EARMOLD WITH CLOSING ELEMENT FOR VENT

Abstract

An earmold having an earmold shell, the earmold shell having a first end facing a tympanic membrane when the earmold is worn by a user, and a second end facing toward a surrounding of the user when the earmold is worn by the user, includes: a receiver configured to provide an audio output signal; a receiver channel coupled to an output of the receiver and extending to a receiver opening in the first end; and a vent channel coupled to the receiver channel through a first vent port, the vent channel having a vent opening in the second end; wherein the receiver channel comprises a closing element, the closing element comprising a first magnetic member, wherein the closing element is configured to cause the first vent port to be open when in a first state, and to cause the first vent port to be closed when in a second state.

Claims

1. An earmold having an earmold shell, the earmold shell having a first end and a second end, wherein when the earmold is worn by a user, a tympanic membrane of the user is closer to the first end than the second end, the earmold comprising: a receiver configured to provide an audio output signal; a receiver channel coupled to an output of the receiver and extending to a receiver opening; a vent channel coupled to the receiver channel through a vent port, the vent channel having a vent opening; and a closing element, the closing element comprising a first magnetic member, wherein the first magnetic member is configured to move relative to the vent port, and wherein the closing element is configured to cause the vent port to be open when the closing element is in a first state, and to cause the vent port to be closed when the closing element is in a second state.

2. The earmold according to claim 1, further comprising: a microphone configured to provide an input signal; and a first processing unit configured to provide an output signal based on the input signal; and wherein the receiver is configured to provide the audio output signal based on the output signal.

3. The earmold according to claim 2, wherein the first processing unit is configured to process the input signal according to a hearing loss of the user.

4. The earmold according to claim 1, wherein the earmold has a longitudinal axis extending between the first end of the earmold shell and the second end of the earmold shell, and wherein the receiver channel extends along the longitudinal axis.

5. The earmold according to claim 1, wherein the first magnetic member comprises a hollow structure.

6. The earmold according to claim 1, further comprising a second magnetic member configured to displace the closing element by magnetic interaction with the first magnetic member.

7. The earmold according to claim 6, wherein the second magnetic member comprises a coil with a plurality of turns, and wherein the second magnetic member is connected to a current or voltage source.

8. The earmold according to claim 6, further comprising an inductive member for inductive coupling with the second magnetic member.

9. The earmold according to claim 8, wherein the inductive member comprises one or more turns around a longitudinal axis of the earmold.

10. The earmold according to claim 8, wherein the second magnetic member comprises an electrical impedance.

11. The earmold according to claim 10, wherein the electrical impedance of the second magnetic member is based on the inductive coupling.

12. The earmold according to claim 1, wherein the receiver comprises a speaker, and wherein the receiver channel extends from the speaker to the receiver opening.

13. The earmold according to claim 1, wherein the receiver channel and the vent channel are separated by a structure that is stationary with respect to both the receiver channel and the vent channel.

14. The earmold according to claim 1, wherein the first magnetic member is configured to move inside the earmold relative to the receiver channel.

15. An earmold having an earmold shell, the earmold shell having a first end and a second end, wherein when the earmold is worn by a user, a tympanic membrane of the user is closer to the first end than the second end, the earmold comprising: a receiver configured to provide an audio output signal; a receiver channel coupled to an output of the receiver and extending to a receiver opening; and a vent channel coupled to the receiver channel through a vent port, the vent channel having a vent opening; a closing element configured to cause the vent port to be open when the closing element is in a first state, and to cause the vent port to be closed when the closing element is in a second state; a magnetic member configured to displace the closing element, wherein the second magnetic member comprises an electrical impedance; a processing unit configured to determine a state of the closing element based on the electrical impedance of the magnetic member.

16. The earmold according to claim 15, wherein the processing unit is configured to detect that the closing element changes from the first state to the second state by detecting a decrease in the electrical impedance of the magnetic member.

17. The earmold according to claim 15, wherein the processing unit is configured to detect that the closing element changes from the second state to the first state by detecting an increase in the electrical impedance of the magnetic member.

18. The earmold according to claim 15, wherein the processing unit is configured to set a desired state of the closing element by adjusting a current or voltage supplied to the magnetic member.

19. The earmold according to claim 18, wherein the processing unit is configured for error detection by comparing the set desired state with the determined state of the closing element.

20. An earmold having an earmold shell, the earmold shell having a first end and a second end, wherein when the earmold is worn by a user, a tympanic membrane of the user is closer to the first end than the second end, the earmold comprising: a receiver configured to provide an audio output signal; a receiver channel coupled to an output of the receiver and extending to a receiver opening; and a vent channel coupled to the receiver channel through a vent port, the vent channel having a vent opening; a closing element configured to cause the vent port to be open when the closing element is in a first state, and to cause the vent port to be closed when the closing element is in a second state; a magnetic member configured to displace the closing element; and an inductive member for inductive coupling with the magnetic member.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0098] The above and other features and advantages will become readily apparent to those skilled in the art by the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments thereof with reference to the attached drawings, in which:

[0099] FIG. 1 schematically illustrates an example of an earmold for an ear canal of a user.

[0100] FIGS. 2a) and 2b) schematically illustrate an example of an earmold receiver channel with a closing element, and second magnetic member.

[0101] FIGS. 3a) and 3b) schematically illustrate an example of an earmold receiver channel with a closing element, second magnetic member and inductive member.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0102] Various embodiments are described hereinafter with reference to the figures. Like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout. Like elements will, thus, not be described in detail with respect to the description of each figure. It should also be noted that the figures are only intended to facilitate the description of the embodiments. They are not intended as an exhaustive description of the claimed invention or as a limitation on the scope of the claimed invention. In addition, an illustrated embodiment needs not have all the aspects or advantages shown. An aspect or an advantage described in conjunction with a particular embodiment is not necessarily limited to that embodiment and can be practiced in any other embodiments even if not so illustrated, or if not so explicitly described.

[0103] Throughout, the same reference numerals are used for identical or corresponding parts.

[0104] FIG. 1 schematically illustrates an example of an earmold for an ear canal of a user. The earmold 2 has an earmold shell 4. The earmold shell 4 has a first end 6. The first end 6 faces a tympanic membrane of the user, when the earmold 2 is worn by the user. The earmold shell 6 has a second end 8. The second end 8 faces toward the surroundings of the user, when the earmold 2 is worn by the user. The earmold 2 comprises a microphone 10 arranged in the second end 8 of the earmold shell 4, where the microphone 10 is for providing an input signal from the surroundings. The earmold 2 comprises a first processing unit 12 configured for processing the input signal. The earmold 2 comprises a receiver 14 coupled to an output 16 of the processing unit 12 for conversion of an output signal from the first processing unit 12 into an audio output signal. The earmold 2 comprises a receiver channel 18 coupled to an output 20 of the receiver 14 and extending to a receiver opening 22 in the first end 6 of the earmold 2, where the receiver channel 18 is for providing the audio output signal in the ear canal. The earmold 2 comprises a vent channel 24 coupled to the receiver channel 18 through a first vent port 26. The vent channel 24 has a vent opening 28 in the second end 8 of the earmold shell 4.

[0105] FIGS. 2a) and 2b) schematically illustrates an example of a receiver channel 18. The receiver channel 18 comprises a closing element 30. The closing element 30 comprises a first magnetic member 32. The closing element 30 is configured for being in a first state 34 or in a second state 36. In the first state 34, the closing element 30 causes the first vent port 26 to be open. In the second state 36, the closing element 30 causes the first vent port 26 to be closed.

[0106] In an embodiment, the closing element 30 is hollow and open in an end facing the tympanic membrane and in an end facing the receiver such that an acoustic signal from the receiver may pass through the closing element when the closing element is in an open state i.e. where the first vent port 26 is open, and when the closing element is in a closed state i.e. where the first vent port 26 is closed.

[0107] In an embodiment, the closing element 30 may be a hollow cylinder with a radius r being smaller than a radius R of the receiver channel and a height h smaller than a longitudinal distance H between a first and a second confiner 42. The hollow cylinder may be positioned such that its longitudinal axis 52 along the height h is along the receiver channel 18. In an embodiment, the radius r is smaller than the radius R if 0.75*R<r<0.99*R. In an embodiment, the height h is smaller than the distance H if 0.75*H<h<0.99*H.

[0108] The earmold comprises a second magnetic member 38 arranged for displacing the closing element 30 by magnetic interaction with the first magnetic member 32 of the closing element 30.

[0109] The second magnetic member 38 is configured to attract or repel the first magnetic member 32 of the closing element 30, when a magnetic field is applied, thereby moving the closing element 30. Moving the closing element 30 provides that the closing element 30 changes or switches between the first state 34 and the second state 36. Changing the state of the closing element 30 provides that the first vent port 26 changes between being open, FIG. 2a), or closed, FIG. 2b).

[0110] The second magnetic member 38 may be a coil, such as a drive coil or driving coil. The second magnetic member 38 may drive the first magnetic member 32 of the closing element 30. The second magnetic member 38 is arranged inside the receiver channel 18. Alternatively, second magnetic member 38 can be arranged outside the receiver channel 18.

[0111] The second magnetic member 18 is arranged between the first vent port 26 and the output 20 of the receiver 14. Alternatively, the second magnetic member 38 may be arranged between the first vent port 26 and the receiver opening 22.

[0112] The second magnetic member 38 comprises a coil 40 with a number of turns.

[0113] The second magnetic member 38 may be connected to a current or voltage source. The current or voltage source may be a DC voltage or current source. When applying the current or voltage to the second magnetic member 38, the second magnetic member 38 may attract or repel the closing element 30 due to the first magnetic member 32. For example, a 10 ms burst of DC voltage may change the state 34, 36, e.g. position, of the closing element 30. In an embodiment, the current or voltage source may be a power source of the earmold such as a battery or a rechargeable battery. In an embodiment, the current or voltage source may provide power to the microphone and/or the receiver and/or the first processing unit and the second magnetic member 38.

[0114] The earmold comprises confiners 42 configured for confining the displacement of the closing element 30 in the receiver channel 18. The confiners 42 may comprise stopping elements and/or constrictions in the receiver channel 18.

[0115] FIGS. 3a) and 3b) schematically illustrates an embodiment of a receiver channel 18. The receiver channel 18 comprises a closing element 30. The closing element 30 comprises a first magnetic member 32. The closing element 30 is configured for being in a first state 34 or in a second state 36. In the first state 34, the closing element 30 causes the first vent port 26 to be open. In the second state 36, the closing element 30 causes the first vent port 26 to be closed.

[0116] In an embodiment, the closing element 30 is hollow and open in an end facing the tympanic membrane and in an end facing the receiver such that an acoustic signal from the receiver may pass through the closing element when the closing element is in an open state i.e. where the first vent port 26 is open, and when the closing element is in a closed state i.e. where the first vent port 26 is closed.

[0117] In an embodiment, the closing element 30 may be a hollow cylinder with a radius r being smaller than a radius R of the receiver channel and a height h smaller than a longitudinal distance H between a first and a second confiner 42. The hollow cylinder may be positioned such that its longitudinal axis 52 along the height h is along the receiver channel 18. In an embodiment, the radius r is smaller than the radius R if 0.75*R<r<0.99*R. In an embodiment, the height h is smaller than the distance H if 0.75*H<h<0.99*H.

[0118] The earmold comprises a second magnetic member 38 arranged for displacing the closing element 30 by magnetic interaction with the first magnetic member 32 of the closing element 30.

[0119] The second magnetic member 38 is configured to attract or repel the first magnetic member 32 of the closing element 30, when a magnetic field is applied, thereby moving the closing element 30. Moving the closing element 30 provides that the closing element 30 changes or switches between the first state 34 and the second state 36. Changing the state of the closing element 30 provides that the first vent port 26 changes between being open, FIG. 3a), or closed, FIG. 3b).

[0120] The second magnetic member 38 may be a coil, such as a drive coil or driving coil. The second magnetic member 38 may drive the first magnetic member 32 of the closing element 30. The second magnetic member 38 is arranged inside the receiver channel 18. Alternatively, second magnetic member 38 can be arranged outside the receiver channel 18.

[0121] The second magnetic member 18 is arranged between the first vent port 26 and the output 20 of the receiver 14. Alternatively, the second magnetic member 38 may be arranged between the first vent port 26 and the receiver opening 22.

[0122] The second magnetic member 38 comprises a coil 40 with a number of turns.

[0123] The second magnetic member 38 is connected to a current/voltage source 50. The current or voltage source 50 may be a DC voltage or current source. When applying the current or voltage to the second magnetic member 38, the second magnetic member 38 may attract or repel the closing element 30 due to the first magnetic member 32. For example, a 10 ms burst of DC voltage may change the state 34, 36, e.g. position, of the closing element 30. In an embodiment, the current or voltage source 50 may be a power source of the earmold such as a battery or a rechargeable battery. In an embodiment, the current or voltage source may provide power to the second magnetic member 38 and the microphone and/or the receiver and/or the first processing unit.

[0124] The earmold comprises confiners 42 configured for confining the displacement of the closing element 30 in the receiver channel 18. The confiners 42 may comprise stopping elements and/or constrictions in the receiver channel 18.

[0125] The earmold comprises an inductive member 44 comprising a conductive material, where the inductive member 44 is arranged in a fixed relationship with the closing member 30 and is arranged for inductive coupling with the second magnetic member 38.

[0126] The inductive member 44 is a closed loop coil. The inductive member may comprise one or more turns around the longitudinal axis 52.

[0127] The inductive coupling between the inductive member 44 and the second magnetic member 38 may be provided when current or voltage is applied to the second magnetic member 38 through the current/voltage source 50.

[0128] The inductive member 44 is connected to the closing member 30. The inductive member 44 is attached directly to the closing member 30 by connection through a rod 46. Alternatively, the inductive member 44 may be arranged around the closing member 30, such as arranged around an outside surface of the closing member 30.

[0129] The fixed relationship between the inductive member 44 and the closing element 30 provides that when the closing element 30 moves the inductive member 44 relative to the second magnetic member 38, the inductive coupling between the second magnetic member 38 and the inductive member 44 changes, and thereby the electrical impedance of the second magnetic member 38 changes accordingly.

[0130] This change in electrical impedance can be detected or determined by a second processing unit 48 connected to the second magnetic member 38.

[0131] The second processing unit 48 is configured for determining the state of the closing element 30 based on the electrical impedance of the second magnetic member 38.

[0132] The second processing unit 48 may be the same as the first processing unit 12 or may be a different processing unit.

[0133] The second processing unit 48 is configured for setting the state 34, 36 of the closing element 30 by adjusting a current or voltage supplied from the current/voltage source 42 to the second magnetic member 38.

[0134] The second processing unit 48 is configured to detect that the closing element 30 changes from the first state 34, i.e. first vent port 26 open, to the second state 36, i.e. first vent port 26 closed, by detecting a decrease in the electrical impedance of the second magnetic member 38.

[0135] The second processing unit 48 is configured to detect that the closing element 30 changes from the second state 36, i.e. first vent port 26 closed, to the first state 34, i.e. first vent port 26 open, by detecting an increase in the electrical impedance of the second magnetic member 38.

[0136] Although particular features have been shown and described, it will be understood that they are not intended to limit the claimed invention, and it will be made obvious to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the claimed invention. The specification and drawings are, accordingly to be regarded in an illustrative rather than restrictive sense. The claimed invention is intended to cover all alternatives, modifications and equivalents.

LIST OF REFERENCES

[0137] 2 earmold [0138] 4 earmold shell [0139] 6 first end [0140] 8 second end [0141] 10 microphone [0142] 12 first processing unit [0143] 14 receiver [0144] 16 output of the first processing unit [0145] 18 receiver channel [0146] 20 output of the receiver [0147] 22 receiver opening [0148] 24 vent channel [0149] 26 first vent port [0150] 28 vent opening 28 [0151] 30 closing element [0152] 32 first magnetic member [0153] 34 first state of closing element [0154] 36 second state of closing element [0155] 38 second magnetic member [0156] 40 coil of second magnetic member [0157] 42 confiners [0158] 44 inductive member [0159] 46 rod connecting inductive member and closing element [0160] 48 second processing unit [0161] 50 current/voltage source [0162] 52 longitudinal axis