Patent Description:
As the market for 'Receiver in the Ear' (RITE) hearing devices, in particular for hearing aids (HA's), increases, even more RITE modules with different receivers, included in a so-called speaker unit, will come to co-exist in the coming years. A strategy for identifying and distinguishing these RITE modules is needed to ensure that future HA solutions will not impose damage and/or distorted sound and/or produce uncomfortable, i.e. too loud, or too weak, sound levels to the end user in case of attaching to a hearing device a wrong speaker unit, e.g. one with a higher or lower sensitivity than expected during fitting. A mechanical differentiation between different modules is possible, e.g. by having different connectors with different mechanical properties, e.g. form factors, is possible. Such solution is, however, not attractive due to cost of production and the complexity of handling of several different variants of 'the same' component/module.

In practice, each speaker unit will have different physical properties, e.g. frequency response, depending firstly on receiver type and secondly on product variations within a given type. Knowledge of the exact properties, in particular but not limited to the frequency response, of a given receiver can be used to obtain a more precise amplification, possibly without requiring that the type is known in advance. Knowledge of the properties of a particular receiver is useful not only in a hearing device where the receiver is located in a separate body but also in a hearing aid, where the receiver is implemented in the hearing aid-body, e.g. in the same housing as a processing unit.

Document <CIT> and <CIT> disclose a hearing aid having circuitry operable to provide a wireless or wired call signal to an electronic ID tag in the receiver of the hearing aid. The ID tag comprises a very small IC with an antenna or electrical connectors, which may be contacted and provide a signal wherein a unique identification coder or other information is embedded. Document <CIT> discloses an electronic apparatus including a common interface capable of being connected via an adaptor to a peripheral device. Document <CIT> discloses a hearing aid assembly comprising a Receiver-in-canal part provided with electronics. The electronics provided in the Receiver-in-canal part are arranged to perform functions that are less suited to be performed by a Digital Signal Processor in the hearing aid body placed behind the ear of the wearer.

The present disclosure provides at least an alternative to the prior art.

The present disclosure relates to hearing devices having speaker units that may be removably attached to the hearing devices, i.e. attached and later detached. This may be useful for various reasons. As a user may need to replace a speaker unit with a similar speaker unit or have a replacement speaker unit with different characteristics, e.g. a larger/smaller receiver, longer connection member. In the present context, the speaker unit is meant to be a unit including at least a receiver, a connection member having a conducting element and a connector for connecting to a hearing device.

According to an aspect, the present invention provides a hearing aid device according to claim <NUM>.

The detachable speaker unit comprises a speaker unit input transducer. This is a microphone unit having its primary sound reception directed at the ambient surroundings of the user during use, or having its primary sound reception directed at the ear canal of the user, e.g. so as to pick up own voice of the user and/or detect signal used for feedback compensation and/or reducing occlusion effects or any other purpose. Even further, the detachable speaker unit may further comprises additional speaker unit input transducers, e.g. so that the detachable speaker unit comprises a combination of one or more input transducers picking up ambient sound and one or more input transducers picking up sound from the ear canal. The signal from the one or more input transducers are then forwarded to an appropriate processor for sound processing or other processing.

The memory unit may be configured to provide the stored data to the hearing device upon receiving an interrogation signal from the hearing device. This may e.g. be when the hearing device is powered on, or when the hearing device detects that the detachable speaker unit is attached while the hearing device is powered on, or at any time during use of the hearing device.

The memory unit may be constituted by a micro EEPROM. This could allow the memory unit to have a suitable size for arrangement in the connector.

According to the invention, the memory unit stores microphone data, transducer-size, and output transducer calibration data. This will allow the hearing instrument to retrieve relevant data at any point in time as discussed above. The memory unit may further be configured to store information relating to right/left identification, length of connecting element, and/or a unique identifier, or any combination hereof.

The hearing device connector comprises a slot and the connector part of the detachable speaker unit comprises a tab mating the slot, the connector part comprises a plurality of contact regions and the hearing device connector comprises a corresponding number of connector arms. The plurality of contact regions constitutes the set of contact pins.

The hearing device connector may comprise a plurality of sockets and the connector part of the detachable speaker unit comprises a corresponding plurality of mating pins. Advantageously the hearing device may be a hearing aid.

In another aspect the present invention provides a detachable speaker unit according to claim <NUM>.

The speaker unit comprises an input transducer. This is a microphone unit having its primary sound reception directed at the ambient surroundings of the user during use, or having its primary sound reception directed at the ear canal of the user, e.g. so as to pick up own voice of the user and/or detect signal used for feedback compensation and/or reducing occlusion effects or any other purpose. Even further, the detachable speaker unit may further comprises additional speaker unit input transducers, e.g. so that the detachable speaker unit comprises a combination of one or more input transducers picking up ambient sound and one or more input transducers picking up sound from the ear canal. The signal from the one or more input transducers are then forwarded to an appropriate processor for sound processing or other processing.

According to the invention, the memory unit stores microphone data, output transducer-size, and output transducer calibration data. This will allow the hearing instrument to retrieve relevant data at any point in time as discussed above. The memory unit may further be configured to store information relating to right/left identification, length of connecting element, and/or a unique identifier, or any combination hereof.

The connector part comprises a tab configured to be received in a slot of the hearing device connector part, the hearing device connector part comprises a plurality of contact regions and the hearing device connector comprises a corresponding number of connector arms. The hearing device connector may comprises a plurality of sockets and the connector part of the detachable speaker unit comprises a corresponding plurality of mating pins.

The detachable speaker unit is advantageously configured to use with a hearing aid.

However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that these concepts may be practised without these specific details.

A hearing device may include a hearing aid that is adapted to improve or augment the hearing capability of a user by receiving an acoustic signal from a user's surroundings, generating a corresponding audio signal, possibly modifying the audio signal and providing the possibly modified audio signal as an audible signal to at least one of the user's ears. Such audible signals may be provided in the form of an acoustic signal radiated into the user's outer ear.

The hearing device is adapted to be worn by arranging a unit of the hearing device behind the ear with a receiver/ loudspeaker arranged close to or in the ear canal such as in a Behind-the-Ear type hearing aid.

A "hearing system" refers to a system comprising one or two hearing devices, and a "binaural hearing system" refers to a system comprising two hearing devices where the devices are adapted to cooperatively provide audible signals to both of the user's ears. The hearing system or binaural hearing system may further include auxiliary device(s) that communicates with at least one hearing device, the auxiliary device affecting the operation of the hearing devices and/or benefitting from the functioning of the hearing devices. A wired or wireless communication link between the at least one hearing device and the auxiliary device is established that allows for exchanging information (e.g. control and status signals, possibly audio signals) between the at least one hearing device and the auxiliary device. Such auxiliary devices may include at least one of remote controls, remote microphones, audio gateway devices, mobile phones, public-address systems, car audio systems or music players or a combination thereof. The audio gateway is adapted to receive a multitude of audio signals such as from an entertainment device like a TV or a music player, a telephone apparatus like a mobile telephone or a computer, a PC. The audio gateway is further adapted to select and/or combine an appropriate one of the received audio signals (or combination of signals) for transmission to the at least one hearing device. The remote control is adapted to control functionality and operation of the at least one hearing devices. The function of the remote control may be implemented in a SmartPhone or other electronic device, the SmartPhone/ electronic device possibly running an application that controls functionality of the at least one hearing device.

In general, a hearing device includes i) an input unit such as a microphone for receiving an acoustic signal from a user's surroundings and providing a corresponding input audio signal, and/or ii) a receiving unit for electronically receiving an input audio signal. The hearing device further includes a signal processing unit for processing the input audio signal and an output unit for providing an audible signal to the user in dependence on the processed audio signal.

The input unit may include multiple input microphones, e.g. for providing direction-dependent audio signal processing. Such directional microphone system is adapted to enhance a target acoustic source among a multitude of acoustic sources in the user's environment. In one aspect, the directional system is adapted to detect (such as adaptively detect) from which direction a particular part of the microphone signal originates. This may be achieved by using conventionally known methods. The signal processing unit may include amplifier that is adapted to apply a frequency dependent gain to the input audio signal. The signal processing unit may further be adapted to provide other relevant functionality such as compression, noise reduction, etc. The output unit may include an output transducer such as a loudspeaker/ receiver for providing an air-borne acoustic signal transcutaneously or percutaneously to the skull bone or a vibrator for providing a structure-borne or liquid-borne acoustic signal. In some hearing devices, the output unit may include one or more output electrodes for providing the electric signals such as in a Cochlear Implant.

Now referring to <FIG>, which schematically illustrates a hearing device <NUM> having a connector part <NUM> configured to establish contact to a mating connector part <NUM> of a speaker unit <NUM>. The hearing device <NUM> comprises an input transducer, not illustrated here, for receiving ambient sound and converting it to an electrical signal. The electrical signal is processed in the hearing device <NUM> by a signal processor, not illustrated, so as to compensate for a users hearing loss. The processor provides an processed signal. The processing usually comprises one or more of frequency dependent amplification, frequency transpositioning, frequency compression, filtering etc..

The speaker unit <NUM> comprises a receiver <NUM>, which is configured to be positioned at or at least partly in an ear canal of a user. The receiver <NUM> provides an acoustical output signal based on the processed signal. A connecting element <NUM> connects the connector part <NUM> and the receiver <NUM>. The connecting element <NUM> comprises a number of conductors. As illustrated later the number of conductors could be three, or even more.

As there is no standard size ears for humans, a variety of lengths of connecting element <NUM> may be provided, e.g. as a set of connecting elements <NUM> from which a best match is chosen. Further, not all users have the same need for types of receiver <NUM>, some users may need a high sound pressure level in order to hear, whereas others does not require the same level.

For ensuring that the hearing device <NUM> outputs a suitable signal to the user, a paring of the speaker unit <NUM> and the hearing device <NUM> is advantageous. For this purpose a memory device <NUM>, here in the form of a micro-EEPROM is provided. The memory device <NUM> is illustrated as being positioned in the connector part <NUM>, i.e. the plug, as it reduces the need for additional conductors in the connecting element <NUM> needed to communicate with the memory device <NUM> to/from the hearing device <NUM>.

When the speaker unit <NUM> is attached to the hearing device <NUM>, the electrical connection via the connecting element <NUM> enables the hearing device <NUM> to read from the memory unit <NUM>. Besides providing identification information, such as speaker type, and possibly left/right speaker unit identification, the memory unit <NUM> is able to store information regarding speaker unit size and/or wire length, receiver calibration data, e.g. specifically measured transfer function/frequency response for the particular speaker unit, microphone data to improve directional performance. These data may be read by the hearing device <NUM> from the memory device <NUM>. The data may be read each time the hearing device <NUM> is powered on, but if the hearing device <NUM> is able to detect that the speaker unit <NUM> has been detached in the period where the hearing device <NUM> was not in operation, the need to read the data is lessened. The hearing device <NUM> preferably stores the last know speaker unit <NUM> connected to the hearing device <NUM>. The hearing device <NUM> may then only confirm the identity of the speaker unit, e.g. by reading only part of the data stored in the memory device, thereby shortening the time needed to read data. This could for instance be unique identification data.

By the hearing device <NUM> knowing specifics about the receiver <NUM> the processor is able to more accurately take into considerations about the transfer function of that particular receiver <NUM>, thereby increasing the acoustic performance for the user.

The memory device <NUM> is a single-wired, I/O powered serial EEPROM which is configured so that it will not take up much space in the connector part <NUM>. Compared to a plug not having such a memory device, the plug, connector part <NUM>, needs at least one extra pin so that the data may be accessed. The memory device <NUM> may be positioned at the other end of the spear unit <NUM>, i.e. near the receiver <NUM>. This, however, requires an extra wire in the connecting element <NUM>.

<FIG> is a schematic illustration of a connector part <NUM> having three contact pins <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM>. The contact pins <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM> are formed so as to mate with corresponding socket in a hearing device. Corresponding litz wires are arranged in the connecting element <NUM>.

<FIG> is a schematic illustration of a connector part <NUM>, where a tab <NUM> extends or projects from the connector <NUM>. The tab <NUM> is shown as having a partial rectangular geometry, but other geometries could be envisioned. The tab <NUM> may be characterized as a strip of material extending or projecting from the connector. The tab <NUM> have electrically conductive areas <NUM> and <NUM> on two sides. In other cases, the tab <NUM> includes only electrically conductive areas on one side. The tab <NUM> is here a printed circuit board. <FIG> is a schematic zoomed view where part of the tab <NUM> inside the connector part <NUM>. In <FIG> it is seen that part of the tab <NUM> extends perpendicular to a surface <NUM> of the connector part <NUM>.

<FIG> further schematically illustrates that the hearing device <NUM> comprises a socket <NUM> having a number of conducting arms, here seen with the reference numerals <NUM> and <NUM>, configured to establish electrical connection to the electrically conductive areas <NUM> and <NUM>. The number of conducting arms match the number of conductive areas, however, in case the conductive areas on the tab are only present on one side the number of conducting arms in the socket may be either the same or double, so that the tab could be inserted in either orientation. Presently it is preferred that there is only one way of inserting the plug into the socket. The conducting arms <NUM> and <NUM> act as spring-like elements which are pressed into a firm position when then tab <NUM> is inserted. When not loaded by the presence of a tab <NUM>, the conducting arms <NUM> and <NUM> have some degree of movement, limited by a grating or combed structure ensuring that the arms do not move into a neighboring area.

On the tab <NUM>, a memory device <NUM> is positioned. The part of the tab <NUM> including the memory device <NUM> is embedded in a plastic part constituting the main part of the connector part <NUM>. Litz wires are attached to the tab <NUM> to establish electrical connection to a receiver.

<FIG> schematically illustrate the inside of a plug or connector part of the same type as illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>. Here three contact pins <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM> are fixated by a part <NUM> made from plastic. Other non-conductive/electrically insulating material may be used.

A PCB <NUM>, printed circuit board, holds the contact pins <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM>. The contact pins <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM> are connected to respective litz wire <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>. The litz wires <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> are coated to protect and keep the wires assembled. A memory device <NUM> is attached to one side of the PCB <NUM>. Here it is shown that the memory device <NUM> is attached opposite the side facing the hearing device during use. It is possible to place the memory device elsewhere, e.g. at the side near the hearing device during use.

Claim 1:
A hearing aid device (<NUM>, <NUM>) comprising:
a hearing aid device housing to be arranged behind the ear of a user, the hearing aid device (<NUM>, <NUM>) including an input transducer, a signal processor adapted to process signal from the input transducer to compensate for the user's hearing loss, a hearing device connector (<NUM>, <NUM>), and wherein the hearing device connector comprises a slot
a detachable speaker unit (<NUM>) comprising:
a connector part (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>), the connector part of the detachable speaker unit comprises a tab mating the slot, the connector part comprising a plurality of contact regions and the hearing device connector comprises a corresponding number of connector arms, wherein the tab projects from the connector,
a connecting element (<NUM>, <NUM>) having an electrically conductive member, the connecting element (<NUM>, <NUM>) connected to the connector part (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>),
a speaker unit housing (<NUM>) configured to be positioned at least partly in the ear canal of the user, an output transducer included in the speaker unit housing (<NUM>), the output transducer being configured to provide an acoustic signal based on the processed signal from the signal processor, the speaker unit housing (<NUM>) being connected to the connecting element (<NUM>, <NUM>),
a memory unit (<NUM>, <NUM>) arranged in the connector part (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>), the memory unit (<NUM>, <NUM>) stores microphone data, output transducer-size, and output transducer calibration data, wherein the detachable speaker unit (<NUM>) further comprises a microphone.