EP2046074B1 - Hearing aid - Google Patents

Hearing aid Download PDF

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Publication number
EP2046074B1
EP2046074B1 EP08105239A EP08105239A EP2046074B1 EP 2046074 B1 EP2046074 B1 EP 2046074B1 EP 08105239 A EP08105239 A EP 08105239A EP 08105239 A EP08105239 A EP 08105239A EP 2046074 B1 EP2046074 B1 EP 2046074B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
housing part
hearing aid
aid according
membrane
tight
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.)
Not-in-force
Application number
EP08105239A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP2046074A1 (en
Inventor
Wee Haw Koo
Wai Kit David Ho
Beng Hai Tan
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.)
Sivantos Pte Ltd
Original Assignee
Siemens Medical Instruments Pte Ltd
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 Siemens Medical Instruments Pte Ltd filed Critical Siemens Medical Instruments Pte Ltd
Publication of EP2046074A1 publication Critical patent/EP2046074A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP2046074B1 publication Critical patent/EP2046074B1/en
Not-in-force legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

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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
    • H04R25/75—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
    • H04R25/00—Deaf-aid sets, i.e. electro-acoustic or electro-mechanical hearing aids; Electric tinnitus maskers providing an auditory perception
    • H04R25/60—Mounting or interconnection of hearing aid parts, e.g. inside tips, housings or to ossicles
    • H04R25/602—Mounting or interconnection of hearing aid parts, e.g. inside tips, housings or to ossicles of batteries
    • 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
    • H04R25/65—Housing parts, e.g. shells, tips or moulds, or their manufacture
    • 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
    • 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
    • H04R2225/0216—BTE hearing aids having a receiver in the ear mould
    • 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
    • H04R2225/61—Aspects relating to mechanical or electronic switches or control elements, e.g. functioning
    • 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
    • H04R25/60—Mounting or interconnection of hearing aid parts, e.g. inside tips, housings or to ossicles
    • H04R25/603—Mounting or interconnection of hearing aid parts, e.g. inside tips, housings or to ossicles of mechanical or electronic switches or control elements
    • 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
    • H04R25/60—Mounting or interconnection of hearing aid parts, e.g. inside tips, housings or to ossicles
    • H04R25/607—Mounting or interconnection of hearing aid parts, e.g. inside tips, housings or to ossicles of earhooks
    • 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
    • H04R25/65—Housing parts, e.g. shells, tips or moulds, or their manufacture
    • H04R25/652—Ear tips; Ear moulds
    • H04R25/654—Ear wax retarders

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a hearing aid with a three-part housing according to claim 1.
  • a battery receiving chamber for a hearing aid which can be closed with a bayonet lock.
  • the battery chamber can be sealed watertight in a simple manner, and this should also be possible for unskilled persons.
  • a hearing aid to be worn behind the ear which comprises a crescent-shaped housing which has a hearing strap at one end and a battery compartment at the other end.
  • the hearing aid is designed by means of two hearing device sections so that the hearing aid is adjustable and can be adapted to the dimensions of the ear.
  • the invention has the object to provide a hearing aid, which allows adaptation to different operating conditions, ie different acoustic environments, while providing a far-reaching protection of the sensitive is adjustable and can be adapted to the dimensions of the ear.
  • WO 00/45617 A3 From the WO 00/45617 A3 is a hearing aid with a metal existing housing known that completely surrounds the electronics of the hearing aid and wherein a sound outlet opening is closed with an acoustically transparent, waterproof film.
  • the invention has the object to provide a hearing aid, which allows adaptation to different operating conditions, ie different acoustic environments, while providing a far-reaching protection of the sensitive electronic components from moisture ingress.
  • the object is achieved by a hearing aid according to claim 1.
  • the hearing aid according to the invention has a first housing part, which is carried by the user behind the ear together with the second housing part.
  • an electrical energy source for example, a lithium-polymer battery, a zinc-air battery or a capacitor is installed. This supplies an electronic component with electrical energy, which is located in the second housing part.
  • An electronic component in the sense of this invention may be an electronic amplifier circuit, a noise generator, an A / D or D / A converter or a digital signal processor. These circuits can be implemented discretely or integrated. The exact function of the electronic component is adapted to the needs of the user. For changing operating conditions, the electronic component has at least two different operating states. For example, a first operating state with a first gain and a second operating state with a second, higher or lower, gain can be provided. However, it is also possible to switch the directional characteristic of a receiver microphone or provide a plurality of frequency filters that can be selected by the user.
  • a selection device For selecting at least two operating states of the electronic component, a selection device is available, which has an external operating element.
  • This control element can be arranged in the first housing part or in the second housing part.
  • the selector is a potentiometer which controls the gain of an analog amplifier. In order to prevent penetration of moisture by the operating element, this is arranged liquid-tight on the outside of the housing part.
  • the axis of a potentiometer may be provided with an O-ring seal. Alternatively, slip ring seals or labyrinth seals are possible.
  • the selection device is a mechanical switch, its operating element can be sealed by means of a bellows. A pressure switch can be operated through an elastic housing part. Thus, the waterproofness of the hearing aid is not degraded by the external control. Nevertheless, the user gains in ease of use by being able to adapt his device to different operating conditions.
  • the hearing aid according to the invention has a third housing part which conducts an acoustic stimulus into the auditory canal of the user.
  • this may be a simple tube, which forwards the sound from a sound transducer integrated in the second housing part.
  • a sound transducer may be provided in the auditory canal of the user, which is electrically connected via the third housing part with the electronic component from the second housing part.
  • more electronic components are arranged in the third housing part.
  • a sound-permeable membrane at the top of the third housing part.
  • the tip is the one end of the housing part called, which is closest to the ear canal.
  • a membrane can be made, for example, from expanded polytetrafluoroethylene. This is permeable to sound waves, which are generated in the second or third housing part. Likewise, the membrane is permeable to gaseous water vapor. The penetration of liquid water, cerumen or sweat is reliably prevented. Thus, the third housing part remains clean and dry inside and the durability and reliability of the hearing aid is increased.
  • the hearing aid according to the invention can only generate noise as a tinnitus masker or, as an amplifier, record ambient noise through a microphone and release it back into the auditory canal of the user through a sound transducer.
  • a microphone opening is provided in one or more housing parts.
  • a microphone opening is provided in the second housing part.
  • the microphone opening is also sealed with a waterproof membrane.
  • these openings are also included in one embodiment a partially permeable membrane which allows air to penetrate and at the same time is impermeable to liquid water.
  • this membrane is preferably located substantially on the surface defined by the boundary line of the opening. As a result, the opening is closed with a taut membrane without bag-like protrusions of the membrane are present.
  • a further waterproof membrane is provided on the connecting surface between the first and the second housing part.
  • This may also consist of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene or, if the permeability to water vapor is secondary, of any other material.
  • the electronic components In order to allow easy accessibility of the electronic components, for example, for maintenance, they are mounted on a frame in one embodiment.
  • the outer shape of this frame is complementary to the inner shape of the second housing part.
  • the waterproof membrane for sealing the second housing part is particularly preferably arranged on the bottom surface of the frame facing the first housing part.
  • the hearing aid after FIG. 1 has a first housing part 1, a second housing part 2 and a third housing part 3.
  • a screw 4 which is made liquid-tight by means of an O-ring seal between the first and the second housing part.
  • a screw 5 Between the second housing part 2 and the third housing part 3a is also a screw 5, which also has a seal.
  • the screw 4 and 5 also bayonet locks or, in elastic housing material, plug-together closures can be performed.
  • the housing parts themselves consist of a metal or an alloy or a plastic. Depending on the requirements of the plastic, it may be a thermoplastic or a thermoset. The plastic can be made soft and cuddly to increase the wearing comfort or hard so as to better protect the electronic components inside the hearing aid.
  • FIG. 1 shows two different embodiments of the third housing part 3a and 3b.
  • Housing part 3a contains itself no active components.
  • the acoustic stimulus is generated by the electronic components in the housing part 2 and passed through the housing part 3 a in the auditory canal of the user.
  • a waterproof membrane 16 located at the top 6 of the housing part 3 a waterproof membrane 16. This prevents the entry of at least liquid water into the housing part 3 a.
  • the membrane can in return at least the sound from the housing part 3a.
  • the membrane 16 also allows the escape of water vapor from the housing part 3a.
  • the alternatively usable housing part 3b has a sound transducer 17 at its end remote from the second housing part. So that this as well as the electronic components in the housing part 2 and 1 are not damaged by moisture, is located at the opening of the housing part 3b a sound-permeable but waterproof membrane 16.
  • the transducer 17 is running through the housing part 3b connecting lines to the electronic component in Housing part 2 connected. Since the generated sound is not affected by resonances in the housing part 3a, results in the use of housing part 3b a higher sound quality.
  • FIG. 1 shows a selector 9 for selecting a plurality of operating states of the hearing aid.
  • the selector 9 may be a volume control.
  • a microphone opening 8 In order to absorb ambient noise, which are then further processed and amplified via the tip 6 and the sound transducer 17, located in the housing part 2 is a microphone opening 8. In order not to affect the water resistance, this microphone opening is closed by a sound-permeable and waterproof membrane.
  • the hearing aid is powered by a zinc-air battery. This requires sufficient air exchange to show no capacity losses.
  • openings 7 are provided in the housing part 1. Thus, the water-tightness of the housing is not affected by the openings 7, these are closed by means of a membrane, which is impermeable to liquid water. However, an exchange of air through the openings 7 is possible.
  • FIG. 2 shows an exploded view of the hearing aid FIG. 1 , Shown again are the 3 housing parts 1, 2 and 3.
  • the screw 4 between the first and second housing part is open.
  • the battery compartment is visible, in which a substantially cylindrical battery 10 is used.
  • electrical contacts 12 are located in the first housing part. When the first housing part is mounted on the second housing part, the electrical contacts 12 come to lie on the corresponding mating contacts 13 in the second housing part.
  • the contacts 12 are used for electrical contacting of the electronic component 15 with the battery 10.
  • further contacts may be provided to connect the selector 9 with the electronic component. When power is removed from the battery 10, this moisture can secrete. Therefore, the electronic component 15 is protected by a membrane 11 from moisture.
  • the membrane 11 may be permeable to air and / or sound and / or water vapor.
  • the electronic component 15 is located in a mounting frame 14. This has an outer shape which is complementary to the interior of the second housing part 2. Thus, the electronic component 15 can be mounted in the frame 14 in a simple manner in the housing part 2. For maintenance and repair purposes, an equally simple disassembly is possible.
  • the waterproof membrane 11 is located on the mounting frame 14.
  • the assembly of the electronic component 15 and the membrane 11 in one operation by inserting the mounting frame 14 in the second housing part 2.
  • the mounting frame 14 At the top of the mounting frame, ie in the assembled state between The housing parts 2 and 3 is either a sound transducer to produce an acoustic stimulus for the user or an electrical connection to connect the transducer in the housing part 3b with the electronic component 15.

Abstract

The aid has two housing parts (1, 2) accommodating electrical power sources and electronic components, and third housing part (3a) transmitting acoustic impulses to an ear of a user. The parts have detachable, fluid-tight screw connections (4, 5) to each other. A selecting device (9) is provided in the part (1) for selecting an operating condition, and has an operating element arranged at an external side of the part (1) in a fluid-tight manner. The part (2) is provided with a water-tight membrane at its opening (7) that is turned towards the part (1), where the membrane is made of PTFE.

Description

Die Erfindung betrifft ein Hörgerät mit einem dreiteiligen Gehäuse gemäß Anspruch 1.The invention relates to a hearing aid with a three-part housing according to claim 1.

Aus der DE 199 030 90 A1 ist ein Hörgerät der Eingangs beschriebenen Art bekannt. Um ein Eindringen von Feuchtigkeit in das Gehäuse weitgehend zu vermeiden, weist dieses vorbekannte Hörgerät keinerlei außenliegende Bedienelemente auf. Das Ein- und Ausschalten erfolgt vielmehr durch Demontage oder zumindest Lösen des ersten Gehäuseteiles mit der darin angeordneten Batterie. Eine Anpassung des Hörgerätes an verschiedene Umgebungsbedingungen, beispielsweise durch Änderung der Verstärkung, ist nicht vorgesehen.From the DE 199 030 90 A1 is a hearing aid of the type described input known. In order to largely prevent the penetration of moisture into the housing, this known hearing device has no external operating elements. The switching on and off takes place rather by dismantling or at least releasing the first housing part with the battery arranged therein. An adaptation of the hearing aid to different environmental conditions, for example by changing the gain, is not provided.

Aus der DE 195 02 994 A1 ist eine Batterieaufnahmekammer für eine Hörhilfe bekannt, welche mit einem Bajonettverschluss verschlossen werden kann. Dadurch kann die Batteriekammer in einfacher Weise wasserdicht verschlossen werden, wobei dies auch ungeschickten Personen möglich sein soll.From the DE 195 02 994 A1 a battery receiving chamber for a hearing aid is known, which can be closed with a bayonet lock. As a result, the battery chamber can be sealed watertight in a simple manner, and this should also be possible for unskilled persons.

Aus der DE 37 23 809 A1 ist ein hinter dem Ohr zu tragendes Hörgerät bekannt, das ein sichelförmiges Gehäuse umfasst, das an einem Ende einen Hörbügel und an dem anderen Ende ein Batteriefach aufweist. Dabei ist das Hörgerät mittels zweier Hörgeräteabschnitte so ausgestaltet, dass das Hörgerät verstellbar ist und an die Abmessungen des Ohres angepasst werden kann.From the DE 37 23 809 A1 For example, a hearing aid to be worn behind the ear is known which comprises a crescent-shaped housing which has a hearing strap at one end and a battery compartment at the other end. In this case, the hearing aid is designed by means of two hearing device sections so that the hearing aid is adjustable and can be adapted to the dimensions of the ear.

Aus der EP 1 432 285 A3 ist eine hydrophobe Beschichtung von einzelnen Komponenten im Bereich von Spalten, Ritzen und Öffnungen eines Hörgeräts bekannt.From the EP 1 432 285 A3 is a hydrophobic coating of individual components in the area of gaps, cracks and openings of a hearing aid known.

Aus der WO 00/45617 ist A3 ein Hörgerat mit einem aus Metall Bestehendem Gehäuse bekannt, das die Electronik des Hörgeräts vollständig umgibt und wobei eine Schallaustrittsöffnung mit einer akustisch durchlässigen, wasserdichten Folie verschlossen ist.From the WO 00/45617 A3 is a Hörgerat known with a metal existing housing that completely surrounds the electronics of the hearing aid and wherein a sound outlet is closed with an acoustically transparent, waterproof film.

Ausgehend von diesem Stand der Technik liegt der Erfindung die Aufgabe zugrunde, ein Hörgerät anzugeben, welches eine Anpassung an unterschiedliche Betriebsbedingungen, d.h. unterschiedliche akustische Umgebungen, gestattet und gleichzeitig einen weitgehenden Schutz der empfindlichen verstellbar ist und an die Abmessungen des Ohres angepasst werden kann.Based on this prior art, the invention has the object to provide a hearing aid, which allows adaptation to different operating conditions, ie different acoustic environments, while providing a far-reaching protection of the sensitive is adjustable and can be adapted to the dimensions of the ear.

Aus der EP 1 432 285 A3 ist eine hydrophobe Beschichtung von einzelnen Komponenten im Bereich von Spalten, Ritzen und Öffnungen eines Hörgeräts bekannt.From the EP 1 432 285 A3 is a hydrophobic coating of individual components in the area of gaps, cracks and openings of a hearing aid known.

Aus der WO 00/45617 ist A3 ein Hörgerät mit einem aus Metall bestehendem Gehäuse bekannt, das die Elektronik des Hörgeräts vollständig umgibt und wobei eine Schallaustrittsöffnung mit einer akustisch durchlässigen, wasserdichten Folie verschlossen ist.From the WO 00/45617 A3 is a hearing aid with a metal existing housing known that completely surrounds the electronics of the hearing aid and wherein a sound outlet opening is closed with an acoustically transparent, waterproof film.

Ausgehend von diesem Stand der Technik liegt der Erfindung die Aufgabe zugrunde, ein Hörgerät anzugeben, welches eine Anpassung an unterschiedliche Betriebsbedingungen, d.h. unterschiedliche akustische Umgebungen, gestattet und gleichzeitig einen weitgehenden Schutz der empfindlichen elektronischen Komponenten vor eindringender Feuchtigkeit bietet.Based on this prior art, the invention has the object to provide a hearing aid, which allows adaptation to different operating conditions, ie different acoustic environments, while providing a far-reaching protection of the sensitive electronic components from moisture ingress.

Die Aufgabe wird erfindungsgemäß gelöst durch ein Hörgerät gemäß Anspruch 1.The object is achieved by a hearing aid according to claim 1.

Das erfindungsgemäße Hörgerät weist einen ersten Gehäuseteil auf, welcher zusammen mit dem zweiten Gehäuseteil vom Benutzer hinter dem Ohr getragen wird. Im ersten Gehäuseteil ist dabei eine elektrische Energiequelle, beispielsweise ein Lithium-Polymer-Akkumulator, eine Zink-Luft-Batterie oder ein Kondensator eingebaut. Diese versorgt eine elektronische Komponente mit elektrischer Energie, welche sich im zweiten Gehäuseteil befindet.The hearing aid according to the invention has a first housing part, which is carried by the user behind the ear together with the second housing part. In the first housing part while an electrical energy source, for example, a lithium-polymer battery, a zinc-air battery or a capacitor is installed. This supplies an electronic component with electrical energy, which is located in the second housing part.

Eine elektronische Komponente im Sinne dieser Erfindung kann dabei eine elektronische Verstärkerschaltung sein, ein Geräuschgenerator, ein A/D- oder D/A-Wandler oder ein digitaler Signalprozessor. Diese Schaltungen können diskret oder integriert ausgeführt werden. Die genaue Funktion der elektronischen Komponente wird an die Bedürfnisse des Benutzers angepasst. Für wechselnde Einsatzbedingungen weist die elektronische Komponente mindestens zwei unterschiedliche Betriebszustände auf. Beispielsweise kann ein erster Betriebszustand mit einer ersten Verstärkung und ein zweiter Betriebszustand mit einer zweiten, höheren oder niedrigeren, Verstärkung vorgesehen sein. Jedoch ist es auch möglich, die Richtcharakteristik eines Empfängermikrofons umzuschalten oder eine Mehrzahl von Frequenzfiltern vorzusehen, welche vom Benutzer ausgewählt werden können.An electronic component in the sense of this invention may be an electronic amplifier circuit, a noise generator, an A / D or D / A converter or a digital signal processor. These circuits can be implemented discretely or integrated. The exact function of the electronic component is adapted to the needs of the user. For changing operating conditions, the electronic component has at least two different operating states. For example, a first operating state with a first gain and a second operating state with a second, higher or lower, gain can be provided. However, it is also possible to switch the directional characteristic of a receiver microphone or provide a plurality of frequency filters that can be selected by the user.

Zur Auswahl von mindestens zwei Betriebszuständen der elektronischen Komponente steht eine Auswahleinrichtung zur Verfügung, welche ein außenliegendes Bedienelement aufweist. Dieses Bedienelement kann im ersten Gehäuseteil oder im zweiten Gehäuseteil angeordnet sein. Im einfachsten Fall handelt es sich bei der Auswahleinrichtung um ein Potentiometer, welches die Verstärkung eines analogen Verstärkers steuert. Um ein Eindringen von Feuchtigkeit durch das Bedienelement zu verhindern, ist dieses flüssigkeitsdicht auf der Außenseite des Gehäuseteils angeordnet. Beispielsweise kann die Achse eines Potentiometers mit einer O-Ring-Dichtung versehen sein. Alternativ hierzu sind auch Schleifring-Dichtungen oder Labyrinth-Dichtungen möglich. Sofern es sich bei der Auswahleinrichtung um einen mechanischen Schalter handelt, kann dessen Bedienelement mittels eines Faltenbalges abgedichtet werden. Ein Druckschalter kann durch einen elastischen Gehäuseteil hindurch bedient werden. Somit wird die Wasserdichtigkeit des Hörgerätes durch das außenliegende Bedienelement nicht verschlechtert. Dennoch gewinnt der Benutzer an Bedienkomfort, indem er sein Gerät an unterschiedliche Betriebsbedingungen anpassen kann.For selecting at least two operating states of the electronic component, a selection device is available, which has an external operating element. This control element can be arranged in the first housing part or in the second housing part. In the simplest case, the selector is a potentiometer which controls the gain of an analog amplifier. In order to prevent penetration of moisture by the operating element, this is arranged liquid-tight on the outside of the housing part. For example, the axis of a potentiometer may be provided with an O-ring seal. Alternatively, slip ring seals or labyrinth seals are possible. If the selection device is a mechanical switch, its operating element can be sealed by means of a bellows. A pressure switch can be operated through an elastic housing part. Thus, the waterproofness of the hearing aid is not degraded by the external control. Nevertheless, the user gains in ease of use by being able to adapt his device to different operating conditions.

Weiterhin weist das erfindungsgemäße Hörgerät ein drittes Gehäuseteil auf, welches einen akustischen Reiz in den Gehörgang des Benutzers leitet. Im einfachsten Fall kann dies ein einfacher Schlauch sein, welcher den Schall von einem im zweiten Gehäuseteil integrierten Schallwandler weiterleitet. In einer anderen Ausführungsform kann jedoch auch ein Schallwandler im Gehörgang des Benutzers vorgesehen sein, welcher über das dritte Gehäuseteil mit der elektronischen Komponente aus dem zweiten Gehäuseteil elektrisch verbunden wird. Schließlich können bei besonders großer Funktionsvielfalt neben dem Schallwandler auch weitere elektronische Komponenten im dritten Gehäuseteil angeordnet werden.Furthermore, the hearing aid according to the invention has a third housing part which conducts an acoustic stimulus into the auditory canal of the user. In the simplest case, this may be a simple tube, which forwards the sound from a sound transducer integrated in the second housing part. In another embodiment, however, a sound transducer may be provided in the auditory canal of the user, which is electrically connected via the third housing part with the electronic component from the second housing part. Finally, in a particularly large variety of functions in addition to the sound transducer also more electronic components are arranged in the third housing part.

Um ein Eindringen von Feuchtigkeit zu vermeiden, insbesondere bei sportlich aktiven Benutzern, ist in einer Ausführungsform der Erfindung vorgesehen, eine schalldurchlässige Membran an der Spitze des dritten Gehäuseteils anzuordnen. Als Spitze wird dabei dasjenige Ende des Gehäuseteils bezeichnet, welches dem Gehörgang am nächsten liegt. Eine solche Membran kann beispielsweise aus expandiertem Polytetrafluorethylen hergestellt werden. Diese ist für Schallwellen durchlässig, welche im zweiten oder dritten Gehäuseteil erzeugt werden. Ebenso ist die Membran für gasförmigen Wasserdampf durchlässig. Das Eindringen von flüssigem Wasser, Cerumen oder Schweiß wird jedoch zuverlässig verhindert. Somit bleibt auch das dritte Gehäuseteil innen sauber und trocken und die Haltbarkeit und die Betriebssicherheit des Hörgeräts wird erhöht.In order to prevent ingress of moisture, especially in athletically active users, is provided in one embodiment of the invention to arrange a sound-permeable membrane at the top of the third housing part. The tip is the one end of the housing part called, which is closest to the ear canal. Such a membrane can be made, for example, from expanded polytetrafluoroethylene. This is permeable to sound waves, which are generated in the second or third housing part. Likewise, the membrane is permeable to gaseous water vapor. The penetration of liquid water, cerumen or sweat is reliably prevented. Thus, the third housing part remains clean and dry inside and the durability and reliability of the hearing aid is increased.

Beispielhaft kann das erfindungsgemäße Hörgerät als Tinitus-Masker lediglich Geräusche erzeugen oder aber als Verstärker Umgebungsgeräusche durch ein Mikrofon aufnehmen und durch einen Schallwandler wieder in den Gehörgang des Benutzers abgeben. Im letztgenannten Fall ist eine Mikrofonöffnung in einem oder mehreren Gehäuseteilen vorgesehen. Insbesondere ist eine Mikrofonöffnung im zweiten Gehäuseteil vorgesehen. Um weiterhin die Wasserdichtigkeit des Hörgerätes sicherzustellen, wird die Mikrofonöffnung ebenfalls mit einer wasserdichten Membran verschlossen.By way of example, the hearing aid according to the invention can only generate noise as a tinnitus masker or, as an amplifier, record ambient noise through a microphone and release it back into the auditory canal of the user through a sound transducer. In the latter case, a microphone opening is provided in one or more housing parts. In particular, a microphone opening is provided in the second housing part. To further ensure the waterproofness of the hearing aid, the microphone opening is also sealed with a waterproof membrane.

In Abhängigkeit des elektrischen Energiespeichers, welcher im ersten Gehäuseteil eingesetzt ist, kann es erforderlich sein, dass Luft in den ersten Gehäuseteil eindringen kann. Beispielsweise erfordert eine Zink-Luft-Batterie eine regelmäßige Luftzufuhr, um einen zuverlässigen Betrieb sicherzustellen. Um auch hier das Eindringen von Feuchtigkeit mit nachfolgender Beeinträchtigung der elektronischen Komponente zu vermeiden, sind diese Öffnungen in einem Ausführungsbeispiel ebenfalls mit einer teildurchlässigen Membran versehen, welche Luft eindringen lässt und gleichzeitig für flüssiges Wasser undurchdringlich ist. Bevorzugt befindet sich diese Membran dabei im Wesentlichen auf der durch die Begrenzungslinie der Öffnung definierten Fläche. Dadurch ist die Öffnung mit einer straff gespannten Membran verschlossen, ohne dass sackartige Ausbuchtungen der Membran vorhanden sind.Depending on the electrical energy storage, which is used in the first housing part, it may be necessary that air can penetrate into the first housing part. For example, a zinc-air battery requires regular air supply to ensure reliable operation. In order to avoid the ingress of moisture with subsequent impairment of the electronic component, these openings are also included in one embodiment a partially permeable membrane which allows air to penetrate and at the same time is impermeable to liquid water. In this case, this membrane is preferably located substantially on the surface defined by the boundary line of the opening. As a result, the opening is closed with a taut membrane without bag-like protrusions of the membrane are present.

Als Schutz vor Feuchtigkeit, die bei Betrieb des Energiespeichers entsteht oder als zusätzlicher Schutz der elektronischen Komponente, falls einmal unbeabsichtigt Wasser in den ersten Gehäuseteil eintritt, ist erfindungsgemäß an der Verbindungsfläche zwischen dem ersten und dem zweiten Gehäuseteil eine weitere wasserdichte Membran vorgesehen . Diese kann ebenfalls aus expandiertem Polytetrafluorethylen bestehen oder aber, wenn die Durchlässigkeit für Wasserdampf zweitrangig ist, aus einem beliebigen anderen Material.As a protection against moisture that arises during operation of the energy storage device or as additional protection of the electronic component, if even unintentionally water enters the first housing part, according to the invention, a further waterproof membrane is provided on the connecting surface between the first and the second housing part. This may also consist of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene or, if the permeability to water vapor is secondary, of any other material.

Um eine einfach Zugänglichkeit der elektronischen Komponenten, beispielsweise für Wartungsarbeiten, zu ermöglichen, sind diese in einer Ausführungsform auf einen Rahmen montiert. Die äußere Form dieses Rahmens ist dabei komplementär zur Innenform des zweiten Gehäuseteils. Dadurch kann nach Fertigstellung der elektronischen Komponenten und deren mechanischer Montage auf den Rahmen dieser als kompaktes Modul in den zweiten Gehäuseteil eingesetzt und dort gesichert werden. Besonders bevorzugt wird dabei an der dem ersten Gehäuseteil zugewandten Bodenfläche des Rahmens auch die wasserdichte Membran zur Abdichtung des zweiten Gehäuseteils angeordnet. Damit wird das Gehäuse ohne weitere Montagearbeit auch noch dicht verschlossen.In order to allow easy accessibility of the electronic components, for example, for maintenance, they are mounted on a frame in one embodiment. The outer shape of this frame is complementary to the inner shape of the second housing part. As a result, after completion of the electronic components and their mechanical mounting on the frame of this can be used as a compact module in the second housing part and secured there. In this case, the waterproof membrane for sealing the second housing part is particularly preferably arranged on the bottom surface of the frame facing the first housing part. Thus, the housing is sealed without further assembly work.

Ohne Beschränkung des allgemeinen Erfindungsgedankens soll die Erfindung nachfolgend anhand von Figuren näher erläutert werden.

  • Figur 1 zeigt ein erfindungsgemäßes Hörgerät in zusammengebautem Zustand;
  • Figur 2 zeigt eine Explosionszeichnung eines erfindungsgemäßen Hörgerätes.
Without limiting the general concept of the invention, the invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to figures.
  • FIG. 1 shows a hearing aid according to the invention in the assembled state;
  • FIG. 2 shows an exploded view of a hearing aid according to the invention.

Das Hörgerät nach Figur 1 weist ein erstes Gehäuseteil 1, ein zweites Gehäuseteil 2 und ein drittes Gehäuseteil 3 auf. Zwischen dem ersten und dem zweiten Gehäuseteil befindet sich eine Verschraubung 4, welche mittels einer O-Ring-Dichtung flüssigkeitsdicht ausgeführt wird. Zwischen dem zweiten Gehäuseteil 2 und dem dritten Gehäuseteil 3a befindet sich ebenfalls eine Verschraubung 5, welche ebenfalls eine Dichtung aufweist. Statt der Verschraubungen 4 und 5 können auch Bajonett-Verschlüsse oder, bei elastischem Gehäusematerial, zusammensteckbare Verschlüsse ausgeführt werden. Die Gehäuseteile selbst bestehen aus einem Metall oder einer Legierung oder einem Kunststoff. Je nach Anforderungen an den Kunststoff kann es sich um ein Thermoplast oder ein Duroplast handeln. Der Kunststoff kann weich und anschmiegsam ausgeführt werden um den Tragekomfort zu erhöhen oder hart um so die elektronischen Komponenten im Inneren des Hörgerätes besser zu schützen.The hearing aid after FIG. 1 has a first housing part 1, a second housing part 2 and a third housing part 3. There is a screw 4, which is made liquid-tight by means of an O-ring seal between the first and the second housing part. Between the second housing part 2 and the third housing part 3a is also a screw 5, which also has a seal. Instead of the screw 4 and 5 also bayonet locks or, in elastic housing material, plug-together closures can be performed. The housing parts themselves consist of a metal or an alloy or a plastic. Depending on the requirements of the plastic, it may be a thermoplastic or a thermoset. The plastic can be made soft and cuddly to increase the wearing comfort or hard so as to better protect the electronic components inside the hearing aid.

Figur 1 zeigt zwei verschiedene Ausführungen des dritten Gehäuseteils 3a und 3b. Gehäuseteil 3a enthält dabei selbst keine aktiven Komponenten. Der akustische Reiz wird durch die elektronischen Komponenten im Gehäuseteil 2 erzeugt und durch Gehäuseteil 3a in den Gehörgang des Benutzers geleitet. Um das Hörgerät für aktive Benutzer möglichst wasserdicht auszuführen und dabei die elektronischen Komponenten vor Schäden zu schützen, befindet sich an der Spitze 6 des Gehäuseteils 3a eine wasserdichte Membran 16. Diese verhindert das Eintreten zumindest von flüssigem Wasser in das Gehäuseteil 3a. Die Membran lässt im Gegenzug zumindest den Schall aus Gehäuseteil 3a austreten. Bevorzugt erlaubt die Membran 16 auch den Austritt von Wasserdampf aus dem Gehäuseteil 3a. FIG. 1 shows two different embodiments of the third housing part 3a and 3b. Housing part 3a contains itself no active components. The acoustic stimulus is generated by the electronic components in the housing part 2 and passed through the housing part 3 a in the auditory canal of the user. To make the hearing aid for active users as waterproof as possible while protecting the electronic components from damage, located at the top 6 of the housing part 3 a waterproof membrane 16. This prevents the entry of at least liquid water into the housing part 3 a. The membrane can in return at least the sound from the housing part 3a. Preferably, the membrane 16 also allows the escape of water vapor from the housing part 3a.

Das alternativ verwendbare Gehäuseteil 3b weist an seinem dem zweiten Gehäuseteil entferntem Ende einen Schallwandler 17 auf. Damit dieser ebenso wie die elektronischen Komponenten im Gehäuseteil 2 und 1 nicht durch Feuchtigkeit geschädigt werden, befindet sich auch an der Öffnung des Gehäuseteils 3b eine schalldurchlässige aber wasserdichte Membran 16. Der Schallwandler 17 wird durch innerhalb des Gehäuseteiles 3b laufende Anschlussleitungen an die elektronische Komponente im Gehäuseteil 2 angeschlossen. Da der erzeugte Schall nicht durch Resonanzen im Gehäuseteil 3a beeinträchtigt wird, ergibt sich bei Verwendung von Gehäuseteil 3b eine höhere Klangqualität.The alternatively usable housing part 3b has a sound transducer 17 at its end remote from the second housing part. So that this as well as the electronic components in the housing part 2 and 1 are not damaged by moisture, is located at the opening of the housing part 3b a sound-permeable but waterproof membrane 16. The transducer 17 is running through the housing part 3b connecting lines to the electronic component in Housing part 2 connected. Since the generated sound is not affected by resonances in the housing part 3a, results in the use of housing part 3b a higher sound quality.

Das erfindungsgemäße Hörgerät nach Figur 1 zeigt eine Auswahleinrichtung 9 zur Auswahl mehrerer Betriebszustände des Hörgeräts. Im einfachsten Fall kann die Auswahleinrichtung 9 ein Lautstärkesteller sein. Es ist jedoch auch möglich, das Hörgerät durch unterschiedliche Signalverarbeitungsprogramme an unterschiedliche Umgebungsgeräusche anzupassen. Zur Aufnahme von Umgebungsgeräuschen, welche dann weiterverarbeitet und verstärkt über die Spitze 6 bzw. den Schallwandler 17 abgegeben werden, befindet sich im Gehäuseteil 2 eine Mikrofonöffnung 8. Um die Wasserdichtigkeit nicht zu beeinträchtigen, ist auch diese Mikrofonöffnung durch eine schalldurchlässige und wasserdichte Membran verschlossen.The hearing aid according to the invention FIG. 1 shows a selector 9 for selecting a plurality of operating states of the hearing aid. In the simplest case, the selector 9 may be a volume control. However, it is also possible to adapt the hearing device by different signal processing programs to different ambient noise. In order to absorb ambient noise, which are then further processed and amplified via the tip 6 and the sound transducer 17, located in the housing part 2 is a microphone opening 8. In order not to affect the water resistance, this microphone opening is closed by a sound-permeable and waterproof membrane.

Im Ausführungsbeispiel nach Figur 1 wird das Hörgerät durch eine Zink-Luft-Batterie betrieben. Diese benötigt ausreichenden Luftaustausch, um keine Kapazitätseinbußen zu zeigen. Hierfür sind Öffnungen 7 im Gehäuseteil 1 vorgesehen. Damit auch durch die Öffnungen 7 die Wasserdichtigkeit des Gehäuses nicht beeinträchtigt wird, werden diese mittels einer Membran verschlossen, welch für flüssiges Wasser undurchlässig ist. Ein Luftaustausch durch die Öffnungen 7 ist jedoch möglich.In the embodiment according to FIG. 1 The hearing aid is powered by a zinc-air battery. This requires sufficient air exchange to show no capacity losses. For this purpose, openings 7 are provided in the housing part 1. Thus, the water-tightness of the housing is not affected by the openings 7, these are closed by means of a membrane, which is impermeable to liquid water. However, an exchange of air through the openings 7 is possible.

Figur 2 zeigt eine Explosionszeichnung des Hörgeräts nach Figur 1. Dargestellt sind wieder die 3 Gehäuseteile 1, 2 und 3. Die Schraubverbindung 4 zwischen erstem und zweitem Gehäuseteil ist geöffnet. Im ersten Gehäuseteil 1 wird das Batteriefach sichtbar, in welches eine im Wesentlichen zylinderförmige Batterie 10 einsetzbar ist. Weiterhin befinden sich im ersten Gehäuseteil elektrische Kontakte 12. Bei Montage des ersten Gehäuseteils auf das zweite Gehäuseteil kommen die elektrischen Kontakte 12 auf den entsprechenden Gegenkontakten 13 im zweiten Gehäuseteil zu liegen. Die Kontakte 12 dienen der elektrischen Kontaktierung der elektronischen Komponente 15 mit der Batterie 10. Daneben können weitere Kontakte vorgesehen sein, um auch die Auswahleinrichtung 9 mit der elektronischen Komponente zu verbinden. Bei Stromentnahme aus der Batterie 10 kann diese Feuchtigkeit absondern. Daher ist die elektronische Komponente 15 durch eine Membran 11 vor Feuchtigkeit geschützt. Die Membran 11 kann für Luft und/oder Schall und/oder Wasserdampf durchlässig sein. FIG. 2 shows an exploded view of the hearing aid FIG. 1 , Shown again are the 3 housing parts 1, 2 and 3. The screw 4 between the first and second housing part is open. In the first housing part 1, the battery compartment is visible, in which a substantially cylindrical battery 10 is used. Furthermore, electrical contacts 12 are located in the first housing part. When the first housing part is mounted on the second housing part, the electrical contacts 12 come to lie on the corresponding mating contacts 13 in the second housing part. The contacts 12 are used for electrical contacting of the electronic component 15 with the battery 10. In addition, further contacts may be provided to connect the selector 9 with the electronic component. When power is removed from the battery 10, this moisture can secrete. Therefore, the electronic component 15 is protected by a membrane 11 from moisture. The membrane 11 may be permeable to air and / or sound and / or water vapor.

Zur Montageerleichterung befindet sich die elektronische Komponente 15 in einem Montagerahmen 14. Dieser weist eine äußere Form auf, welche zum Inneren des zweiten Gehäuseteils 2 komplementär ist. Somit kann die elektronische Komponente 15 im Rahmen 14 in einfacher Weise im Gehäuseteil 2 montiert werden. Zu Wartungs- und Reparaturzwecken ist eine ebenso einfache Demontage möglich. Bevorzugt befindet sich auch die wasserdichte Membran 11 auf dem Montagerahmen 14. Somit erfolgt die Montage der elektronischen Komponente 15 und der Membran 11 in einem Arbeitsgang durch Einschieben des Montagerahmens 14 in das zweite Gehäuseteil 2. An der Spitze des Montagerahmens, also in montiertem Zustand zwischen den Gehäuseteilen 2 und 3 befindet sich entweder ein Schallwandler, um einen akustischen Reiz für den Benutzer zu erzeugen oder aber ein elektrischer Anschluss, um den Schallwandler im Gehäuseteil 3b mit der elektronischen Komponente 15 zu verbinden.For ease of assembly, the electronic component 15 is located in a mounting frame 14. This has an outer shape which is complementary to the interior of the second housing part 2. Thus, the electronic component 15 can be mounted in the frame 14 in a simple manner in the housing part 2. For maintenance and repair purposes, an equally simple disassembly is possible. Preferably, the waterproof membrane 11 is located on the mounting frame 14. Thus, the assembly of the electronic component 15 and the membrane 11 in one operation by inserting the mounting frame 14 in the second housing part 2. At the top of the mounting frame, ie in the assembled state between The housing parts 2 and 3 is either a sound transducer to produce an acoustic stimulus for the user or an electrical connection to connect the transducer in the housing part 3b with the electronic component 15.

Claims (13)

  1. Hearing aid with a first housing part (1) to accommodate an electrical energy source (10), a second housing part (2) to accommodate an electronic component (15) and a third housing part (3) to transmit an acoustic stimulus into the ear of a user, wherein the housing parts have a detachable, fluid-tight connection (4, 5) to one another and a selection facility (9) is present in the second or first housing part to select an operating state, having an operating element, which is arranged in a fluid-tight manner on the outside of the housing part, characterised in that the second housing part is provided with a water-tight membrane (11) at its opening facing the first housing part to seal said opening.
  2. Hearing aid according to claim 1, characterised in that the third housing part has a sound-permeable, water-tight membrane (16) at its end (6) opposite the point of connection to the second housing part.
  3. Hearing aid according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterised in that the second housing part has at least one opening (8) in its outer wall, which is provided with a sound-permeable, water-tight membrane.
  4. Hearing aid according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterised in that the first housing part has at least one opening (7) in its outer wall, which is provided with an air-permeable, water-tight membrane.
  5. Hearing aid according to claim 4, characterised in that the membrane is located in the surface defined by the boundary line of each opening.
  6. Hearing aid according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterised in that the membrane contains polytetrafluoroethylene.
  7. Hearing aid according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterised in that the fluid-tight connections (4, 5) between the housing parts (1, 2, 3) comprise a screw connection.
  8. Hearing aid according to claim 7, characterised in that the fluid-tight connections between the housing parts are provided with an 0-ring seal.
  9. Hearing aid according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterised in that an electrical connector (12, 13) is provided between the first and second housing parts.
  10. Hearing aid according to claim 9, characterised in that the electrical connector has four contacts.
  11. Hearing aid according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterised in that the third housing part (3) encompasses a sound converter (17).
  12. Hearing aid according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterised in that the electronic component (15) is supported by a frame (14), which is provided to be accommodated in the second housing part (2).
  13. Hearing aid according to claim 12, characterised in that the frame (14) is provided with the water-tight membrane (11) at its opening facing the first housing part (1).
EP08105239A 2007-10-04 2008-09-05 Hearing aid Not-in-force EP2046074B1 (en)

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DE102007047335A DE102007047335A1 (en) 2007-10-04 2007-10-04 hearing Aid

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AT (1) ATE546962T1 (en)
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US20090092270A1 (en) 2009-04-09
EP2046074A1 (en) 2009-04-08
US8103032B2 (en) 2012-01-24
ATE546962T1 (en) 2012-03-15
DE102007047335A1 (en) 2009-04-09

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