Patent Description:
In addition to being used to facilitate providing the processed input sound signal to the user, such ITE components may also include electrodes that may be configured to contact outer ear tissue within the ear canal of the user while the ITE component is worn by the user. Such electrodes may be used, for example, to detect electrical activity associated with the user. However, there remains room for improvement in the configuration and/or functionality of such electrodes in the detection of the electrical activity associated with the user.

Hearing systems, sensor systems, and methods for detecting a physiological attribute of a user are described herein. The invention provides a hearing system according to claim <NUM> and a respective method according to claim <NUM>. A further embodiment is defined in claim <NUM>. Embodiments and examples disclosed herein which do not fall within the scope of the appended claims do not form part of the invention and arc merely provided for illustrative purposes. This in particular applies to examples shown in <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>.

By providing a hearing system with sensor electrodes configured according to principles described herein, it is possible to efficiently and conveniently use the hearing system to detect one or more physiological attributes of a user. In addition, components (e.g. an ITE component, a behind-the-ear ("BTE") component, etc.) of a hearing system that have sensor electrodes such as those described herein may be easier to manufacture and/or more comfortable for a user to wear than conventional components of hearing systems. Other benefits of the hearing systems, sensor systems, and methods such as those described herein will be made apparent herein.

<FIG> illustrates an exemplary hearing system <NUM> that is configured to assist a user in hearing. As shown, hearing system <NUM> may include, without limitation, a memory <NUM>, a processor <NUM>, an ITE component <NUM>, and sensor electrodes <NUM> (e.g., sensor electrode <NUM>-<NUM> and <NUM>-<NUM>) selectively and communicatively coupled to one another. Although <FIG> only shows two sensor electrodes <NUM>, it is understood that any suitable number of sensor electrodes <NUM> may be provided as part of hearing system <NUM> as may serve a particular implementation. Memory <NUM> and processor <NUM> may each include or be implemented by hardware and/or software components (e.g., processors, memories, communication interfaces, instructions stored in memory for execution by the processors, etc.). In some examples, memory <NUM> and processor <NUM> may be housed within or form part of ITE component <NUM>. In other examples, memory <NUM> and processor <NUM> may be located separately from ITE component <NUM> (e.g., in a BTE component). In some alternative examples, memory <NUM> and processor <NUM> may be distributed between multiple devices (e.g., multiple hearing devices in a binaural hearing system) and/or multiple locations as may serve a particular implementation.

Memory <NUM> may maintain (e.g., store) executable data used by processor <NUM> to perform any of the operations associated with hearing system <NUM> described herein. For example, memory <NUM> may store instructions <NUM> that may be executed by processor <NUM> to perform any of the operations associated with hearing system <NUM> described herein. Instructions <NUM> may be implemented by any suitable application, software, code, and/or other executable data instance.

Memory <NUM> may also maintain any data received, generated, managed, used, and/or transmitted by processor <NUM>. For example, memory <NUM> may maintain any suitable data associated with physiological attributes of a user that may be detected using one or more sensor electrodes such as those described herein. As used herein, a "physiological attribute" may refer to any characteristic that may be associated with the functioning of the body of the user of hearing system <NUM>. For example, a physiological attribute may comprise a hydration level within the ear canal of the user, brain activity indicated in an electroencephalogram ("EEG") measurement, a heartbeat attribute indicated in an electrocardiogram ("ECG") measurement, and/or any other suitable physiological attribute. Memory <NUM> may maintain additional or alternative data in other implementations.

Processor <NUM> is configured to perform any suitable processing operation that may be associated with hearing system <NUM>. For example, when hearing system <NUM> is implemented by a hearing aid device, such processing operations may include monitoring ambient sound and/or representing sound to a user via an in-ear receiver. In examples where hearing system <NUM> is implemented as part of a cochlear implant system, such processing operations may include directing a cochlear implant to generate and apply electrical stimulation representative of one or more audio signals (e.g., one or more audio signals detected by a microphone, input by way of an auxiliary audio input port, etc.) to one or more stimulation sites associated with an auditory pathway (e.g., the auditory nerve) of a user. Processor <NUM> may be implemented by any suitable combination of hardware and software.

In addition, processor <NUM> is configured to perform any suitable processing operation associated with hearing system <NUM> using sensor electrodes <NUM> to detect one or more physiological attributes of a user. For example, processor <NUM> may control operation of sensor electrodes in any suitable manner to detect a physiological attribute of a user.

Hearing system (e.g., processor <NUM>) may perform an operation to detect a physiological attribute of a user at any suitable time. For example, hearing system <NUM> may use sensor electrodes <NUM> to periodically, randomly, or continually detect a physiological attribute of the user. To illustrate, in implementations where sensor electrodes <NUM> are configured to be used to take an EEG measurement of the user, hearing system <NUM> may use sensor electrodes <NUM> to take the EEG measurement each time hearing system <NUM> is turned on while worn by the user. Additionally or alternatively, hearing system <NUM> may use sensor electrodes <NUM> to detect a physiological attribute at a particular time each hour, at a particular time each day, etc. Additionally or alternatively, hearing system <NUM> may use sensor electrodes <NUM> to detect the physiological attribute in response to an occurrence of a predefined event. For example, if no physical movement is detected from the user for a predefined amount of time (e.g., <NUM> minutes), hearing system <NUM> may use sensor electrodes <NUM> to detect the physiological attribute of the user based on the lack of physical movement.

Hearing system <NUM> may perform any suitable action associated with information obtained while detecting a physiological attribute of the user. For example, hearing system <NUM> may direct memory <NUM> to store the information obtained while detecting the physiological attribute. In certain examples, hearing system <NUM> may direct a communication interface of hearing system <NUM> to transmit the information in any suitable manner and at any suitable time to one or more external devices (e.g., a smartphone, a tablet computer, a fitting system, etc.) communicatively coupled to hearing system for processing and/or analysis.

Sensor electrodes <NUM> are configured facilitate hearing system <NUM> detecting a physiological attribute of the user while hearing system <NUM> is worn by the user. Sensor electrodes <NUM> may be arranged in any suitable manner to facilitate detection of a physiological attribute.

For example, sensor electrode <NUM>-<NUM> may be configured to be provided on a surface of ITE component <NUM> and may be configured to contact outer ear tissue of the user while hearing system <NUM> is worn by the user. As used herein, "outer ear tissue" refers to any tissue of the ear that is either inside the ear canal or that is outside of the ear canal. For example, any portion (e.g., the helix, the concha, etc.) of the pinna of the ear may be considered as outer ear tissue for the purposes of this disclosure. Exemplary configurations of sensor <NUM>-<NUM> will be described herein in connection with the figures.

On the other hand, sensor electrode <NUM>-<NUM> may be configured to be located at an entrance to or outside of the ear canal of the user while hearing system <NUM> is worn by the user. In certain examples, sensor electrode <NUM>-<NUM> may be located on a surface of ITE component <NUM> that is at the entrance to or outside of the ear canal. In certain alternative implementations, sensor electrode <NUM>-<NUM> may be provided on an additional component of hearing system <NUM> that is communicatively coupled to ITE component <NUM>. For example, sensor electrode <NUM>-<NUM> may be provided on any suitable surface of a behind-the-ear ("BTE") component of hearing system <NUM>. Exemplary configurations of sensor <NUM>-<NUM> will be described herein in connection with the figures.

Sensor electrodes <NUM> may be manufactured in any suitable manner. In certain examples, one or more of sensor electrodes <NUM> may be provided in a through hole provided in a component (e.g., ITE component <NUM>) of hearing system <NUM> and may be electrically connected to circuitry and/or other electronics by way of one or more wires provided through the through hole. Alternatively, one or more of sensor electrodes <NUM> may be surface electrodes that are provided on an outer surface of a component of hearing system <NUM>. In such examples, one or more of sensors <NUM> may be manufactured through a laser direct structuring ("LDS") process, an aerosol jet printing ("AJP") process, a ProtoPaint LDS process, and/or any other suitable process.

Sensor electrodes <NUM> may be formed of any suitable metal, combination of metals, or conductive non-metallic materials. For example, sensor electrodes <NUM> may be formed of copper, nickel, gold, a conductive elastomer (e.g., conductive silicone rubber), and/or any other suitable conductive material.

In certain examples, sensor electrodes <NUM> may be coated with a protective coating to improve corrosion resistance. For example, a P2i coating may be used on one or more of sensor electrodes <NUM> in certain examples.

Sensor electrodes <NUM> may be electrically connected to circuitry and/or other electronics (e.g., within a BTE component and/or with a shell of ITE component <NUM>) associated with hearing system <NUM> in any suitable manner. For example, sensor electrodes <NUM> may be electrically connected to such circuitry and/or other electronics by way of a wire, a flexible printed circuit board, or a conductive path, which may be formed through an LDS process, an AJP process, or any other suitable process. In certain examples, the electrical connection between sensor electrodes <NUM> and the circuitry and/or other electronics may be facilitated by soldering, a spring, conductive glue, and/or any other suitable manner. In examples where a conductive path is used, such a conductive path may be coated by a protective coating (e.g., an acrylic lacquer) to prevent corrosion and/or unwanted measurements.

Sensor electrodes <NUM> may have any suitable, configuration, size, and/or shape as may serve a particular implementation. For example, sensor electrodes <NUM> may be shaped as a square, a rectangle, a circle, etc. In certain examples, one or more of sensor electrodes <NUM> may have a specific layout configured to facilitate detecting a particular type of physiological attribute of the user. For example, sensor electrode <NUM>-<NUM> may include a plurality of parallel electrode strips configured to create an electromagnetic field that may be used to determine skin capacitance of the user within the user's ear canal. In other examples, sensor electrode <NUM>-<NUM> may be specifically configured to contact, for example, a finger of the user to facilitate taking an ECG measurement of the user.

ITE component <NUM> is configured to fit at least partially within an ear canal of a user while hearing system <NUM> is worn by the user. Any suitable type of ITE component may be used for ITE component <NUM> as may serve a particular implementation. For example, in certain implementations, ITE component <NUM> may include a shell that is configured to at least partially inserted within the ear canal of a user. In certain examples, sensor electrode <NUM>-<NUM> may be provided on an outer surface of the shell. With such a configuration, sensor electrode <NUM>-<NUM> may be configured to contact a wall of the ear canal of the user when ITE component <NUM> is inserted within the ear canal of the user.

The shell of ITE component <NUM> may correspond to any suitable type of shell that may be used as part of ITE component <NUM>. For example, in certain implementations the shell may have a contoured outer shape that is custom made for a particular user. Alternatively, the shell may have a standard shape that is configured to fit at least partially within the ear canal of any one of a plurality of users.

The shell of ITE component <NUM> may be formed of any suitable material as may serve a particular implementation. For example, the shell may be metallic or non-metallic in certain implementations. A non-metallic shell may be formed of any one or a combination materials such as Nylon, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene ("ABS"), polycarbonate ("PC"), polyphenylene sulfide ("PPS"), polyetheretherketone ("PEEK"), liquid crystal polymer, conductive silicone, acrylates, and/or any other suitable non-metallic material. A metallic shell may be formed, for example, of titanium or any other suitable metal.

In examples where a conductive shell is used, the entire outer surface of the shell may implement or form sensor electrode <NUM>-<NUM>. For example, the shell may be formed of conductive silicone, titanium, or any other suitable conductive material such that the entire outer surface of the shell functions as sensor electrode <NUM>-<NUM>. With such a configuration, it may be possible to ensure that there is good contact between sensor electrode <NUM>-<NUM> and outer ear tissue within the ear canal of the user.

The shell may be manufactured using any suitable manufacturing process as may serve a particular implementation. In certain examples, a three-dimensional ("3D") printing process may be used to customize the shell to fit a particular user. By using a 3D printing process to manufacture a custom shell for a particular user, it is possible to reduce costs associated with manufacturing a custom shell as compared with other manufacturing methods such as injection molding. However, in certain alternative implementations, an injection molding process may be used to manufacture a shell.

In certain examples, the shell may be a molded interconnect device ("MID") shell. MIDs are circuits that are directly integrated into the shape of a polymer component. A MID shell may be manufactured in any suitable manner. For example, a MID shell may be manufactured using a 3D printing process in which 3D printable filaments are impregnated with an LDS additive that is configured to facilitate forming sensor electrode <NUM>-<NUM> and a conductive path on an outer surface of the shell during an LDS process. Any suitable LDS additive may be used as may serve a particular implementation. For example, an LDS additive may include a metal oxide (e.g., tin oxide), an organometallic complex (e.g., a palladium/palladium-containing heavy metal complex), and/or any other suitable material.

In certain examples, the shell of ITE component <NUM> may be configured to attach to a faceplate. In such examples, the shell may include an opening that is configured to receive the faceplate to close the shell at a side oriented towards the exterior of the user's ear. The opening of the shell may have any suitable size and/or shape as may serve a particular implementation. In certain examples, the opening of the shell may have a standard size that is the same regardless of the particular shape of the ear canal of the user. In other implementations, the opening may have a custom shape that may be different for each particular user depending on the contoured outer shape of the shell.

The faceplate is configured to fit within the opening provided in the shell and face out of the ear canal of the user when the shell is inserted into the ear canal of the user. The faceplate may be formed of any suitable material. For example, the faceplate may be formed of the same material as the shell (e.g., Nylon, ABS, PC, PPS, PEEK, liquid crystal polymer, etc.) or a different material.

The faceplate may be manufactured in any suitable manner. For example, in certain implementations, the faceplate may be 3D printed. Alternatively, the faceplate may be manufactured using an injection molding process.

The faceplate may have any suitable configuration as may serve a particular implementation. For example, in certain implementations, the faceplate may have a standard shape that is configured to fit within a standard opening provided in the shell. In such examples, the faceplate may be formed by using an injection molding process. In certain alternative implementations, the faceplate may be custom made to fit the contoured outer shape of the shell. In such implementations, a 3D printing process may be used to manufacture the faceplate.

In certain examples, the faceplate may include one or more elements that facilitate detection of a physiological attribute of the user and operation and/or manual adjustment of hearing system <NUM>. For example, the faceplate may include a push button (e.g., that may be used to change hearing aid programs), a volume adjustment dial, a battery door usable to access a battery housed within the shell, and/or any other suitable element. Additionally or alternatively, the faceplate may include one or more microphones, a vent to aid in the reduction of occlusion, a removal handle, and/or any other suitable feature.

In certain implementations, sensor electrode <NUM>-<NUM> may be provided on a surface of the faceplate that faces away from the user. When implemented in such a manner, sensor electrode <NUM>-<NUM> may be configured to be touched by a finger of the user during detection of the physiological attribute. In such examples, sensor electrode <NUM>-<NUM> may be located on any suitable portion of the faceplate. For example, sensor electrode <NUM>-<NUM> may be included as part of the push button or part of the battery door on the faceplate in certain implementations.

ITE component <NUM> may have any other suitable components as may serve a particular implementation. For example, in certain implementations, ITE component <NUM> may include a microphone configured to detect an audio signal. Additionally or alternatively, ITE component <NUM> may include a receiver (e.g., a speaker) configured to deliver an audio signal to the user.

<FIG> shows an exemplary configuration <NUM> of ITE component <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, ITE component <NUM> includes a shell <NUM>, a faceplate <NUM>, sensor electrode <NUM>-<NUM>, and sensor electrode <NUM>-<NUM>, each of which may be implemented as described above. As shown in <FIG>, faceplate <NUM> is configured to fit within an opening <NUM> of shell <NUM>. In the example shown in <FIG>, opening <NUM> of shell <NUM> is indicated by dashed lines and opens to the left to receive faceplate <NUM> and close shell <NUM> at a side oriented towards the exterior of the user's ear.

As shown in <FIG>, sensor electrode <NUM>-<NUM> is provided on an outer surface of shell <NUM> such that sensor electrode <NUM>-<NUM> is configured to directly contact a wall of ear canal <NUM> of the user while ITE component <NUM> is worn by the user. Sensor <NUM>-<NUM> on the other hand is provided on a surface of faceplate <NUM> in the example shown in <FIG> and is configured to be touched by a finger <NUM> of the user during measurement of the physiological attribute. For example, while ITE component <NUM> is within ear canal <NUM>, the user may move finger <NUM> in the direction of the arrow to touch sensor electrode <NUM>-<NUM> with finger <NUM>. In so doing, sensor electrodes <NUM> would be in contact with two parts of the user's body to form a measurement loop through or close by the heart of the user. While finger <NUM> touches sensor electrode <NUM>-<NUM> and sensor electrode <NUM>-<NUM> touches the wall within ear canal <NUM>, hearing system <NUM> may take an ECG measurement based on electrical activity associated with the user detected through sensor electrodes <NUM>-<NUM> and <NUM>-<NUM>.

In the example shown in <FIG>, circuitry and/or any other suitable electronics (not shown) may be provided within shell <NUM>. Sensor electrodes <NUM>-<NUM> and <NUM>-<NUM> may be electrically connected to the circuitry and/or other electronics within shell <NUM> in any suitable manner, such as described herein. For example, sensor electrode <NUM>-<NUM> may be connected to one or more wires that go through a through hole provided in shell <NUM>. In such examples, sensor electrode <NUM>-<NUM> may be fixed within the through hole by using glue, any suitable mechanical retention mechanism, and/or a spring. Alternatively, sensor electrode <NUM>-<NUM> may be conductively connected to a conductive path (e.g., an LDS formed conductive path, an AJP formed conductive path, etc.) provided on an outer surface of shell <NUM>. In such examples, sensor electrode <NUM>-<NUM> and the conductive path may be formed such that they follow the contoured outer surface of shell <NUM>. This is beneficial in that it results in ITE component <NUM> being more comfortable to wear than conventional ITE components.

Although only one sensor electrode <NUM>-<NUM> is shown in <FIG>, it is understood that any suitable number of sensor electrodes may be provided on the outer surface of shell <NUM> as may serve a particular implementation.

In certain examples, sensor electrode <NUM>-<NUM> may protrude from the outer surface of shell <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>. In certain alternative examples, sensor electrode <NUM>-<NUM> may be flush with the outer surface of shell <NUM>.

In certain examples, sensor electrode <NUM>-<NUM> may be provided on a retention member that is attached to ITE component <NUM>. Such a retention member may be configured to be positioned within a concha of an ear of a user while hearing system <NUM> is worn by the user. To illustrate, <FIG> shows an exemplary configuration <NUM> of ITE component <NUM> in which a retention member <NUM> is attached to faceplate <NUM>. In certain alternative examples, retention member <NUM> may be attached to or form part of shell <NUM>. Retention member <NUM> is configured to retain ITE component <NUM> in position while ITE component <NUM> is worn by the user. As shown in the example in <FIG>, sensor electrode <NUM>-<NUM> is provided on a surface of retention member <NUM> that faces away from the user. As such, in <FIG>, sensor electrode <NUM>-<NUM> is configured to be contacted by finger <NUM> of the user while sensor electrode <NUM>-<NUM> and sensor electrode <NUM>-<NUM> are used by hearing system <NUM> to detect a physiological attribute of the user.

In the example shown in <FIG>, sensor electrode <NUM>-<NUM> is electrically connected to circuitry and/or other electronics (not shown) within shell <NUM>. In certain examples, sensor electrode <NUM>-<NUM> may be electrically connected to the circuitry and/or other electronics by way of one or more wires provided within retention member <NUM>. Alternatively, sensor electrode <NUM>-<NUM> may be electrically connected to the circuitry and/or other electronics by way of a conductive path (e.g., an LDS formed conductive path, an AJP formed conductive path, etc.) that extends along an outer surface of retention member <NUM>.

In certain examples, hearing system <NUM> may further include a BTE component that is communicatively coupled to ITE component <NUM>. Such a BTE component is configured to be worn behind an ear of a user and may include circuitry (e.g., a processor similar to processor <NUM>) configured to control operation of sensor electrodes <NUM>. In such examples, ITE component <NUM> may further include a receiver (e.g., a speaker) configured to acoustically deliver an audio signal to the user as directed by the BTE component.

In certain examples, sensor electrode <NUM>-<NUM> may be provided on an outer surface of a BTE component. To illustrate, <FIG> shows an exemplary configuration <NUM> in which ITE component <NUM> is connected to a BTE component <NUM> by way of a connector portion <NUM>, which may be implemented by any suitable wired connection. In the example shown in <FIG>, sensor electrode <NUM>-<NUM> is provided on an outer surface of BTE component <NUM> and is configured to be contacted by finger <NUM> of the user while sensor electrode <NUM>-<NUM> and sensor electrode <NUM>-<NUM> are used to detect a physiological attribute of the user. Sensor electrode <NUM>-<NUM> may be electrically connected to circuitry within BTE component <NUM> in any suitable manner. For example, sensor electrode <NUM>-<NUM> may electrically connect to the circuitry within BTE component <NUM> by way of one or more wires (not shown) that extend within connector portion <NUM> from faceplate <NUM> to BTE component <NUM>.

In certain examples, sensor electrode <NUM>-<NUM> may be provided on a retention member that is configured to contact outer ear tissue outside of the ear canal when ITE component is worn by the user. To illustrate, <FIG> shows an exemplary configuration <NUM> in which a retention member <NUM> is attached to faceplate <NUM> of ITE component <NUM>. In the example shown in <FIG>, sensor electrode <NUM>-<NUM> is configured to face towards and contact the outer ear tissue (e.g., the concha) of the user while ITE component <NUM> is worn by the user. <FIG> also shows sensor electrode <NUM>-<NUM> as being provided on an outer surface of BTE component <NUM>. Similar to the example shown in <FIG>, sensor electrode <NUM>-<NUM> is configured to be contacted by finger <NUM> of the user while sensor electrode <NUM>-<NUM> and sensor electrode <NUM>-<NUM> are used to detect a physiological attribute of the user.

In the example shown in <FIG>, sensor electrode <NUM>-<NUM> is configured to electrically connect with circuitry and/or other electronics within shell <NUM> and/or within BTE component <NUM> in any suitable manner, such as described herein. In addition, sensor electrode <NUM>-<NUM> is configured to electrically connect with such circuitry and/or other electronics in any suitable manner. For example, sensor electrode <NUM>-<NUM> may electrically connect to circuitry provided within BTE component <NUM> by way of one or more wires provided through a through hole in a casing of BTE component <NUM>.

In certain implementations, sensor electrode <NUM>-<NUM> may be provided on a retention member that is configured to contact outer ear tissue outside of the ear canal while ITE component <NUM> is worn by the user. To illustrate, <FIG> shows an exemplary configuration <NUM> in which a retention member <NUM> is attached to faceplate <NUM> of ITE component <NUM>. In the example shown in <FIG>, sensor electrode <NUM>-<NUM> is configured to face towards and contact outer ear tissue (e.g., the concha) of the user while ITE component <NUM> is worn by the user. As such, in configuration <NUM>, sensor electrode <NUM>-<NUM> is not configured to contact a finger of the user. In configuration <NUM> shown in <FIG>, sensor electrodes <NUM> may be used, for example, to detect brain activity of the user through an EEG measurement. Configuration <NUM> may be used in certain examples where ITE component <NUM> is not communicatively connected to a BTE component (e.g., BTE component <NUM>), as shown in <FIG>. Alternatively, configuration <NUM> may be used in certain examples where ITE component <NUM> is communicatively connected to a BTE component.

In certain examples, sensor electrode <NUM>-<NUM> may be configured to contact tissue of a user at a position that is outside of the ear canal while hearing system <NUM> is worn by the user. To illustrate, <FIG> shows an exemplary configuration <NUM> in which BTE component <NUM> includes a hook portion <NUM> configured to contact an upper portion of an ear of the user while BTE component <NUM> is worn behind the ear of the user. In configuration <NUM> shown in <FIG>, sensor electrode <NUM>-<NUM> is provided on an outer surface of hook portion <NUM> so as to face downward when BTE component <NUM> is worn by the user. As such, in configuration <NUM> shown in <FIG>, sensor electrode <NUM>-<NUM> is configured to contact the outer ear tissue of the user at the upper portion of the ear when BTE component <NUM> is worn by the user.

Sensor electrode <NUM>-<NUM> may be provided at other locations on an outer surface of BTE component <NUM> in other implementations. For example, instead of sensor electrode <NUM>-<NUM> being provided on an outer surface of hook portion <NUM>, sensor electrode <NUM>-<NUM> may be provided on a portion of BTE component <NUM> that is configured to contact a rear portion of the ear of the user while hearing system <NUM> is worn by the user. Alternatively, sensor electrode <NUM>-<NUM> may be provided on a side surface of BTE component <NUM> that faces the skull of the user. In such examples, sensor electrode <NUM>-<NUM> may be configured to contact tissue covering the skull of the user while hearing system <NUM> is worn by the user.

Configuration <NUM> shows sensor electrode <NUM>-<NUM> as being a discrete sensor electrode provided on the outer surface of hook portion <NUM>. However, it is understood that in certain alternative implementations hook portion <NUM> may be formed of a conductive material such that any portion of the outer surface of hook portion <NUM> may function as sensor electrode <NUM>-<NUM> for the purposes of detecting a physiological attribute of the user.

Although configuration <NUM> only shows one sensor electrode <NUM> provided on an outer surface of BTE component <NUM>, it is understood that any suitable number of sensor electrodes <NUM> may be provided on an outer surface of BTE component <NUM> as may serve a particular implementation. To illustrate, <FIG> shows an exemplary configuration <NUM> in which an additional sensor electrode <NUM>-<NUM> is provided on BTE component <NUM> in addition to sensor electrode <NUM>-<NUM> provided on an outer surface of hook portion <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, sensor electrode <NUM>-<NUM> is positioned so as to contact a rear portion of the ear of the user while hearing system <NUM> is worn by the user.

With a configuration such as configuration <NUM>, hearing system <NUM> may use sensor electrodes <NUM>-<NUM> and <NUM>-<NUM> in any suitable manner to facilitate detecting a physiological attribute of the user. For example, hearing system <NUM> may use both sensor electrodes <NUM>-<NUM> and <NUM>-<NUM> concurrently to detect the physiological attribute of the user. Alternatively, hearing system <NUM> may monitor electrical signals detected by way of sensor electrodes <NUM>-<NUM> and <NUM>-<NUM> and select which of sensors <NUM>-<NUM> and <NUM>-<NUM> to use to detect the physiological attribute depending on which one of sensor electrodes <NUM>-<NUM> and <NUM>-<NUM> provides the best electrical signal.

<FIG> shows an exemplary configuration <NUM> that is similar to configuration <NUM> shown in <FIG> except that ITE component <NUM> is configured differently. In particular, in the example shown in <FIG>, BTE component <NUM> is attached by way of connector portion <NUM> to a receiver <NUM> instead of a faceplate (e.g., faceplate <NUM>). Receiver <NUM> is connected to a shell <NUM> that has a dome shape and is configured to be flexible so as to bend when shell <NUM> is inserted within the ear canal of the user. In the example shown in <FIG>, shell <NUM> includes sensor electrode <NUM>-<NUM> provided on an outer surface thereof at a position where sensor electrode <NUM>-<NUM> would contact outer ear tissue of the user when inserted in the ear canal.

In the example shown in <FIG>, sensor electrode <NUM>-<NUM> may be electrically connected to receiver <NUM> in any suitable manner. For example, in <FIG>, receiver <NUM> includes a conductive spout <NUM> configured to engage with shell <NUM>. Conductive spout <NUM> may be metalized (e.g., through an LDS process) or may be formed of any suitable metal (e.g., stainless steel) or combination of metals. In certain examples, conductive spout <NUM> may be configured to contact a wire that extends from sensor electrode <NUM>-<NUM> to conductive spout <NUM> within shell <NUM>. Alternatively, conductive spout <NUM> may be configured to contact a conductive path (e.g., an LDS formed conductive path) that extends from sensor electrode <NUM>-<NUM> to the conductive spout <NUM> and is provided on an outer surface of shell <NUM>.

In certain examples, conductive spout <NUM> may be treated to improve corrosion resistance and/or conductivity. For example, conductive spout <NUM> may be plated in any suitable manner with gold and/or any other suitable metal in certain implementations.

One or more wires (not shown) may be provided within receiver <NUM> and connector portion <NUM> to electrically connect receiver <NUM> and sensor electrode <NUM>-<NUM> to circuitry and/or other electronics within BTE component <NUM>.

<FIG> shows an exemplary configuration <NUM> that is similar to configuration <NUM> shown in <FIG> except that <FIG> includes a shell <NUM> that is formed of a conductive material (e.g., conductive silicone). As such, the entire surface of shell <NUM> may be configured to operate as sensor electrode <NUM>-<NUM> while shell <NUM> is inserted within the ear canal of the user. In such an example, shell <NUM> may electrically connect to conductive spout <NUM> by way of the contact between shell <NUM> and conductive spout <NUM>.

In certain examples, sensor electrode <NUM>-<NUM> may be provided as part of a cable that connects a BTE component to an ITE component. To illustrate, <FIG> shows an exemplary configuration <NUM> in which a cable <NUM> connects BTE component <NUM> to ITE component <NUM>. Because cable <NUM> is configured to contact at least some of the outer ear tissue between BTE component <NUM> and ITE component <NUM> when the hearing system is worn by the user, cable <NUM> may be used as sensor electrode <NUM>-<NUM> in certain examples. For instance, all or part of cable <NUM> may be provided with any suitable conductive outer coating to facilitate cable <NUM> operating as sensor electrode <NUM>-<NUM> while hearing system <NUM> is worn by the user.

In certain alternative examples, sensor electrodes <NUM> may only be provided on an outer surface of BTE component <NUM> and not on other components of hearing system <NUM> (e.g., not on an outer surface of ITE component <NUM>). To illustrate, <FIG> shows an exemplary configuration <NUM> in which BTE component <NUM> includes both sensor electrode <NUM>-<NUM> and sensor electrode <NUM>-<NUM> provided on an outer surface thereof. As shown in <FIG>, sensor electrode <NUM>-<NUM> is positioned so as to contact a rear portion of the ear of the user while hearing system <NUM> is worn by the user. On the other hand, sensor electrode <NUM>-<NUM> is configured to contact finger <NUM> of the user while hearing system <NUM> is being used to detect the physiological attribute. The relative positions and/or number of sensor electrodes <NUM>-<NUM> and <NUM>-<NUM> shown in <FIG> are illustrative of just one possible implementation. It is understood that sensor electrodes <NUM>-<NUM> and <NUM>-<NUM> may be configured differently in other implementations. For example, in addition to sensor electrodes <NUM>-<NUM> and <NUM>-<NUM>, additional sensor electrodes <NUM> may be provided on the hook portion of BTE component <NUM> and/or a side surface of BTE component <NUM>, such as described herein.

<FIG> illustrates an exemplary sensor system <NUM> that may be implemented in certain examples according to principles described herein. As shown in <FIG>, sensor system <NUM> includes sensor electrodes <NUM> (e.g., sensor electrodes <NUM>-<NUM> and <NUM>-<NUM>) and a processor <NUM>. Sensor electrode <NUM>-<NUM> is configured to be provided on a surface an ITE component <NUM> in any suitable manner, such as described herein. While a hearing system (e.g., hearing system <NUM>) is worn by the user, sensor electrode <NUM>-<NUM> is configured to contact outer ear tissue of the user. In addition, while the hearing system is worn by the user, sensor electrode <NUM>-<NUM> is configured to be located at an entrance to or outside of the ear canal of a user in any suitable manner, such as described herein.

Although only two sensor electrodes <NUM> are shown in <FIG>, it is understood that sensor system <NUM> may have additional sensor electrodes in certain implementations. For example, there may be two or more sensor electrodes <NUM> provided at different locations on the surface of ITE component <NUM> in certain implementations.

Processor <NUM> may include or be implemented by hardware and/or software components (e.g., processors, memories, communication interfaces, instructions stored in memory for execution by the processors, etc.). Processor <NUM> is configured to control operation of sensor electrodes <NUM>-<NUM> and <NUM>-<NUM> to detect one or more physiological attributes of the user while the hearing system is worn by the user. Processor <NUM> may control operation of sensor electrodes <NUM> an any suitable manner, such as described herein (e.g., similar to processor <NUM>).

<FIG> illustrates an exemplary method for detecting a physiological attribute of a user according to principles described herein. While <FIG> illustrates exemplary operations according to one embodiment, other embodiments may omit, add to, reorder, and/or modify any of the operations shown in <FIG>. One or more of the operations shown in <FIG> may be performed by processor <NUM>, processor <NUM>, and/or any implementation thereof.

In operation <NUM>, a processor (e.g., processor <NUM>) directs a first sensor electrode and a second sensor electrode to record electrical activity associated with a user. The first sensor electrode is configured to be in contact with outer ear tissue of the user and is provided on a surface of an ITE component configured to fit at least partially within an ear canal of a user. The second sensor electrode on the other hand is configured to be located at an entrance to or outside of the ear canal of the user. Operation <NUM> may be performed in any of the ways described herein.

In operation <NUM>, the processor determines, based on the electrical activity recorded by the first and second sensor electrodes, a physiological attribute of the user. For example, the processor may utilize the recorded electrical activity in any suitable manner to take an EEG measurement to determine brain activity of the user. Alternatively, the processor may utilize the recorded electrical activity in any suitable manner to take an ECG measurement to determine a heartbeat attribute of the user. Operation <NUM> may be performed in any of the ways described herein.

Claim 1:
A hearing system configured to assist a user in hearing, the hearing system comprising:
an in-the-ear (ITE) component (<NUM>) configured to fit at least partially within an ear canal of the user while the hearing system is worn by the user;
a first sensor electrode (<NUM>-<NUM>) provided on a surface of the ITE component and configured to contact, while the hearing system is worn by the user, outer ear tissue of the user; and
a second sensor electrode (<NUM>-<NUM>) configured to be located, while the hearing system is worn by the user, at an entrance to or outside of the ear canal of the user,
wherein the first sensor electrode (<NUM>-<NUM>) and the second sensor electrode (<NUM>-<NUM>) are configured to be used to detect a physiological attribute of the user while the hearing system is worn by the user, the physiological attribute comprising a heartbeat attribute indicated in an electrocardiogram (ECG) measurement, wherein the ITE component (<NUM>) comprises:
a shell (<NUM>) that is configured to fit at least partially within the ear canal of the user; and
a faceplate (<NUM>) configured to fit within an opening provided in the shell (<NUM>) and face out of the ear canal of the user when the shell (<NUM>) is inserted into the ear canal of the user; characterized in that
the first sensor electrode (<NUM>-<NUM>) is provided on an outer surface of the shell (<NUM>) and is configured to contact a wall of the ear canal when the ITE component (<NUM>) is inserted within the ear canal of the user, and
the second sensor electrode (<NUM>-<NUM>):
is provided on the faceplate (<NUM>) of the ITE component (<NUM>); and
is configured to be contacted by a finger of the user while the first sensor electrode (<NUM>-<NUM>) and the second sensor electrode (<NUM>-<NUM>) are used to detect the physiological attribute of the user, or
the second sensor electrode (<NUM>-<NUM>):
is provided on a surface of a retention member (<NUM>) that faces away from the user, the retention member (<NUM>) attached to the ITE component (<NUM>) and configured to be positioned within a concha of an ear of the user when the ITE component (<NUM>) is worn by the user, the retention member (<NUM>) configured to retain the ITE component (<NUM>) at least partially within the ear canal of the user; and
is configured to be contacted by a finger of the user while the first sensor electrode (<NUM>-<NUM>) and the second sensor electrode (<NUM>-<NUM>) are used to detect the physiological attribute of the user.