TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure generally relates to a communication device configured for use in a user's ear canal, and more specifically to a venting of sound waves from an acoustically sealed section provided by the communication device in the ear canal, according to the preamble of claim 1.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

Communication devices may be used to improve the hearing capability or communication capability of a user, for instance by compensating a hearing loss of a hearing-impaired user, in which case the communication device is commonly referred to as a hearing instrument such as a hearing aid, or hearing prosthesis. A communication device may also be used to produce a sound in a user's ear canal. For example, sound may be communicated by a wire or wirelessly to a communication device, which may reproduce the sound in the user's ear canal. For example, earbuds, earphones and/or the like may be used to generate sound in a person's ear canal.

A hearing device (HD), such as a hearing instrument, may use a microphone to pick up/receive sound. Circuitry in the hearing instrument can process signals from the microphone, and provides the processed sound signal into the ear canal of the user via a miniature loudspeaker, commonly referred to as a sound reproduction device or a receiver. Hearing devices may also receive sound signals from alternative input sources, such as an induction coil and/or a wireless transmitter, for example via a mobile phone, wireless streaming, Bluetooth connection and/or the like, and process these sounds signals and deliver them to the user. Furthermore, hearing devices may be employed as hearing protection devices that suppress or at least substantially attenuate loud sounds and noises that could harm or even damage the user's sense of hearing.

Hearing devices that are inserted at least partially into a user's ear canal may form a seal between the communication device and the ear canal. For example, some hearing devices comprise ear-tips or earpads that may seal the ear canal to transmission of ambient sound from outside of the ear, preventing interference of the ambient sounds/noise with the sound communicated into the ear by the hearing device. Similarly, some hearing devices may be configured to block the ear canal and prevent interference of the ambient sounds/noise with the sound communicated into the ear by the hearing device.

However, sealing of the ear canal prevents the user of the hearing device registering ambient sounds, such as someone trying to communicate with the user, and produces occlusion effects, where low frequency body-conducted sound, such as the user's own voice, is trapped in the ear canal by the communication device sealing the ear canal resulting in an undesirable loud perception of low frequencies.

United States Patent No. 8,885,866 describes an earphone comprising an adjustable vent. The vent is independent of a sound output channel of the earphone. The vent is adjusted by relatively moving an ear tip of the earphone with respect to the sound conduit tube. The vents are provided at a central location of the earphone and can be adjusted between an open position and a closed position. The earphone has the disadvantage that the ear tip has to be removed from the ear canal in order to allow a manual adjustment of the ear tip relative to the sound conduit tube, by which an adjustment of the vent shall be achieved. Thus, an adjustment of the vent during usage of the earphone inside an ear canal is not provided for. Another disadvantage is caused by the small cross sectional size of the venting channel separated from the sound output channel including a small inlet diameter and a small outlet diameter. Such a geometry leads to a large acoustic mass and a high impedance inside the venting channel, which only allows a rather inefficient transport of the sound waves toward an ambient environment during the venting.

European patent application publication no. EP 2 164 277 A2 discloses an earphone device comprising an insertion earpad configured to be received inside a user's ear canal. The earpad is connected to a signal-to-sound converter of a sound source via a sound tube. External sound entrances are formed in the sound tube which allow environmental sounds to enter the ear canal in addition to the sounds transmitted from the sound source. An acoustic valve is arranged on an outer surface of the sound tube. The acoustic valve is a leaf valve element consisting of two conductive layers and an electroactive polymer layer. A form of the leaf valve can thus be altered by changing a polarity of a voltage at the conductive layers. The deformation of the leave valve can be exploited to change the leave valve in between a first deformation state, in which the external sound entrances are fully covered, and a second deformation state, in which the external sound entrances are uncovered. A first disadvantage of this earphone device is related to the repeated deformation of the acoustic valve that is required to open and close the external sound entrances. The deformation inevitably leads to material wear affecting the functionality of the acoustic valve, in particular in terms of a degradation of the opening and closing mechanism of the external sound entrances, such that an airtight closure of the external sound entrances can be compromised after continuous usage of the earphone device. In the worst case, such a material wear may even lead to a full disfunction or breakage of the acoustic valve. A second disadvantage of the earphone device is that the acoustic valve can only be used to switch in between an opened and closed state of the external sound entrances, wherein a variation of an opening size of the external sound entrances is not provided. A third disadvantage of the earphone device is that the geometry of the sound tube, including the selected size and position of the external sound entrances and the sound tube output opening, lead to a large acoustic mass and a high acoustic impedance rendering the external sound transmission path quite ineffective.

SUMMARY

It is an object of the present invention to remedy at least one of the above mentioned disadvantages and to provide the initially addressed device with a reliable adjustable venting of sound waves in between a sealed section of the ear canal and an ambient environment outside the sealed section. It is a further object to allow an easy and/or user friendly operability of a venting adjustment, in particular during usage of the device inside an ear canal, in particular by employing a mechanically and/or electrically actuated control. It is another object to allow a more efficient venting in between a sealed section of the ear canal and an ambient environment, in particular by lowering an acoustic mass and/or an acoustic impedance in the device. It is yet another object to allow a variable adjustment of an amount by which a venting of sound waves in between a sealed section and an ambient environment is provided for.

At least one of these objects is achieved with a device comprising the features of patent claim 1. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are defined by the dependent claims.

Accordingly, the device according to the invention includes an acoustic valve comprising a valve member moveably coupled with a conduit housing, which moveable coupling is configured to provide a relative motion of the valve member and the conduit housing. The relative motion can comprise at least one of a translational motion of the valve member relative to the conduit housing and a rotational motion of the valve member relative to the conduit housing. In this way, the acoustic valve can be configured to provide at least one of opening the vent opening, closing the vent opening, and adjusting a size of the vent opening. Such a relative motion between the valve member and the conduit housing can contribute to a fail-safe adjustment of the vent opening, wherein the involved constituent parts can be subjected to low mechanical stress. This can contribute to a good longevity of the venting functionality of the device, in particular without any degradation after a prolonged usage.

The communication device comprises a sealing mechanism configured to acoustically seal a section of the ear canal, in particular upstream of the communication device. The sealed section may be located between the sealing mechanism and the user's ear drum. The sealing mechanism may comprise a contact member configured to contact an ear canal wall. The communication device comprises a sound conduit in acoustic communication with a sound source and configured to provide for transmission of sound waves from the sound source through the sound conduit and into the sealed section of the ear canal. The sound conduit may comprise a first opening configured to provide for entry of sound waves from the sound source into the sound conduit. The sound conduit may comprise a second opening configured to provide for output of sound waves from the sound conduit into the ear canal. The sound conduit may comprise a conduit housing provided between the first opening and the second opening. The vent opening can be provided in the conduit housing. The vent opening can be configured to provide for venting of sound waves through the vent opening, in particular into an ambient environment in the ear canal downstream of the sealing mechanism, in particular outside of the sealed section. The vent opening may lead to an inner surface of the conduit housing. A venting pathway may be defined as an acoustic pathway in the sound conduit, which pathway sound waves must traverse in order to travel from the sealed section to the ambient environment outside of the sealed section. In some instances, the venting pathway comprises a passage in between the second opening of the sound conduit and the ambient environment of the ear canal. The sound conduit may comprise a sound conduit chamber configured to provide for travelling of sound waves from the first opening to the second opening of the sound conduit. In particular, the sound conduit chamber can be configured to provide for travelling of sound waves from the first opening to the second opening along a central axis of the sound conduit. The conduit housing may comprise a side wall. In some instances the side wall may at least partially delimit a sound conduit chamber in a direction of the central axis of the sound conduit. The conduit housing may comprise a side wall. The side wall may at least partially delimit a sound conduit chamber in a direction of a central axis of the sound conduit. The side wall of the conduit housing may comprise a directional component, along which the side wall extends, the directional component being oriented in parallel to a central axis of the sound conduit. The side wall of the conduit housing may comprise another directional component, along which the side wall extends, that may not be oriented in parallel to the central axis of the sound conduit. The side wall thus may not extend perpendicular to the central axis of the sound conduit such that the sound conduit chamber is delimited in the direction of the central axis, in particular such that an acoustic pathway in the sound conduit chamber along the central axis is defined. In some instances, the side wall extends in a traverse direction with respect to the central axis, at least over a portion of the side wall, in particular at a slope to the central axis. In some instances, the side wall substantially extends in parallel to the central axis, at least over a portion of the side wall. The vent opening may be formed in the side wall of the conduit housing. The sound conduit chamber may be configured to provide for travelling of sound waves from the first opening to the second opening along the central axis of the sound conduit. The vent opening may lead to the sound conduit chamber.

In some instances, an opening of the sound conduit chamber is provided by the vent opening, in particular supplementary to the first opening and the second opening. The vent opening may form at least part of a passage in between the sound conduit chamber and the ambient environment of the ear canal. The sound conduit chamber may provide at least part of the venting pathway between the sealed region and the ambient environment. The venting pathway may comprise a venting inlet providing an inlet for sound waves into the sound conduit. The venting pathway may comprise a venting outlet providing an outlet for sound waves from the sound conduit. The venting outlet may comprise the vent opening, at least in one relative position of the conduit housing and the valve member during said relative motion. The venting inlet may comprise the second opening of the sound conduit. In this way, at least a part of an acoustic pathway in between the first opening and the second opening can be advantageously used as a venting pathway. In particular, the sound conduit may be configured such that sound waves entering the second opening can leave the sound conduit through the venting outlet. In addition or alternatively, the sound conduit may be configured such that the sound waves entering the first opening can partially traverse the sound conduit to the second opening into the ear canal and can partially leave the sound conduit through the venting outlet. In particular, the venting pathway may comprise the second opening of the sound conduit and the vent opening, at least in one relative position of the conduit housing and the valve member during said relative motion. Such a venting pathway can contribute to a high efficiency of the acoustic venting, in particular by exploiting a rather low impedance and/or acoustic mass provided in between the first opening and the second opening of the sound conduit. In some instances, the venting pathway substantially consists of the second opening of the sound conduit, at least a part of the sound conduit chamber, and the vent opening, at least in one relative position of the conduit housing and the valve member during said relative motion. The conduit housing may comprise a housing opening provided at an open end of the conduit housing. The housing opening may be configured to provide for an exit of sound waves from the conduit housing, in particular of at least part of the sound waves entering the sound conduit from the first opening and/or the sound waves travelling through the sound conduit chamber to the housing opening. The housing opening may be configured to provide for an exit of sound waves in the direction of a central axis of the sound conduit. The venting pathway may comprise the housing opening. In particular, the venting pathway may extend through at least part of the sound conduit chamber which is at least partially delimited by a side wall of the conduit housing. In this way, the efficiency of the acoustic venting can be further improved, in particular by using a low impedance and/or acoustic mass of the sound conduit chamber or part of the sound conduit chamber within the conduit housing for the section of the venting pathway provided therein. In some instances, the venting inlet is provided by the housing opening, in particular in instances in which the second opening of the sound conduit is provided by the housing opening. In some other instances, the venting inlet is provided by the second opening and the venting pathway further extends through the housing opening, in particular in instances in which the second opening of the sound conduit is not provided by the housing opening. In particular, the venting pathway may comprise at least one of the housing opening and the second opening, and the vent opening, at least in one relative position of the conduit housing and the valve member during said relative motion, wherein the venting pathway may extend through the housing opening. In some instances, the venting pathway comprises the second opening, at least a part of the sound conduit chamber at least partially delimited by a side wall of the conduit housing, and the vent opening, at least in one relative position of the conduit housing and the valve member during said relative motion.

In some instances, the housing opening is provided at the second opening of the sound conduit. In particular, the second opening of the sound conduit may be provided by the housing opening and/or by an open end member linked to the conduit housing. In particular, the open end member may be interconnected with the conduit housing and/or inserted inside the conduit housing. In some instances, the housing opening is provided in between the first opening and the second opening of the sound conduit, in particular in the direction of the central axis of the sound conduit. In particular, the valve member may be arranged such that the valve member extends beyond the housing opening toward the second opening, at least in one relative position of the conduit housing and the valve member during said relative motion. The second opening of the sound conduit may be provided at an open end of the valve member and/or by an open end member linked to the valve member, in particular interconnected with the valve member and/or inserted inside the valve member. Thus, the open end member linked to the conduit housing and/or the valve member may comprise at least part of the second opening of the sound conduit. The open end member may comprise an input opening, in particular at an opposed end of the open end member with respect to the second opening of the sound conduit. The input opening of the open end member may be configured to provide for entry of sound waves, in particular from at least one of the conduit housing and the valve member. For instance, a wax filter may be provided as an open end member, in particular in the conduit housing and/or valve member.

The conduit housing and/or the valve member may comprise a coupling surface at which the moveable coupling is provided. The relative motion can be directed along the coupling surface. In particular, the relative motion may be provided at least one of in parallel to the coupling surface, and in a peripheral direction of the coupling surface, in particular around the coupling surface. In this way, a guidance for said relative motion can be provided by the coupling surface such that a relative displacement in between the valve member and the conduit housing can be facilitated. In some instances, at least one of the conduit housing and the valve member comprises a coupling surface at which the moveable coupling is provided. In some instances, a corresponding coupling surface is provided at the other of the conduit housing and the valve member. In particular, the moveable coupling may be provided by linking, in particular contacting, the coupling surface of the conduit housing with the coupling surface of the valve member. Said relative motion can be directed along the coupling surface. The coupling surface may be provided with small frictional properties. Thus, said relative motion can be provided with an activation by a rather low activation force. In particular, the frictional properties of the coupling surface may be provided to be smaller than frictional properties of the sealing mechanism abutting on an ear canal wall during usage of the device. Thus, said relative motion can be configured to be provided by a lower activation force as compared to a force that would be required to displace the sealing mechanism inside the ear canal. Such a smooth movability on the coupling surface can on the one hand contribute to the reliability of the venting adjustment. On the other hand, the smooth movability on the coupling surface can be advantageously exploited to allow a motion of one of the conduit housing and the valve member, wherein the other of the conduit housing and the valve member can stay in a fixed position inside the ear canal. In this way, an advantageous activation of the venting adjustment during usage of the device inside an ear canal can be provided. In some instances, the coupling surface is provided at a surface of a side wall of the conduit housing. In particular, the coupling surface may be provided on at least one of an inner surface and an outer surface of the conduit housing. The term inner surface may generally relate to a surface oriented towards a central axis of the sound conduit, in particular a surface facing the central axis of the sound conduit. The term outer surface may generally relate to a surface pointing in an opposed direction with respect to a central axis of the sound conduit, in particular a surface facing away from the central axis of the sound conduit. The valve member may be at least partially disposed at the coupling surface of the conduit housing. In some instances, the coupling surface is provided at a surface of a side wall of the valve member. In particular, the coupling surface may be provided on at least one of an inner surface and an outer surface of the valve member. The conduit housing may be at least partially disposed at the coupling surface of the valve member. Such a sideward arrangement of the coupling surface can be exploited to enable said relative motion in a reliable way, in particular such that an effective venting can be realized by exploiting an advantageous venting pathway in which a vent opening and/or a valve opening is facing an ear canal wall. In some instances, the valve member is disposed at least partially around the coupling surface of the conduit housing, in particular around an inner surface and/or an outer surface of the conduit housing. The valve member may comprise a substrate disposed on the conduit housing, in particular at least partially around the coupling surface of the conduit housing, in particular an inner and/or outer surface of the conduit housing.

A venting distance may be defined as a distance in the sound conduit in direction of the central axis of the sound conduit in between the second opening and a centre of the vent opening. A proximity of the vent opening to the second opening of the sound conduit may be provided by a small value of the venting distance. This can contribute to an increased efficiency of the venting of sound waves by providing a comparatively small value of the acoustic mass in the venting pathway, leading to a comparatively low acoustic impedance. In particular, the venting distance may correspond to not more than fifteen times of a diameter of the second opening and/or an inner diameter of a side wall of the conduit housing, in particular a side wall at least partially delimiting the sound conduit chamber. In some instances, the venting distance corresponds to not more than ten times of a diameter of the second opening and/or an inner diameter of a side wall of the conduit housing, in particular a side wall at least partially delimiting the sound conduit chamber. In some instances, the venting distance corresponds to not more than five times of a diameter of the second opening and/or an inner diameter of a side wall of the conduit housing, in particular a side wall at least partially delimiting the sound conduit chamber. In some instances, the venting distance corresponds to not more than 10 millimetres. In some instances, the venting distance corresponds to not more than 5 millimetres. In some instances, the vent opening is provided within an axial length of the sealing mechanism. Such an arrangement can also contribute to an increased efficiency of the venting of sound waves, in particular by providing the sealing mechanism and the vent opening at a corresponding axial region, which may be done to provide said proximity of the vent opening to the second opening. The sealing mechanism may comprise a contact surface configured to contact an ear canal wall. The sealing mechanism, in particular the contact surface of the sealing mechanism, may be provided at the second opening and/or close the second opening. In this way, a proximity of the vent opening to the second opening can be advantageously combined with such a provision of the sealing mechanism, in particular the contact surface of the sealing mechanism, close to the second opening with respect to the axial direction. The axial length of the sealing mechanism may be defined as a total length of the sealing mechanism, in particular the contact surface, in which the sealing mechanism, in particular the contact surface, extends in the direction of the central axis of the sound conduit. The sealing mechanism, in particular the contact surface, may be configured to be deformed inside an ear canal, such that its total length in parallel to central axis may vary when inserted in differently sized ear canals. In some instances, the axial length of sealing mechanism is defined as a total length of the contact surface of the sealing mechanism, in which the contact surface of the sealing mechanism extends in the direction of the central axis of the sound conduit, when the contact surface of the sealing mechanism is in an un-deformed state, in particular when the sealing mechanism may not be inserted into an ear canal and/or no other forces may be applied on the contact surface of the sealing mechanism. The translational motion of the valve member may include or consist of a motion along a surface of the conduit housing. The translational motion of the conduit housing may include or consist of a motion along a surface of the valve member. The translational motion may include or consist of a longitudinal motion. The translational motion of at least one of the valve member and the conduit housing may include or consist of a motion in parallel to a central axis of the sound conduit. The rotational motion of the valve member may include or consist of a motion along a surface of the conduit housing. The rotational motion of the conduit housing may include or consist of a motion along a surface of the valve member. The rotational motion may include or consist of a circular motion. In particular, the rotational motion of at least one of the valve member and the conduit housing can include or consist of a motion around a central axis of the sound conduit.

The communication device may comprise a device housing configured to be at least partially inserted in the ear canal. The conduit housing may be integrated with the device housing. The conduit housing may be attached to the device housing. In some instances, the sound source is provided inside the device housing. The sound source may be enclosed in the conduit housing. Alternatively or additionally, the sound source may be enclosed in a sound source housing. The sound source housing may adjoin the conduit housing, in particular at an end of the conduit housing. The sound source housing may be integrated with the housing of the communication device. Thus, the conduit housing and/or the sound source housing may form an integral part of the communication device housing. In other instances, the sound source is provided externally from the communication device housing and may communicate sounds into the communication device housing via an acoustic pathway, in particular a sound tube. In some instances, a microphone and/or an input circuitry is provided inside the housing of the communication device, in particular inside the conduit housing and/or the sound source housing and/or a separate housing.

The communication device may include a part that is disposed outside of the ear canal. For example, the communication device may comprise at least one of a sound source, a microphone, an antenna, and an external circuitry that are disposed at least partially outside the ear canal. The external components may be configured to communicate with the part of the communication device inside the ear canal. For example, the external components may use wired/wireless-communication to communicate with the in-ear portion and/or may communicate sounds via an acoustic pathway, such as a sound tube. In some embodiments, an external portion of the communication device may be positioned behind a user's ear. In particular, the communication device may comprise a receiver-in-canal hearing instrument. A wax filter may be provided in the sound conduit, in particular at the second opening of the sound conduit The sealing mechanism may comprise at least one of a portion of the communication device housing, a flexible member coupled with the communication device housing, a portion of the conduit housing, a flexible member coupled with the conduit housing, a portion of the valve member, and a flexible member coupled with the valve member. In this way, the sealing mechanism can be configured to be precisely fitted inside an ear canal, in particular such that it is firmly seated inside the ear canal. Thus, a comparatively large force may be required, in particular by a manual twisting and/or pulling, to remove the sealing mechanism from the ear canal after its insertion. This aspect may be exploited for an advantageous venting adjustment during usage of the device in an ear canal.

In some instances, the sealing mechanism is provided by the conduit housing and/or rigidly attached to the conduit housing. In some of these instances, the valve member is configured such that said relative motion comprises at least one of a translational motion of the valve member, and a rotational motion of the valve member. In some instances, the sealing mechanism is provided by the valve member and/or rigidly connected to the valve member. In some of these instances, the conduit housing is configured such that said relative motion comprises at least one of a translational motion of the conduit housing; and a rotational motion of the conduit housing. In some instances, the valve member is configured such that in use movement of the valve member in the ear canal provides for said relative motion of the valve member and the conduit housing. In some instances, the conduit housing is configured such that in use movement of the conduit housing in the ear canal provides for said relative motion of the valve member and the conduit housing. In some of these instances, the communication device is configured such that in use movement of the communication device in the ear canal provides for said relative motion of the valve member and the conduit housing. In particular, the conduit housing may be configured such that an in use movement of the communication device provides said translational and/or rotational motion of the conduit housing, in particular relative to the valve member and/or relative to the ear channel. In some instances, an electrical activation of said relative motion can be advantageous in order to facilitate a control of the valve member, in particular during an in use activation when the device is inserted in an ear canal. Accordingly, the device may comprise an actuator, in particular an electrical actuator, configured to move the valve member. Thus, the actuator may be configured to at least activate said relative motion, in particular in dependence of an electrical signal provided to the actuator. In some instances, the electrical activation of said relative motion may be in particular advantageous when the valve member is configured for said translational and/or rotational motion and/or when the valve member is located far inside the ear canal during an in use manipulation. In some of these instances, a manual handling of the valve member may only account for a relatively inaccurate venting adjustment and may also lead to an undesired displacement of the whole communication device with respect to the ear canal. By an electrical activation of the valve member, those negative side effects can be avoided. In some instances, a manual and/or electrical activation of said relative motion may be advantageous to operate the movement of the conduit housing, in particular during use inside an ear canal. A manual actuation may offer the advantage of a lower energy consumption. An electrical actuation may offer the advantage of a more accurate control of the venting adjustment and/or an increased ease of use. In some instances, a mechanical activation of said relative motion may be practical, in particular when the conduit housing is configured for said translational and/or rotational motion. In some instances, the conduit housing is at least one of integrated into a device housing and rigidly attached to a device housing. This may allow a manipulation of the conduit housing by manipulating the communication device housing. For instance, the manipulation may imply rotating and/or translating the housing inside the ear canal and/or touching an activation member on the housing at the entrance of an ear canal. In some instances, the device housing is configured to be inserted into the ear canal and comprises a tangible portion that is accessible for manipulation from an external region of the ear canal during usage of the device inside the ear canal, such that said in use movement can be carried out at the tangible portion. In particular, a manual activation may be feasible by a manual handling of the conduit housing due to a suitable size and/or position of the conduit housing inside the ear canal.

In some instances, the tangible portion comprises a manipulation surface configured to be manipulated by manual gestures which may include finger motions such as touching, pushing or rotating the tangible portion by a user. The manual movement may be further facilitated by providing manipulation aids on the manipulation surface, in particular an increased surface roughness and/or surface indentations and/or surface protrusions. In some instances, the tangible portion comprises a manipulation member, in particular a switch, configured to transmit a manual impact on the manipulation member to an actuator of said relative movement. The actuator may be driven by a mechanical drive, in particular configured to transmit said manual impact to the conduit housing and/or valve member in order to effectuate said relative motion, and/or an electrical drive. The communication device may thus be configured such that in use movement of the conduit housing in the ear canal, in particular a manual movement of the communication device housing and/or conduit housing in the user's ear, provides for said relative motion of the conduit housing relative to the valve member. In instances in which the sealing mechanism is provided by the valve member and/or rigidly connected to the valve member, the movement of the conduit housing relative to the valve member may be facilitated due to a fixation of the valve member in the ear canal provided by the sealing mechanism, in particular by frictional forces. In some instances, the valve member is configured such that said relative motion adjusts the vent opening between an alignment position and a closed position. The alignment position may defined as a relative position during said relative movement, in which relative position the valve member is positioned, in particular on the coupling surface of the conduit housing, such that the vent opening is at least partially open. The closed position may be defined as a relative position during said relative movement, in which relative position the valve member is positioned, in particular on the coupling surface of the conduit housing, such that the vent opening is closed. In some instances, the valve member includes a valve opening. The alignment position may defined as a relative position during said relative movement, in which relative position the vent opening and the valve opening are aligned such that the vent opening is at least partially open. The closed position may be defined as a relative position during said relative movement, in which relative position the vent opening and the valve opening are unaligned such that the vent opening is closed.

In some instances, the valve member is configured such that said relative motion variably adjusts the vent opening between the alignment position and the closed position. In particular, the variable adjustment may be provided such that the valve member is configured to move to at least two distinct alignment positions as an end position of said relative motion, wherein different opening sizes of the at least partially opened vent opening are provided in each of the distinct alignment positions. Such a variable adjustment can advantageously account for a selective adjustment of an amount at which the venting of sound waves shall be provided, in particular according to momentary demands of the user. In particular, the variable adjustment may be provided such that the valve member is configured to continuously move in between different alignment positions during said relative motion, wherein different opening sizes of the at least partially opened vent opening are provided in each of the alignment positions. Such a continuous adjustment can advantageously provide for a fading effect during the venting adjustment, by which fading effect the transition between a start position and end position of said relative motion may be perceived in gradual phases, in particular such that the acoustical perception of a user during the transition is more pleasant as compared to an abrupt transition in between the start position and end position of said relative motion. Said relative motion may comprise a displacement of the complete conduit housing relative to the complete valve member. In some configurations, the relative motion comprises a displacement of at least part of the conduit housing relative to the complete valve member. In some configurations, the relative motion comprises a displacement of the complete conduit housing relative to at least part of the valve member. In some configurations, the relative motion comprises a displacement of the complete conduit housing relative to the complete valve member. The latter configurations can offer the advantage of an optimized energy usage, when the involved parts are completely displaced with respect to one another, in particular such that no other device parts are relatively displaced and additional frictional effects at a remote position can thus be avoided. The valve member may be configured to be preserved in a substantially un-deformed shape during said relative motion. The conduit housing may also be configured to be preserved in a substantially un-deformed shape during said relative motion. In this way, a material wear of the components can be minimized contributing to a longevity and reliability of the venting mechanism. The translational motion of the valve member may comprise a motion with respect to the conduit housing and/or the translational motion of the conduit housing may comprise a motion with respect to the valve member and/or the rotational motion of the valve member may comprise a motion with respect to the conduit housing and/or the rotational motion of the conduit housing may comprise a motion with respect to the valve member. In some instances, the conduit housing comprises a portion defining at least a part of the sound conduit chamber configured to provide for travelling of sound waves through the sound conduit from the first opening to the second opening. To this end, the conduit housing may comprise a conduit wall, in particular a side wall. The conduit wall may at least partially delimit the sound conduit chamber, in particular in a direction of at least a portion of a pathway of the sound waves propagating through the conduit chamber, in particular in between the first opening and the second opening of the sound conduit. A central axis of the sound conduit may be defined such that the central axis extends through a centre of the sound conduit chamber, in particular in parallel to a propagation direction of the sound waves in the sound conduit chamber. The sound conduit chamber may comprise a portion with a tubular shape, in particular a rotational symmetric shape around the central axis. For instance, the sound conduit chamber may comprise a portion with a cylindrical shape, wherein the central axis may be defined as a central axis of this cylindrical portion. In some instances, the central axis of the sound conduit substantially coincides with a central axis of the conduit housing.

A side wall of the conduit housing may separate, in particular delimit, an inner space of the conduit housing from the exterior of the conduit housing, in particular sound conduit. The side wall may thus separate an inner space of the conduit housing, in particular sound conduit, from a volume of the ear canal, in particular delimited by an ear canal wall, when the device is inserted in the ear canal. In some instances, at least part of the sound conduit chamber is delimited by the side wall such that the sound conduit chamber is provided by said inner space. The side wall may thus define a conduit wall. In particular, the side wall may comprise a substantially tubular component comprising the first opening the second opening and the vent opening. In this way, a sound conduit tube may be formed by the side wall. In some instances, the conduit housing comprises an outer side wall delimiting an inner space of the conduit housing from the exterior. The conduit housing may further comprise an inner side wall provided inside said inner space of the conduit housing. In some instances, at least part of the sound conduit chamber may be delimited by the inner side wall. The inner side wall may thus define a conduit wall. In some instances, at least part of the sound conduit chamber may be delimited by the outer side wall. The outer side wall may thus define a conduit wall. In particular, the first opening of the sound conduit may be provided at a first end of the inner conduit wall and the second opening of the sound conduit may be provided at a second end of at least one of the inner conduit wall and the outer conduit wall. In particular, the side wall may comprise a substantially tubular component. The tubular component may comprise the first opening, the second opening, and the vent opening.

The conduit housing may comprise a side wall between the first opening and the second opening of the sound conduit. The vent opening may be formed in the side wall of the conduit housing. In some instances, the valve member is disposed at least partially around an outer surface of the side wall of the conduit housing, in particular such that said coupling surface is at least partially provided at the outer surface of the side wall. In some embodiments, the valve member is disposed at least partially around an inner surface of the side wall of the conduit housing, in particular such that said coupling surface is at least partially provided at the inner surface of the side wall. In some embodiments, the valve member is disposed at least partially around an inner surface and an outer surface of the side wall of the conduit housing, in particular such that said coupling surface is at least partially provided at the inner surface and at the outer surface of the side wall. In particular, the inner surface and the outer surface of the side wall may be facing each other, wherein the valve member may be disposed in between. In some instances, the valve member is disposed at a side wall of the conduit housing such that the valve member at least partially projects from an end of the side wall of the conduit housing. In particular, the valve member may project from an end of the side wall at which the second opening of the sound conduit is provided, at least in one relative position of said relative motion of the valve member and the sound conduit. In some instances, the valve member is disposed at a side wall of the conduit housing such that the valve member is arranged in between the first opening and the second opening of the sound conduit, at least in one relative position in said relative motion of the valve member and the sound conduit.

The first opening of the sound conduit may be provided at a sound source output configured to provide for exit of sound waves from the sound source. For instance, a sound tube and/or a sound wave generation means of the sound source may be provided at the first opening or in proximity to the first opening. The conduit housing may comprise an end wall. The first opening of the sound conduit may be formed in the end wall. A rear wall of the conduit housing may thus be formed by the end wall. In some instances, the vent opening comprises an opening in the end wall, in particular in the rear wall. In some instances, the first opening of the sound conduit is provided in the end wall of the conduit housing. In some instances, the first opening of the sound conduit is disposed between the end wall of the conduit housing and the second opening of the sound conduit. The sound source output may be provided at the end wall. The sound source output may extend into the conduit housing such that the first opening of the sound conduit is disposed between the end wall and the second opening of the sound conduit. The sound source output may comprise a sound source conduit provided at the end wall and/or extending into to conduit housing. The second opening of the sound conduit may be formed in the end wall. A front wall of the conduit housing may thus be formed by the end wall. In some instances, the vent opening comprises an opening in the end wall, in particular in the front wall. In some instances, the conduit housing comprises two end walls, wherein a rear wall and a front wall is formed by the end walls. The valve member may comprise a first axial opening, in particular configured to provide for an entry of sound waves into a volume at which the valve member is provided, and a second axial opening, in particular configured to provide for an exit of sound waves from a volume at which the valve member is provided. The first axial opening and/or the second axial opening of the valve member may be oriented in the direction of a central axis of the sound conduit. The first axial opening may be provided at a first open end of the valve member. The second axial opening may be provided at a second open end of the valve member. The first axial opening and the second axial opening may be spaced from one another in the direction of a central axis of the sound conduit. The valve member may be configured to receive the conduit housing or to be received by the conduit housing, in particular at the first axial opening. In some instances, the second axial opening of the valve member is provided at the conduit housing, in particular at a housing opening or in front of a housing opening with respect to the direction of sound waves travelling along the central axis of the sound conduit. The second opening of the sound conduit may thus be defined by the housing opening and/or the second axial opening of the valve member. In some instances, the second axial opening of the valve member is provided at a distance from the conduit housing, in particular behind a housing opening with respect to the direction of sound waves travelling along the central axis of the sound conduit. The second opening of the sound conduit may then be defined by the second valve opening.

The valve member may comprise a side wall, in particular between the first axial opening and the second axial opening. At least a part of the side wall of the valve member may be configured to receive at least a part of the conduit housing or to be received by at least a part of the conduit housing. The valve member may comprise a side wall having at least one of an inner diameter substantially matching an outer diameter of the side wall of the sound conduit, and an outer diameter substantially matching an inner diameter of the side wall of the sound conduit. The term inner diameter may refer to a diameter in between opposing portions of an inner surface. The term outer diameter may refer to a diameter in between opposing portions of an outer surface. In some instances, the inner diameter and/or outer diameter extends through a central axis of the sound conduit. The valve opening may be formed in the side wall of the valve member. The valve member may comprise a vent chamber configured to provide for travelling of sound waves, in particular from the first axial opening to the second axial opening of the valve member. The vent chamber may be delimited by the side wall of the valve member. At least one vent opening is provided in the conduit housing. In some instances, the vent opening is provided in the conduit housing such that the vent opening faces the central axis of the sound conduit. In some instances, the vent opening is provided in the conduit housing such that the vent opening is oriented in a transverse direction with respect to the central axis of the sound conduit, in particular in parallel to the central axis of the sound conduit. The valve member may be configured such that the valve member can be positioned at least one of in a different axial position with respect to the central axis and in a different circumferential position with respect to the central axis than the vent opening, in particular in a moving position of said relative motion in which the vent opening is at least partially opened. The valve member may comprise a valve surface configured to be relatively moved to the vent opening such that the vent opening is at least partially covered in at least one position of said relative motion by the valve surface. The valve surface may be larger than the vent opening. Further conceivable is a valve surface having the same size than the vent opening or smaller than the vent opening. In some instances, the valve member comprises a valve opening configured to be relatively moved to the vent opening such that the vent opening is at least partially uncovered in at least one position of said relative motion by the valve opening. The valve opening may have at least one of the same size, a larger size, and a smaller size as the vent opening. In some instances, a plurality of vent openings is provided in the conduit housing. The vent openings may be spaced from one another. The valve member may be configured such that the valve member can be positioned in between the vent openings, in particular in a moving position of said relative motion in which the vent openings are at least partially opened. The vent openings may be provided at the same axial position with respect to the central axis in the conduit housing. The vent openings may have a corresponding shape, in order to provide for homogeneous venting properties. Further conceivable are vent openings having a different shape. In some instances, the valve member comprises a plurality of valve openings. In particular, an equal number of valve openings and vent openings may be provided.

The conduit housing may comprise a stop to prevent at least one of the valve member and the conduit housing moving, in particular at an end position of said relative motion. The stop may be provided at a position of the conduit housing at which position an end position of the valve member for said relative motion is provided. In this way, a spatial restriction of said relative motion may be provided by the stop, in particular such that said relative motion may be restricted. In some embodiments, two stops are provided at a respective end position of said relative motion, in particular such that the relative motion may be restricted within two end positions. The stop may comprise a stopping member. The stop may be provided on the coupling surface and/or at an end of the coupling surface of at least one of the conduit housing and the valve member. The stop may be provided as a surface structure on the conduit housing. The stop may be provided as a projection on a surface of the conduit housing. Such a surface projection may comprise a wall, in particular an end wall, protruding from a surface of conduit housing. Such a surface projection may comprise an edge protruding from a surface of conduit housing. In some instances, the stop comprises a damping material. In particular, the surface projection may be coated by a damping material. The damping material can provide a damping of an impact of the valve member at the stop, in particular at the end of said relative motion, in particular at an end position of said relative motion. In this way, the relative motion can be stopped rather gently at the end position of said relative motion. By such a damping provided at the end position, a hard impact of the valve member with respect to the stop provided at the conduit housing can be effectively avoided. Thus, disturbing sound effects at the end of said relative motion which would be caused by such a hard impact can be effectively avoided. In some embodiments, the damping material comprises an elastomer, in particular an elastomeric rubber. For instance, the elastomer may comprise at least one of a silicone elastomer, a polyester elastomer, a fluoroelastomer, a perfluoroelostomer, and a polyurethane elastomer.

The present disclosure further relates to a method for adjusting venting of a communication device configured for use in a communication device user's ear canal. The method may comprise the step of creating a seal between the communication device and an ear canal of a user of the communication device. The method may comprise the step of adjusting alignment of an opening in a sound conduit of the communication device and an opening in a vent valve to adjust venting of acoustic signals through the sound conduit. The communication device may comprise a housing and a sound conduit configured to deliver sound from a sound source disposed in the housing into the ear canal. The communication device may comprise a seal mechanism to seal the communication device with the ear canal. The method may comprise the step of using an acoustic valve to adjust an opening size of a vent opening in the sound conduit and/or to close the vent opening, wherein the vent opening provides for venting of sound waves into or out of the sound conduit. The seal mechanism may be configured to produce an acoustically sealed portion of the ear canal between the communication device and a user's eardrum. The venting of sound waves from the sound conduit may comprise venting sound waves from the sealed portion of the ear canal through the sound conduit to a location in the ear canal downstream of the communication device. The acoustic valve may be moveably coupled with the sound conduit. The acoustic valve may comprise a valve opening. The step of using an acoustic valve to adjust the opening size of the vent opening may comprise adjusting alignment of the vent opening and the valve opening to adjust the opening between a closed position where the vent opening and the valve opening are completely misaligned and the acoustic valve closes the vent opening and an open position where the vent opening and the valve opening are completely aligned and transmission of sound waves through the vent opening is unimpeded by the acoustic valve. The step of adjusting the opening size of the vent opening in the sound conduit and/or to close the vent opening may comprise moving the housing with respect to the acoustic valve. The step of moving the housing with respect to the acoustic valve may comprise rotating the housing in the user's ear. The step of moving the housing with respect to the acoustic valve may comprise pushing a button on the housing while the communication device is in the user's ear.

In some embodiments, a method of using an insertable in-ear speaker or hearing device is provided, where the method may be controlled by a process or the like. In the method, audio signals may be converted by a receiver into sound waves and delivered into an ear canal of the wearer by the hearing device, while the hearing device sealing the ear canal to prevent interference of ambient sound with the converted sound waves. In the method, a vent, formed through a sound conduit, acoustically connecting the ear canal and the ambient environment hearing device may be adjusted. For purposes of this disclosure, a conduit, for acoustic transmission, may comprise a volume, or a sequence of volumes and tubes or the like. The adjustment may either allow sound to be vented from the ear canal through the hearing device to an ambient environment and/or to restrict/prevent such transmission of sound. The adjustment may be controlled by an active valve. When the valve is open, ambient sounds may enter the ear canal hearing device so that both sound generated by the hearing device and ambient sound can be heard by the wearer (providing the user with a more natural hearing experience) and/or the occlusion effect may be reduced, as sound generated in the ear canal is transmitted to the ambient environment. When the valve is closed, the wearer may be enabled to listen to the sounds generated by the receiver without interference from ambient sounds. In instances where the hearing device includes signal processing to provide the wearer with improved directionality (e.g. beamforming, where the hearing device obtains input from more than one microphone), the benefit of such signal processing and thus hearing performance may be improved due to the absence of direct sound.

In some embodiments, a hearing device configured for use in a user's ear canal is provided. The hearing device may be capable of providing variable venting through the hearing device. The hearing device may include a receiver that generates sounds that are communicated via a sound conduit to a user's eardrum. The hearing device may be configured to form a seal with an ear canal wall and/or to block the ear canal. In this way, a sealed region of the ear canal can be produced upstream of the hearing device, in particular medial to the hearing device. In this sealed region, an output of the receiver may be isolated from ambient sounds generated outside of the ear. The hearing device may include a part that is disposed outside of the ear canal. For example, the hearing device may comprise a receiver, microphone, antenna and/or the like that are disposed at least partially outside of the ear canal. This external circuitry may communicate with the part of the hearing device inside the ear canal. For example, the external circuitry may use wired/wireless-communication to communicate with the in-ear portion and/or may communicate sounds via an acoustic pathway, such as a sound tube.

In some embodiments, the external portion of the hearing device may be positioned behind the user's ear. In accordance with some embodiments, the sound conduit includes a vent opening that may provide for venting of sound waves through the hearing device. For example, ambient sounds may pass through the vent opening into the sealed region and/or sound waves in the sealed region may pass through the vent opening to a section of the ear canal disposed downstream of the hearing device, in particular distal to the hearing device. This may prevent or minimize the occlusion effect. In embodiments of the present disclosure, an acoustic valve is configured to provide for at least one of adjusting a size of the vent opening, closing the vent opening and/or not interfering with the vent opening, such that the vent opening is completely open. In some embodiments, the acoustic valve is moveably coupled with the sound conduit, such that the acoustic valve and/or the sound conduit is capable of movement with respect to the other. In some embodiments, the acoustic valve comprises a valve opening and adjustment of the vent opening is provided by moving the acoustic valve and/or the sound conduit so that the valve opening and the vent opening are aligned and/or misaligned. In some embodiments, the acoustic valve/sound conduit may be moved while the hearing device is in the ear canal. For example, a user may: rotate the hearing device, move the hearing device in a longitudinal direction along the ear canal, push a button to cause the acoustic valve and/or sound conduit to move with respect to one another and/or the like. Where the hearing device is moved in the ear canal, friction may be used to hold the acoustic valve stationary in the ear canal while the sound conduit is moved.

Venting through the hearing device may also be desirable as it can be used to manage the humidity in the sealed region. Humidity, in the sealed region may result in changed properties of the eardrum and/or the ear canal wall. These changes in property may result in a deteriorated hearing experience for the user of the hearing device. As such, in some embodiments of the present disclosure, a hearing device with variable venting is provided to provide for decreasing the humidity in the sealed region formed by the hearing device. In some embodiments, the hearing device may be adjusted in the user's ear to reduce the humidity. The venting arrangement of some embodiments of the present invention, comprising a short and large volume venting pathway, are configured to provide for reducing the adverse hearing effects of humidity in the ear canal. In some instances, frictional properties of the acoustic valve and/or the sound conduit are selected to provide that the acoustic valve and the sound conduit may move with respect to one another so that the venting of the hearing device may be adjusted while the hearing device is deployed in the user's ear canal. For example, the acoustic valve and/or the sound conduit may be manufactured from and/or include a coating of a low friction material, such as Teflon, a low friction plastic and/or the like. Communication devices include: earbuds; earphones; in-ear headphones; noise protection systems worn on/in the ear that include a speaker; hearing devices, such as hearing instruments, including behind-the-ear hearing aids, in-the-ear hearing aids etc.; and/or the like. Hearing devices comprise communication devices designed to be inserted at least partially into the ear canal. Hearing devices may be configured to form an acoustic seal with an ear wall and/or block the ear canal so that a portion of the ear canal between the seal and the eardrum is acoustically insulated from ambient sound to some extent, i.e., the seal between the hearing device and the ear canal prevents acoustic signals, such as ambient sound, passing into from a portion of the ear canal downstream of/lateral to the hearing device into the sealed portion of the ear canal. Isolation provided by hearing devices may be desirable because it can prevent interference of ambient sounds with the acoustic output of the hearing device. However, because ambient sound may be blocked from the eardrum, it may prevent a user of the hearing device from directly hearing external sounds, in particular ambient sounds. In addition, sealing/blocking of the ear canal may produce an effect called occlusion. Occlusion can be caused by body-conducted acoustic signals that are radiated into the sealed portion of the ear canal between the hearing device and the eardrum. Acoustic signals produced by talking, chewing and/or the like, which may normally be transmitted to the ambient environment by the vent, can lead to a significant sound level in the sealed ear canal portion. Compared to an open ear canal, the occlusion effect may boost low frequency sound pressure in the ear canal by 20 decibels (dB) or more.

With respect to hearing aids, use of an open/leaky hearing aid, where there is not a seal between the hearing aid and the ear canal, can have disadvantages such as: reduced speech intelligibility in noisy environments, reduced benefit of beamforming, susceptibility to feedback and the like. For all types of hearing devices, an open or leaky hearing device may produce insufficient acoustic output at low frequencies when sound is produced by the hearing device into the ear canal. Based on the above, hearing devices may include a vent that allows for transmission of acoustic signals between the ear canal upstream of the hearing device, in particular comprising a region outside of the ear canal, and the ear canal downstream of the hearing device, in particular comprising a region between the hearing device and the eardrum. The term upstream may also be referred to herein as "medial" and the term downstream may also be referred to herein as "lateral". The vent may be small to provide a balance between the effects of completely sealing the ear canal and leaving the ear canal open. In some hearing devices, an ear tip may be used to create the seal between the hearing device and the ear canal, wherein the vent may be provided in the ear tip.

In embodiments of the present disclosure, a hearing device is provided with an adjustable vent. The adjustable vent may be controlled by the user of the hearing device and/or processing circuitry to optimize performance of the hearing device in accordance with different situations. The adjustable vent may provide for control of the amount of direct and/or ambient sound entering the ear canal and/or may control frequency response of the hearing device at low frequencies. For hearing aids, the vent may be adjusted to enhance a signal-to-noise ratio by partially closing the vent, in particular when the hearing aid is operated in a situation where ambient sound comprises a speech signal in background noise, such as when the user is conversing with people at a party, for instance in a restaurant. In addition, closing the adjustable vent may be desirable when listening to music with low- frequent signal content, in order to keep the size of the sound reproduction device and the power consumption to a minimum.

For purposes of the present disclosure, a "valve" may comprise a mechanism for at least one of closing, opening, and adjusting the size of an opening. The valve may be actuated manually and/or by a system including an actuator, in particular a motor and/or a micro- electromechanical system (MEMS) actuator and/or an electro-dynamic actuator having a coil assembly and a magnetic system, such as a balanced armature (BA) system and/or a pneumatic actuator and/or a hydraulic actuator. The actuator may be assisted by an elastic member, such as a spring or the like. The vent may provide an acoustic pathway and/or provide acoustic transmission, whereby sound waves can pass through the vent. In this way, a venting pathway may be provided. For example, the hearing device may be configured to create a seal with the ear canal wall to produce a sealed portion of the ear canal upstream of the hearing device between the hearing device and a user's eardrum. In such an arrangement, the vent may be configured to provide an acoustic pathway for sound waves, in particular between the sealed portion of the ear canal downstream of the hearing device and the unsealed portion of the ear canal upstream of the hearing device. As such, the vent may provide for transmission of sounds from the ambient environment, in particular outside of the ear and/or outside of an electronic device, through the hearing device to the eardrum and/or transmission of sound waves from the sealed region through the hearing device and out of the ear canal.

The seal between the hearing device and the ear canal may be provided by at least one of an ear tip, a dome, a flexible member, and a section of the hearing device. The seal may be simply provided by the hearing device blocking the ear canal to create the sealed portion/region. The term "upstream" is used to refer to a section of the ear canal located between the hearing device and the ear drum, and the term "downstream" is used to refer to a section of the ear canal between the hearing device and the concha, in particular the ear canal opening. Sealing the ear canal may prevent sounds from an ambient environment from passing down the ear canal to the ear drum. However, sealing the ear canal can also create an occlusion effect in the ear canal, whereby the hearing device user may perceive "hollow" or "booming" echo-like sounds. The occlusion effect can be caused by bone-conducted sound vibrations reverberating in a sealed region of the ear canal, so that speaking, chewing, body movement, heart beat and/or the like may create echoes, reverberations and/or the like in the sealed region. Compared to a completely open ear canal, the occlusion effect can boost low frequency sound pressure in the ear canal, which is usually below 500 Hz, by 20 dB or more. The sealing of the ear canal by the hearing device may be beneficial for preventing interference by ambient sounds and by preventing a loss of low frequency sounds. However, sealing the ear canal may prevent the user from hearing ambient sounds, such as someone communicating with him, and the occlusion effect produced by the sealing may degrade the user's listening experience. A receiver, such as an in-ear speaker, can be included in electronic devices for providing sound to a user's ear. The receiver may be at least partially inserted into the ear canal. Thus, the receiver may direct sound onto the user's ear drum. A receiver may include acoustic drivers, microphones and/or other electronic devices and may be wired or wireless. In-ear speakers include, but are not limited to, earphones, earbuds, hearing aids, hearing instruments, in-ear headphones, in-ear monitors, personal sound amplifiers and headsets. In some embodiments, a receiver/loudspeaker generates sound waves based on signals that are input to the receiver from an external device through a wired or wireless connection.

In some embodiments, the hearing device comprises a sound conduit through which sound waves from the receiver may be transmitted into the ear canal upstream of the hearing device. The sound conduit may provide a chamber through which the sound waves can be transmitted. In some instances, the sound conduit may be tubular, in particular cylindrical. The sound conduit may comprise an input opening, through which sound waves from the receiver may enter the sound conduit chamber, and an output opening, through which sound waves from the sound conduit chamber may enter the ear canal. The openings may be formed in end- walls of the sound conduit. In some embodiments, the first opening may be formed in a housing. The housing may project inside the sound conduit chamber such that the opening is disposed between end walls of the sound conduit. In embodiments of the present disclosure, the sound conduit comprises at least one vent opening. The vent opening may be formed in a wall of the sound conduit extending between the openings of the sound conduit and/or in at least one of the end walls. In embodiments of the present disclosure, an acoustic vent may provide for at least one of opening the vent opening, closing the vent opening, and adjusting an amount of opening or closing of the vent opening. The acoustic valve may be moveably coupled to the sound conduit, in particular such that relative motion of the sound conduit and the acoustic valve may provide for adjusting opening of the vent opening. For example, the acoustic valve may comprise a substrate. The substrate may comprise a valve opening. A motion of the sound conduit relative to the acoustic valve and/or a motion of the acoustic valve relative to the sound conduit may change an alignment between the valve opening and the vent opening. In this way, an alignment of the valve opening and the vent opening may be used to adjust an amount of opening of the vent opening between a completely open configuration and a completely closed configuration. The acoustic valve may comprise a substrate that at least partially surrounds the sound conduit, in particular an inner and/or outer surface of the sound conduit. The acoustic valve may thus be configured to undergo translation motion with respect to the sound conduit. In some embodiments, the acoustic valve may comprise a substrate that at least partially surrounds the sound conduit and may be configured to undergo a rotational motion and/or a translational motion relative to the sound conduit.

In some embodiments, a user of the hearing device may adjust a degree of opening of the vent opening by moving the acoustic valve on the ear canal. In some embodiments, a user of the hearing device may adjust a degree of opening of the vent opening by rotating the hearing device while it is in the ear canal, such that the sound conduit may rotate with respect to the acoustic valve. In other embodiments, the user may rotate the acoustic valve while the hearing device is in the user's ear canal. In some embodiments, a user may press a button or the like while the hearing device is in the ear and a mechanical and/or electrical system may cause the sound conduit and the acoustic valve to move relative to one another. For example, in a mechanical system, gears or the like may transmit a force applied to the button to a force applied to the acoustic valve. In this way, a motion of the acoustic valve with respect to the sound conduit may be produced. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. In the drawings:

Fig. 1 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a hearing device with an adjustable vent, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure;

Fig. 2 illustrates a frequency response of a hearing device comprising an adjustable vent opening, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure;

Fig. 3 A illustrates a hearing device comprising a sound conduit with an adjustable vent opening, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure;

Fig. 3B illustrates a hearing device comprising an adjustable vent opening in an end- wall of a sound conduit, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure;

Fig. 4A illustrates a hearing device with variable venting, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure;

Fig. 4B illustrates a hearing device with variable venting comprising an external sound receiving system, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure;

Fig. 5A illustrates an acoustic valve for a hearing device with variable venting, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure;

Fig. 5A illustrates an acoustic valve for a hearing device with variable venting, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure;

Figs. 6A, 6B illustrate a perspective view of a hearing device with variable venting, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure;

Figs. 6C, 6D are lateral sectional views of the hearing device shown in Figs. 6A, 6B;

Fig. 6E is a detailed view of the hearing device as shown in Fig. 6D;

Fig. 6F is a perspective sectional view of the hearing device as shown in Fig. 6A;

Figs. 7A, 7B are lateral sectional views showing details of a hearing device with variable venting, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure; and Figs. 8A, 8B are lateral sectional views showing details of a hearing device with variable venting, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS In the following detailed description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the subject matter herein. However, it will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that the subject matter may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well known methods, procedures, components, and systems have not been described in detail so as not to unnecessarily obscure features of the embodiments. In the following description, it should be understood that features of one embodiment may be used in combination with features from another embodiment where the features of the different embodiment are not incompatible. The ensuing description provides some embodiment(s) of the invention, and is not intended to limit the scope, applicability or configuration of the invention or inventions. Various changes may be made in the function and arrangement of elements without departing from the scope of the invention as set forth herein. Some embodiments may be practiced without all the specific details. In other instances, well-known circuits, processes, algorithms, structures and techniques may be shown without unnecessary detail in order to avoid obscuring the embodiments.

Figure 1 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a hearing device with an adjustable vent, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. As illustrated in Fig. 1, an hearing device 10 is inserted in an ear canal 20. The ear canal 20 comprises an ear canal wall 23 and extends from an ear opening of the ear (not shown) located downstream of the hearing device 10 to the eardrum 26 located upstream of the hearing device. The hearing device is configured to create a seal with the ear canal wall 23. In some embodiments, the seal may be formed by the hearing device blocking the ear canal 20. In some embodiments, the hearing device may comprise a flexible element 12 that contacts the ear canal wall 23 sealing the ear canal 20. The flexible member 12 may comprise an ear tip, a dome and/or the like. The flexible member 12 may be formed from a flexible material that conforms to the shape of the ear canal 20 when the hearing device is inserted in the ear canal 20, creating a seal between the hearing device 10 and the ear canal wall 23. By sealing the ear canal 20, the hearing device creates a sealed region 20A of the ear canal 20 between the hearing device 10 and the ear drum 26 and an ambient region 20B of the of the ear canal 20 between the hearing device and the opening of the ear (not shown).

In some embodiments, the hearing device 10 comprises a receiver 14. The receiver 14 may comprise a speaker, electrical device or the like configured to produce sound. In some embodiments, the receiver 14 is at least partially inserted into the ear canal and directs sound onto the ear drum 26. The receiver 14 may include acoustic drivers, microphones and other electronic devices. In some embodiments, the receiver 14 may be enclosed in a receiver housing 14B. In some embodiments, the hearing device may comprise input circuitry and the receiver 14 may be electrically connected to the input circuitry 16. The input circuitry 16 may comprise circuitry configured to receive an input signal that may be processed and/or electrically communicated to the receiver 14. The input signal may be a wireless communication, a Bluetooth communication, an electrical signal, a stream and/or the like. In some embodiments, the input circuitry 16 receives the input signal and communicates the input signal to the receiver 14, which converts the input signal into sound waves/an acoustic signal. In some embodiments, the receiver 14 may output the sound waves/acoustic signal using a membrane, a diaphragm and/or the like. In some embodiments, the input circuitry 16 is configured to be disposed outside of the ear canal 20 and may communicate with the receiver 14 by means of electrical wires or the like. In other embodiments, the input circuitry may be disposed at least partially in the ear canal 20. In some embodiments, the input circuitry 16 may comprise an antenna or the like for receiving the input signal. In such embodiments, the hearing device 10 may receive wireless input from devices external to the ear, such as mobile phones, wireless transmitters, wireless music players and/or the like. In some embodiments, the input circuitry 16 may be electronically attached to a device located outside of the ear. For example, in some embodiments, a microphone 17 may be disposed outside the ear and may receive sound signals and electronically communicate the sound signals to the input circuitry 16. In some embodiments, the input circuitry may comprise a processor or the like for processing the input signal and communicating the processed input signal to the receiver 14.

In some embodiments, the receiver 14 is in acoustic communication with a sound conduit 30. The sound conduit 30 comprises a housing defining a sound conduit chamber 30A, through which sound waves may be transmitted. The sound conduit 30 may comprise a first opening 3 OB through which sound waves generated by the receiver 14 can enter the sound conduit 30 and a second opening 30C through which the sound waves can pass out of the sound conduit 30 into the sealed region 20 A. As such, the sound conduit 30 may provide for transmission of the sound waves from the receiver 14, through the sound conduit 30 to the ear drum 26. In some embodiments, the sound conduit 30 may extend from the first opening 30B to the second opening 30C. In some embodiments, the sound conduit 30 may comprise a first end- wall 33A and a second end wall 33B. In some instances, the first opening 30B may be formed in the first end-wall 33A. In some instances, the second opening 30C may be formed in the second end-wall 33B. In some embodiments, the sound conduit 30 may comprise a spout, a conduit and/or the like extending from the hearing device 10 and/or the receiver housing 14B. In some embodiments, the first opening 30B may be formed in a housing that projects into the sound conduit 30, such that the first opening 30B is disposed between the first end wall 33A and the second end wall 33B. In some embodiments, a wax filter 37 may cover the second opening 30C. The wax filter may prevent contaminants such as ear wax or the like from blocking the sound conduit 30. In some embodiments, the flexible member 12 may be coupled with the sound conduit 30. In some embodiments, the flexible member 12 may be coupled to a sealing mechanism 35. In some instances, the sealing mechanism may comprise a part of the hearing device 10. In some embodiments, the first end-wall 33 A may be coupled with the receiver housing 14B. In some embodiments, the first end-wall 33A may be coupled with the receiver housing 14B, such that there is a gap between at least a section of the first end-wall 33A and the receiver housing 14B and/or at least a section of the first end-wall 33A extends beyond the receiver housing 14B such that the at least a section of the first end- wall 33A is in contact with the ear canal 20 volume, e.g. an atmosphere contained in the ear canal.

The sound conduit 30, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, includes a vent opening. As depicted in Fig. 1 , the sound conduit 30 comprises two vent openings, a first vent opening 36A and a second vent opening 36B. The vent openings 36A and B, each comprise an opening in the sound conduit 30 and are configured to provide an acoustic pathway between the sealed region 20 A and the ambient region 20B. This acoustic pathway may provide for venting of sound waves from the sealed region 20A to the ambient region 20B and/or the transmission of ambient sound waves from outside the ear from the ambient region 20B to the sealed region 20A. In some embodiments, the vent opening may be formed in the first end-wall 33A and/or the like. In some embodiments, an acoustic valve 39 is moveably coupled with the sound conduit 30. The acoustic valve 39 may comprise a substrate that is configured to close at least one of the vents 36A and 36B. The substrate may comprise a flap, a flexible material, a plug and/or the like. In some embodiments, the acoustic valve 30 may comprise a substrate that extends at least partially around the conduit housing 33 and/or the first end-wall 33A. In some instances, the acoustic valve 39 is moveably coupled with the sound conduit 30, such that the acoustic valve 39 and the sound conduit 30 may move relative to one another. In some embodiment, the moveable coupling provides for translational motion of the acoustic valve 39 with respect to the sound conduit 30 and/or translational motion of the sound conduit 30 with respect to the acoustic valve 39. This translational motion may in some instances comprise at least one of the acoustic valve and the sound conduit moving in a longitudinal direction with respect to the ear canal. In some embodiments, the moveable coupling provides for rotational motion of the acoustic valve 39 with respect to the sound conduit 30 and/or rotational motion of the sound conduit 30 with respect to the acoustic valve 39. As depicted in Fig. 1, the acoustic valve 39 is completely closing the vent opening 36A and the vent opening 36B is not impinged by the acoustic valve 39 and is therefore completely open. In some embodiments, the acoustic valve 39 may comprise a substrate comprising a valve opening. In such embodiments, by moving the acoustic valve 39 relative to the sound conduit 30 and/or the sound conduit 30 relative to the acoustic valve 39, the vent opening can be positioned in various degrees of alignment with a one of the vent openings 36A and 36B. The degree of alignment may comprise: complete misalignment of the vent opening and the valve opening, whereby the vent opening is closed by the acoustic valve 39; partial alignment of the vent opening and the valve opening, whereby the vent opening is partially closed; and complete alignment between the vent opening and the valve opening, whereby the vent opening is completely open. In some embodiments, adjustment of the amount of venting provided by the vent opening and/or opening/closing of the vent opening is provided by removing the hearing device 10 from the user's ear and manually moving the acoustic valve 39 with respect to the sound conduit 30. In some embodiments, adjustment of the amount of venting provided by the vent opening and/or opening/closing of the vent opening is provided by the user rotating the sound conduit 30 in the user's ear, whereby the rotation of the sound conduit 30 adjusts alignment between the vent opening and the acoustic valve 39. In these embodiments, the sound conduit 30 may be rotated by the user rotating the receiver housing 14B or another part of the hearing device 10, which is coupled with the sound conduit 30. For example, the acoustic valve 39 may be configured to be held in position by friction with the ear canal while the hearing device 10 is rotated in the ear. In other examples, a stop or the like (not shown) may be activated to prevent movement of the acoustic valve 39 while the hearing device 10 is moved in the ear canal.

In some embodiments, adjustment of the amount of venting provided by the vent opening and/or opening/closing of the vent opening can be provided by a user pressing a switch 40 on the hearing device 10, while the hearing device 10 is at least partially disposed in the ear canal 20. For example, the switch 40 may be configured to translate an input force applied to the switch by the user to at least one of relative translational motion and relative rotational motion of the acoustic valve 39 and the sound conduit 30. In some embodiments, mechanical coupling of the switch 40 to the sound conduit 30 and/or the acoustic valve 39 may be made using gears, stops and/or the like. In some embodiments, the acoustic valve 39 may comprise a surface with frictional properties, such that frictional forces between the ear canal wall 23 and the acoustic valve 39 prevent/limit movement of the acoustic valve 39 when the sound conduit 30 undergoes motion in the ear canal 20. For example, the acoustic valve 39 valve may comprise a rough outer surface, grooves on the outer-surface and/or the like. In some embodiments, the sound conduit tube 30 may comprise a substantially tubular component comprising the first opening 30B the second opening 30C and one or more vent openings 36A and 36B.

When one or more of the vent openings 36A and 36B is at least partially opened, e.g. not blocked by the acoustic valve 39, sound waves generated by the receiver 14 may be separated into sound waves propagating to the eardrum 26 and sound waves leaking to the ambient region 20B though the at least partially vent opening. In such embodiments, the occlusion effect is mitigated and/or the user may be able to listen to ambient sounds passing from the ambient region 320B through the at least partially open vent opening and to the eardrum 26. When each of the vent openings 36A and 36B is completely closed, e.g. blocked by the acoustic valve 39, sound waves generated by the receiver 14 may propagating to the eardrum 26, but no sound waves can leak to the ambient region 20B and no sound waves can pass from the ambient region 20B to the eardrum 26. In such embodiments, the occlusion effect is not mitigated and/or the user is not able to listen to and/or is isolated from ambient sounds. In some embodiments, the hearing device 10 may comprise an actuator 45 for moving the sound conduit 30 and/or the acoustic valve 39 relative to one another. The transducer may comprise a wireless receiver for receiving an input, a wired connection for receiving an input, an electric motor, an electric actuator, a hydraulic actuator, a micro-electromechanical system actuator, an electro-dynamic actuator having a coil assembly and a magnetic system and/or the like.

In accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure, the venting system of the hearing device, comprising the sound conduit chamber 30A and the vent opening 36A and/or 36B providing the vent pathway through the hearing device, provides a low acoustic impedance. This low impedance may be provided by, among other things, using the sound conduit 30 as part of the venting pathway between the sealed region and ambient region of the ear canal. Use of the sound conduit 30 as part of the vent pathway, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, utilizes a conduit having a large internal volume and/or low acoustic impedance. In practice, hearing devices are small devices, in order to fit into the ear canal, and it may not be possible to include a separate/independent venting conduit with the low acoustic impedance provided by the sound conduit 30. However, in some embodiments, an independent vent conduit may be used that at least partially surrounds the sound conduit 30 or that has the same dimensions as the sound conduit 30 to provide a conduit with low acoustic impedance. In some embodiments of the present invention, the low impedance may be provided by, among other things, proximity of the vent opening 36A and/or 36B to the second opening 30C of the sound tube. This proximity reduces acoustic impedance for sound waves being vented through the hearing device 10. For example, in some embodiments, a distance between the may be of the order of less than 2 or 3 centimetres. In some embodiments, the distance between the vent opening 36A and/or 36B to the second opening 30C may be of the order of less than 1.5 centimetres, less than 1 centimetre, and less than 0.5 centimetres.

Figures 2A and 2B illustrates a frequency response of a hearing device comprising an adjustable vent opening, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. Figs. 2A and 2B illustrate a frequency response of an hearing device comprising an adjustable vent opening, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure, with closed and opened vent openings. The frequency response was measured using an ear simulator. Fig. 2A illustrates the magnitude of the frequencies with closed and open vent openings. Fig. 2B illustrates phase angle curves for the frequencies with closed and open vent openings. The measurements were made with an hearing device comprising an acoustic valve and a sound conduit each comprising 8 vent holes with a diameter of approximately 1 millimetres. The figures show that a 40 decibel (dB) vent loss at 100 Hz is reached by fully opening the vent openings. This large vent loss provided by the hearing device, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, provides that minimal and even no occlusion effect will be experienced a user. Such high vent loss and associated minimization of the occlusion effect is not possible with a high acoustic impedance vent pathway. The figures also establish, as shown by the flatness of the response curves at low frequencies, that there were no leaks in the hearing device and/or valve system, and that high low- frequent output can be generated by the hearing device.

Figure 3A illustrates a hearing device comprising a sound conduit with an adjustable vent opening, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. In Fig.3A, a sound conduit 330 is integrated with an hearing device housing 311 of an hearing device 310. The protrusion of the sound conduit 330 from the hearing device housing 311 may be referred to as a spout, a sound spout, a sound transmission tube and/or the like. The sound conduit 330 defines a sound conduit chamber 330A. The sound conduit 330 comprises a first end 330B and a second end 330C. A receiver 314 generates sound waves that pass through an acoustic pathway formed by the first end 330B, the sound conduit chamber 330A and the second end 330C. As such, the sound waves are communicated from the receiver 314 to an eardrum of a user of the hearing device. The hearing device housing 311 may be shaped to provide that the hearing device 310 blocks the user's ear canal when at least partially inserted the ear canal. In some embodiments, the hearing device 310 may comprise one or more flexible elements 312 to provide for sealing the hearing device to an ear canal wall. In some embodiments, the sound conduit 330 may comprise one or more vent openings 336A and 336B. In some embodiments, the vent opening may be formed in the hearing device housing 311. By positioning the vent openings 336A in a portion of the hearing device housing 311 that in use is essentially "facing away" from a user's ear drum, the hearing device housing 311 may provide protection to the vent opening 336A, among other things reducing contamination of the vent opening 336A. The vent openings 336A and B are associated with acoustic valves 339A and 339B, respectively, which are moveable coupled with the sound conduit 330.

Figure 3B illustrates a hearing device comprising an adjustable vent opening in an end-wall of a sound conduit, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. In Fig. 3B, the hearing device 310 comprises the sound conduit 330. The sound conduit 330 comprises an end- wall 331. The first opening 330B is formed in the end- wall 331. The receiver 314 is configured to generate sound waves that pass through the first opening 330B into the sound conduit chamber 330A defined by the sound conduit 330. The sound waves travel through the sound conduit chamber 330A and out of the second opening 330C into a user's ear canal. In some embodiments, the hearing device 310 may block the ear canal to seal a region of the ear canal medial to the hearing device 310. In some embodiments, the flexible member(s) 312 may provide for sealing the hearing device 310 with the ear canal. In some embodiments, the vent opening 336 may provide for venting of sound waves thought the sound conduit from the sealed region to a region of the ear canal lateral to the hearing device 310. As depicted in Fig. 3B, the vent opening 336 may be formed in the end- wall 331. In other embodiments, the vent opening may be provided in other parts of the sound conduit 330. In some embodiments, the sound conduit 330 may comprise a plurality of vent openings. The acoustic valve 339 may provide for varying an opening of the vent opening 336. In some embodiments, the acoustic valve 339 may comprise a valve opening (not shown) and the alignment between the valve opening and the vent opening 336 may be adjusted to adjust the venting through the vent opening 336. The acoustic valve 339 may be moveably coupled with the sound conduit 330. In this way movement of the acoustic valve 339 on the sound conduit 330 may be used to adjust an amount of opening of the vent opening 336. The acoustic valve 339 may be capable of translational and/or rotational motion with respect to the sound conduit 330.

Figure 4A illustrates a hearing device with variable venting, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, an hearing device 410 may comprise a receiver housing 41 1. The receiver housing 411 may comprise a receiver (not shown) and communication circuitry (not shown). The communication circuitry may comprise circuitry for receiving a wired and/or wireless input of electronic signals. In some embodiments, a receiver and a processor may convert the electronic signals into sound waves. The sound waves may be communicated to an ear-drum of a user of the hearing device 410 though an acoustic pathway formed by a sound conduit 430. The sound conduit 430 may comprise an opening 430C through which sound waves may pass out of the sound conduit 430 into the user's ear canal and then to the user's ear-drum. The hearing device 410 may comprise an ear tip 412 for sealing the hearing device 410 with an ear canal wall. The ear tip 412 may comprise a part of a housing of the hearing device 410, a flexible member, a dome and/or the like.

In some embodiments of the present disclosure, an acoustic vale 439 is moveably coupled with the sound conduit 430. The acoustic valve 439 may comprise one or more valve openings 439 A. By aligning/misaligning, the acoustic valve openings 439 A with one or more vent openings (not shown) in the sound conduit, the acoustic valve 439 may vary venting properties of the hearing device 410. For example, when the user wants to hear ambient noises, talk on a telephone and/or the like, the acoustic valve 439 may be moved with respect to the sound conduit 430 to align the valve opening 439 A with a vent opening ion the sound conduit. And when the user wishes to isolate sound generated by the hearing device 410 from ambient sound, the acoustic valve 439 may be moved with respect to the sound conduit 430 such that the valve opening 439 A is misaligned with the vent opening in the sound conduit 430. Movement of the acoustic valve 439 relative to the sound conduit 430, may be produced by an actuator, such as an electronic actuator, a switch, a button and/or the like. Movement of the acoustic valve 439 relative to the sound conduit 430, may be produced by moving the hearing device 310 in the ear canal, for example by rotating the hearing device 310 in the ear canal, such that the sound conduit 430 rotates with respect to the acoustic valve 439.

Figure 4B illustrates a hearing device with variable venting comprising an external sound receiving system, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. In Fig. 4B, the hearing device with variable venting depicted in Fig. 4A further comprises a sound receiving system 470. The sound receiving system 470 may comprise a microphone or the like for receiving sound waves. The sound receiving system may be worn external to the ear canal to receive ambient sounds. For example, in a behind-the-ear hearing device, the sound receiving system 470 may be worn behind a user's ear. The sound receiving system 470 may comprise an antenna or the like to receive wireless/Bluetooth input from external devices, such as smart phones, smart speakers, computers, a tablet and/or the like. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the sound receiving system 470 may communicate received sound information to the hearing device with variable venting via one or more electrical connectors 460. In some embodiments, the sound receiving system 470 may comprise processing circuitry that may control the variable venting of the hearing device. For example, the sound receiving system 470 may communicate signals to an in-ear part of the hearing device via the one or more electrical connectors 460 to an actuator that is configured to control an acoustic valve.

Figure 5A illustrates an acoustic valve for a hearing device with variable venting, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, an acoustic valve 51 OA for a hearing device with variable venting, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure may comprise a substrate 550. The substrate 550 may be moveably coupled with a sound conduit. For example, the substrate 550 may be coupled with the sound conduit such that is can be translated along the sound conduit. The substrate 550 may be used to adjustable close a vent opening in the sound conduit by covering/moving over the vent opening. In some embodiments, the substrate 550 may comprise a raised section 553. The raised section may be configured in use to contact a portion of a user's ear canal to hold the acoustic valve in a position while the hearing device with variable venting and/or the sound conduit is moving in the ear canal. The substrate 550 may in some embodiments include grooves and/or a roughened section 557 for locally increasing a frictional coefficient of the substrate 550. In some embodiments, the substrate 550 may comprise an acoustic valve opening 539A. The acoustic valve opening 539A may be used to adjust venting through a vent opening in the sound conduit. In some embodiments, the acoustic valve opening 539A may be aligned/misaligned with the vent opening by moving the acoustic vent 51 OA and/or the sound conduit with respect to one another and/or translating the acoustic valve 510A over the sound conduit.

Figure 5B illustrates an acoustic valve for a hearing device with variable venting, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, an acoustic valve 510B may be disposed around or at least partially around a sound conduit of the hearing device. The acoustic valve 510B may be moveably coupled with the sound conduit such that it is capable of rotation around the sound conduit and/or the sound conduit is capable of rotation with respect to the acoustic valve 510B. In some embodiments, the acoustic valve 51 OB may comprise one of more acoustic valve openings 539A. In some embodiments, the acoustic valve 51 OB may be used to adjust venting of the hearing device by aligning/misaligning the one or more acoustic valve openings 539A with one or more vet openings in the sound conduit. Figures 6A, 6B, 6C, 6D, 6E, and 6F illustrate a hearing device 610 with an adjustable vent, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. Hearing device 610 comprises a sound source housing 613 enclosing a sound source 614. A sound output 615 of sound source 614 is in acoustic communication with a sound conduit 630. Sound conduit 630 comprises a sound conduit chamber 631 and a conduit housing 632. Sound source housing 613 and conduit housing 632 are integrated into a device housing 680 such that sound source housing 613 and conduit housing 632 are rigidly connected.

A first opening 636 of sound conduit 630 is provided at a first end 638 of sound conduit 630. An end wall 633 of conduit housing 632 is arranged at first end 638 of sound conduit 630. End wall 633 adjoins sound source housing 613. End wall 633 separates an inner space of sound source housing 613 from sound conduit chamber 631. First opening 636 is provided at a through hole 634 in end wall 633. First opening 636 may be provided around a central axis 640 of sound conduit 630, in particular such that it is centered around central axis 640. Central axis 640 extends in a propagation direction of sound waves emitted from sound source 614 and travelling through sound conduit 630. Sound output 615 is provided in a proximity to a first opening 636 of sound conduit 630. In some instances, a sound wave generation means, such as a membrane, may be provided at first opening 636 or in a proximity to first opening 636. In some instances, an end of a sound tube of sound source 614 may be provided at first opening 636 through which sound waves generated by sound source 614 can propagate toward first opening 636. Conduit housing 632 comprises a side wall 635 surrounding sound conduit chamber 631. Side wall 632 is an outer side wall separating an inner space of conduit housing 632 from the exterior. When conduit housing 632 is inserted in an ear canal, outer side wall 632 thus provides a separation of an inner space of conduit housing 632 from the exterior volume of the ear canal. Side wall 635 has an inner surface 641 and an outer surface 642. Inner surface 641 extends in parallel to central axis 640 of sound conduit 630 and delimits sound conduit chamber 631 in this direction, in particular such that a cylindrical shape of sound conduit chamber 631 is provided. In this way, a sound tube is formed by inner surface 641 of conduit housing 632. Inner surface 641 extends from first end 638 to a second end 669 of sound conduit 630. An outer end 648 of conduit housing 632 is thus provided at second end 669 of sound conduit 630. Outer end 648 of conduit housing 632 is open, such that a housing opening 637 is delimited by inner surface 641 at of conduit housing 632 at outer end 648. The housing opening provides a second opening 637 of sound conduit 630 at second end 669 of sound conduit 630. In this way, sound conduit 630 is configured to provide for transmission of sound waves from first opening 636 to second opening 637. In particular, sound conduit chamber 631 is configured to provide for travelling of sound waves through sound conduit chamber 631 from first opening 636 to second opening 637. Conduit housing 632 is provided between first opening 636 of sound conduit 630 and second opening 637 of sound conduit 630. Side wall 635 surrounding sound conduit chamber 631 is at least partially delimiting sound conduit chamber 631 in the direction of central axis 640. Thus, side wall 635 defines a conduit wall, the conduit wall 635 configured to provide for travelling of sound waves along central axis 640. At first end 638 of sound conduit 630, end wall 633 projects from inner surface 641 toward central axis 640. Outer surface 642 of conduit housing 632 extends in parallel to central axis 640 of sound conduit 630. Outer surface 642 extends from second end 669 beyond first end 638 of sound conduit 630. Side wall 635 has a tubular shape. In particular, side wall 635 is cylindrical. Side wall 635 is rotationally symmetric around central axis 640 of sound conduit 630.

Vent openings 651, 652, 653, 654, 655 are provided in conduit housing 632. Vent openings 651 - 655 are provided as holes formed in side wall 635. Vent openings 651, 652, 653, 654, 655 lead to inner surface 641. Vent openings 651 - 655 are facing central axis 640 of sound conduit 630, in particular such that they are oriented substantially perpendicular to central axis 640. Vent openings 651, 652, 653, 654, 655 lead to sound conduit chamber 631. Vent openings 651 - 655 are provided around a circumference of side wall 635. Vent openings 651 - 655 may be equidistantly spaced from one another. Vent openings 651 - 655 are equidistantly spaced from second end 669 of sound conduit 630, in particular such that vent openings 651 - 655 are provided at a position of a circular cross section of side wall 635. Vent openings 651 - 655 may have a substantially identical shape. For example, vent openings 651 - 655 are circular. Vent openings 651 - 655 are thus configured to provide for venting of sound waves from sound conduit 630 into an ambient environment outside of sound conduit 630.

Sound conduit 630 comprises an acoustic valve 639. Acoustic valve 639 comprises a valve member 670. A side wall 673 of valve member 670 surrounds side wall 635 of conduit housing 632. Side wall 673 extends in between a first axial opening and a second axial opening of valve member 670. Side wall 673 thus delimits a vent chamber in between the first axial opening and the second axial opening of valve member 670. Side wall 673 of valve member 670 is provided as a substrate on conduit housing 632. Side wall 673 has an inner surface 671 and an outer surface 672. Inner surface 671 of valve member side wall 673 extends in parallel to central axis 640 from second end 669 beyond first end 638 of sound conduit 630. Inner surface 671 of valve member side wall 673 borders on outer surface 642 of side wall 635 of conduit housing 632. In this way, a first coupling surface 643 is provided by outer surface 642 of side wall 635 of conduit housing 632 and a second coupling surface 644 is provided by inner surface 671 of side wall 673 of valve member 670. An inner diameter of side wall 673 of valve member 670 is defined as a distance between opposing points of inner surface 671 of valve member 670, the distance extending through central axis 640. An outer diameter of side wall 635 of conduit housing 632 is defined as a distance between opposing points of outer surface 642 of conduit housing 632, the distance extending through central axis 640. Side wall 673 of valve member 670 has a value of its inner diameter substantially matching a value of the outer diameter of side wall 635 of conduit housing 632. An outer end 649 of valve member 670 is provided at the same axial position with respect to central axis 640 as outer end 648 of conduit housing 632 provided at second end 669 of sound conduit 630.

Coupling surfaces 643, 644 allow a relative motion of conduit housing 632 with respect to valve member 670, such that a moveable coupling is provided. In some instances, the relative motion comprises a sliding movement of coupling surface 643 of conduit housing 632 along coupling surface 644 of valve member 670 and/or a sliding movement of coupling surface 644 of valve member 670 along coupling surface 643 of conduit housing 632. The sliding movement comprises a rotational motion around central axis 640 of sound conduit 630. Interlocking surface structures 675 are provided on each of coupling surfaces 643, 644 in order to prevent a translational motion along coupling surfaces 643, 644 in the direction of central axis 640 and to restrict the relative motion to a rotation. Outer surface 672 of side wall 673 of valve member 670 extends in parallel to central axis 640 of sound conduit 630. Outer surface 672 extends from second end 669 beyond first end 638 of sound conduit 630. Side wall 673 of valve member 670 has a tubular shape. In particular, side wall 673 of valve member 670 is rotationally symmetric around central axis 640. For instance, valve member 670 is cylindrical.

Valve openings 661, 662, 663, 664, 665 are provided in side wall 673 of valve member 670. Valve openings 661 - 665 are provided as holes formed in side wall 673 of valve member 670. Valve openings 661 - 665 are facing central axis 640 of sound conduit 630, in particular such that they are oriented substantially perpendicular to central axis 640. Valve openings 661 - 665 are provided around a circumference of side wall 673 of valve member 670. Valve openings 661 - 665 may be equidistantly spaced from one another. The spacing of vent openings 651 - 655 and the spacing of valve openings 661 - 665 is provided such that vent openings 651 - 655 can be relatively positioned in the spacing between valve openings 661 - 665. In this configuration, vent openings 651 - 655 and valve openings 661 - 665 are closed at the adjoining coupling surfaces 643, 644. This configuration is referred to as a closed position, in which the vent opening and the valve opening are unaligned such that the vent opening is closed. The spacing of vent openings 651 - 655 and the spacing of valve openings 661 - 665 is provided such that vent openings 651 - 655 can be relatively positioned at the circumferential position of valve openings 661 - 665, such that vent openings 651 - 655 and valve openings 661 - 665 at least partially overlap. In this configuration, vent openings 651 - 655 and valve openings 661 - 665 may be fully or partially opened at the adjoining coupling surfaces 643, 644. This configuration is referred to as an alignment position, in which the vent opening and the valve opening are aligned such that the vent opening is at least partially open. A venting pathway in sound conduit 630 is defined by a passage way for sound waves from second opening 637 through sound conduit chamber 631 out of at least one of vent openings 651 - 655 and at least one of valve openings 661 - 665. An inlet in sound conduit 630 to the venting pathway is formed by second opening 637. The second opening thus provides a venting inlet 637. An outlet in sound conduit 630 from the venting pathway is formed by at least one of vent openings 651 - 655 and at least one of valve openings 661— 665. At least one of vent openings 651 - 655 and at least one of valve openings 661 - 665 thus provide a venting outlet. Valve openings 661 - 665 are equidistantly spaced from second end 669 of sound conduit 630, in particular such that valve openings 661 - 665 are provided at the same position of a circular cross section of side wall 635 as compared to vent openings 651 - 655. Valve openings 661 - 665 may have a substantially identical shape. In some instances, valve openings 661 - 665 have a substantially identical shape as compared to vent openings 651— 655. In some instances, valve openings 661 - 665 are smaller as compared to vent openings 651 - 655. In some instances, valve openings 661 - 665 are larger as compared to vent openings 651 - 655. For instance, valve openings 661 - 665 are circular. In some instances, the same number of valve openings 661 - 665 is provided as vent openings 651 - 655. In some instances, more or less valve openings 661 - 665 are provided than vent openings 651 - 655.

Vent openings 651 - 655 are thus configured to be opened, in particular in a relative position of vent openings 651 - 655 at which valve openings 661 - 665 are disposed at a same circumferential position than vent openings 651 - 655 such that at least one of a size of vent openings 651 - 655 and a size of valve openings 661 - 665 is fully uncovered, in particular corresponding to a full opening of vent openings 651 - 655 in which vent openings 651— 655 are fully aligned with valve openings 661 - 665. Such an alignment position is illustrated in Figs. 6A, 6B, 6D, 6E, and 6F. Vent openings 651 - 655 are further configured to be closed, in particular in a relative position of vent openings 651 - 655 at which valve openings 661— 665 are disposed at a different circumferential position than vent openings 651 - 655 such that at least one of a size of vent openings 651 - 655 and a size of valve openings 661 - 665 is fully covered, in particular corresponding to a full closing of vent openings 651 - 655 in which vent openings 651 - 655 are not aligned with valve openings 661 - 665. The closed position is illustrated in Fig. 6C. Vent openings 651 - 655 are further configured to be adjusted, in particular by changing relative positions in which vent openings 651 - 655 and valve openings 661 - 665 are at least partially overlapping such that at least one of a size of vent openings 651 - 655 and a size of valve openings 661 - 665 is increasingly covered or uncovered, in particular corresponding to a change of an overlapping size of vent openings 651 - 655 and valve openings 661 - 665 in which vent openings 651 - 655 are partially aligned with valve openings 661 - 665 and thus are in an alignment position.

Sound conduit 630 comprises a sealing mechanism 629. Sealing mechanism 629 comprises a contact member 612 configured to contact an ear canal wall. The contact member is provided by a fiexible element 612. Flexible element 612 is provided on valve member 670, in particular rigidly fixed on outer surface 672 of valve member side wall 673. Flexible element 612 is configured to acoustically seal a section of an ear canal when device 610 is inserted inside the ear canal. After insertion, flexible element 612 is configured to contact the ear canal wall 23, as depicted in Fig. 1. In this way, a sealed section is provided between flexible element 612 and ear drum 26 at an end of the ear canal. Flexible element 612 is rigidly attached to outer surface 672 of valve member 670 at a surface portion in between valve openings 661 - 665 and second end 669 of sound conduit 630. In particular, flexible element 612 is provided in proximity to second end 669. Thus, an acoustic passage way for sound waves from the sealed section through sound conduit chamber 631 and vent openings 651 - 655 toward an ambient environment outside an ear canal can be provided in the alignment position in which vent openings 651 - 655 and valve openings 661 - 665 are at least partially overlapping.

Sealing mechanism 629 is configured to provide a mechanical fixation of valve member 670 on ear canal wall 23 at an outer surface 688 of sealing mechanism 629 contacting ear canal wall 23 after insertion of device 610. The outer surface of sealing mechanism 629 thus provides a contact surface 688 for the ear canal. To this end, outer surface 688 is provided with frictional properties, such that frictional forces between the ear canal wall 23 and valve member 670 prevent/limit movement of valve member 670 when conduit housing 632 undergoes motion in the ear canal 20. For instance, flexible member 612 may be formed from a material having on the one hand elastic properties in order to conform to a shape of ear canal wall 23 when contacting ear canal wall 23 and on the other hand a sufficient rigidity contravening an easy displacement of the flexible member inside the ear canal. The mechanical fixation of flexible member 612 at ear canal wall 23 and the moveable coupling at coupling surfaces 643, 644 is provided such that a rotational force acting on conduit housing 632 substantially only rotates conduit housing 632, wherein valve member 670 remains in a fixed position with respect to ear canal wall 23. In this way, an opening, closing and adjustment of vent openings 651 - 655 with respect to valve openings 661 - 665 can be provided by a rotation of conduit housing 632 during usage of device 610 inside an ear canal, wherein valve member 670 substantially remains in its fixed position relative to ear canal wall 23. Sealing mechanism 629 has an axial length corresponding to a total length of sealing mechanism 629 in which sealing mechanism 629 extends in parallel to central axis 640 of sound conduit 630. In particular, the axial length can be provided by a curvature of outer surface 688 of flexible element 612 in a direction from second end 669 toward first end 638 of sound conduit 630, by which curvature an insertion of flexible element 612 into an ear canal can be facilitated. For instance, a dome-like shape of sealing mechanism 629 may thus be provided. Sealing mechanism 629 may be configured to be deformed inside an ear canal, such that its total length in parallel to central axis 640 may vary when inserted in differently sized ear canals. The axial length of sealing mechanism 629 is then defined as a total length in which sealing mechanism 629 extends in parallel to central axis 640 of sound conduit 630, when the sealing mechanism is in an un-deformed state, in particular when sealing mechanism 629 is not inserted in an ear canal and no other forces are applied on sealing mechanism 629.

Device housing 680 has a length in the direction of central axis 640 of sound conduit 630, the length being provided such that an end portion 681 of device housing 680 is manually accessible during usage of device 610 inside an ear canal. In some instances, end portion 681 comprises an end wall 682 at an end of device housing 680 opposing second end 669 of sound conduit 630. In some instances, end portion 681 comprises a portion of a side wall 683 leading to an end of device housing 680 opposing second end 669 of sound conduit 630. In some instances, end portion 681 comprises a manipulation member provided at end wall 682 or side wall portion 683.

In this way, a tangible portion can be provided by end portion 681. Tangible portion 681 is accessible for manipulation from an external region of the ear canal during usage of device 610 inside the ear canal, in particular such that an in use movement of device housing 680 can be carried out at tangible portion 681. Tangible portion 681 may comprise a manipulation surface 685 configured to be manipulated by manual gestures which may include finger motions such as touching, pushing or rotating tangible portion 681 by a user. In some embodiments illustrated in Figs. 6A, 6B, 6C, 6D, 6E, and 6F, manipulation surface 685 is provided at side wall portion 683. Manipulation surface 685 can allow a manual rotation of device housing 680, for instance by positioning two fingers on opposed sides of manipulation surface 685 and rotating manipulation surface 685 in between the fingers. Such a manipulation can effectuate a rotation of device housing 680 and thus also a rotation of conduit housing 632 integrated into device housing 680. The manual movement may be further facilitated by providing manipulation aids, in particular an increased surface roughness and/or surface indentations and/or surface protrusions, on manipulation surface 685. Such a rotation is illustrated by an arrow 657 in Fig. 6A. By the manual rotation 657 of device housing 680, a relative motion of conduit housing 632 and valve member 670 can thus be achieved, wherein valve member 670 remains in its fixed position relative to ear canal wall 23 due to the mechanical fixation provided by sealing mechanism 629. The relative motion allows an adjustment of vent openings 651 - 655 and valve openings 661 - 665 between the alignment position and the closed position. In this way, an opening, closing, or adjusting of a size of vent openings 651 - 655 can be provided during usage of device 610 inside an ear canal.

In some embodiments, a connector 686 is provided at end portion 681. Connector 686 comprises a cable connecting sound source 614 to input circuitry 16 and/or microphone 17, as illustrated in Fig. 1, configured to be provided outside an ear canal. In some embodiments, sound source 614 is configured for wireless communication with an external input circuitry 16 and/or microphone 17. In some embodiments, hearing device 610 is a receiver-in-the- canal (RIC) hearing aid, wherein sound source 614 is provided as a receiver. In some embodiments, input circuitry 16 and/or microphone 17 are provided inside device housing 680, in particular inside sound source housing 613 or inside an additional housing integrated with device housing 680. In some embodiments, sound source 614 is configured to be provided outside an ear canal. For instance, an external sound source 614 may comprise a sound tube in order to provide an acoustic communication with sound conduit 630 worn inside an ear canal.

An output diameter 691 of sound conduit 630 is defined as a diameter of second opening 637. In some embodiments, as shown in Figs. 6E and 6F, output diameter 691 corresponds to a diameter of inner surface 641 of side wall 635 of conduit housing 632. A venting distance 692 of sound conduit 630 is defined as a distance in sound conduit 630 in parallel to central axis 640 of sound conduit 630 in between second opening 637 and a centre of an end of an opening through which sound waves can leave sound conduit 630 into an ambient environment outside of the sealed section provided by sealing mechanism 629. Venting distance 692 is thus a measure of a length of an acoustic pathway for a venting of sound waves through sound conduit 630. In some embodiments, as shown in Figs. 6E and 6F, venting distance 692 corresponds to a distance in between second opening 637 and a centre of valve openings 661 - 665. A length 693 of sound conduit 630 is defined as a distance in sound conduit 630 in parallel to central axis 640 in between first opening 636 and second opening 637. Sound conduit length 693 is thus a measure for a distance which the sound waves generated by sound source 614 travel inside sound conduit 630. A ratio in between sound conduit length 693 and output diameter 691 may be regarded as an indicator for an acoustic mass inside sound conduit 630. A low value of this ratio indicates a small acoustic mass in sound conduit 630 and thus a small acoustic impedance provided by sound conduit 630. The venting system of the device 610, comprising sound conduit chamber 631 and vent openings 651 - 655 in a venting pathway, provides a low acoustic impedance. Sound conduit chamber 631 as part of the venting pathway comprises a comparatively large internal volume. The large internal volume is provided by a low value of the ratio in between sound conduit length 693 and output diameter 691 substantially corresponding to an average diameter of sound conduit chamber 631. For instance, a value of this ratio may be at most 10, at most 5, or at most 3. In this way, a small acoustic mass and a low acoustic impedance in sound conduit chamber 631 for the sound waves travelling in sound conduit chamber 631 along the acoustic pathway from first opening 636 to second opening 637 is provided. The venting pathway provided in sound conduit 630 advantageously utilizes the low acoustic impedance of sound conduit chamber 631, since a major part of the venting pathway is provided by sound conduit chamber 631. In this way, a good efficiency of the venting can be provided. Beyond that, the low acoustic impedance of the venting pathway is improved by a proximity of vent openings 651 - 655 to second opening 630 of the sound tube formed by side wall 635. This proximity further reduces the acoustic impedance for sound waves being vented through device 610. For example, venting distance 692 in device 610 is at most 10 millimetres, at most 5 millimetres, or at most 3 millimetres. For example, venting distance 692 in device 610 corresponds to not more than fifteen times, in particular ten times, of diameter 691 of second opening 637 and/or diameter 691 of inner surface 641 of side wall 635 of conduit housing 632. As apparent from the above disclosure, embodiments illustrated through the example of hearing device 610 shown in Figs. 6A - 6F may correspond to embodiments of hearing device 10 depicted in Fig. 1, with the exception of some technical features. Those technical features include an actuation of the relative motion in between conduit housing 632 and valve member 670 of device 610 by a manual rotation of a manipulation surface 685 provided at side wall portion 683 of device housing 680. Hearing device 10 comprises a switch 40 at an end wall of the device housing. Switch 40 is coupled to the conduit housing and/or the acoustic valve by actuator 45 configured to actuate the relative motion. More generally, an activation of rotational motion 657 in device 610 may be provided by any suitable activation methods and/or activation means, in particular those described in the present disclosure. In some embodiments, actuator 45 is provided in device 610 in order to activate the relative motion of conduit housing 632 and valve member 670. Actuator 45 may be mechanically and/or electrically controlled. In some of these embodiments, tangible portion 681 comprising manipulation surface 685 may not be provided at the device housing. Actuator 46 may then be coupled to an external controller separate from the device housing and/or a sensor located inside or outside the device housing configured to control actuator 46. In some of these embodiments, switch 40 is provided at tangible portion 681. Actuator 45 may thus be mechanically and/or electrically controlled by switch 40.

Figures 7A and 7B illustrate a hearing device 710 with an adjustable vent, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. Corresponding features with respect to embodiments of hearing device 610 illustrated in Figures 6 A - 6F are illustrated by the same reference numerals. Hearing device 710 comprises a sound conduit 730 with a conduit housing 732 and an acoustic valve 739 including a valve member 770. An inner side wall 738 of conduit housing 732 extends into a sound conduit chamber 731. Inner side wall 738 is appended to end wall 633 at the position of through hole 634 formed in end wall 633. Inner side wall 738 surrounds through hole 634 such that the through hole is prolonged from first end 638 of sound conduit 730 into sound conduit chamber 731. First opening 636 of sound conduit 730 is provided at a free end 739 of inner side wall 738. Free end 739 of inner side wall 738 is opposed to an end of inner side wall 738 that adjoins end wall 633. Inner side wall extends in parallel to central axis 640. Inner side wall 738 has a tubular shape. In some instances, inner side wall 738 provides a sound tube through which sound waves generated by sound source 614 can be transmitted into sound conduit chamber 731. In some instances, inner side wall 738 provides a sound tube through which sound waves generated by sound source 614 can be transmitted into sound conduit chamber 731 through first opening 636. In some instances, a sound wave generation means of sound source 614, such as a membrane, may be provided at first opening 636 or in a proximity to first opening 636.

Side wall 673 of valve member 770 surrounds side wall 635 of conduit housing 732 such that first coupling surface 643 is provided by outer surface 642 of side wall 635 of conduit housing 732 and second coupling surface 644 is provided by inner surface 671 of side wall 673 of valve member 770. Side wall 673 of valve member 770 is provided as a substrate on conduit housing 732. Side wall 673 of valve member 770 projects from side wall 635 of conduit housing 732 at outer end 648 of conduit housing 732 in the direction of central axis 640 such that second end 669 of sound conduit 730 is provided at outer end 649 of valve member 770. Outer end 649 of valve member 770 is open, such that a valve opening 737 is delimited at outer end 649 of valve member 770. The valve opening provides a second opening 737 of sound conduit 730 at its second end 669. Conduit housing 732 is provided between first opening 636 of sound conduit 730 and second opening 737 of sound conduit 730. Housing opening 637 at outer end 648 of conduit housing 732 provides an intermediate opening for a transition of sound waves in between conduit housing 732 and the axially projecting portion of valve member 770. Sound conduit chamber 731 comprises an inner space enclosed by inner surface 641 of conduit housing side wall 635 and an inner space enclosed by the axially projecting portion of valve member 770. Sound conduit chamber 731 is configured to provide for travelling of sound waves through sound conduit chamber 731 from first opening 636 to second opening 737. Side wall 635 and side wall 673 surrounding sound conduit chamber 731 are at least partially delimiting sound conduit chamber 731 in the direction of central axis 640. Thus, side walls 635, 673 each define a conduit wall, the conduit walls 635, 673 configured to provide for travelling of sound waves along central axis 640.

A venting pathway in sound conduit 730 is defined by a passage way for sound waves from second opening 737 through sound conduit chamber 631 out of at least one of vent openings 651 - 655 and at least one of valve openings 661 - 665. A venting inlet in sound conduit 730 to the venting pathway is formed by second opening 737. A venting outlet in sound conduit 730 from the venting pathway is formed by at least one of vent openings 651 - 655 and at least one of valve openings 661 - 665. Valve member 770 is provided with an end wall 733 radially projecting from side wall 673 of valve member 770 toward central axis 640 at outer central axis 640 corresponding to a radial distance of inner surface 641 of conduit housing side wall 635 from central axis 640. Thus, second opening 737 of sound conduit 730 has the same diameter 691 as a diameter 791 of housing opening 637 at outer end 648 of conduit housing 732. Coupling surfaces 643 , 644 are configured such that a translational motion of conduit housing 732 relative to valve member 770 along coupling surfaces 643, 644 can be provided. Such a translational motion is indicated by an arrow 757 in Fig. 7B. In some instances, the relative motion comprises a sliding movement of coupling surface 643 of conduit housing 732 along coupling surface 644 of valve member 770 and/or a sliding movement of coupling surface 644 of valve member 770 along coupling surface 643 of conduit housing 732. The sliding movement comprises a longitudinal motion, in particular in parallel to central axis 640 of sound conduit 730. A spatial restriction of the translational motion is provided by a circumferential edge 749 of conduit housing 732 provided at an axial position of first end 638 of sound conduit 730. Circumferential edge 749 faces an inner end 751 of valve member 770 and thus provides a stop for the translational motion when inner end 751 of valve member 770 abuts against circumferential edge 749. In some instances, circumferential edge 749 is coated with a damping material such that the stop comprises a damping material. In this way, a damping of an impact of valve member 770 can be provided at the stop at the end of said relative motion. The damping material comprises an elastomer. Length 693 of sound conduit 730 defined as an axial distance in between first opening 636 and second opening 737 changes during the course of the translational motion.

Vent openings 651 - 654 and valve openings 661 - 664 are provided such that during the course of translational motion 757 of conduit housing 732 relative to valve member 770, vent openings 651 - 654 and/or valve openings 661 - 664 can be provided at different axial positions with respect to central axis 640, in which vent openings 651 - 654 and valve openings 661 - 664 do not overlap as depicted in Fig. 7A, or at corresponding axial positions with respect to central axis 640, in which vent openings 651 - 654 and valve openings 661— 664 at least partially overlap as depicted in Fig. 7B. In the configuration shown in Fig. 7A, vent openings 651 - 654 and valve openings 661 - 664 are closed at the adjoining coupling surfaces 643, 644. This configuration is referred to as a closed position, in which the vent opening and the valve opening are unaligned such that the vent opening is closed. In the configuration shown in Fig. 7B, vent openings 651 - 654 and valve openings 661 - 664 may be fully or partially opened at the adjoining coupling surfaces 643, 644. This configuration is referred to as an alignment position, in which the vent opening and the valve opening are aligned such that the vent opening is at least partially open. Vent openings 651 - 654 are thus configured to be opened, closed and adjusted, in particular by changing relative positions in which vent openings 651 - 654 and valve openings 661 - 664 are at least partially overlapping.

An activation of translational motion 757 in device 710 may be provided by any suitable activation methods and/or activation means, in particular those described in the present disclosure. In some embodiments, an actuation of the relative motion in between conduit housing 732 and valve member 770 may be carried out manually on tangible portion 681, in particular by a manual rotation and/or translation of manipulation surface 685 provided at side wall portion 683 of device housing 680. In particular, the moveable coupling at coupling surfaces 643, 644 can be provided such that a rotational and/or translational force acting on tangible portion 681 substantially only translates conduit housing 732, wherein valve member 770 remains in a fixed position with respect to ear canal wall 23. In some embodiments, other mechanically and/or electrically controlled actuators are provided, as described in the context of other embodiments in the present disclosure.

Figures 8 A and 8B illustrate a hearing device 810 with an adjustable vent, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. Corresponding features with respect to embodiments of hearing device 610 illustrated in Figures 6A - 6F and hearing device 710 illustrated in Figures 7 A and 7B are illustrated by the same reference numerals. A sound conduit 830 of device 810 comprises a conduit housing 832 and an acoustic valve 839 with a valve member 870. Side wall 673 of valve member 870 comprises a length portion in the axial direction at which side wall 635 of conduit housing 832 surrounds side wall 673 of valve member 670. The length portion comprises inner end 751 of valve member 870. The length portion of side wall 673 of valve member 870 is provided as a substrate on conduit housing 832. Within the length portion, outer surface 672 of valve member side wall 673 borders on inner surface 641 of side wall 635 of conduit housing 832. Thus, first coupling surface 643 is provided by inner surface 641 of side wall 635 of conduit housing 832 and second coupling surface 644 is provided by outer surface 672 of side wall 673 of valve member 870. Inner surface 641 of side wall 673 of valve member 870 leads to open outer end 649 of valve member 870, such that valve opening 737 is delimited by inner surface 641 at outer end 649 of valve member 870. The valve opening provides second opening 737 of sound conduit 830 at its second end 669. Housing opening 637 at outer end 648 of conduit housing 832 provides an intermediate opening for a transition of sound waves in between conduit housing 732 and valve member 870.

An outer diameter of side wall 673 of valve member 870 is defined as a distance between opposing points of outer surface 672 of valve member 870, the distance extending through central axis 640. An inner diameter of side wall 635 of conduit housing 832 is defined as a distance between opposing points of inner surface 641 of conduit housing 832, the distance extending through central axis 640. Side wall 673 of valve member 870 has a value of its outer diameter substantially matching a value of the inner diameter of side wall 635 of conduit housing 832. Valve member 870 is inserted into housing opening 637 at the substantially matching diameters. Open diameter 791 of housing opening 637 is thus defined by inner surface 641 of side wall 673 of valve member 870 inserted into housing opening 637. Conduit housing 832 is provided between first opening 636 of sound conduit 830 and second opening 737 of sound conduit 830. Second opening 737 of sound conduit 830 has the same diameter 691 as open diameter 791 of housing opening 637 provided at outer end 648 of conduit housing 732. Conduit chamber 831 is configured to provide for travelling of sound waves through conduit chamber 831 from first opening 636 to second opening 737. Side wall 635 and side wall 673 are at least partially delimiting conduit chamber 831 in the direction of central axis 640. Thus, side wall 635 and side wall 673 each define a conduit wall, the conduit walls 635, 673 configured to provide for travelling of sound waves along central axis 640. A venting pathway in sound conduit 830 is defined by a passage way for sound waves from second opening 737 through sound conduit chamber 631 out of at least one of vent openings 651 - 655 and at least one of valve openings 661 - 665. A venting inlet in sound conduit 830 to the venting pathway is formed by second opening 737. A venting outlet in sound conduit 830 from the venting pathway is formed by at least one of vent openings 651 - 655 and at least one of valve openings 661 - 665. The moveable coupling at coupling surfaces 643, 644 is configured such that a translational motion of conduit housing 832 relative to valve member 870 along coupling surfaces 643, 644 in direction 757 can be provided, in particular by a sliding movement of coupling surface 643 of conduit housing 832 along coupling surface 644 of valve member 870 and/or a sliding movement of coupling surface 644 of valve member 870 along coupling surface 643 of conduit housing 832. Length 693 of sound conduit 830 defined as an axial distance in between first opening 636 and second opening 737 changes during the course of the translational motion. A spatial restriction of the translational motion is provided by end wall 633 of conduit housing 832 provided at first end 638 of sound conduit 830 which faces inner end 751 of valve member 870 and thus provides a stop for the translational motion when inner end 751 of valve member 870 abuts against end wall 633. In some instances, end wall 633 is coated with a damping material at an outer surface facing valve member 870 such that the stop is provided with a damping material. In this way, a damping of an impact of valve member 770 can be provided at the stop at the end of said relative motion. The damping material comprises an elastomer.

Length 693 of sound conduit 830 defined as an axial distance in between first opening 636 and second opening 737 changes during the course of the translational motion. During the course of translational motion 757 of conduit housing 832 relative to valve member 870, vent openings 651 - 654 and/or valve openings 661 - 664 can be provided at different axial positions with respect to central axis 640, such that a closed position, as depicted in Fig. 8A, and an alignment position, as depicted in Fig. 8B, of vent openings 651 - 654 and valve openings 661 - 664 can be provided, in accordance with other embodiments described above. An activation of translational motion 757 in device 810 may be provided by any suitable activation methods and/or activation means, in particular those described above in the context of other embodiments.

The sound conduit and the vent may be configured to provide for low/minimal acoustic impedance to sounds being vented through the hearing device. This may be provided by using the sound conduit as part of the acoustic pathway for venting the sounds through the hearing device and/or proximity of the vent to an opening of the sound conduit through which sounds leave the sound conduit and enter the ear canal upstream of/medial to the hearing device. Low/minimal acoustic impedance, in accordance with some invention of the present disclosure, may be provided by using a vent conduit for at least part of the venting pathway, where the vent conduit surrounds the sound conduit and defines a vent chamber having a volume similar to a sound chamber defined by the sound conduit; and/or using a vent conduit for at least part of the venting pathway where, the vent conduit has similar dimensions to the sound conduit; and/or a large vent opening.

Subsequently, a method for adjusting venting through a hearing device, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure, is described. A hearing device is provided comprising a sound conduit configured to provide an acoustic pathway between a receiver and a user's eardrum. In some instances, the hearing device may comprise a first part that is disposed external to a user's ear canal and an internal part that is disposed at least partially with the user's ear canal. For example, electronic circuitry such as a microphone, the receiver, a processor, an antenna and/or the like may be disposed in the first part of the hearing device outside of the ear canal. In the instance where the receiver is disposed outside of the ear canal, a sound tube, the sound conduit and/or the like may provide an acoustic pathway between the receiver and a portion of the user's ear canal upstream of/medial to the hearing device. In some instances, the first part of the hearing device and the second part of the hearing device may be in wired and/or wireless communication. The sound conduit may define an acoustic chamber through which sound waves can travel from the receiver to an upstream/medial section of the ear canal and to a user's eardrum. The sound conduit may include a vent opening providing an acoustic pathway between the sound chamber and an ambient region of the user's ear canal downstream of/lateral to the hearing device. Being downstream of the hearing device, the ambient region of the ear canal may be open to ambient sounds received by the ear. The hearing device can seals and/or block the ear canal. In some instances, the hearing device may comprise an ear tip, flexible element and/or the like configured to create a seal between the hearing device and an ear canal wall. In some instances, the hearing device may be configured such that when it is disposed in the ear canal it blocks the ear canal. Sealing and/or blocking the ear canal creates a sealed region of the ear canal upstream of/medial to the hearing device. In this way, the hearing device prevents ambient sounds entering the sealed region and interfering with sounds generated by the receiver.

An acoustic valve can be used to adjust the vent in the sound conduit. The acoustic valve may completely close the vent, may provide for the acoustic valve being completely open or may adjust the vent between these two states. In some embodiments of the present disclosure the acoustic valve is moveably coupled with the sound conduit. As such, in some embodiments, either the sound conduit or the acoustic valve may be moved to adjust the closing/opening of the vent by the acoustic. The acoustic valve may comprise a valve opening that may provide for adjusting the venting by aligning/misaligning the vent and the valve opening. In some embodiments, the venting through the vent may be adjusted while the hearing device is inserted into the ear canal. For example, in some instances the acoustic valve may be moveably coupled with the sound conduit such that the sound conduit and the acoustic valve are capable of translational/longitudinal motion with respect to one another. In such instance, a user may push on the hearing device and/or a button on the hearing device to provide for translational/longitudinal motion of the acoustic valve with respect to the sound conduit and/or the sound conduit with respect to the acoustic valve. The button may be mechanically/electronically coupled with the acoustic valve to provide for communication of the user input to the acoustic valve and motion of the acoustic valve with respect to the sound conduit. In some instances, the acoustic valve may be moveably coupled with the sound conduit such that the sound conduit and the acoustic valve are configured such that the acoustic valve and the sound conduit are capable of rotational motion with respect to one another. In such instance, a user may rotate the hearing device and/or push a button on the hearing device to provide for rotational motion of the acoustic valve with respect to the sound conduit. The button may be mechanically/electronically coupled with the acoustic valve to provide for communication of the user input to the acoustic valve and motion of the acoustic valve with respect to the sound conduit. In some embodiments, an actuator, such as an electrical actuator, a hydraulic actuator and/or the like may be used to move the acoustic valve and the sound tube with respect to one another and adjust the venting through the vent.

While the principles of the disclosure have been described above in connection with specific apparatuses and methods, it is to be clearly understood that this description is made only by way of example and not as limitation on the scope of the invention. The above described preferred embodiments are intended to illustrate the principles of the invention, but not to limit the scope of the invention. Various other embodiments and modifications to those preferred embodiments may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the present invention that is solely defined by the claims.