Patent Document

CLAIM OF PRIORITY 
     This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/548,051, filed Aug. 26, 2009, which application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. 119(e) of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/092,336, filed Aug. 27, 2008, U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/138,066, filed Dec. 16, 2008, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/142,125, filed Dec. 31, 2008, which applications are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present subject matter relates to hearing assistance devices and in particular to connections for hearing assistance devices. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Hearing assistance devices can feature speakers, also known as receivers, in or about the ear canal of a wearer. One type of hearing assistance device includes hearing aids. A hearing aid with a speaker (receiver) that is connected with wires to an electronics unit is called a receiver-in-the-ear (RITE) or receiver-in-the-canal (RIC) type hearing aid. The wires of RIC and RITE type hearing aids are typically disposed in a tubing or jacket which is intended to be inconspicuous and reliable. The introduction of small wires in designs such as RIC and RITE type hearing aids create issues of reliability and ease of manufacture and use. Small wires can be difficult to connect and such connections are susceptible to deterioration or breakage from prolonged use. Components will wear out with use and may lose performance or fail to function. Additional problems arise when wires connected to a remote receiver, such as electromagnetic interference issues. 
     Thus, there is a need in the art for improved connections for hearing assistance devices. The connections should be reliable, easy to manufacture, and easy to use. 
     SUMMARY 
     The present subject matter relates to an improved connection assembly for hearing assistance devices. The improved connection assembly provides a connection system that is reliable, straightforward to manufacture, and easy to use. The present connection assembly provides a rapid replacement option for the cable and/or the receiver or other electronics connected to the cable. The present subject matter provides for a connection assembly that can be extended to provide connections for a variety of applications which are not limited to a speaker (receiver) in the ear. In various applications, improvements are provided for telecoil functionality. Other sensors and new configurations of component placement are supported using the present assembly, including, but not limited to GMR and TMR sensors. New configurations of electronics for e are supported. The present subject matter also addresses in various applications issues, such as water resistance, water proofing, and tamper resistance/proofing. Various electromagnetic interference issues are addressed. In some examples a shielded set of wires are included. In some examples a twisted pair of wires is included. Various combinations of wires for different applications are supported with the present connector system. 
     This Summary is an overview of some of the teachings of the present application and not intended to be an exclusive or exhaustive treatment of the present subject matter. Further details about the present subject matter are found in the detailed description and appended claims. The scope of the present invention is defined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  shows a modular connection assembly for a hearing assistance device having a first connector and a second connector, according to one embodiment of the present subject matter. 
         FIG. 2  shows an enlarged view of the second connector of the modular connection assembly of  FIG. 1 , according to one embodiment of the present subject matter. 
         FIG. 3  shows an exploded view of the second connector of the modular connection assembly of  FIG. 1 , according to one embodiment of the present subject matter. 
         FIG. 4  shows an exploded view of the second connector of the modular connection assembly of  FIG. 1 , according to one embodiment of the present subject matter. 
         FIG. 5  shows a wiring configuration of the cable of the modular connection assembly of  FIG. 1 , according to one embodiment of the present subject matter. 
         FIG. 6A  shows a top view of an injection molded circuit connector (IMC connector), according to one embodiment of the present subject matter. 
         FIG. 6B  shows a bottom view of the IMC connector of  FIG. 6A , according to one embodiment of the present subject matter. 
         FIG. 6C  shows a side view of the IMC connector of  FIG. 6A , according to one embodiment of the present subject matter. 
         FIG. 6D  shows a top view of traces of the IMC connector of  FIG. 6A , according to one embodiment of the present subject matter. 
         FIG. 6E  shows a bottom view of traces of the IMC connector of  FIG. 6A , according to one embodiment of the present subject matter. 
         FIG. 6F  shows an end view of traces of the IMC connector of  FIG. 6A , according to one embodiment of the present subject matter. 
         FIGS. 6G-6L  show various views of an IMC connector according to one embodiment of the present subject matter. 
         FIG. 7  shows a process for construction of an IMC connector, according to one embodiment of the present subject matter. 
         FIGS. 8A-8E  demonstrate a process for connecting a device having a faceplate to the second connector of the modular connection assembly, according to one embodiment of the present subject matter. 
         FIG. 9  demonstrates one example of how contacts are disposed in a receptacle, according to one embodiment of the present subject matter. 
         FIG. 10  demonstrates one example of how contacts are disposed in a receptacle, according to one embodiment of the present subject matter. 
         FIG. 11  demonstrates a “hanging basket” faceplate design, according to one embodiment of the present subject matter. 
         FIG. 12  shows an exploded view of the modular connection assembly, according to one embodiment of the present subject matter. 
         FIG. 13  shows an exploded view of a faceplate with receptacle in a “hanging basket” configuration, according to one embodiment of the present subject matter. 
         FIG. 14  demonstrates one use of the modular connection assembly with active components, according to one embodiment of the present subject matter. 
         FIG. 15  shows a microphone and receiver assembly, according to one embodiment of the present subject matter. 
         FIG. 16  shows a microphone receiver assembly with the microphone offset between the two receivers, according to one embodiment of the present subject matter. 
         FIG. 17  shows a modular connection assembly with an integrated telecoil, according to one embodiment of the present subject matter. 
         FIG. 18  shows a modular connection assembly with an integrated telecoil, according to one embodiment of the present subject matter. 
         FIG. 19  shows an exploded view of a modular connection assembly for a receiver with an integrated telecoil, according to one embodiment of the present subject matter. 
         FIG. 20  shows a cross-section view of a portion of an assembled modular connection assembly, according to one embodiment of the present subject matter. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The following detailed description of the present invention refers to subject matter in the accompanying drawings which show, by way of illustration, specific aspects and embodiments in which the present subject matter may be practiced. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the present subject matter. References to “an”, “one”, or “various” embodiments in this disclosure are not necessarily to the same embodiment, and such references contemplate more than one embodiment. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope is defined only by the appended claims, along with the full scope of legal equivalents to which such claims are entitled. 
       FIG. 1  shows a modular connection assembly for a hearing assistance device having a first connector and a second connector, according to one embodiment of the present subject matter. Modular connection assembly  10  includes a first connector  20  and a second connector  30 . The first connector  20  includes a plurality of contacts  22  connected to a plurality of contacts  32  of the second connector  30  using a plurality of wires in cable  40 . The modular connection assembly  10  of  FIG. 1  demonstrates five (5) contacts per connector, but it is understood that other numbers of contacts may be used without departing from the scope of the present subject matter. The modular connection assembly  10  can be used in a variety of applications, including, but not limited to, hearing aids featuring electronics connected to the first connector and electronics connected to the second connector. In various embodiments, the electronics connected to the first connector  20  include, but are not limited to one or more of a receiver, a microphone, a telecoil, a sensor, or combinations thereof. In various embodiments, the electronics connected to the second connector  30  include, but are not limited to, a behind-the-ear type device, a receiver-in-the-canal type device, a receiver-in-the-ear type device, and an over the ear type of device. 
     Various wires can be used in cable  40 , including, but not limited to, stranded Litz wires. In various embodiments, the wires in cable  40  are flexible. In various embodiments, the wires in cable  40  are enclosed in tubing. The tubing can be made of any flexible material, including, but not limited to PEBAX. Reinforced tubing, such as reinforced PEBAX may be used. With reinforcement, improvements in flex modulus of about five (5) times may be achieved and improvements of about ten (10) times the tensile and elongation strength of wall sections may be achieved. Other amounts of reinforcement improvement can be achieved without departing from the scope of the present subject matter. 
     The connectors  22  and  32  can include a variety of conductors, and can be adapted to connect to a variety of receptacles. In various embodiments, constant contact is ensured by an elastomeric component having conductive and nonconductive portions which is placed under compression when the connector is seated in the receptacle. One such connection approach is includes the use of conductive silicone in making the connections. In one approach, for example, a conductive silicone pad is placed in the receptacle and oriented so that its conductive and insulative regions are in alignment with a series of conductors on the connector and in the receptacle. Such designs include, but are not limited to, the approaches set forth in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/027,173 entitled: “Electrical Contacts Using Conductive Silicone in Hearing Assistance Devices” and Ser. No. 11/857,439 entitled: “System for Hearing Assistance Device Including Receiver in the Canal,” the specifications of which are incorporated by reference in their entirety. One advantage of such connections is that they provide self-fitted interfaces. Another advantage is that if properly designed, such connections can be moisture resistant or moisture proof. Another advantage is that such connections reduce the need for very tight tolerance connections, which are difficult to produce and difficult to maintain. In one example application, a pad-to-pad variation of about 0.0002 inches (0.005 millimeters) is used. Other tolerances are possible, and this example is provide to illustrate a use of the present subject matter, but is not intended in an exclusive or exhaustive sense. 
     Connectors  20  and  30  may be color coded in various embodiments. Connectors  20  and  30  may be symmetrical in various embodiments. Connectors  20  and  30  may be asymmetrical in various embodiments. In various embodiments, connectors  20  and  30  include injection molded components. In various embodiments, connectors  20  and  30  include injection molded circuits. In various embodiments, connectors  20  and  30  are made using XYLEX; however, it is understood that other polymers can be used without departing from the scope of the present subject matter. 
       FIG. 2  shows an enlarged view of the second connector of the modular connection assembly of  FIG. 1 , according to one embodiment of the present subject matter. Contacts  32  at the end of the connector  30  are visible. These contacts are connected to wires in cable  40 . Various strain reliefs are possible without departing from the scope of the present subject matter and these are shown to demonstrate possible uses of the present technology, but are not intended in a limiting or exhaustive sense. 
       FIG. 3  shows an exploded view of the second connector of the modular connection assembly of  FIG. 1 , according to one embodiment of the present subject matter. In this example, an injection molded circuit component  39  is employed (“IMC  39 ”). IMC  39  is depicted showing five (5) contacts  32  and five (5) points of contact  36  are shown to illustrate one IMC  39 , but it is understood that other connections are possible without departing from the scope of the present subject matter. For example, in some embodiments connection pads  36  are used to connect wires from the cable to contacts  32 . Other numbers of contacts and connection pads and other types of components  39  with different configurations are possible without departing from the scope of the present subject matter.  FIGS. 6A-6H  demonstrate different views of two examples of types of components  39 . In  FIG. 3  one side of IMC  39  is shown with three connection pads  36 , and  FIG. 4  shows the other side with two connection pads  36 . IMC  39  can be disposed within an insulative two part plug portion  34  and  38 . One advantage of using polymers, such as XYLEX, is that various connector configurations can be made which allow for a good connection with a receptacle, both mechanically and electrically. The various connection pads  36  of IMC  39  are connected to wires in cable  40 . These connections can be made by any type of connection method, including, but not limited to soldering. Such connections may be made by hand or using automation. The plug part  38  can be connected to tubing of cable  40  and act as a strain relief. The internal plug portion  34  includes a positive stop that allows the assembly of connector  30  with a receptacle. In embodiments using a flexible conductive interface, such as conductive silicone, the connector  30  is inserted into a receptacle until the stop is reached. This provides compression of the conductive silicone and a mechanical interface is provided which can be secured in position to provide reliable electrical contact and water resistance or water proofing. The stop allows the connector to provide a form fit each time it is used without overstressing the conductive silicone component. It also provides a consistent connection without variation issues incumbent in tight tolerance connectors. 
       FIG. 5  shows a wiring configuration of the cable of the modular connection assembly of  FIG. 1 , according to one embodiment of the present subject matter. In the example provided herein, five (5) wires are used to connect to the five point connector of  FIG. 1 ; however, it is understood that a different number of wires and connections can be used without departing from the scope of the present subject matter. In the example provided herein, cable  40  includes a twisted pair  42  and a shielded wire bundle  44 . Twisted pair  42  can be used for applications such as receiver connections where the twisting reduces conduction of certain types of electromagnetic interference. Shielded wire bundle  44  is useful for connections such as microphone connections. The shield is made of any conductive and flexible material, included, but not limited to, braided stainless steel. The shield assists in reducing crosstalk between connections of the microphone and receiver, in applications where a microphone and receiver are used. It is understood that different numbers of conductors may be employed and that other forms of electromagnetic shielding or management may be performed. In one embodiment, the shielding is connected to other electronics or to an equipotential surface. In one embodiment, the shielding is not connected to other electronics or to an equipotential surface. In various embodiments a ferrite is used to limit electromagnetic interference. Other approaches are possible without departing from the scope of the present subject matter. 
       FIGS. 6A and 6B  show a top view and a bottom view of an injection molded circuit connector (IMC connector), according to one embodiment of the present subject matter. The IMC  60  includes connection pads  66 , traces  67 , and contacts  62 . Detailed views of the traces are shown in  FIGS. 6D and 6E , according to one embodiment. A side view of IMC  60  is shown in  FIG. 6C . An end view of IMC  60  is shown in  FIG. 6F . In various embodiments, the contacts are conformed to a shape that is consistent with the IMC  60  cross section. That is shown in  FIG. 6F  as rounded contacts at the extreme ends of the connector. It is understood that the contacts can be patterned in a variety of shapes and configurations, without departing from the scope of the present subject matter. It is understood also that the contacts may be symmetrical or asymmetrical as desired for any particular design. 
     Another embodiment of IMC  60  is shown in  FIGS. 6G , H, I, J, K, and L. In the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 6G to 6L , the traces  67  are continuous to both ends of IMC  60  and contacts  62  can be connected to the opposite end of the connector via traces  67 . Although  FIGS. 6G to 6L  relate to a 5 connection example, it is understood that other numbers of connections may be made without departing from the scope of the present subject matter. 
     IMC  60  can be used in connector  20 , connector  30 , or in both connectors. Use of the same IMC can reduce overall cost of manufacture and provide consistent connection designs. 
       FIG. 7  shows a process for construction of an IMC connector, according to one embodiment of the present subject matter. In this process the connector substrate is molded or cast  71 . Such fabrication may include, but is not limited to, injection molding. The substrate is then laser patterned to provide patterns including one or more of connection pads, traces, and contacts  72 . The substrate is then plated with conductive material to provide the one or more of the connection pads, traces and contacts  73 . In one application, Laser Direct Structuring (LDS) technology is used to create molded interconnect devices. One such process is provided by TYCO. The processes discussed herein are used to demonstrate only some processes, but it is understood that other processes are possible without departing from the scope of the present subject matter. 
     In various embodiments, the electronics connected to the first connector  20  and the second connector  30  include a mating receptacle to make a positive mechanical connection and provide good electrical connections.  FIGS. 8A-8E  demonstrate a process for connecting a device having a faceplate to a connector of the modular connection assembly, according to one embodiment of the present subject matter. Device  80  is adapted to be worn by a user of a hearing assistance device. It has a faceplate  88  with a retainer door  82 . In  FIG. 8A  the retainer door  82  is open to allow a connector to be inserted into receptacle  89 , according to one embodiment of the present subject matter. Handle  84  is optional and may be used by the wearer to place the device  80  in or about the ear canal of the wearer. In embodiments of device  80  which include a microphone and a receiver, the five (5) point electrical connector and cable provided herein can provide microphone and receiver connections. In one embodiment, the connector  20  is inserted into the receptacle  89  and a positive stop is used to seat the connector, which mechanically compresses the conductive silicone portion  86  as discussed herein. In various embodiments a key slot molded into the retainer door  82  is used to guide the connector into the right orientation in receptacle  89  ( FIG. 8B ). The connector  20  is rotated to a vertical position in  FIG. 8C . The retainer door  82  is closed to lock the connector  20  in place as demonstrated by  FIG. 8D . The modular connection assembly  10  and device  80  are now connected both electrically and mechanically. In various embodiments, the connection is water resistant, water proof, and/or tamper proof. It is understood that other receptacle configurations and other devices may be used without departing from the scope of the present subject matter. The other connector  30  can be attached to a RIC device, RITE device, BTE device, or some other device, including, but not limited to a device that is over the ear. One such RIC device, such as the ZON™ by Starkey Laboratories, Inc. 
       FIG. 9  demonstrates one example of how contacts are disposed in a receptacle, according to one embodiment of the present subject matter. A high temperature polymer is used to provide insert molded metal contacts  94  for the receptacle  90 . The nub or extension  92  can be used to make a pivoting assembly, such as with the “hanging basket” faceplate design  110  of  FIG. 11 . The nubs or extensions  92  can fit into apertures  112  to make a pivoting assembly. Another design for a receptacle is found in  FIG. 10 , where receptacle  100  includes a molded in flex or IMC insert  104  for contacts. Nubs or extensions  102  can fit into apertures  112  to make a pivoting assembly. In various embodiments, the nubs serve as a retention mechanism, but are not pivoting. Other receptacle and contact designs are possible without departing from the scope of the present subject matter. 
       FIG. 12  shows an exploded view of the modular connection assembly, according to one embodiment of the present subject matter. Plug portions  1  and  2  of connector  20  surround IMC  60 , which is soldered to wires in cable  40  in one embodiment. Plug portions  38  and  34  surround IMC  60  of connector  30 , which is soldered to the wires in cable  40  in one embodiment.  FIG. 13  shows that the retainer door  82  is adapted to be mounted in faceplate  88  and a conductive silicone layer  86  is adapted to provide connections to contacts  6 A mounted in receptacle  6 . 
       FIG. 14  demonstrates one use of the modular connection assembly with active components, according to one embodiment of the present subject matter. The device  140  includes battery  142  which powers one or more components in device  140 . A retainer door  82  holds the connector in place and compresses the connector against conductive silicone layer  86 , which in turn provides connection to contacts  6 A disposed in the receptacle. 
     It is understood that various embodiments of the present subject matter provide a polymer housing and the ability to include a three-dimensional injection molded circuit which has a number of contacts. In various embodiments the injection molding (PPA, LCP) includes a 5 contact insert. The conductive silicone pad provides redundant connection and insulation bars in an existing hearing assistance device housing. It is understood that 2, 3, or 5 contacts can be utilized from the same flex. 
     It is understood that the modular connection assembly can be used to connect hearing assistance electronics with one or more other devices, including, but not limited to a receiver, a telecoil, a sensor, a microphone, and/or combinations thereof. In one application a receiver that is adapted to be placed in an open ear configuration is designed to connect to connector  20  and a receiver-in-the ear or RIC device is adapted to connect to connector  30 . In various embodiments, connectors  20  and  30  can be interchangeable. In various applications the receiver includes a mechanism to position the receiver within the ear canal. Other apparatus can be included, such as another receiver or one or more of a telecoil or microphone or sensor. Other variations exist without departing from the scope of the present subject matter. Some variations include, but are not limited to, the following additional combinations; however, it is understood that the present subject matter is not so limited. In various embodiments, the connections are used for a receiver connection in the ear and/or ear canal. Such designs can provide increased performance in gain and output. In various embodiments, the connections are used for both a receiver and a telecoil placed closer to the ear canal. This allows for more enhanced usage with telephones and more natural positioning of a telecoil near the ear canal. In various embodiments, the connections are used for a receiver and one or more microphones. Such embodiments allow for directional or array microphones with enhanced directionality and/or localization. Such embodiments also provide the ability to use the connections for one or more microphones to receive sounds for real ear measurement. In various embodiments, the microphones can be situated on both sides of an ear mold or an ear bud, thereby providing sensing in the canal as well as at the opening of the ear. Consequently, the use of microphones near the ear can alleviate space limitations in the behind-the-ear or over-the-ear electronics, in various embodiments. Other sensors may be connected using the present system. For example, a GMR sensor (giant magnetoresistive sensor) or TMR (tunneling magnetoresistive sensor) may be connected using the present system. Multiple receivers can also be connected to produce devices capable of transmitting sound on either side of the ear bud or earmold to provide functions, such as noise cancellation. Additional combinations include, but are not limited to one or more microphones and a telecoil, one or more microphones and a GMR or TMR sensor, for example. Additional embodiments provide connections and optionally conductors for antennas. The present connection system also allows for rechargeable applications and technology. Thus, the present subject matter provides connections for a number of available configurations and for a variety of devices. The present connector can also be rapidly replaced for situations where the sensor and/or receiver at the end is desired to be changed. In embodiments where the components situated near the ear are integrated with the connector, the entire connector and component combination can be quickly and reliably interchanged. 
       FIG. 15  shows an isometric view of a microphone and receiver assembly  1500  according to one embodiment of the present subject matter. The assembly includes a microphone  1501  mounted between two receivers  1502 ,  1503 . The assembly includes an acoustic spout  1504  for the microphone and an acoustic manifold  1505  with a port  1506  for the two receivers. In various embodiments, the microphone does not include a spout. The proximity of a microphone to a receiver in hearing assistance devices and the respective boundary conditions has been a factor in managing feedback. These constraints, historically, have negatively affected the final size of hearing assistance devices because the necessary suspension systems and multi layer barriers add size. The assembly  1500  reduces the need for the support systems and barriers by placing the microphone  1501  between two receivers  1502 ,  1503  oriented such that the receiver diaphragms counteract each other in a manner that substantially negates receiver vibration paths into the microphone  1501 . In various embodiments, the assembly  1500  is enclosed in a housing adapted for wearing in the ear of a user. 
       FIG. 16  shows an isometric view of a microphone receiver assembly  1610  according to one embodiment of the present subject matter with the microphone  1611  offset between the two receivers  1612 ,  1613 . Such a configuration reduces the size of the receiver manifold  1616  from the embodiment of  FIG. 15  and provides additional separation between the microphone input  1614  and the receiver opening  1615 . As illustrated in  FIG. 16 , the dimensions of the microphone  1611 , such as the width, may be different than the dimensions of the receivers  1612 ,  1613  in various embodiments. Acoustic requirements of each application of the assembly often dictate the dimension of the receivers, the microphone or the receivers and the microphone. In some embodiments, the assembly connects to a connector assembly according to the present subject matter for further connection to a second device. The second device can include, for example, but is not limited to, a behind-the-ear type device, a receiver-in-the-ear (receiver-in-the-canal) type device, or an over the ear type of device. 
     In various embodiments, the components of the microphone receiver assembly are mounted rigidly to each other to form the assembly and to reduce additional vibration sources. Mounting techniques include, but are not limited to, mechanical fasteners, welding including laser welding, and gluing. 
       FIG. 17  shows a modular connection assembly with an integrated telecoil according to one embodiment of the present subject matter. A receiver, contained in upper housing  1701  is connected to the modular connection assembly  1702 . In various embodiments the connection is performed using a first connector, encased in lower housing  1703  which provides electrical and mechanical connections to the receiver. The modular connection assembly  1702  includes a second connector  1704  for connecting to a hearing assistance device. The lower housing  1703  is attached to a flexible retention device  1705  with an integrated telecoil  1706 . The retention device conforms to a wearer&#39;s ear anatomy so that the receiver in upper housing  1701  is retained within a user&#39;s ear in a stable and comfortable manner. In various embodiments, such as that demonstrated by  FIG. 17 , the telecoil  1706  is positioned at a distal end of the retention device  1705 . The retention device  1705  includes conducting wires to connect the telecoil  1716  to connector  1704 . Such conductors may include contacts which are detachable at lower housing  1703 . These contacts can be a separate connector for quick assembly and disassembly, or can be soldered to make the connection. In various embodiments, the conductors from telecoil  1706  extend through the modular connection assembly  1702  to connector  1704 . In various embodiments, such as that demonstrated in  FIG. 18 , the telecoil  1815  is located near the receiver in upper housing  1810  so that the distal end of the retention device  1814  can be trimmed if desired without affecting the electrical nature of the device. This provides the ability to customize retention device  1814  of modular connection assembly  1811 . The connections of the telecoil  1815  can be made by a variety of connector and wiring options including those discussed above for the design of  FIG. 17 . Thus, a connector in lower housing  1812  can be used to make connections between connector  1813  and a receiver in upper housing  1810  and the telecoil  1815  using the five (5) wire (or other number of wires) harness set forth herein. 
       FIG. 19  shows an exploded view of a modular connection assembly  1920  for a receiver with an integrated telecoil, according to one embodiment of the present subject matter. The modular connection assembly includes a connector portion  1921 , cable tubing  1922 , receiver assembly  1923  and a telecoil assembly  1924 . The receiver assembly  1923  is configured for positioning a receiver in an ear of a wearer. The receiver assembly  1923  includes an upper housing  1925 , a lower housing  1926  and a receiver  1927 . The upper  1925  and lower  1926  receiver housings enclose the receiver  1927 . Such receivers include, but are not limited to a Pulse  4400  receiver or a Knowles FK receiver. It is understood that other receivers may be used without departing from the scope of the present subject matter. The receiver  1927  is electrically connected to conductors (not shown) passing through the cable tube  1922 . In various embodiments, the conductors are soldered to the receiver  1927 . In various embodiments, receiver conductors are a twisted pair of conductors. 
     As demonstrated by the embodiment of  FIG. 19 , the telecoil assembly  1924  couples to the receiver assembly  1923 . The telecoil assembly  1924  includes a telecoil housing  1928 , a telecoil  1929  and a retention element  1930 . The telecoil housing  1928  assembles with the upper  1925  and lower  1926  receiver housings. Telecoil conductors pass through a conduit in the connecting portion  1931  of the telecoil housing  1928  from the lower receiver housing  1926  to connect to the telecoil  1929 , such as a TA32, 3-pin active telecoil, for example. It is understood that other telecoils may be used with the telecoil assembly without departing from the scope of the present subject matter, including, but not limited to, other active telecoils, other 3-pin telecoils, and 2-pin telecoils, including passive telecoils. In various embodiments other magnetic sensing and/or demodulating sensors are employed. For example, a GMR or TMR sensor may be used in conjunction with or instead of the telecoil, according to various embodiments. In various embodiments, the telecoil  1929  (or other sensor) is soldered to shielded conductors and is enclosed in the telecoil housing upon assembly. A flexible retention element  1930  couples to the telecoil housing  1928  to enclose the telecoil  1929 . The retention element  1930  is designed to conform to a wearer&#39;s ear anatomy so that the receiver assembly  1923  is retained within the wearer&#39;s ear in a stable and comfortable manner. It can be trimmed to a desired length for a better fit if needed. 
     Conductors pass through cable tubing  1922  that is coupled to the lower housing  1926  of the receiver assembly  1923 . The tubing  1922  can be made of any flexible material, including, but not limited to, PEBAX. Reinforced tubing, such as reinforced PEBAX may be used. Opposite the receiver assembly  1923 , the tubing  1922  connects to a connector assembly  1921 . In various embodiments, the connector assembly  1921  is a generic connector for connecting the modular connection assembly  1920  to the electronics of a hearing assistance device. In some embodiments, the connector assembly  1921  is a connector assembly according to the present subject matter (see  FIG. 12 , assembly  30  and  FIG. 6  generally). The illustrated connector assembly  1921  includes a strain relief  1931  for connecting to the cable tube  1922 , a molded interconnect device  1932  for connecting to conductors in the cable tube  1922  and a connector housing  1933  to retain the interconnect device  1932  in the strain relief  1931  and mechanically couple the connector assembly  1921  to a hearing assistance device such as a RIC hearing assistance device, for example. The molded interconnect device  1932  includes connection pads, traces, and contacts for connecting to conductors in the cable tube and providing contacts for electrically connecting modular connection assembly  1920  to a hearing assistance device. In various embodiments, conductors from in the cable tube  1922  are soldered to contact pads of the molded interconnect device  1932 . In some embodiments, the molded interconnect device  1932  uses conductive silicone to connect to a hearing assistance device. Several embodiments are provided herein. It is understood that other methods of connecting the conductors to the molded interconnect device and the molded interconnect device to a hearing assistance device are possible without departing from the scope of the present subject matter. 
       FIG. 20  shows a cross-section view of a portion of an assembled modular connection assembly  2040  according to one embodiment of the present subject matter. The view includes an upper receiver housing  2041  and a lower receiver housing  2042  enclosing a receiver  2043 . The upper receiver housing  2041  includes an acoustic opening  2044  for directing sound from the receiver  2043  to a wearer&#39;s ear. The assembled upper  2041  and lower  2042  receiver housings form an opening  2045  for coupling a telecoil assembly  2046  to the upper and lower receiver housings. The telecoil assembly  2046  includes a telecoil housing  2047 , telecoil  2048  and retention element  2049 . The telecoil housing  2047  includes a cavity  2050  for housing the telecoil  2048 . A retention element  2049  couples to the telecoil housing  2047  to enclose the cavity  2050 . The retention element  2049  is designed to conform to a wearer&#39;s ear anatomy so that the receiver assembly  2051  is retained within the wearer&#39;s ear in a stable and comfortable manner. A connecting portion  2052  of the telecoil housing includes a conduit  2053  for passing telecoil conductors from the lower receiver housing  2042  to the telecoil  2048  in the cavity  2050 . The lower receiver housing  2042  includes a cable opening  2054  for coupling to cable tubing  2055 . Cable tubing protects receiver and telecoil conductors. The tubing  2054  can be made of any flexible material, including, but not limited to, PEBAX. Reinforced tubing, such as reinforced PEBAX may be used. 
     The telecoil (or other sensor) can be eliminated by changing the modular connection assembly if desired, as opposed to purchasing a different hearing assistance device without a telecoil. The external location of the telecoil (or other sensor) allows for better sensing of local magnetic fields for switching the hearing assistance device into a telecoil mode. In some cases, the removal of the telecoil from an electronics housing, such as the housings used in a receiver-in-the-ear (RIC) design, make smaller housing designs possible. Manufacturing simplicity can be increased by placing the telecoil in the retention mechanism. Such designs can be pre-tested to assure proper operation of the telecoil portion of the device. Such designs may provide less product variability and more operational reliability than designs where the telecoil is mounted in the electronics housing of the RIC device. 
     It is understood that other positions of the telecoil or other sensor along the length of the retention mechanism are possible without departing from the scope of the present subject matter. In various embodiments, a shielded housing for the receiver reduces interference between the telecoil and the receiver. One type of shielding is magnetic shielding, such as mu-metal. It is understood that other magnetically permeable materials and apparatus can be used to form a shield about the receiver without departing from the scope of the present subject matter. 
     The present subject matter includes hearing assistance devices, including, but not limited to, cochlear implant type hearing devices, hearing aids, such as behind-the-ear (BTE), receiver-in-the-canal (RIC), receiver-in-the-ear (RITE), and such devices that include in-the-ear (ITE), in-the-canal (ITC), or completely-in-the-canal (CIC) type components. It is understood that behind-the-ear type hearing aids may include devices that reside substantially behind the ear or over the ear. Such devices may include hearing aids with receivers associated with the electronics portion of the behind-the-ear device, or hearing aids of the type having receivers in-the-canal. It is understood that other hearing assistance devices not expressly stated herein may fall within the scope of the present subject matter. 
     This application is intended to cover adaptations and variations of the present subject matter. It is to be understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive. The scope of the present subject matter should be determined with reference to the appended claim, along with the full scope of legal equivalents to which the claims are entitled.

Technology Category: 5