CONNECTOR AND A HEARING DEVICE COMPRISING SAID CONNECTOR

Abstract

Disclosed is a connector for providing sound into an ear canal of a user. The connector is configured to connect a behind-the-ear, BTE, component of a hearing device to an ITE component of the hearing device. The connector comprises a first portion configured to be connected to the ITE component of the hearing device and configured to be at least partly inserted into an ear canal of the user. The first portion is configured to extend at least partly in the ear canal of the user when the connector is in its intended position at the ear of the user. The connector further comprises at least one identifiable marker being a user guide.

Claims

1. A connector configured to connect a behind-the-ear (BTE) component of a hearing device to an in-the-ear (ITE) component of the hearing device, the connector comprising: a first portion configured to be connected to the ITE component of the hearing device and configured to be at least partly inserted into an ear canal of a user, wherein the first portion is configured to extend at least partly in the ear canal of the user when the connector is in its intended position with respect to an ear of the user, wherein the connector comprises an identifiable marker, wherein the identifiable marker is a user guide.

2. The connector according to claim 1, wherein the connector further comprises: a second portion configured to be connected to the BTE component of the hearing device, and configured to be at least partly arranged at a front edge of a pinna of the ear of the user when the connector is in its intended position at the ear of the user; and a third portion connecting the first portion and the second portion; wherein the identifiable marker is at the first portion, the second portion, or the third portion of the connector.

3. The connector according to claim 2, further comprising an additional identifiable marker; wherein the additional identifiable marker is at the first portion, the second portion, or the third portion of the connector.

4. The connector according to claim 1, wherein the identifiable marker is non-removable.

5. The connector according to claim 1, wherein the identifiable marker is configured to indicate an insertion depth of the ITE component into the ear canal of the user.

6. The connector according to claim 1, wherein the identifiable marker comprises a pattern of any of or any combination of color, mesh, transparency, fabric, texture, surface roughness, or shape.

7. The connector according to claim 1, wherein the marker comprises a tactile pattern.

8. The connector according to claim 7, wherein the tactile pattern is on an exterior surface of the connector, thereby improving a grip of the connector for the user when inserting the ITE component of the hearing device into the ear canal of the user.

9. The connector according to claim 1, wherein the identifiable marker comprises a visual pattern.

10. The connector according to claim 9, wherein the visual pattern comprises a visible-spectrum pattern.

11. The connector according to claim 9, wherein the visual pattern comprises a non-visible-spectrum pattern.

12. The connector according to claim 9, wherein the visual pattern is a painted pattern.

13. The connector according to claim 9, wherein the connector comprises a transparent casing enclosing the visual pattern.

14. The connector according to claim 1, wherein the connector is made of transparent plastic.

15. The connector according to claim 1, wherein the the identifiable marker is identifiable by the user to guide the user in a positioning of the connector.

16. A hearing device comprising: a behind-the-ear (BTE) component configured to be arranged behind an ear of a user, when the user is wearing the hearing device; an in-the-ear (ITE) component configured to be arranged into an ear canal of the user when the user is wearing the hearing device; and the connector according claim 1, the connector configured to connect the BTE component of the hearing device to the ITE component of the hearing device.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0057] 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:

[0058] FIG. 1 schematically illustrates an exemplary hearing device 10 worn at an ear of a user.

[0059] FIG. 2 schematically illustrates the exemplary hearing device 10, shown in FIG. 1, not worn at the ear of the user. FIG. 2 schematically illustrates that the exemplary hearing device 10 comprises a BTE component 300, an ITE component 200 and a connector 100 comprising an identifiable marker 150.

[0060] FIGS. 3 and 4 schematically illustrate the exemplary hearing device 10, shown in FIG. 2, comprising two respective other exemplary connectors 100. The connector 100 of each hearing device 10 comprises two identifiable markers 152, 154, 156 and 158.

[0061] FIG. 5 schematically illustrates steps of a method 400 of inserting an ITE component 200 of a hearing device 10.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0062] 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.

[0063] FIG. 1 schematically illustrates an exemplary hearing device 10 worn at an ear of a user. The hearing device 10, shown in FIG. 1, comprises a BTE component 300. The BTE component 300 is arranged behind an ear of a user, as the user is wearing the hearing device 10 in its intended position. The hearing device 10, shown in FIG. 1, further comprises an ITE component 200. The ITE component 200 is arranged into an ear canal of the user, as the user is wearing the hearing device 10 in its intended position. The ITE component 200, shown in FIG. 1, is a sound outlet comprising a dome. The ITE component 200 may be an ITE component of the hearing device. The hearing device 10, shown in FIG. 1, further comprises a connector 100. FIG. 1 shows that the connector 100 connects the BTE component 300 of the hearing device 10 to the ITE component 200 of the hearing device 10.

[0064] FIG. 2 schematically illustrates the exemplary hearing device 10, shown in FIG. 1, not worn at the ear of the user. The connector 100, shown in FIG. 2, comprises a first portion 140. The first portion 140 is configured to be connected to the ITE component 200 of the hearing device 10. FIG. 2 shows that the first portion 140 is connected to the ITE component 200 of the hearing device 10. The first portion 140 is configured to be at least partly inserted into an ear canal of the user. The first portion 140 is configured to extend at least partly in the ear canal of the user when the connector 100 is in its intended position at the ear of the user, as shown in FIG. 1.

[0065] FIG. 2 further shows that the connector 100 comprises a second portion 120. The second portion 120 is configured to be connected to the BTE component 300 of the hearing device 10. FIG. 2 shows that the second portion 120 is connected to the BTE component 300 of the hearing device 10. The second portion 120 is configured to be at least partly arranged at a front edge of a pinna of the ear of the user when the connector 100 is in its intended position at the ear of the user, as shown in FIG. 1.

[0066] FIG. 2 further shows that the connector 100 comprises a third portion 160. The third portion 160 connects the first portion 140 and the second portion 120. The third portion 160 is configured to extend along the ear of the user, as shown in FIG. 1. The connector 100 further comprises at least one identifiable marker 150, 152, 154, 156, 158 being a user guide. FIG. 2 shows that the connector 100 comprises one identifiable marker 150 arranged at the first portion 140 of the connector 100. The at least one identifiable marker 150, 152, 154, 156, 158 may comprise a pattern of any of or any combination of color, mesh, transparency, fabric, texture, surface roughness or shape. The at least one identifiable marker 150, 152, 154, 156, 158 may comprise a tactile pattern. The tactile pattern may be formed on an exterior surface of the connector 100. The identifiable marker 150 may be a tactile pattern in the form of a surface roughness. The identifiable marker 150 may be a visual pattern e.g. a visible-spectrum painted pattern. The identifiable marker 150 may be a non-visible spectrum painted pattern.

[0067] FIGS. 3 and 4 schematically illustrate the exemplary hearing device 10, shown in FIG. 2, comprising two respective other exemplary connectors 100. The connector 100 of each hearing device 10 comprises two identifiable markers 152, 154, 156 and 158.

[0068] FIG. 3 shows that the connector 100 comprises two identifiable markers 152 and 154 which are arranged at the third portion 160 of the connector 10. FIG. 3 further shows that the two identifiable markers 152 and 154 comprise two different patterns. The two different patterns 152 and 154, shown in FIG. 3, comprise two different shapes. FIG. 3 shows that the identifiable marker 152 comprises a pattern of dots. FIG. 3 further shows that the identifiable marker 154 comprises a pattern of stripes. The two identifiable markers 152 and 154, shown in FIG. 3, may comprise a tactile pattern. The two identifiable markers 152 and 154, shown in FIG. 3, may comprise a visual pattern. One of the two identifiable markers 152 and 154 may be a tactile pattern and another one of the two identifiable markers 152 and 154 may be a visual pattern.

[0069] FIG. 4 shows that the connector 100 comprises two identifiable markers 156 and 158 which are respectively arranged at the first portion 140 and the third portion 160 of the connector 10. FIG. 4 further shows that the two identifiable markers 156 and 158 comprise two similar patterns. The two different patterns 152 and 154, shown in FIG. 3, comprise two patterns of stripes. The two identifiable markers 156 and 158, shown in FIG. 4, may comprise a tactile pattern. The two identifiable markers 156 and 158, shown in FIG. 4, may comprise a visual pattern. One of the two identifiable markers 156 and 158 may be a tactile pattern and another one of the two identifiable markers 156 and 158 may be a visual pattern.

[0070] FIG. 5 schematically illustrates steps of a method 400 of inserting an ITE component 200 of a hearing device 10. FIG. 5 shows that the method 400 comprises the step of identifying 410 the connector 100 of the hearing device 10. FIG. 5 shows that the method 400 further comprises the step of inserting 420 the ITE component 200 of the hearing device 10 into the ear canal of the user. FIG. 5 shows that the method 400 further comprises the step of controlling 430 an insertion depth of the ITE component 200 in the ear canal of the user. The step of controlling 430 the insertion depth of the ITE component 200 may comprise tactilely sensing the at least one identifiable marker 150, 152, 154, 156, 158. The step of controlling 430 the insertion depth of the ITE component 200 may comprise visually sensing the at least one identifiable marker 150, 152, 154, 156, 158.

[0071] 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.

[0072] Items: [0073] 1. A connector (100) for providing sound into an ear canal of a user, the connector being configured to connect a behind-the-ear, BTE, component (300) of a hearing device (10) to an in-the-ear, ITE, component (200) of the hearing device (10), the connector (100) comprising: [0074] a first portion (140) configured to be connected to the ITE component (200) of the hearing device (10) and configured to be at least partly inserted into an ear canal of the user, wherein the first portion (140) is configured to extend at least partly in the ear canal of the user when the connector (100) is in its intended position at the ear of the user, [0075] wherein the connector (100) comprises at least one identifiable marker (150, 152, 154, 156, 158) being a user guide. [0076] 2. The connector (100) according to item 1, wherein the connector (100) further comprising: [0077] a second portion (120) configured to be connected to the BTE component (300) of the hearing device (10) and configured to be at least partly arranged at a front edge of a pinna of the ear of the user when the connector (100) is in its intended position at the ear of the user, [0078] a third portion (160) connecting the first portion (140) and the second portion (120) and configured to extend along the ear of the user, [0079] wherein the at least one identifiable marker (150, 152, 154, 156, 158) is arranged at one or more of the first portion(140), the second portion (120) or the third portion (160) of the connector (100). [0080] 3. The connector (100) according to item 1 or 2, wherein the at least one identifiable marker (150, 152, 154, 156, 158) is non-removable. [0081] 4. The connector (100) according to any of the preceding items, wherein the at least one identifiable marker (150, 152, 154, 156, 158) is configured for controlling an insertion depth of the ITE component (200) into the ear canal of the user. [0082] 5. The connector (100) according to any of the preceding items, wherein the at least one identifiable marker (150, 152, 154, 156, 158) comprises a pattern of any of or any combination of color, mesh, transparency, fabric, texture, surface roughness or shape. [0083] 6. The connector (100) according to any of the preceding items, wherein the at least one identifiable marker (150, 152, 154, 156, 158) comprises a tactile pattern. [0084] 7. The connector (100) according to item 6, wherein the tactile pattern is formed on an exterior surface of the connector (100), thereby improving a grip of the connector (100) for the user when inserting (420) the ITE component (200) of the hearing device (10). [0085] 8. The connector (100) according to any of the items 1-5, wherein the at least one identifiable marker (150, 152, 154, 156, 158) comprises a visual pattern. [0086] 9. The connector (100) according to item 8, wherein the visual pattern comprises a visible-spectrum pattern. [0087] 10. The connector (100) according to item 8, wherein the visual pattern comprises a non-visible-spectrum pattern. [0088] 11. The connector (100) according to any of the items 8-10, wherein the visual pattern is a painted pattern. [0089] 12. The connector (100) according to any of the items 8-11, wherein the connector (100) comprises a transparent casing arranged on an exterior surface of the connector (100) such that the transparent casing encloses the visual pattern. [0090] 13. The connector (100) according to any of the preceding items, wherein the connector (100) is made of transparent plastic. [0091] 14. A hearing device (10) comprising: [0092] a behind-the-ear, BTE, component (300) being configured to be arranged behind an ear of a user, when the user is wearing the hearing device (10) in its intended position, [0093] an in-the-ear, ITE, component (200) being configured to be arranged into an ear canal of the user when the user is wearing the hearing device (10) in its intended position, and [0094] a connector (100) according to any of the preceding items, the connector (100) being configured to connect the BTE component (300) of the hearing device (10) to the ITE component (200) of the hearing device (10). [0095] 15. A method (400) of inserting an ITE component (200) of a hearing device (10) according to item 14 into an ear canal of a user, the method (400) comprising the steps of: [0096] identifying (410) the connector (100) of the hearing device (10), [0097] inserting (420) the ITE component (200) of the hearing device (10) into the ear canal of the user, and [0098] controlling (430) an insertion depth of the ITE component (200) in the ear canal of the user. [0099] 16. The method (400) according to item 15, wherein the step of controlling (430) the insertion depth of the ITE component (200) comprises tactilely sensing the at least one identifiable marker (150, 152, 154, 156, 158). [0100] 17. The method (400) according to item 15, wherein the step of controlling (430) the insertion depth of the ITE component (200) comprises visually sensing the at least one identifiable marker (150, 152, 154, 156, 158).

LIST OF REFERENCES

[0101] 10 Hearing device [0102] 100 Connector [0103] 200 In-the-ear component [0104] 300 Behind-the-ear component [0105] 140 First portion [0106] 120 Second portion [0107] 160 Third portion [0108] 150 Identifiable marker [0109] 152 Identifiable marker [0110] 154 Identifiable marker [0111] 156 Identifiable marker [0112] 158 Identifiable marker [0113] 400 Method [0114] 410 Identifying [0115] 420 Inserting [0116] 430 Controlling