AT519629A1 - Coupling system for a bone conduction hearing system - Google Patents

Abstract

Coupling system (11) for a bone conduction hearing system for the auditory care of a human, comprising: - a first coupling element (5) for transmitting sound to the bone, which has at least one connecting element (1) for coupling a second coupling element (10) to objects or people , a second coupling element (10) which can be connected to a signal generator, the second coupling element (10) comprising at least one receiving element (2) for the connecting element (1), wherein at least one of the coupling elements (5, 10) is a magnet ( 4) and the other coupling element either a magnet (4) or a magnetizable material (3), and wherein the second coupling element (10) on the first coupling element (5) by means of mechanical and magnetic coupling is mounted against rotation.

Description

Coupling system for a bone conduction hearing system

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a coupling system for a bone conduction hearing system for the auditory care of a human, comprising: a first coupling element for transmitting sound to the bone, which has at least one connecting element for coupling a second coupling element to objects or people, and a second coupling element, which has a signal transmitter is connectable, wherein the second coupling element comprises at least one receiving element for the connecting element, - wherein at least one of the coupling elements comprises a magnet and the other coupling element comprises either a magnet or a magnetizable material.

The signal generator is part of the actual hearing aid, which is usually enclosed by a housing. In this case, the second coupling element is part of the hearing aid. The microphone (s) for the hearing aid are often located on or in the same housing as the signal generator, ie on the hearing aid.

STATE OF THE ART

In patients with severe middle ear disorders or malformations, the sound transmission path between eardrum and inner ear used by conventional hearing aids is sometimes no longer usable (by means of auditory bones). In such cases of deafness special hearing aids are therefore used, which transmit instrumentally generated sound as mechanical sound directly to the inner ear.

Such hearing aids, referred to as bone conduction hearing aids, bypass the ordinary human airborne sound apparatus of the outer ear and middle ear and transmit vibrations to selected portions of the cranial bone, preferably to the temporal bone containing the middle and inner ear, and subsequently to the temporal bone and mastoid surrounding the inner ear carrying the car part. About the skull bone while the entire middle and inner ear is set in vibration and the patient can perceive these vibrations as heard information.

To transmit such vibrations, bone conduction hearing aids include a vibrator (the transducer) having an electromagnetically actuated vibrating element corresponding to the second coupling element. By means of the vibration device vibrations are generated in the rhythm of the detected by a microphone device of the hearing aid airborne sound and transmitted to the temporal bone.

For attachment of the bone conduction hearing aid in the region of the ear or the skull bone usually mechanical brackets and / or anatomically form-fitting configurations such as curved bracket, magnetic support means or adhesive surfaces are used.

DE 102009014774 A1 discloses a bone conduction hearing aid with a housing and a coupling element which can be mechanically or magnetically coupled to an implant.

For hearing aids with dual microphone, the big problem is that the exact alignment of the microphones (one to the back and one forward, ie in a horizontal line from the back of the head to the tip of the nose) is essential to the sound of the hearing aid. When twisting the hearing aid, there is a significant reduction in quality of the sound recording and therefore a significant hearing impairment of the wearer. This problem is especially known in detachable hearing aids, which are coupled to a support means.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

It is therefore the object of the present invention to avoid the disadvantages of the prior art and to propose a coupling system for a bone conduction hearing system for the auditory supply of a human, which prevents twisting of an attachable and detachable hearing aid.

PRESENTATION OF THE INVENTION

According to the invention, this is achieved with a coupling system comprising: a first coupling element for transmitting sound to the bone, which has at least one connecting element for coupling a second coupling element to objects or people, and a second coupling element which can be connected to a signal generator; second coupling element comprises at least one receiving element for the connecting element, - wherein at least one of the coupling elements comprises a magnet and the other coupling element comprises either a magnet or a magnetizable material, achieved in that the second coupling element on the first coupling element by means of mechanical and magnetic coupling is mounted against rotation.

Thus, the great advantage of the coupling system according to the invention over the prior art that hearing aids with dual microphone can be arranged against rotation and thus the exact alignment of the microphones in, in an upright position, horizontal line (in the sagittal direction) is maintained and thus a optimal sound recording of the hearing aid is possible. The hearing aid can be attached and detached quickly and easily on the first coupling element via the second coupling element.

Magnetisable materials are understood here to be, in particular, ferromagnetic materials, such as metals, in particular iron.

Preferably, the coupling elements, in particular the connecting element and the receiving element, for mechanical coupling by frictional engagement and / or positive locking, in particular by a plug-in mechanism or snap mechanism or bayonet mechanism are formed to allow a security against rotation between the first and second coupling element. Many different geometric shapes and closing mechanisms are conceivable here. Particularly preferably, the connecting element and the receiving element are formed as mutually corresponding protuberance and depression. In this case, either the connecting element is formed as a protuberance and the receiving element as a corresponding recess, or the receiving element as a protuberance and the connecting element as a corresponding recess.

However, it would be possible - as an alternative or in addition to a torsion-proof design of connecting element and receiving element - to change the surface quality of the contact surface of the first coupling element to the second coupling element, for example by roughening or applying a toothing. In addition or instead, the surface quality of the contact surface of the second coupling element to the first coupling element can be changed, for example by roughening or applying a toothing. The toothing can then optionally be designed according to the toothing of the first coupling element.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, for the non-rotatable attachment of the second coupling element on the first coupling element, the receiving element and the connecting element on a spur or a polygonal circumference. By a mounted both on the receiving element and on the connecting element spur gearing a security against rotation of these elements against each other is possible. Of course, a round hole with at least one projection and / or a pin is possible. The connecting element of the first coupling element is accordingly designed as a pin or pin with an angular circumference and preferably has at least one recess, preferably in the form of a groove. Likewise, of course, a round connecting element with at least one recess is possible.

In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the magnetizable material and / or the at least one magnet are in the form of plates and are arranged normal to the coupling direction after attachment of the second coupling element on the first coupling element. The coupling direction is the direction in which first and second coupling elements are associated with each other. The magnetizable material and / or the at least one magnet can be present in a plurality of small plates or in each case a large plate in various shapes and sizes. Other embodiments of the at least one magnet and / or the magnetizable material, such as a spherical or rod-shaped magnet, of which preferably more are arranged in at least one of the coupling elements, is conceivable.

In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the strength of the magnetic coupling can be changed by exchanging at least one magnet and / or the magnetizable material. Thus, for example, athletes who are exposed to higher loads than an average person may use particularly strong magnets to minimize the risk of disengaging the coupling joint and to increase the "peel strength" of the coupling.

A part of the first coupling element, in particular a conductor plate, is preferably arranged on a carrier such that, in an operating state, it rests against the skin and / or is configured as part of an implant. This is important since a flat abutment of the conductor plate on the skin, preferably at the location suitable for bone conduction, is a prerequisite for achieving optimal bone conduction.

Particularly preferably, at least one of the coupling elements has a resilient mounting. This storage contributes to the comfort of the coupling device. Thus, the hearing aid by means of a second coupling element, more precisely by means of the receiving element, spring-mounted on the connecting element of the first coupling element, without the carrier perceives increased pressure during mounting. The first coupling element may be resiliently connected to a carrier, so that a sound transmission via the carrier to the first coupling element is reduced or prevented.

In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, a carrying means is provided, by means of which a contact pressure between a conductor plate of the first coupling element and the cranial bone can be generated. As already described above, a flat concern of the conductor plate on the cranial bone is a prerequisite to achieve optimal hearing results. By a certain contact pressure, the areal concern of the conductor plate (in the case that the first coupling element is not present as an implant) is strongly favored. The first coupling element can thus not easily slip, which allows a significant increase in the auditory result in sports.

Preferably, the first coupling element is an integral part of a hairband or can be attached by means of an adapter on a hairband. The adapter is in this case preferably releasably connected to the headband by means of a snap fastener or latching closure or positively. Of course, other types of closure for the adapter are conceivable. If the first coupling element is an integral part of the hairband, of course, eliminates the adapter.

Furthermore, it is preferred that the first coupling element is an integral part of a pair of spectacles or can be fastened by means of an adapter on a pair of spectacles, in particular on an eyeglass temple. The adapter is in this embodiment also preferably releasably connected to the eyeglass temple by means of a click fastener or snap closure or form-fitting manner. Of course, here are other types of closure for the adapter conceivable. If the first coupling element is an integral part of the spectacles, no adapter is needed to attach the first coupling element to the spectacles.

In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the first coupling element is an integral part of a headgear or can be fastened by means of an adapter on a headgear. With headgear are meant all those, especially textile, garments that protect the head at least partially against external (weather) influences, such as a hat, helmet, headscarf, a cap or a headband. As in the two embodiments previously, the adapter is preferably releasably connected to the headgear by means of a click fastener or snap closure or form-fitting manner. Of course, here are other types of closure for the adapter conceivable. If the first coupling element is an integral part of the headgear, no adapter is needed to attach the first coupling element to the headband.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, it is provided that a bone conduction hearing system comprises a coupling system as described above and a signal generator connected to the second coupling element. In this case, the signal generator, that is about the hearing aid, on the second

Coupling element on the first coupling element by means of mechanical and magnetic coupling mounted against rotation, to allow an optimal listening experience.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

The invention will now be explained in more detail with reference to exemplary embodiments. The drawings are exemplary and are intended to illustrate the inventive idea, but in no way restrict it or even reproduce it.

Showing:

Fig. 1 is a schematic side view of a longitudinally cut coupling system according to the invention

Fig. 2 is a schematic side view of a longitudinally cut first invention

coupler

Fig. 3 is a schematic side view of a longitudinally cut first coupling element according to the invention with resilient mounting

Fig. 4 is a schematic side view of a longitudinally cut first coupling element according to the invention with integrated support means

Fig. 5 is a plan view of a connecting element with locking mechanism

Fig. 6 is a plan view of a connecting element with polygonal circumference

7 shows a side view of a spectacle arm with an adapter and coupled hearing device

Fig. 8 is a side view of a hairband with an adapter and coupled hearing aid

WAYS FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

1 shows a schematic side view of a longitudinally cut coupling system 11 according to the invention with a first coupling element 5 which has a magnetizable material 3 or alternatively at least one magnet 4 (not shown), preferably a ferromagnet, and a pin-shaped connecting element 1. A second coupling element 10 of a hearing aid comprises a receiving element 2, here in the form of a depression, for receiving or attaching the

Connecting element 1 and at least one magnet 4, with, in the case of the embodiment of the first coupling element 5 with a magnet 4, to the magnet 4 of the first coupling element 5 attracting polarization. The receiving element 2 of the second coupling element 10 is preferably configured as at least one recess with an angular circumference and preferably has at least one pin arranged on its circumferential surface or at least one projection. Of course, a round bore with at least one projection and / or a pin 17 (see Fig. 5) is possible. The connecting element 1 of the first coupling element 5 is accordingly designed as a pin or pin with an angular circumference (see FIG. 6) and / or preferably has at least one recess 18 (see FIG. 5), preferably in the form of a groove. Likewise, of course, a round connecting element 2 with at least one recess 18 is possible. The coupling direction between the two coupling elements 5, 10 extends in the axial direction, in Fig. 1 in the drawing plane from top to bottom. By Formbeziehungsweise friction is a mechanical lock for torsions and thus a rotationally secure connection between the first 5 and the second coupling element 10 is prepared. Of course, more complex mechanical fasteners such as a special plug-in mechanism or snap mechanism or bayonet mechanism are possible.

The magnetic coupling between at least one magnet 4 and the magnetizable material 3 or between at least two magnets 4 can be controlled in a simpler manner by selecting different strength magnets 4 (and / or different magnetizable materials 3). It is also conceivable that a magnet 4 is replaced by a smaller in size magnets and / or a magnetizable material 3 by a smaller in size magnetizable material 3, and the remaining volume is filled by other, non-magnetic or magnetizable substances.

Preferably, the at least one magnet 4 is formed as a plate and interchangeable. Here, the magnetizable material 3 and the magnet 4 in the second coupling element 10 are annular, designed around the receiving element 2 or through the receiving element 2 by broken. In the first coupling element 5 shown in FIG. 1, the magnet 4 or the magnetizable material 3 is arranged plate-shaped and below the connecting element 1. In general, the magnet 4 and the magnetizable material 3 of the first

Coupling element 5 congruent (seen in the coupling direction) to the magnet 4, or magnetizable material 3, configured in the second coupling element 10. Of course, other embodiments of the at least one magnet 4, for example, a spherical or rod-shaped magnet, of which preferably more are arranged in at least one of the coupling elements 5, 10, conceivable. Thus, for example, an athlete who is exposed to stress, at least one stronger magnet 4 for a secure hold of the hearing aid, which is attached via the second coupling element 10 to the first coupling element 5 or mechanically and magnetically coupled use.

FIG. 2 shows the first coupling element 5 comprising a conductor plate 8, the connecting element 1 in the form of a pin and a magnetizable material 3 or a magnet 4. The contact surface 6 of the first coupling element 5 to the second coupling element 10 may contribute to the rotation-proof connection between the coupling elements 5, 10 by changing the surface quality, for example by roughening or applying a spur toothing. Likewise, the second coupling element 10 may have a contact surface with the first coupling element 5, which may contribute to the torsion-proof connection between the coupling elements 5, 10 by changing the surface quality, for example by roughening or applying a spur toothing. In this embodiment, the connecting element 1 is integrated in the conductor plate 8. A

Embodiment variant of the coupling system 11 according to the invention with detachable or replaceable connecting element 1 is of course conceivable.

Fig. 3 shows a schematic side view of the first coupling element 5 according to the invention with resilient mounting 12. The first coupling element 5 further comprises a connecting element 1, a magnetizable material 3 or a magnet 4 and a conductor plate 8. The support means 9 has a resilient mounting 12 on Increasing the wearing comfort and to avoid the transmission of sound from the support means 9 on the conductor plate 8, wherein the support means 9 may preferably be in the form of a hair band 13 or a spectacle arm 16, see FIGS. 7 and 8. If the support means 9 itself has resilient properties, is about flexible or elastic, for example, has the shape of a band, the support means 9 itself forms the resilient mounting 12 and can be attached directly to the first coupling element 5. Sur attachment of the support means 9 and its resilient mounting 12, the first coupling element 5 has a receptacle 19, preferably in the form of a recess, in particular in the form of a slot or a circumferential groove. The first coupling element 5 is usually firmly connected to the support means 9, but may also be detachable from the support means 9.

A schematic side view of the first coupling element 5 according to the invention with integrated support means 9 is shown in FIG. 4. In this embodiment variant, the carrying means 9 is firmly fixed to the first coupling element 5, preferably the first coupling element 5 is an integral part of the carrying means 9.

Fig. 5 illustrates a top view of the connecting element 1 with locking mechanism. In the axial direction (coupling direction, here normal to the plane of the drawing), the connecting element 1 has at least one on the peripheral surface

Recess 18, preferably in the form of a groove.

Various types of recesses such as a slot, cross, blind holes and / or a plurality of groove-shaped recesses 18 are conceivable for the connecting element 1. The receiving element 2 of the second coupling element 10 accordingly has the matching mechanical counterpart (according to the key - lock principle), such as, for example, a slot-shaped or cross-shaped projection and / or pins and / or pins 17. Thus, a rotationally secure connection between the coupling elements 5, 10 is provided.

FIG. 6 shows a plan view of the connecting element 1 with a polygonal circumference. Depending on the number of corners and resulting surfaces of the connecting element 1 and the receiving element 2, a frictional and / or positive connection of the coupling elements 5, 10 is created.

7 shows a side view of a carrying means 9 in the form of a spectacle arm 16 with an adapter 15 fastened to the temple 16 and a first coupling element 5 arranged thereon. A hearing device can be detachably coupled to the connecting element 1 of the first coupling element 5 by means of the receiving element 2 of the second coupling element 10 become. The contact surface 6 may, as already mentioned, have various configurations in order to promote a rotationally secure attachment of the hearing aid. The hearing device can be fastened by means of the second coupling element 10 to various adapters 15, which are designed for different spectacle models or spectacle arms 16. In this embodiment, the first coupling element 5 is provided with a connecting element 1 and integrated in the adapter 15. The conductor plate 8 is in the operating state on the skull, here only the back of the conductor plate 8 can be seen. The hearing aid comprising the second coupling element 10 is not shown in this figure.

FIG. 8 shows a side view of a carrying means 9 in the form of a hairband 13 with an adapter 20. The adapter 20 is releasably connected to the hairband 13 by means of a click fastener or snap closure or form-fitting manner. Of course, other types of closure for the adapters 15, 20 are conceivable. In this embodiment, the first coupling element 5 is also provided with a connecting element 1 and integrated in the adapter 20.

The conductor plate 8 of the first coupling element 5 is in the operating state on the skull, here only the back of the conductor plate 8 can be seen. A hearing aid, as in the previously mentioned embodiment variant, can be detachably coupled to the connecting element 1 of the first coupling element 5 by means of the receiving element 2 of the second coupling element 10. The contact surface 6 may, as already mentioned, have various configurations in order to promote a rotationally secure attachment of the hearing aid.

Combinations of the aforementioned design variants of the coupling system 11 according to the invention are of course possible.

Simultaneous mechanical and magnetic coupling results in a torsion-proof connection, which avoids the great problem of reducing or losing hearing quality by twisting microphones mounted on the housing of the hearing device, especially dual-microphone hearing aids.

REFERENCE LIST 1 connecting element 2 receiving element 3 magnetizable material 4 magnet 5 first coupling element 6 contact surface 8 conductor plate 9 support means 10 second coupling element 11 coupling system 12 resilient mounting 13 headbands 14 glasses 15 adapter 16 temples 17 pin 18 recess 19 receptacle 20 adapter

Claims (13)

1. Coupling system (11) for a bone conduction hearing system for the auditory supply of a human, comprising: - a first coupling element (5) for transmitting sound to the bone which can be attached to objects or people and which has at least one connecting element (1) for coupling a second coupling element (10 ), - a second coupling element (10) which can be connected to a signal generator, wherein the second coupling element (10) comprises at least one receiving element (2) for the connecting element (1), - wherein at least one of the coupling elements (5, 10) a magnet (4) and the other coupling element either a magnet (4) or a magnetizable material (3), characterized in that the second coupling element (10) on the first coupling element (5) by means of mechanical and magnetic coupling is mounted against rotation. 2. Coupling system according to claim 1, characterized in that the coupling elements (5, 10), in particular the connecting element (1) and the receiving element (2), for mechanical coupling by frictional engagement and / or positive engagement, in particular by a plug-in mechanism or snap mechanism or bayonet mechanism , are formed. 3. Coupling system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the connecting element (1) and the receiving element (2) are formed as mutually corresponding protuberance and depression. 4. Coupling system according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that for the rotationally secure attachment of the second coupling element (10) on the first coupling element (5), the receiving element (2) and the connecting element (1) have a spur or a polygonal circumference. 5. Coupling system according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the magnetizable material (3) and / or the at least one magnet (4) are in the form of plates and after attachment of the second coupling element (10) on the first coupling element (5 ) are arranged normal to the coupling direction. 6. Coupling system according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the strength of the magnetic coupling by exchanging at least one magnet (4) and / or the magnetizable material (3) is variable. 7. Coupling system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a part of the first coupling element (5), in particular a conductor plate (8) is arranged on a support means (9) that it rests in an operating condition on the skin and / or designed as part of an implant. 8. Coupling system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one of the coupling elements (5, 10) has a resilient mounting (12). 9. Coupling system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a carrying means (9) is provided, by means of which a contact pressure between a conductor plate (8) of the first coupling element (5) and the cranial bone can be generated. 10. Coupling system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first coupling element (5) is an integral part of a hairband (13) or by means of an adapter (20) on a hairband (13) can be attached. 11. Coupling system according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the first coupling element (5) is an integral part of a pair of spectacles (14) or by means of an adapter (15) on a pair of glasses (14), in particular on a temples (16), can be attached. 12. Coupling system according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the first coupling element (5) is an integral part of a headgear or by means of an adapter (15) can be mounted on a headgear. A bone conduction hearing system comprising a coupling system according to any one of claims 1 to 12 and a signal transmitter connected to the second coupling element.