Devices and sensing method for measuring temperature from an ear

An ear-worn device system configured to measure temperature from within an ear canal of an ear comprising a first bend and a second bend, the system comprising:

• an ear-worn device comprising an enclosure configured for insertion into the ear canal and comprising a distal end configured to extend at least beyond the first bend;
• sound amplification circuitry disposed in the enclosure;
• a distal temperature sensor situated at a location of the enclosure that faces ear canal tissue distal to the first bend and proximal to the second bend when the enclosure is deployed in the ear canal, the distal temperature sensor configured to sense conductive heat and to produce a first temperature signal, wherein the distal temperature sensor comprises a thermistor configured to be in direct contact with skin of the ear;
• a proximal temperature sensor situated on the enclosure at a location proximal to the distal temperature sensor location in an outer ear direction when the enclosure is deployed in the ear canal, the proximal temperature sensor configured to sense conductive heat and to produce a second temperature signal, wherein the proximal temperature sensor comprises a thermistor configured to be in direct contact with skin of the ear;
• and
• a processor coupled to the distal and proximal temperature sensors, the processor configured to calculate a core body temperature using the first and second temperature signals.

A method implemented by an ear-worn device system comprising an ear-worn device configured for insertion into an ear canal of an ear, the ear canal comprising a first bend and a second bend, the method comprising:

• measuring a first temperature indicative of conductive heat at a location of the ear canal between the first and second bends utilizing a distal temperature sensor comprising a thermistor that is in direct contact with skin of the ear;
• measuring a second temperature indicative of conductive heat at a location proximal of an ear canal location where the first temperature is measured in an outer ear direction utilizing a proximal temperature sensor comprising a thermistor configured to be in direct contact with the skin of the ear;
• and
• calculating, using a processor of the system, a core body temperature using the first and second temperatures.