Patent Description:
Embodiments are directed to an ear-worn electronic device comprising a housing configured for deployment in, on or about an ear of a wearer. A power source is situated in the housing. A sensor is situated in or on the housing and coupled to the power source. The sensor is configured to generate a sensor signal representative of motion of the wearer's head and relative motion between the sensor and skin of the wearer's ear resulting from the wearer's head motion. A controller is situated in the housing and coupled to the power source and the sensor. The controller is configured to assess a fit of the device using the sensor signal.

Embodiments are directed to a system comprising an ear-worn electronic device and an external electronic device configured to communicatively couple to the ear-worn electronic device. The ear-worn electronic device comprises a housing configured for deployment in, on or about an ear of a wearer, a power source situated in the housing, and a sensor situated in or on the housing and coupled to the power source. The sensor is configured to generate a sensor signal representative of motion of the wearer's head and relative motion between the sensor and skin of the wearer's ear resulting from the wearer's head motion. A first controller is situated in the housing and coupled to the power source and the sensor. The external electronic device is configured to communicatively couple to the ear-worn electronic device and receive the sensor signal from the ear-worn electronic device. The external electronic device comprises a second controller configured to assess a fit of the ear-worn electronic device using the received sensor signal.

Embodiments are directed to a method implemented by an ear-worn electronic device configured for deployment in, on or about an ear of a wearer. The method comprises generating, using a sensor of the device, a sensor signal representative of motion of the wearer's head and relative motion between the sensor and skin of the wearer's ear resulting from the wearer's head motion. The method also comprises assessing, by a controller, a fit of the device using the sensor signal. The method further comprises generating, by the controller, information about the fit of the device in response to assessing the device fit.

The above summary is not intended to describe each disclosed embodiment or every implementation of the present disclosure. The figures and the detailed description below more particularly exemplify illustrative embodiments.

Throughout the specification reference is made to the appended drawings wherein:.

Embodiments of the disclosure are directed to an ear-worn electronic device configured to implement an objective device fit evaluation. The fit for any in-ear device is essential for many reasons, such as comfort of the wearer, sound quality, and accuracy of biometric measurements, among others. For example, and in the context of a hearing aid, parameters of various signal processing algorithms are typically determined during an initial fitting session in an audiologist's office and programmed into the hearing aid by activating desired algorithms and setting algorithm parameters in a non-volatile memory of the hearing aid. Generally, the audiologist spends relatively little time on physically fitting the hearing aid to the wearer in comparison to the time required to properly program the hearing aid to properly compensate for the wearer's hearing loss. Moreover, the quality of the fit can be difficult to assess even for trained specialists. Relying on subjective feedback from the wearer to self-assess the fit is inherently problematic and unreliable.

In the context of consumer hearables, such as earbuds, different sizes and styles of tips and anchoring wings are often provided. However, it takes some guesswork and experimentation with different combinations of tips and/or anchoring wings to find a potentially good match for a particular wearer's ears. A poorly fitted device can ruin the user experience. An ear-worn electronic device (e.g., a consumer earbud) which has a poor fit can be described as a device which is not securely situated in the desired location and which undesirably displaces under influence of motion.

Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to ear-worn electronic devices and methods implemented by such devices for performing a quick (e.g., within a couple of minutes, such as about <NUM> or <NUM> minutes), unbiased fit assessment. A fit assessment in accordance with any of the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented by the wearer of the ear-worn electronic device and without the assistance or presence of a trained specialist. For example, the wearer of an ear-worn electronic device can perform some basic head motion, such as a head nod or shake, and the displacement of the device in response to this movement can be detected by the device in a number of different ways, representative examples of which are described hereinbelow.

An ear-worn electronic device can include a sensor configured to generate a sensor signal representative of motion of the wearer's head and relative motion between the sensor and skin of the wearer's ear resulting from the wearer's head motion. A controller of the ear-worn electronic device can be configured to assess the fit of the device using the sensor signal. In some implementations, a controller of an external device communicatively coupled to the ear-worn electronic device can be configured to assess a fit of the device using the sensor signal. The controller of the ear-worn electronic device and/or the external device can be configured to generate information about the fit of the device in response to the device fit assessment. Device fit information can be communicated to the wearer, such as by an audio output device of the ear-worn electronic device and/or a display/speaker of an external device.

By way of example, if the ear-worn electronic device is loose during a predetermined motion of the wearer's head, in addition to detecting the large predetermined head motion, the sensor of the device may also detect some change in the sensor signal indicative of device rattling within the ear due to the loose fit after the predetermined head motion is completed. Evaluation of the sensor signal by a controller of the ear-worn electronic device or an external device can determine whether the fit of the device is a proper fit or an improper fit. The outcome of this device fit evaluation can be communicated to the wearer. If an improper fit is detected, the wearer can adjust the fit of the device and the device fit assessment can be repeated.

According to any of the embodiments disclosed herein, an ear-worn electronic device can incorporate a motion sensor, such as a multi-axis motion sensor or other motion sensor disclosed herein. During a device fit assessment, in addition to detecting the large predetermined head motion, the controller can be configured to detect a baseline change in the motion sensor signal as the device rattles in the ear due to a loose fit after the predetermined head motion is completed. For example, the controller can be configured to detect a fast change in an acceleration signal due to the device rattling. The controller can be configured to detect a change in the acceleration signal measured on different axes due to slight device displacement. This motion and displacement are often small and difficult to see with the naked eye, but are very noticeable when measuring and processing the motion sensor signal.

According to any of the embodiments disclosed herein, an ear-worn electronic device can incorporate an optical sensor, representative examples of which are disclosed herein. If the device is loose during performance of the predetermined head motion, the controller can detect a fast signal change, such as the signal amplitude which is often larger than the normal AC signal modulation of the received optical signal due to device rattling. In this representative embodiment, the controller can also detect an additional change in DC baseline level of the optical signal that indicates the position of the device is shifted (e.g., the same phenomena as described above with reference to the motion sensor).

<FIG> shows a sensor signal <NUM> generated by an optical sensor (e.g., a photoplethysmogram (PPG) sensor) of an ear-worn electronic device during a fit assessment involving predetermined motion of the wearer's head. <FIG> shows a sensor signal <NUM> generated by a motion sensor (e.g., an inertial measurement unit or IMU) of an ear-worn electronic device during a fit assessment involving predetermined motion of the wearer's head. The sensor signals <NUM>, <NUM> shown in <FIG> are examples of sensor signals manifested during a head nod motion occurring at time A and are indicative of a poorly fitted in-ear device. More details of sensor signals <NUM>, <NUM> can be seen in <FIG>, which are zoomed-in views of the sensor signals <NUM>, <NUM> shown in <FIG> during the head nod event at time A.

As can be seen in <FIG> and <FIG>, the optical sensor signal <NUM> evidences a relatively slow shift of the optical signal baseline due to the large predetermined head gesture and an amplitude change which is larger than the normal AC signal modulation due to device rattling. In addition, the optical sensor signal <NUM> evidences an additional change in the DC baseline level, which indicates that the position of the device within the ear has shifted due to the poor fit. As can be seen in <FIG> and <FIG>, the motion sensor signal <NUM> evidences a relatively slow time-varying amplitude change indicative of the large predetermined head motion and, in addition, a quick amplitude change in the motion sensor signal <NUM> indicative of device rattling.

<FIG> show sensor signals generated by a sensor of an ear-worn electronic device indicative of a good fit. <FIG> and <FIG> show a sensor signal <NUM> generated by the motion sensor of the ear-worn electronic device, with head nod events occurring at times A, B, and C. <FIG> shows a zoomed-in view of the motion sensor signal <NUM> during the head nod event at time A. <FIG> and <FIG> show a sensor signal <NUM> generated by the optical sensor of the ear-worn electronic device, with head nod events occurring at times A, B, and C. <FIG> is a zoomed-in view of the optical sensor signal <NUM> during the head nod event at time A.

In the case of a good fit using an ear-worn electronic device equipped with a motion sensor, the motion sensor signal <NUM> evidences a quick impulse in acceleration due to the large predetermined head motion and an absence of a quick change in acceleration indicative of device rattling. In the case of a good fit using an ear-worn electronic device equipped with an optical sensor, the optical sensor signal <NUM> evidences a mild or slow shift of the optical signal baseline due to the large predetermined head motion, a quick shift of the optical signal baseline due to a head nod event, and a return of the baseline signal to its original state thereafter.

<FIG> is a block diagram of an ear-worn electronic device <NUM> configured to implement a sensor-based device fit assessment in accordance with any of the embodiments disclosed herein. The device <NUM> is representative of a wide variety of electronic devices configured to be deployed in, on or about an ear of a wearer. In some implementations, the device <NUM> can be deployed in, on or about one ear of the wearer (e.g., left or right ear). In other implementations, a first device <NUM> can be deployed in, on or about the wearer's left ear, and a second device <NUM> can be deployed in, on or about the wearer's right ear. The first and second devices <NUM> can operate cooperatively (e.g., via an inductive or radio frequency ear-to-ear link) or independently. In some implementations, the sensor or sensors used to assess device fit can be incorporated in only one of two devices <NUM> or in each of the devices <NUM>. In other implementations, the controller that operates on sensor signals can be incorporated in only one of two devices <NUM> or in each of the devices <NUM>. In further implementations, the controller that operates on sensor signals can be incorporated in an external electronic device, such as a smartphone, tablet, laptop or desktop computer.

The term ear-worn electronic device (e.g., device <NUM>) refers to a wide variety of electronic devices configured for deployment in, on or about an ear of a wearer. Representative ear-worn electronic devices of the present disclosure include, but are not limited to, in-the-canal (ITC), completely-in-the-canal (CIC), invisible-in-canal (IIC), in-the-ear (ITE), receiver-in-canal (RIC), behind-the-ear (BTE), and receiver-in-the-ear (RITE) type devices. Representative ear-worn electronic devices of the present disclosure include, but are not limited to, earbuds, electronic ear plugs, and other ear-worn electronic appliances. Ear-worn electronic devices of the present disclosure include various types of hearing devices, various types of physiologic monitoring and biometric devices, and combined hearing/physiologic monitoring devices. Ear-worn electronic devices of the present disclosure include restricted medical devices (e.g., devices regulated by the U. Food and Drug Administration), such as hearing aids. Ear-worn electronic devices of the present disclosure include consumer electronic devices, such as consumer earbuds, consumer sound amplifiers, and consumer hearing devices (e.g., consumer hearing aids and over-the-counter (OTC) hearing devices), for example.

The ear-worn electronic device <NUM> shown in <FIG> includes a housing <NUM> configured for deployment in, on or about an ear of a wearer. According to any of the embodiments disclosed herein, the housing <NUM> can be configured for deployment at least partially within the wearer's ear. For example, the housing <NUM> can be configured for deployment at least partially or entirely within an ear canal of the wearer's ear. The housing <NUM> can be configured for deployment at least partially within the outer ear, such as from the helix to the ear canal (e.g., the concha cymba, concha cavum) and can extend up to or into the ear canal. In some configurations, the shape of the housing <NUM> can be customized for the wearer's ear canal (e.g., based on a mold taken from the wearer's ear canal). In other configurations, the housing <NUM> can be constructed from pliant (e.g., semisoft) material that, when inserted into the wearer's ear canal, takes on the shape of the ear canal.

The housing <NUM> is configured to contain or support a number of components including a sensor facility <NUM> comprising one or more sensors 134a. The sensor facility <NUM> can include or be coupled to signal processing circuitry <NUM> configured to process sensor signals prior to communication of the sensor signals to a controller <NUM> coupled to a memory <NUM>. The memory <NUM> is configured to store fit assessment software <NUM>, which includes program instructions executable by the controller <NUM>. As will be described in greater detail hereinbelow, the controller <NUM> is configured to execute fit assessment program instructions <NUM> to assess the fit of the device <NUM> in, on or about the wearer's ear using the sensor signals produced by the sensor facility <NUM>. A power source <NUM>, such as a rechargeable battery (e.g., lithium-ion battery), is configured to provide power to various components of the device <NUM>.

In accordance with any of the embodiments disclosed herein, and after deploying the device <NUM> in the wearer's ear for example, the wearer performs some basic head motion, such as a head nod or shake (or a sequence of same), as part of a device fit assessment procedure. Instructions for performing the predetermined head motion can be communicated to the wearer, such as audibly if the device <NUM> is equipped with an audio output device and/or visually via a smartphone or other electronic device communicatively coupled to the ear-worn electronic device <NUM>. During and/or after execution of the wearer's predetermined head motion, the sensor facility <NUM> actively senses motion of the wearer's head. In addition, one or more sensors 134a of the sensor facility <NUM> actively sense relative motion between the sensor(s) 134a and tissue (e.g., skin) of the wearer's ear.

The controller <NUM> is configured to assess the fit of the device <NUM> using sensor signals received from the sensor facility <NUM>. The controller <NUM> can be configured to detect whether the fit of the device <NUM> is a proper fit or an improper fit using the sensor signals. The controller <NUM> can generate an output indicative of the device fit assessment (e.g., an output indicating a good fit or a poor fit). For example, the output produced by the controller <NUM> can include an audible output and/or a tactile output. Although it is preferred to have the wearer perform predetermined head movements during the device fit assessment procedure, assessing the device fit can be performed at any time when movement of the wearer's head is detected by the sensor facility <NUM>.

The sensor facility <NUM> includes one or more sensors 134a, representative examples of which are shown in <FIG>. The sensor facility <NUM> can include one or more motion sensors 134b, one or more optical sensors 134c, and one or more electrical sensors 134d. The one or more motion sensors 134b can include one or more of accelerometers, gyros, and magnetometers. For example, the motion sensor 134b can be implemented to include a multi-axis (e.g., <NUM>-axis) sensor, such as an IMU (inertial measurement unit). A suitable IMU is disclosed in commonly owned <CIT>.

The one or more optical sensors 134c can include a photoplethysmography (PPG) sensor, such as a pulse oximeter. The one or more electrical sensors 134d can include one or more sensors configured to contact the skin of the wearer's ear and sense a change in an electrical property of the skin. For example, the one or more electrical sensors 134d can be configured to sense one or any combination of impedance, conductance, resistance, and electrodermal activity (e.g., galvanic skin response). Signals generated by any one or any combination of the motion sensors 134b, optical sensors 134c, an electrical sensors 134d can be used by the controller <NUM> to assess the fit of the device <NUM>.

In some implementations, the ear-worn electronic device <NUM> can be implemented as a physiologic (e.g., biometric) monitoring device. In such implementations, the sensor facility <NUM> of the device <NUM> can include one or more physiologic or biometric sensors 134e. The physiologic/biometric sensors 134e can include one or more of an EKG or ECG sensor, an SpO<NUM> sensor, a respiration sensor, a temperature sensor (e.g., for measuring core body temperature), a glucose sensor, an EEG sensor, an EMG sensor, and an EOG sensor. Representative examples of such sensors are disclosed in <CIT>), <CIT>), and <CIT>), and in <CIT>) and <CIT>).

As will be discussed hereinbelow, the device <NUM> can include or exclude a hearing assistance or audio processing/output facility (e.g., see <FIG>).

The controller <NUM> can be configured to assess the fit of the device <NUM> using sensor signals generated by the sensor facility <NUM> during and/or after execution of the wearer's predetermined head motion. For example, the controller <NUM> can be configured to detect execution of the wearer's predetermined head motion using a first portion of a sensor signal produced by the sensor facility <NUM> and, in response, assess the fit of the device using a second portion of the sensor signal representative of relative motion between a sensor 134a and skin of the wearer's ear resulting from execution of the wearer's head motion. Detection of the first portion of the sensor signal by the controller <NUM> can serve as a trigger event for performing the device fit assessment using the second portion of the sensor signal.

The controller <NUM> can be configured to measure a baseline feature of the sensor signal prior to and after execution of the wearer's predetermined head motion, and assess the fit of the device <NUM> using a change in the measured baseline feature, such as a rate of change in the measured baseline feature. For example, the controller <NUM> can assess the fit of the device <NUM> using a change in magnitude of the measured baseline feature. By way of further example, the controller <NUM> can assess the fit of the device <NUM> using a rate of change in the measured baseline feature and a change in magnitude of the measured baseline feature.

According to some implementations, the controller <NUM> can be configured to detect an artifact in the sensor signal during or following execution of the wearer's predetermined head motion, and assess the fit of the device <NUM> using the artifact. The controller <NUM> can be configured to detect the presence or absence of an artifact in the sensor signal during or following execution of the wearer's predetermined head motion, and assess the fit of the device <NUM> in response to detecting the presence or absence of the artifact. For example, the controller <NUM> can be configured to detect the presence or absence of an artifact in the sensor signal during or following execution of the wearer's predetermined head motion, detect a proper fit of the device <NUM> in response to detecting the absence of the artifact, and detect an improper fit of the device <NUM> in response to detecting the presence of the artifact. In further implementations, the controller <NUM> can be configured to detect an artifact in the sensor signal during or following execution of the wearer's head motion, measure a feature of the artifact, and assess the fit of the device <NUM> using the measure of the artifact feature.

Various types of sensor signal artifacts can be detected and processed by the controller <NUM> when assessing the fit of the device. The artifact in the sensor signal detected and processed by the controller <NUM> can comprise noise, such as high-frequency noise. Generally, sensor signal noise is an undesirable component which is typically filtered, removed or discarded. Embodiments of the present disclosure advantageously use sensor signal noise as a signal component for assessing the fit of the device <NUM>. For example, the high-frequency noise artifact can have a frequency higher than a frequency associated with any motion of the wearer's head (e.g., a head motion threshold frequency). The controller <NUM> can detect a poor fit by comparing the frequency of the high-frequency noise artifact to a threshold indicative of a poor fit. The controller <NUM> can detect a good fit by detecting an absence of the high-frequency noise artifact following a head nod or shake event.

The artifact in the sensor signal detected and processed by the controller <NUM> can comprise a change in a signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of the sensor signal. For example, the controller <NUM> can compare the SNR of the sensor signal prior to and after a head nod or shake event. For example, the SNR of the sensor signal may change from <NUM> to <NUM> in response to the head nod or shake event, which is indicative of a poor fit. The controller <NUM> can determine whether the fit is proper or improper by comparing the difference in the sensor signal SNR prior to and after the head nod or shake event to a threshold.

The sensor signal artifact detected and processed by the controller <NUM> can comprise ringing in the sensor signal. The controller <NUM> can detect a poor fit in response to detecting excessive ringing in the sensor signal. Determining whether ringing in the sensor signal is excessive by the controller <NUM> can be based on a threshold or a pattern in the sensor signal which can vary depending on the material of the ear-worn electronic device and the condition of the ear. For example, a rigid plastic device would behave differently than a device coated in silicon. Also, an ear with more subcutaneous fat would respond differently than an ear with little or no fat and just cartilage. The controller <NUM> can be configured to detect excessive ringing in the sensor signal in response to recognizing a pattern in the sensor signal specific to the device and its fit condition under different situations.

The sensor signal artifact detected and processed by the controller <NUM> can comprise a change in morphology (e.g., shape) of the sensor signal. The controller <NUM> can compute a correlation coefficient based on a comparison of the morphology of the sensor signal and a pre-established template. The controller <NUM> can detect a poor fit in response to the correlation coefficient falling below a threshold (e.g., < a <NUM>% match) based on a comparison of the sensor signal morphology and the pre-established template.

In accordance with various implementations, the controller <NUM> can be configured to detect a sensor signal artifact in the form of a shift in a DC baseline level of the sensor signal. The time required for the baseline level of the sensor signal to recover to its original state following a head nod or shake event can be detected by the controller <NUM> as an indication of a proper fit or an improper fit. For example, recovery of the sensor signal's DC baseline level to its original level within about <NUM> to <NUM> seconds for a PPG sensor following a head nod or shake event is indicative of a good fit. In contrast, a bad fit can be detected by the controller <NUM> as an excessively long duration of time (e.g., > <NUM> to <NUM> seconds) for the DC baseline level of the sensor signal to recover, if at all. For example, detecting non-recovery of the sensor signals DC baseline level following a head nod or shake event is indicative of a poor fit.

According to another implementation, the sensor facility <NUM> can include an optical sensor 134c implemented as a PPG sensor. The controller <NUM> can be configured to measure the shift in a perfusion index (PI) measured by the PPG sensor. The controller <NUM> can be configured to calculate the perfusion index, PI, by dividing the pulsatile signal (AC component) by the non-pulsatile signal (DC component) times <NUM>, and is expressed in percent (PI = (AC/DC)* <NUM>). A shift of the perfusion index, PI, beyond a threshold can be detected by the controller <NUM> as indicative of a poor fit. For example, a sudden change of <NUM>% PI over a few seconds (e.g., <NUM> to <NUM> seconds) can be indicative of device displacement and a poor fit.

<FIG> illustrates a system <NUM> in accordance with any of the embodiments disclosed herein. The system <NUM> comprises an ear-worn electronic device <NUM> and an external electronic device <NUM> configured to communicatively couple to the ear-worn electronic device <NUM>. The ear-worn electronic device <NUM> includes a housing <NUM> configured for deployment in, on or about an ear of a wearer as previously described. The housing <NUM> is configured to contain or support a number of components including a sensor facility <NUM> comprising one or more sensors 134a-134e as previously described. The sensor facility <NUM> can include or be coupled to signal processing circuitry <NUM> configured to process sensor signals prior to communication of the sensor signals to a controller <NUM> coupled to a memory <NUM>. The controller <NUM> is configured to control operation of the various components of the device <NUM> and is coupled to a communication device <NUM>.

The communication device <NUM> can include a radiofrequency (RF) transceiver and antenna and/or a near field magnetic induction (NFMI) transceiver and antenna. For example, the communication device <NUM> can incorporate an antenna arrangement coupled to a high-frequency radio, such as a <NUM> radio. The radio can conform to an IEEE <NUM> (e.g., WiFi®) or Bluetooth® (e.g., BLE, Bluetooth® <NUM>. <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> or later) specification, for example. Sensor signals generated by the sensor facility <NUM> can be communicated to the external electronic device <NUM> via the communication device <NUM>.

The external electronic device <NUM> includes a communication device <NUM> configured to communicatively coupled to the communication device <NUM> of the ear-worn electronic device <NUM>. The external electronic device <NUM> includes a controller <NUM> coupled to memory <NUM> and a user interface <NUM>. The user interface <NUM> can include a touch display and an audio processing facility (e.g., a speaker and optionally a microphone), for example. The memory <NUM> is configured to store fit assessment software <NUM>, which includes program instructions executable by the controller <NUM>. As described hereinabove, the controller <NUM> of the external electronic device <NUM> is configured to assess the fit of the device <NUM> in, on or about the wearer's ear using sensor signals produced by the sensor facility <NUM> of the ear-worn electronic device <NUM>. The controller <NUM> can generate an output indicative of the device fit assessment (e.g., an output indicating a good fit or a poor fit). The output produced by the controller <NUM> can include an audible output, a visual output, a tactile output, or combination of any of these outputs.

<FIG> is a flow diagram of a method for assessing the fit of an ear-worn electronic device in a wearer's ear in accordance with any of the embodiments disclosed herein. For example, the method shown in <FIG> can be implemented by any of the devices shown in <FIG>. The method shown in <FIG> involves generating <NUM>, using at least one sensor of an ear-worn electronic device, a sensor signal representative of motion of the wearer's head and relative motion between the sensor and skin of the wearer's ear resulting from the wearer's head motion. The method also involves assessing <NUM>, by a controller, a fit of the device in, on or about the wearer's ear using the sensor signal. Assessing fit of the device can be implemented by a controller of the ear-worn electronic device, a controller of an external electronic device, or via cooperation between controllers of the ear-worn electronic device and the external electronic device. The method further involves generating <NUM>, by the controller, information about the fit of the device in response to assessing the device fit. As was previously described, the information generated by the controller can include an audible output, a visual output, a tactile output, or a combination of any of these outputs.

<FIG> is a block diagram of an ear-worn electronic device <NUM> configured to implement a sensor-based device fit assessment in of accordance with any of the embodiments disclosed herein. As was previously discussed, the device <NUM> is representative of a wide variety of electronic devices configured to be deployed in, on or about an ear of a wearer. The device <NUM> shown in <FIG> includes the core components shown in <FIG>, including a controller <NUM> coupled to memory <NUM> configured to store fit assessment software <NUM>, a sensor facility <NUM>, and a power source <NUM>. In implementations that include a rechargeable power source <NUM>, the device <NUM> includes charging circuitry <NUM> coupled to the rechargeable power source <NUM>. The charging circuitry <NUM> is configured to cooperate with an external charging module to facilitate charging of the rechargeable power source <NUM>. As was previously discussed, the sensor facility <NUM> can include any one or any combination of one or more motion sensors 134b, one or more optical sensors 134c, one or more electrical sensors 134d, and one or more physiologic sensors 134e.

In some embodiments, the device <NUM> incorporates an audio processing facility <NUM>. The audio processing facility <NUM> includes audio signal processing circuitry <NUM> coupled to a speaker or receiver <NUM>. The audio processing facility <NUM> may also include one or more microphones <NUM> coupled to the audio signal processing circuitry <NUM>. In other embodiments, the device <NUM> is devoid of the audio processing facility <NUM>. The device <NUM> can also incorporate a communication facility <NUM> configured to effect communications with an external electronic device, system and/or the cloud. The communication facility <NUM> can include one or both of an RF transceiver/antenna and/or an NFMI transceiver/antenna.

According to embodiments that incorporate the audio processing facility <NUM>, the device <NUM> can be implemented as a hearing assistance device that can aid a person with impaired hearing. For example, the device <NUM> can be implemented as a monaural hearing aid or a pair of devices <NUM> can be implemented as a binaural hearing aid system. The monaural device <NUM> or a pair of devices <NUM> can be configured to effect bi-directional communication (e.g., wireless communication) of data with an external source, such as a remote server via the Internet or other communication infrastructure. The device or devices <NUM> can be configured to receive streaming audio (e.g., digital audio data or files) from an electronic or digital source. Representative electronic/digital sources (e.g., accessory devices) include an assistive listening system, a streaming device (e.g., a TV streamer or audio streamer), a radio, a smartphone, a laptop, a cell phone/entertainment device (CPED) or other electronic device that serves as a source of digital audio data, control and/or settings data or commands, and/or other types of data files.

The controller <NUM> (and the controller <NUM> shown in <FIG>) can include one or more processors or other logic devices. For example, the controller <NUM>, <NUM> can be representative of any combination of one or more logic devices (e.g., multi-core processor, digital signal processor (DSP), microprocessor, programmable controller, general-purpose processor, special-purpose processor, hardware controller, software controller, a combined hardware and software device) and/or other digital logic circuitry (e.g., ASICs, FPGAs), and software/firmware configured to implement the functionality disclosed herein. The controller <NUM>, <NUM> can incorporate or be coupled to various analog components (e.g., analog front-end), ADC and DAC components, and Filters (e.g., FIR filter, Kalman filter). The memory <NUM> can include one or more types of memory, including ROM, RAM, SDRAM, NVRAM, EEPROM, and FLASH, for example. The memory <NUM> can be coupled to, or incorporated in, the controller <NUM>, <NUM>.

Although reference is made herein to the accompanying set of drawings that form part of this disclosure, one of at least ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that various adaptations and modifications of the embodiments described herein are within, or do not depart from, the scope of this disclosure. For example, aspects of the embodiments described herein may be combined in a variety of ways with each other. Therefore, it is to be understood that, within the scope of the appended claims, the claimed invention may be practiced other than as explicitly described herein.

All references and publications cited herein are expressly incorporated herein by reference in their entirety into this disclosure, except to the extent they may directly contradict this disclosure.

The terms "coupled" or "connected" refer to elements being attached to each other either directly (in direct contact with each other) or indirectly (having one or more elements between and attaching the two elements). Either term may be modified by "operatively" and "operably," which may be used interchangeably, to describe that the coupling or connection is configured to allow the components to interact to carry out at least some functionality (for example, a radio chip may be operably coupled to an antenna element to provide a radio frequency electric signal for wireless communication).

Terms related to orientation, such as "top," "bottom," "side," and "end," are used to describe relative positions of components and are not meant to limit the orientation of the embodiments contemplated. For example, an embodiment described as having a "top" and "bottom" also encompasses embodiments thereof rotated in various directions unless the content clearly dictates otherwise.

Furthermore, the recitation of one or more preferred embodiments does not imply that other embodiments are not useful and is not intended to exclude other embodiments from the scope of the disclosure.

As used herein, "have," "having," "include," "including," "comprise," "comprising" or the like are used in their open-ended sense, and generally mean "including, but not limited to. " It will be understood that "consisting essentially of," "consisting of," and the like are subsumed in "comprising," and the like. The term "and/or" means one or all of the listed elements or a combination of at least two of the listed elements.

Claim 1:
An ear-worn electronic device (<NUM>), comprising:
a housing (<NUM>) configured for deployment at least partially within an ear of a wearer;
a power source (<NUM>) situated in the housing (<NUM>);
a sensor (<NUM>) situated in or on the housing (<NUM>) and coupled to the power source (<NUM>), the sensor (<NUM>) configured to generate a sensor signal (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) in response to actively sensing motion of the wearer's head and relative motion between the sensor (<NUM>) and skin of the wearer's ear resulting from the wearer's head motion; and
a controller (<NUM>) situated in the housing (<NUM>) and coupled to the power source (<NUM>) and the sensor (<NUM>), the controller configured to assess a physical fit of the device (<NUM>) within the ear of the wearer using the sensor signal (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>).