Connector for hearing assistance device having reduced mechanical feedback

Abstract

An electronic hearing aid apparatus comprises a first component, a second component and a cable assembly for electrically connecting the first component to the second component. The first component includes a vibration sensor generating a vibration signal based on sensed acoustic vibrations, electronics for processing and amplifying the vibration signal and an output port for providing access to the amplified vibration signal. The second component includes an input port for receiving the amplified vibration signal and a vibration generator for generating vibrations based on the amplified vibration signal. The cable assembly conducts the amplified vibration signal from the output port of the first component to the input port of the second component. The cable assembly includes a first connector for connecting to the first component, a second connector for connecting to the second component and a flexible cable portion for electrically connecting the first connector to the second connector. The first and second connectors each comprise an inner connector housing and an outer connector shell. The inner connector housing includes a rear cavity in which solder joints are disposed that provide electrical connection between the connector's contacts and the wires of the flexible cable portion. Potting material encases the solder joints within the rear cavity. The outer connector shell, which may be over-molded onto the inner connector housing in an injection molding process, encloses most of the inner connector housing and a portion of the flexible cable where the flexible cable connects to the inner connector housing.