Patent Description:
Users of hearing devices have the option to choose between different acoustical coupling systems. In so called Receiver-In-the-Canal (RIC) devices the loudspeaker also referred to as receiver is worn in the ear-canal of the user. The receiver is connected to a controller module which is typically worn behind the ear. The receiver can be comprised in a custom made earpiece or in a dome. Domes are the bell-shaped earpieces at the end of the tube. Depending on the hearing loss and the preferences the user can choose in a range from open to closed domes or a custom earpiece referring to the degree by which a vent hole in the earpiece is open. In the context of this invention an earpiece, which comprises a receiver is referred to as a receiver module.

The mechanical properties of the vent hole in the earpiece strongly influence the occlusion effect and the low frequency amplitude on the eardrum. An open vent has the benefits of less occlusion. The vibration of a person's own voice is reduced.

A closed vent on the other hand has the benefit of a higher low frequency amplitude and is considered beneficial especially when listening to music.

Some receivers have an active vent control. This means a control signal can open and close the vent hole of the earphone. This active vent may be integrated in the receiver case.

The solutions and prototypes which are currently available use a five pin connector with pins for:.

<CIT> discloses a communication device configured for use in a user's ear canal, comprising a sealing mechanism configured to acoustically seal a section of the ear canal and a sound conduit in acoustic communication with a sound source. The sound conduit comprises a first opening, a second opening, a conduit housing, and a vent opening. In order to provide a reliable adjustment for the venting of sound waves in between a sealed section of the ear canal and an ambient environment outside the sealed section, an acoustic valve comprising a valve member is moveably coupled with the conduit housing, which moveable coupling is configured to provide a relative motion of the valve member and the conduit housing, such that by said relative motion the acoustic valve is configured to provide for at least one of opening the vent opening, closing the vent opening, and adjusting a size of the vent opening, wherein the communication device further comprises an electrical actuator configured to activate said relative motion.

<CIT> discloses a hearing aid having a behind-the-ear module and an in-the-ear module, the in-the-ear module comprising an active vent which is connected to the behind-the-ear module via the two receiver signal lines, a decoder in the behind-the-ear module decoding a control signal which is superposed or integrated in the receiver signal.

It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved hearing device.

The object is achieved by a hearing device according to claim <NUM>.

Preferred embodiments of the invention are given in the dependent claims.

A hearing device according to the invention comprises a controller module and a receiver module including a speaker and an active vent which can be switched between an open state and a closed state, wherein the speaker is electrically connected to the controller module by two differential audio lines, wherein the active vent comprises a solenoid with an inductor having a first terminal and a second terminal, the first terminal connected to the controller module via one of the differential audio lines and the second terminal connected to at least one control output of the controller module via a separate control line.

Other than conventional art hearing devices, the hearing device according to the invention thus needs only three distinct electrical connector lines which requires less space and is less likely to create shortcuts while exchanging the receiver.

A capacitor may be connected in series with the speaker. The capacitor may prevent large currents from flowing through the speaker coil.

In an exemplary embodiment, the control output is capable of adopting a high impedance state. For example, the control output may be tristate, capable of adopting the states high, low and high impedance.

According to the invention, the hearing device further comprises at least one semiconductor driver having at least one output and one or more inputs, wherein the second terminal of the inductor is connected to the at least one output of the semiconductor driver, wherein at least one of the one or more inputs of the semiconductor driver is connected to the at least one control output of the controller module.

In an exemplary embodiment, the at least one semiconductor driver comprises a tri state buffer preferably having an output, a signal input and an enable input, wherein the second terminal is connected to the output of the tri state buffer, wherein the signal input of the tri state buffer is connected to the control output of the controller module, wherein the enable input of the tri state buffer is connected to another control output of the controller module.

In an exemplary embodiment, the at least one semiconductor driver comprises a logic gate having an output, and at least two signal inputs, wherein the second terminal is connected to the output of the logic gate, wherein at least one of the signal inputs of the logic gate is connected to the control output of the controller module, wherein another one of the signal inputs of the logic gate is connected to the differential audio line which is connected to the inductor.

The differential audio line carries a digital signal, e.g. a pulse width modulated (PWM) signal. With the other two control signals it can be decided whether the output of the logic gate is:.

The three possible states require two control signals.

In an exemplary embodiment, the at least one semiconductor driver comprises a push-pull stage with discrete parts, e.g. at least two transistors arranged as a half-bridge, wherein the second terminal is connected to an output of the half-bridge, wherein a gate or base of each transistor is connected to a respective control output of the controller module.

In an exemplary embodiment, the transistors comprise an n-channel field effect transistor and a p-channel field effect transistor respectively having a gate, a drain and a source, wherein the second terminal is connected to the source of the p-channel field effect transistor and to the drain of the n-channel field effect transistor, wherein each gate is connected to a respective control output of the controller module. In other embodiments, bipolar transistors could be used.

In an exemplary embodiment, a capacitor is connected in parallel with the inductor, wherein a first Schottky diode is arranged to connect one of the transistors to a positive voltage and wherein a second Schottky diode is arranged to connect the other one of the transistors to mass. The capacitor accumulates charge. The Schottky diodes prevent discharge of the capacitor. Depending on the audio signal the PWM signal can have a duty cycle which is not beneficial for switching. By accumulating the charge in a capacitor this becomes less critical. Instead of the Schottky diode, any other diode type would work as well, in particular if the voltage levels are high enough or the voltage drop across the diode is low.

In an exemplary embodiment, the at least one semiconductor driver comprises a Schottky diode, wherein a capacitor is connected in parallel with the inductor, wherein the controller module comprises two output pins, e.g. general purpose input/output (GPIO) expander pins, one of them connected directly to the second terminal and the other one connected to the second terminal via the Schottky diode.

The output pins may be powered by a higher voltage than the audio driver. In an exemplary embodiment the power supply may come from a higher voltage rechargeable battery or pumped up from a zinc air battery. The output pins may be tristate but in an exemplary embodiment two output pins may be provided, one to drive a low signal and the other one to drive a high signal. When the output pin is outputting a high signal switching is not a problem since the high voltage of the output pin has a much higher potential than the output of the audio driver. When outputting a low signal the charge over the capacitor is accumulated with the Schottky diode. Having two output pins avoids having to have a reverse Schottky diode in series when outputting a high signal.

In an exemplary embodiment, the at least one semiconductor driver comprises an analogue switch having an output, at least two control inputs and at least three signal inputs selectively switchable to the output depending on the state of the control inputs, wherein the second terminal is connected to the output, wherein each control input is connected to a respective control output of the controller module, wherein a first one of the signal inputs is connected to a high voltage, a second one of the signal inputs is connected to a low voltage and a third one of the signal inputs is left open or connected to the differential audio line which is connected to the inductor.

In an example, a capacitor is connected in parallel with the inductor, wherein a Schottky diode is arranged to connect the second signal input to mass.

In an exemplary embodiment, the at least one semiconductor driver comprises a DC/DC converter having a first output, a second output and at least two control inputs, wherein the DC/DC converter is configured to convert a supply voltage to a positive switch voltage which is higher than a voltage on the audio line and wherein the DC/DC converter is configured to convert a supply voltage to a negative switch voltage which is lower than the voltage on the audio line, wherein the second terminal is connected to the first output and to the second output, wherein the control inputs are configured to either switch the first output and the second output into a high impedance state or to switch the positive switch voltage to the first output or to switch the negative voltage to the second output, wherein the solenoid of the active vent is configured to switch only when supplied with a voltage which is higher or lower than the voltage on the audio line.

In an exemplary embodiment, a ground wire is arranged to connect a housing of the receiver module to a ground potential in the controller module or wherein the housing of the receiver module is also connected to the control line and a resistor is arranged to pull the control line to ground.

In an exemplary embodiment, at least one ESD and/or EMI protection device is arranged to protect the audio lines and/or the control line.

In an exemplary embodiment, the controller module is configured as an on-the-ear part or a behind-the-ear part, wherein the receiver module is configured as an in-the-canal part.

In an exemplary embodiment, the hearing device may be configured as a hearing aid.

Further scope of applicability of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description given hereinafter.

The present invention will become more fully understood from the detailed description given hereinbelow and the accompanying drawings which are given by way of illustration only, and thus, are not limitive of the present invention, and wherein:.

<FIG> is a schematic view of a first example of a hearing device <NUM> not according to the invention.

The hearing device <NUM> comprises a controller module <NUM> and a receiver module <NUM> including a speaker <NUM> and an active vent which can be switched between an open state and a closed state, wherein the speaker <NUM> is electrically connected to the controller module <NUM> by two differential audio lines <NUM>, <NUM>, wherein the active vent comprises a solenoid with an inductor <NUM> having a first terminal <NUM> and a second terminal <NUM>, the first terminal <NUM> connected to the controller module <NUM> via one of the differential audio lines <NUM>, <NUM> and the second terminal <NUM> connected to the controller module <NUM> via the other one of the differential audio lines <NUM>, <NUM>.

The active vent is therefore driven directly by the differential audio lines <NUM>, <NUM> of the loudspeaker driver. The differential audio lines <NUM>, <NUM> can be controlled, e.g. by a hardware, with driving capability that is sufficient to switch the vent in both directions, i.e. to open and close the vent. The switching will cause a short interruption of the audio stream.

The same interface, i.e. the audio driver of the controller module <NUM>, drives the audio and the vent without having to scarify the ground pin of the receiver module <NUM> if any. This embodiment is fully compatible with the <NUM> pin SDT4 interface. It is possible to identify the receiver type with an impedance measurement.

In an exemplary embodiment, if the audio line <NUM> switches to a high level and the audio line <NUM> switches to a low level, the vent opens. If the audio line <NUM> switches to a low level and the audio line <NUM> switches to a high level, the vent closes. If the audio lines <NUM>, <NUM> carry a differential audio signal the vent remains in its current state.

<FIG> is a schematic view of a second example of a hearing device <NUM> not according to the invention.

The hearing device <NUM> comprises a controller module <NUM> and a receiver module <NUM> including a speaker <NUM> and an active vent which can be switched between an open state and a closed state, wherein the speaker <NUM> is electrically connected to the controller module <NUM> by two differential audio lines <NUM>, <NUM>, wherein the active vent comprises a solenoid with an inductor <NUM> having a first terminal <NUM> and a second terminal <NUM>, the first terminal <NUM> connected to the controller module <NUM> via one of the differential audio lines <NUM>, <NUM> and the second terminal <NUM> connected to the controller module <NUM> via the other one of the differential audio lines <NUM>, <NUM>. A capacitor <NUM>, e.g. having <NUM>µF, is connected in series with the speaker <NUM>.

The active vent is therefore driven directly by the differential audio lines <NUM>, <NUM> of the loudspeaker driver. The capacitor <NUM> in series with the speaker <NUM> reduces a current peak during switching. The differential audio lines <NUM>, <NUM> can be controlled, e.g. by a hardware, with driving capability that is sufficient to switch the vent in both directions, i.e. to open and close the vent. The switching will cause a short interruption of the audio stream.

The same interface, i.e. the audio driver of the controller module <NUM>, drives the audio and the vent without having to scarify the ground pin of the receiver module <NUM> if any. It is possible to ground the housing of the receiver module <NUM> with a third wire.

<FIG> is a schematic view of a third example of a hearing device <NUM> not according to the invention.

The hearing device <NUM> comprises a controller module <NUM> and a receiver module <NUM> including a speaker <NUM> and an active vent which can be switched between an open state and a closed state, wherein the speaker <NUM> is electrically connected to the controller module <NUM> by two differential audio lines <NUM>, <NUM>, wherein the active vent comprises a solenoid with an inductor <NUM> having a first terminal <NUM> and a second terminal <NUM>, the first terminal <NUM> connected to the controller module <NUM> via one of the differential audio lines <NUM>, <NUM> and the second terminal <NUM> connected to a control output <NUM> of the controller module <NUM> via a separate control line <NUM>.

In an exemplary embodiment, the control output <NUM> is capable of adopting a high impedance state. For example, the control output <NUM> may be tristate, capable of adopting the states high, low and high impedance.

This option assumes that the control output <NUM> of the controller module <NUM> has enough driving capability to supply the necessary current for driving the vent.

By controlling the tristate control output <NUM>, the vent can be switched if enough delta voltage is generated over the vent inductor <NUM>. The control output <NUM> should be high impedance for normal operation to prevent any additional current through the vent coil.

This embodiment is compatible with the <NUM> pin SDT4 interface. Controlling the vent will not cause any interruption of the audio stream. It is possible to identify the receiver type. No additional hardware components are required.

In an exemplary embodiment, if the control output <NUM> switches to a low level, the vent opens. If the control output <NUM> switches to a high level, the vent closes. If the control output assumes a high impedance state, the vent remains in its current state.

<FIG> is a schematic view of a fourth example as an exemplary embodiment of a hearing device <NUM> according to the invention.

The hearing device <NUM> comprises a controller module <NUM> and a receiver module <NUM> including a speaker <NUM> and an active vent which can be switched between an open state and a closed state, wherein the speaker <NUM> is electrically connected to the controller module <NUM> by two differential audio lines <NUM>, <NUM>, wherein the active vent comprises a solenoid with an inductor <NUM> having a first terminal <NUM> and a second terminal <NUM>, the first terminal <NUM> connected to the controller module <NUM> via one of the differential audio lines <NUM>, <NUM>.

A semiconductor driver <NUM> is provided having at least one output <NUM> and one or more inputs <NUM>, <NUM>, wherein the second terminal <NUM> of the inductor <NUM> is connected to the at least one output <NUM> of the semiconductor driver <NUM>, wherein at least one of the one or more inputs <NUM>, <NUM> of the semiconductor driver <NUM> is connected to the at least one control output <NUM> of the controller module <NUM>.

In the fourth embodiment, the semiconductor driver <NUM> may be configured as or comprise a tri state buffer having an output <NUM>, a signal input <NUM> and an enable input <NUM>, wherein the second terminal <NUM> is connected to the output <NUM> of the tri state buffer, wherein the signal input <NUM> of the tri state buffer is connected to the control output <NUM> of the controller module <NUM>, wherein the enable input <NUM> of the tri state buffer is connected to a further control output <NUM> of the controller module <NUM>.

The fourth embodiment is an alternative to the third embodiment in case the controller module <NUM> cannot drive the vent in case of limited driving capability of its IO pins.

This embodiment is compatible with the <NUM> pin SDT4 interface. Controlling the vent will not cause any interruption of the audio stream. It is possible to identify the receiver type.

In an exemplary embodiment, if the output <NUM> switches to a low level, the vent opens. If the output <NUM> switches to a high level, the vent closes. If the output <NUM> assumes a high impedance state, the vent remains in its current state.

<FIG> is a schematic view of a fifth example as an exemplary embodiment of a hearing device <NUM> according to the invention.

A semiconductor driver <NUM> is provided having at least one output <NUM> and one or more inputs <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, wherein the second terminal <NUM> of the inductor <NUM> is connected to the at least one output <NUM> of the semiconductor driver <NUM>, wherein two of the one or more inputs <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> of the semiconductor driver <NUM> are connected to the at least one control output <NUM> and to the further control output <NUM> of the controller module <NUM>. A third one of the one or more inputs <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> of the semiconductor driver <NUM> is connected to one of the differential audio lines <NUM>, <NUM>.

In the fifth embodiment, the semiconductor driver <NUM> may be configured as or comprise a logic gate having an output <NUM>, and at least two, for example three, signal inputs <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, wherein the second terminal <NUM> is connected to the output <NUM> of the logic gate, wherein at least one of the signal inputs <NUM> of the logic gate is connected to the control output <NUM> of the controller module <NUM>, wherein another one of the signal inputs <NUM> of the logic gate is connected to the differential audio line <NUM> which is connected to the inductor <NUM>. Yet another one of the signal inputs <NUM> may be connected to the further control output <NUM> of the controller module <NUM>.

The differential audio lines <NUM>, <NUM> carry a digital signal, e.g. a pulse width modulated (PWM) signal. With the other two control signals on signal inputs <NUM>, <NUM> it can be decided whether the output <NUM> of the logic gate is:.

These three possible states require two control signals.

The fifth embodiment is an alternative to the third embodiment in case the controller module <NUM> cannot drive the vent in case of limited driving capability of its IO pins.

In an exemplary embodiment, if the output <NUM> switches to a low level, the vent opens. If the output <NUM> switches to a high level, the vent closes. If the differential audio signal is switched onto output <NUM>, the vent remains in its current state.

<FIG> is a schematic view of a sixth example as an exemplary embodiment of a hearing device <NUM> according to the invention.

A semiconductor driver <NUM> is provided having at least one output <NUM> and one or more inputs <NUM>, <NUM>, wherein the second terminal <NUM> of the inductor <NUM> is connected to the at least one output <NUM> of the semiconductor driver <NUM>, wherein the one or more inputs <NUM>, <NUM> of the semiconductor driver <NUM> are connected to the at least one control output <NUM> and to the further control output <NUM> of the controller module <NUM>.

The at least one semiconductor driver <NUM> comprises two transistors <NUM>, <NUM> arranged as a half-bridge, wherein the second terminal <NUM> is connected to an output <NUM> of the half-bridge, wherein a gate or base of each transistor <NUM>, <NUM> is connected to a respective control output <NUM>, <NUM> of the controller module <NUM>.

In the sixth embodiment the transistors <NUM>, <NUM> comprise an n-channel field effect transistor <NUM> and a p-channel field effect transistor <NUM> respectively having a gate, a drain and a source, wherein the second terminal <NUM> is connected to the source of the p-channel field effect transistor <NUM> and to the drain of the n-channel field effect transistor <NUM>, wherein each gate is connected to a respective control output <NUM>, <NUM> of the controller module <NUM>. In alternative embodiments, the transistors <NUM>, <NUM> may be bipolar transistors or other types of field effect transistors.

The sixth embodiment is an alternative to the third embodiment in case the controller module <NUM> cannot drive the vent in case of limited driving capability of its IO pins.

In an exemplary embodiment, if the output <NUM> switches to a low level, the vent opens. If the output <NUM> switches to a high level, the vent closes. If the output <NUM> is switched into a high impedance state, the vent remains in its current state.

<FIG> is a schematic view of a seventh example as an exemplary embodiment of a hearing device <NUM> according to the invention.

In the seventh embodiment the transistors <NUM>, <NUM> comprise an n-channel field effect transistor <NUM> and a p-channel field effect transistor <NUM> respectively having a gate, a drain and a source, wherein the second terminal <NUM> is connected to the source of the p-channel field effect transistor <NUM> and to the drain of the n-channel field effect transistor <NUM>, wherein each gate is connected to a respective control output <NUM>, <NUM> of the controller module <NUM>.

A capacitor <NUM>, e.g. having <NUM>µF, is connected in parallel with the inductor <NUM>, wherein a first Schottky diode <NUM> is arranged to connect one of the transistors <NUM> to a positive voltage VBAT and wherein a second Schottky diode <NUM> is arranged to connect the other one of the transistors <NUM> to mass.

The seventh embodiment is an option of the sixth embodiment. The vent is connected to one of the differential audio output lines <NUM> and on the other side to the output of a tristate NMOS / PMOS circuit comprising the transistors <NUM>, <NUM>. With the help of the Schottky diodes <NUM>, <NUM> the energy is accumulated in the capacitor <NUM> which makes the switching more reliable.

This embodiment is compatible with the <NUM> pin SDT4 interface. Controlling the vent will not cause any interruption of the audio stream. It is possible to identify the receiver type. The capacitor <NUM> accumulates charge. The Schottky diodes <NUM>, <NUM> prevent discharge of the capacitor <NUM>. The PWM signal can have a duty cycle which is not beneficial for switching. By accumulating the charge in a capacitor <NUM> this becomes less critical. Instead of the Schottky diodes <NUM>, <NUM>, any other diode type would work as well, in particular if the voltage levels are high enough or the voltage drop across the diode <NUM>, <NUM> is low.

<FIG> is a schematic view of an eighth example as an exemplary embodiment of a hearing device <NUM> according to the invention.

The at least one semiconductor driver <NUM> comprises a Schottky diode <NUM>, wherein a capacitor <NUM>, e.g. having <NUM>µF, is connected in parallel with the inductor <NUM>, wherein the controller module <NUM> comprises two general purpose input/output expander pins <NUM>, <NUM>, one of them connected directly to the second terminal <NUM> and the other one connected to the second terminal <NUM> via the Schottky diode <NUM>.

The eighth embodiment is dedicated to rechargeable platforms, where higher voltage levels than those of the PWM signal may be available. The vent in that case is connected to one of the differential audio output lines <NUM> and on the other side to the output of two output pins <NUM>, <NUM>, e.g. GPIO expander pins, powered at higher voltage. With the help of the Schottky diode <NUM> the energy is accumulated in the capacitor <NUM> which makes the switching more reliable.

The eighth embodiment is compatible with the <NUM> pin SDT4 interface. Controlling the vent will not cause any interruption of the audio stream. It is possible to identify the receiver type.

<FIG> is a schematic view of a ninth example as an exemplary embodiment of a hearing device <NUM> according to the invention.

A semiconductor driver <NUM> is provided having at least one output <NUM> and one or more inputs <NUM>, <NUM>, wherein the second terminal <NUM> of the inductor <NUM> is connected to the at least one output <NUM> of the semiconductor driver <NUM>, wherein some of the one or more inputs <NUM>, <NUM> of the semiconductor driver <NUM> are connected to the at least one control output <NUM> and to the further control output <NUM> of the controller module <NUM>.

The at least one semiconductor driver <NUM> comprises an analogue switch having an output <NUM>, at least two control inputs <NUM>, <NUM> and at least three signal inputs <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> selectively switchable to the output <NUM> depending on the state of the control inputs <NUM>, <NUM>, wherein the second terminal <NUM> is connected to the output <NUM>, wherein each control input <NUM>, <NUM> is connected to a respective control output <NUM>, <NUM> of the controller module <NUM>, wherein a first one of the signal inputs <NUM> is connected to a positive voltage VBAT, a second one of the signal inputs <NUM> is connected to a low voltage or mass or negative voltage and a third one of the signal inputs <NUM> is left open or connected to the differential audio line <NUM> which is connected to the inductor <NUM>.

In this option the vent is connected to one of the differential audio output lines <NUM> and to the analog switch output <NUM>. The signal inputs <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> of the <NUM>-position analog switch is a low signal, a high signal and the same differential audio line <NUM> to which the vent is connected. Instead of being connected to the audio line <NUM>, the third signal input <NUM> could also be left open to prevent flowing current in the non-switching use case. This solution could also be combined with the Schottky diode <NUM> and capacitor <NUM> approach from the eighth embodiment to make the switching more reliable.

The ninth embodiment is compatible with the <NUM> pin SDT4 interface. Controlling the vent will not cause any interruption of the audio stream. It is possible to identify the receiver type.

In an exemplary embodiment, if the output <NUM> switches to a low level, the vent opens. If the output <NUM> switches to a high level, the vent closes. If the differential audio signal is switched onto output <NUM> or if the output <NUM> is switched into a high impedance state, the vent remains in its current state.

<FIG> is a schematic view of a tenth example as an exemplary embodiment of a hearing device <NUM> according to the invention.

The at least one semiconductor driver <NUM> comprises a DC/DC converter having a first output <NUM>, a second output <NUM> and at least two control inputs <NUM>, <NUM>, wherein the DC/DC converter is configured to convert a supply voltage VBAT to a positive switch voltage which is higher than a voltage on the audio line <NUM>, <NUM> and wherein the DC/DC converter is configured to convert a supply voltage VBAT to a negative switch voltage which is lower than the voltage on the audio line <NUM>, <NUM>, wherein the second terminal <NUM> is connected to the first output <NUM> and to the second output <NUM>, wherein the control inputs <NUM>, <NUM> are configured to either switch the first output <NUM> and the second output <NUM> into a high impedance state or to switch the positive switch voltage to the first output <NUM> or to switch the negative voltage to the second output <NUM>, wherein the solenoid of the active vent is configured to switch only when supplied with a voltage which is higher or lower than the voltage on the audio line <NUM>, <NUM>.

In the tenth embodiment the vent is connected to one of the differential audio output lines <NUM> and to the output of a DC/DC converter. The DC/DC converter can generate a switching signal which is always clearly higher or lower than the differential audio line <NUM>. This could be done for example with a voltage doubler for the positive switching and a voltage inverter for the negative switching. The DC/DC converter could also be implemented with discrete components like capacitors and diodes.

The tenth embodiment is compatible with the <NUM> pin SDT4 interface. Controlling the vent will not cause any interruption of the audio stream. It is possible to identify the receiver type. There is no dependency from the audio signal or the supply voltage.

In an exemplary embodiment, if the output <NUM> switches to a negative voltage, the vent opens. If the output <NUM> switches to a higher positive voltage, the vent closes. If the output <NUM> is switched into a high impedance state, the vent remains in its current state.

<FIG> is a schematic view of an eleventh example of a hearing device <NUM> not according to the invention.

A ground wire <NUM> is arranged to connect a housing <NUM> of the receiver module <NUM> to a ground <NUM> potential in the controller module <NUM>.

The controller module <NUM> comprises an amplifier <NUM>, e.g. an H-bridge, to drive the speaker <NUM>.

In an exemplary embodiment, the control output <NUM> is capable of adopting a high impedance state. For example, the control output <NUM> may be tristate, capable of adopting the states high, low and high impedance. This may be achieved by a semiconductor driver <NUM> within the control module <NUM>, the semiconductor driver <NUM> configured as a tri state buffer.

For ESD/EMI protection a respective TVS diode <NUM> (TVS - transient voltage suppressor) may connect each audio line <NUM>, <NUM> and the control line <NUM> to ground <NUM> within the control module <NUM>. A respective ferrite bead <NUM> may be arranged in each audio line <NUM>, <NUM> and in the control line <NUM> within the control module <NUM>, e.g. between a respective output of the amplifier <NUM> and the respective TVS diode <NUM> and between an output of the semiconductor driver <NUM> and the respective TVS diode <NUM>.

To avoid artefacts on the differential output for the speaker <NUM>, both outputs of the amplifier <NUM> may preferably have the same DC offset during the time of switching the vent so the speaker <NUM> does not create any output during switching.

<FIG> is a schematic view of a twelfth example of a hearing device <NUM> not according to the invention.

For ESD/EMI protection a respective TVS diode <NUM> may connect each audio line <NUM>, <NUM> and the control line <NUM> to ground <NUM> within the control module <NUM>. A respective ferrite bead <NUM> may be arranged in each audio line <NUM>, <NUM> and in the control line <NUM> within the control module <NUM>, e.g. between a respective output of the amplifier <NUM> and the respective TVS diode <NUM> and between an output of the semiconductor driver <NUM> and the respective TVS diode <NUM>.

A resistor <NUM> may be arranged to pull the output of the semiconductor driver <NUM> to ground <NUM>. A housing <NUM> of the receiver module <NUM> is also connected to the control line <NUM>. The idea is to connect the housing <NUM> of the receiver module <NUM> to the same potential as the vent driver signal. Although the housing <NUM> is thus not directly connected to ground <NUM>, it has though always a defined potential which helps meeting the ESD and EMI requirements.

In an exemplary embodiment, the resistor <NUM> may have a resistance of <NUM>Ω.

The TVS diodes <NUM> may have a working voltage higher than the voltage required to switch the vent and provide a sufficient ESD protection without reducing the efficiency of the vent. The resistor <NUM> avoids floating of te housing <NUM>.

The ferrite beads <NUM> suppress high frequency noise getting picked up by the housing <NUM>.

There are other possible configurations for ESD and EMI protection, e.g. using capacitors, RC filters, etc. In an exemplary embodiment, the TVS diodes <NUM> and the ferrite beads <NUM> shown in the embodiments of <FIG> may be replaced with an ESD and/or EMI protection device of any type. It is also possible to have embodiments without ESD and/or EMI protection devices, in particular with regard to the audio lines <NUM>, <NUM>.

The grounding of the housing <NUM> of the receiver module <NUM> can be achieved as in the embodiments of <FIG> in any one of the other embodiments. ESD and/or EMI protection devices of any type may also be applied in the other embodiments.

In any of the above described embodiments, the controller module <NUM> may be configured as an on-the-ear part or a behind-the-ear part, wherein the receiver module <NUM> may be configured as an in-the-canal part.

In any of the above described embodiments, the hearing device <NUM> may be configured as a hearing aid.

Claim 1:
A hearing device (<NUM>), comprising a controller module (<NUM>) and a receiver module (<NUM>) including a speaker (<NUM>) and an active vent which can be switched between an open state and a closed state, wherein the speaker (<NUM>) is electrically connected to the controller module (<NUM>) by two differential audio lines (<NUM>, <NUM>), wherein the active vent comprises a solenoid with an inductor (<NUM>) having a first terminal (<NUM>) and a second terminal (<NUM>), wherein the first terminal (<NUM>) is connected to the controller module (<NUM>) via one of the differential audio lines (<NUM>), characterized in that the second terminal (<NUM>) is connected to at least one control output (<NUM>, <NUM>) of the controller module (<NUM>) via a separate control line, the hearing device (<NUM>) further comprising at least one semiconductor driver (<NUM>) having at least one output (<NUM>, <NUM>) and one or more inputs (<NUM> to <NUM>), wherein the second terminal (<NUM>) of the inductor (<NUM>) is connected to the at least one output (<NUM>, <NUM>) of the semiconductor driver (<NUM>), wherein at least one of the one or more inputs (<NUM> to <NUM>) of the semiconductor driver (<NUM>) is connected to the at least one control output (<NUM>, <NUM>) of the controller module (<NUM>).