EARPIECE, HEARING DEVICE AND SYSTEM FOR ACTIVE OCCLUSION CANCELLATION

Abstract

Disclosed is a system, a hearing device and an earpiece configured to be worn in an ear of a user. The earpiece comprising: a first input transducer configured for receiving sound from the ear canal of the user's ear, the first input transducer being configured for providing a first input transducer signal; an output transducer configured for providing sound to the ear canal, the output transducer being configured for providing an output transducer signal; a processing unit comprising an active occlusion cancellation algorithm configured to generate an output signal based on at least the first input transducer signal for providing active occlusion cancellation; wherein the earpiece further comprises: an acoustic filter configured for improving the active occlusion cancellation, the acoustic filter comprising: a vent channel for venting the ear canal, and an acoustic vent resonance cancelling filter implemented in the vent channel.

Claims

1. An earpiece configured to be worn in an ear of a user, the earpiece comprising: a first input transducer configured to receive sound from an ear canal of the user, the first input transducer being configured to provide a first input transducer signal; an output transducer configured to provide output sound to the ear canal; a processing unit connected to the output transducer and the first input transducer, the processing unit comprising an active occlusion cancellation algorithm configured to generate an output signal based on at least the first input transducer signal for providing active occlusion cancellation; a vent channel for venting the ear canal; and an acoustic vent resonance cancelling filter in the vent channel.

2. The earpiece according to claim 1, wherein the vent channel and the acoustic vent resonance cancelling filter are configured to improve the active occlusion cancellation.

3. The earpiece according to claim 1, wherein the vent channel and the acoustic vent resonance cancelling filter together form an acoustic filter.

4. The earpiece according to claim 3, wherein the acoustic filter is configured to improve or optimize the output signal generated by the active occlusion cancellation algorithm.

5. The earpiece according to claim 1, wherein the acoustic vent resonance cancelling filter is configured to provide an increased acoustic resistance for the vent channel.

6. The earpiece according to claim 1, wherein the vent channel is configured to provide a reduction of a subsonic sound pressure level in the ear canal of the user.

7. The earpiece according to claim 1, wherein the vent channel is configured to provide a reduction of a low-frequency sound pressure level in the ear canal of the user.

8. The earpiece according to claim 1, wherein the acoustic vent resonance cancelling filter is configured to affect a frequency response associated with the vent channel.

9. The earpiece according to claim 1, wherein the acoustic vent resonance cancelling filter is configured to cancel or suppress or annul a resonance associated with the vent channel.

10. The earpiece according to claim 1, wherein the acoustic vent resonance cancelling filter is configured to smoothen a resonance associated with the vent channel.

11. The earpiece according to claim 1, wherein the acoustic vent resonance cancelling filter is a physical filter.

12. The earpiece according to claim 1, wherein the acoustic vent resonance cancelling filter comprises an acoustic impedance value

13. The earpiece according to claim 1, wherein the acoustic vent resonance cancelling filter is associated with an acoustic impedance value.

14. The earpiece according to claim 1, wherein the acoustic vent resonance cancelling filter comprises a surface size and/or a density.

15. The earpiece according to claim 1, wherein the earpiece is for a hearing aid configured to compensate for a hearing loss of the user.

16. The earpiece according to claim 1, wherein the acoustic vent resonance cancelling filter is configured to push a low-frequency roll off below a 80-100 Hz target.

17. A system for an earpiece, the earpiece being configured to be worn in an ear of a user, the system comprising: a first input transducer configured to receive sound from an ear canal of the user, the first input transducer being configured to provide a first input transducer signal; an output transducer configured to provide output sound to the ear canal; a processing unit connected to the output transducer and the first input transducer, the processing unit comprising an active occlusion cancellation algorithm configured to generate an output signal based on at least the first input transducer signal for providing active occlusion cancellation; a vent channel for venting the ear canal; and an acoustic vent resonance cancelling filter in the vent channel.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0115] 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:

[0116] FIG. 1a schematically illustrates an example of an earpiece configured to be worn in an ear of a user.

[0117] FIG. 1b schematically illustrates an example of an earpiece configured to be worn in an ear of a user.

[0118] FIG. 1c schematically illustrates an example of an earpiece configured to be worn in an ear of a user.

[0119] FIG. 2a, FIG. 2b and FIG. 2c schematically illustrate examples of an earpiece configured to be worn in an ear of a user.

[0120] FIG. 3 is a graph showing the pressure response in an ear simulator for different venting setups.

[0121] FIG. 4 is a graph showing the occlusion response for different venting setups.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0122] 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.

[0123] Throughout, the same reference numerals are used for identical or corresponding parts.

[0124] FIG. 1a schematically illustrates an example of an earpiece 2 configured to be worn in an ear 4 of a user. The earpiece 2 comprises a first input transducer 6 configured for receiving sound from the ear canal 8 of the user's ear 4. The first input transducer 6 is configured for providing a first input transducer signal 10. The earpiece 2 comprises an output transducer 12 configured for providing sound to the ear canal 8. The output transducer 12 is configured for providing an output transducer signal 14. The earpiece 2 comprises a processing unit 16 connected to the output transducer 12 and the first input transducer 6. The processing unit 16 comprises an active occlusion cancellation algorithm 18 configured to generate the output transducer signal 14 based on at least the first input transducer signal 10 for providing active occlusion cancellation. The earpiece 2 further comprises an acoustic filter configured for improving the active occlusion cancellation. The acoustic filter comprises a vent channel (20) for venting the ear canal (8) and is further configured as an acoustic high pass filter. The acoustic filter comprises an acoustic vent resonant cancelling filter (22) implemented in the vent channel. The acoustic filter being a resulting/combined acoustic filter comprising the vent channel (20) and further configured as an acoustic high pass filter and the acoustic vent resonant cancelling filter (22) implemented in the vent channel (20).

[0125] Sound pressure 24 can be generated in an occluded ear canal 8 due to own voice 26 as well as subsonic frequencies generated by jaw motion 26.

[0126] The first input transducer 6 may have a sound inlet 28 positioned at a first end 30, e.g. a tip portion of the earpiece 2, preferably allowing unhindered sensing of the ear canal sound pressure 24 within a fully or partly occluded ear canal 8 volume residing in front of the users tympanic membrane or eardrum.

[0127] The earpiece 2 has a second end 34 being opposite the first end 30, wherein the second end 34 is pointing towards the surroundings when the earpiece 2 is worn by the user.

[0128] The vent channel 20 has a first end 36 pointing towards the tympanic membrane in the ear canal 8 of the user and a second end 32 pointing towards the surroundings, when the earpiece 2 is worn in its intended operational position. The first end of the vent channel 20 may be positioned at the first end 30, e.g. the tip portion of the earpiece 2.

[0129] The vent channel 20 is configured to cause the main sound path to exhibit an acoustic high pass filter effect, i.e. as an open-ended side branch channel or side branch tube to a main sound path. Wherein the main sound path provides the output transducer signal 14 from the output transducer 12 to the eardrum of the user and/or the first input transducer 6. The properties of the acoustic high pass filter can be varied by configuring the size and/or shape of the vent channel 20. The acoustic vent resonant cancelling filter 22 may be arranged in or at the second end 32 of the vent channel 20. The acoustic vent resonant cancelling filter 22 may be arranged in a portion of the vent channel 20 being closer to the second end 32 than to the first end 36.

[0130] The second end 32 of the vent channel 20 is in the second end 34 of the earpiece 2.

[0131] A tip component 38 may be arranged at the first end 30 of the earpiece 2. The tip component 38 may be arranged at/attachable to a tip portion of the earpiece 2. The tip component may be dome shaped and may be made of foam or a flexible plastic material.

[0132] FIG. 1b schematically illustrates an example of an earpiece 2 configured to be worn in an ear 4 of a user. The earpiece 2 comprises a first input transducer 6 configured for receiving sound from the ear canal 8 of the user's ear 4. The first input transducer 6 is configured for providing a first input transducer signal 10. The earpiece 2 comprises an output transducer 12 configured for providing sound to the ear canal 8. The output transducer 12 is configured for providing an output transducer signal 14. The earpiece 2 comprises a processing unit 16 connected to the output transducer 12 and the first input transducer 6. The processing unit 16 comprises an active occlusion cancellation algorithm 18 configured to generate the output transducer signal 14 based on at least the first input transducer signal 10 for providing active occlusion cancellation. The earpiece 2 further comprises an acoustic filter configured for improving the active occlusion cancellation. The acoustic filter comprises a vent channel (20) for venting the ear canal (8) and is further configured as an acoustic high pass filter. The acoustic filter comprises an acoustic vent resonant cancelling filter (22) implemented in the vent channel (20). The acoustic filter being a resulting/combined acoustic filter comprising the vent channel (20) configured to cause the main sound path to exhibit an acoustic high pass filter effect and the acoustic vent resonant cancelling filter (22) implemented in the vent channel (20).

[0133] Sound pressure can be generated in an occluded ear canal 8 due to own voice 26 as well as subsonic frequencies generated by jaw motion 26.

[0134] The first input transducer 6 may have a sound inlet positioned at a first end 30, e.g. a tip portion of the earpiece 2, preferably allowing unhindered sensing of the ear canal sound pressure within a fully or partly occluded ear canal 8 volume residing in front of the users tympanic membrane or eardrum.

[0135] The earpiece 2 has a second end 34 being opposite the first end 30, wherein the second end 34 is pointing towards the surroundings when the earpiece 2 is worn by the user.

[0136] The vent channel 20 has a first end pointing towards the tympanic membrane in the ear canal 8 of the user and a second end 32 pointing towards the surroundings, when the earpiece 2 is worn in its intended operational position.

[0137] The vent channel 20 is configured to cause the main sound path to exhibit an acoustic high pass filter effect, i.e. consisting of an open-ended side branch channel or side branch tube to a main sound path. Wherein the main sound path provides the output transducer signal 14 from the output transducer 12 to the eardrum of the user and/or the first input transducer 6. The main sound path comprising an output sound channel in the earpiece 2 providing sound, such as the output transducer signal 14, to the ear canal 8. The open-ended side branch channel or side branch tube is provided in a sidewall of the output sound channel. The properties of the acoustic high pass filter can be varied by configuring the size and/or shape of the vent channel 20.

[0138] The acoustic vent resonant cancelling filter 22 may be arranged in or at the second end 32 of the vent channel 20. The acoustic vent resonant cancelling filter 22 may be arranged in a portion of the vent channel 20 being closer to the second end 32 than to the first end 36.

[0139] The second end 32 of the vent channel 20 is in the second end 34 of the earpiece 2.

[0140] The sound inlet of the first input transducer 6, the first end of the vent channel 20 and the outlet of the output transducer 12 may coincide in a first opening 40 of the earpiece 2. A tip component 38 may be arranged at the first opening 40 and/or the first end 30 of the earpiece 2. The tip component 38 may be arranged at/attachable to a tip portion of the earpiece 2. The tip component may be dome shaped and may be made of foam or a flexible plastic material.

[0141] FIG. 1c schematically illustrates an example of an earpiece 2 configured to be worn in an ear 4 of a user being similar to the earpiece of FIG. 1b. The difference being that the vent channel 20 is a short vent channel 20, for venting the ear canal 8.

[0142] The short vent channel 20 is configured to cause the main sound path to exhibit an acoustic high pass filter effect, i.e. consisting of an open-ended side branch channel or side branch tube to a main sound path. Wherein the main sound path provides the output transducer signal 14 from the output transducer 12 to the eardrum of the user and/or the first input transducer 6. The main sound path comprising an output sound channel in the earpiece 2 providing sound, such as the output transducer signal 14, to the ear canal 8. The open-ended side branch channel or side branch tube is provided in a sidewall of the output sound channel. The properties of the acoustic high pass filter can be varied by configuring the size and/or shape of the vent channel 20.

[0143] The short vent channel 20 comprises an acoustic vent resonant cancelling filter 22 configured for improving the active occlusion cancellation. The short vent channel 20 has a first end pointing towards the tympanic membrane in the ear canal 8 of the user and a second end 32 pointing towards the surroundings, when the earpiece 2 is worn in its intended operational position, i.e. the short vent channel 20 exits the earpiece 2 towards the surroundings in a side wall of the first end of the earpiece 2 and/or the tip portion of the earpiece 2. Thus, the second end 32 of the short vent channel 20 is in the first end 30 of the earpiece 2. The thickness of the side wall may correspond to/be the same as the length of the short vent channel 20. The thickness of the side wall and/or the length of the short vent channel 20 may be about 0.5-1 mm. The short vent channel in FIG. 1c could also be implemented in an earpiece similar to the earpiece in FIG. 1a.

[0144] FIGS. 2a, 2b and 2c schematically illustrate examples of an earpiece 2 configured to be worn in an ear 4 of a user, wherein the earpiece is a hearing device, such as a hearing aid. The earpiece 2 comprises a first input transducer 6 configured for receiving sound from the ear canal 8 of the user's ear 4. The first input transducer 6 is configured for providing a first input transducer signal 10. The earpiece 2 comprises an output transducer 12 configured for providing sound to the ear canal 8. The output transducer 12 is configured for providing an output transducer signal 14. The earpiece 2 comprises a processing unit 16 connected to the output transducer 12 and the first input transducer 6. The processing unit 16 comprises an active occlusion cancellation algorithm 18 configured to generate the output transducer signal 14 based on at least the first input transducer signal 10 for providing active occlusion cancellation. The earpiece 2 further comprises an acoustic filter configured for improving the active occlusion cancellation. The acoustic filter comprises a vent channel (20) for venting the ear canal (8) and is further configured as an acoustic high pass filter. The acoustic filter comprises an acoustic vent resonant cancelling filter (22) implemented in the vent channel (20). The acoustic filter being a resulting/combined acoustic filter comprising the vent channel (20) configured to cause the main sound path to exhibit an acoustic high pass filter effect and the acoustic vent resonant cancelling filter (22) implemented in the vent channel (20).

[0145] The earpiece 2 further comprises a second input transducer 42 configured for receiving sound from the surroundings. The second input transducer 42 is configured for generating a second input transducer signal 44. The second input transducer 42 is connected to the processing unit 16 for providing the second input transducer signal 44 to the processing unit 16.

[0146] In FIG. 2a the vent channel 20 has a first end 36 pointing towards the tympanic membrane in the ear canal 8 of the user and a second end 32 pointing towards the surroundings, when the earpiece 2 is worn in its intended operational position. The first end of the vent channel 20 may be positioned at a first end 30, e.g. a tip portion of the earpiece 2.

[0147] The vent channel 20 is configured to cause the main sound path to exhibit an acoustic high pass filter effect, i.e. consisting of an open-ended side branch channel or side branch tube to a main sound path. Wherein the main sound path provides the output transducer signal 14 from the output transducer 12 to the eardrum of the user and/or the first input transducer 6. The properties of the acoustic high pass filter can be varied by configuring the size and/or shape of the vent channel 20.

[0148] The acoustic vent resonant cancelling filter 22 may be arranged in the second end 32 of the vent channel 20. The acoustic vent resonant cancelling filter 22 may be arranged in a portion of the vent channel 20 being closer to the second end 32 than to the first end 36.

[0149] The second end 32 of the vent channel 20 is in the second end 34 of the earpiece 2.

[0150] In FIG. 2b the vent channel 20 has a first end pointing towards the tympanic membrane in the ear canal 8 of the user and a second end 32 pointing towards the surroundings, when the earpiece 2 is worn in its intended operational position.

[0151] The vent channel 20 is configured to cause the main sound path to exhibit an acoustic high pass filter effect, i.e. consisting of an open-ended side branch channel or side branch tube to a main sound path. Wherein the main sound path provides the output transducer signal 14 from the output transducer 12 to the eardrum of the user and/or the first input transducer 6. The main sound path comprising an output sound channel in the earpiece 2 providing sound, such as the output transducer signal 14, to the ear canal 8. The open-ended side branch channel or side branch tube is provided in a sidewall of the output sound channel. The properties of the acoustic high pass filter can be varied by configuring the size and/or shape of the vent channel 20.

[0152] The acoustic vent resonant cancelling filter 22 may be arranged in the second end 32 of the vent channel 20. The acoustic vent resonant cancelling filter 22 may be arranged in a portion of the vent channel 20 being closer to the second end 32 than to the first end 36.

[0153] The second end 32 of the vent channel 20 is in the second end of the earpiece 2.

[0154] The sound inlet of the first input transducer 6, the first end of the vent channel 20 and the outlet of the output transducer 12 may coincide in a first opening 40 of the earpiece 2. A tip component 38 may be arranged at the first opening 40 and/or the first end of the earpiece 2. The tip component 38 may be arranged at/attachable to a tip portion of the earpiece 2. The tip component may be dome shaped and may be made of foam or a flexible plastic material.

[0155] FIG. 2c schematically illustrates an example of an earpiece 2 configured to be worn in an ear 4 of a user being similar to the earpiece of FIG. 2b. The difference being that the vent channel 20 is a short vent channel 20, for venting the ear canal 8.

[0156] The short vent channel 20 is configured to cause the main sound path to exhibit an acoustic high pass filter effect, i.e. consisting of an open-ended side branch channel or side branch tube to a main sound path. Wherein the main sound path provides the output transducer signal 14 from the output transducer 12 to the eardrum of the user and/or the first input transducer 6. The main sound path comprising an output sound channel in the earpiece 2 providing sound, such as the output transducer signal 14, to the ear canal 8. The open-ended side branch channel or side branch tube is provided in a sidewall of the output sound channel. The properties of the acoustic high pass filter can be varied by configuring the size and/or shape of the vent channel 20.

[0157] The short vent channel 20 comprises an acoustic vent resonant cancelling filter 22 configured for improving the active occlusion cancellation. The short vent channel 20 has a first end pointing towards the tympanic membrane in the ear canal 8 of the user and a second end 32 pointing towards the surroundings, when the earpiece 2 is worn in its intended operational position, i.e. the short vent channel 20 exits the earpiece 2 towards the surroundings in a side wall of the first end 30 of the earpiece 2 and/or the tip portion of the earpiece 2. Thus, the second end 32 of the short vent channel 20 is in the first end 30 of the earpiece 2. The thickness of the side wall may correspond to/be the same as the length of the short vent channel 20. The thickness of the side wall and/or the length of the short vent channel 20 may be about 0.5-1 mm. The short vent channel 20 in FIG. 2c could also be implemented in an earpiece 2 similar to the earpiece in FIG. 2a.

[0158] FIG. 3 is a graph showing the pressure response in an ear simulator for different venting setups. Sound pressure level (SPL) measured in dB is shown on the y-axis as a function/result of frequency measured in Hz shown on the x-axis. Three different venting setups are shown: A closed vent (shown in even dashed line) corresponding to having no vent in the earpiece. An open vent (shown in uneven dashed line) corresponding to having a vent in the earpiece. A vent with an acoustic vent resonant cancelling filter (shown in full line) corresponding to the earpiece of the present disclosure.

[0159] FIG. 3, see graph of “closed vent” (shown in even dashed line) corresponding to having no vent in the earpiece, shows that very high sound pressure levels (SPL) can be generated in an occluded ear canal due to own voice as well as subsonic frequencies generated by jaw motion. Subsonic levels may reach as high as 143 dB SPL at 2 Hz in an occluded ear canal. This is an important consideration when dealing with Active Occlusion Cancelation (AOC) because such high low frequency output levels could overdrive the output transducer (receiver) and/or saturate the first input transducer (ear canal microphone).

[0160] FIG. 3, see graph of “open vent” (shown in uneven dashed line) corresponding to having a vent, such as a vent channel, in the earpiece, shows that a 1 mm vent (of 2 cm length) may reduce the energy level of own voice and/or subsonic frequencies considerably such that they may be managed, but even so they may remain high (˜98 dB).

[0161] However, the usefulness of having a vent comes at a cost as it increases the amount of audible occlusion due to the introduction of a vent resonance at 150-350 Hz. Furthermore, the aggressive roll-off after the vent resonance spans across the active occlusion cancellation (AOC) range of a typical active occlusion cancellation (AOC) algorithm, which inflicts greatly on the performance of the typical AOC algorithm due to drastic changes in phase that the typical AOC algorithm cannot handle.

[0162] FIG. 3, see graph of “vent with acoustic filter” (shown in full line) corresponding to the earpiece of the present disclosure, shows an embodiment solving the problems that the vent introduces, while keeping the benefits of the vent. The present embodiment solves the problem by insertion of an acoustic vent resonant cancelling filter, such as a foam material, in the vent to increase the acoustic mass/resistance of the vent. This may provide the same effect as making the vent drastically longer and/or narrower, but without the size penalty that comes with these corrections, which is perfect for small earpieces or in-the-ear hearing devices.

[0163] FIG. 3, see graph of “vent with acoustic filter” (shown in full line) corresponding to the earpiece of the present disclosure having a vent channel with an acoustic vent resonant cancelling filter, shows that if simulating the frequency response of an earpiece, it can be seen how the acoustic filter smoothens the vent resonance and pushes the low-frequency roll off closer to the 80-100 Hz target that may be required in order to avoid drastic phase changes in the AOC range, which is between 80-600 Hz, while still providing a noticeable roll-off toward low frequencies to avoid high own voice and/or subsonic energy levels. As an example of a simulated earpiece, the vent of the simulated device may be 22 mm long and 0.8 mm in diameter, with an acoustic vent resonant cancelling filter being a mesh filter of 60 Rayls (Pa*s/m).

[0164] FIG. 4 is a graph showing the occlusion response for different venting setups. Occlusion dampening measured in dB is shown on the y-axis as a function/result of frequency measured in Hz shown on the x-axis. Three different venting setups are shown: A closed vent (shown in even dashed line) corresponding to having no vent in the earpiece. An open vent (shown in uneven dashed line) corresponding to having a vent channel in the earpiece. A vent with acoustic filter (shown in full line) corresponding to the earpiece of the present disclosure having a vent channel with an acoustic vent resonant cancelling filter.

[0165] FIG. 4, see graph of “open vent” (shown in uneven dashed line) corresponding to having a vent, such as a vent channel, in the earpiece, shows that when simulating active occlusion cancellation (AOC) performance in an earpiece, the vented device without the acoustic vent resonant cancelling filter may only give a reduction in occlusion of few dBs, such as 2-4 dB or about 3 dB at 145-160 Hz, such as about 150 Hz, and may yield a very narrow bandwidth of dampening.

[0166] FIG. 4, see graph of “vent with acoustic filter” (shown in full line) corresponding to the earpiece of the present disclosure having a vent channel with an acoustic vent resonant cancelling filter, shows that by introducing the acoustic vent resonant cancelling filter in the vent, the simulated AOC performance may reach +15 dB dampening, which is equal to or approximately equal to the unvented configuration (see graph of “closed vent” (shown in even dashed line) corresponding to having no vent in the earpiece) and which may have a very wide bandwidth that is almost identical to the unvented earpiece.

[0167] Thus, a vent, such as a vent channel, may be necessary for a typical active occlusion cancelling (AOC) algorithm to work in all conditions, however it comes at the cost of lost performance (see graph of “open vent” (shown in uneven dashed line) corresponding to having a vent in the earpiece).

[0168] Thus, FIG. 4, see graph of “vent with acoustic filter” (shown in full line) corresponding to the earpiece of the present disclosure having a vent channel with an acoustic vent resonant cancelling filter, shows that it is an advantage of the present earpiece/hearing device/hearing protection/hearing aid that the vent channel with the acoustic vent resonant cancelling filter results in a good AOC performance like that of an unvented device, while still maintaining the necessary properties of the vent for the AOC algorithm and/or AOC system to work properly.

[0169] 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.

Items

[0170] 1. An earpiece configured to be worn in an ear of a user, the earpiece comprising:

a first input transducer configured for receiving sound from the ear canal of the user's ear, the first input transducer being configured for providing a first input transducer signal;
an output transducer configured for providing sound to the ear canal, the output transducer being configured for providing an output transducer signal;
a processing unit connected to the output transducer and the first input transducer, the processing unit comprises an active occlusion cancellation algorithm configured to generate the output transducer signal based on at least the first input transducer signal for providing active occlusion cancellation;
wherein the earpiece further comprises:
an acoustic filter configured for improving the active occlusion cancellation, the acoustic filter comprising: [0171] a vent channel for venting the ear canal and configured to cause the main sound path to exhibit an acoustic high pass filter effect, and [0172] an acoustic vent resonant cancelling filter implemented in the vent channel.

[0173] 2. The earpiece according to item 1, wherein the acoustic vent resonant cancelling filter is configured for providing an increased acoustic resistance of the vent channel.

[0174] 3. The earpiece according to any of the preceding items, wherein the acoustic filter is configured for optimizing the output transducer signal generated by the active occlusion cancellation algorithm.

[0175] 4. The earpiece according to any of the preceding items, wherein the vent channel provides reduction of the subsonic/low-frequency sound pressure levels in the ear canal of the user.

[0176] 5. The earpiece according to any of the preceding items, wherein the acoustic vent resonant cancelling filter provides a changed/smoothed frequency response of the vent channel.

[0177] 6. The earpiece according to any of the preceding items, wherein the acoustic vent resonant cancelling filter is a physical/mechanical filter.

[0178] 7. The earpiece according to any of the preceding items, wherein the acoustic vent resonant cancelling filter is made of foam, mesh, cloth, textile, fabric, and/or metal.

[0179] 8. The earpiece according to any of the preceding items, wherein the acoustic vent resonant cancelling filter comprises/is defined by an acoustic impedance value.

[0180] 9. The earpiece according to any of the preceding items, wherein the acoustic vent resonant cancelling filter has an acoustic impedance value in the range of 10-500 Rayls (Pa*s/m), such as 60 Rayls (Pa*s/m).

[0181] 10. The earpiece according to any of the preceding items, wherein the acoustic vent resonant cancelling filter comprises/is defined by a surface size and/or a density.

[0182] 11. The earpiece according to any of the preceding items, wherein the vent channel has a first end pointing towards the tympanic membrane in the ear of the user and a second end pointing towards the surroundings, when the earpiece is worn in its intended operational position, and wherein the acoustic vent resonant cancelling filter is arranged in the second end of the vent channel.

[0183] 12. The earpiece according to any of the preceding items, wherein the acoustic vent resonant cancelling filter is further configured for providing protection against water and dirt.

[0184] 13. The earpiece according to any of the preceding items, wherein the acoustic vent resonant cancelling filter is arranged in a frame, and wherein the frame is configured to be pushed/slid into the vent channel for fixation of the acoustic vent resonant cancelling filter in the vent channel.

[0185] 14. The earpiece according to any of the preceding items, wherein the earpiece forms part of a hearing device.

[0186] 15. The earpiece according to any of the preceding items, wherein the earpiece further comprises a second input transducer configured for receiving sound from the surroundings, wherein the second input transducer is connected to the processing unit.

[0187] 16. The earpiece according to any of the preceding items, wherein the earpiece is for a hearing aid configured to compensate for a hearing loss of the user.

[0188] 17. The earpiece according to any of the preceding items, wherein the earpiece is for a headset configured for transmission of audio to the user's ear.

[0189] 18. A system for an earpiece, the earpiece being configured to be worn in an ear of a user, the system comprising:

a first input transducer configured for receiving sound from the ear canal of the user's ear, the first input transducer being configured for providing a first input transducer signal;
an output transducer configured for providing sound to the ear canal, the output transducer being configured for providing an output transducer signal;
a processing unit connected to the output transducer and the first input transducer, the processing unit comprises an active occlusion cancellation algorithm configured to generate the output transducer signal based on at least the first input transducer signal for providing active occlusion cancellation;
wherein the system further comprises:
an acoustic filter configured for improving the active occlusion cancellation, the acoustic filter comprising: [0190] a vent channel for venting the ear canal and configured to cause the main sound path to exhibit an acoustic high pass filter effect, and [0191] an acoustic vent resonant cancelling filter implemented in the vent channel.

LIST OF REFERENCES

[0192] 2 earpiece

[0193] 4 ear

[0194] 6 first input transducer

[0195] 8 ear canal

[0196] 10 first input transducer signal

[0197] 12 output transducer

[0198] 14 output transducer signal

[0199] 16 processing unit

[0200] 18 active occlusion cancellation algorithm

[0201] 20 vent channel

[0202] 22 acoustic vent resonant cancelling filter

[0203] 24 sound pressure

[0204] 26 own voice, jaw motion, subsonic frequencies generated by jaw motion

[0205] 28 sound inlet

[0206] 30 first end of earpiece

[0207] 32 second end of the vent channel

[0208] 34 second end of earpiece

[0209] 36 first end of vent channel

[0210] 38 tip component

[0211] 40 first opening of earpiece

[0212] 42 second input transducer

[0213] 44 second input transducer signal