WO2019042953A1

WO2019042953A1 - Device for reproducing an audio signal

Info

Publication number: WO2019042953A1
Application number: PCT/EP2018/073061
Authority: WO
Inventors: Wilfried Kausel
Original assignee: "Bocore" Gmbh
Priority date: 2017-08-28
Filing date: 2018-08-28
Publication date: 2019-03-07
Also published as: EP3451700A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a device (1) for reproducing an audio signal (A), having at least one housing (2) that can be sealingly provided in the auditory canal (G) of an ear (0) of a user (B) and having at least one passage (3), having at least one sound transducer (4), at least one connection (6) for connecting to an audio signal source (5), at least one amplifier (7) and a control device (8). In order to adapt the reproduction of the audio signal (A) to changing ambient conditions and hearing scenarios and to maintain the best possible sound fidelity, an adjustable closure element (9) for closing the passage (3) is arranged in each passage (3), is connected to the control device (8) and is continuously controllable in the passage (3), and a detection device (10) is provided for contactless detection of the vibration of the eardrum (T) in the ear (0) and is connected to the control device (8) so that amplification (v) of the audio signal (A) and the cross-section of the at least one passage (3) may be controlled according to the detected eardrum (T) vibration.

Description

Device for reproducing an audio signal

The invention relates to an apparatus for reproducing an Au ^¬ diosignals, with at least one housing for sealingly Anord ^¬ voltage in the auditory canal of an ear of a user and having at least one through hole for connecting the disposed between the housing and the tympanic membrane part of the ear canal with the outside of the housing arranged part of the ear canal or the environment, with at least one sound transducer for outputting the audio signal, with at least one connection for connection to an audio signal source, at least one amplifier connected to the at least one sound transducer, and with a controller connected to each amplifier for controlling the gain of the audio signal, an adjustable closure element for closing is arranged through ^¬ hole in each through hole.

Under the concept device for reproducing an audio signal includes in particular headphones and hearing aids, as as example ^¬ when playing music and voice signals are used.

There are a variety of devices for reproducing an audio signal in the form of headphones or hearing aids, which can be arranged in the ear canal as so-called in-ear headphones or placed on the auricle. Such playback ^¬ devices often exhibit insufficient fidelity and often do not consider the actual Playb ^¬ beverhältnisse. This can lead to hearing damage, since the Intensi ^¬ ity of the output audio signal can lead to uncontrolled high sound ^¬ pressure, which must be viewed critically especially when hermetically sealed by the playback device auditory canals.

Ear specialists report more and more often of young people with severe hearing damage, which apparently by the habit of daily exposure to many hours of music from headphones, her hearing permanently damaged. Many headphones close the ear canal more or less airtight, with relatively small electrical powers large volumes, especially in the bass to produce. This is possible because a hermetically sealed cavity, such as the external auditory canal, has a very high acoustic impedance, which means that even a very small deflection amplitude of the loudspeaker diaphragm can generate a very high sound pressure. Slips the earphone in the ear but only a little and releases a very small connection to the outside - the cavity is then no longer hermetically sealed and not acoustically completely dense -, then the acoustic impedance in the ear canal decreases, especially in the range of bass frequencies relatively strong. As a result, the sound changes significantly and especially lower frequencies are played more quietly. As a typical reaction, the volume is increased until the low frequency range sounds reasonably satisfactory. The high frequencies are then too loud, because in this frequency range, leaks have a much lower impact. The damaging volume especially in the highest Fri ^¬ frequency range is not recognized or the listener gets used to it over time.

The strong fluctuations of the acoustic impedance in an almost tightly closed external auditory canal in hearing aids also mean that the problem of acoustic feedback, which is noticeable by whistling sounds, even with great technical effort is not manageable. As soon as the seat of the hearing aid or headset also changes only slightly, the entire tuning is no longer correct and the user is further harmed by the barely avoidable maximum loud whistling in his residual hearing.

On the other hand, hermetically sealed headphones lead to unpleasant pressure perception and to the so-called occlusive effect, an increased perception of one's own voice as well as bodily noises, which are also transmitted to the ear during swallowing and walking over the jawbone. Therefore, hermetically sealed headphones are worn for a limited time, which is particularly problematic in the use of hearing aids.

To improve the sound reproduction but also to avoid unacceptably high sound pressure levels in the auditory canal of the user, For example, from EP 2 129 169 A2 a device for reproducing audio signals of the subject type has become known, in which the vibration of the eardrum is detected and is used to control the performance of the playback device.

Other known documents, such as EP 2 434 780 B1, use special static frequency adjustments to improve the reproduction of the audio signal and adapt it to the needs of the user.

In addition, from DE 100 13 695 AI a hearing aid is known that with the help of two microphones arranged on the hearing aid

Noise level outside the ear canal is compared with the sound level ^within the auditory canal. Based on this loudness equalization Enver ^¬ the user's voice can be detected and a valve opens in consequence to closure effects to mini ^¬ mieren.

US 2017/0208382 discloses an ear canal occlusive in-ear headset with a closable opening to make ambient noise more audible and to minimize occlusion effects. By means of a microphone disposed in the auditory canal on the in-ear headphones, counter-noise can be generated to suppress undesired noise.

Despite the variety of solutions in this field of technology, the fidelity of hearing aids or headphones as well as the protection of users against impermissibly high sound pressure is still unsatisfactory.

The object of the invention is to provide an above-mentioned reproducing apparatus which avoids the aforementioned disadvantages or at least reduced and causes a signifi ^¬ edge improve the fidelity and at the same time protects the user of the reproducing apparatus from damage due to excessively high sound pressure. The device is also intended to adapt to changing conditions and listening situations, such as the fit of the device in or on the ear or changing ambient noise. The device should be as be foldable and inexpensive to produce and should be at least partially miniaturized, so that a complete or at least partial arrangement in the ear canal of a Be ^¬ user is possible.

The object is achieved in that the adjustable Ver ^{¬ closing} element is connected to the control device and continuously controlled in the passage opening, and that a detection device for contactless detection of the vibration of the eardrum of the ear is provided, which Detekti ^¬ onseinrichtung is connected to the control device, so that the amplification of the audio signal and the cross section of the at least one passage opening can be regulated as a function of the detected oscillation of the eardrum. The core of the invention is therefore on the one hand a controllable passage opening in the housing for sealing arrangement in the ear canal of the user's ear and the non-contact measurement of the vibration of the eardrum of the ear or alternatively the sound pressure in its ^immediacy baren and inclusion of these detected time and frequency-dependent variables in the control of the amplifier of the playback device and in the continuous control of the closure element in the through hole, so the bestmögli ^¬ che fidelity, non-damaging volume levels and optimal system behavior can be ensured at all times and not uncontrollable influences, such as the current seat of the housing in the ear canal, a are dependent on body movements changed acoustic impedance of the innermost ear canal section and changing ambient noise. Due to the features of the invention, on the one hand, a situation-dependent switching of the device for reproducing an audio signal from hermetically sealed to fully open without sacrificing fidelity while controlling the gain can be performed. It is essential that the time course of the vibration of the eardrum is detected directly or indirectly and included in the scheme, which can be ensured that the prevailing in the user's ear volume is always below the predetermined limits, which are still no hearing impairments can. By detecting the real displacement of the eardrum in real time, it is also possible in GeWiS ^¬ sen pathological cases comparable to hearing impression of a healthy mittein, because the eardrum is vibrated just as it would vibrate in a normal hearing, even if, for example calcified ossicles (otosclerosis) for a correspondingly higher sound pressure is necessary. Assuming the selection correspondingly smaller components, the reproducing apparatus can also be produced in miniaturized construction and completely or at least partially in the ear canal of the ear Ge ^¬ a user are arranged.

The adjustable closure element can, for example, by ei ^¬ nen hydraulically or pneumatically actuated balloon, an electro-mechanical actuator or the like. be formed. It is important that the adjustable closure element react quickly enough to changing Anforde ^¬ conclusions of the controller in the reproduction apparatus, and can be miniaturized accordingly.

The detection device for detecting the tympanic membrane vibration can be ge ^¬ forms by a laser Doppler interferometer, a microphone in the near field of the tympanic membrane or a Hall sensor or the like.. The non-contact detection of the vibration of the eardrum can be done either by direct methods or indirectly, by the sound pressure in the immediate vicinity of the eardrum measured by microphone and a once determined or approximately known transfer function, the so-called mechanical admittance (Mobility) of Drum ^¬ fells , in the time or frequency course of the eardrum vibration is transferred. The various detection devices for detecting eardrum vibration detect either the sound pressure (in the case of the microphone) or, depending on the design of the detection device, the deflection, speed or acceleration of the eardrum. All of the above variables can be converted into each other both in the time domain and in the frequency domain with the aid of simple transformations and filters as well as in individual cases or from normative vibration characteristics of the eardrum. In the case of non-contact measurement of the eardrum vibration, it must be ensured that the detection device is actually aligned with the eardrum and indeed detects its oscillation. Since the anatomical shaping of the auditory canals varies greatly, appropriate precautions must be taken the. For example, the detection devices can be automatically executed calibration procedures appropriately ^¬ directed. In the case of an optical measurement by means of a self-mixing interferometer, it would be possible, for example, to use an array of laser diodes (VCSELs) which are activated alternately before the use of the reproduction apparatus

Finally, the laser diode is used, which causes the strongest signal in the detectors. For focusing laser beams, CD players have long used adaptive miniature optics. Recently, electrostatically adjustable liquid lenses also belong to the known state of the art.

Advantageously, each housing is at least partially formed Elas ^¬ table or surrounded by an elastic sheath or a sealing element. As a result, in a similar manner as in in-ear headphones, a sealing of the ear canal from the environment is achieved. As an elastic wrap or elasti ^¬ ULTRASONIC sealing element correspondingly shaped body of silicone or similar elastic and skin-compatible materials are possible with a suitable design.

If the control device is connected to an operating device, influencing the control device can be achieved by appropriate operation. For example, the maximum volume can be changed, or a sound control are made by corresponding actuation elements on a Bedie ^¬ drying apparatus. Instead of mechanical actuators, an operator and influencing the control device can also be done wirelessly with other devices, such as smartphones, which have a entspre ^¬-reaching software or app.

Furthermore, the control device can be connected to an interface. As a result, on the one hand, data can be read from the device for reproducing the audio signal or parameters or software or program parts can be imported into the device. As interfaces come for example wireless

Interfaces such as Bluetooth ^® interfaces or wired interfaces such as USB (Universal Serial Bus) - interfaces particularly in question. The audio signal source can be formed by at least one microphone or by a device for reproducing the audio signal, for example a smartphone. In the case of the application of the subject device as a hearing aid, a microphone which receives the sound waves of the environment and correspondingly amplified and changed outputs to the user, as the audio signal source ^¬ find application. When using the device as headphones for the playback of music or speech, the audio signal source can also be formed by a device for reproducing the audio ^¬ signal, such as a CD player, a radio or even a smartphone. When using the device as a communication device, the audio signal source can be formed by wire ^¬ loose transmission of the language of a second person who is recorded by means of microphone microphone or structure-borne sound in the head area. The communication function can also take place reciprocally and enable bidirectional wireless communication with the best possible quality between two or more users of the devices according to the invention.

The at least one acoustic transducer is preferably formed by at least ^¬ a speaker. Depending on the embodiment of the reproducing device, the loudspeaker is arranged in or on the housing or integrated therein. Of course, depending on the design of the playback device, the sound transducer can also be formed by a combination of different loudspeakers with different frequency responses, thereby enabling optimum sound reproduction.

Alternatively or additionally, the at least one sound transducer may also be formed by at least one other electromechanical transducer. In this way, an excitation of the bone or cartilage in the area of the ear can take place, for example, which pulls a mechanical vibration of the drum ^¬ fells by themselves, leading to a perception of sound.

When at least one microphone is provided for receiving Umgebungsgeräu ^¬ rule which a microphone is connected to at least the control means, a consideration of the ambient noise and inclusion in the control can successes In contrast to the microphone, which is used in hearing aids as an audio signal source, and which will be advantageously arranged at the outwardly directed end of the housing for sealing arrangement in the ear canal of the user's ear, the microphone for recording ambient noise is preferably arranged outside both ear canals , It could, for example, make the user's voice accessible to the control so that it is not amplified further by the hearing aid, which is already very strongly transmitted into the ear by bone conduction.

Another embodiment of such a detector for the egg ^¬ gene voice is an acceleration sensor for measuring the body sound ^components mainly generated by the user's own voice, which acceleration sensor is formed, for example, for engagement with an inner wall of the ear canal and connected to the control device. The acceleration sensor is pressed, for example, in or outside the ear canal to the cranial bone or cartilage and acts as a body ^¬ sound microphone. Such an acceleration sensor would also be the ideal signal source for the use of the device as a communication device, as it primarily transmits the own language and only ei ^¬ nen very small proportion of ambient noise.

The at least one port for connection to a Audiosig ^¬ nalquelle, each amplifier and the control means for controlling the gain of the audio signal can be in the at least one housing for placement within the ear canal of the ear of the user be located. In this way a teilwei ^¬ se or completely arranged in the ear canal hearing aid or an in-ear headphones can be formed. The course necessary

Power supply can also be placed in the housing o- also be arranged externally and connected to the respective components via corresponding lines. As a power supply or accumulators small Batte ^¬ criteria are, in particular according to the application. Other energy sources, such as solar cells or the like. , of course, are conceivable.

If two housings for sealing placement in each ear canal the ears of a user are provided, which housing are connected to each other via a bracket, the device for reproducing an audio signal in the form of a headphone can be formed. In this manner, a headphone is formed in a conventional manner, in each of the auditory canal of each ear of the user, a housing is sealingly disposed and the audio signal outputs entspre ^¬ accordingly to the inner side of the ear canal.

In this application, a headphone of the at least ei ^¬ ne terminal for connection to an audio signal source, each amplifier and the control means for controlling the gain of the audio signal preferably in or on the bracket are angeord ^¬ net. In this way, the larger components can be placed outside the housing for sealing in the auditory canal of the user, thereby facilitating the manufacture of the housing to be arranged in the ear canal and simplifying handling. In particular, the power supply, which will preferably be formed by batteries or accumulators, be arranged outside the bracket or in the bracket. Of course, the components or even parts thereof may be connected via corresponding lines to the bracket and the housings for placement in the ear canals.

The at least one port for connection to the audio signal ^¬ source may be configured for wireless connection to the audio signal source. In this way, the audio signal may be wirelessly to the apparatus for reproducing the audio signal weitergelei ^¬ tet. This includes, in particular standardized wireless ^¬ compounds such as Bluetooth ^® interfaces to the application.

The invention will be explained in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Show:

1 is a block diagram of a possible embodiment of a device according to the invention for reproducing an audio signal;

Fig. 2a shows a variant of a housing for sealing

Arrangement in the auditory canal of an ear of a user;

2b shows a further embodiment of a housing for the ab ^¬ sealing arrangement in the ear canal of an ear of a Be users;

3a shows an embodiment variant of the device according to the invention for reproducing an audio signal with a first variant of a detection device for detecting the oscillation of the eardrum and a first variant for the sound transducer;

3b shows a further embodiment of the device according to the invention for reproducing an audio signal with a second variant of a detection device for detecting the oscillation of the eardrum and a second variant for the sound transducer.

3c shows a further embodiment of the device according to the invention for reproducing an audio signal with a third variant of a detection device for detecting the oscillation of the eardrum and a third variant for the sound transducer; and

Fig. 4 shows a further embodiment of the reproducing apparatus in

Form of a headphone with a bracket and two attached thereto ^¬ cases for sealing arrangement in each ear of the user and detection devices for detecting the vibration of the eardrum in the ear canal.

Fig. 1 shows a block diagram of a possible Ausführungsva ^¬ riante of a device 1 according to the invention for reproducing an audio signal A (t, f). By specifying the time parameter t and the frequency parameter f is to be placed and the time and Frequenzabhän ^¬ dependence of the audio signal to expression. The desired reproduced audio signal with A _so called n. The device 1 includes at least a housing 2 for sealing arrangement in the ear canal G of an ear 0 a user B having at least one through-hole 3 for connecting the disposed within the housing 2 part of the ear canal G with the au ^¬ ßenseitig of the housing 2 disposed portion of the ear canal G In addition, at least one sound transducer 4 is provided for outputting the audio signal A (t, f) and a connection 6 for connection to a corresponding audio signal source 5.

Finally, there exists at least one amplifier 7 connected to the at least one sound transducer 4 and a control device 8 for controlling the amplification v (t, f) of the audio signal A (t, f). By specifying the time parameter t and the Frequency parameter f is the possibility of a regulation of the gain v in the time domain and / or in the frequency domain are shown.

The sound transducer 4 may be formed by a loudspeaker 21 (see FIGS. 3a and 3c). Also, an implementation by an electromechanical transducer 22 (see Fig. 3b) is conceivable, which brings the cartilage in the region of the auricle (Concha auricularis) to vibrate. Through cartilage transmission, these vibrations are then transmitted to the wall of the ear canal G, which also excites the sound field, which leads to the deflections of the eardrum T. The electromechanical transducer 22 can also be implanted in the cartilage at most including control electronics and power supply. This type of stimulation works in offe ^¬ nen as well as in the closed condition of the ear canal G using the inventive regulation, so that the most unknown frequency response of this suggestion and the big jumps cause any unwanted sound distortion in the acoustic impedance. Excitation via bone conduction through an electromechanical transducer 22 implanted in the petrous bone can also be combined with the tone control described here.

As the audio signal source 5 is for example a microphone 18, a device 19 for reproducing an audio signal A (t, f), such as a CD player, radio or the like. or even a smartphone 20 in question. The connection 6 for connection to the audio signal ^¬ source 5 may be formed by a plug or be designed for wireless connection to the audio signal source 5.

According to the invention, in each passage opening 3 of the housing 2, an adjustable closure element 9 for closing the

Passage opening 3 is arranged, which adjustable closure ^¬ element 9 is connected to the control device 8. In this manner, the through hole 3 can be hermetically locked fully opened or closed to some degree, as required or depending on the setting of the regulation ^¬ device 8. By appropriate selection of the lock elements 9 must be a miniaturized design and a sufficiently ra ^¬ shear Closure and a sufficiently rapid opening. be presented.

Furthermore, a detection device 10 for non-contact detection of the vibration of the eardrum T of the ear 0 vorgese ^¬ hen. The detection device 10 thus detects the actual audio signal, which is denoted by Ai _St , and supplies this to the control device 8, so that the gain v (t, f) of the audio signal A (t, f) in the amplifier 7 as a function of the detected Oscillation of the eardrum T and the actual audio signal Ai _{St is} adjustable. In this way, it is possible to ^regulate the amplification v (t, f) as a function of the real oscillation state of the eardrum T. The Detek ^¬ tion device 10 can be placed separately from the housing 2 in the interior of the ear canal G, or even to the housing 2 be ver ^¬ connected or integrated in this, if the housing is designed such that a non-contact detection of the

Oscillation of the eardrum T is enabled. ^¬ as detection means 10, for example, optical devices such as "Scanning Laser Doppler Vibrometer" or "self-mixing laser Doppler vibrometer" may be used. Very small semiconductor laser diodes with matching lens and evaluation electronics are used. Newer so-called VCSEL (Vertical Cavity Surface Emitting Laser) technologies integrate arrays of suitable micro-laser diodes in corresponding chips with an area of only a few mm ² and have high reliability and easy adjustability. What is new is the use of such a detection device 10 for detecting the excited by a transducer 4 vibration of the eardrum T while listening in conjunction with a control device 8, whereby the acoustic excitation of the ear canal G in amplitude and phase is constantly adjusted so that the time course of Deflection of the eardrum T always corresponds to the digital specification, although ^¬ probably the acoustic ambient conditions can sometimes change massively and abruptly. Only such a regulation allows automatic switching of the device 1 for reproducing audio signals A (t, f) from a "closed" mode (in which the through-opening 3 is fully closed by the closure element 9) into the "open" mode ( ^FIG. in which the through-opening 3 is completely open) or an intermediate position (in which the through-opening 3 passes through the opening 3). Closing element 9 is partially closed), if the user B for reasons of wearing comfort or the like. wishes or the acoustic environmental conditions suggest it. The largely complete suppression of background noise, either from the outside penetrates or generated by the user B itself, such as by chewing, head movements, walking, etc., is possible in this way.

The control device 8 can with an operating device

16 may be connected, via which certain parameters in the control device 8 can be changed or specified.

Furthermore, the control device 8 with an interface

17 be connected to data of the device 1 for playback of audio signals A (t, f) to export or parameters or programs or program parts in the control device 8 einspie ^¬ len can. But interfaces 17 may also be other wireless or cable interfaces, for example Blue- tooth ^® interfaces or USB interfaces.

The control device 8 may further be connected to at least one microphone 23 for detecting ambient noise in order to be able to include ambient noise in the regulation of the gain v (t, f). Finally, an acceleration sensor 24 may also be provided and connected to the control device 8. This acceleration sensor 24 can be arranged according to the measurement of structure-borne noise and used to Verhin ^¬ tion of so-called Okklusionseffekten (see below).

In Fig. 2a, a variant of a housing 2 for ab ^¬ sealing arrangement in the ear canal G of an ear 0 of a user B is shown. The housing 2 is provided, for example, with an elastic sheath 14 to allow a sealing arrangement in the ear canal G of the user's ear 0. In the through hole 3, the closure element 9 in the form ei ^¬ nes hydraulically or pneumatically actuated balloon 12 is included. According to the specifications of the control device 8, the balloon 12 is filled or emptied, so that the passage opening 3 closed if necessary, fully open or partially can be closed. Furthermore, on the housing 2, a microphone may be attached ^¬ assigns 18 as a possible implementation of the audio source. 5 Finally, an abovementioned acceleration sensor 24 for measuring structure-borne noise in the ear canal G can also be provided on the housing.

2b shows a further embodiment variant of a housing 2 for the sealing arrangement in the auditory canal G of an ear 0 of a user B. In this case, the closure element 9 is formed by an electromechanical actuator. Instead of an elastic envelope 14 (see FIG. 2a) may be arranged on the housing 2 at least one elastic sealing member 15 to enable the waterproofing ^¬ tend arrangement in the auditory canal of the ear G 0 of the user B. Instead of at least one balloon 12, an electromechanical actuator 13 as a closure element 9 in the

Through opening 3 to be installed. Also, elements from a certain material, which are thermally deformed, are possible (not shown) as Verschlus ^¬ selement. 9 Also in this exporting ^¬ approximately variant according to Fig. 2b, a microphone 18 is arranged as a possible implementation of the audio source 5 to the housing 2.

By the closure element 9 in the through hole 3 can be switched between an "open" and "closed" mode, which not only increases the comfort but also safety, for example in traffic and also improves the ^{ability to} communicate while listening to music who ^¬ can. Also, intermediate states of the "open" and "geschlosse ^¬ nen" mode may be desirable, depending on the noise in the environment U, operating mode or preference of the user B. The switching can also manually (e.g., via a ent ^¬ speaking operator means 16 see Fig. 1) or (a corresponding application on a smart phone 20, see Fig. 1), it ^¬ follow. an automatic by sensing the sounds in the environment U control of the lock elements 9 in the through holes 3 is possible.

3a shows an embodiment of the device 1 for reproducing an audio signal A (t, f) with a first variant of a detection device 10 for detecting the vibration of the eardrum T in the form of a laser Doppler interferometer 25, wel Detected in a non-contact manner, the vibration of the eardrum T by emitting a laser beam and detection of the reflected part of the laser beam. The Wiedergabevorrich ^¬ device 1 is in the form of an in-ear earphone or hearing aid. The housing 2 is preferably formed so that it can be completeness, ^¬ dig or at least partially inserted into the ear canal of the ear G 0 of the user B. The connection 6 for Verbin ^¬ dung with an audio signal source 5, the amplifier 7, the Rege ^¬ averaging means 8 and the sound converter 4 are arranged in housing 2 or integrated therein. The detection device 10 for detecting the vibration of the eardrum T is arranged separately from the housing 2, but connected to the control ^¬ device 8 therein (not shown). The at least one loudspeaker 4 provided for the reproduction of the audio signal is formed by a loudspeaker 21 in the housing 2 at the entrance of the auditory canal G.

The embodiment of the device 1 for reproducing an audio signal A (t, f) in accordance with FIG. 3B has a second variant of a detection device 10 for detecting the vibration of the eardrum T, which is formed by a microphone 26, via which the vibration of the eardrum indirectly T or directly the sound pressure can be determined. In contrast to the embodiment according to FIG. 3A, the sound transducer 4 is formed here by an electromechanical sound transducer 22. Again, the detection device 10 for detecting the vibration of the eardrum T is arranged separately from the housing 2, but na ^{¬ course} connected to the control device 8 therein (not shown).

Finally, FIG. 3 c shows a further embodiment of the device 1 according to the invention for reproducing an audio signal with a third variant of a detection device 10 for detecting the vibration of the tympanic membrane T. In this case, a Hall sensor 27 is used, particles magnetized on the tympanum T of the user B being magnetized be applied, the magnetic ^¬ field is measured by the Hall sensor, with movements of the eardrum T are detected as small changes in this magnetic field. The detection device 10 for detecting the vibration of the eardrum T is arranged on or in the housing 2 and with the control device 8 located therein. Also shown in Fig. 3c is a variant of the transducer 4, in which this is housed as a miniature speaker together with the other essential elements in this case significantly smaller housing 2 completely in the ear canal G. The ab ^¬ seal by elastic sealing elements 15 as sealing lips, is, in this case an invisible hearing aid, deep in the ear canal Ge ^¬ G instead. The housing 2 carries on its outer side here the microphone 18 and contains the passage opening 3 with the closure element. 9

In Fig. 4, another embodiment of the reproducing apparatus 1 in the form of a headset with a bracket 28 and two arranged thereon housings 2 for sealing arrangement in each ear 0 of the user B is shown. On or in the bracket 28 of the connection 6 for connection to an audio signal source 5 and the necessary power supplies (not shown) is arranged. The at least two amplifiers 7 and control devices 8 are located either in the bracket 28 or in the housings 2. In addition, on the bracket 28 and a microphone 23 for receiving ambient noise can be arranged. On the housings 2 for sealing arrangement in each ear 0 of the user B, the detection means 10 for detecting the eardrum oscillations and, on the environment side, a microphone as audio signal sources 5 are arranged on the auditory side. The sound transducers 4 are arranged in the already described manner either in the housings 2 or connected to the detection devices 10. In this way, a headphone is provided which controls the gain of the amplifier 7 as a function of the measured eardrum vibration and adjusts the adjustable closure elements 9 in the through-openings 3 of the two housings 2 in accordance with the current hearing situation.

The inventive apparatus 1 for reproducing Audiosig dimensional ^¬ A (t, f) is characterized by optimal sound and phase accuracy and thus enables the best possible reproduction of na ^¬-natural stereophonic sound. This hearing aids are possible in which the impairment of the ability of spatial hearing can be largely avoided. An essential feature of the device 1 according to the invention, especially in combination with sound transducers which are still effective even at very low frequencies (<10 Hz), is the elimination or at least minimization of massively disturbing occlusion effects mentioned above. These come about because the volume of the sealed inside of the housing 2 arranged part of the ear canal G is changed by jaw movements or by movements of sealingly arranged in the ear canal G of the device 1, resulting in low-frequency pressure ^¬ fluctuations that the eardrum T registered. If the detection device 10 detects such low-frequency deflections of the eardrum T, and the sound transducer 4 is able to maintain a quasi-static counterpressure of appropriate size, then the sound control is effective even in the lowest frequencies and even quasi-static disturbances can be compensated.

A further occlusion effect is the unnaturally amplified perceived own voice as well as other body noises which are transmitted eg when walking by bone conduction via the jaw to the ear 0 and due to the high acoustic impedance of the closed auditory canal G perceived unusually loud and much ^¬ even even by the playback device. 1 be additionally reinforced. To prevent this or to counteract the stimulation of the eardrum T by bone or cartilage sound, the measurement of structure-borne noise by an acceleration sensor 24 mentioned above, for example, on the housing 2 for sealing arrangement in the ear canal G is advantageous. This signal can then be subtracted from the desired value of the audio signal A (t, f) in order to dampen the affected sounds for the perception.

When the control acts directly at the movement of the eardrum T, certain types of tinnitus can be suppressed ak ^¬ tive simultaneously, namely those that actually stimulate existing vibrations in the inner ear by a malfunction of the outer hair cells as otoacoustic emissions eardrum T in Want to move.

The inventive device for playing Audiosigna ^¬ len not only allows optimization of the perceived sound regardless of the listening situation, but also allows the computational accumulating all potentially GUESS ^¬-damaging noise exposure in order to determine the noise dose that is exposed to a user. The data obtained provides a much more accurate picture of hearing impairing habits, because it is the combination of exposure time, volume, and recovery times that results in permanent damage. Upon reaching a harmful dose, the user could be warned or the adjustable volume independently be limited to zuläs ^¬ sige level.

Claims

Claims:

1. Device (1) for reproducing an audio signal (A), with at least one housing (2) for sealing arrangement in the auditory canal (G) of an ear (0) of a user (B) and with at least one passage opening (3) for connecting the between the housing (2) and the eardrum (T) arranged part of the Hearing ^¬ ganges (G) with the outside of the housing (2) arranged part of the ear canal (G) or the environment (U), with at least one sound transducer (4 ) for outputting the audio signal (a), with at least one connection (6) for connection to a Audiosig ^¬ nalquelle (5), at least one of the at least one sound ^¬ converter (4) connected to the amplifier (7), and with a with each Amplifier (7) connected to control device (8) for controlling the gain (v) of the audio signal (A), wherein in each passage opening (3) an adjustable closure element (9) for closing the passage opening (3) is arranged, characterized in that the sett bare closure element (9) connected to the control device (8) and in the passage opening (3) is continuously controllable, and that a detection device (10) for non-contact detection of the vibration of the eardrum (T) of the ear (0) is provided which detection device (10) is connected to the control device (8), so that the gain (v) of the audio signal (A) and the cross section of the at least one passage opening (3) in dependence on the detected vibration of the eardrum (T) rule ^¬ bar is.

2. Device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the adjustable closure element (9) by a hydraulically or pneumatically actuated balloon (12), an electromechanical actuator (13) or the like. is formed.

3. Device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the detection device (10) by a laser Doppler interferometer (25), a microphone (26) or a Hall sensor (27) or the like. Is formed ,

4. Device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that each housing (2) is at least partially elastic. is formed table or with an elastic sheath (14) or a sealing element (15) is surrounded.

5. Device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the control device (8) with a Bedie ^¬ tion device (16) is connected.

6. Device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the control device (8) with a

Interface (17) is connected.

7. Device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the audio signal source (5) by at least one microphone (18) or by a device (19) for reproducing the Au ^¬ diosignals (A), for example a smartphone (20) is formed.

8. Device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the at least one sound transducer (4) is formed by at least one loudspeaker (21).

9. Device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the at least one sound transducer (4) by at least one electromechanical transducer (22) is formed.

10. Device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that at least one microphone (23) is provided for receiving ambient noise, which is at least one microphone (23) connected to the control device (8).

11. Device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that an acceleration sensor (24) for measuring mainly the user's own voice erzeug ^¬ th body sound components is provided, which acceleration ^¬ sensor (24) for example for conditioning formed on an inner wall of Ge ^¬ hearing gear (G) and connected to the control device (8).

12. Device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the at least one connection (6) to Ver ^¬ connection with an audio signal source (5), each amplifier (7), the control device (8) for controlling the gain (v) of the audio signal (A) in which at least one housing (2) to An ^¬ order within the ear canal (G) of the ear (0) of Benut ^¬ zers (B) are arranged.

13. Device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that two housings (2) for sealing arrangement in each auditory canal (G) of the ears (0) of a user (B) are provided, which housing (2) via a bracket (28) are interconnected.

14. Device (1) according to claim 13, characterized in that the at least one connection (6) for connection to an audio signal source (5), each amplifier (7), the control device (8) for controlling the gain (v) of the audio signal (A) are arranged in or on the bracket (28).

15. Device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that the at least one connection (6) for Ver ^¬ connection with the audio signal source (5) for wireless connection to the audio signal source (5) is formed.