described in this disclosure as being performed by computing system  108  may be performed by one or more of the computing devices of computing system  108 . One or more of hearing instruments  102  may communicate with computing system  108  using wireless or non-wireless communication links. For instance, hearing instruments  102  may communicate with computing system  108  and/or each other using any of the example types of communication technologies described elsewhere in this disclosure. For example, hearing instruments  102  may communicate with computing system  108  and/or each other using antennas conforming to the antenna designs described in this disclosure, e.g., with respect to  FIG. 3  through  FIG. 8 . 
       FIG. 2  is a block diagram illustrating example components of hearing instrument  200 , in accordance with one or more aspects of this disclosure. Hearing instrument  200  may be either one of hearing instruments  102 . In the example of  FIG. 2 , hearing instrument  200  comprises one or more storage devices  202 , one or more communication unit(s)  204 , a receiver  206 , one or more processor(s)  208 , one or more microphone(s)  210 , a set of sensors  212 , a power source  214 , and one or more communication channels  216 . Communication channels  216  provide communication between storage devices  202 , communication unit(s)  204 , receiver  206 , processor(s)  208 , a microphone(s)  210 , and sensors  212 . Components  202 ,  204 ,  206 ,  208 ,  210 , and  212  may draw electrical power from power source  214 . In the example of  FIG. 2 , each of components  202 ,  204 ,  206 ,  208 ,  210 ,  212 ,  214 , and  216  are contained within a single housing  218 . 
     Furthermore, in the example of  FIG. 2 , sensors  212  include an inertial measurement unit (IMU)  226  that is configured to generate data regarding the motion of hearing instrument  200 . IMU  226  may include a set of sensors. For instance, in the example of  FIG. 2 , IMU  226  includes one or more of accelerometers  228 , a gyroscope  230 , a magnetometer  232 , combinations thereof, and/or other sensors for determining the motion of hearing instrument  200 . Furthermore, in the example of  FIG. 2 , hearing instrument  200  may include one or more additional sensors  236 . Additional sensors  236  may include a photoplethysmography (PPG) sensor, blood oximetry sensors, blood pressure sensors, electrocardiograph (EKG) sensors, body temperature sensors, electroencephalography (EEG) sensors, environmental temperature sensors, environmental pressure sensors, environmental humidity sensors, skin galvanic response sensors, and/or other types of sensors. In other examples, hearing instrument  200  and sensors  212  may include more, fewer, or different components. 
     Storage devices  202  may store data. Storage devices  202  may comprise volatile memory and may therefore not retain stored contents if powered off. Examples of volatile memories may include random access memories (RAM), dynamic random access memories (DRAM), static random access memories (SRAM), and other forms of volatile memories known in the art. Storage devices  202  may further be configured for long-term storage of information as non-volatile memory space and retain information after power on/off cycles. Examples of non-volatile memory configurations may include magnetic hard discs, optical discs, flash memories, or forms of electrically programmable memories (EPROM) or electrically erasable and programmable (EEPROM) memories. 
     Communication unit(s)  204  may enable hearing instrument  200  to send data to and receive data from one or more other devices, such as another hearing instrument, an accessory device, a mobile device, or another types of device. Communication unit(s)  204  may enable hearing instrument  200  using wireless or non-wireless communication technologies. For instance, communication unit(s)  204  enable hearing instrument  200  to communicate using one or more of various types of wireless technology, such as a BLUETOOTH™ technology, 3G, 4G, 4G LTE, 5G, ZigBee, WI-FI™, Near-Field Magnetic Induction (NFMI), ultrasonic communication, infrared (IR) communication, or another wireless communication technology. In some examples, communication unit(s)  204  may enable hearing instrument  200  to communicate using a cable-based technology, such as a Universal Serial Bus (USB) technology. 
     As shown in the example of  FIG. 2 , communication unit(s)  204  include an antenna  238 . Antenna  238  may be implemented in accordance with any of the example antenna designs described in this disclosure, such as the antenna designs described with respect to  FIG. 3A  through  FIG. 8B . 
     Receiver  206  comprises one or more speakers for generating audible sound. Microphone(s)  210  detects incoming sound and generates one or more electrical signals (e.g., an analog or digital electrical signal) representing the incoming sound. 
     Processor(s)  208  may be processing circuits configured to perform various activities. For example, processor(s)  208  may process the signal generated by microphone(s)  210  to enhance, amplify, or cancel-out particular channels within the incoming sound. Processor(s)  208  may then cause receiver  206  to generate sound based on the processed signal. In some examples, processor(s)  208  include one or more digital signal processors (DSPs). In some examples, processor(s)  208  may cause communication unit(s)  204  to transmit one or more of various types of data. For example, processor(s)  208  may cause communication unit(s)  204  to transmit data to computing system  108 . Furthermore, communication unit(s)  204  may receive audio data from computing system  108  and processor(s)  208  may cause receiver  206  to output sound based on the audio data. 
       FIGS. 3A, 3B, 4A, 4B, 5A, 5B, 6A, 6B, 7A, 7B, 7C, 7D, 7E, 8A, and 8B  are example antennas that are implemented in accordance with techniques of this disclosure. The techniques of this disclosure encompass antenna designs in addition to those shown in the examples of  FIGS. 3A, 3B, 4A, 4B, 5A, 5B, 6A, 6B, 7A, 7B, 7C, 7D, 7E, 8A, and 8B . Other antenna designs in accordance with the techniques of this disclosure are possible. The examples of  FIGS. 3A, 4A, 5A, 6A, 7A, and 8A  show CIC hearing instruments. However, the antenna designs of this disclosure may be used in other types of hearing instruments, such as ITC hearing instruments, ITE hearing instruments, IITC hearing instruments, and so on. 
       FIG. 3A  is a conceptual diagram illustrating an example antenna  300  for a hearing instrument  302 , in accordance with one or more aspects of this disclosure. Antenna  300  may be considered to be an example of a dipole antenna. In the example of  FIG. 3A , antenna  300  is connected to a first feedline segment  304  extending laterally along an inner posterior surface  306  of a shell  308  of hearing instrument  302 . Additionally, antenna  300  is connected to a second feedline segment  310  extending laterally along the inner posterior surface  306  of shell  308 . First feedline segment  304  and second feedline segment  310  may be connected to internal electronic components of hearing instrument  302 , such as processor(s)  208  ( FIG. 2 ), power source  214  ( FIG. 2 ), and so on. Inner posterior surface  306  may be aligned with a posterior wall of a user&#39;s ear canal. 
     Antenna  300  comprises a first arm  312  connected to first feedline segment  304 . First arm  312  initially extends in an inferior direction  314  along inner posterior surface  306  of shell  308  from first feedline segment  304 . A width  316  of first arm  312  may be substantially orthogonal to a faceplate  318  of hearing instrument  302 . 
     Antenna  300  also includes a second arm  320 . Second arm  320  is connected to second feedline segment  310  and initially extends in a superior direction  324  along inner posterior surface  306  of shell  308  from second feedline segment  310 . Second arm  320  includes a first lateral segment  322 , a superior segment  325 , and a second lateral segment  326 . First lateral segment  322  extends in superior direction  324  along the inner posterior surface  306  of shell  308 . Superior segment  325  extends in a sagittal direction  328  along an inner superior surface  330  of shell  308 . Second lateral segment  326  extends in inferior direction  314  along an inner anterior surface  332  of shell  308 . A width  334  of second arm  320  is substantially orthogonal to faceplate  318  of hearing instrument  302 . 
     In some examples, an inferior segment of first arm  312  and/or second arm  320  connects an inferior end of first arm  312  to an inferior end of second arm  320 . In other examples, first arm  312  and second arm  320  are separated, as shown in  FIG. 3A . Furthermore, in some examples, an inferior extremity of first arm  312  extends in the sagittal direction  328  but does not connect to second arm  320 ; or an inferior extremity of second arm  320  extends in the sagittal direction  328  but does not connect to first arm  312 . 
       FIG. 3B  is a conceptual diagram illustrating a version of the first example antenna  300  when folded flat, in accordance with one or more aspects of this disclosure. As shown in the example of  FIG. 3B , a combined length of first arm  312  and second arm  320  of antenna  300  may be in a range including 1.305 inches to 1.384 inches. For instance, the combined length  336  of first arm  312  and second arm  320  may be 1.305, 1.330, 1.345, or 1.384 inches. In some examples, the width  316  of first arm  312  and width  334  of second arm  320  may be in a range including 0.0486 inches to 0.1273 inches. For instance, the width of first arm  312  and width  334  of second arm  320  may be 0.0486, 0.088, 0.100, or 0.1273 inches. The solder pads (which may also be referred to as solder buckles) indicated in  FIG. 3B  and elsewhere in this disclosure may be used to solder or otherwise connect external parts to the antenna. 
       FIG. 4A  is a conceptual diagram illustrating an example antenna  400  for a hearing instrument  402 , in accordance with one or more aspects of this disclosure. In the example of  FIG. 4A , antenna  400  is connected to a first feedline segment  404  that extends laterally along an inner posterior surface  406  of a shell  408  of hearing instrument  402 . In addition, antenna  400  is connected to a second feedline segment  410  that extends laterally along the inner posterior surface  406  of shell  408 . First feedline segment  404  and second feedline segment  410  may be connected to internal electronic components of hearing instrument  402 , such as processor(s)  208 , power source  214 , and so on. Inner posterior surface  406  may be aligned with a posterior wall of a user&#39;s ear canal. 
     Antenna  400  comprises a first arm  412 . First arm  412  is connected to first feedline segment  404 . A width  414  of first arm  412  may be substantially orthogonal to a faceplate  416  of hearing instrument  402 . First arm  412  initially extends in an inferior direction  417  along inner posterior surface  406  of shell  408  from first feedline segment  404 . In the example of  FIG. 4A , first arm  412  includes a first lateral segment  418 , an inferior segment  420 , and a second lateral segment  422 . 
     First lateral segment  418  of first arm  412  extends in the inferior direction  417  along the inner posterior surface  406  of shell  408 . Inferior segment  420  of first arm  412  extends in a sagittal direction  424 . Second lateral segment  422  of first arm  412  extends in a superior direction  425  along an inner anterior surface  426  of shell  408 . Inner anterior surface  426  of shell  408  may be aligned with an anterior surface of the user&#39;s ear canal. 
     Antenna  400  comprises a second arm  428  that is connected to second feedline segment  410 . Second arm  428  initially extends in superior direction  425  along inner posterior surface  406  of shell  408  from second feedline segment  410 . A width  432  of second arm  428  is initially substantially orthogonal to faceplate  416  of hearing instrument  402 . 
     In the example of  FIG. 4A , second arm  428  comprises a lateral segment  434  and a superior segment  436 . Superior segment  436  extends along an inner superior surface  438  of shell  408  toward a medial end  440  of shell  408 . Inner superior surface  438  may be aligned with a superior surface of the user&#39;s ear canal. Lateral segment  434  is connected to a lateral end of second feedline segment  410  and extends from a lateral end of second feedline segment  410  in superior direction  425  along the inner posterior surface  406  of shell  408  and inner superior surface  438  of shell  408 . A superior end of lateral segment  434  connects to a lateral end of superior segment  436 . 
       FIG. 4B  is a conceptual diagram illustrating a version of the second example antenna  400  when folded flat, in accordance with one or more aspects of this disclosure. As shown in the example of  FIG. 4B , a length  442  of first arm  418  of antenna  400  may be in a range including 0.812 inches to 0.891 inches. For instance, a length  442  of first arm  418  may be 0.812, 0.850, 0.852, or 0.891 inches. A length  444  of lateral segment  434  of second arm  428  of antenna  400  may be in a range including 0.090 inches to 0.169 inches. For instance, a length  444  of lateral segment  434  of second arm  428  may be in a range including 0.090, 0.120, 0.130, or 0.169 inches. In some examples, the width  414  of first arm  418  and width  432  of second arm  428  may be in a range including 0.048 inches to 0.127 inches. For instance, width  414  of first arm  418  and width  432  of second arm  428  may be 0.048, 0.060, 0.088, or 0.127 inches. Furthermore, in some examples, a distance from a medial tip of superior segment  436  to a distal edge of superior segment  436  may be in a range including 0.351 inches to 0.430 inches. For instance, the distance from the medial tip of superior segment  436  to distal edge of superior segment  436  may be 0.351, 0.391, 0.400, or 0.430 inches. 
       FIG. 5A  is a conceptual diagram illustrating an example antenna  500  for a hearing instrument  502 , in accordance with one or more aspects of this disclosure. Antenna  500  is connected to a first feedline segment  504  extending laterally along an inner posterior surface  506  of a shell  508  of hearing instrument  502 . Antenna  500  is also connected to a second feedline segment  510  extending laterally along inner posterior surface  506  of shell  508 . First feedline segment  504  and second feedline segment  510  may be connected to internal electronic components of hearing instrument  502 , such as processor(s)  208 , power source  214 , and so on. Inner posterior surface  506  may be aligned with a posterior wall of a user&#39;s ear canal. 
     In the example of  FIG. 5A , antenna  500  comprises a first arm  512  connected to first feedline segment  504 . A width  514  of first arm  512  may be substantially orthogonal to a faceplate  516  of hearing instrument  502 . First arm  512  initially extends in an inferior direction  518  along inner posterior surface  506  of shell  508  from first feedline segment  504 . 
     Antenna  500  also includes a second arm  520  connected to second feedline segment  510 . Second arm  520  initially extends in a superior direction  522  along the inner posterior surface  506  of shell  508  from second feedline segment  510 . Second arm  520  includes a first lateral segment  524 , a superior segment  526 , and a second lateral segment  528 . First lateral segment  524  extends in the superior direction  522  along the inner posterior surface  506  of shell  508 . Superior segment  526  extends in a sagittal direction  530  along an inner superior surface  532  of shell  508 . The inner superior surface  532  may be aligned with a superior surface of the user&#39;s ear canal. 
     Second lateral segment  528  of second arm  520  extends in the inferior direction  518  along an inner anterior surface  534  of shell  508 . The inner anterior surface  534  of shell  508  may be aligned with an anterior surface of the user&#39;s ear canal. A width of second lateral segment  528  is greater in a superior portion  535  of second lateral segment  528  than an inferior portion  536  of second lateral segment  528 . The greater width of second lateral segment  528  may increase the surface currents of antenna  500  in a lateral direction  523  and medial direction  525  perpendicular to faceplate  516  of hearing instrument  502  relative to antenna designs where the width of second lateral segment  528  is the same throughout. The increased surface currents in the lateral direction  523  and medial direction  525  may increase the efficiency of antenna  500 . For example, increased surface currents in the lateral direction  523  and medial direction  525  may help direct and receive signals that propagate in a direction aligned with the user&#39;s ear canal. This may reduce head loading. 
     Furthermore, in the example of  FIG. 5A , second lateral segment  528  includes an inferior segment  538  that is connected to an inferior end  540  of second lateral segment  528  and extends in sagittal direction  530 . In some examples, a width of inferior segment  538  may be in a range including 0.048 inches to 0.127 inches. For instance, the width of inferior segment  538  may be 0.048, 0.088, 0.100, or 0.127 inches. 
       FIG. 5B  is a conceptual diagram illustrating a version of the third example antenna  500  when folded flat, in accordance with one or more aspects of this disclosure. In the example of  FIG. 5B , a total length  542  of first arm  512  of antenna  500  and second arm  520  of antenna  500  may be in a range including 1.300 inches to 1.733 inches. For instance, the total length  542  of first arm  512  and second arm  520  may be 1.300, 1.340, 1.602, or 1.733 inches. Furthermore, in the example of  FIG. 5B , a width  544  of both first arm  512  and second arm  520  may be in a range including 0.048 inches to 0.127 inches. For instance, a width  544  of both first arm  512  and second arm  520  may be in a range including 0.048, 0.052, 0.088, or 0.127 inches. A width  546  of the superior portion  535  of second lateral segment  528  may be in a range including 0.118 inches to 0.197 inches. For instance, the width  546  of superior portion  535  of second lateral segment  528  may be 0.118, 0.158, 0.167, or 0197 inches. In the example of  FIG. 5B , R.340 and R.070 indicate example hardness or softness of the corresponding curves. 
       FIG. 6A  is a conceptual diagram illustrating an example antenna  600  for a hearing instrument  602 , in accordance with one or more aspects of this disclosure. Antenna  600  is connected to a first feedline segment  604  extending laterally along an inner posterior surface  606  of a shell  608  of hearing instrument  602 . Antenna  600  is also connected to a second feedline segment  610  extending laterally along the inner posterior surface  606  of shell  608 . First feedline segment  604  and second feedline segment  610  may be connected to internal electronic components of hearing instrument  602 , such as processor(s)  208 , power source  214 , and so on. Inner posterior surface  606  may be aligned with a posterior wall of a user&#39;s ear canal. 
     In the example of  FIG. 6A , antenna  600  includes a first arm  612  connected to first feedline segment  604 . A width  614  of first arm  612  is substantially orthogonal to a faceplate  616  of hearing instrument  602 . First arm  612  initially extends in an inferior direction  618  along inner posterior surface  606  of shell  608  from first feedline segment  604 . Furthermore, in the example of  FIG. 6A , first arm  612  further includes a first lateral segment  620 , an inferior segment  622 , and a second lateral segment  624 . First lateral segment  620  of first arm  612  extends along inner posterior surface  606  of shell  608 . Inferior segment  622  of first arm  612  extends in a sagittal direction  626 . 
     Second lateral segment  624  of first arm  612  extends along an inner anterior surface  630  of shell  608 . The inner anterior surface  630  of shell  608  may be aligned with an anterior surface of the user&#39;s ear canal. A width of second lateral segment  624  of first arm  612  is greater in a middle portion  634  of second lateral segment  624  than an inferior portion  636  of second lateral segment  624  and a superior portion  638  of second lateral segment  624 . The greater width of middle portion  634  of second lateral segment  624  may increase the surface currents of antenna  600  in a lateral direction  623  and medial direction  625  perpendicular to faceplate  616  of hearing instrument  602  relative to antenna designs where the width of middle portion  634  is the same as widths of inferior portion  636  and superior portion  638 . The increased surface currents in the lateral direction  623  and medial direction  625  may increase the efficiency of antenna  600 . For example, increased surface currents in the lateral direction  623  and medial direction  625  may help direct and receive signals that propagate in a direction aligned with the user&#39;s ear canal. This may reduce head loading. 
     Antenna  600  also includes a second arm  640  connected to second feedline segment  610 . Second arm  640  initially extends in a superior direction  642  along inner posterior surface  606  of shell  608  from second feedline segment  610 . 
     In the example of  FIG. 6A , second arm  640  comprises a lateral segment  644  and a superior segment  646 . Superior segment  646  extends along an inner superior surface  648  of shell  608  toward a medial end  650  of shell  608 . The inner superior surface  648  may be aligned with a superior surface of the user&#39;s ear canal. Lateral segment  644  is connected to a lateral end of second feedline segment  610  and extends from the lateral end of second feedline segment  610  in superior direction  642  along inner posterior surface  606  of shell  608  and the inner superior surface  648  of shell  608 . A superior end of lateral segment  644  connects to a lateral end of superior segment  646 . 
       FIG. 6B  is a conceptual diagram illustrating a version of the fourth example antenna  600  when folded flat, in accordance with one or more aspects of this disclosure. In the example of  FIG. 6B , superior portion  638  may taper to a width  652  in a range that includes 0.062 inches to 0.141 inches. For instance, superior portion  638  may taper to a width  652  of 0.102, 0.124, 0.129, or 0.141 inches. Middle portion  634  has a maximum width  654  (which in the example of  FIG. 6B  is shown as a height) in a range that includes 0.138 inches to 0.217 inches with an example curve of R.080 at a peak of the curve of middle portion  634 . For instance, middle portion  634  may have a maximum width  654  of 0.138, 0.142, 0.178, or 0.217 inches. Furthermore, in some examples, a distance from a medial tip of superior segment  646  to a distal edge of superior segment  436  may be in a range including 0.351 inches to 0.430 inches. For instance, the distance from the medial tip of superior segment  646  to the distal edge of superior segment  436  may be 0.351, 0.391, 0.400, or 0.430 inches. 
       FIG. 7A  is a conceptual diagram illustrating an example antenna  700  for a hearing instrument  700 , in accordance with one or more aspects of this disclosure. Antenna  700  is connected to a first feedline segment  704  extending laterally along an inner posterior surface  706  of a shell  708  of hearing instrument  702 . Antenna  700  is also connected to a second feedline segment  710  extending laterally along the inner posterior surface  706  of shell  708 . First feedline segment  704  and second feedline segment  710  may be connected to internal electronic components of hearing instrument  702 , such as processor(s)  208 , power source  214 , and so on. Inner posterior surface  706  may be aligned with a posterior wall of a user&#39;s ear canal. 
     In the example of  FIG. 7A , antenna  700  includes a first arm  712  connected to first feedline segment  704 . A width  714  of first arm  712  is substantially orthogonal to a faceplate  716  of hearing instrument  702 . First arm  712  initially extends in an inferior direction  718  along inner posterior surface  706  of shell  708  from first feedline segment  704 . 
     In the example of  FIG. 7A , first arm  712  further includes a first lateral segment  720 , an inferior segment  722 , and a second lateral segment  724 . First lateral segment  720  of first arm  712  extends along inner posterior surface  706  of shell  708 . Inferior segment  722  of first arm  712  extends in a sagittal direction  726 . 
     Second lateral segment  724  of antenna  700  extends along an inner anterior surface  728  of shell  708 . The inner anterior surface  728  of shell  708  may be aligned with an anterior surface of the user&#39;s ear canal. Second lateral segment  724  has a first sub-arm  760 , a second sub-arm  762 , and a common section  764  inferior to a meeting point  766  of first sub-arm  760  and second sub-arm  762 . First sub-arm  760  extends in a superior direction  742  from meeting point  766  along the inner anterior surface  728  of shell  708 . Second sub-arm  762  extends at least initially in a medial direction  765  from meeting point  766  along the inner anterior surface  728  of shell  708 . Thus, second sub-arm  762  may extend in a direction perpendicular to faceplate  716 . In some examples, second sub-arm  762  may be at a position corresponding to a user&#39;s tragus. 
     Inclusion of second sub-arm  762  may increase the surface currents of antenna  700  in the lateral direction  767  and medial direction  765  perpendicular to faceplate  716  of hearing instrument  702  relative to antenna designs that omit second sub-arm  762 . The increased surface currents in the lateral direction  767  and medial direction  765  may increase the efficiency of antenna  700 . For example, increased surface currents in the lateral direction  767  and medial direction  765  may help direct and receive signals that propagate in a direction aligned with the user&#39;s ear canal. This may reduce head loading. Inclusion of a sub-arm, such as second sub-arm  762 , that extends medially may force the surface current(s) to have a perpendicular direction of distribution. This may help to enhance the antenna efficiency and thus wireless performance. In addition, adding meander lines to both arms (e.g., as shown in the examples of  FIGS. 7C, 7D, and 7E ) may enable a wider range to tune the antennas by controlling the spacing of the meander line gap. 
     Antenna  700  also includes a second arm  740  connected to second feedline segment  710 . Second arm  740  initially extends in superior direction  742  along inner posterior surface  706  of shell  708  from second feedline segment  710 . In the example of  FIG. 7A , second arm  740  comprises a lateral segment  744  and a superior segment  746 . Superior segment  746  extends along an inner superior surface  748  of shell  708  toward a medial end  750  of shell  708 . Lateral segment  744  is connected to a lateral end of second feedline segment  710  and extends from the lateral end of second feedline segment  710  in superior direction  742  along inner posterior surface  706  of shell  708  and inner superior surface  748  of shell  708 . A superior end of lateral segment  744  connects to a lateral end of superior segment  746 . 
       FIG. 7B  is a conceptual diagram illustrating a version of the fifth example antenna  700  when folded flat, in accordance with one or more aspects of this disclosure. In the example of  FIG. 7B , a width  770  of first arm  712  of antenna  700  may be in a range including 0.048 to 0.127 inches. For instance, the width  770  of first arm  712  may 0.048, 0.052, 0.088, or 0.120 inches. A length  772  of first arm  712  may be in a range including 0.812 to 0.891 inches. For instance, the length  772  of first arm  712  may be 0.812, 0.852, 0.856, or 0891 inches. A total length  774  of a length of first arm  712  plus a length of lateral segment  744  of second arm  740  may be in a range including 1.138 inches to 1.217 inches. For instance, the total length  774  of the length of first arm  712  plus the length of lateral segment  744  of second arm  740  may be 1.138, 1.201, 1.187, or 1.200 inches. A distance  776  from a medial tip of superior segment  746  to a distal edge of second arm  740  may be in a range including 0.351 inches to 0.430 inches. For instance, the distance  776  from the medial tip of superior segment  746  to the distal edge of second arm  740  may be 0.351, 0.391, 0.401, or 0.430 inches. A distance  778  from first feedline segment  704  to second sub-arm  762  may be in a range including 0.560 inches to 0.639 inches. For instance, the distance  762  from first feedline segment  704  to second sub-arm  762  may be 0.560, 0.565, 0.600, or 0.639 inches. A distance  779  from a medial tip of second sub-arm  762  to first arm  712  may be in a range including 0.185 inches to 0.264 inches. For instance, the distance  779  from the medial tip of second sub-arm  762  to first arm  712  may be 0.185, 0.225, 0.260, or 0.264 inches. A width of second sub-arm  762  may be in a range including 0.015 inches to 0.094 inches. For instance, the width of second sub-arm  762  may be in 0.015, 0.055 inches, 0.060, or 0.094 inches. 
       FIG. 7C  is a conceptual diagram illustrating a version of the fifth example antenna  780  when folded flat with a meandered superior segment  782  and a meandered second sub-arm  784 , in accordance with one or more aspects of this disclosure. Other aspects of antenna  780  may be the same as antenna  700 . 
       FIG. 7D  is a conceptual diagram illustrating example details of the meandered superior segment  782  of the fifth example antenna  780 , in accordance with one or more aspects of this disclosure. As shown in the example of  FIG. 7D , a maximum width of superior segment  782  may be in a range including 0.046 inches to 0.125 inches. For instance, the maximum width of superior segment  782  may be 0.046, 0.086, 0.100, or 0.125 inches. A width  783  of the notches in superior segment  782  may be in a range including 0.010 inches to 0.020 inches. For instance, the width  783  of the notches in superior segment  782  may be 0.011, 0.015, 0.016, or 0.017 inches. 
       FIG. 7E  is a conceptual diagram illustrating example details of the meandered second sub-arm  784  of the fifth example antenna  780 , in accordance with one or more aspects of this disclosure. As shown in the example of  FIG. 7E , a maximum width of second sub-arm  784  may be in a range including 0.005 inches to 0.084 inches. For instance, the maximum width of second sub-arm  784  may be in 0.005, 0.045, 0.050, or 0.084 inches. A width  785  of the notches in second sub-arm  784  may be in a range including 0.010 inches to 0.020 inches. For instance, the width  785  of the notches in second sub-arm  784  may be 0.010, 0.015, 0.016, or 0.020 inches. A depth of the notches in second sub-arm  784  may be in a range including 0.005 inches to 0.084 inches. For instance, the depth of the notches in second sub-arm  784  may be 0.005, 0.045, 0.047, 0.049, or 0.084 inches. A distance  786  between notches in second sub-arm  784  may be in a range including 0.015 inches to 0.094 inches. For instance, the distance  786  between notches in second sub-arm  784  may be in 0.015, 0.055, 0.060, 0.062, or 0.094 inches. 
       FIG. 8A  is a conceptual diagram illustrating an example antenna  800  of a hearing instrument  802 , in accordance with one or more aspects of this disclosure. In the example of  FIG. 8A , antenna  800  is connected to a first feedline segment  804  that extends laterally along an inner posterior surface  806  of a shell  808  of hearing instrument  802 . In addition, antenna  800  is connected to a second feedline segment  810  that extends laterally along the inner posterior surface  806  of shell  808 . First feedline segment  804  and second feedline segment  810  may be connected to internal electronic components of hearing instrument  802 , such as processor(s)  208 , power source  214 , and so on. Inner posterior surface  806  may be aligned with a posterior wall of a user&#39;s ear canal. 
     Antenna  800  comprises a first arm  812 . First arm  812  is connected to first feedline segment  804 . A width  814  of first arm  812  is substantially orthogonal to a faceplate  816  of hearing instrument  802 . First arm  812  initially extends in an inferior direction  818  along inner posterior surface  806  of shell  808  from first feedline segment  804 . 
     First arm  812  further includes a first lateral segment  820 , an inferior segment  822 , and a second lateral segment  824 . First lateral segment  820  of first arm  812  extends along inner posterior surface  806  of shell  808 . Inferior segment  822  of first arm  712  extends in a sagittal direction  826 . Second lateral segment  824  of first arm  812  extends in a superior direction  828  along an inner anterior surface  830  of shell  808 . 
     Antenna  800  also includes a second arm  840  connected to second feedline segment  810 . Second arm  840  initially extends in a superior direction  828  along inner posterior surface  806  of shell  808  from second feedline segment  810 . In the example of  FIG. 8A , second arm  840  comprises a lateral segment  844  and a superior segment  846 . Superior segment  846  extends along an inner superior surface  848  of shell  808  toward a medial end  850  of shell  808 . Lateral segment  844  is connected to a lateral end of second feedline segment  810  and extends from the lateral end of second feedline segment  810  in superior direction  828  along inner posterior surface  806  of shell  808  and the inner superior surface  848  of shell  808 . A superior end of lateral segment  844  connects to a lateral end of superior segment  846 . 
     As shown in the example of  FIG. 8A , superior segment  846  is meandered. A level of meandering of superior segment  846  may be used to tune antenna  800  to a specific frequency. The meandering of superior segment  846  may result in a greater flow of surface currents through in antenna  800  relative a non-meandered version of antenna. Furthermore, meandering of superior segment  846  may increase the surface current of antenna  800  in a lateral direction  865  and medial direction  864  perpendicular to faceplate  816  of hearing instrument  802  relative to antenna designs where superior segment  846  is not meandered. The increased surface currents in the lateral direction  865  and medial direction  864  may increase the efficiency of antenna  800 . For example, increased surface currents in the lateral direction  865  and medial direction  864  may help direct and receive signals that propagate in a direction aligned with the user&#39;s ear canal. This may reduce head loading. Inclusion of a segment, such as superior segment  846 , that extends medially may force the surface current(s) to have a perpendicular direction of distribution. This may help to enhance the antenna efficiency and thus wireless performance. In addition, adding meander lines to both arms (e.g., as shown in the examples of  FIGS. 8A and 8B ) may enable a wider range to tune the antennas by controlling the spacing of the meander line gap. 
     In some examples, superior segment  436  of antenna  400  ( FIG. 4A ), superior segment  646  of antenna  600  ( FIG. 6A ) and/or the superior segment  746  of antenna  700  ( FIG. 7A ) is meandered in the same manner as superior segment  846  of antenna  800  ( FIG. 8A ). 
     In each of the examples of  FIGS. 3A, 3B, 4A, 4B, 5A, 5B, 6A, 6B, 7A, 7B, 8A , and  8 B, the antennas may be designed to operate in accordance with a Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) standard. BLE frequencies are approximately 2.4 GHz. Furthermore, in each of the examples of  FIGS. 3A, 3B, 4A, 4B, 5A, 5B, 6A, 6B, 7A, 7B, 8A, and 8B , the inner posterior surface and the inner anterior surfaces are instances of inner lateral surfaces of the shells. In alternative versions of each of the examples of  FIGS. 3A, 3B, 4A, 4B, 5A, 5B, 6A, 6B, 7A, 7B, 8A, and 8B , the inner posterior and anterior surfaces may be switched, such that the feedline segments extend along the inner anterior surfaces of the shells instead of the inner posterior surfaces of the shells. Furthermore, in the examples of  FIG. 3A  through  FIG. 8B , the antennas may be constructed from one or more metallic strips. For example, the antennas may be constructed from copper with a protective polymer coating. The metallic strips may initially be flat and may be bend and folded during assembly of the hearing instruments. In some examples, the metallic strips may be formed using techniques, such as  3 D printing, for forming electrical traces on the shells of the hearing instruments. 
       FIG. 8B  is a conceptual diagram illustrating a version of the sixth example antenna  800  when folded flat, in accordance with one or more aspects of this disclosure. Parts of antenna  800  having corresponding parts in antenna  700  may have the same dimensions as shown in  FIG. 7B  and  FIG. 7D . 
       FIG. 9  is a flowchart illustrating an example method of manufacturing a hearing instrument, in accordance with one or more techniques of this disclosure. Methods of manufacturing the hearing instrument (e.g., hearing instrument  102 A,  102 B) may include additional steps beyond those shown in the example of  FIG. 9 . 
     In the example of  FIG. 9 , a first terminal may be connected to a first feedline segment extending laterally along an inner lateral surface of a shell of the hearing instrument ( 900 ). The first terminal may be a terminal of a lead connected to one or more electronic components of the hearing instrument, such as a digital to analog converter, an amplification circuit, etc. 
     Furthermore, in the example of  FIG. 9 , a second terminal may be connected to a second feedline segment extending laterally along the inner lateral surface of the shell of the hearing instrument ( 902 ). The first terminal may be a terminal of a lead connected to one or more electronic components of the hearing instrument, such as a digital to analog converter, amplification circuit, etc. The antenna may be implemented in accordance with any of the examples provided in this disclosure. For instance, the antenna may comprise a first arm connected to the first feedline segment and initially extending in an inferior direction, along the inner lateral surface of the shell, from the first feedline segment. The antenna may also comprise a second arm connected to the second feedline segment and initially extending in a superior direction, along the inner lateral surface of the shell, from the second feedline segment. 
     In this disclosure, ordinal terms such as “first,” “second,” “third,” and so on, are not necessarily indicators of positions within an order, but rather may be used to distinguish different instances of the same thing. Examples provided in this disclosure may be used together, separately, or in various combinations. Furthermore, with respect to examples that involve personal data regarding a user, it may be required that such personal data only be used with the permission of the user. 
     It is to be recognized that depending on the example, certain acts or events of any of the techniques described herein can be performed in a different sequence, may be added, merged, or left out altogether (e.g., not all described acts or events are necessary for the practice of the techniques). Moreover, in certain examples, acts or events may be performed concurrently, e.g., through multi-threaded processing, interrupt processing, or multiple processors, rather than sequentially. 
     In one or more examples, the functions described may be implemented in hardware, software, firmware, or any combination thereof. If implemented in software, the functions may be stored on or transmitted over, as one or more instructions or code, a computer-readable medium and executed by a hardware-based processing unit. Computer-readable media may include computer-readable storage media, which corresponds to a tangible medium such as data storage media, or communication media including any medium that facilitates transfer of a computer program from one place to another, e.g., according to a communication protocol. In this manner, computer-readable media generally may correspond to (1) tangible computer-readable storage media which is non-transitory or (2) a communication medium such as a signal or carrier wave. Data storage media may be any available media that can be accessed by one or more computers or one or more processing circuits to retrieve instructions, code and/or data structures for implementation of the techniques described in this disclosure. A computer program product may include a computer-readable medium. 
     By way of example, and not limitation, such computer-readable storage media can comprise RAM, ROM, EEPROM, CD-ROM or other optical disk storage, magnetic disk storage, or other magnetic storage devices, flash memory, cache memory, or any other medium that can be used to store desired program code in the form of instructions or data structures and that can be accessed by a computer. Also, any connection is properly termed a computer-readable medium. For example, if instructions are transmitted from a website, server, or other remote source using a coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, twisted pair, digital subscriber line (DSL), or wireless technologies such as infrared, radio, and microwave, then the coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, twisted pair, DSL, or wireless technologies such as infrared, radio, and microwave are included in the definition of medium. It should be understood, however, that computer-readable storage media and data storage media do not include connections, carrier waves, signals, or other transient media, but are instead directed to non-transient, tangible storage media. Disk and disc, as used herein, includes compact disc (CD), laser disc, optical disc, digital versatile disc (DVD), floppy disk and Blu-ray disc, where disks usually reproduce data magnetically, while discs reproduce data optically with lasers. Combinations of the above should also be included within the scope of computer-readable media. 
     Functionality described in this disclosure may be performed by fixed function and/or programmable processing circuitry. For instance, instructions may be executed by fixed function and/or programmable processing circuitry. Such processing circuitry may include one or more processors, such as one or more digital signal processors (DSPs), general purpose microprocessors, application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field programmable logic arrays (FPGAs), or other equivalent integrated or discrete logic circuitry. Accordingly, the term “processor,” as used herein may refer to any of the foregoing structure or any other structure suitable for implementation of the techniques described herein. In addition, in some aspects, the functionality described herein may be provided within dedicated hardware and/or software modules. Also, the techniques could be fully implemented in one or more circuits or logic elements. Processing circuits may be coupled to other components in various ways. For example, a processing circuit may be coupled to other components via an internal device interconnect, a wired or wireless network connection, or another communication medium. 
     The techniques of this disclosure may be implemented in a wide variety of devices or apparatuses, an integrated circuit (IC) or a set of ICs (e.g., a chip set). Various components, modules, or units are described in this disclosure to emphasize functional aspects of devices configured to perform the disclosed techniques, but do not necessarily require realization by different hardware units. Rather, as described above, various units may be combined in a hardware unit or provided by a collection of interoperative hardware units, including one or more processors as described above, in conjunction with suitable software and/or firmware. 
     Various examples have been described. These and other examples are within the scope of the following claims.