Hearing device with an antenna

Abstract

A hearing device is configured to be worn in an ear of a user, and is configured to provide an audio signal to the user. The hearing device comprises a circuit assembly. The circuit assembly comprises a printed circuit board assembly. The printed circuit board assembly comprises a first circuit board, a second circuit board, and a third circuit board between the first and second circuit boards. The circuit assembly comprises a battery, wherein the printed circuit board assembly is folded about the battery; and an antenna comprising an antenna element, the antenna being configured for emission and reception of electromagnetic radiation at a wavelength (λ); wherein the antenna element has a first end connected to a feed, wherein the feed is provided in a portion of the first or third circuit board which is adjacent an interconnection between the first and third circuit boards.

Claims

1. A hearing device configured to be worn in an ear of a user, the hearing device being configured to provide an audio signal to the user, the hearing device comprising: a printed circuit board assembly, comprising: a first circuit board, a second circuit board, and a third circuit board connected between the first circuit board and the second circuit board; a battery, wherein the printed circuit board assembly is folded about the battery; and an antenna comprising an antenna element, the antenna being configured for electromagnetic radiation emission at a wavelength (λ) and electromagnetic radiation reception at the wavelength; wherein the first circuit board has a first portion at a free end of the first circuit board, and a second portion opposite from the first portion; wherein the antenna element has a first end connected to a feed; and wherein the feed is at the first circuit board or at the third circuit board, and is located closer to the second portion of the first circuit board than to the first portion of the first circuit board.

2. The hearing device according to claim 1, wherein at least a part of the antenna element is printed on the first circuit board.

3. The hearing device according to claim 1, wherein at least a part of the antenna element is at the first circuit board.

4. The hearing device according to claim 1, wherein the antenna element extends across a first surface of the first circuit board.

5. The hearing device according to claim 1, wherein the antenna element has a second end connected to an end point at the first circuit board or at the third circuit board.

6. The hearing device according to claim 5, wherein the end point is at a portion of the first circuit board or the third circuit board, and is located closer to the second portion of the first circuit board than to the first portion of the first circuit board.

7. The hearing device according to claim 1, wherein the feed of the antenna element is configured to excite the second circuit board and the third circuit board.

8. The hearing device according to claim 1, wherein the antenna element has a second end connected to a ground plane, the second end being opposite from the first end.

9. The hearing device according to claim 8, further comprising a first electronic component, wherein the second end of the antenna element is connected to the ground plane through the first electronic component.

10. The hearing device according to claim 1, wherein the antenna element has an electrical length corresponding to about λ/2.

11. The hearing device according to claim 1, wherein the first circuit board and the second circuit board are printed circuit boards, and wherein the third circuit board is a flexible circuit board.

12. The hearing device according to claim 1, wherein the third circuit board has a width, and wherein the third circuit board is connected to the first and the second circuit boards along an entirety of the width of the third circuit board.

13. The hearing device according to claim 1, wherein the battery comprises a first major face, a second major face, and one or more side faces; and wherein the printed circuit board assembly is folded about the battery, with the first circuit board facing the first major face, with the second circuit board facing the second major face, and with the third circuit board facing the one or more side faces.

14. The hearing device according to claim 13, the first major face of the battery is at a first distance from the first circuit board; and/or the second major face of the battery is at a second distance from the second circuit board.

15. The hearing device according to claim 14, wherein the first distance is 200-400 micrometer, and/or the second distance is 200-400 micrometer.

16. The hearing device according to claim 1, wherein the first circuit board, the second circuit board, and the third circuit board are parts of a unity structure.

17. The hearing device according to claim 1, wherein the first circuit board, the second circuit board, and the third circuit board comprise respective parts of a substrate.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) 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:

(2) FIGS. 1a), 1b), and 1c) all schematically illustrates an example of a hearing device configured to be worn in an ear of a user.

(3) FIG. 2 schematically illustrates an example of a hearing device configured to be worn in an ear of a user.

(4) FIG. 3 schematically illustrates an example of a printed circuit board assembly when unfolded.

(5) FIG. 4 schematically illustrates an example of a first/second distance between the battery and the first/second circuit board.

(6) FIG. 5 schematically illustrates an example of the battery being connected to the printed circuit board assembly through a second electronic component.

(7) FIG. 6 schematically illustrates an example of a printed circuit board assembly when unfolded.

(8) FIG. 7a), b), c) and d) schematically illustrates an example of a hearing device configured to be worn in an ear of a user.

(9) FIG. 8 shows an illustration of ear anatomy.

(10) FIG. 9 schematically illustrates an example of the position of the hearing device in the ear during operational use of the hearing device.

(11) FIG. 10 schematically illustrates a user's head as view from above and an ear-to-ear axis.

(12) FIG. 11 schematically illustrates an example of a hearing device, such as a hearing aid.

(13) FIGS. 12a) and 12b) schematically illustrate an example of a block-diagram of an embodiment of a hearing device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

(14) 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.

(15) Throughout, the same reference numerals are used for identical or corresponding parts.

(16) FIGS. 1a), 1b) and 1c) all schematically illustrates an example of a hearing device 2 configured to be worn in an ear of a user. FIG. 1a) shows a hearing device as viewed from a side, FIG. 1b) shows a hearing device as viewed from a side but rotated compared to FIG. 1a), and FIG. 1c) shows a hearing device as viewed from above. The hearing device 2 is configured to provide an audio signal to the user. The hearing device 2 comprises a circuit assembly 4. The circuit assembly 4 comprises a printed circuit board assembly 6. The printed circuit board assembly 6 comprises a first circuit board 8. The printed circuit board assembly 6 comprises a second circuit board 10. The printed circuit board assembly 6 comprises a third circuit board 12. The third circuit board 12 is provided between the first circuit 8 board and the second circuit board 10.

(17) The third circuit board 12 is interconnected with the first circuit board 8 and the second circuit board 10. The circuit assembly 4 comprises a battery 16. The printed circuit board assembly 6 is folded about the battery 16. The circuit assembly 4 comprises an antenna. The antenna comprises an antenna element 48. The antenna is configured for emission and reception of electromagnetic radiation at a wavelength (λ). The antenna element 48 has a first end 36. The first end 36 is connected to a feed 37. The feed 37 is provided in a portion of the first circuit board 8 which is adjacent the interconnection between the first 8 and third circuit 12 boards, or the feed 37 is provided in a portion of the third circuit board 12 which is adjacent the interconnection between the first 8 and third 12 circuit boards. An example of the feed being provided in a portion of the first circuit board 8 which is adjacent the interconnection between the first 8 and third circuit 12 boards is shown in FIG. 1c). An example of the feed 37 being provided in a portion of the third circuit board 12 which is adjacent the interconnection between the first 8 and third 12 circuit boards is shown in FIG. 1b).

(18) The antenna element 48 extends from the feed 37 onto the first circuit board 8.

(19) The distance from the feed 37 to the interconnection between the first 8 and third 12 circuit boards is less than 5 mm and/or less than λ/24.

(20) The feed 37 may be provided in a portion of the first circuit board 8 which is adjacent the third circuit board 12. An example of this is shown in FIGS. 1a) and 1c).

(21) At least a part of the antenna element 48 may be printed on the first circuit board 8. An example of at least a part of the antenna element being printed on the first circuit board 8 is shown in FIG. 1c). FIGS. 1a) and 1b) show the antenna element 48 as a separate part connected to the printed circuit board assembly 6.

(22) At least a part of the antenna element 48 may be provided at the first circuit board 8. An example of at least a part of the antenna element being provided at the first circuit 8 is shown in FIGS. 1a) and 1c).

(23) The antenna element 48 extends across a first surface 8′ of the first circuit board 8.

(24) The antenna element 48 has a second end 38 connected to an end point 39 provided at the first 8 or third 12 circuit board. An example of the end point 39 being provided at the first circuit board 8 is shown in FIG. 1c). An example of the end point 39 being provided at the third circuit board 12 is shown in FIG. 1b).

(25) The end point 39 is provided in a portion of the first 8 or third 12 circuit board which is adjacent the interconnection between the first 8 and third 12 circuit boards. An example of the end point 39 being provided in a portion of the first circuit board 8 which is adjacent the interconnection between the first 8 and third 12 circuit boards is shown in FIG. 1.c. An example of the end point 39 being provided in a portion of the third circuit board 12 which is adjacent the interconnection between the first 8 and third 12 circuit boards is shown in FIG. 1.b.

(26) The feed of the antenna element is configured to excite the second 10 and third 12 circuits boards.

(27) The third circuit board 12 is connected to the first circuit board 8 in proximity of the feed 37.

(28) The second end 38 of the antenna element 48 is connected to a ground plane.

(29) FIG. 2 schematically illustrates an example of a hearing device 2 configured to be worn in an ear of a user. FIG. 2 comprises all features of FIG. 1c.

(30) Additionally, the second end 39 of the antenna element 48 is connected to a ground plane through a first electronic component 34.

(31) The antenna element may be configured to have an electrical length corresponding to about λ/2.

(32) The antenna element may be configured to have an electrical length corresponding to about λ/4 to λ/2.

(33) FIG. 3 schematically illustrates an example of a printed circuit board assembly 6 when unfolded. A coordinate system defining an x-axis and a y-axis is also illustrated.

(34) The first 8 and second 10 circuit boards are printed circuit boards. The third circuit board 12 is a flexible circuit board.

(35) The third circuit board 12 has a width. The width of the third circuit board 12 extends in the direction of the x-axis. The third circuit board 12 is connected to the first 8 and the second 10 circuit boards along it entire width.

(36) The third circuit board 12 has a length. The length of the third circuit board 12 extends in the direction of the y-axis.

(37) FIG. 4 schematically illustrates an example of a first 26/second 30 distance between the battery 16 and the first 8/second 10 circuit board.

(38) The battery 16 comprises a first major face 28, a second major face (not shown, as it is the face of the battery pointing downwards in the figure) and one or more side faces. The printed circuit board assembly 6 is folded about the battery 16. The printed circuit board assembly 6 is folded about the battery 16 with the first circuit board 8 adjacent the first major face 28, the second circuit board 10 adjacent the second major face, and the third circuit board 12 adjacent the one or more side faces.

(39) The hearing device 2 further comprises a first distance 26 between the first major face 28 of the battery 16 and the first circuit board 8, the first distance 26 having a first predefined value. The hearing device 2 comprises a second distance 30 between the second major face of the battery 16 and the second circuit board 12, the second distance 30 having a second predefined value.

(40) The first distance 26 is 200-400 micrometer, preferably about 300 micrometer. The second distance 30 is 200-400 micrometer, preferably about 300 micrometer.

(41) FIG. 5 schematically illustrates an example of the battery 16 being connected to the printed circuit board assembly 6 through a second electronic component.

(42) The battery 16 is connected to the printed circuit board assembly 6 through a second electronic component 32.

(43) The second electronic component 32 is configured to electrically decouple the battery 16 and the printed circuit board assembly 6 at a first frequency, corresponding to the wavelength (λ), while maintaining an electrical connection between the battery 16 and the printed circuit board assembly 6 at second frequencies.

(44) FIG. 6 schematically illustrates an example of a printed circuit board assembly 6 when unfolded. The printed circuit board further comprises a fourth circuit board 14.

(45) FIG. 7a), b), c) and d) schematically illustrates an example of a hearing device 2 configured to be worn in an ear of a user. The hearing device 2 is configured to provide an audio signal to the user. The hearing device 2 comprises a circuit assembly 4. The circuit assembly 4 comprises a printed circuit board assembly 6. The printed circuit board assembly 6 comprises: a first circuit board 8; a second circuit board 10; and a third circuit board 12 interconnected with the first circuit board 8 and the second circuit board 10, and a fourth circuit board 14.

(46) The hearing device may further comprise a wireless communication unit (not shown) interconnected with the antenna element. FIG. 7d) shows the antenna element 48 on the first circuit board 8.

(47) The wireless communication unit may be provided at the fourth circuit board 14.

(48) FIG. 7b) and c) shows that the hearing device comprises power management components 210. The power management components 210 are provided at the fourth circuit board 14.

(49) FIG. 7a) and b) shows that the hearing device 2 comprises an output transducer 44 for providing the audio signal. The printed circuit board 6 assembly is folded about the battery 16 and the output transducer 44.

(50) FIG. 7b) shows that the output transducer 44 comprises a protrusion 52 for providing a sound output. The second circuit board 10 comprises a hole 54. The protrusion 52 extends through the hole 54.

(51) FIG. 7b), c) and d) shows a magnetic induction coil 50.

(52) FIG. 7b) shows that the magnetic induction coil 50 is provided opposite the output transducer 44. The battery 16 is arranged between the magnetic induction coil 50 and the output transducer 44.

(53) The hearing device may further comprise one or more microphones (not shown) for generating one or more microphone output signals.

(54) The one or more microphones may be provided on the first circuit board 8.

(55) The hearing device may further comprise a signal processor (not shown) for processing the one or more microphone output signals into the audio signal.

(56) FIG. 7d) shows that the third circuit board 12 comprises conductive wires 64 or traces through which electric current can flow. One or more of the printed circuit boards 8, 10, 14 are connected with the third circuit board 12. The conductive wires 64 or traces of one or more of the printed circuit boards 8, 10, 14 are connected with or extends as the conductive wires or traces of the third circuit board 12.

(57) FIG. 8 shows an illustration of ear anatomy.

(58) FIG. 9 schematically illustrates an example of the position of the hearing device 2 in the ear during operational use of the hearing device.

(59) During operational use of the hearing device 2, the circuit assembly 6 is arranged such that the third circuit board 12 is provided adjacent the tragus in the ear.

(60) During operational use of the hearing device 2, the circuit assembly 6 is arranged such that the first surface 8′ of the first circuit board 8 faces towards the surroundings outside of the ear, and a second surface of the first circuit board (not shown as it is the face of the first circuit board that is pointing into the paper) faces towards the concha of the ear. Thus, the first surface 8′ of the first circuit board 8 is opposite to the second surface of the first circuit board 8.

(61) The printed circuit board assembly is configured to have antenna functionality due to the antenna element.

(62) The printed circuit board assembly is configured to have a maximum current at the third circuit board 12.

(63) The third circuit board 12 has a length. The length of the circuit board is illustrated in FIG. 3. The length of the third circuit board 12 is substantially parallel to an ear-to-ear axis of the user when the hearing device is worn in its operational position at the ear. The ear-to-ear axis is illustrated in FIG. 9.

(64) The third circuit board may have a length of at least 4 mm. In some embodiments, the third circuit board has a length of at least λ/30.

(65) The length of the third circuit board may be parallel+/−25° to an ear-to-ear axis of the user when the hearing device is worn in its operational position at the ear. The ear-to-ear axis is illustrated in FIG. 9.

(66) FIG. 10 schematically illustrates a user's head 62 as view from above and an ear-to-ear axis 60.

(67) The head of a user 62 is viewed from above, illustrated with a nose protruding from the head and pointing towards the bottom of the page, and two ears protruding from the head, each pointing toward the right and left margin of the paper, respectively. An ear-to-ear axis 60 is illustrated as going through the head, from ear to ear.

(68) FIG. 11 schematically illustrates an example of a hearing device 2, such as a hearing aid. The hearing device 2 comprises a microphone 40, for receiving an input signal and converting it into an audio signal. The audio signal is provided to a processing unit 42 for processing the audio signal and providing a processed output signal for compensating a hearing loss of a user of the hearing device 2. An output transducer 44 is connected to an output of the processing unit 42 for converting the processed output signal into an output sound signal, e.g. a signal modified to compensate for a user's hearing impairment. The output transducer 44 is often referred to as a receiver or speaker. The processing unit 42 may comprise elements such as amplifiers, compressors, noise reduction systems, etc. The hearing device 2 may further comprise a wireless communication unit 46 for wireless data communication interconnected with an antenna element/structure 48 for emission and reception of an electromagnetic field. The wireless communication unit 46, such as a radio or a transceiver, connects to the processing unit 42 and the antenna structure 48, for communicating with an electronic device, an external device, or with another hearing device, such as another hearing aid located in/on/at another ear of the user, typically in a binaural hearing system. The hearing device 2 may comprise two or more antenna structures.

(69) The hearing device 2 may be an in-the-ear hearing device and may be provided as an in-the-ear module. Alternatively, parts of the hearing device 2 may be provided in a behind-the-ear module, while other parts, such as the output transducer 44, may be provided in an in-the-ear module.

(70) FIGS. 12a) and 12b) schematically illustrate an example of a block-diagram of an embodiment of a hearing device 200. In FIG. 8a), the hearing device 200 comprises a first transducer, i.e. microphone 202, to generate one or more microphone output signals based on a received an audio signal. The one or more microphone output signals are provided to a signal processor 204 for processing the one or more microphone output signals. An output transducer or receiver or speaker 206 is connected to an output of the signal processor 204 for converting the output of the signal processor into a signal modified to compensate for a user's hearing impairment, and provides the modified signal to the speaker 206.

(71) The hearing device signal processor 204 may comprise elements such as an amplifier, a compressor and/or a noise reduction system etc. The signal processor 204 may be implemented in a signal processing chip 204′. The hearing device may further have a filter function, such as compensation filter for optimizing the output signal.

(72) The hearing device further comprises a wireless communication unit 214 interconnected with magnetic induction antenna 216 such as a magnetic induction coil. The wireless communication unit 214 and the magnetic induction antenna 216 may be configured for wireless data communication using emission and reception of magnetic field. The wireless communication unit may be implemented as a wireless communication chip 214′, such as a magnetic induction control chip 214′. The hearing device 200 further comprises a power source 212, such as a battery or a rechargeable battery. Furthermore, a power management unit 210 is provided for controlling the power provided from the battery 212 to the signal processor 204, the output transducer, the one or more microphones, the wireless communication unit (RF) 208, and the wireless communication unit (MI) 214. The magnetic induction antenna is configured for communication with another electronic device, in some embodiments configured for communication with another hearing device, such as another hearing device located at another ear, typically in a binaural hearing device system.

(73) The hearing device may furthermore have a wireless communication unit 208, such as a wireless communication circuit, for wireless data communication interconnected with an RF antenna 218 for emission and reception of an electromagnetic field. The wireless communication unit may be implemented as a wireless communication chip 208′. The wireless communication unit 208, including a radio or a transceiver, connect to the hearing device signal processor 204 and the RF antenna 218, for communicating with one or more external devices, such as one or more external electronic devices, including at least one smart phone, at least one tablet, at least one hearing accessory device, including at least one spouse microphone, remote control, audio testing device, etc., or, in some embodiments, with another hearing device, such as another hearing device located at another ear, typically in a binaural hearing device system.

(74) The signal processor 204, the wireless communication unit (RF) 208, the wireless communication unit (MI) 214 and the power management unit 210 may be implemented as signal processing chip 204′, wireless communication chip (RF) 208′, wireless communication chip (MI) 214′ and power management chip 210′, respectively.

(75) In FIG. 8b), a hearing device corresponding to the hearing device as shown in FIG. 8a) is seen, except that in FIG. 8b), only one wireless communication unit 214 is present being interconnected with the magnetic induction antenna 216, the signal processor 204 and the power management unit 210.

(76) Likewise, even though not shown, also a hearing device having only one wireless communication unit 208 being interconnected with an RF antenna for reception and emission of an electromagnetic field is envisaged.

(77) As used in this specification, the term “about λ/2” refers to a value that is λ/2, or any value that does not vary from λ/2 by more than 10% (e.g., λ/2+/−10%*λ/2).

(78) 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.

(79) Items

(80) 1. A hearing device configured to be worn in an ear of a user, the hearing device being configured to provide an audio signal to the user, the hearing device comprising: a circuit assembly, comprising: a printed circuit board assembly, comprising: a first circuit board; a second circuit board; a third circuit board provided between, and interconnected with, the first circuit board and the second circuit board; a battery, wherein the printed circuit board assembly is folded about the battery; and an antenna comprising an antenna element, the antenna being configured for emission and reception of electromagnetic radiation at a wavelength (λ);
wherein the antenna element has a first end connected to a feed, wherein the feed is provided in a portion of the first or third circuit board which is adjacent the interconnection between the first and third circuit boards.

(81) 2. The hearing device according item 1, wherein the antenna element extends from the feed onto the first circuit board.

(82) 3. The hearing device according to any of the preceding items, wherein the distance from the feed to the interconnection between the first and third circuit boards is less than 5 mm and/or less than λ/24.

(83) 4. The hearing device according to any of the preceding items, wherein the feed is provided in a portion of the first circuit board which is adjacent the third circuit board.

(84) 5. The hearing device according to any of the preceding items, wherein at least a part of the antenna element is printed on the first circuit board.

(85) 6. The hearing device according to any of the preceding items, wherein at least a part of the antenna element is provided at the first circuit board.

(86) 7. The hearing device according to any of the preceding items, wherein the antenna element extends across a first surface of the first circuit board.

(87) 8. The hearing device according to any of the preceding items, wherein the antenna element has a second end connected to an end point provided at the first or third circuit board.

(88) 9. The hearing device according to any of the preceding items, wherein the end point is provided in a portion of the first or third circuit board which is adjacent the interconnection between the first and third circuit boards.

(89) 10. The hearing device according to any of the preceding items, wherein the feed of the antenna element is configured to excite the second and third circuits boards.

(90) 11. The hearing device according to any of the preceding items, wherein the third circuit board is connected to the first circuit board in proximity of the feed.

(91) 12. The hearing device according to any of the preceding items, wherein the second end of the antenna element is connected to a ground plane.

(92) 13. The hearing device according to any of the preceding items, wherein the second end of the antenna element is connected to the ground plane through a first electronic component.

(93) 14. The hearing device according to any of the preceding items, wherein the antenna element is configured to have an electrical length corresponding to about λ/2.

(94) 15. The hearing device according to any of the preceding items, wherein the antenna element is configured to have an electrical length corresponding to about λ/4 to λ/2.

(95) 16. The hearing device according to any of the preceding items, wherein the first and second circuit boards are printed circuit boards, and wherein the third circuit board is a flexible circuit board.

(96) 17. The hearing device according to any of the preceding items, wherein the third circuit board has a width, and wherein the third circuit board is connected to the first and the second circuit boards along it entire width.

(97) 18. The hearing device according to any of the preceding items, wherein the battery comprises a first major face, a second major face and one or more side faces; and wherein the printed circuit board assembly is folded about the battery with the first circuit board adjacent the first major face, the second circuit board adjacent the second major face and the third circuit board adjacent the one or more side faces.

(98) 19. The hearing device according to any of the preceding items, further comprising a first distance between the first major face of the battery and the first circuit board, the first distance having a first predefined value; and/or a second distance between the second major face of the battery and the second circuit board, the second distance having a second predefined value.

(99) 20. The hearing device according to any of the preceding items, wherein the first distance and/or the second distance is 200-400 micrometer, preferably about 300 micrometer.

(100) 21. The hearing device according to any of the preceding items, wherein the battery is connected to the printed circuit board assembly through a second electronic component.

(101) 22. The hearing device according to any of the preceding items, wherein the second electronic component is configured to electrically decouple the battery and the printed circuit board assembly at a first frequency, the first frequency corresponding to the wavelength (λ), while maintaining an electrical connection between the battery and the printed circuit board assembly at second frequencies.

(102) 23. The hearing device according to any of the preceding items, further comprising a wireless communication unit interconnected with the antenna element.

(103) 24. The hearing device according to any of the preceding items, further comprising a fourth circuit board.

(104) 25. The hearing device according to any of the preceding items, wherein the wireless communication unit is provided at the fourth circuit board.

(105) 26. The hearing device according to any of the preceding items, further comprising power management components, wherein the power management components are provided at the fourth circuit board.

(106) 27. The hearing device according to any of the preceding items, further comprising an output transducer for providing the audio signal, and wherein the printed circuit board assembly is folded about the battery and the output transducer.

(107) 28. The hearing device according to any of the preceding items, further comprising one or more microphones for generating one or more microphone output signals.

(108) 29. The hearing device according to any of the preceding items, wherein the one or more microphones are provided on the first circuit board.

(109) 30. The hearing device according to any of the preceding items, wherein the hearing device further comprises a signal processor for processing the one or more microphone output signals into the audio signal.

(110) 31. The hearing device according to any of the preceding items, wherein, during operational use of the hearing device, the circuit assembly is arranged such that the third circuit board is provided adjacent the tragus in the ear.

(111) 32. the hearing device according to any of the preceding items, wherein, during operational use of the hearing device, the circuit assembly is arranged such that the first surface of the first circuit board faces towards the surroundings outside of the ear, and a second surface of the first circuit board faces towards the concha of the ear, where the first surface is opposite to the second surface.

(112) 33. The hearing device according to any of the preceding items, wherein the printed circuit board assembly is configured to have antenna functionality due to the antenna element.

(113) 34. The hearing device according to any of the preceding items, wherein the printed circuit board assembly is configured to have a maximum current at the third circuit board.

(114) 35. The hearing device according to any of the preceding items, wherein the third circuit board has a length, the length of the third circuit board being substantially parallel to an ear-to-ear axis of the user when the hearing device is worn in its operational position at the ear.

(115) 36. The hearing device according to any of the preceding items, wherein the third circuit board has a length of at least 4 mm and/or λ/30.

(116) 37. The hearing device according to any of the preceding items, wherein the length of the third circuit board being parallel+/−25° to an ear-to-ear axis of the user when the hearing device is worn in its operational position at the ear.

(117) 38. The hearing device according to any of the preceding items, further comprising a shell with a face plate, wherein a part of the antenna element is printed on the face plate.

(118) 39. The hearing device according to any of the preceding items, wherein the antenna element comprises a spring device for connecting the part of the antenna element which is printed on the faceplate to the part of the antenna element located on the first circuit board.

LIST OF REFERENCES

(119) 2 hearing device 4 circuit assembly 6 printed circuit board assembly 8 first circuit board 8′ first surface of first circuit board 8″ second surface of first circuit board 10 second circuit board 10′ first surface of second circuit board 10″ second surface of second circuit board 12 third circuit board 14 fourth circuit board 16 battery 26 first distance 28 first major face 28 30 second distance 32 second electronic component 34 first electronic component 36 first end 37 feed 38 second end 39 end point 40 microphone 42 processing unit 44 output transducer 46 wireless communication unit 48 antenna element/structure 50 magnetic induction (MI) coil 52 protrusion 54 hole 60 ear to ear axis 62 user's head 64 conductive wires or traces 200 hearing device 202 first transducer 204 signal processor 206 output transducer 208 wireless communication unit/chip (RF) 210 power management components 214 wireless communication unit/chip (MI)