EARPIECE FOR DETERMINING STATE OF CLOSING ELEMENT FOR VENT

Abstract

A system comprising an earpiece, the earpiece having a first end facing a tympanic membrane, and a second end facing toward a surrounding of a user when the earpiece is worn by the user, includes: a vent channel coupled to a first vent opening at the first end, and to a second vent opening at the second end, wherein the vent channel comprises a vent port; a closing element comprising a first magnetic member, the closing element configured to cause the vent port to be open, and to cause the vent port to be closed; an inductive member comprising a conductive material, the inductive member configured for inductive coupling with a second magnetic member, wherein the second magnetic member is configured for displacing the closing element by magnetic interaction with the first magnetic member; and a processor configured to obtain an electrical measurement value of the second magnetic member.

Claims

1. An earpiece for an ear canal of a user, the earpiece having a first end and a second end, the earpiece comprising: ii) a vent channel having a vent port; iii) a closing element, the closing element comprising a first magnetic member, wherein the closing element is configured to cause the vent port to be open when the closing element is in a first state, and is configured to cause the vent port to be closed when the closing element is in a second state; and iv) an inductive member comprising a conductive material, the inductive member being configured for inductive coupling with a second magnetic member, wherein the second magnetic member is configured for moving the closing element by magnetic interaction with the first magnetic member.

2. The earpiece according to claim 1, further comprising a processing unit configured to obtain an electrical measurement value associated with the second magnetic member.

3. The earpiece according to claim 2, wherein the processing unit is configured to determine whether the closing element is in the first state or the second state based on the electrical measurement value.

4. The earpiece according to claim 3, further comprising a memory storing a first threshold value; v) wherein the processing unit is communicatively coupled to the memory, and is configured to obtain the first threshold value from the memory; and vi) wherein the processing unit is configured to detect that the closing element is in the first state or in the second state based on a comparison between the electrical measurement value and the first threshold value.

5. The earpiece according to claim 4, wherein the memory comprises a second threshold value; and vii) wherein the processing unit is configured to determine that the closing element is in the first state if a first difference between the electrical measurement value and the first threshold value is smaller than a second difference between the electrical measurement value and the second threshold value.

6. The earpiece according to claim 5, wherein the processing unit is configured to determine that the closing element is in the second state if the second difference is smaller than the first difference.

7. The earpiece according to claim 6, wherein the memory comprises at least one third threshold value between the first threshold value and the second threshold value; and viii) wherein the processing unit is configured to determine that the closing element is in a third state if a third difference between the electrical measurement value and the third threshold value is smaller than the first difference, and if the third difference is smaller than the second difference.

8. The earpiece according to claim 1, further comprising a receiver; ix) wherein the earpiece further comprises a receiver channel coupled to an output of the receiver and extending to a receiver opening in the first end of the earpiece, for providing an audio output signal; and x) wherein the receiver channel is coupled to the vent channel through the vent port.

9. The earpiece according to claim 1, further comprising a processing unit, and a microphone oriented towards a surrounding of the user for providing an input signal; xi) wherein the processing unit is configured to provide an output signal based on the input signal; and xii) wherein the earpiece further comprises a receiver configured to provide an audio output signal based on the output signal.

10. The earpiece according to claim 1, further comprising a receiver, wherein the earpiece has a longitudinal axis extending between the first end of the earpiece and the second end of the earpiece, and wherein the closing element comprises a passage extending along the longitudinal axis for allowing acoustic waves to propagate through the passage from an output of the receiver to the first end of the earpiece.

11. The earpiece according to claim 1, wherein the first magnetic member comprises a hollow structure having a first end and a second end opposite the first end of the hollow structure, wherein the first magnetic member comprises an opening in each of the first and second ends of the hollow structure.

12. The earpiece according to claim 1, wherein the second magnetic member comprises a coil with a plurality of windings, and the second magnetic member is connected to a current or a voltage source.

13. The earpiece according to claim 12, wherein the inductive coupling between the inductive member and the second magnetic member is configured to change an electrical impedance of the second magnetic member.

14. The earpiece according to claim 1, further comprising a processing unit configured to selectively place the closing element in the first state or in the second state by adjusting a current or a voltage supplied to the second magnetic member.

15. The earpiece according to claim 1, further comprising a processing unit configured for error detection by detecting whether the closing element is in a certain state.

16. The earpiece according to claim 1, wherein the earpiece comprises a receiver channel, and a confiner configured to confine a movement of the closing element in the receiver channel.

17. The earpiece according to claim 16, wherein the movement is along a longitudinal axis of the earpiece.

18. The earpiece according to claim 1, wherein the earpiece is configured for sealing the ear canal of the user when the user wears the earpiece.

19. The earpiece according to claim 1, wherein the inductive member is in a fixed relationship with the closing member.

20. An earpiece having a first end and a second end, the earpiece comprising: xiii) a vent channel comprising a vent port; xiv) a closing element, the closing element comprising a first magnetic member, wherein the closing element is configured to cause the vent port to be open when the closing element is in a first state, and is configured to cause the vent port to be closed when the closing element is in a second state; xv) an inductive member comprising a conductive material, the inductive member being in a fixed positional relationship with respect to the first magnetic member, wherein the second magnetic member is configured for moving the closing element by magnetic interaction with the first magnetic member; and xvi) a processing unit configured to adjust a current or a voltage for the second magnetic member to selectively place the closing element in the first state or in the second state.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0129] 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:

[0130] FIGS. 1a) and 1b) schematically illustrate an example of an earpiece for an ear canal of a user.

[0131] FIGS. 2a) and 2b) schematically illustrate an example of an earpiece receiver channel with a closing element, and second magnetic member.

[0132] FIGS. 3a) and 3b) schematically illustrate an example of an earpiece receiver channel with a closing element, second magnetic member and inductive member.

[0133] FIG. 3c) schematically illustrates an example of a receiver channel.

[0134] FIG. 4 schematically illustrates a receiver in the ear (RIE) hearing device comprising the earpiece.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0135] 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.

[0136] Throughout, the same reference numerals are used for identical or corresponding parts.

[0137] FIG. 1a) and FIG. 1b) schematically illustrate examples of an earpiece for an ear canal of a user. The earpiece 2 has an earpiece shell 4. The earpiece shell 4 has a first end 6. The first end 6 faces a tympanic membrane of the user, when the earpiece 2 is worn by the user. The earpiece shell 4 has a second end 8. The second end 8 faces toward the surroundings of the user, when the earpiece 2 is worn by the user. The earpiece 2 comprises a microphone 10 arranged in the second end 8 of the earpiece shell 4, where the microphone 10 is for providing an input signal from the surroundings. The earpiece 2 comprises a processor 48 configured for processing the input signal. The earpiece 2 comprises a receiver 14 coupled to an output 16 of the processor 48 for conversion of an output signal from the processor 48 into an audio output signal. The earpiece 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 earpiece 2, where the receiver channel 18 is for providing the audio output signal in the ear canal. The earpiece 2 comprises a vent channel 24 coupled to the receiver channel 18 through a vent port 26. The vent channel 24 has a second vent opening 28 in the second end 8 of the earpiece shell 4. The vent channel 24 has a first vent opening 27 in the first end 6 of the earpiece shell 4. The longitudinal axis 52 of the earpiece 2 is shown.

[0138] FIG. 1b) further shows that the earpiece 2 comprises a second microphone 54 arranged in the first end 6 of the earpiece shell 4. The second microphone 54 may be connected to an opening in the first end 6 of the earpiece 2. The second microphone 54 is for providing a second input signal from the ear canal of the user. The second input signal from the ear canal of the user may comprise an own voice signal of the user. The processor 48 is configured for processing the second input signal. The processor 48 is configured for setting the state of the closing element, see FIGS. 2-3, based on detection of an own voice signal of the user. The processor 48 is configured to detect the own voice signal of the user based on the input signal and the second input signal.

[0139] 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 vent port 26 to be open. In the second state 36, the closing element 30 causes the vent port 26 to be closed.

[0140] 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 vent port 26 is open, and when the closing element is in a closed state i.e. where the vent port 26 is closed.

[0141] 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.

[0142] The earpiece 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.

[0143] 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 vent port 26 changes between being open, FIG. 2a), or closed, FIG. 2b).

[0144] 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. In an embodiment, the second magnetic member 38 is arranged inside the receiver channel 18. In an embodiment, the second magnetic member 38 can be arranged outside the receiver channel 18.

[0145] In an embodiment, the second magnetic member 18 is arranged between the vent port 26 and the output 20 of the receiver 14. In an embodiment, the second magnetic member 38 may be arranged between the vent port 26 and the receiver opening 22.

[0146] The second magnetic member 38 comprises a coil 40 with a number of turns/windings.

[0147] 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 earpiece 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 processor 48 and the second magnetic member 38.

[0148] The earpiece 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.

[0149] 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 vent port 26 to be open. In the second state 36, the closing element 30 causes the vent port 26 to be closed.

[0150] 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 vent port 26 is open, and when the closing element is in a closed state i.e. where the vent port 26 is closed.

[0151] 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.

[0152] The earpiece 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.

[0153] 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 vent port 26 changes between being open, FIG. 3a), or closed, FIG. 3b).

[0154] 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.

[0155] The second magnetic member 38 is arranged between the vent port 26 and the output 20 of the receiver 14. Alternatively, the second magnetic member 38 may be arranged between the vent port 26 and the receiver opening 22.

[0156] The second magnetic member 38 comprises a coil 40 with a number of turns/windings.

[0157] 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 earpiece 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 processor 48.

[0158] The earpiece 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.

[0159] The earpiece 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.

[0160] The inductive member 44 is a closed loop coil. The inductive member may comprise one or more turns/windings around the longitudinal axis 52.

[0161] 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.

[0162] 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.

[0163] 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 measurement value, e.g. impedance, of the second magnetic member 38 changes accordingly.

[0164] This change in the electrical measurement value, e.g. impedance, can be detected or determined by the processor 48 connected to the second magnetic member 38.

[0165] The processor 48 is configured for determining the state of the closing element 30 based on the electrical measurement value, e.g. impedance, of the second magnetic member 38.

[0166] The processor 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.

[0167] The processor 48 is configured to detect that the closing element 30 changes from the first state 34, i.e. vent port 26 open, to the second state 36, i.e. vent port 26 closed, by detecting a decrease in the electrical measurement value, e.g. impedance, of the second magnetic member 38.

[0168] The processor 48 is configured to detect that the closing element 30 changes from the second state 36, i.e. vent port 26 closed, to the first state 34, i.e. vent port 26 open, by detecting an increase in the electrical measurement value, e.g. impedance, of the second magnetic member 38.

[0169] The earpiece 2 or system comprises a memory 56. The memory comprises one or more threshold values, such as a first threshold value, a second threshold value, and a third threshold value. The processor 48 is communicatively coupled to the memory 56 and is configured for obtaining the one or more threshold values.

[0170] FIG. 3c) schematically illustrates an embodiment of a receiver channel 18. The receiver channel 18 comprises a closing element 30. The receiver channel 18 further comprises the features of FIGS. 3a) and 3b). As shown on FIGS. 3a) and 3b), 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 vent port 26 to be open. In the second state 36, the closing element 30 causes the vent port 26 to be closed.

[0171] FIG. 3c) illustrates an example where the closing element 30 is in a third state 58. In the third state 58, the closing element 30 is neither in the open state 34 (FIG. 3a) nor in the closed 36 state (FIG. 3b). Thus, in the third state 58, the vent port 26 is neither open nor closed. In the third state 58, the vent port 26 may be half-open or half-closed, such as partially open. In the third state 58, the closing element 30 is between the first state 34 and the second state 36.

[0172] If the closing element 30 is in the third state 58, this may be an error, e.g. caused by the receiver channel 18 being blocked by e.g. ear wax, dust or the like, providing that the closing element 30 cannot move freely in the receiver channel 18.

[0173] The processor 48 may be configured for detecting that the closing element 30 is in the third state 58. Thus, the processor 48 may be configured for error detection by detecting that the system and/or the earpiece 2 and/or closing element 30 is in the third state 58. The processor 48 may be configured to determine that the closing element 30 is in the third state 58, being between the first state 34 and the second state 36, if a third difference between the electrical measurement value and the third threshold value is smaller than the first difference, and the third difference is smaller than the second difference, where the third threshold value is between the first threshold value and the second threshold value. Thus, this enables error detection if the processor 48 determines that the closing element 30 is in a third state 58 i.e. neither in the open state 34 nor in the closed state 36.

[0174] In an embodiment, the third state 58 may be used to enable a partially open vent port 26. The processor 48 may receive an input from a user indicating that the vent port 26 should be partially open, e.g. received via an external communication device communicatively coupled to the system or a button on the system or the like. The processor 48 may determine that the vent port 26 should be partially open based on a sound environment detected by the system or any other parameter detectable by the system. Based on the input and/or the determination, the processor 48 may be configured to control the second magnetic member 38 to displace the closing element 30 from the first state 34 to the second state 36 or from the second state 36 to the first state 34 until the processor 48 detects that the closing element 30 is in the third state 58. Thereby, the vent channel 24 may be set in a partially open state i.e. the third state 58.

[0175] FIG. 4 schematically illustrates a receiver in the ear (RIE) hearing device 60 comprising the earpiece 2. The earpiece 2 is according to any of the FIG. 3a), 3b), or 3c).

[0176] In FIGS. 1a) and 1b), an embodiment was shown where the processor 48 is provided in the earpiece 2.

[0177] This FIG. 4 shows an embodiment where the processor 48 is contained in a housing 62 configured to be worn behind the ear of the user.

[0178] The receiver 14 is contained in the earpiece, as shown in FIGS. 1a) and 1b), and the receiver 14 is communicatively coupled to the processor 48 in the housing 62 via a plurality of wires contained in a cable 64.

[0179] Thus, the hearing device 60 is a behind the ear (BTE) hearing device having a housing 62 comprising the processor 48 connected with the receiver 14 in the earpiece 2.

[0180] 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

[0181] 1. An earpiece for an ear canal of a user, the earpiece is configured for sealing the ear-canal of the user wearing the earpiece, the earpiece having a first end, the first end facing a tympanic membrane of the ear canal of the user when the earpiece is worn by the user, the earpiece having a second end, the second end facing toward the surroundings of the user when the earpiece is worn by the user, the earpiece comprising: [0182] a vent channel coupled to a first vent opening positioned at the first end and a second vent opening positioned at the second end, wherein the vent channel comprises a vent port; [0183] a closing element, the closing element comprising a first magnetic member, wherein the closing element is configured for being in a first state or in a second state, wherein in the first state the closing element causes the vent port to be open, and in the second state the closing element causes the vent port to be closed; [0184] an inductive member comprising a conductive material, the inductive member being configured in a fixed relationship with the closing member and being configured for inductive coupling with a second magnetic member; [0185] the second magnetic member is configured for displacing the closing element by magnetic interaction with the first magnetic member; [0186] a processor being communicatively coupled to the second magnetic member and configured for obtaining an electrical measurement value of the second magnetic member; and [0187] wherein the processor is configured for determining the state of the closing element based on the electrical measurement value of the second magnetic member.

[0188] 2. An earpiece according to item 1, wherein the earpiece further comprises [0189] a memory comprising a first threshold value; [0190] wherein the processor is communicatively coupled to the memory and being configured for obtaining the first threshold value; [0191] wherein the processor is configured to detect that the closing element is in the first state or in the second state based on a comparison between the electrical measurement value and the first threshold value.

[0192] 3. An earpiece according to item 2, wherein [0193] the memory comprises a second threshold value; and [0194] wherein the processor is configured to determine that the closing element is in the first state if a first difference between the electrical measurement value and the first threshold value is smaller than a second difference between the electrical measurement value and the second threshold value.

[0195] 4. An earpiece according to item 3, wherein [0196] the processor is configured to determine that the closing element is in the second state if the second difference is smaller than the first difference.

[0197] 5. An earpiece according to item 4, wherein [0198] the memory comprises a least one third threshold value between the first threshold value and the second threshold value; [0199] wherein the processor is configured to determine that the closing element is in a third state being between the first state and the second state if a third difference between the electrical measurement value and the third threshold value is smaller than the first difference and the third difference is smaller than the second difference.

[0200] 6. An earpiece according to item 1, wherein the electrical measurement value is an electrical impedance of the second magnetic member.

[0201] 7. An earpiece according to item 2, wherein the first threshold value is a first impedance value.

[0202] 8. An earpiece according to item 3, wherein the second threshold value is a second impedance value.

[0203] 9. An earpiece according to item 5, wherein the third threshold value is a third impedance value.

[0204] 10. An earpiece according to anyone of the preceding items, wherein the earpiece further comprises: [0205] a receiver; [0206] a receiver channel coupled to an output of the receiver and extending to a receiver opening in the first end of the earpiece, for providing the audio output signal in the ear canal; [0207] wherein the receiver channel is coupled to the vent channel through the vent port.

[0208] 11. An earpiece according to item 10, wherein the earpiece further comprises: [0209] a microphone connected to an opening in the second end via a microphone channel, for providing an input signal from the surroundings, [0210] wherein the processor is configured for processing the input signal; and wherein [0211] the receiver is coupled to an output of the processor for conversion of the output signal from the processor into the audio output signal

[0212] 12. An earpiece according to item 11, wherein the processor is configured to process the input signal according to a hearing loss of a user wearing the earpiece and to provide the output signal based on the processed input signal.

[0213] 13. An earpiece according to anyone of the preceding items, wherein the earpiece is selected from the group consisting of an ear dome, a hearing protector, an earpiece, and a hearing aid.

[0214] 14. An earpiece according to any of the preceding items, wherein the earpiece has a longitudinal axis extending between the first end of the earpiece and the second end of the earpiece, and wherein the closing element comprises a passage extending along the longitudinal axis for allowing acoustic waves to propagate through the passage from the output of the receiver to the first end of the earpiece.

[0215] 15. An earpiece according to any of the preceding items, wherein the first magnetic member comprises a hollow structure having a first end and a second end opposite the first end, wherein the first magnetic member comprises an opening in each of the first and second ends.

[0216] 16. An earpiece according to anyone of the preceding items, wherein the second magnetic member comprises a coil with a number of windings, and the second magnetic member is connected to a current or a voltage source.

[0217] 17. An earpiece according to item 14, wherein the inductive member comprises one or more windings around the longitudinal axis.

[0218] 18. An earpiece according to anyone of the preceding items, wherein the inductive coupling between the inductive member and the second magnetic member changes the electrical impedance of the second magnetic member dependent on the state of the closing element.

[0219] 19. An earpiece according to anyone of the preceding items, wherein the processor is configured for setting the state of the closing element by adjusting a current or a voltage supplied to the second magnetic member.

[0220] 20. An earpiece according to anyone of the preceding items when dependent on item 5, wherein the processor is configured for error detection by detecting that the earpiece is in the third state.

[0221] 21. An earpiece according to anyone of the preceding items, wherein the earpiece further comprises a second microphone connected to an opening in the first end of the earpiece via a second microphone channel for providing a second input signal from the ear canal.

[0222] 22. An earpiece according to item 21, wherein the processor is configured for setting the state of the closing element based on detection of an own voice signal of the user.

[0223] 23. An earpiece according to item 22, wherein the processor is configured to detect the own voice signal of the user based on the input signal and the second input signal.

[0224] 24. An earpiece according to anyone of the preceding items, wherein the processor is configured for detecting a mode of operation of the earpiece, and setting the state of the closing element according to the mode of operation.

[0225] 25. An earpiece according to item 24, wherein the processor is configured for receiving a user input setting the mode of operation and/or setting the state of the closing element.

[0226] 26. An earpiece according to any of the preceding items, wherein the earpiece comprises a confiner configured for confining a displacement of the closing element in the receiver channel.

[0227] 27. A hearing device comprising the earpiece according to any of the preceding items.

[0228] 28. A system comprising an earpiece for an ear canal of a user, the earpiece is configured for sealing the ear-canal of the user wearing the earpiece, the earpiece having a first end, the first end facing a tympanic membrane of the ear canal of the user when the earpiece is worn by the user, the earpiece having a second end, the second end facing toward the surroundings of the user when the earpiece is worn by the user,

wherein the earpiece comprises: [0229] a vent channel coupled to a first vent opening positioned at the first end and a second vent opening positioned at the second end, wherein the vent channel comprises a vent port; [0230] a closing element, the closing element comprising a first magnetic member, wherein the closing element is configured for being in a first state or in a second state, wherein in the first state the closing element causes the vent port to be open, and in the second state the closing element causes the vent port to be closed; [0231] an inductive member comprising a conductive material, the inductive member being configured in a fixed relationship with the closing member and being configured for inductive coupling with a second magnetic member; [0232] the second magnetic member is configured for displacing the closing element by magnetic interaction with the first magnetic member;
wherein the system comprises: [0233] a processor being communicatively coupled to the second magnetic member and configured for obtaining an electrical measurement value of the second magnetic member; and [0234] wherein the processor is configured for determining the state of the closing element based on the electrical measurement value of the second magnetic member.

[0235] 29. A system according to item 28, wherein the system further comprises [0236] a memory comprising a first threshold value; [0237] wherein the processor is communicatively coupled to the memory and being configured for obtaining the first threshold value; [0238] wherein the processor is configured to detect that the closing element is in the first state or in the second state based on a comparison between the electrical measurement value and the first threshold value.

[0239] 30. A system according to item 29, wherein [0240] the memory comprises a second threshold value; and [0241] wherein the processor is configured to determine that the closing element is in the first state if a first difference between the electrical measurement value and the first threshold value is smaller than a second difference between the electrical measurement value and the second threshold value.

[0242] 31. A system according to item 30, wherein [0243] the processor is configured to determine that the closing element is in the second state if the second difference is smaller than the first difference.

[0244] 32. A system according to item 31, wherein [0245] the memory comprises a least one third threshold value between the first threshold value and the second threshold value; [0246] wherein the processor is configured to determine that the closing element is in a third state being between the first state and the second state if a third difference between the electrical measurement value and the third threshold value is smaller than the first difference and the third difference is smaller than the second difference.

[0247] 33. A system according to item 28, wherein the electrical measurement value is an electrical impedance of the second magnetic member.

[0248] 34. A system according to item 29, wherein the first threshold value is a first impedance value.

[0249] 35. A system according to item 30, wherein the second threshold value is a second impedance value.

[0250] 36. A system according to item 32, wherein the third threshold value is a third impedance value.

[0251] 37. A system according to anyone of items 28 to 36, wherein the system further comprises [0252] a receiver; [0253] wherein the earpiece further comprises [0254] a receiver channel coupled to an output of the receiver and extending to a receiver opening in the first end of the earpiece, for providing the audio output signal in the ear canal; [0255] wherein the receiver channel is coupled to the vent channel through the vent port.

[0256] 38. A system according to item 37, wherein the system further comprises [0257] a microphone oriented towards surroundings of the user for providing an input signal; [0258] wherein the processor is configured for processing the input signal; and wherein [0259] the receiver is coupled to an output of the processor for conversion of the output signal from the processor into the audio output signal.

[0260] 39. A system according to item 38, wherein the earpiece comprises the microphone and wherein the microphone is connected to an opening in the second end via a microphone channel for providing the input signal from the surroundings.

[0261] 40. A system according to item 38 or 39, wherein the processor is configured to process the input signal according to a hearing loss of a user wearing the earpiece and to provide the output signal based on the processed input signal.

[0262] 41. A system according to anyone of items 28 to 40, wherein the system is selected from the group consisting of a hearing protector, a headset and a hearing aid.

[0263] 42. A system according to anyone of items 28-41, wherein the system has a longitudinal axis extending between the first end of the earpiece and the second end of the earpiece, and wherein the closing element comprises a passage extending along the longitudinal axis for allowing acoustic waves to propagate through the passage from the output of the receiver to the first end of the earpiece.

[0264] 43. A system according to anyone of items 28 to 42, wherein the first magnetic member comprises a hollow structure having a first end and a second end opposite the first end, wherein the first magnetic member comprises an opening in each of the first and second ends.

[0265] 44. A system according to anyone of items 28 to 43, wherein the second magnetic member comprises a coil with a number of windings, and the second magnetic member is connected to a current or a voltage source.

[0266] 45. A system according to item 44, wherein the number of windings is greater than one.

[0267] 46. A system according to item 42, wherein the inductive member comprises one or more windings around the longitudinal axis.

[0268] 47. A system according to item 46, wherein the number of windings is greater than one.

[0269] 48. A system according to any of the preceding items, wherein the inductive coupling between the inductive member and the second magnetic member changes the electrical impedance of the second magnetic member dependent on the state of the closing element.

[0270] 49. A system according to anyone of items 28 to 48, wherein the processor is configured for setting the state of the closing element by adjusting a current or a voltage supplied to the second magnetic member.

[0271] 50. A system according to anyone of items 28 to 49 when dependent on item 32, wherein the processor is configured for error detection by detecting that the system is in the third state.

[0272] 51. A system according to anyone of items 28 to 50, wherein the earpiece further comprises a second microphone connected to an opening in the first end of the earpiece via a second microphone channel for providing a second input signal from the ear canal.

[0273] 52. A system according to item 51, wherein the processor is configured for setting the state of the closing element based on detection of an own voice signal of the user.

[0274] 53. A system according to item 52, wherein the processor is configured to detect the own voice signal of the user based on the input signal and the second input signal.

[0275] 54. A system according to anyone of items 28 to 53, wherein the processor is configured for detecting a mode of operation of the system, and setting the state of the closing element according to the mode of operation.

[0276] 55. A system according to item 54, wherein the processor is configured for receiving a user input setting the mode of operation and/or setting the state of the closing element.

[0277] 56. A system according to any of items 28 to 55, wherein the earpiece comprises a confiner configured for confining a displacement of the closing element in the receiver channel.

[0278] 57. A system according to item 56 when dependent on item 42, wherein the displacement is along the longitudinal axis.

[0279] 58. A system according to anyone of items 28 to 57, wherein the processor is contained in a housing configured to be worn behind the ear of the user.

[0280] 59. A system according to item 58 when dependent on item 37, wherein the receiver is contained in the earpiece, and wherein the receiver is communicatively coupled to the processor via a plurality of wires contained in a cable.

[0281] 60. A system according to item 58 when dependent on item 38 or item 59 when dependent on item 38, wherein the microphone is contained in the housing.

[0282] 61. A system according to anyone of items 28-38, wherein the processor is contained in the earpiece.

[0283] 62. A system according to item 61 when dependent on item 38, wherein the receiver is contained in the earpiece, and wherein the receiver is communicatively coupled to the processor.

[0284] 63. A system according to item 61 when dependent on item 38 or item 62 when dependent on item 38, wherein the microphone is comprised in the earpiece.

LIST OF REFERENCES

[0285] 2 earpiece [0286] 4 earpiece shell [0287] 6 first end [0288] 8 second end [0289] 10 microphone [0290] 14 receiver [0291] 16 output of the processor [0292] 18 receiver channel [0293] 20 output of the receiver [0294] 22 receiver opening [0295] 24 vent channel [0296] 26 vent port [0297] 27 first vent opening [0298] 28 second vent opening [0299] 30 closing element [0300] 32 first magnetic member [0301] 34 first state of closing element [0302] 36 second state of closing element [0303] 38 second magnetic member [0304] 40 coil of second magnetic member [0305] 42 confiners [0306] 44 inductive member [0307] 46 rod connecting inductive member and closing element [0308] 48 processor [0309] 50 current/voltage source [0310] 52 longitudinal axis [0311] 54 second microphone [0312] 56 memory [0313] 58 third state of closing element [0314] 60 RIE hearing device [0315] 62 BTE housing