WO2024000174A1

WO2024000174A1 - A hearing device configured to play and pause audio to a user

Info

Publication number: WO2024000174A1
Application number: PCT/CN2022/101974
Authority: WO
Inventors: Luisa GONG; Jon Grane Madsen
Original assignee: Gn Audio A/S
Priority date: 2022-06-28
Filing date: 2022-06-28
Publication date: 2024-01-04

Abstract

Disclosed is a method and a hearing device configured to play audio to a user. The hearing device comprises a first earphone configured to be worn in/at the left ear of the user. The hearing device comprises a second earphone configured to be worn in/at the right ear of the user. The first earphone and the second earphone each comprises an acoustic output transducer for outputting the audio into the ears of the user. The first earphone comprises a first antenna interconnected with a first wireless communication unit. The second earphone comprises a second antenna interconnected with a second wireless communication unit. The first antenna and the second antenna are configured for wireless communication in a first frequency region. The first antenna and the second antenna are configured for exchanging signals in the first frequency region. The first earphone and/or the second earphone is/are configured to detect a signal strength of the exchanged signals. While the hearing device is playing audio, the hearing device is configured to: in accordance with a determination that the signal strength is in a first range: continue to play the audio; and in accordance with a determination that the signal strength is in a second range, the second range being a higher signal strength than the first range: pause/stop playing the audio.

Description

A HEARING DEVICE CONFIGURED TO PLAY AND PAUSE AUDIO TO A USER

FIELD

The present invention relates to hearing devices. More specifically, the disclosure relates to a hearing device configured to play audio to a user. The hearing device comprises a first earphone configured to be worn in/at the left ear of the user. The hearing device comprises a second earphone configured to be worn in/at the right ear of the user. The first earphone and the second earphone each comprises an acoustic output transducer for outputting the audio into the ears of the user.

BACKGROUND

Hearing devices may be worn by users, and may be used for a number of things, for example listening to audio, such as music, podcasts, and other media content. Hearing devices typically comprises two earphones, such as two headphones connected by a headband to be worn on the head of a user, or two earbuds to be worn in the ears of the user. In today’s earphones, there may be sensors, such as capacitive sensors or magnetic induction (MI) coils, to detect when the earphones are worn by the user. When the user takes off/out the earphones, the sensors detect that the earphones are not worn anymore, and the audio may automatically pause/stop playing. However, this detection of whether the earphones are worn in the ears or not may not always be correct, e.g. false positives may occur.

Thus, there is a need for an improved hearing device configured to play and pause audio to a user.

SUMMARY

Disclosed is a hearing device configured to play audio to a user. The hearing device comprises a first earphone configured to be worn in/at the left ear of the user. The hearing device comprises a second earphone configured to be worn in/at the right ear of the user. The first earphone and the second earphone each comprises an acoustic output transducer for outputting the audio into the ears of the user. The first earphone comprises a first antenna interconnected with a first wireless communication unit. The second earphone comprises a second antenna interconnected with a second wireless communication unit. The first antenna and the second antenna are configured for wireless communication in a first frequency region. The first antenna and the second antenna are configured for exchanging signals in the first frequency region. The first earphone and/or the second earphone is/are configured to detect a signal strength of the exchanged signals. While the hearing device is playing audio, the hearing device is configured to: in accordance with a determination that the signal strength is in a first range: continue to play the audio; and in accordance with a determination that the signal strength is in a second range, the second range being a higher signal strength than the first range: pause/stop playing the audio.

The hearing device configured to play audio to a user. The hearing device may be a headset. The hearing device can play audio, such as media content, e.g. music, radio etc. The hearing device is configured to be worn by the user, such as in/at the ears of the user.

The hearing device comprises a first earphone configured to be worn in/at the left ear of the user. The hearing device comprises a second earphone configured to be worn in/at the right ear of the user. Thus, the hearing device comprises two earphones, one for each ear. The earphones may be earbuds configured to be worn in the ear of the user. The earphones may be headphones configured to be worn at/on the ears of the user. The earphones may be earcups configured to be worn over/on the ear of the user.

The first earphone and the second earphone each comprises an acoustic output transducer for outputting the audio into the ears of the user. The acoustic output transducer in each earphone may be a speaker, a loudspeaker etc.

The first earphone and the second earphone may be wirelessly connected to each other. The wireless connection may provide for an exchange of audio signals, data etc. between the earphones. The wireless connection may be a Bluetooth connection. The earphones may be wirelessly connected if they are e.g., earbuds which are not connected by a wire to each other, but are only connected wirelessly to each other. Alternatively, the earphones may be connected by a wired connection, such as a wire, a cable, for example in a headband, if the earphones are e.g., headphones which are mechanically connected by the headband. The wired connection may be used for exchanging audio signals or other data between the earphones.

The first earphone comprises a first antenna interconnected with a first wireless communication unit. The second earphone comprises a second antenna interconnected with a second wireless communication unit. The first antenna and the second antenna are configured for wireless communication in a first frequency region. Thus, the first antenna and the second antenna are configured for wireless communication in the same frequency region. The first frequency region may be a short range frequency. The first frequency region may be a frequency region for Bluetooth (BT) connection.

The first antenna and the second antenna are configured for exchanging signals in the first frequency region. The first earphone and/or the second earphone is/are configured to detect a signal strength of the exchanged signals. One of the earphones may be a primary earphone, which is configured to detect the signal strength, and the other earphone may be a secondary earphone, which is not configured to detect the signal strength. Alternatively, both earphones may take turns in being the primary earphone, i.e., the first earphone and the second earphone are configured for switching between being the primary earphone and the secondary earphone.

The first earphone and the second earphone may each comprise a processing unit. The processing unit may comprise a power detector. Alternatively, the power detector may be separate from the processing unit. The power detector is configured for detecting the signal strength of the exchanged signals.

The processing unit may be connected with the antenna and the wireless communication unit of the earphone. The processing unit may be connected with the acoustic output transducer of the earphone. The connection between the processing unit and other components may allow for data or other signals to be transferred between the processing unit and the other components.

Based on detected/determined signal strength from the power detector, the processing unit may be configured to control the hearing device based on detected/determined signal strength.

While the hearing device is playing audio, the hearing device is configured to: in accordance with a determination that the signal strength is in a first range: continue to play the audio; and in accordance with a determination that the signal strength is in a second range, the second range being a higher signal strength than the first range: pause/stop playing the audio.

When the hearing device, e.g., the processing unit, determines that the signal strength is in the first range, then the audio shall continue to play. Whereas, when the hearing device, e.g., the processing unit, determines that the signal strength is in the second range, then the audio shall pause or stop to play. The second range of signal strength is a higher signal strength than the first range of signal strength. Thus, if the signal strength is determined to be too high, i.e., in the second range, then the audio shall stop/pause.

It is an advantage that when the hearing device detects that the signal strength is very high, i.e. in the second range, the audio stops/pauses to play, because the high signal strength, i.e. the second range, is an indication that the earphones are very close together, such as in the hand or in a same pocket of the user, and thus the earphones are not in the ears of the user.

Thus, it is an advantage that the hearing device is configured to detect when the signal strength between the two earphones is so great, that it can undoubtedly be concluded that the earphones are right next to each other and not in the user’s ears.

This is new compared to prior art products, because in prior art products, the audio continues to play also when the signal strength is very high, i.e., in a second range being a higher signal strength than a first range.

In prior art, it is so that when the user takes away the earphones from the ears, the audio/media pauses. However, it is a problem in prior art that when the user takes away both earphones from the ears and the earphones are then held close together, the audio/media playback resumes without the user being aware, because the user is not wearing the earphones at this point and cannot hear the audio playing again.

This is a problem because it is a waste of battery power of the earphones/hearing device. Furthermore, for longer audio/media content, such as podcasts and audiobooks etc., it is annoying for the user, that the user is missing the media part which has played while the user was not wearing the earphones, and the user then has to rewind the media to find the place where the user last wore the earphones and listened to the audio.

If the earphones are small earbuds, the earphones may be held close together e.g., when the user is holding the two earbuds together in one hand or the earbuds are placed together in a pocket or placed together on a table. If the earphones are headphones connected via a headband, the earphones may be held close together e.g., at all times when the headphones are not worn on the head of the user. A headset with two headphones connected by a headband may be constructed such that the two headphones are pulled towards each other due a clamping force ensuring that the headset will stay on the head of the user, when the user is wearing the headset in its intended position on the head.

It is an advantage that the hearing device can detect whether the earphones are in/at the ears of the user or whether the earphones are placed close together outside of the ears of the user, by determination of the signal strength between the two earphones, and by determination of whether the signal strength is in a first range or in a second range.

This is possible due to the fact that the human head blocks microwaves, such as radio frequencies in certain regions. Thus, by providing a hearing device, where either one or both of the earphones regularly/continuously transmits a signal in a first frequency region, where the signal is configured to be received by the other earphone, it is possible to detect whether both earphones are in/at the ears or the user, or whether both earphones are placed close together outside of the ears. The reason is that the received signal strength in the other earphone will be different depending on whether the earphones are in/at the ears of the user or close together outside the ears. Thus, the received signal strength, i.e., which range the signal strength is in, is the judgement of detecting if the earphones are in/at the ears or not.

The first frequency region which the earphones exchange signals in, may be radio frequency, such as radio frequencies in the Bluetooth region.

The antennas in the earphones, for transmitting and receiving the signals, may be implemented as Bluetooth antennas. The Bluetooth antennas may be placed in connection with Bluetooth chips, i.e., mechanically and/or communicatively connected with the Bluetooth chips. A power detector may be placed in connection with the Bluetooth chips. There may be a Bluetooth chip only in one of the earphones or in both earphones. One of the earphones may be configured to be the primary/active earphone. The other earphone may be configured to be the secondary/passive earphone. Alternatively, both earphones may be configured to be the primary/active earphone, and in this case, the two earphones may switch between being the primary/active earphone.

As an example, if there is only a Bluetooth chip on one earphone, e.g., the active earphone, then the passive earphone only receives the audio signals. The radio frequency (RF) power can be recognized by an external or integrated RF detector.

As another example, if there is a Bluetooth chip on both earphones, the power can be recognized by a RSSI (received signal strength indicator) realized by a Bluetooth chip on the passive earphone.

It is an advantage that if the hearing device design uses an integrated RF detector Bluetooth chip in one earphone or uses Bluetooth chips in both earphones, the invention can be implemented by using hardware components, i.e., Bluetooth chip (s) , that are already present in today’s hearing device without adding further components.

In some prior art hearing devices, capacitors or capacitive sensors are used for performing a detection of whether the earphones are in/at the ears or not. Thus, it is an advantage that in the present invention, there is no need for adding capacitor sensors in the earphones, because the present Bluetooth antennas and chips can be used for the purpose of detecting whether the earphones are in/at the ears or not.

As an example of the present invention, when a user is wearing a hearing device with two headphones, i.e. the earphones, connected by a headband, the headphones will be on the head of the user, and the user’s head blocks the shortest path of the signal between the two headphones, such as from the active earphone to the passive earphone. From simulations, the inventors have found that the loss is quite high, such as >-60 dB. This signal loss is due to the mass of the user’s head between the earphones which increases the signal loss.

When the user then takes off the headphones, the distance from the right headphone to the left headphone, e.g., distance from active earphone to passive earphone, is within certain distance range.

The inventors have found that the signal loss from the active earphone to the passive earphone is quite low, such as <-24 dB.

After long time usage, the distance from the active earphone to the passive earphone may be enlarged, and the distance may be such as 20 mm larger relative to the initial distance. It is found that the signal loss is then <-26 dB. Thus, the difference in distance at long time use of the hearing device, does not cause a significant change in the signal loss.

Thus, due to the big difference in signal loss compared when the earphones are in/at the ears of the user and when the earphones are not in/at the ear but close together, it is possible to set reasonable ranges for detecting when the earphones are on/at ear or close together.

According to an aspect, disclosed is a method in a hearing device configured to play audio to a user. The hearing device comprises a first earphone configured to be worn in/at the left ear of the user. The first earphone comprising a first antenna. The hearing device comprises a second earphone configured to be worn in/at the right ear of the user. The second earphone comprising a second antenna. The method comprises:

- exchanging signals between the first antenna and the second antenna, in a first frequency region;

- detecting, by the first earphone and/or the second earphone, a signal strength of the exchanged signals;

wherein the method comprises:

- while the hearing device is playing audio:

- in accordance with a determination that the signal strength is in first range: continue to play the audio;

- in accordance with a determination that the signal strength is in a second range, the second range being a higher signal strength than the first range: pause/stop playing the audio.

In some embodiments:

- the signal strength being in the first range is an indication/assumption that both the first earphone and the second earphone are placed in/at the ears of the user;

- the signal strength being in the second range is an indication/assumption that the first earphone and the second earphone are not placed in/at the ears of the user, but are placed close together outside of the ears.

The earphones can be placed close together outside of the ears, e.g., for earbuds when they are in one hand or in a pocket, and e.g., for headphones when they are close together when not on head.

In some embodiments, while the hearing device is playing audio, the hearing device is configured to, in accordance with a determination that the signal strength is outside of the first range and outside of the second range: pause/stop playing the audio.

Thus, only when the signal strength is within the first range, it is assumed/indicated that the earphones are in/at both ears, and if the signal strength is outside of the first range, i.e., either below the first range or above the first range, then it is assumed that the earphones are not both in/on the ears. If the signal strength is outside of the first range, the audio should thus stop/pause playing.

In some embodiments, the signal strength being outside of the first range is an indication/assumption that not both the first earphone and the second earphone are placed in/at the ears of the user. This may be case, if only one earphone is placed in/at the ears, or none of the earphones are placed in/at the ears, and the earphones are not placed close together.

In some embodiments, the first frequency region is between 1.5 GHz and 3 GHz, such as a frequency of 2.4 GHz. The signals of the first frequency may be Bluetooth (BT) radio frequency signals, thus the first frequency region may be the Bluetooth region.

In some embodiments, the signals are magnetic induction (MI) radio frequency signals, and the first frequency region is below 100 MHz, such as between 2 MHz and 15 MHz.

In some embodiments, the first earphone and/or the second earphone is/are configured to detect the signal strength of the exchanged signals by a power detector. The signal strength may be detected as the transmitter power output as received by a reference antenna at a distance from the transmitting antenna. One earphone/antenna may be transmitting or active part, and the other earphone/antenna may be receiving or passive part. Or both earphones/antennas may switch between being the transmitting or active part and the receiving or passive part.

In some embodiments, the first range of the detected signal strength of the exchanged signals is a signal loss of -50 dB to -80 dB of nominal transmitting strength, and wherein the second range of detected signal strength of the exchanged signals is a signal loss of -10 dB to -40 dB of nominal transmitting strength. The first range of the detected signal strength of the exchanged signals may be signal loss of about -50 dB to -80 dB, such as about -55 dB to -75 dB or -60 dB to –70 dB or about -65 dB, of nominal transmitting strength. The second range of detected signal strength of the exchanged signals may be a signal loss of about -10 dB to -40 dB, such as about -15 dB to -35 dB or -20 dB to -30 dB or about -25 dB, of nominal transmitting strength.

In some embodiments, wherein the hearing device is an on-the-head headset, where the first earphone and the second earphone are mechanically connected via a headband or neckband, and where the first earphone and the second earphone are configured to be worn at or on the ears of the user. The first earphone and the second earphone are also wirelessly connected to each other and communicates via the first frequency region.

In some embodiments, the hearing device is a true wireless headset, and where the first earphone and the second earphone are earbuds, which are configured to be worn in the ears of the user. The first earphone and the second earphone are wirelessly connected to each other and communicates via the first frequency region. In a true wireless headset, there may be no wires, cables or other mechanical means which are connecting the two earphones.

In some embodiments, the first earphone and/or the second earphone is/are configured to be wirelessly connected/paired with an electronic device, and wherein the audio is transmitted from the electronic device to the first earphone and/or the second earphone. The electronic device may be a smartphone from where the audio is transmitted to the hearing device. The hearing device comprises the earphones from where the audio may be outputted/played in the acoustic output transducers. The audio may be stored on the electronic device and/or streamed from a server to the electronic device.

In some embodiments, the first earphone and/or the second earphone is/are configured to continuously, in a first time slot, receiving the audio, and, in a second time slot, detecting the signal strength of the exchanged signals. It is an advantage that audio reception and signal strength detection are not performed at the same time slots, but in successive time slots, in a continuous manner.

In some embodiments, either the first earphone or the second earphone is configured to be a primary earphone, and the other earphone is configured to be a secondary earphone. The primary earphone may be the active earphone configured for sending signals to the secondary earphone which may be the passive/receiving earphone.

In some embodiments, the first earphone and the second earphone are configured for load-sharing, whereby the first earphone and the second earphone are configured to alternately operate as the primary earphone. Thus, both earphones may switch/alternate in being the primary/active earphone configured for sending signals to the other, secondary/passive earphone. It is an advantage that both earphones can take the task as being the primary/active earphone, e.g., on the fly or at regular intervals, because it consumes more power to be the primary/active earphone, so the power consumption can be distributed between the earphones, such that both earphones have power for a longer time.

In some embodiments, the first earphone and the second earphone are wirelessly connected with the electronic device via a daisy chained network having a ring topology. By connecting the devices, i.e., the first earphone, the second earphone and the electronic device, at each end of the chain, a ring topology can be formed. When a node sends a message, the message is processed by each device in the ring. An advantage of the ring is that the number of transmitters and receivers can be cut in half. Since a message will eventually loop all of the way around, transmission does not need to go both directions.

In some embodiments, the audio configured to be received in the hearing device is media content, and wherein the media content is in the form of podcast, audio book, music, radio, video. The audio received in the hearing device may be transmitted from the electronic device.

In an embodiment, a hearing device is configured to be worn by a user. The hearing device may be arranged at the user’s ear, on the user’s ear, over the user’s ear, in the user’s ear, in the user’s ear canal, behind the user’s ear and/or in the user’s concha, i.e., the hearing device is configured to be worn in, on, over and/or at the user’s ear. The user may wear two hearing devices, one hearing device at each ear. The two hearing devices may be connected, such as wirelessly connected and/or connected by wires, such as a binaural hearing aid system.

The hearing device may be a hearable such as a headset, headphone, earphone, earbud, hearing aid, a personal sound amplification product (PSAP) , an over-the-counter (OTC) hearing device, a hearing protection device, a one-size-fits-all hearing device, a custom hearing device or another head-wearable hearing device. Hearing devices can include both prescription devices and non-prescription devices.

The hearing device may be embodied in various housing styles or form factors. Some of these form factors are Behind-the-Ear (BTE) hearing device, Receiver-in-Canal (RIC) hearing device, Receiver-in-Ear (RIE) hearing device or Microphone-and-Receiver-in-Ear (MaRIE) hearing device. These devices may comprise a BTE unit configured to be worn behind the ear of the user and an in the ear (ITE) unit configured to be inserted partly or fully into the user’s ear canal. Generally, the BTE unit may comprise at least one input transducer, a power source and a processing unit. The term BTE hearing device refers to a hearing device where the receiver, i.e. the output transducer, is comprised in the BTE unit and sound is guided to the ITE unit via a sound tube connecting the BTE and ITE units, whereas the terms RIE, RIC and MaRIE hearing devices refer to hearing devices where the receiver may be comprise in the ITE unit, which is coupled to the BTE unit via a connector cable or wire configured for transferring electric signals between the BTE and ITE units.

Some of these form factors are In-the-Ear (ITE) hearing device, Completely-in-Canal (CIC) hearing device or Invisible-in-Canal (IIC) hearing device. These hearing devices may comprise an ITE unit, wherein the ITE unit may comprise at least one input transducer, a power source, a processing unit and an output transducer. These form factors may be custom devices, meaning that the ITE unit may comprise a housing having a shell made from a hard material, such as a hard polymer or metal, or a soft material such as a rubber-like polymer, molded to have an outer shape conforming to the shape of the specific user’s ear canal.

Some of these form factors are earbuds, on the ear headphones or over the ear headphones. The person skilled in the art is well aware of different kinds of hearing devices and of different options for arranging the hearing device in, on, over and/or at the ear of the hearing device wearer. The hearing device (or pair of hearing devices) may be custom fitted, standard fitted, open fitted and/or occlusive fitted.

In an embodiment, the hearing device may comprise one or more input transducers. The one or more input transducers may comprise one or more microphones. The one or more input transducers may comprise one or more vibration sensors configured for detecting bone vibration. The one or more input transducer (s) may be configured for converting an acoustic signal into a first electric input signal. The first electric input signal may be an analogue signal. The first electric input signal may be a digital signal. The one or more input transducer (s) may be coupled to one or more analogue-to-digital converter (s) configured for converting the analogue first input signal into a digital first input signal.

In an embodiment, the hearing device may comprise one or more antenna (s) configured for wireless communication. The one or more antenna (s) may comprise an electric antenna. The electric antenna may be configured for wireless communication at a first frequency. The first frequency may be above 800 MHz, preferably a wavelength between 900 MHz and 6 GHz. The first frequency may be 902 MHz to 928 MHz. The first frequency may be 2.4 to 2.5 GHz. The first frequency may be 5.725 GHz to 5.875 GHz. The one or more antenna (s) may comprise a magnetic antenna. The magnetic antenna may comprise a magnetic core. The magnetic antenna may comprise a coil. The coil may be coiled around the magnetic core. The magnetic antenna may be configured for wireless communication at a second frequency. The second frequency may be below 100 MHz. The second frequency may be between 9 MHz and 15 MHz.

In an embodiment, the hearing device may comprise one or more wireless communication unit (s) . The one or more wireless communication unit (s) may comprise one or more wireless receiver (s) , one or more wireless transmitter (s) , one or more transmitter-receiver pair (s) and/or one or more transceiver (s) . At least one of the one or more wireless communication unit (s) may be coupled to the one or more antenna (s) . The wireless communication unit may be configured for converting a wireless signal received by at least one of the one or more antenna (s) into a second electric input signal. The hearing device may be configured for wired/wireless audio communication, e.g., enabling the user to listen to media, such as music or radio and/or enabling the user to perform phone calls.

In an embodiment, the wireless signal may originate from one or more external source (s) and/or external devices, such as spouse microphone device (s) , wireless audio transmitter (s) , smart computer (s) and/or distributed microphone array (s) associated with a wireless transmitter. The wireless input signal (s) may origin from another hearing device, e.g., as part of a binaural hearing system and/or from one or more accessory device (s) , such as a smartphone and/or a smart watch.

In an embodiment, the hearing device may include a processing unit. The processing unit may be configured for processing the first and/or second electric input signal (s) . The processing may comprise compensating for a hearing loss of the user, i.e., apply frequency dependent gain to input signals in accordance with the user’s frequency dependent hearing impairment. The processing may comprise performing feedback cancelation, beamforming, tinnitus reduction/masking, noise reduction, noise cancellation, speech recognition, bass adjustment, treble adjustment and/or processing of user input. The processing unit may be a processor, an integrated circuit, an application, functional module, etc. The processing unit may be implemented in a signal-processing chip or a printed circuit board (PCB) . The processing unit may be configured to provide a first electric output signal based on the processing of the first and/or second electric input signal (s) . The processing unit may be configured to provide a second electric output signal. The second electric output signal may be based on the processing of the first and/or second electric input signal (s) .

In an embodiment, the hearing device may comprise an output transducer. The output transducer may be coupled to the processing unit. The output transducer may be a receiver. It is noted that in this context, a receiver may be a loudspeaker, whereas a wireless receiver may be a device configured for processing a wireless signal. The receiver may be configured for converting the first electric output signal into an acoustic output signal. The output transducer may be coupled to the processing unit via the magnetic antenna. The output transducer may be comprised in an ITE unit or in an earpiece, e.g., Receiver-in-Ear (RIE) unit or Microphone-and-Receiver-in-Ear (MaRIE) unit, of the hearing device. One or more of the input transducers (s) may be comprised in an ITE unit or in an earpiece.

In an embodiment, the wireless communication unit may be configured for converting the second electric output signal into a wireless output signal. The wireless output signal may comprise synchronization data. The wireless communication unit may be configured for transmitting the wireless output signal via at least one of the one or more antennas.

In an embodiment, the hearing device may comprise a digital-to-analogue converter configured to convert the first electric output signal, the second electric output signal and/or the wireless output signal into an analogue signal.

In an embodiment, the hearing device may comprise a vent. A vent is a physical passageway such as a canal or tube primarily placed to offer pressure equalization across a housing placed in the ear such as an ITE hearing device, an ITE unit of a BTE hearing device, a CIC hearing device, a RIE hearing device, a RIC hearing device, a MaRIE hearing device or a dome tip/earmold. The vent may be a pressure vent with a small cross section area, which is preferably acoustically sealed. The vent may be an acoustic vent configured for occlusion cancellation. The vent may be an active vent enabling opening or closing of the vent during use of the hearing device. The active vent may comprise a valve.

In an embodiment, the hearing device may comprise a power source. The power source may comprise a battery providing a first voltage. The battery may be a rechargeable battery. The battery may be a replaceable battery. The power source may comprise a power management unit. The power management unit may be configured to convert the first voltage into a second voltage. The power source may comprise a charging coil. The charging coil may be provided by the magnetic antenna.

In an embodiment, the hearing device may comprise a memory, including volatile and non-volatile forms of memory.

The hearing device may be a headset, a hearing aid, a hearable etc. The hearing device may be an in-the-ear (ITE) hearing device, a receiver-in-ear (RIE) hearing device, a receiver-in-canal (RIC) hearing device, a microphone-and-receiver-in-ear (MaRIE) hearing device, a behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing device comprising an ITE unit, or a one-size-fits-all hearing device etc.

The hearing device is configured to be worn by a user. The hearing device may be arranged at the user’s ear, on the user’s ear, in the user’s ear, in the user’s ear canal, behind the user’s ear etc. The user may wear two hearing devices, one hearing device at each ear. The two hearing devices may be connected, such as wirelessly connected.

The hearing device may be configured for audio communication, e.g., enabling the user to listen to media, such as music or radio, and/or enabling the user to perform phone calls. The hearing device may be configured for performing hearing compensation for the user. The hearing device may be configured for performing noise cancellation etc.

The hearing device may comprise a RIE unit. The RIE unit typically comprises the earpiece such as a housing, a plug connector, and an electrical wire/tube connecting the plug connector and earpiece. The earpiece may comprise an in-the-ear housing, a receiver, such as a receiver configured for being provided in an ear of a user, and an open or closed dome. The dome may support correct placement of the earpiece in the ear of the user. The RIE unit may comprise an input transducer e.g., a microphone or a receiver, an output transducer e.g., a speaker, one or more sensors, and/or other electronics. Some electronic components may be placed in the earpiece, while other electronic components may be placed in the plug connector. The receiver may be with a different strength, i.e., low power, medium power, or high power. The electrical wire/tube provides an electrical connection between electronic components provided in the earpiece of the RIE unit and electronic components provided in the BTE unit. The electrical wire/tube as well as the RIE unit itself may have different lengths.

The hearing device may comprise an output transducer e.g., a speaker or receiver. The output transducer may be a part of a printed circuit board (PCB) of the hearing device. The output transducer may be arranged on a printed circuit board (PCB) of the hearing device. The output transducer may not be a part of the PCB of the hearing device. The output transducer may be configured to be arranged on the PCB of the hearing device. For instance, the output transducer may be configured to be arranged on an allocated position/area on the PCB of the hearing device. The output transducer may be arranged through a hole in the PCB.

The hearing device may comprise a first input transducer, e.g., a microphone, to generate one or more microphone output signals based on a received audio signal. The audio signal may be an analogue signal. The microphone output signal may be a digital signal. Thus, the first input transducer, e.g., microphone, or an analogue-to-digital converter, may convert the analogue audio signal into a digital microphone output signal. All the signals may be sound signals or signals comprising information about sound.

The hearing device may comprise a signal processor. The one or more microphone output signals may be provided to the signal processor for processing the one or more microphone output signals. The signals may be processed such as to compensate for a user’s hearing loss or hearing impairment. The signal processor may provide a modified signal. All these components may be comprised in a housing of an ITE unit or a BTE unit. The hearing device may comprise a receiver or output transducer or speaker or loudspeaker. The receiver may be connected to an output of the signal processor. The receiver may output the modified signal into the user’s ear. The receiver, or a digital-to-analogue converter, may convert the modified signal, which is a digital signal, from the processor to an analogue signal. The receiver may be comprised in an ITE unit or in an earpiece, e.g., RIE unit or MaRIE unit. The hearing device may comprise more than one microphone, and the ITE unit or BTE unit may comprise at least one microphone and the RIE unit may also comprise at least one microphone.

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

The hearing device may comprise one or more antennas for radio frequency communication. The one or more antennas may be configured for operation in ISM frequency band. One of the one or more antennas may be an electric antenna. One or the one or more antennas may be a magnetic induction coil antenna. Magnetic induction, or near-field magnetic induction (NFMI) , typically provides communication, including transmission of voice, audio and data, in a range of frequencies between 2 MHz and 15 MHz. At these frequencies the electromagnetic radiation propagates through and around the human head and body without significant losses in the tissue.

The magnetic induction coil may be configured to operate at a frequency below 100 MHz, such as at below 30 MHz, such as below 15 MHz, during use. The magnetic induction coil may be configured to operate at a frequency range between 1 MHz and 100 MHz, such as between 1 MHz and 15 MHz, such as between 1 MHz and 30 MHz, such as between 5 MHz and 30 MHz, such as between 5 MHz and 15 MHz, such as between 10 MHz and 11 MHz, such as between 10.2 MHz and 11 MHz. The frequency may further include a range from 2 MHz to 30 MHz, such as from 2 MHz to 10 MHz, such as from 2 MHz to 10 MHz, such as from 5 MHz to 10 MHz, such as from 5 MHz to 7 MHz.

The electric antenna may be configured for operation at a frequency of at least 400 MHz, such as of at least 800 MHz, such as of at least 1 GHz, such as at a frequency between 1.5 GHz and 6 GHz, such as at a frequency between 1.5 GHz and 3 GHz such as at a frequency of 2.4 GHz. The antenna may be optimized for operation at a frequency of between 400 MHz and 6 GHz, such as between 400 MHz and 1 GHz, between 800 MHz and 1 GHz, between 800 MHz and 6 GHz, between 800 MHz and 3 GHz, etc. Thus, the electric antenna may be configured for operation in ISM frequency band. The electric antenna may be any antenna capable of operating at these frequencies, and the electric antenna may be a resonant antenna, such as monopole antenna, such as a dipole antenna, etc. The resonant antenna may have a length of λ/4±10%or any multiple thereof, λ being the wavelength corresponding to the emitted electromagnetic field.

The hearing device may comprise one or more wireless communications unit (s) or radios. The one or more wireless communications unit (s) are configured for wireless data communication, and in this respect interconnected with the one or more antennas for emission and reception of an electromagnetic field. Each of the one or more wireless communication unit may comprise a transmitter, a receiver, a transmitter-receiver pair, such as a transceiver, and/or a radio unit. The one or more wireless communication units may be configured for communication using any protocol as known for a person skilled in the art, including Bluetooth, WLAN standards, manufacture specific protocols, such as tailored proximity antenna protocols, such as proprietary protocols, such as low-power wireless communication protocols, RF communication protocols, magnetic induction protocols, etc. The one or more wireless communication units may be configured for communication using same communication protocols, or same type of communication protocols, or the one or more wireless communication units may be configured for communication using different communication protocols.

The wireless communication unit may connect to the hearing device signal processor and the antenna, for communicating with one or more external devices, such as one or more external electronic devices, including at least one smart phone, at least one tablet, at least one hearing accessory device, including at least one spouse microphone, remote control, audio testing device, etc., or, in some embodiments, with another hearing device, such as another hearing device located at another ear, typically in a binaural hearing device system.

The hearing device may be a binaural hearing device. The hearing device may be a first hearing device and/or a second hearing device of a binaural hearing device.

The hearing device may be a device configured for communication with one or more other device, such as configured for communication with another hearing device or with an accessory device or with a peripheral device.

The present invention relates to different aspects including the hearing device and the method described above and in the following, and corresponding device parts, each yielding one or more of the benefits and advantages described in connection with the first mentioned aspect, and each having one or more embodiments corresponding to the embodiments described in connection with the first mentioned aspect and/or disclosed in the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above and other features and advantages will become readily apparent to those skilled in the art by the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments thereof with reference to the attached drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 schematically illustrates an exemplary hearing device configured to play audio to a user. Fig. 2 schematically illustrates an exemplary hearing device comprising a first earphone and a second earphone worn in/at the ears of a user.

Fig. 3a schematically illustrates examples of the signal strengths of the first range and the second range.

Fig. 3b schematically illustrates an example of determination of whether the signal strength is in the first range.

Fig. 4 schematically illustrates examples of positions of the two earphones, and the corresponding signal strength.

Figs. 5a-5c schematically illustrates an example of positions of the earphones when both earphones are not in/at the ears of the user, and the corresponding signal strength loss.

Figs. 6a-6b schematically illustrates an example of positions of the earphones when both earphones are in/at the ears of the user, and the corresponding signal strength loss.

Fig. 7 schematically illustrates an example of a parameter plot of comparing the signal strength loss.

Fig. 8 schematically illustrates an example of a flow chart of a method performed in a hearing device configured to play audio to a user.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Various embodiments are described hereinafter with reference to the figures. Like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout. Like elements will, thus, not be described in detail with respect to the description of each figure. It should also be noted that the figures are only intended to facilitate the description of the embodiments. They are not intended as an exhaustive description of the claimed invention or as a limitation on the scope of the claimed invention. In addition, an illustrated embodiment needs not have all the aspects or advantages shown. An aspect or an advantage described in conjunction with a particular embodiment is not necessarily limited to that embodiment and can be practiced in any other embodiments even if not so illustrated, or if not so explicitly described.

Fig. 1 schematically illustrates an exemplary hearing device 2 configured to play audio to a user. The hearing device 2 comprises a first earphone 4 configured to be worn in/at the left ear of the user. The hearing device 2 comprises a second earphone 4’ configured to be worn in/at the right ear of the user. The first earphone 4 and the second earphone 4’ each comprises an acoustic output transducer 6, 6’ for outputting the audio into the ears of the user. The first earphone 4 comprises a first antenna 8 interconnected with a first wireless communication unit 10. The second earphone 4’ comprises a second antenna 8’ interconnected with a second wireless communication 12 unit 10’. The first antenna 8 and the second antenna 8’ are configured for wireless communication 12 in a first frequency region. The first antenna 8 and the second antenna 8’ are configured for exchanging signals in the first frequency region. The first earphone 4 and/or the second earphone 4’ is/are configured to detect a signal strength of the exchanged signals. While the hearing device 2 is playing audio, the hearing device 2 is configured to: in accordance with a determination that the signal strength is in a first range: continue to play the audio; and in accordance with a determination that the signal strength is in a second range, the second range being a higher signal strength than the first range: pause/stop playing the audio.

Fig. 1 further shows that the first earphone 4 and the second earphone 4’ may each comprise a processing unit 14, 14’. The processing unit 14, 14’ may comprise a power detector 16, 16’. Alternatively, the power detector 16, 16’ may be separate from the processing unit 14, 14’. The power detector 16, 16’ is configured for detecting the signal strength of the exchanged signals. The processing unit 14, 14’ may be connected with the antenna 8, 8’ and the wireless communication unit 10, 10’ of the earphone 4, 4’. The processing unit 14, 14’ may be connected with the acoustic output transducer 6, 6’ of the earphone 4, 4’.

Based on detected/determined signal strength from the power detector 16, 16’, the processing unit 14, 14’ may be configured to control the hearing device 2 based on detected/determined signal strength.

Fig. 2 schematically illustrates an exemplary hearing device 2 comprising a first earphone 4 and a second earphone 4’ worn in/at the ears of a user 18. The first earphone 4 comprises a first antenna interconnected with a first wireless communication unit. The second earphone 4’ comprises a second antenna interconnected with a second wireless communication unit. The first antenna and the second antenna are configured for wireless communication 12 in a first frequency region. The first frequency region may be between 1.5 GHz and 3 GHz, such as a frequency of 2.4 GHz. The signals of the first frequency may be Bluetooth (BT) radio frequency signals, thus the first frequency region may be the Bluetooth region.

The first earphone 4 and/or the second earphone 4’ is/are configured to be wirelessly connected/paired 20 with an electronic device 22. The audio is transmitted from the electronic device 22 to the first earphone 4 and/or the second earphone 4’. The electronic device 22 may be a smartphone from where the audio is transmitted to the hearing device 2. The hearing device 2 comprises the earphones 4, 4’ from where the audio may be outputted/played in the acoustic output transducers. The audio may be stored on the electronic device 22 and/or streamed from e.g., a server to the electronic device 22.

The audio configured to be received in the hearing device 2 may be media content, and the media content may be in the form of podcast, audio book, music, radio, video. The audio received in the hearing device 2 may be transmitted from the electronic device 22.

The signal strength being in the first range may be an indication/assumption that both the first earphone and the second earphone are placed in/at the ears of the user.

The signal strength being in the second range is an indication/assumption that the first earphone and the second earphone are not placed in/at the ears of the user but are placed close together outside of the ears. The earphones can be placed close together outside of the ears, e.g., for earbuds when they are in one hand or in a pocket, and e.g., for headphones when they are close together when not on head.

While the hearing device is playing audio, the hearing device is configured to, in accordance with a determination that the signal strength is outside of the first range and outside of the second range: pause/stop playing the audio.

The signal strength being outside of the first range is an indication/assumption that not both the first earphone and the second earphone are placed in/at the ears of the user. This may be case, if only one earphone is placed in/at the ears, or none of the earphones are placed in/at the ears, and the earphones are not placed close together.

The first range of the detected signal strength of the exchanged signals may be a signal loss of -50 dB to -80 dB of nominal transmitting strength.

The second range of detected signal strength of the exchanged signals may be a signal loss of -10 dB to -40 dB of nominal transmitting strength.

The first antenna of the first earphone 4 and the second antenna of the second earphone 4’ are configured for wireless communication 12 in a first frequency region. The first antenna and the second antenna are configured for exchanging signals in the first frequency region. The first earphone 4 and/or the second earphone 4’ is/are configured to detect a signal strength of the exchanged signals. While the hearing device is playing audio, the hearing device is configured to: in accordance with a determination that the signal strength is in a first range: continue to play the audio; and in accordance with a determination that the signal strength is in a second range, the second range being a higher signal strength than the first range: pause/stop playing the audio.

Either the first earphone 4 or the second earphone 4’ is configured to be a primary earphone, and the other earphone is configured to be a secondary earphone. The primary earphone may be the active earphone configured for sending signals to the secondary earphone which may be the passive/receiving earphone.

The antennas in the earphones, for transmitting and receiving the signals, may be implemented as Bluetooth antennas. The Bluetooth antennas may be placed in connection with Bluetooth chips, i.e., mechanically and/or communicatively connected with the Bluetooth chips. A power detector 16, such as an RF power detector, may be placed in connection with the Bluetooth chips. There may be a Bluetooth chip only in one of the earphones or in both earphones. One of the earphones may be configured to be the primary/active earphone. The other earphone may be configured to be the secondary/passive earphone. Alternatively, both earphones may be configured to be the primary/active earphone, and in this case, the two earphones may switch between being the primary/active earphone.

The power detector, e.g., RF power detector, is configured to determine if the signal strength is in the first range. If the signal strength is in the first range, then this is indication/assumption that both earphones are in/on the ears, and the audio may continue to play. If the signal strength is not in the first range, then this is indication/assumption that both earphones are not in/on the ears, and the audio may stop/pause to play.

At the left side column of fig. 4, four different positions of the two earphones are shown.

In the middle column of fig. 4, the signal strength, as measured with magnetic induction (MI) , in prior art, is indicated, and the corresponding audio control, e.g., play or pause.

In the right side column of fig. 4, the signal strength, as measured with Bluetooth according to the present invention, is indicated, and the corresponding audio control, e.g., play or pause.

The top, first position, is called “both in ear” , see left side column of fig. 4, where both earphones are in the ear, if they are e.g., earbuds. If the earphones are headphones, both headphones are on/at the ear, in this case. This will provide a high signal strength, as measured with magnetic induction (MI) , in prior art, and the corresponding audio control is play, see middle column. According to the present invention, this will also provide a high signal strength, as measured with Bluetooth, and the corresponding audio control is also play, see right side column.

The second position is called “one in ear –one out” where one earphone is in/at the ear and the other earphone is not in/at the ear. This will provide a low/lost signal strength, as measured with magnetic induction (MI) , in prior art, and the corresponding audio control is pause, see middle column. According to the present invention, this will also provide a low/lost signal strength, as measured with Bluetooth, and the corresponding audio control is also pause, see right side column.

The third position is called “both out –close together” and an example is that both earphones are in the hand or pocket of the user, and therefore the two earphones are close together. This will provide a very high signal strength, as measured with magnetic induction (MI) , in prior art, and the corresponding audio control is play, see middle column. According to the present invention, this will also provide a very high signal strength, as measured with Bluetooth, but the corresponding audio control is pause, see right side column, i.e., different audio control compared to prior art.

The fourth position is called “both out –not close together” and an example is that the two earphones are in separate hands of the user or at either end of a desk, and therefore the two earphones are not close together. This will provide a low/lost signal strength, as measured with magnetic induction (MI) , in prior art, and the corresponding audio control is pause, see middle column. According to the present invention, this will also provide a low/lost signal strength, as measured with Bluetooth, and the corresponding audio control is also pause, see right side column.

Fig. 4 shows an example where the hearing device may be a true wireless headset, and where the first earphone and the second earphone are earbuds, which are configured to be worn in the ears of the user. The first earphone and the second earphone are wirelessly connected to each other and communicates via the first frequency region.

The below figs. 5a-5c and 6a-6b show an example, where the hearing device is an on-the-head headset, where the first earphone and the second earphone are mechanically connected via a headband, and where the first earphone and the second earphone are configured to be worn at or on the ears of the user. The first earphone and the second earphone are also wirelessly connected to each other and communicates via the first frequency region.

Fig. 5a shows an example of a hearing device 2 in the form of a headset having two earphones 4, 4’ in the form of headphones, and a headband 24 connecting the two headphones. The earphone to the right may be the first earphone 4, and in this example the first earphone 4 is the primary/active earphone sending a Bluetooth signal to the earphone to the left earphone which is the second earphone 4’, and in this example the second earphone 4’ is the secondary/passive earphone receiving the Bluetooth signal from the primary/active earphone.

Fig. 5b schematically illustrates a simulation of the high Bluetooth signal strength in the present situation, where the two earphones 4, 4’ are not at/in the ears of the user.

Fig. 5c schematically illustrates a parameter plot of the signal strength loss, where the frequency in GHz is shown in the x-axis, and the signal strength loss in dB is shown on the y-axis. In the frequency region of about 2.4 GHz, it can be seen that the signal strength loss is about -25 dB to about -20 dB. This corresponds to that the signal strength is in a second range, the second range being a higher signal strength than the first range. The signal strength being in the second range is an indication that the earphones are not both on/in the ears of the user, and the hearing device shall therefore pause/stop playing the audio.

Fig. 6a schematically illustrates a parameter plot of the signal strength loss, where the frequency in GHz is shown in the x-axis, and the signal strength loss in dB is shown on the y-axis. In the frequency region of about 2.4 GHz, it can be seen that the signal strength loss is about -68 dB to about -64 dB. This corresponds to that the signal strength is in a first range, the first range being a lower signal strength than the second range. The signal strength being in the first range is an indication that the earphones are both on/in the ears of the user, and the hearing device shall therefore continue to play the audio.

Fig. 6b shows an example of a hearing device 2 in the form of a headset having two earphones 4, 4’ in the form of headphones, and a headband 24 connecting the two headphones. The earphone to the right may be the first earphone 4, and in this example the first earphone 4 is the primary/active earphone sending a Bluetooth signal to the earphone to the left earphone which is the second earphone 4’, and in this example the second earphone 4’ is the secondary/passive earphone receiving the Bluetooth signal from the primary/active earphone.

Fig. 7 schematically illustrates an example of a parameter plot of comparing the signal strength loss, where the frequency in GHz is shown in the x-axis, and the signal strength loss in dB is shown on the y-axis.

The top graph is when both earphones are not in/at the ears of the user. In the frequency region of about 2.4 GHz, it can be seen that the signal strength loss is about -20 dB. This corresponds to that the signal strength is in a second range, the second range being a higher signal strength than the first range. The signal strength being in the second range is an indication that the earphones are not both on/in the ears of the user, and the hearing device shall therefore pause/stop playing the audio.

The bottom graph is when both earphones are in/at the ears of the user. In the frequency region of about 2.4 GHz, it can be seen that the signal strength loss is about -65 dB. This corresponds to that the signal strength is in a first range, the first range being a lower signal strength than the second range. The signal strength being in the first range is an indication that the earphones are both on/in the ears of the user, and the hearing device shall therefore continue to play the audio.

Fig. 8 schematically illustrates an example of a flow chart of a method. The method 100 is performed in a hearing device configured to play audio to a user. The hearing device comprises a first earphone configured to be worn in/at the left ear of the user. The first earphone comprising a first antenna. The hearing device comprises a second earphone configured to be worn in/at the right ear of the user. The second earphone comprising a second antenna.

The method comprises exchanging 102 signals between the first antenna and the second antenna, in a first frequency region.

The method comprises detecting 104, by the first earphone and/or the second earphone, a signal strength of the exchanged signals.

The method comprises, while the hearing device is playing audio, in accordance with a determination 106 that the signal strength is in first range 108: continue 110 to play the audio;

The method comprises, while the hearing device is playing audio, in accordance with a determination 106 that the signal strength is in a second range 112, the second range being a higher signal strength than the first range: pause/stop 114 playing the audio.

Although particular features have been shown and described, it will be understood that they are not intended to limit the claimed invention, and it will be made obvious to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the claimed invention. The specification and drawings are, accordingly to be regarded in an illustrative rather than restrictive sense. The claimed invention is intended to cover all alternatives, modifications and equivalents.

ITEMS:

1. A hearing device configured to play audio to a user, the hearing device comprising:

- a first earphone configured to be worn in/at the left ear of the user;

- a second earphone configured to be worn in/at the right ear of the user;

where the first earphone and the second earphone each comprises an acoustic output transducer for outputting the audio into the ears of the user;

where the first earphone comprises a first antenna interconnected with a first wireless communication unit;

where the second earphone comprises a second antenna interconnected with a second wireless communication unit;

where the first antenna and the second antenna are configured for wireless communication in a first frequency region;

where the first antenna and the second antenna are configured for exchanging signals in the first frequency region;

where the first earphone and/or the second earphone is/are configured to detect a signal strength of the exchanged signals;

wherein, while the hearing device is playing audio, the hearing device is configured to:

- in accordance with a determination that the signal strength is in first range: continue to play the audio,

2. The hearing device according to item 1, wherein

- the signal strength being in the first range is an indication that both the first earphone and the second earphone are placed in/at the ears of the user;

- the signal strength being in the second range is an indication that the first earphone and the second earphone are not placed in/at the ears of the user, but are placed close together outside of the ears.

3. The hearing device according to any of the preceding items, wherein, while the hearing device is playing audio, the hearing device is configured to:

- in accordance with a determination that the signal strength is outside of the first range and outside of the second range: pause/stop playing the audio.

4. The hearing device according to any of the preceding items, wherein the signal strength being outside of the first range is an indication that not both the first earphone and the second earphone are placed in/at the ears of the user.

5. The hearing device according to any of the preceding items, wherein the first frequency region is between 1.5 GHz and 3 GHz, such as a frequency of 2.4 GHz.

6. The hearing device according to any of the preceding items, wherein the first earphone and/or the second earphone is/are configured to detect the signal strength of the exchanged signals by a power detector.

7. The hearing device according to any of the preceding items, wherein the first range of the detected signal strength of the exchanged signals is a signal loss of -50 dB to -80 dB of nominal transmitting strength, and wherein the second range of detected signal strength of the exchanged signals is a signal loss of -10 dB to -40 dB of nominal transmitting strength.

8. The hearing device according to any of the preceding items, wherein the hearing device is an on-the-head headset, where the first earphone and the second earphone are mechanically connected via a headband or neckband, and where the first earphone and the second earphone are configured to be worn at or on the ears of the user.

9. The hearing device according to any of the preceding items, wherein the hearing device is a true wireless headset, and where the first earphone and the second earphone are earbuds, which are configured to be worn in the ears of the user.

10. The hearing device according to any of the preceding items, wherein the first earphone and/or the second earphone is/are configured to be wirelessly connected/paired with an electronic device, and wherein the audio is transmitted from the electronic device to the first earphone and/or the second earphone.

11. The hearing device according to any of the preceding items, wherein the first earphone and/or the second earphone is/are configured to continuously, in a first time slot, receiving the audio, and, in a second time slot, detecting the signal strength of the exchanged signals.

12. The hearing device according to any of the preceding items, wherein either the first earphone or the second earphone is configured to be a primary earphone, and the other earphone is configured to be a secondary earphone.

13. The hearing device according to the preceding item, wherein the first earphone and the second earphone are configured for load-sharing, whereby the first earphone and the second earphone are configured to alternately operate as the primary earphone.

14. The hearing device according to any of items 10-13, wherein the first earphone and the second earphone are wirelessly connected with the electronic device via a daisy chained network having a ring topology.

15. The hearing device according to any of the preceding items, wherein the audio configured to be received in the hearing device is media content, and wherein the media content is in the form of podcast, audio book, music, radio, video.

16. A method in a hearing device configured to play audio to a user, the hearing device comprises a first earphone configured to be worn in/at the left ear of the user, the first earphone comprising a first antenna, and the hearing device comprises a second earphone configured to be worn in/at the right ear of the user, the second earphone comprising a second antenna; wherein the method comprises:

wherein the method comprises:

- while the hearing device is playing audio:

LIST OF REFERENCES

2 hearing device

4, 4’ earphone

6, 6’ acoustic output transducer

8, 8’ antenna

10, 10’ wireless communication unit

12 wireless communication between earphones

14, 14’ processing unit

16, 16’ power detector

18 user

20 wireless communication between hearing device/earphone (s) and electronic device

22 electronic device

24 headband

100 method in a hearing device configured to play audio to a user

102 step of exchanging signals between the first antenna and the second antenna, in a first frequency region

104 step of detecting, by the first earphone and/or the second earphone, a signal strength of the exchanged signals

106 step of determination of the signal strength

108 determination that the signal strength is in a first range

110 step of continuing to play the audio

112 determination that the signal strength is in a second range higher than the first range

114 step of pausing/stopping to play the audio

Claims

A hearing device configured to play audio to a user, the hearing device comprising:

- a first earphone configured to be worn in/at the left ear of the user;

- a second earphone configured to be worn in/at the right ear of the user;

where the first earphone and the second earphone each comprises an acoustic output transducer for outputting the audio into the ears of the user;

where the first earphone comprises a first antenna interconnected with a first wireless communication unit;

where the second earphone comprises a second antenna interconnected with a second wireless communication unit;

where the first antenna and the second antenna are configured for wireless communication in a first frequency region;

where the first antenna and the second antenna are configured for exchanging signals in the first frequency region;

where the first earphone and/or the second earphone is/are configured to detect a signal strength of the exchanged signals;

wherein, while the hearing device is playing audio, the hearing device is configured to:

- in accordance with a determination that the signal strength is in first range: continue to play the audio,

- in accordance with a determination that the signal strength is in a second range, the second range being a higher signal strength than the first range: pause/stop playing the audio.
The hearing device according to claim 1, wherein

- the signal strength being in the first range is an indication that both the first earphone and the second earphone are placed in/at the ears of the user;

- the signal strength being in the second range is an indication that the first earphone and the second earphone are not placed in/at the ears of the user, but are placed close together outside of the ears.
The hearing device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein, while the hearing device is playing audio, the hearing device is configured to:

- in accordance with a determination that the signal strength is outside of the first range and outside of the second range: pause/stop playing the audio.
The hearing device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the signal strength being outside of the first range is an indication that not both the first earphone and the second earphone are placed in/at the ears of the user.
The hearing device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the first frequency region is between 1.5 GHz and 3 GHz, such as a frequency of 2.4 GHz.
The hearing device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the first earphone and/or the second earphone is/are configured to detect the signal strength of the exchanged signals by a power detector.
The hearing device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the first range of the detected signal strength of the exchanged signals is a signal loss of -50 dB to -80 dB of nominal transmitting strength, and wherein the second range of detected signal strength of the exchanged signals is a signal loss of -10 dB to -40 dB of nominal transmitting strength.
The hearing device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the hearing device is an on-the-head headset, where the first earphone and the second earphone are mechanically connected via a headband or neckband, and where the first earphone and the second earphone are configured to be worn at or on the ears of the user.
The hearing device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the hearing device is a true wireless headset, and where the first earphone and the second earphone are earbuds, which are configured to be worn in the ears of the user.
The hearing device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the first earphone and/or the second earphone is/are configured to be wirelessly connected/paired with an electronic device, and wherein the audio is transmitted from the electronic device to the first earphone and/or the second earphone.
The hearing device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the first earphone and/or the second earphone is/are configured to continuously, in a first time slot, receiving the audio, and, in a second time slot, detecting the signal strength of the exchanged signals.
The hearing device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein either the first earphone or the second earphone is configured to be a primary earphone, and the other earphone is configured to be a secondary earphone.
The hearing device according to the preceding claim, wherein the first earphone and the second earphone are configured for load-sharing, whereby the first earphone and the second earphone are configured to alternately operate as the primary earphone.
The hearing device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the audio configured to be received in the hearing device is media content, and wherein the media content is in the form of podcast, audio book, music, radio, video.
A method in a hearing device configured to play audio to a user, the hearing device comprises a first earphone configured to be worn in/at the left ear of the user, the first earphone comprising a first antenna, and the hearing device comprises a second earphone configured to be worn in/at the right ear of the user, the second earphone comprising a second antenna; wherein the method comprises:

- exchanging signals between the first antenna and the second antenna, in a first frequency region;

- detecting, by the first earphone and/or the second earphone, a signal strength of the exchanged signals;

wherein the method comprises:

- while the hearing device is playing audio:

- in accordance with a determination that the signal strength is in first range: continue to play the audio;

- in accordance with a determination that the signal strength is in a second range, the second range being a higher signal strength than the first range: pause/stop playing the audio.