Modular connection assembly for a hearing assistance device

• US 10,674,286 B2
• Filed: 04/08/2019
• Issued: 06/02/2020
• Est. Priority Date: 08/27/2008
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Starkey Laboratories Incorporated
• Original Assignee: Starkey Laboratories Incorporated
• Inventors: Higgins, Sidney A., Newton, James R.
• Primary Examiner(s): Patel, Yogeshkumar
• Application Number:
  US16/377,643
• Publication Number:
  US 20190335280A1
• Time in Patent Office: 421 Days
• CPC Class Codes: H04R 2225/0216 BTE hearing aids having a receiver in the ear mould
• CPC Class Codes: H04R 2225/025 In the ear hearing aids [ITE] hearing aids
• CPC Class Codes: H04R 25/02 adapted to be supported entirely by ear
• CPC Class Codes: H04R 25/55 using an external connection, either wireless or wired
• CPC Class Codes: H04R 25/607 of earhooks

Abstract

The present subject matter relates to an improved connection assembly for hearing assistance devices. The improved connection assembly provides a connection system that is reliable, straightforward to manufacture, and easy to use. The present connection assembly provides a rapid replacement option for the cable and/or the receiver or other electronics connected to the cable. The present subject matter provides for a connection assembly that can be extended to provide connections for a variety of applications which are not limited to a speaker (receiver) in the ear. Sensors and new configurations of component placement are supported using the present assembly, including, but not limited to telecoils, and GMR or TMR sensors. Various electromagnetic interference issues are addressed. In some examples a shielded set of wires are included. In some examples a twisted pair of wires is included. Various combinations of wires for different applications are supported with the present connector system.

Claims

1. A hearing assistance device, comprising:

hearing assistance electronics disposed within a first housing configured to be worn above an ear of a wearer;

a receiver disposed within a second housing configured to worn in the ear of the wearer, the second housing including a receptacle and a retainer door;

a first connector connected to a plurality of wires, the first connector configured to connect to the hearing assistance electronics; and

a second connector configured to connected to the plurality of wires, the second connector configured to connect to the receiver,

wherein the second connector is configured to be inserted into the receptacle at a first angle with respect to a surface of the second housing with the retainer door in an open position, and wherein the second connector is configured to be rotated to a second angle with respect to the surface of the second housing before closing the retainer door to retain the second connector in the receptacle.

2. The hearing assistance device of claim 1, wherein the receptacle includes a pivoting assembly to form a hanging basket receptacle.

3. The hearing assistance device of claim 2, wherein the receptacle includes an extension configured to fit into an aperture to form the pivoting assembly.

4. The hearing assistance device of claim 1, wherein the second connector is configured to provide a water proof connection.

5. The hearing assistance device of claim 1, wherein the hearing assistance device is a hearing aid.

6. The hearing assistance device of claim 5, wherein the hearing aid is a behind-the-ear device.

7. The hearing assistance device of claim 5, wherein the hearing aid is a receiver-in-the-ear device.

8. The hearing assistance device of claim 5, wherein the hearing aid is a receiver-in-the-canal device.

9. The hearing assistance device of claim 5, wherein the hearing aid is an over-the-ear device.

10. The hearing assistance device of claim 1, wherein the second housing includes a standard fit ear bud.

11. The hearing assistance device of claim 1, wherein the second housing includes a custom fit earmold.

12. A system, comprising:

a first housing including hearing assistance electronics, the first housing configured to be worn above an ear of a wearer;

a second housing including a receiver, the second housing including a receptacle and a retainer door and configured to be worn in the ear of the wearer; and

a connection assembly including;

a first connector connected to a plurality of wires, the first connector configured to connect to the hearing assistance electronics; and

a second connector configured to connected to the plurality of wires, the second connector configured to connect to the receiver,

wherein the second connector is configured to be inserted into the receptacle at a first angle with respect to a surface of the second housing with the retainer door in an open position, and wherein the second connector is configured to be rotated to a second angle with respect to the surface of the second housing before closing the retainer door to retain the second connector in the receptacle.

13. The system of claim 12, wherein the receptacle includes a pivoting assembly to form a hanging basket receptacle.

14. The system of claim 12, wherein the receptacle includes an extension configured to fit into an aperture to form the pivoting assembly.

15. The system of claim 12, wherein the second housing includes a shielded housing.

16. The system of claim 15, wherein the shielded housing includes a magnetically-shielded housing including a mu-metal.

17. The system of claim 12, wherein the second connector is adapted to connect using an elastomeric component including a conductive portion.

18. The system of claim 17, wherein the elastomeric component includes conductive silicone.

19. The system of claim 12, wherein the plurality of wires includes a twisted pair.

20. The system of claim 12, wherein the plurality of wires includes a plurality of shielded wires.