Patent ID: 12200419

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In general, the present disclosure provides various embodiments of an acoustic tube and a hearing device system that includes such tube. The acoustic tube can include a magnetic coupler that is adapted to connect the acoustic tube to a housing of a hearing device of the system. The acoustic tube can also include a body and a lumen disposed within the body. An inlet can be disposed adjacent to an end of the body that is acoustically connected to the lumen. The inlet can be adapted to receive acoustic energy from a mouth of a user and direct such acoustic energy from the inlet and through the lumen and an outlet of the acoustic tube to a microphone that can be acoustically connected to the outlet.

Typical wireless hearing devices can include a boom microphone that extends from a housing of the device toward a mouth of user to receive acoustic energy from the mouth (i.e., own-voice pickup). These boom microphones, however, require complex electrical connectors and wiring and can be quite costly. Further, wireless hearing devices can include an elongated housing that attempts to place a microphone closer to the user's mouth. Such devices are not, however, discrete and can be uncomfortable for long-term use.

Further, lower-profile devices may sacrifice quality of the sound received from the user's mouth, particularly when the devices are used in noisy environments such as automobiles, restaurants, etc. As a result, improving the quality of own-voice pick-up of a discrete, low-profile hearing device can be challenging.

In addition, wireless antenna of a typical hearing device can have limited performance because of the small form factors required for the antenna to be disposed within a housing of the device and interference from being in close proximity to a head and body of a user. These antennas could benefit from being extended away from the ear and from having increased dimensions such as length. Such improvements could, however, lead to non-discreet, large, uncomfortable devices. Further, hearing devices can have limited transmission power due to small battery size and power requirements for full-day operation. This low transmission power combined with lower ear-worn device antenna performance can cause decreased transmission quality between the hearing device and a smart phone or other wirelessly connected device.

One or more embodiments of a hearing device system described herein can provide improved own-voice pickup in a more economical manner than currently existing hearing devices. In one or more embodiments, the hearing device system can include an acoustic tube that can be adapted to couple one or more microphones of the hearing device to an inlet of the acoustic tube that is disposed adjacent to the user's mouth. Because the inlet is disposed closer to the user's mouth, better own-voice pickup can be achieved. In one or more embodiments, a wind screen can be disposed over or in the inlet and that is adapted to reduce wind noise from the user's breathing or the user's surroundings.

Further, one or more embodiments of hearing device systems described herein can provide improved antenna performance for the hearing device by including an antenna disposed within the body of an acoustic tube of the system that can be electromagnetically connected or coupled to one or more wireless antennas disposed on or in the housing of the hearing device. Such antenna of the acoustic tube can improve transmission and reception of wireless signals directed to and from the hearing device.

Embodiments of the disclosure are defined in the claims. However, herein there is provided a non-exhaustive listing of non-limiting examples. Any one or more of the features of these examples may be combined with any one or more features of another example, embodiment, or aspect described herein.Example Ex1. An acoustic tube that includes a body having a first end and a second end, a lumen disposed within the body that extends along a lumen axis between the first end and second end, and a magnetic coupler disposed adjacent to the first end of the body and adapted to connect the acoustic tube to a housing of a hearing device. The acoustic tube further includes an outlet disposed adjacent to the first end of the body and acoustically connected to the lumen, where the outlet is adapted to be acoustically connected to a microphone of the hearing device; and an inlet disposed adjacent to the second end of the body and acoustically connected to the lumen. The inlet is adapted to receive acoustic energy from a mouth of a user. The acoustic tube is adapted to direct the acoustic energy received by the inlet through the lumen and the outlet to the microphone of the hearing device.Example Ex2. The acoustic tube of Ex1, further including a second lumen disposed within the body that extends along a second lumen axis.Example Ex3. The acoustic tube of Ex2, where the second lumen includes a second inlet disposed adjacent to the second end of the body and a second outlet disposed adjacent to the first end of body, where the second inlet and the second outlet are acoustically connected to the second lumen.Example Ex4. The acoustic tube of one or more of Ex1 to Ex3, where the second lumen is adapted to be acoustically connected to a second microphone disposed within the housing of the hearing device.Example Ex5. The acoustic tube of one or more of Ex1 to Ex4, further including an antenna disposed on or within the body, where the antenna is adapted to be electrically connected to a wireless antenna of the hearing device.Example Ex6. The acoustic tube of Ex5, where the antenna is disposed within the body and extends along the lumen axis.Example Ex7. The acoustic tube of one or more of Ex1 to Ex6, further including a wind screen disposed adjacent to the inlet of the acoustic tube.Example Ex8. The acoustic tube of Ex7, where the wind screen is disposed at least partially within the inlet of the acoustic tube.Example Ex9. The acoustic tube of one or more of Ex7 to Ex8, where the wind screen comprises foam.Example Ex10. The acoustic tube of one or more of Ex1 to Ex9, where the magnetic coupler is disposed within an end surface of the first end of the body.Example Ex11. The acoustic tube of one or more of Ex1 to Ex10, where the magnetic coupler comprises a magnet.Example Ex12. The acoustic tube of Ex11, where the magnetic coupler includes a second magnet, where the magnet and second magnet are adapted to orient the acoustic tube in a selected position relative to the housing of the hearing device.Example Ex13. The acoustic tube of one or more of Ex1 to Ex12, further including a locking disposed on or within an outer surface of the body.Example Ex15. The acoustic tube of Ex13, where the indicia include notches disposed within the outer surface of the body.Example Ex16. The acoustic tube of Ex15, where a portion of the body is removable along a notch.Example Ex17. The acoustic tube of one or more of Ex1 to Ex16, further including a shape memory material disposed within the body.Example Ex18. The acoustic tube of one or more of Ex1 to Ex17, further including a gasket disposed adjacent to the first end of the body, where the gasket is adapted to acoustically seal the acoustic tube to the housing of the hearing device.Example Ex19. The acoustic tube of one or more of Ex1 to Ex18, where the first end of the body is adapted to be disposed within a microphone port of the housing of the hearing device.Example Ex20. A hearing device system that includes a hearing device having a housing and a microphone disposed within the housing and an acoustic tube acoustically connected to the microphone. The acoustic tube includes a body having a first end and a second end, a lumen disposed within the body that extends along a lumen axis between the first end and the second end, and a magnetic coupler disposed adjacent to the first end of the body and adapted to connect the acoustic tube to the housing of the hearing device. The acoustic tube further includes an outlet disposed adjacent to the first end of the body and acoustically connected to the lumen, where the acoustic tube is acoustically connected to the microphone through the outlet; and an inlet disposed adjacent to the second end of the body and acoustically connected to the lumen. The inlet is adapted to receive acoustic energy from a mouth of a user. Further, the acoustic tube is adapted to direct the acoustic energy received by the inlet through the lumen and the outlet to the microphone of the hearing device.Example Ex21. The system of Ex20, where the hearing device is adapted to be disposed at least partially within an ear canal of the user.Example Ex22. The system of Ex20, where the hearing device is adapted to be disposed at least partially behind an ear of the user.Example Ex23. The system of Ex20, where the hearing device is adapted to be at least partially disposed in an ear of the user.Example Ex24. The system of one or more of Ex20 to Ex23, where the housing further includes a port, and where the first end of the acoustic tube is adapted to be disposed within the port.Example Ex25. The system of one or more of Ex20 to Ex24, where the hearing device further includes a magnet that is adapted to magnetically connect the housing to the magnetic coupler of the acoustic tube.Example Ex26. The system of Ex25, where the magnet of the hearing device includes a recharging magnet that is further adapted to magnetically connect the hearing device to a charging base.Example Ex27. The system of one or more of Ex20 to Ex26, further including a gasket disposed either in the housing of the hearing device or adjacent to the first end of the acoustic tube, where the gasket is adapted to acoustically seal the acoustic tube to the housing.Example Ex28. The system of one or more of Ex20 to Ex27, further including a second acoustic tube that is adapted to be acoustically connected to the hearing device, where the second acoustic tube includes a body including a first end and a second end, a lumen disposed within the body that extends along a lumen axis between the first end and second end, and a magnetic coupler disposed adjacent to the first end of the body and adapted to connect the second acoustic tube to the housing of the hearing device. The acoustic tube further includes an outlet disposed adjacent to the first end of the body and acoustically connected to the lumen, where the second acoustic tube is acoustically connected to the microphone; and an inlet disposed adjacent to the second end of the body and acoustically connected to the lumen, where the inlet is adapted to receive acoustic energy from the mouth of a user. The second acoustic tube is adapted to direct the acoustic energy received by the inlet through the lumen and the outlet to a second microphone of the hearing device.Example Ex29. The system of Ex28, where the inlet of the acoustic tube is disposed at a selected distance from the inlet of the second acoustic tube as measured in a direction parallel to the lumen axis of the acoustic tube.Example, Ex30. The system of one or more of Ex28 to Ex29, where the second acoustic tube is connected to the acoustic tube.Example Ex31. The system of one or more of Ex28 to Ex30, where the first end of the second acoustic tube is adapted to be disposed within a second port of the housing of the hearing device.Example Ex32. The system of one or more of Ex20 to Ex31, further including a second lumen disposed within the body of the acoustic tube that extends between the first end and the second end of the body, where the second lumen is acoustically connected to the inlet and the outlet.Example Ex33. The system of Ex32, further including a second inlet disposed adjacent to the second end of the body and a second outlet disposed adjacent to the first end of body, where the second inlet and the second outlet are acoustically connected to the second lumen.Example Ex34. The system of one or more Ex32 to Ex33, where the second lumen is adapted to be acoustically connected to a second microphone disposed within the housing of the hearing device.Example Ex35. The system of one or more of Ex20 to Ex34, further including an antenna disposed on or within the body of the acoustic tube, where the antenna is adapted to be electromagnetically connected to a wireless transceiver of the hearing device.Example Ex36. The system of Ex35, where the antenna is disposed within the body of the acoustic tube and extends along the lumen axis.Example Ex37. The system of one or more of Ex20 to Ex36, further including a wind screen disposed adjacent to the inlet of the lumen of the acoustic tube.Example Ex38. The system of Ex37, where the wind screen is disposed within the inlet of the lumen.Example Ex39. The system of one or more of Ex37 to Ex38, where the wind screen comprises foam.Example Ex40. The system of one or more of Ex20 to Ex39, where the magnetic coupler of the acoustic tube is disposed within an end surface of the first end of the body.Example Ex41. The system of one or more of Ex20 to Ex40, where the magnetic coupler comprises a magnet.Example Ex42. The system of Ex41, where the magnetic coupler includes a second magnet, where the magnet and second magnet are adapted to orient the acoustic tube in a selected position relative to the housing of the hearing device.Example Ex43. The system of one or more of Ex20 to Ex42, further including a locking mechanism disposed adjacent to the first end of the body of the acoustic tube, where the locking mechanism is adapted to engage a locking mechanism of the housing of the hearing device to removably connect the acoustic tube to the housing of the hearing device.Example Ex44. The system of one or more of Ex20 to Ex43, further including indicia disposed on or within an outer surface of the body of the acoustic tube.Example Ex45. The system of Ex44, where the indicia include notches disposed within the outer surface of the body.Example Ex46. The system of Ex45, where a portion of the body is removable along a notch.Example Ex47. The system of one or more of Ex20 to Ex46, further including a shape memory material disposed within the body.Example Ex48. The system of one or more of Ex20 to Ex47, where the first end of the body of the acoustic tube is adapted to be disposed within a microphone port of the housing of the hearing device.Example Ex49. A method that includes magnetically connecting an acoustic tube to a housing of a hearing device such that an outlet of the acoustic tube is acoustically connected to a microphone disposed within the housing, positioning an inlet of the acoustic tube adjacent to a mouth of a user, and directing acoustic energy from the mouth of the user from the inlet of the acoustic tube to the microphone through the outlet of the acoustic tube.Example Ex50. The method of Ex49, further including connecting a second acoustic tube to the housing of the hearing device such that an outlet of the second acoustic tube is acoustically connected to a second microphone disposed within the housing, positioning an inlet of the second acoustic tube adjacent to the mouth of the user at a selected distance from the inlet of the acoustic tube as measured in a direction along a lumen axis of a lumen of the acoustic tube, and determining a time delay between an acoustic signal transmitted from a mouth of a user to the microphone by the acoustic tube and a second acoustic signal transmitted from the mouth of the user to the second microphone by the second acoustic tube.Example Ex51. The method of one or more of Ex49 to Ex50, further including removing a portion of the acoustic tube adjacent to the second end of the tube such that the inlet of the tube is disposed at a selected distance from the mouth of the user.

FIGS.1-5are various schematic views of one embodiment of a hearing device system10as worn by a user2. The system10includes a hearing device12having a housing28and a microphone32disposed within the housing, and an acoustic tube14acoustically connected to the microphone. The acoustic tube14includes a body16having a first end18and a second end20, a lumen22disposed within the body that extends along a lumen axis24between the first end and the second end, and a magnetic coupler26disposed adjacent to the first end of the body and adapted to connect the acoustic tube to the housing of the hearing device. The acoustic tube14further includes an outlet30disposed adjacent to the first end18of the body16and acoustically connected to the lumen22, where the acoustic tube is acoustically connected to the microphone32through the outlet; and an inlet34disposed adjacent to the second end20of the body and acoustically connected to the lumen, where the inlet is adapted to receive acoustic energy from a mouth6of the user2. The acoustic tube14is adapted to direct the acoustic energy received by the inlet34through the lumen22and the outlet30to the microphone32of the hearing device12.

The system10can include any suitable hearing device or devices12, e.g., over-the-ear or in-ear headphones, an earpiece, etc. In one or more embodiments, the hearing device12can include a hearing assistance device such as behind-the-ear (BTE), in-the-ear (ITE), in-the-canal (ITC), or completely-in-the-canal (CIC) type hearing devices. It is understood that behind-the-ear type hearing devices can reside substantially behind the ear or over the ear. Such devices can include receivers associated with an electronics portion of the behind-the-ear device, or receivers disposed in the ear canal of the wearer. Such devices are also known as receiver-in-the-canal (MC) or receiver-in-the-ear (RITE) hearing devices. In one or more embodiments, the hearing device12can include a cochlear implant (including its processor) or a bone-conduction or otherwise osseointegrated hearing device. In one or more embodiments, the hearing device12is adapted to be disposed at least partially within an ear canal of an ear4of the user2. In one or more embodiments, the hearing device12is adapted to be disposed behind the ear4of the user2. In one or more embodiments, the hearing device12is adapted to be at least partially disposed in the ear4of the user2.

While depicted as including one hearing device12, the system10can include two or more hearing devices. For example, in one or more embodiments, the system10can include a left hearing device that is adapted to be acoustically connected to the wearer's left ear and a right hearing device that is adapted to be acoustically connected to the wearer's right ear. In one or more embodiments, the left hearing device can electromagnetically communicate with the right hearing device using any suitable technique or techniques.

The housing28of the hearing device12can take any suitable shape or shapes and have any suitable dimensions depending upon where the hearing device is intended to be disposed. For example, for BTE hearing devices, the housing28is shaped such that it can be disposed behind the ear4of the user between the ear and a skull9of the user2. Further, for example, for MC hearing devices, the housing28is shaped such that at least a portion of the housing can be disposed within an ear canal (not shown) of the user2. Further, the housing28can include any suitable material or materials, e.g., at least one of a metallic, polymeric, or inorganic material.

Disposed within the housing28of the hearing device12are electronic components36(FIG.5), which include the microphone32. The electronic components36can include any suitable device or devices, e.g., integrated circuits, power sources, microphones, receivers, etc. For example, in one or more embodiments, the components36can include a controller38, the microphone32, a receiver52(i.e., speaker), a power source54, an antenna46, and a sensor56. The microphone32, receiver52, power source54, antenna46, and sensor56can be electrically connected to the controller38using any suitable technique or techniques.

Any suitable controller38can be utilized with the hearing device12. For example, in embodiments where the hearing device12is utilized as a hearing aid, the controller38can be adapted to employ programmable gains to adjust the hearing device output to the wearer's hearing impairment. The controller38can be a digital signal processor (DSP), microprocessor, microcontroller, other digital logic, or combinations thereof. The processing can be done by a single processor or can be distributed over different devices. The processing of signals referenced in this disclosure can be performed using the controller38or over different devices.

Processing may be done in the digital domain, the analog domain, or combinations thereof. Processing may be done using subband processing techniques. Processing may be done using frequency domain or time domain approaches. Some processing may involve both frequency and time domain aspects. For brevity, in some examples, drawings may omit certain blocks that perform frequency synthesis, frequency analysis, analog-to-digital conversion, digital-to-analog conversion, amplification, buffering, and certain types of filtering and processing. In one or more embodiments, the controller38or other processing devices execute instructions to perform signal processing tasks. Such embodiments can include analog components in communication with the controller38to perform signal processing tasks, such as sound reception by the microphone32, or playing of sound using the receiver52.

The electronic components36can also include the microphone32that is electrically connected to the controller38. Although one microphone32is depicted, the components36can include any suitable number of microphones (e.g., two microphones as shown in the embodiment illustrated inFIG.11). Further, the microphone32can be disposed in any suitable location within the housing28. For example, in one or more embodiments, a microphone port or opening42can be formed in the housing28, and the microphone32can be disposed adjacent to the port to receive audio information from at least one of the user's environment or the acoustic tube14.

Any suitable microphone32can be utilized, e.g., an acoustic transducer, including, but not limited to, acoustic receivers that may be of the balanced armature type, MEMS microphones, electret microphones, and dynamic microphones. In one or more embodiments, the microphone32can be selected to detect one or more audio signals and convert such signals to an electrical signal that is provided to the controller38. Although not shown, the controller38can include an analog-to-digital convertor that converts the electrical signal from the microphone32to a digital signal.

The electronic components36can also include the antenna46. Any suitable antenna or combination of antennas can be utilized. In one or more embodiments, the antenna46can include one or more antennas having any suitable configuration. Further, for example, antenna configurations can vary and can be included within the housing28or be external to the housing. The antenna46can be compatible with any suitable protocol or combination of protocols. In one or more embodiments, the components36can also include a transmitter that transmits electromagnetic signals and a radio-frequency receiver that receives electromagnetic signals using any suitable protocol or combination of protocols.

For example, in one or more embodiments, the hearing device12can be connected to one or more external devices using, e.g., Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, magnetic induction, etc. For example, in one or more embodiments, the hearing device12can be wirelessly connected to the Internet using any suitable technique or techniques. Such connection can enable the hearing device12to access any suitable databases, including medical records databases, cloud computing databases, location services, etc. In one or more embodiments, the hearing device12can be wirelessly connected utilizing the Internet of Things (IoT) such that the hearing device can communicate with, e.g., hazard beacons, one or more cameras disposed in proximity to the wearer, motion sensors, room lights, etc.

In embodiments where the hearing device system10includes a second hearing device disposed on an opposite side of the wearer's head, the antenna46can be utilized to communicate with an antenna of the second hearing device. In one or more embodiments, a low-power link across the wearer's head can be utilized to transmit electromagnetic signals between the first and second hearing devices.

The hearing device12can include any suitable receiver or receivers. Further, the hearing device12can include any suitable power source, e.g., a rechargeable or primary/non-rechargeable battery, including but not limited to Li-Ion rechargeable, Zn-Air non-rechargeable, AgZn rechargeable, or NiMH rechargeable batteries. In addition, the hearing device12can include any suitable sensor or sensors, e.g., accelerometer or other inertial measurement unit, heart-rate sensor, SpO2sensor, blood pressure sensor, temperature sensor, a magnetic sensor including a giant magnetoresistance sensor or tunnel magneto-resistive sensor, and a telecoil.

The system10can include any suitable acoustic tube14. The acoustic tube14can include the body16that includes the first end18and the second end20, the lumen22disposed within the body that extends along the lumen axis24between the first end and second end, and the magnetic coupler26disposed adjacent to the first end of the body and adapted to connect the acoustic tube to the housing28(FIG.5) of the hearing device12. The acoustic tube14also includes the outlet30disposed adjacent to the first end18of the body16and acoustically connected to the lumen22. As used herein, the phrase “adjacent to the first end” means that an element or component is disposed closer to the first end18of the body16of the acoustic tube14than to the second end20of the body. The outlet30is adapted to be acoustically connected to the microphone32(FIG.5) of the hearing device12. The acoustic tube14also includes the inlet34(FIG.3) disposed adjacent to the second end20of the body16and acoustically connected to the lumen22, where the inlet is adapted to receive acoustic energy from the mouth6of the user2. As used herein, the term “adjacent to the second end” means that an element or component is disposed closer to the second end20of the body16of the acoustic tube14than to the first end18. The acoustic tube14is adapted to direct the acoustic energy received by the inlet34through the lumen22and the outlet30to the microphone32of the hearing device12.

The acoustic tube14can include any suitable material or materials, e.g., metallic, polymeric, or inorganic materials. In one or more embodiments, the acoustic tube14can include any suitable polymeric material, e.g., silicone rubber, thermoset plastic or thermoplastic material, epoxy, PVC, metal, or other suitable material or combination of materials.

Further, the acoustic tube14can take any suitable shape or shapes and have any suitable dimensions. For example, the acoustic tube14can have any suitable length as measured between the first end18and the second end20of the body16along a body axis8(FIG.2). The acoustic tube14can take a curved shape in a plane parallel to the body axis8and a side of the user's face, i.e., the plane ofFIG.1. In one or more embodiments, the acoustic tube14can take a curved shape in a plane perpendicular to the user's face, i.e., perpendicular to the plane ofFIG.1. Further, in one or more embodiments, the acoustic tube14can take a curved shape in each of these planes. The acoustic tube14can include a unitary body16. In one or more embodiments, the acoustic tube14can include two or more portions that are connected together using any suitable technique or techniques to form the body16.

Disposed within the body16of the acoustic tube14is the lumen22. The lumen22extends along the lumen axis24between the first end18and the second end20of the body16. The lumen22can take any suitable shape or shapes and have any suitable dimensions. For example, the lumen22can have any suitable cross-sectional shape or area as measured in a plane perpendicular to the lumen axis24. In one or more embodiments, the lumen22has a circular cross-sectional shape in the plane perpendicular to the lumen axis24. In one or more embodiments, the lumen22has a constant cross-sectional area along the lumen axis24. In one or more embodiments, the lumen22can have a cross-sectional area in such plane that varies along the lumen axis24.

Disposed adjacent to the first end18of the body16of the acoustic tube14is the magnetic coupler26, which is adapted to removably connect the acoustic tube to the housing28of the hearing device12. The magnetic coupler26can take any suitable shape or shapes and have any suitable dimensions. Further, the magnetic coupler26can be disposed in any suitable location on or within the first end18of the body16of the acoustic tube14. Although depicted inFIG.2as being disposed on an end surface19of the first end18of the body16, the magnetic coupler26can be disposed at least partially within the end surface or completely within the end surface using any suitable techniques. Further, the magnetic coupler26can be connected to the body16of the acoustic tube14using any suitable technique or techniques, e.g., mechanical fastening, adhering, bonding, molding, gluing, velcroing, press-fitting, etc. In one or more embodiments, the magnetic coupler can be molded into the first end18of the body16of the acoustic tube.

The magnetic coupler26can include any suitable magnetic element or device. In one or more embodiments, the magnetic coupler26includes a magnet or magnets27. Any suitable magnet can be utilized for the magnetic coupler26, neodymium or other rare-earth type magnet. Further, the magnet27can take any suitable shape or shapes. In one or more embodiments, the magnetic coupler26can include a second magnet, where the magnet27and the second magnet are adapted to orient the acoustic tube14in a selected position relative to the housing28of the hearing device12.

For example,FIG.6is a schematic plan view of another embodiment of an acoustic tube114. All of the design considerations and possibilities described herein regarding the acoustic tube14ofFIGS.1-5apply equally to the acoustic tube114ofFIG.6. As shown inFIG.6, the acoustic tube114includes a magnetic coupler126that includes a first magnet127and a second magnet129. The first and second magnets127,129can be utilized to orient the acoustic tube114in a selected position relative to a housing of a hearing device using any suitable technique or techniques. For example,FIG.7is a schematic plan view of a portion of a housing128of a hearing device112. All of the design considerations and possibilities regarding the hearing device12ofFIGS.1-5apply equally to the hearing device112ofFIG.7. One or more magnets140,141can be disposed on or within the housing128of the hearing device112and positioned such that they form one or more detent positions with the first and second magnets127,129of the magnetic coupler126of the acoustic tube114. Such detent positions can orient the acoustic tube114in a desired position relative to the housing128. For example, the magnet140disposed on or within the housing128can have a north polarity while the first and second magnets127,129of the magnetic coupler126of the acoustic tube114can each have north polarities such that they repel the north-polarity magnet of the housing into a detent position that can be defined such that the magnet140of the hearing device112is disposed between the first and second magnets127,129of the magnetic coupler126.

Returning toFIGS.1-5, magnetic coupler26can be adapted to connect the acoustic tube14to the housing28of the hearing device12using any suitable technique or techniques. For example, as shown inFIG.5, the magnetic coupler26can magnetically connect to magnet40disposed on or within the housing28of the hearing device12. For example, the magnet27of the magnetic coupler26can have a north polarity, and the magnet40of the housing28can have a south polarity such that the magnetic coupler is magnetically attracted to the magnet of the hearing device12. The magnet40disposed on or within the housing28can include any suitable magnet. Although depicted as a single magnet, the magnet40of the hearing device12can include any suitable number of magnets. Further, the magnet40can include any suitable type of magnet, e.g., the same type of magnets described herein regarding magnet27of the magnetic coupler26. In one or more embodiments, the magnet40is a recharging magnet that is further adapted to magnetically connect the hearing device12to a charging base. Further, in one or more embodiments, the magnet40can be used to attach, or provide DC power for, other devices that attach to the outside of the hearing device12such as a magnetically-attached piece of foam that covers the hearing device microphone for reducing wind-generated-noise, and one or more sensors that are external to the housing28.

The acoustic tube14further includes the outlet30disposed adjacent to the first end18of the body16. The outlet30is acoustically connected to the lumen22. In one or more embodiments, the outlet30is open to the lumen22such that the outlet and the lumen form a continuous, open path. Further, the outlet30is adapted to be acoustically connected to the microphone32of the hearing device12using any suitable technique or techniques. For example, as shown inFIG.5, the outlet30of the acoustic tube14is acoustically connected to the microphone32of the hearing device12via microphone port42. As used herein, the term “acoustically connected” means that acoustic energy can be directed from one element to another element. For example, acoustic energy disposed within the lumen22of the acoustic tube14can be directed through the outlet30of the tube and the microphone port42to the microphone32.

Disposed adjacent to the second end20of the body16of the acoustic tube14is the inlet34. The inlet34can take any suitable shape or shapes and have any suitable dimensions. Further, the inlet34is acoustically connected to the lumen22using any suitable technique or techniques. The inlet34is adapted to receive acoustic energy from the mouth6of the user2using any suitable technique or techniques. In one or more embodiments, the inlet34is an opening that is continuous with the lumen22to provide an open path for the acoustic energy from the mouth6of the user2.

Further, in one or more embodiments, the acoustic tube14can include a wind screen48disposed adjacent to the inlet34of the acoustic tube. As used herein, the term “adjacent to the inlet” means an element or component is disposed closer to the inlet34of the acoustic tube14than to the outlet30. In one or more embodiments, the wind screen48is disposed over the inlet34such that the wind screen occludes the inlet. In one or more embodiments, the wind screen48is disposed at least partially within the inlet34of the acoustic tube14. Further, in one or more embodiments, the wind screen48can be disposed entirely within the inlet34. Any suitable wind screen can be utilized. Further, the wind screen48can include any suitable material or materials, e.g., open-cell foam that is adapted to pass acoustic energy without generating undo wind noise from passing air flow. In one or more embodiments, the wind screen48can include any suitable foam disposed adjacent to the inlet34using any suitable technique or techniques. At least one of the wind screen48or the acoustic tube14can further include a connector that is adapted to removably connect the wind screen to the acoustic tube14.

The acoustic tube14can include any suitable number of lumens. For example,FIG.8is a schematic cross-section view of another embodiment of an acoustic tube214. All of the design considerations and possibilities described herein regarding the acoustic tube14ofFIGS.1-5apply equally to the acoustic tube214ofFIG.8. The acoustic tube214includes a lumen222disposed within a body216of the acoustic tube and extending along a lumen axis224between a first end218and a second end220of the body. The acoustic tube214also includes an outlet230disposed adjacent to the first end218of the body216and acoustically connected to the lumen222, and an inlet234disposed adjacent to the second end220of the body and acoustically connected to the lumen.

The acoustic tube214also includes a second lumen250disposed within the body216that extends between the first end218and the second end220of the body along a second lumen axis225. The acoustic tube214includes a second outlet254disposed adjacent to the first end218of the body216and acoustically connected to the second lumen250, and a second inlet252disposed adjacent to the second end220of the body and acoustically connected to the second lumen. The lumen axis224and the second lumen axis225can form any suitable angle. In one or more embodiments, the lumen axis224is substantially parallel to the second lumen axis225. As used herein, the term “substantially parallel” means that two lines or planes form an angle that is no greater than 8 degrees.

The second lumen250can have any suitable length along the second lumen axis225. In one or more embodiments, the second lumen250has a length that is less than a length of the lumen222as measured along the lumen axis224. Further, the second lumen250can take any suitable shape or shapes and have any suitable cross-sectional shape in a plane perpendicular to the second lumen axis225. In one or more embodiments, the lumen222and the second lumen250have the same cross-sectional shape and area.

FIG.9is a schematic plan view of another embodiment of a hearing device system200. All of the design considerations and possibilities described herein regarding the hearing device system10ofFIGS.1-5apply equally to the hearing device system200ofFIG.9. As shown inFIG.9, the hearing device system200includes a hearing device212and the acoustic tube214ofFIG.8. The acoustic tube214is connected to housing228of the hearing device212such that the lumen222is acoustically connected to microphone232of electronic components236of the hearing device, and the second lumen250is acoustically connected to second microphone233of the electronic components. Each of the microphones232,233are electrically connected to controller238of the electronic components236. The acoustic tube214can be connected to the hearing device212using any suitable technique or techniques, e.g., the same techniques described herein regarding hearing device system10ofFIGS.1-5. In one or more embodiments, the acoustic tube214is connected to the hearing device212by magnetic coupler226of the acoustic tube214and magnet240disposed on or within the housing228of the hearing device212.

In one or more embodiments, the inlet234of the lumen222is spaced any suitable distance256from the inlet252of the second lumen250as measured in a direction parallel to the lumen axis224, e.g., no greater than 12 mm. The use of two inlets234,252spaced apart along the lumen axis224can provide various processing advantages. For example, controller238can be adapted to receive an electrical signal from the first microphone232that is representative of acoustic energy received by the inlet234and directed through the lumen222and the outlet230to the microphone. The controller238is further adapted to receive a second electrical signal from the second microphone233that is representative of acoustic energy received by the second inlet252and directed through the second lumen250and the second outlet254to the second microphone233. By applying a phase shift and combination of the acoustic energy from the inlets234,252, an acoustic directional pattern can be provided towards the user's mouth, e.g., a cardioid pattern with a 90-degree phase shift.

Returning toFIGS.1-5, the acoustic tube14can also include an antenna44disposed on or within the body16of the acoustic tube as shown inFIG.3. The antenna44can include any suitable antenna or antennas. Further, the antenna44can have any suitable dimensions and take any suitable shape or shapes. In one or more embodiments, the antenna44is disposed within the body16and extends in a direction parallel to the lumen axis24. In one or more embodiments, the antenna44is disposed on an outer surface17of the lumen body16and can extend any suitable length in a direction parallel to the lumen axis24. In one or more embodiments, the antenna44can be adapted to be electrically connected to the wireless antenna46of the electronic components36as shown inFIG.5using any suitable technique or techniques.

Any suitable configuration of antenna of the acoustic tube and wireless antenna of the hearing device can be utilized with the various embodiments of hearing device systems described herein. For example,FIG.13is a schematic cross-section view of a portion of another embodiment of a hearing device system500. All of the design considerations and possibilities described herein regarding the hearing device system10ofFIGS.1-5apply equally to the hearing device system500ofFIG.13. An acoustic tube514is acoustically connected to a microphone (not shown) disposed within a housing528of hearing device512. The acoustic tube514includes an antenna544disposed on or within a body516of the acoustic tube. The antenna544is adapted to be electromagnetically connected to antenna546of the hearing device512. The antenna546can be any suitable antenna, e.g., a pull cord antenna. The acoustic tube514can include a channel or void515that is adapted to receive the antenna546of the hearing device512such that the antenna is disposed within the acoustic tube when the acoustic tube is connected to the housing528. The antenna544of the acoustic tube514can be electromagnetically connected to the antenna546of the hearing device510using any suitable technique or techniques, e.g., electromagnetic coupling.

Further, for example,FIG.14is a schematic cross-section view of another embodiment of a hearing device system600. All of the design considerations and possibilities described herein regarding the hearing device system10ofFIGS.1-5apply equally to the hearing device system600ofFIG.14. Acoustic tube614includes an antenna644disposed on or within a body616of the tube. Such antenna644is electromagnetically connected to antenna646of hearing device612. The antenna646of the hearing device610is disposed on an end face611of housing628of the hearing device610. The antenna644of the acoustic tube614can be electromagnetically connected to the antenna646of the hearing device610using any suitable technique or techniques. In one or more embodiments, the antenna644of the acoustic tube614is in contact with the antenna646of the hearing device610such that an electrical connection is formed between the two antennas. In one or more embodiments, the antenna644of the acoustic tube614is spaced apart from the antenna646of the hearing device610such that the two antennas are capacitively or electromagnetically connected. The antenna646of the hearing device612can include any suitable antenna or antennas disposed in or on any suitable portion or portions of end face611. Further, the antenna646can take any suitable shape or shapes. In one or more embodiments, the hearing device610can further include a pull cord antenna (e.g., antenna546ofFIG.13) that can be disposed into a channel or void disposed in the acoustic tube proximate to the antenna646of the hearing device such that the pull cord antenna is also electromagnetically connected to the antenna644of the acoustic tube614.

FIG.15is a schematic perspective view of another embodiment of a hearing device system700. All of the design considerations and possibilities described herein regarding the hearing device system10ofFIGS.1-5apply equally to the hearing device system700ofFIG.15. The system700includes a hearing device712and an acoustic tube714connected to a housing728of the hearing device. The acoustic tube714includes antenna744disposed on or within body716of the acoustic tube. The antenna744is a closed loop antenna of any suitable configuration. In one or more embodiments, the antenna744can also include a tuning cap (not shown) disposed on or within the body of the acoustic tube714. The hearing device712can also include an antenna746disposed on or within the housing728of the hearing device. The antenna746of the hearing device712can be a closed loop antenna as well. The antenna744of the acoustic tube714can be electromagnetically connected to the antenna746of the hearing device712using any suitable technique or techniques. In one or more embodiments, the antennas744,746can be inductively coupled using any suitable technique or techniques.

Returning toFIGS.1-5, the acoustic tube14can also include indicia50, as shown inFIG.3that can be disposed on or within the outer surface17of the body16of the acoustic tube. Any suitable technique or techniques can be utilized to dispose indicia50on or within the outer surface17of the body16. The indicia50can include any suitable markings or striations. In one or more embodiments, the indicia50include notches disposed within the outer surface17of the body16. The notches or indicia can be utilized to remove a portion or portions of the body16along such notches or indicia to adjust the length of the acoustic tube14as measured along the lumen axis24. In one or more embodiments, when one or more portions of the body16are removed, the magnetic coupler26can be repositioned on a newly formed end surface19of the first end18of the acoustic tube14using any suitable technique or techniques.

Further, a shape-memory material45may be disposed within the body16of the acoustic tube14as shown inFIG.3. Such shape-memory material45can provide rigidity to the acoustic tube14and preserve a desired shape of the tube such that the user can position the inlet34of the acoustic tube in a desired position relative to the user's mouth6. Any suitable shape-memory material or materials can be utilized. Further, the shape-memory material45can be disposed on or within the body16of the acoustic tube14using any suitable technique or techniques.

In one or more embodiments, a gasket or gaskets can be disposed adjacent to the first end18of the body16of the acoustic tube14that is adapted to acoustically seal the tube to the housing28of the hearing device12. For example,FIG.10is a schematic plan view of another embodiment of a hearing device system300. All of the design considerations and possibilities described herein regarding the hearing device system10ofFIGS.1-5apply equally to the hearing device system300ofFIG.10. A gasket360is disposed adjacent to a first end318of a body316of the acoustic tube214. The gasket360is adapted to acoustically seal the acoustic tube314to a housing328of a hearing device312of hearing device system300. The gasket360provides a friction fit between the acoustic tube314and the port362(e.g., a microphone or other type of port) of housing328of the hearing device312such that the acoustic tube is acoustically sealed to the housing when the first end318of the body316of the tube is disposed within the port362. Any suitable gasket or gaskets360can be utilized to acoustically seal the acoustic tube314to the housing328of the hearing device312. Further, the gasket or gaskets360can include any suitable material or materials. The gasket360can be disposed on the body316of the acoustic tube314or in the port362of the housing328.

The acoustic tube14ofFIGS.1-5can also include one or more locking mechanisms that can be adapted to engage a locking mechanism of the housing28of the hearing device12to maintain the connection between the acoustic tube14and the housing28. For example, as shown inFIG.6, the acoustic tube114includes locking mechanism170dispose in any suitable location on or at least partially within the body116of the acoustic tube. In one or more embodiments, the locking mechanism170can be disposed adjacent to the first end118of the body116. The locking mechanism170can take any suitable shape or shapes and have any suitable dimensions. In one or more embodiments, the locking mechanism170can include a tab171that is adapted to be received by a slot172disposed on or in the housing128of the hearing device112as shown inFIG.7. The tab171of the locking mechanism170can be inserted into the slot172and rotated such that the acoustic tube114remains removably connected to the housing128of the hearing device. Any suitable locking mechanism or mechanisms can be utilized to removably connect the acoustic tube114to the housing128of the hearing device112.

The various hearing device systems described herein can include any suitable number of acoustic tubes. For example,FIG.11is a schematic cross-section view of another embodiment of a hearing device system400. All of the design considerations and possibilities described herein regarding the hearing device system10ofFIGS.1-5apply equally to the hearing device system400ofFIG.11. One difference between system400ofFIG.11and system10ofFIGS.1-5is that system400includes an acoustic tube414and a second acoustic tube470. As shown inFIG.12, which is a schematic cross-section view of the acoustic tubes414,470ofFIG.11, the second acoustic tube470can include any suitable acoustic tube or tubes, e.g., acoustic tube14ofFIGS.1-5. The acoustic tube414and the second acoustic tube470can be separate tubes or can be connected together using any suitable technique or techniques. The second acoustic tube470includes a body472having a first end474and a second end476. The second acoustic tube470also includes a lumen478disposed within the body472that extends along a second lumen axis479between the first end474and the second end476of the body. A magnetic coupler486is disposed adjacent to the first end474of the body472and that is adapted to connect the second acoustic tube to a housing428of hearing device412of system400. The second acoustic tube470also includes an outlet480disposed adjacent to the first end474of the body472that is acoustically connected to the lumen478. An outlet430of the acoustic tube414is acoustically connected to microphone432of the hearing device412, and the outlet480of the second acoustic tube470is acoustically connected to a second microphone433of the hearing device.

The first end474of the second acoustic tube470is connected to the housing428of the hearing device412using any suitable technique or techniques, e.g., the same techniques described herein regarding acoustic tube14. As shown inFIG.11, the magnetic coupler486of the second acoustic tube470is magnetically connected to magnet488of the hearing device412. In one or more embodiments, the first end474of the second acoustic tube470is adapted to be disposed within a second port of the housing428of the hearing device412.

The second acoustic tube470also includes an inlet482disposed adjacent to the second end476of the body472that is acoustically connected to the lumen478. The inlet482can be adapted to receive acoustic energy from a mouth of a user in a similar manner as inlet34of acoustic tube14ofFIGS.1-5. The second acoustic tube470can be adapted to direct the acoustic energy received by the inlet482through the lumen478and the outlet480to the second microphone433of the hearing device412. Inlet434of acoustic tube414is disposed at a selected distance484from the inlet482of the second acoustic tube470as measured in a direction parallel to lumen axis424of the first acoustic tube414. Distance484can be any suitable distance.

In general, the various embodiments of acoustic tubes described herein can be connected to any suitable hearing device. For example,FIGS.16-17are perspective views of another embodiment of a hearing device system800. All of the design considerations and possibilities described herein regarding the hearing device system10ofFIGS.1-5apply equally to the hearing device system800ofFIGS.16-17. One difference between system800and system10is that system800includes a behind-the-ear hearing device812that is adapted to be disposed behind an ear804of a user802. The hearing device812includes a housing828and an acoustic tube814acoustically connected to the housing. The acoustic tube814can include any suitable acoustic tube described herein, e.g., acoustic tube14ofFIGS.1-5or acoustic tube214ofFIGS.8-9. The acoustic tube814is shown inFIG.17as transparent for clarity. The acoustic tube814includes a first antenna element844and a second antenna element845disposed on or within a body816of the acoustic tube. In one or more embodiments, the antenna elements844,845can be electromagnetically coupled to one or more internal antenna elements of the hearing device (not shown), or ohmically connected or capacitively coupled, to antenna feed points847disposed on or within the housing828of the hearing device via antenna pads849. The acoustic tube814also includes a lumen822and a second lumen850. The lumens822,850can be acoustically connected to one or more microphones disposed within the housing828at microphone ports831via outlets830and854respectively using any suitable technique or techniques. The lumen822connects an inlet234to a microphone, and the second lumen850connects second inlet852to a second microphone.

The acoustic tube814can be mechanically connected to the housing828of the hearing device using any suitable technique or techniques, e.g., a magnetic coupler can be disposed on or within the body816of the acoustic tube that magnetically connects the acoustic tube to one or more magnets disposed on or within the housing. In one or more embodiments, the acoustic tube814can be adapted to wrap around at least a portion of the housing828when connected to the hearing device812and down around a lower portion of the ear804of the user802such that it extends to a mouth806of the user, where inlet834of lumen822and inlet852of lumen850are positioned such that they can receive acoustic energy therefrom.

Any suitable technique or techniques can be utilized with the various embodiments of hearing device systems described herein such that these systems can be utilized by a user. For example,FIG.18is a flowchart of one embodiment of a method900of utilizing hearing device system10ofFIGS.1-5. Although described regarding system10, the method900can be utilized with any suitable hearing device system. At902, the acoustic tube14can be magnetically connected to the housing28of the hearing device12using any suitable technique or techniques such that the outlet30of the acoustic tube is acoustically connected to the microphone32disposed within the housing of the hearing device. The inlet34of the acoustic tube14can be positioned adjacent to the mouth6of the user2using any suitable technique or techniques at904. Acoustic energy from the mouth6of the user2can be directed from the inlet34of the acoustic tube14to the microphone32through the outlet30of the acoustic tube at906. Further, at908, a second acoustic tube (e.g., a second acoustic tube470of hearing device system400ofFIGS.11-12) can optionally be connected to the housing28of the hearing device12such that an outlet of the second acoustic tube is acoustically connected to a second microphone (e.g., second microphone433of hearing device system400) disposed within the housing28. An inlet (e.g., inlet434) of the second acoustic tube can be disposed adjacent to the mouth6of the user2at a selected distance from the inlet34of the acoustic tube14as measured in a direction along the lumen axis24of the lumen22of the acoustic tube. In one or more embodiments, the controller38can be utilized to determine a time delay between an acoustic signal representative of acoustic energy received from the mouth6of the user2to the microphone32by the acoustic tube14and a second acoustic signal representative of acoustic energy received from the mouth of the user to the second microphone by the second acoustic tube. Further, in one or more embodiments, a portion of the acoustic tube14adjacent to the second end20of the tube (e.g., along indicia50ofFIG.3) can be removed at910using any suitable technique or techniques such that the inlet34of the tube is disposed at a selected distance from the mouth6of the user2at910.

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. Illustrative embodiments of this disclosure are discussed, and reference has been made to possible variations within the scope of this disclosure. These and other variations and modifications in the disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the disclosure, and it should be understood that this disclosure is not limited to the illustrative embodiments set forth herein. Accordingly, the disclosure is to be limited only by the claims provided below.