EP0010168B1 - Method and arrangement to select, adapt, adjust, measure and test hearing aids - Google Patents

Method and arrangement to select, adapt, adjust, measure and test hearing aids Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0010168B1
EP0010168B1 EP79103498A EP79103498A EP0010168B1 EP 0010168 B1 EP0010168 B1 EP 0010168B1 EP 79103498 A EP79103498 A EP 79103498A EP 79103498 A EP79103498 A EP 79103498A EP 0010168 B1 EP0010168 B1 EP 0010168B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
sound
measuring
ear
arrangement
test
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EP79103498A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP0010168A1 (en
Inventor
Fritz Zapletal
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Robert Bosch GmbH
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Robert Bosch GmbH
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Priority to AT79103498T priority Critical patent/ATE4365T1/en
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    • 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
    • H04R25/70—Adaptation of deaf aid to hearing loss, e.g. initial electronic fitting
    • 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
    • H04R25/30—Monitoring or testing of hearing aids, e.g. functioning, settings, battery power

Definitions

  • the invention is based on a method according to the type of the main claim.
  • Known methods for selecting a hearing aid suitable for a hearing impaired person from a plurality of hearing aids which differ from one another in terms of their electrical and acoustic properties use a soundproof lockable measuring box which comprises a loudspeaker, the hearing aid to be assessed and a receives coupler connectable with the hearing aid.
  • the coupler contains a resonance chamber connected to the sound outlet opening of the hearing aid, the volume of which corresponds approximately to the average volume of an auditory canal, and a microphone coupled to the resonance chamber, optionally with a downstream amplifier.
  • a measuring device is connected to the coupler outside the measuring box.
  • the measurement or selection of a hearing aid is roughly as follows, for example. First, audiograms of the hearing impaired are made. Based on the result, a number of hearing aids from different manufacturers are included in the selection. The hearing aids are then set in succession in the measuring box to the same output sound pressures and the same limitation (peak clipping).
  • the previously practiced method has the following significant disadvantages.
  • the volume of the coupler's resonator is usually 2 cm 3 . This value has been empirically determined as an average. Since the volume and the shape of the ear canal differ from person to person, exact measurement results cannot be expected with the previous measurement method. Furthermore, opening and closing the measuring box several times is annoying and time-consuming. In addition, the measuring box is usually in a cabin that is occupied for the entire duration of a hearing device selection.
  • a method for measuring and testing telephone ear capsules in which the ear capsule is subjected to a defined electrical signal.
  • the sound emitted by the hearing capsule reaches the ear canal of a test person via an earmold having an auditory canal.
  • a measuring channel branches off, which runs over a large part of its length parallel to the auditory canal.
  • the measuring channel is connected to a measuring microphone of an electro-acoustic measuring and testing device.
  • the known arrangement of the measuring and auditory canal within an earmold is disadvantageous for the selection, adjustment, setting, measuring and testing of hearing aids insofar as the measuring canal is relatively long. Since the measurement channel acts like a Helmholtz resonator, the measurement result is falsified. In addition, in cases in which the hearing impaired person has an ear canal with a small cross section, the auditory canal and measuring canal, which must have a certain diameter, cannot be accommodated in the ear mold. Finally, the introduction of a measuring channel into the ear mold, which is shaped differently from person to person, is difficult if the channels are to run largely parallel.
  • the method according to the main claim and the device according to the invention for carrying out the method according to the subclaim have the advantage that a measuring box previously used and difficult to handle can be dispensed with. Rather, only one measuring and test sound conductor is required, which in the simplest case consists of an approximately T- or Y-shaped piece of pipe. Another significant advantage is that the time for measuring and fitting hearing aids can be reduced considerably compared to the previously customary method.
  • 10 denotes a hearing aid (BTE device) to be worn behind the ear, the housing 11 of which is detachably connected to an ear hook 12.
  • the ear hook contains a first sound channel 13, one end of which is connected to the microphone of the hearing aid and the other end of which forms a sound inlet opening 14.
  • a second sound channel 15 connected to the receiver of the hearing device extends to the free end of the ear hook 12 and forms a sound exit opening there.
  • the hearing aid 10 has various setting elements, of which only the setting element 16 of the volume control can be seen in FIG. 1.
  • a tubular measuring and / or test sound conductor 17 has an input 18 and two outputs 19 and 20.
  • the last-mentioned sound conductor is T-shaped. While the input 18 is detachably connected to the free end of the ear hook 12, an hearing tube 21 is connected to the first output 19 and ends in an ear fitting 22.
  • the earpiece is individually adapted to the ear of the wearer of the hearing aid and contains a through hole 23.
  • a tubular connecting piece 24 of a microphone 25 is connected to the outlet 20 of the measuring and / or test conductor 17.
  • the microphone 25 belongs to a measuring and / or testing device 26, which also comprises an audio frequency amplifier 27 connected to the microphone and a measuring and display device 28.
  • a sound source 29 is arranged within a test booth 30 (dashed frame in FIG. 1) in such a way that the sound emitted reaches the sound entry opening 14 of the hearing aid well.
  • the hearing-impaired person initially wears a first BTE device 10 and an ear fitting 22 individually made for him.
  • the sound source 29 provides, for example, a noise signal of constant level, which is amplified in the hearing aid amplifier.
  • the setting is changed with the setting element 16 until the hearing-impaired person feels a comfortable volume.
  • the sound pressure level that occurs in this case is measured with the measuring and / or testing device 26 and displayed by the display device 28.
  • the measurement is then repeated with another hearing device from another manufacturer, the adjusting element 16 of the hearing device being adjusted until the same measured value as on the first hearing device appears on the display device 28.
  • the hearing care professional can determine how high the percentage of speech intelligibility is with each individual device and ultimately decide which device is best suited for the hearing impaired.
  • the measuring and / or test sound conductor 17 has a T-shape in FIG. 1. It can also have a shape that deviates from the T shape, for example a Y shape.
  • the measuring and / or test sound conductor 17 preferably consists of an elastic plastic, as a result of which the ear hook 12, the socket 24 of the microphone 25 and the hearing tube 21 can be connected to the sound conductor in a particularly simple manner.
  • the sound source 29 can also emit tones of a discrete frequency or amplitude.
  • the tones are pure sine tones
  • the quality of the hearing aid amplifier can be checked by means of an oscilloscope 31 (FIG. 1) which is connected in parallel to the input of the electrical display device 28.
  • the outlet 20 of the measuring and / or test sound conductor 17, which is designed as a socket, can be omitted if the wall thickness of a tubular sound conductor 32 (FIG. 1, top right) is so large that an opening 33 in the sound conductor securely accommodates the socket 24 of the microphone 25 can.
  • the measuring and / or testing device has the least influence on the resonance space formed by the ear hook, the measuring and / or test sound conductor, the hearing tube, the ear adapter and the auditory canal of the hearing impaired.
  • the hearing device is a BTE device.
  • the invention can also be used with the same advantage in the case of hearing glasses, the input of the measuring and / or test sound conductor 17 having to be connected to the sound outlet opening which is usually formed by a socket of the hearing glasses bracket.
  • 2 shows an exemplary embodiment which enables the application of the invention to hearing aids in the form of so-called pocket devices.
  • an earmold 34 onto which an earphone 35 of the pocket device is snapped, contains, in addition to a through bore 36, a further bore 37 which branches off from the through bore 36 and ends on the outside of the earmold.
  • the microphone 25 (FIG. 1) is then connected to the sound outlet opening 38 of the further bore 37, for example via a hose. If the earmold 34 is to be used by the hearing impaired later, the sound outlet opening 38 must be closed.
  • FIG. 2a An alternative to the exemplary embodiment in FIG. 2 is shown in FIG. 2a.
  • the earmold 39 remains unchanged, that is, it contains no further bore (37, FIG. 2).
  • an adapter 41 is inserted into a recess 40, into which a push button of the receiver 35 is otherwise fastened, which contains a bore 42 which ends in a further recess 43 for receiving the receiver push button.
  • a further bore 44 branches off from the bore 42 and is dimensioned at its exit point in such a way that it can accommodate the microphone connector 24 (FIG. 1).
  • the invention can also be applied to hearing aids to be worn in the ear.
  • Such an ITE hearing aid 46 is shown in FIG. 3; here the sound emitted by a receiver 47 is conducted into the ear via a sound channel 48.
  • a further sound channel 49 branches off from this sound channel and ends on the flat outside 50 of the ITE device.
  • the further bore 41 can be closed after the measurement has ended, for example by means of a plug.

Abstract

1. A method of selecting, adapting, adjusting, measuring and/or testing hearing aids (10) intended for deaf persons and whose sound entry opening (14) is subjected to audio signals of defined sound level, and whose sound exit opening is connected to an electroacoustic measuring and/or test device (26) by way of a sound line, characterised in that the sound emitted by the hearing aid is additionally transmitted to an ear adapter (22), worn by the deaf person during the test, by way of a, for example, T-shaped or Y-shaped measuring and/or test sound conductor (17) fitted in the sound line.

Description

Stand der TechnikState of the art

Die Erfindung geht aus von einem Verfahren nach der Gattung des Hauptanspruchs.The invention is based on a method according to the type of the main claim.

Bekannte Verfahren (US-A-4 065 647) zum Auswählen eines für einen Hörgeschädigten geeigneten Hörgerätes aus mehreren Hörgeräten, die sich durch ihre elektrischen und akustischen Eigenschaften voneinander unterscheiden, verwenden eine schalldicht abschließbare Meßbox, die einen Lautsprecher, das zu beurteilende Hörgerät sowie einen mit dem Hörgerät verbindbaren Kuppler aufnimmt. Der Kuppler enthält einen mit der Schallaustrittsöffnung des Hörgerätes in Verbindung stehenden Resonanzraum, dessen Volumen etwa dem durchschnittlichen Volumen eines Gehörganges entspricht, sowie ein mit dem Resonanzraum gekoppeltes Mikrofon, gegebenenfalls mit nachgeschaltetem Verstärker. An den Kuppler ist außerhalb der Meßbox eine Meßeinrichtung angeschlossen.Known methods (US-A-4 065 647) for selecting a hearing aid suitable for a hearing impaired person from a plurality of hearing aids which differ from one another in terms of their electrical and acoustic properties use a soundproof lockable measuring box which comprises a loudspeaker, the hearing aid to be assessed and a receives coupler connectable with the hearing aid. The coupler contains a resonance chamber connected to the sound outlet opening of the hearing aid, the volume of which corresponds approximately to the average volume of an auditory canal, and a microphone coupled to the resonance chamber, optionally with a downstream amplifier. A measuring device is connected to the coupler outside the measuring box.

Das Messen bzw. Auswählen eines Hörgerätes geht in groben Zügen beispielsweise folgendermaßen vor sich. Zunächst werden Audiogramme des Hörgeschädigten angefertigt. Anhand des Ergebnisses wird eine Reihe von in die Auswahl einzubeziehender Hörgeräte verschiedener Hersteller bereitgelegt. Daran anschließend werden die Hörgeräte nacheinander in der Meßbox auf gleiche Ausgangsschalldrücke und gleiche Begrenzung (Peak Clipping) eingestellt.The measurement or selection of a hearing aid is roughly as follows, for example. First, audiograms of the hearing impaired are made. Based on the result, a number of hearing aids from different manufacturers are included in the selection. The hearing aids are then set in succession in the measuring box to the same output sound pressures and the same limitation (peak clipping).

Hierzu ist ein mehrmaliges Öffnen und Schließen der Meßbox nötig, weil das Handhaben des Lautstärkeeinstellers eines Hörgerätes nur bei geöffneter Meßbox und das Messen nur bei geschlossener Meßbox möglich ist und weil der Hörgeräte-Akustiker sich durch mehrmaliges Nachstellen des Lautstärkestellers an den optimalen Wert herantasten muß. Ist das Hörgerät richtig eingestellt, dann wird es der Meßbox entnommen und von dem Hörgeschädigten angelegt, wobei die Schallaustrittsöffnung des Hörgerätes über einen Hörschlauch mit einem individuell angepaßten Ohrpaßstück verbunden wird. Der das Hörgerät tragende Hörgeschädigte wird nunmehr einem Sprachverständlichkeitstest unterworfen, von dessen Ergebnis es unter anderem abhängt, ob die Auswahl von Hörgeräten fortgesetzt werden muß oder nicht.This requires repeated opening and closing of the measuring box because handling the volume adjuster of a hearing aid is only possible when the measuring box is open and measuring is only possible when the measuring box is closed, and because the hearing aid acoustician has to approach the optimum value by repeatedly adjusting the volume control. If the hearing aid is set correctly, it is removed from the measuring box and put on by the hearing impaired person, the sound outlet opening of the hearing aid being connected via a hearing tube to an individually adapted earpiece. The hearing impaired person who is wearing the hearing aid is now subjected to a speech intelligibility test, the outcome of which depends, among other things, on whether the selection of hearing aids has to be continued or not.

Das bisher praktizierte Verfahren hat folgende erhebliche Nachteile. Das Volumen des Resonators des Kupplers beträgt üblicherweise 2 cm3. Dieser Wert ist als Durchschnittswert empirisch ermittelt worden. Da das Volumen und auch die Form des Gehörganges von Mensch zu Mensch verschieden sind, kann man bei dem bisherigen Meßverfahren nicht mit exakten Meßergebnissen rechnen. Weiterhin ist das mehrmalige Öffnen und Schließen der Meßbox lästig und zeitraubend. Außerdem steht die Meßbox üblicherweise in einer Kabine, die für die gesamte Dauer einer Hörgeräteauswahl belegt ist.The previously practiced method has the following significant disadvantages. The volume of the coupler's resonator is usually 2 cm 3 . This value has been empirically determined as an average. Since the volume and the shape of the ear canal differ from person to person, exact measurement results cannot be expected with the previous measurement method. Furthermore, opening and closing the measuring box several times is annoying and time-consuming. In addition, the measuring box is usually in a cabin that is occupied for the entire duration of a hearing device selection.

Aus der Zeitschrift »The Journal of the Acoustical Society of America«, Vol. 52, No. 6 (Part 2), 1972, Seiten 1599 bis 1605, ist ein Verfahren zum Messen und Prüfen von Telefonhörkapseln bekannt, bei dem die Hörkapsel mit einem definierten elektrischen Signal beaufschlagt wird. Der von der Hörkapsel abgegebene Schall gelangt über ein einen Hörkanal aufweisendes Ohrpaßstück in den Ohrkanal einer Versuchsperson. Unmittelbar an der Schallaustrittsöffnung des Ohrpaßstücks, das heißt am Ohrkanaleingang der Versuchsperson, zweigt ein Meßkanal ab, der auf einem großen Teil seiner Länge parallel zum Hörkanal verläuft. Der Meßkanal ist mit einem Meßmikrofon einer elketroakustischen Meß- und Prüfeinrichtung verbunden. Die bekannte Anordnung von Meß-und Hörkanal innerhalb eines Ohrpaßstücks ist für das Auswählen, Anpassen, Einstellen, Messen und Prüfen von Hörgeräten insofern nachteilig, als der Meßkanal verhältnismäßig lang ist. Da der Meßkanal wie ein Helmholtz-Resonator wirkt, wird das Meßergebnis verfälscht. Außerdem lassen sich in Fällen, in denen der Hörgeschädigte einen Ohrkanal kleinen Querschnitts hat, Hörkanal und Meßkanal, die einen bestimmten Durchmesser haben müssen, nicht in dem Ohrpaßstück unterbringen. Schließlich bereitet das Einbringen eines Meßkanals in das von Person zu Person verschieden geformte Ohrpaßstück Schwierigkeiten, wenn die Kanäle weitgehend parallel verlaufen sollen.From the journal "The Journal of the Acoustical Society of America", vol. 52, no. 6 (Part 2), 1972, pages 1599 to 1605, a method for measuring and testing telephone ear capsules is known, in which the ear capsule is subjected to a defined electrical signal. The sound emitted by the hearing capsule reaches the ear canal of a test person via an earmold having an auditory canal. Immediately at the sound outlet opening of the earmold, that is to say at the ear canal entrance of the test subject, a measuring channel branches off, which runs over a large part of its length parallel to the auditory canal. The measuring channel is connected to a measuring microphone of an electro-acoustic measuring and testing device. The known arrangement of the measuring and auditory canal within an earmold is disadvantageous for the selection, adjustment, setting, measuring and testing of hearing aids insofar as the measuring canal is relatively long. Since the measurement channel acts like a Helmholtz resonator, the measurement result is falsified. In addition, in cases in which the hearing impaired person has an ear canal with a small cross section, the auditory canal and measuring canal, which must have a certain diameter, cannot be accommodated in the ear mold. Finally, the introduction of a measuring channel into the ear mold, which is shaped differently from person to person, is difficult if the channels are to run largely parallel.

Vorteile der ErfindungAdvantages of the invention

Das erfindungsgemäße Verfahren nach dem Hauptanspruch und die erfindungsgemäße Vorrichtung zur Durchführung des Verfahrens nach dem Nebenanspruch haben den Vorteil, daß auf eine bisher verwendete und nur umständlich zu handhabende Meßbox verzichtet werden kann. Es wird vielmehr nur ein Meß- und Prüfschalleiter benötigt, der im einfachsten Falle aus einem etwa T- oder Y-förmigen Rohrstück besteht. Ein weiterer wesentlicher Vorteil besteht darin, daß die Zeit zum Messen und Anpassen von Hörgeräten gegenüber dem bisher üblichen Verfahren erheblich reduziert werden kann.The method according to the main claim and the device according to the invention for carrying out the method according to the subclaim have the advantage that a measuring box previously used and difficult to handle can be dispensed with. Rather, only one measuring and test sound conductor is required, which in the simplest case consists of an approximately T- or Y-shaped piece of pipe. Another significant advantage is that the time for measuring and fitting hearing aids can be reduced considerably compared to the previously customary method.

Durch die in den Unteransprüchen aufgeführten Maßnahmen sind vorteilhafte Weiterbildungen der im Nebenanspruch angegebenen Vorrichtung möglich.The measures listed in the subclaims allow advantageous developments of the device specified in the dependent claim.

Zeichnungdrawing

Ausführungsbeispiele der Erfindung sind in der Zeichnung anhand mehrerer Figuren dargestellt und in der nachfolgenden Beschreibung näher erläutert. Die Zeichnung zeigt in

  • Fig. 1 eine schematische Darstellung eines HdO-Hörgerätes mit der erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung,
  • Fig. 2 ein erfindungsgemäßes Ohrpaßstück mit aufgestecktem Hörer eines Taschen-Hörgerätes,
  • Fig. 2a eine Schnittansicht eines Ohrpaßstücks nach Fig. 2 mit einem aufgesteckten Adapter und
  • Fig. 3 ein in dem Ohr zu tragendes Hörgerät mit einem zusätzlichen Schallkanal nach der Erfindung.
Exemplary embodiments of the invention are shown in the drawing using several figures and in the description below explained in more detail. The drawing shows in
  • 1 is a schematic representation of a BTE hearing aid with the device according to the invention,
  • 2 shows an earmold according to the invention with a handset of a pocket hearing aid attached,
  • Fig. 2a is a sectional view of an earmold according to Fig. 2 with an attached adapter and
  • Fig. 3 is a hearing aid to be worn in the ear with an additional sound channel according to the invention.

Beschreibung der ErfindungDescription of the invention

In Fig. 1 bezeichnet 10 ein hinter dem Ohr zu tragendes Hörgerät (HdO-Gerät), dessen Gehäuse 11 lösbar mit einem Ohrbügel 12 verbunden ist. Der Ohrbügel enthält einen ersten Schallkanal 13, dessen eines Ende mit dem Mikrofon des Hörgerätes in Verbindung steht und dessen anderes Ende eine Schalleintrittsöffnung 14 bildet. Ein mit dem Hörer des Hörgerätes verbundener zweiter Schallkanal 15 verläuft bis zum freien Ende des Ohrbügels 12 und bildet dort eine Schallaustrittsöffnung.In FIG. 1, 10 denotes a hearing aid (BTE device) to be worn behind the ear, the housing 11 of which is detachably connected to an ear hook 12. The ear hook contains a first sound channel 13, one end of which is connected to the microphone of the hearing aid and the other end of which forms a sound inlet opening 14. A second sound channel 15 connected to the receiver of the hearing device extends to the free end of the ear hook 12 and forms a sound exit opening there.

Das Hörgerät 10 hat verschiedene Einstellelemente, von denen in Fig. 1 nur das Einstellelement 16 des Lautstärkestellers zu sehen ist.The hearing aid 10 has various setting elements, of which only the setting element 16 of the volume control can be seen in FIG. 1.

Ein rohrförmiger Meß- und/oder Prüfschalleiter 17 hat einen Eingang 18 und zwei Ausgänge 19 und 20. Der zuletzt genannte Schalleiter ist T-förmig ausgebildet. Während der Eingang 18 lösbar mit dem freien Ende des Ohrbügel 12 verbunden ist, ist an den ersten Ausgang 19 ein Hörschlauch 21 angeschlossen, der in einem Ohrpaßstück 22 endet. Das Ohrpaßstück ist dem Ohr des Trägers des Hörgerätes individuell angepaßt und enthält eine Durchgangsbohrung 23. Mit dem Ausgang 20 des Meß- und/oder Prüfschalleiters 17 ist ein rohrförmiger Stutzen 24 eines Mikrofons 25 verbunden. Das Mikrofon 25 gehört zu einer Meß- und/oder Prüfeinrichtung 26, die noch einen mit dem Mikrofon verbundenen Tonfrequenzverstärker 27 und eine Meß- und Anzeigevorrichtung 28 umfaßt. Eine Schallquelle 29 ist innerhalb einer Prüfkabine 30 (gestrichelter Rahmen in Fig. 1) derart angeordnet, daß der abgegebene Schall die Schalleintrittsöffnung 14 des Hörgerätes gut erreicht.A tubular measuring and / or test sound conductor 17 has an input 18 and two outputs 19 and 20. The last-mentioned sound conductor is T-shaped. While the input 18 is detachably connected to the free end of the ear hook 12, an hearing tube 21 is connected to the first output 19 and ends in an ear fitting 22. The earpiece is individually adapted to the ear of the wearer of the hearing aid and contains a through hole 23. A tubular connecting piece 24 of a microphone 25 is connected to the outlet 20 of the measuring and / or test conductor 17. The microphone 25 belongs to a measuring and / or testing device 26, which also comprises an audio frequency amplifier 27 connected to the microphone and a measuring and display device 28. A sound source 29 is arranged within a test booth 30 (dashed frame in FIG. 1) in such a way that the sound emitted reaches the sound entry opening 14 of the hearing aid well.

Bei der nachfolgend beschirebenen Messung von Hörgeräten trägt der Hörgeschädigte zunächst ein erstes HdO-Gerät 10 sowie ein für ihn individuell angefertigtes Ohrpaßstück 22. Die Schallquelle 29 liefert beispielsweise ein Rauschsignal konstanten Pegels, das in dem Hörgeräteverstärker verstärkt wird. Nun wird die Einstellung mit dem Einstellelement 16 so lange verändert, bis der Hörgeschädigte eine ihm angenehme Lautstärke empfindet. Der in diesem Falle auftretende Schallwechseldruckpegel wird mit der Meß- und/oder Prüfeinrichtung 26 gemessen und von der Anzeigevorrichtung 28 angezeigt. Die Messung wird dann mit einem anderen Hörgerät eines anderen Herstellers wiederholt, wobei das Einstellelement 16 des Hörgerätes so lange verstellt wird, bis an der Anzeigevorrichtung 28 der gleiche Meßwert wie bei dem ersten Hörgerät erscheint.In the measurement of hearing aids described below, the hearing-impaired person initially wears a first BTE device 10 and an ear fitting 22 individually made for him. The sound source 29 provides, for example, a noise signal of constant level, which is amplified in the hearing aid amplifier. Now the setting is changed with the setting element 16 until the hearing-impaired person feels a comfortable volume. The sound pressure level that occurs in this case is measured with the measuring and / or testing device 26 and displayed by the display device 28. The measurement is then repeated with another hearing device from another manufacturer, the adjusting element 16 of the hearing device being adjusted until the same measured value as on the first hearing device appears on the display device 28.

Durch einen Sprachtest nach jeder Messung kann der Hörgeräte-Akustiker feststellen, wie hoch die prozentuale Sprachverständlichkeit mit jedem einzelnen Gerät ist, und schließlich entscheiden, welches Gerät für den Hörgeschädigten am besten geeignet ist.With a voice test after each measurement, the hearing care professional can determine how high the percentage of speech intelligibility is with each individual device and ultimately decide which device is best suited for the hearing impaired.

Der Meß- und/oder Prüfschalleiter 17 hat in Fig. 1 eine T-Form. Er kann auch eine von der T-Form abweichende Form, zum Beispiel Y-Form, haben. Der Meß- und/oder Prüfschalleiter 17 besteht vorzugsweise aus einem elastischen Kunststoff, wodurch sich der Ohrbügel 12, der Stutzen 24 des Mikrofons 25 und der Hörschlauch 21 auf besonders einfache Weise mit dem Schalleiter verbinden lassen. Es kann aber auch zweckmäßig sein, den Schalleiter aus einem starren, vorzugsweisen metallischen, Werkstoff herzustellen; dann ist es von Vorteil, wenn die Enden des Schalleiters mit elastischen Manschetten zum Anbringen des Ohrbügels, des Mikrofonstutzens und des Hörschlauchs versehen sind.The measuring and / or test sound conductor 17 has a T-shape in FIG. 1. It can also have a shape that deviates from the T shape, for example a Y shape. The measuring and / or test sound conductor 17 preferably consists of an elastic plastic, as a result of which the ear hook 12, the socket 24 of the microphone 25 and the hearing tube 21 can be connected to the sound conductor in a particularly simple manner. However, it may also be expedient to manufacture the sound conductor from a rigid, preferably metallic, material; then it is advantageous if the ends of the sound conductor are provided with elastic sleeves for attaching the ear hook, the microphone connector and the hearing tube.

Die Schallquelle 29 kann anstelle eines Rauschsignals auch Töne diskreter Frequenz oder Amplitude abgeben. Sind beispielsweise die Töne reine Sinustöne, dann kann mittels eines Oszilloskops 31 (Fig. 1), das dem Eingang der elektrischen Anzeigevorrichtung 28 parallel geschaltet ist, die Qualität des Hörgeräteverstärkers überprüft werden. Der als Stutzen ausgebildete Ausgang 20 des Meß- und/oder Prüfschalleiters 17 kann entfallen, wenn die Wandstärke eines rohrförmigen Schalleiters 32 (Fig. 1 rechts oben) so groß ist, daß eine Öffnung 33 in dem Schalleiter den Stutzen 24 des Mikrofons 25 sicher aufnehmen kann. Auf diese Weise beeinflußt die Meß- und/oder Prüfeinrichtung den durch den Ohrbügel, den Meß- und/oder Prüfschalleiter, den Hörschlauch, das Ohrpaßstück und den Gehörgang des Hörgeschädigten gebildeten Resonanzraum am wenigsten.Instead of a noise signal, the sound source 29 can also emit tones of a discrete frequency or amplitude. For example, if the tones are pure sine tones, then the quality of the hearing aid amplifier can be checked by means of an oscilloscope 31 (FIG. 1) which is connected in parallel to the input of the electrical display device 28. The outlet 20 of the measuring and / or test sound conductor 17, which is designed as a socket, can be omitted if the wall thickness of a tubular sound conductor 32 (FIG. 1, top right) is so large that an opening 33 in the sound conductor securely accommodates the socket 24 of the microphone 25 can. In this way, the measuring and / or testing device has the least influence on the resonance space formed by the ear hook, the measuring and / or test sound conductor, the hearing tube, the ear adapter and the auditory canal of the hearing impaired.

In dem Ausführungsbeispiel nach Fig. 1 ist das Hörgerät ein HdO-Gerät. Die Erfindung kann jedoch mit gleichem Vorteil auch bei einer Hörbrille angewendet werden, wobei der Eingang des Meß- und/oder Prüfschalleiters 17 mit der üblicherweise von einem Stutzen des Hörbrillenbügels gebildeten Schallaustrittsöffnung zu verbinden wäre. In Fig.2 ist ein Ausführungsbeispiel dargestellt, das die Anwendung der Erfindung bei Hörgeräten in Form von sogenannten Taschengeräten ermöglicht. In diesem Fall enthält ein Ohrpaßstück 34, auf das ein Ohrhörer 35 des Taschengerätes aufgeschnappt ist, neben einer Druchgangsbohrung 36 eine weitere Bohrung 37, die von der Durchgangsbohrung 36 abzweigt und an der Außenseite des Ohrpaßstücks endet. An die Schallaustrittsöffnung 38 der weiteren Bohrung 37 wird dann das Mikrofon 25 (Fig. 1), zum Beispiel über einen Schlauch, angeschlossen. Soll das Ohrpaßstück 34 später von dem Hörgeschädigten weiterverwendet werden, so muß die Schallaustrittsöffnung 38 abgeschlossen werden.In the exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 1, the hearing device is a BTE device. However, the invention can also be used with the same advantage in the case of hearing glasses, the input of the measuring and / or test sound conductor 17 having to be connected to the sound outlet opening which is usually formed by a socket of the hearing glasses bracket. 2 shows an exemplary embodiment which enables the application of the invention to hearing aids in the form of so-called pocket devices. In this case, an earmold 34, onto which an earphone 35 of the pocket device is snapped, contains, in addition to a through bore 36, a further bore 37 which branches off from the through bore 36 and ends on the outside of the earmold. The microphone 25 (FIG. 1) is then connected to the sound outlet opening 38 of the further bore 37, for example via a hose. If the earmold 34 is to be used by the hearing impaired later, the sound outlet opening 38 must be closed.

Eine Alternative zu dem Ausführungsbeispiel in Fig. 2 ist in Fig. 2a gezeigt. In diesem Beispiel bleibt das Ohrpaßstück 39 unverändert, das heißt, es enthält keine weitere Bohrung (37, Fig. 2). Dafür wird in eine Vertiefung 40, in die sonst ein Druckknopf des Hörers 35 einfastet, ein Adapter 41 eingesteckt, der eine Bohrung 42 enthält, die in einer weiteren Vertiefung 43 zur Aufnahme des Hörer-Druckknopfes endet. Von der Bohrung 42 zweigt eine weitere Bohrung 44 ab, die an ihrer Austrittsstelle derart bemessen ist, daß sie den Mikrofonstutzen 24 (Fig. 1) aufnehmen kann.An alternative to the exemplary embodiment in FIG. 2 is shown in FIG. 2a. In this example, the earmold 39 remains unchanged, that is, it contains no further bore (37, FIG. 2). For this purpose, an adapter 41 is inserted into a recess 40, into which a push button of the receiver 35 is otherwise fastened, which contains a bore 42 which ends in a further recess 43 for receiving the receiver push button. A further bore 44 branches off from the bore 42 and is dimensioned at its exit point in such a way that it can accommodate the microphone connector 24 (FIG. 1).

Die Erfindung läßt sich auch bei in dem Ohr zu tragenden Hörgeräten anwenden. Ein derartiges IdO-Hörgerät 46 ist in Fig. 3 dargestellt; hier wird der von einem Hörer 47 abgegebene Schall über einen Schallkanal 48 in das Ohr geleitet. Von diesem Schallkanal zweigt ein weiterer Schallkanal 49 ab, der auf der ebenen Außenseite 50 des IdO-Gerätes endet. Auch bei einem IdO-Gerät kann die weitere Bohrung 41 nach beendeter Messung, zum Beispiel durch einen Stopfen, abgeschlossen werden.The invention can also be applied to hearing aids to be worn in the ear. Such an ITE hearing aid 46 is shown in FIG. 3; here the sound emitted by a receiver 47 is conducted into the ear via a sound channel 48. A further sound channel 49 branches off from this sound channel and ends on the flat outside 50 of the ITE device. In the case of an ITE device as well, the further bore 41 can be closed after the measurement has ended, for example by means of a plug.

Claims (9)

1. A method of selecting, adapting, adjusting, measuring and/or testing hearing aids (10) intended for deaf persons and whose sound entry opening (14) is subjected to audio signals of defined sound level, and whose sound exit opening is connected to an electroacoustic measuring and/or test device (26) by way of a sound line, characterised in that the sound emitted by the hearing aid is additionally transmitted to an ear adapter (22), worn by the deaf person during the test, by way of a, for example, T-shaped or Y-shaped measuring and/or test sound conductor (17) fitted in the sound line.
2. An arrangement for performing the method as claimed in claim 1, characterised in that the measuring and/or test sound conductor is formed by sound passages in the ear adapter (34) in that an additional sound passage (37) branches from a sound passage (36), which passes through the ear adapter, within the region of transition between the part adapted to the outer ear of the deaf person and the part of the ear adapter which is adapted to the ear passage, which additional sound passage leads to the exterior part of the ear adapter and is connected to the measuring and/or test device (26) at this location.
3. An arrangement as claimed in claim 2, characterised in that the measuring and/or test sound conductor (17) comprises a, for example, T-shaped or Y-shaped tubular member whose ends form the entry (18), the first exit (19) and the second exit (20).
4. An arrangement as claimed in claim 2, characterised in that the measuring and/or test sound conductor comprises a tubular member which has, at approximately half way along its length, a wall opening (33) serving as a second exit (20).
5. An arrangement as claimed in claim 3 or 4, characterised in that the tubular member is made from a resilient plastics material.
6. An arrangement as claimed in claim 3 or 4, characterised in that the tubular member is made from a rigid material, preferably a metallic material.
7. An arrangement as claimed in claim 6, characterised in that the free ends of the tubular member are provided with resilient sleeves.
8. An arrangement as claimed in claim 2, for a hearing aid in the form of a pocket device, characterised in that that end of the sound passage of the ear adapter (39) which is connectible to the earphone of the hearing aid includes a depression (40) which receives an adapter (41) for connection of the earphone, that the adapter has a bore (42) as a continuation of the sound passage of the ear adapter, and that a further bore (44) branches from the aforesaid bore and is connectible to the measuring and/or test device.
9. An arrangement as claimed in claim 2, for a hearing aid to be worn in the ear, characterised in that a further sound passage (49) branches from the sound passage (48) between the built-in earphone (47) and the sound exit opening of the hearing aid and terminates at the outside of the hearing aid where it is connectible to the measuring and/ortest device.
EP79103498A 1978-10-11 1979-09-18 Method and arrangement to select, adapt, adjust, measure and test hearing aids Expired EP0010168B1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AT79103498T ATE4365T1 (en) 1978-10-11 1979-09-18 METHOD AND DEVICE FOR SELECTING, ADJUSTING, ADJUSTING, MEASURING AND TESTING HEARING AIDS.

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE2844218A DE2844218A1 (en) 1978-10-11 1978-10-11 METHOD FOR SELECTING, ADJUSTING, ADJUSTING, MEASURING AND CHECKING HOUR DEVICES
DE2844218 1978-10-11

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0010168A1 EP0010168A1 (en) 1980-04-30
EP0010168B1 true EP0010168B1 (en) 1983-07-27

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Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP79103498A Expired EP0010168B1 (en) 1978-10-11 1979-09-18 Method and arrangement to select, adapt, adjust, measure and test hearing aids

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EP (1) EP0010168B1 (en)
AT (1) ATE4365T1 (en)
DE (1) DE2844218A1 (en)

Families Citing this family (12)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4548082A (en) * 1984-08-28 1985-10-22 Central Institute For The Deaf Hearing aids, signal supplying apparatus, systems for compensating hearing deficiencies, and methods
US4791819A (en) * 1986-04-25 1988-12-20 Siemens Aktiengesellschaft Method and apparatus for making comparative acoustic measurements
US4870688A (en) 1986-05-27 1989-09-26 Barry Voroba Mass production auditory canal hearing aid
NL8800672A (en) * 1988-03-17 1989-10-16 Safetec S A TWO-CHANNEL SOTOPLASTIC WITH ACCOUSTIC REDUCING VALVE.
DE3834962A1 (en) * 1988-10-13 1990-04-19 Siemens Ag DIGITAL PROGRAMMING DEVICE FOR HOUR DEVICES
FR2664494A1 (en) * 1990-07-16 1992-01-17 Bismuth Andre Method and installation for regulating and adjusting auditory prostheses
US5386475A (en) * 1992-11-24 1995-01-31 Virtual Corporation Real-time hearing aid simulation
WO2005122730A2 (en) * 2004-06-14 2005-12-29 Johnson & Johnson Consumer Companies, Inc. At-home hearing aid tester and method of operating same
DE102006026721B4 (en) * 2006-06-08 2008-09-11 Siemens Audiologische Technik Gmbh Device for testing a hearing aid
DE102007026116A1 (en) * 2007-06-05 2008-12-11 Siemens Medical Instruments Pte. Ltd. Hearing aids test adapter
DE102009022037A1 (en) * 2009-05-20 2010-06-02 Siemens Medical Instruments Pte. Ltd. Simulation device for testing e.g. behind-the-ear hearing aid, adapted to ear canal of patient, has molded body, and sound sensor arranged at point in molded body, where point corresponds to position of ear-drum in ear canal of patient
US11553284B2 (en) 2020-11-11 2023-01-10 Gn Hearing A/S Detection of filter clogging for hearing devices

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US3800101A (en) * 1972-07-26 1974-03-26 H Milani Hearing aid device
US4065647A (en) * 1974-01-03 1977-12-27 Frye G J Automatic acoustical testing system
US3979567A (en) * 1975-02-18 1976-09-07 Frye G J Microphone coupler for hearing aid having inverted conical end configuration

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
EP0010168A1 (en) 1980-04-30
DE2844218A1 (en) 1980-04-24
ATE4365T1 (en) 1983-08-15

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