EP1755361A1 - Système à la conduite du son, tuyau pour conduire du son, membre de support pour un tuyau à la conduite du son et procédé pour adapter un tuyau à la conduite du son à l'oreille d'un utilisateur - Google Patents

Système à la conduite du son, tuyau pour conduire du son, membre de support pour un tuyau à la conduite du son et procédé pour adapter un tuyau à la conduite du son à l'oreille d'un utilisateur Download PDF

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Publication number
EP1755361A1
EP1755361A1 EP06100108A EP06100108A EP1755361A1 EP 1755361 A1 EP1755361 A1 EP 1755361A1 EP 06100108 A EP06100108 A EP 06100108A EP 06100108 A EP06100108 A EP 06100108A EP 1755361 A1 EP1755361 A1 EP 1755361A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
tube
sound
support member
guiding
section
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP06100108A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
Inventor
Alfred Tschantré
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Bernafon AG
Original Assignee
Bernafon AG
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Bernafon AG filed Critical Bernafon AG
Priority to EP06100108A priority Critical patent/EP1755361A1/fr
Publication of EP1755361A1 publication Critical patent/EP1755361A1/fr
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04R—LOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; DEAF-AID SETS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS
    • H04R25/00—Deaf-aid sets, i.e. electro-acoustic or electro-mechanical hearing aids; Electric tinnitus maskers providing an auditory perception
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04R—LOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; DEAF-AID SETS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS
    • H04R2225/00—Details of deaf aids covered by H04R25/00, not provided for in any of its subgroups
    • H04R2225/021—Behind the ear [BTE] hearing aids
    • H04R2225/0213—Constructional details of earhooks, e.g. shape, material
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04R—LOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; DEAF-AID SETS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS
    • H04R2460/00—Details of hearing devices, i.e. of ear- or headphones covered by H04R1/10 or H04R5/033 but not provided for in any of their subgroups, or of hearing aids covered by H04R25/00 but not provided for in any of its subgroups
    • H04R2460/09—Non-occlusive ear tips, i.e. leaving the ear canal open, for both custom and non-custom tips

Definitions

  • the invention basically consist of:
  • a sound guiding tube system which comprises a soft bendable tube with a proximal end adapted for connection with a sound source, and a distal end adapted for connection with an ear canal device holder, whereby an essentially un-bendable support member is provided along the length of at least a part of the tube.
  • the support member is arranged externally with respect to the soft bendable tube.
  • the support member has the prime task of holding the tube in a predefined shape and thus a support member extending inside the tube is possible, but for handling reasons it is preferred that the support member is provided externally of the tube.
  • the support member is a sheath member which surrounds at least a part of the soft bendable tube. This gives a good and secure holding force between the support member and the tube and the support member may be shaped to hold the tube in place both with respect to rotation and length movements.
  • the bendable tube is arranged to extend inside the sheath member, such that the tube at the distal end is covered by the sheath member and at the proximal end is not covered by the sheath, whereby length adjustment of the proximal end of the tube is facilitated by sliding the distal end of the tube with respect to the sheath member.
  • the tube may have axially placed markings indicating different positions of the placement of the support member.
  • the hearing care professional can determine the length required by reading the marking at which the tube fits the patient's ear size. The reading is simply conducted with the hearing aid an tube placed at the ear, and the tube hanging down in front of the ear canal opening. This gives the hearing care professional the possibility to adjust the lengths at a later stage based on the recorded marking.
  • the tube has a non-circular cross section. It has been shown that a non-circular system is less prone to reflect light, and thus a non-circular tube will appear less conspicuous when mounted at the ear of a user.
  • the tube has an outer periphery with an essentially triangular cross section.
  • the triangular cross section is particular well suited for prevention of light reflections from the tube.
  • the sheath member has an internal cross section which matches the external circumference of the tube member. This construction gives a very good grip between the tube and the sheath and prevents the tube from twisting relative to the sheath.
  • the invention also comprises a tube for use as a sound guide between a sound producing element and an ear of a user.
  • a tube for production by injection moulding is provided.
  • the tube is soft and bendable and it has a proximal end adapted for connection to a sound source, and a distal end adapted for connection with an ear canal device holder.
  • the tube may be produced such that the inner and/or outer cross section of the tube varies along at least a part of the length of the tube.
  • the sound guiding tube has an inner cross section, which is constant along the length of the tube, and an outer cross section, which changes along the length of the tube.
  • the proximal end of the tube has a larger outer cross section than the distal end of the tube.
  • the distal end of the tube has a uniform outer cross section along at least an outer part thereof. This construction facilitates sliding connection between the tube and a support element, which will aid to ensure, that the end of the tube is pointed into the ear canal of a user.
  • the tube is essentially transparent. This makes the tube as un- conspicuous as possible.
  • the tube is made from a transparent biocompatible polymer material.
  • the invention further comprises a support member for a sound guiding tube and a method for adapting a tube to fit the length between a sound producing device and the ear canal.
  • the tube may also hold wires that pass from a device on the ear to another device at the distal end of the tube, for example in case the sound source is place in the ear and is connected to a hearing aid behind the ear. In this case the tube would not need to be hollow.
  • the construction shown in fig. 1 comprises a hearing aid 4, a tube 1 and a holder element 5.
  • the tube 1 has a proximal end 2 near the hearing aid 4 adapted for connection with the sound source inside the hearing aid 4.
  • the centre of the tube 1 is hollow as seen in fig. 3, with a circular cross section in order to facilitate the transmission of sound waves from a sound source inside a hearing aid 4 to the ear.
  • the holder element 5 is mounted to the tube 1.
  • the holder element 5 may be constructed to look like a hollow boomerang or sheath member 5 that can slide upon the tube 1.
  • the acoustician When the acoustician is to adapt the tube system to an individual, he places the sheath 5 over the tube 1 at the distal end thereof at the right height relative to the hearing aid 4. Possibly the most distal part of the tube will then extend beyond the sheath 5 at the ear wise end thereof corresponding to the position 7 in fig. 3. This loose end can then be cut off. The ear canal device holder 6 can now be inserted into the tube 1 at the distal end 7 thereof.
  • the triangular shape of the outer perimeter of the tube 1, best seen in fig. 3 assures the right positioning of the sheath 5.
  • the original tube 1 is straight at the distal end it can easily be produced in an injection tool.
  • the bend from vertical direction into the ear canal at the distal end of the tube 3 is shaped and maintained by the sheath 5.
  • the outer diameter and geometry of the tube 1 changes along its length and this facilitates changing rigidity of the tube 1 along its length.
  • the injection moulding process in this way allows the tube to obtain stiffness in some areas, while simultaneously adequate flexibility is facilitated in other parts.
  • the bend at the proximal end 2 over the ear and to the connection part with the hearing aid 4 is stiff due to selection of a higher wall thickness, and this aids to assure positioning of the instrument on the ear.
  • the tube 1 is rather flexible at the distal end 3 and somewhat more rigid at the proximal end 2 thereof.
  • the tube 1 is made of a soft, transparent and comfortable material e.g. silicone. Through the positioning of the holding sheath 5 the tube will be adapted to the shape of the individual ear.
  • the tube 1 will be less shiny than current tubes, since it will be made by injection moulding which allows the roughness of the surface to be adjusted by treatment of the tool surface, and due to the triangular shape of the outer perimeter the reflection from the tube 1 are minimized.
  • the diameter of the tube may wary from 1mm to 5 mm.
  • the firmer top section, or hook, of the tube system is anatomically preformed to fit the natural curve shape of the upper ear.
  • the tube 1 is conducted through a sheath part 5 at the distal end 3 thereof, and the sheath part 5 shown in figs. 2 and 3 is formed of a hard, thermoplastic part.
  • a metal sheath is shown which performs the same function.
  • the sheath in fig. 4 is more open and as it is shaped from a metal part, it allows the acoustician to make a final adjustment of the curvature of the curved part in order to achieve an exact fit to the customer's ear.
  • the sheath part gives the fmal shape to the tube system and allows for the simple length adjustment and customization of the hearing aid. Through the described method, a fully customized, aesthetic hearing aid solution is created with only one left and one right tube piece.
  • the tube's cross section, and the sheath's hole should match and be of a non-circular shape.
  • This non-circular shape will prohibit any rotation between the two pieces.
  • This non-circular shape may be oval, triangular or any other non-circular shape.
  • an equilateral triangle with constant width whose sides and edges are rounded is used. This shape enables a firm, aligned assembly of the tube and the sheath.
  • this special tube geometry also reduces the reflection of light so that the hearing aid tube is less noticeable on the wearer.

Landscapes

  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Neurosurgery (AREA)
  • Otolaryngology (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Acoustics & Sound (AREA)
  • Signal Processing (AREA)
  • Headphones And Earphones (AREA)
EP06100108A 2006-01-05 2006-01-05 Système à la conduite du son, tuyau pour conduire du son, membre de support pour un tuyau à la conduite du son et procédé pour adapter un tuyau à la conduite du son à l'oreille d'un utilisateur Withdrawn EP1755361A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP06100108A EP1755361A1 (fr) 2006-01-05 2006-01-05 Système à la conduite du son, tuyau pour conduire du son, membre de support pour un tuyau à la conduite du son et procédé pour adapter un tuyau à la conduite du son à l'oreille d'un utilisateur

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP06100108A EP1755361A1 (fr) 2006-01-05 2006-01-05 Système à la conduite du son, tuyau pour conduire du son, membre de support pour un tuyau à la conduite du son et procédé pour adapter un tuyau à la conduite du son à l'oreille d'un utilisateur

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP1755361A1 true EP1755361A1 (fr) 2007-02-21

Family

ID=36570446

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP06100108A Withdrawn EP1755361A1 (fr) 2006-01-05 2006-01-05 Système à la conduite du son, tuyau pour conduire du son, membre de support pour un tuyau à la conduite du son et procédé pour adapter un tuyau à la conduite du son à l'oreille d'un utilisateur

Country Status (1)

Country Link
EP (1) EP1755361A1 (fr)

Cited By (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2010023331A2 (fr) 2009-12-21 2010-03-04 Phonak Ag Tube pour la transmission de sons
CN103460720A (zh) * 2011-03-23 2013-12-18 维布兰特美迪医疗电子听觉技术有限公司 用于可植入换能器中的振动激励的线传输
EP3422739A1 (fr) * 2017-06-30 2019-01-02 Sonion Nederland B.V. Ensemble récepteur dans un canal avec tuyau adaptable
US20230239636A1 (en) * 2022-01-21 2023-07-27 Gn Hearing A/S Method for providing visual markings on a connector for a hearing device
US20230239637A1 (en) * 2022-01-21 2023-07-27 Gn Hearing A/S Connector and a hearing device comprising said connector

Citations (9)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2573132A (en) * 1948-01-21 1951-10-30 George W French Hearing aid support
US4296829A (en) * 1978-12-15 1981-10-27 Danavox A/S Hook-shaped part of a behind-the-ear hearing aid
US4381830A (en) * 1981-07-27 1983-05-03 Jelonek Chester J Continuous flow earmold tubing connector
US4727582A (en) * 1984-03-23 1988-02-23 U.S. Philips Corporation Hearing aid with adjustable flexible connection member
US4827525A (en) * 1988-04-13 1989-05-02 Minnesota Mining And Manufacturing Company Attachment device for a probe microphone
US4977976A (en) * 1988-09-27 1990-12-18 Microsonic, Inc. Connector for hearing air earmold
US6275596B1 (en) * 1997-01-10 2001-08-14 Gn Resound Corporation Open ear canal hearing aid system
US20050111686A1 (en) * 2000-06-02 2005-05-26 Erich Bayer Otoplasty for behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aids
WO2005089016A1 (fr) * 2004-03-18 2005-09-22 Widex A/S Procede et dispositif de mesures sur oreille

Patent Citations (9)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2573132A (en) * 1948-01-21 1951-10-30 George W French Hearing aid support
US4296829A (en) * 1978-12-15 1981-10-27 Danavox A/S Hook-shaped part of a behind-the-ear hearing aid
US4381830A (en) * 1981-07-27 1983-05-03 Jelonek Chester J Continuous flow earmold tubing connector
US4727582A (en) * 1984-03-23 1988-02-23 U.S. Philips Corporation Hearing aid with adjustable flexible connection member
US4827525A (en) * 1988-04-13 1989-05-02 Minnesota Mining And Manufacturing Company Attachment device for a probe microphone
US4977976A (en) * 1988-09-27 1990-12-18 Microsonic, Inc. Connector for hearing air earmold
US6275596B1 (en) * 1997-01-10 2001-08-14 Gn Resound Corporation Open ear canal hearing aid system
US20050111686A1 (en) * 2000-06-02 2005-05-26 Erich Bayer Otoplasty for behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aids
WO2005089016A1 (fr) * 2004-03-18 2005-09-22 Widex A/S Procede et dispositif de mesures sur oreille

Cited By (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2010023331A2 (fr) 2009-12-21 2010-03-04 Phonak Ag Tube pour la transmission de sons
WO2010023331A3 (fr) * 2009-12-21 2010-11-18 Phonak Ag Tube pour la transmission de sons
CN103460720A (zh) * 2011-03-23 2013-12-18 维布兰特美迪医疗电子听觉技术有限公司 用于可植入换能器中的振动激励的线传输
EP3422739A1 (fr) * 2017-06-30 2019-01-02 Sonion Nederland B.V. Ensemble récepteur dans un canal avec tuyau adaptable
US20230239636A1 (en) * 2022-01-21 2023-07-27 Gn Hearing A/S Method for providing visual markings on a connector for a hearing device
US20230239637A1 (en) * 2022-01-21 2023-07-27 Gn Hearing A/S Connector and a hearing device comprising said connector
US12035111B2 (en) * 2022-01-21 2024-07-09 Gn Hearing A/S Method for providing visual markings on a connector for a hearing device

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