Ear-worn electronic device incorporating antenna with reactively loaded network circuit

An ear-worn electronic device configured to be worn by a wearer, the device comprising:

• an enclosure configured to be supported by or in an ear of the wearer;
• electronic circuitry disposed in the enclosure and comprising a wireless transceiver;
• and
• an antenna in or on the enclosure and comprising:
• a feed comprising first and second feed line conductors coupled to the wireless transceiver;
• a first antenna element having a first side and a second side, the first and second sides of the second antenna element being on opposite edges of the second antenna element, the first side of the first antenna element connected to the first feed line conductor;
• a second antenna element having a first side and a second side, the first and second sides of the first antenna element being on opposite edges of the first antenna element, the first side of the second antenna element connected to the second feed line conductor;
• and
• a strap connected to the second side of the first antenna element and the second side of the second antenna element,
• wherein a shaped portion of the strap functions as a reactive component that modifies a surface current of the antenna to modify an input impedance at the feed, and the strap is situated at a location other than at or between the first and second feed line conductors.