EP0159571B1 - Ear tip for a hearing aid ear mould, and a hearing aid ear mould - Google Patents

Ear tip for a hearing aid ear mould, and a hearing aid ear mould Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0159571B1
EP0159571B1 EP85103722A EP85103722A EP0159571B1 EP 0159571 B1 EP0159571 B1 EP 0159571B1 EP 85103722 A EP85103722 A EP 85103722A EP 85103722 A EP85103722 A EP 85103722A EP 0159571 B1 EP0159571 B1 EP 0159571B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
end piece
otoplastic
remaining
loudspeaker
ear
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Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired
Application number
EP85103722A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP0159571A1 (en
Inventor
Ludwig M. Dipl.-Ing. Moser
Anton Dipl.-Chem. Kammermeier
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Westra Electronic GmbH
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Westra Electronic GmbH
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Publication date
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Publication of EP0159571A1 publication Critical patent/EP0159571A1/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
    • H04R25/65—Housing parts, e.g. shells, tips or moulds, or their manufacture
    • H04R25/652—Ear tips; Ear moulds
    • H04R25/654—Ear wax retarders
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04R—LOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; DEAF-AID SETS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS
    • H04R2225/00—Details of deaf aids covered by H04R25/00, not provided for in any of its subgroups
    • H04R2225/77—Design aspects, e.g. CAD, of hearing aid tips, moulds or housings
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04R—LOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; DEAF-AID SETS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS
    • H04R25/00—Deaf-aid sets, i.e. electro-acoustic or electro-mechanical hearing aids; Electric tinnitus maskers providing an auditory perception
    • H04R25/65—Housing parts, e.g. shells, tips or moulds, or their manufacture
    • H04R25/652—Ear tips; Ear moulds

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a hearing aid otoplastic end piece on the auditory canal side according to the preamble of claim 1.
  • the features of the preamble of claim 1 are known from FR-A-20 50 740, which relates to a noise protection plug constructed with a built-in filter, which is to be inserted into the outer auditory canal and has a sound opening at its inner ear end.
  • the slightly concavely curved inner ear-side end face of the known noise protection plug, which runs between the outer circumference and the sound opening, is designed as a funnel in the form of a tube which widens conically from the sound opening to the edge projecting on the outer circumference toward the inner ear.
  • the earmold of a hearing aid is usually cast from plastic after an impression of the ear and has an outer section that sits in the pinna and an adjoining section that projects into the ear canal and is referred to as the ear canal olive, the latter extending over approximately a third of the length of the ear canal stretched into the ear canal.
  • the ear canal olive of the earmold protruding into the ear canal is provided with a sound channel and serves to introduce the amplified sound generated by the hearing aid into the ear canal while at the same time closing the ear canal to the outside.
  • the sound channel formed in the otoplastic is connected to the speaker capsule in the hearing aid by means of a small plastic tube inserted into this sound channel, in order to transmit the sound generated by the hearing aid from the speaker capsule through the plastic tube into the sound channel of the otoplastic and to enter the ear canal in this way.
  • this tube which runs like a bracket between the hearing aid and the otoplastic, serves to mechanically hold the hearing aid behind the ear.
  • One of the problems that arise with hearing aids is the blockage of the outlet opening of the sound channel formed in the otoplastic with ear wax.
  • the ear wax has an extraordinary creeping ability and therefore easily reaches and into the mouth opening of the sound channel, which is located approximately in the middle, via the dome-like convexly curved end face of the earmold end piece. This can lead relatively quickly to blockage of the sound channel of the otoplastic, which is relatively thin with a usual diameter in the range of 2 mm.
  • the invention is therefore based on the object of solving the problem of clogging of the sound opening of the earmold end piece by ear wax.
  • the inventive construction of the end piece can effectively prevent clogging of the sound opening with ear wax.
  • the effect is achieved that the ear wax coils like a chip lifted off with a hollow knife on the sharp edge surrounding the sound opening instead of crawling around this edge, as is the case with the conventional, convexly curved end sections of conventional earmolds.
  • the otoplastic end piece according to the invention can be formed in one piece with the rest of the otoplastic (claim 2) or, alternatively, can be designed as an independent component to be attached to the other otoplastic (claim 3).
  • the latter possibility on the one hand, allows the end piece to be made from a different material than the rest of the otoplastic, and on the other hand offers the possibility of cheap mass production of the otoplastic end pieces, which are then used in the production of the individual otoplastics according to the patient's usual ear impression.
  • this can be made circular or preferably already in oval shape and, after connection to the other earmold individually made according to the ear impression, can be adapted to this other earmold by material removal in accordance with the outer contours of the ear canal olive.
  • a quasi-one-piece connection of a prefabricated end piece according to the invention with a remaining otoplastic to be cast according to the ear impression can be achieved, for example, in that the end piece is provided on its side facing the other otoplastic with a toothed profile to which the remaining otoplastic is cast and in this way a positive connection with the end piece is created (claim 4).
  • Another possibility of connecting a prefabricated end piece according to the invention to the rest of the otoplastic is to design the end piece with a snap-lock-like positive-locking profile, with which it can be plugged onto a corresponding counter profile of the other otoplastic (claim 5).
  • This form-fitting profile can of course be an inner profile interacting with an outer profile of the other otoplastic or an outer profile of the end piece interacting with an inner profile of the other otoplastic.
  • Such a design is particularly suitable when the end piece is made of a relatively soft material. The end piece can then, for example for cleaning purposes, also be easily removed from the rest of the otoplastic and put back on or, if necessary, exchanged for a new end piece.
  • a threaded connection is readily applicable when using hard plastics.
  • the end piece is made of polytetrafluoroethylene, a fine thread can be used.
  • an adhesive connection for attaching the end piece according to the invention can also be chosen (the rest of the otoplastic) (claim 7), it being possible, of course, to prepare the two adhesive surfaces with a view to achieving good adhesion.
  • Suitable materials for the end piece according to the invention are polytetrafluoroethylene (claim 9) or a soft plastic material such as silicone rubber (claim 10).
  • polytetrafluoroethylene is advantageous in the case of a threaded connection, and in addition this material is completely insensitive to ear wax.
  • soft plastic is more suitable for a snap connection, so that the end piece can then be regarded as a wearing part and can be replaced if necessary.
  • the contamination problem caused by ear wax can also be solved in this case.
  • One such problem is the connection wiring of the speaker capsule.
  • the practical impossibility of carrying out soldering work on the connecting wires of the loudspeaker capsule in the plastic earmold does not allow the connecting wires between the loudspeaker capsule and the hearing aid to be replaced as a result of the mechanical stress.
  • an otoplastic end piece according to the invention designed as a separate component, also allows a problem to be solved here.
  • the end piece which is designed as an independent component, can be designed as a cover for a loudspeaker chamber formed in the ear canal olive (claim 8), and if this cover is made removable in accordance with the options already mentioned, this loudspeaker chamber and consequently a loudspeaker capsule accommodated in it are easily accessible at all times.
  • the loudspeaker connection cable which connects the loudspeaker capsule to the hearing aid, does not need to be firmly soldered to the loudspeaker capsule, but it can be, for example, a printed type Circuits made of a flexible carrier tape and applied conductor tracks are used, which protrudes into the loudspeaker chamber, and the speaker capsule can be provided with contact surfaces which are only pressed mechanically onto the corresponding conductor tracks of the flat conductor.
  • the otoplastic end piece designed as a lid can be used, which is connected to the rest of the otoplastic by means of a threaded connection and, when screwed on, presses the loudspeaker capsule with its contact surfaces against the conduction band.
  • connection of connecting wires to the speaker capsule is possible without further ado, the speaker capsule being able to be removed from the speaker chamber if necessary after removing the cover, the soldered connecting wires inserted through a passage opening of the ear canal olive being simply retightened until the connection points are exposed.
  • the installation of the loudspeaker capsule into the ear canal olive of the earmold made possible by the invention is very simple in terms of production technology, since the loudspeaker capsule is only inserted into the finished olive. In this way, acoustic testing of different loudspeaker capsules is easily possible.
  • the end piece 1 shows in longitudinal section the end piece area 1 of the ear canal olive 2 of an otoplastic 3.
  • the end piece 1 which is formed in one piece with the other otoplastic, has relatively sharp edges projecting on its outer circumference 11 and on the circumference of the sound opening 41 of the sound channel 4 of the otoplastic in the direction of the inner ear 12 and 13.
  • the end face region 15 running between these edges 12 and 13 and pointing in the direction of the inner ear is concavely curved and forms an acute angle with the outer circumference 11 and with the inner wall 42 of the sound channel 4.
  • Fig. 2 shows, again in longitudinal section, an end piece 1 designed as an independent component, which is to be attached to the rest of the earmold.
  • the end face of this end piece facing the inner ear is in turn characterized by relatively sharp edges 12 and 13 protruding on the outer circumference 11 and on the inner circumference of the sound opening 41 and a concavely curved end face region 15 running between them.
  • the end piece 1 On its other side facing the rest of the otoplastic (not shown), the end piece 1 is designed with a snap-lock-like positive-locking profile 16, which is used to attach the end piece to the rest of the otoplastic, which is designed with a corresponding counter-profile into which the positive-locking profile 16 of the end piece 1 snaps into place.
  • the form-fitting profile 16 of the end piece 1 is shown as an inner profile which interacts with an outer profile of the rest of the otoplastic. Of course, this profile arrangement can also be used in reverse.
  • Fig. 3 shows, also in longitudinal section, the ear canal olive part of an otoplastic with a lid-like end piece 1 and a loudspeaker capsule 5 built into a loudspeaker chamber 21 of the olive 2.
  • end piece 1 is preferably made of tetrafluoroethylene and has at its end facing the loudspeaker chamber an externally threaded ring extension 18 which fits into a corresponding internal thread of the olive 2 is screwed in.
  • the loudspeaker capsule 5 is loosely inserted into the phonetic s p recherhunt 21, in which it is held by means of serving as a cover of the speaker chamber end piece. 1
  • a flexible flat cable 6 in the form of a plastic strip with conductor tracks attached to it serves as the electrical lead to the loudspeaker capsule 5.
  • the loudspeaker-side line end is fixed in the loudspeaker chamber 21.
  • the loudspeaker capsule is provided with corresponding contact surfaces 51, with which it, when inserted into the loudspeaker chamber 21, bears against the associated conductor tracks of the flat cable.
  • the necessary contact pressure is generated by the end piece 1 serving as the cover of the loudspeaker chamber, which, when screwed onto the olive 2, presses the loudspeaker capsule into the loudspeaker chamber and against the conductor surfaces of the conductor end of the flat cable 6 fixed in the loudspeaker chamber.
  • the end piece 1 can therefore easily be unscrewed at any time for service purposes, so that the loudspeaker capsule can also be freely removed and, if necessary, exchanged.
  • the flat cable can also be easily replaced if necessary.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Manufacturing & Machinery (AREA)
  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Neurosurgery (AREA)
  • Otolaryngology (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Acoustics & Sound (AREA)
  • Signal Processing (AREA)
  • Headphones And Earphones (AREA)

Description

Die Erfindung betrifft ein gehörgangseitiges Hörgeräte-Otoplastik-Endstück nach dem Oberbegriff des Anspruchs 1.The invention relates to a hearing aid otoplastic end piece on the auditory canal side according to the preamble of claim 1.

Die Merkmale des Oberbegriffs des Anspruchs 1 sind aus der FR-A-20 50 740 bekannt, die einen mit eingebautem Filter ausgebildeten Lärmschutzstopfen betrifft, der in den äußeren Gehörgang einzustecken ist und an seinem innenohrseitigen Ende eine Schallausmündungsöffnung aufweist. Die zwischen dem Außenumfang und der Schallausmündungsöffnung verlaufende, leicht konkav gewölbte innenohrseitige Stirnfläche des bekannten Lärmschutzstopfens ist dabei als Schalltrichter in Form eines sich von der Schallausmündungsöffnung zu der am Außenumfang zum Ennenohr hin vorspringenden Kante konisch erweiternden Rohres ausgebildet.The features of the preamble of claim 1 are known from FR-A-20 50 740, which relates to a noise protection plug constructed with a built-in filter, which is to be inserted into the outer auditory canal and has a sound opening at its inner ear end. The slightly concavely curved inner ear-side end face of the known noise protection plug, which runs between the outer circumference and the sound opening, is designed as a funnel in the form of a tube which widens conically from the sound opening to the edge projecting on the outer circumference toward the inner ear.

Die Otoplastik eines Hörgeräts ist gewöhnlich nach einem Abdruck des Ohres aus Kunststoff gegossen und weist einen äußeren, in der Ohrmuschel sitzenden Abschnitt und einen sich daran anschließenden, in den Gehörgang hineinragenden, als Gehörgangolive bezeichneten Abschnitt auf, welch letzterer sich über etwa ein Drittel der Gehörganglänge in den Gehörgang hineinerstreckt. Die in den Gehörgang hineinragende Gehörgangolive der Otoplastik ist mit einem Schallkanal versehen und dient zum Einleiten des vom Hörgerät erzeugten verstärkten Schalles in den Gehörgang unter gleichzeitigem Verschluß des Gehörgangs nach außen.The earmold of a hearing aid is usually cast from plastic after an impression of the ear and has an outer section that sits in the pinna and an adjoining section that projects into the ear canal and is referred to as the ear canal olive, the latter extending over approximately a third of the length of the ear canal stretched into the ear canal. The ear canal olive of the earmold protruding into the ear canal is provided with a sound channel and serves to introduce the amplified sound generated by the hearing aid into the ear canal while at the same time closing the ear canal to the outside.

Bei den üblicherweise verwendeten Hinterdem-Ohr-Hörgeräten ist der in der Otoplastik gebildete Schallkanal mittels eines in diesen Schallkanal eingesetzten kleinen Kunststoffschlauches mit der im Hörgerät sitzenden Lautsprecherkapsel verbunden, um den vom Hörgerät erzeugten Schall von der Lautsprecherkapsel durch den Kunststoffschlauch in den Schallkanal der Otoplastik und auf diesem Wege in den Gehörgang einzuleiten. Gleichzeitig dient dieser Schlauch, der nach Art eines Bügels zwischen dem Hörgerät und der Otoplastik verläuft, der mechanischen Halterung des Hörgeräts hinter dem Ohr.In the commonly used behind-the-ear hearing aids, the sound channel formed in the otoplastic is connected to the speaker capsule in the hearing aid by means of a small plastic tube inserted into this sound channel, in order to transmit the sound generated by the hearing aid from the speaker capsule through the plastic tube into the sound channel of the otoplastic and to enter the ear canal in this way. At the same time, this tube, which runs like a bracket between the hearing aid and the otoplastic, serves to mechanically hold the hearing aid behind the ear.

Eines der bei Hörgeräten auftretenden Probleme ist die Verstopfung der Austrittsöffnung des in der Otoplastik gebildeten Schallkanals mit Ohrenschmalz. Das Ohrenschmalz besitzt ein außerordentliches Kriechvermögen und gelangt daher leicht über die kuppenartig konvex gewölbte Stirnfläche des gehörgangsseitigen Otoplastik-Endstückes zu der etwa in deren Mitte gelegenen Ausmündungsöffnung des Schallkanals und auch in diesen hinein. Dies kann relativ schnell zur Verstopfung des Schallkanals der Otoplastik führen, der mit einem üblichen Durchmesser im Bereich von 2 mm relativ dünn ist. Diese Verstopfung des Schallkanals, die zu einer erheblichen Minderung des Schallaustrittes vom Hörgerät in den Gehörgang führen kann, läßt sich auch durch Reinigen der Otoplastik mit dem Taschentuch kaum beseitigen, vielmehr besteht dabei die Gefahr, daß beim Reinigungsversuch die Verstopfung durch Hineindrücken des Ohrenschmalzes in den Schallkanal noch verstärkt wird.One of the problems that arise with hearing aids is the blockage of the outlet opening of the sound channel formed in the otoplastic with ear wax. The ear wax has an extraordinary creeping ability and therefore easily reaches and into the mouth opening of the sound channel, which is located approximately in the middle, via the dome-like convexly curved end face of the earmold end piece. This can lead relatively quickly to blockage of the sound channel of the otoplastic, which is relatively thin with a usual diameter in the range of 2 mm. This blockage of the sound channel, which can lead to a considerable reduction in the sound leakage from the hearing aid into the ear canal, can hardly be removed even by cleaning the earmold with the handkerchief.Rather, there is a risk that during the cleaning attempt the blockage by pressing the ear wax into the ear Sound channel is reinforced.

Der Erfindung liegt daher die Aufgabe zugrunde, dem Problem der Verstopfung der Schallausmündungsöffnung des gehörgangseitigen Otoplastik-Endstückes durch Ohrenschmalz abzuhelfen.The invention is therefore based on the object of solving the problem of clogging of the sound opening of the earmold end piece by ear wax.

Diese Aufgabe wird gemäß der Erfindung durch die im kennzeichnenden Teil des Anspruchs 1 angegebene besondere Gestaltung des gehörgangseitigen Otoplastik-Enstückes gelöst.This object is achieved according to the invention by the special design of the ear mold-side earpiece indicated in the characterizing part of claim 1.

Durch die erfindungsgemäße Konstruktion des Endstückes kann eine Verstopfung der Schallausmündungsöffnung mit Ohrenschmalz wirksam verhindert werden. Infolge der konkaven Wölbung der Endstück-Stirnfläche und der scharfen Kante insbesondere am Umfang der Schallausmündungsöffnung wird nämlich der Effekt erreicht, daß sich das Ohrenschmalz nach Art eines mit einem Hohlmesser abgehobenen Spanes an der die Schallausmündungsöffnung umgebenden scharfen Kante einringelt, anstatt um diese Kante herumzukriechen, wie es bei den herkömmlichen, konvex gewölbten Endabschnitten üblicher Otoplastiken der Fall ist.The inventive construction of the end piece can effectively prevent clogging of the sound opening with ear wax. As a result of the concave curvature of the end face end face and the sharp edge, in particular on the circumference of the sound opening, the effect is achieved that the ear wax coils like a chip lifted off with a hollow knife on the sharp edge surrounding the sound opening instead of crawling around this edge, as is the case with the conventional, convexly curved end sections of conventional earmolds.

Vorteilhafte Weiterbildungen und Ausgestaltungen der Erfindung sind Gegenstand der Unteransprüche.Advantageous further developments and refinements of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims.

So kann beispielsweise das erfindungsgemäße Otoplastik-Endstück ebenso wie bei herkömmlichen Otoplastiken einteilig mit der übrigen Otoplastik ausgebildet sein (Anspruch 2) oder alternativ dazu als selbständiges, an der übrigen Otoplastik zu befestigendes Bauteil ausgebildet sein (Anspruch 3). Die letztere Möglichkeit gestattet einerseits, das Endstück aus einem anderen Werkstoff als die übrige Otoplastik herzustellen, und bietet andererseits die Möglichkeit einer billigen Massenfertigung der Otoplastik-Endstücke, die dann bei der Herstellung der individuellen Otoplastiken nach dem üblichen Ohrabdruck des Patienten verwendet werden.For example, as with conventional otoplastics, the otoplastic end piece according to the invention can be formed in one piece with the rest of the otoplastic (claim 2) or, alternatively, can be designed as an independent component to be attached to the other otoplastic (claim 3). The latter possibility, on the one hand, allows the end piece to be made from a different material than the rest of the otoplastic, and on the other hand offers the possibility of cheap mass production of the otoplastic end pieces, which are then used in the production of the individual otoplastics according to the patient's usual ear impression.

Im Fall der Vorfertigung des erfindungsgemäßen Endstückes kann dieses kreisrund oder vorzugsweise bereits in Ovalform hergestellt und nach Verbindung mit der nach dem Ohrabdruck individuell angefertigten übrigen Otoplastik entsprechend der Außenkonturen der Gehörgangolive dieser übrigen Otoplastik durch Materialabtrag angepaßt werden.In the case of prefabrication of the end piece according to the invention, this can be made circular or preferably already in oval shape and, after connection to the other earmold individually made according to the ear impression, can be adapted to this other earmold by material removal in accordance with the outer contours of the ear canal olive.

Eine quasi-einteilige Verbindung eines vorgefertigten erfindungsgemäßen Endstückes mit einer nach dem Ohrabdruck zu gießenden übrigen Otoplastik kann beispielsweise dadurch erfolgen, daß das Endstück auf seiner der übrigen Otoplastik zugewandten Seite mit einem Verzahnungsprofil versehen ist, an welches die übrige Otoplastik angegossen wird und auf diese Weise eine formschlüssige Verbindung mit dem Endstück entsteht (Anspruch 4).A quasi-one-piece connection of a prefabricated end piece according to the invention with a remaining otoplastic to be cast according to the ear impression can be achieved, for example, in that the end piece is provided on its side facing the other otoplastic with a toothed profile to which the remaining otoplastic is cast and in this way a positive connection with the end piece is created (claim 4).

Eine andere Möglichkeit der Verbindung eines vorgefertigten erfindungsgemäßen Endstückes mit der übrigen Otoplastik besteht darin, das Endstück mit einem schnappverschlußartigen Formschlußprofil auszubilden, mit welchem es auf ein entsprechendes Gegenprofil der übrigen Otoplastik aufsteckbar ist (Anspruch 5). Dieses Formschlußprofil kann freilich ein mit einem Außenprofil der übrigen Otoplastik zusammenwirkendes Innenprofil oder ein mit einem Innenprofil der übrigen Otoplastik zusammenwirkendes Außenprofil des Endstückes sein. Eine solche Ausbildung eignet sich insbesondere dann, wenn das Endstück aus einem relativ weichen Werkstoff hergestellt ist. Das Endstück läßt sich dann, beispielsweise zu Reinigungszwecken, auch leicht von der übrigen Otoplastik abnehmen und wieder aufsetzen oder bei Bedarf gegen ein neues Endstück austauschen.Another possibility of connecting a prefabricated end piece according to the invention to the rest of the otoplastic is to design the end piece with a snap-lock-like positive-locking profile, with which it can be plugged onto a corresponding counter profile of the other otoplastic (claim 5). This form-fitting profile can of course be an inner profile interacting with an outer profile of the other otoplastic or an outer profile of the end piece interacting with an inner profile of the other otoplastic. Such a design is particularly suitable when the end piece is made of a relatively soft material. The end piece can then, for example for cleaning purposes, also be easily removed from the rest of the otoplastic and put back on or, if necessary, exchanged for a new end piece.

Eine weitere Möglichkeit der Verbindung eines vorgefertigten Endstückes nach der Erfindung mit der übrigen Otoplastik ist die Anwendung einer Gewindeverbindung (Anspruch 6). Eine Gewindeverbindung ist bei Verwendung harter Kunststoffe ohne weiteres anwendbar. Insbesondere kann, wenn das Endstück aus Polytetrafluoräthylen hergestellt wird, ein Feingewinde Anwendung finden.Another possibility of connecting a prefabricated end piece according to the invention with the rest of the otoplastic is the use of a threaded connection (claim 6). A threaded connection is readily applicable when using hard plastics. In particular, if the end piece is made of polytetrafluoroethylene, a fine thread can be used.

Schließlich kann auch eine Klebeverbindung zum Ansetzen des erfindungsgemäßen Endstückeg a die übrige Otoplastik gewählt werden (Anspruch 7), wobei natürlich die beiden Klebeflächen im Hinblick auf die Erzielung einer guten Haftung vorbereitet werden können.Finally, an adhesive connection for attaching the end piece according to the invention can also be chosen (the rest of the otoplastic) (claim 7), it being possible, of course, to prepare the two adhesive surfaces with a view to achieving good adhesion.

Als Werkstoffe für das erfindungsgemäße Endstück eignen sich, insbesondere wenn das Endstück als gesondertes Bauteil vorgefertigt wird, Polytetrafluoräthylen (Anspruch 9) oder ein Weichplastikwerkstoff wie beispielsweise Silikongummi (Anspruch 10). Wie bereits erwähnt, ist die Verwendung von Polytetrafluoräthylen im Falle einer Gewindeverbindung vorteilhaft, wobei außerdem dieser Werkstoff völlig unempfindlich gegen das Ohrenschmalz ist. Die Verwendung von Weichplastik eignet sich dagegen eher für eine Schnappverbindung, so daß das Endstück dann als Verschleißteil betrachtet und bei Bedarf ausgetauscht werden kann.Suitable materials for the end piece according to the invention, in particular if the end piece is prefabricated as a separate component, are polytetrafluoroethylene (claim 9) or a soft plastic material such as silicone rubber (claim 10). As already mentioned, the use of polytetrafluoroethylene is advantageous in the case of a threaded connection, and in addition this material is completely insensitive to ear wax. The use of soft plastic, however, is more suitable for a snap connection, so that the end piece can then be regarded as a wearing part and can be replaced if necessary.

Die Verwendung eines als gesondertes Bauteil ausgebildeten Otoplastik-Endstückes läßt auch den Gedanken an einen Einbau der Lautsprecherkapsel in die Otoplastik interessant erscheinen. Der Einbau der Lautsprecherkapsel direkt in die Otoplastik würde nämlich wesentliche akustische Vorteile mit sich bringen, da dann die bisher üblicherweise verwendete Schallübertragung von einem im Hörgerät eingebauten Lautsprecher zum Schallkanal der Otoplastik über einen dünnen Plastikschlauch entfallen könnte. Aufgrund des Luftvolumens in der im Hörgerät eingebauten Lautsprecherkapsel, der Länge und des Durchmessers des Schlauches sowie des sich anschließenden Schallkanals in der Otoplastik und des sich daran anschließenden Restvolumens des im Vergleich zum Durchmesser des Schlauches wesentlich weiteren Gehörgangs entsteht ein kompliziertes akustisches System, in welchem ungünstige Resonanzen auftreten können und dessen Eigenschaften nur schwer vorhersagbar sind. Diese Probleme lassen sich wesentlich verringern, wenn die Lautsprecherkapsel direkt in die Gehörgangolive der Otoplastik eingebaut werden kann, so daß der Schall dann unmittelbar in den Gehörgang austritt.The use of an otoplastic end piece designed as a separate component also makes the idea of installing the loudspeaker capsule in the otoplastic appear interesting. The installation of the loudspeaker capsule directly into the otoplastic would bring substantial acoustic advantages with it, since then the previously commonly used sound transmission from a loudspeaker built into the hearing aid to the sound channel of the otoplastic via a thin plastic tube could be eliminated. Due to the air volume in the loudspeaker capsule built into the hearing aid, the length and diameter of the tube as well as the adjoining sound channel in the earmold and the adjoining remaining volume of the ear canal, which is significantly wider than the diameter of the tube, a complicated acoustic system is created, in which unfavorable Resonances can occur and its properties are difficult to predict. These problems can be significantly reduced if the loudspeaker capsule can be installed directly in the ear canal olive of the otoplastic, so that the sound then exits directly into the ear canal.

Ein Einbau der Lautsprecherkapsel in die Gehörgangolive der Otoplastik ist zwar bereits vorgeschlagen und auch versucht worden, konnte sich aber aufgrund verschiedener Schwierigkeiten bisher nicht durchsetzen. Einerseits stellt sich wiederum das Problem des Eindringens von Ohrenschmalz in die Schallaustrittsöffnung, was bei einem Einbau der Lautsprecherkapsel in die Gehörgangolive aber wesentlich gravierender als bei der herkömmlichen Verwendung eines Schallübertragungsschlauches ist, da bei einer in die Gehörgangolive eingebauten Lautsprecherkapsel diese durch eindringendes Ohrenschmalz verschmutzt und beschädigt werden kann, was bei einer Anordnung der Lautsprecherkapsel im Hörgerät und Verwendung eines Schallübertragungsschlauches nicht der Fall ist. Man hat daher auch schon versucht, die Schallaustrittsöffnung durch ein feines Lochgitter abzudecken, aber dessen Gitteröffnungen waren schon nach kurzer Zeit mit Ohrenschmalz verstopft, wobei diese Verstopfung allen Reinigungsversuchen, ausgenommen mittels Lösungsmittel, widerstand.An installation of the loudspeaker capsule in the ear canal olive of the otoplastic has already been proposed and also tried, but has so far not been able to assert itself due to various difficulties. On the one hand, there is again the problem of the penetration of ear wax into the sound outlet opening, which is, however, much more serious when the speaker capsule is installed in the ear canal olive than in the conventional use of a sound transmission tube, since in the case of a speaker capsule installed in the ear canal, it is contaminated and penetrated by ear wax can be, which is not the case with an arrangement of the speaker capsule in the hearing aid and the use of a sound transmission hose. Attempts have therefore already been made to cover the sound outlet opening with a fine perforated grille, but its grille openings were blocked with ear wax after a short time, and this blockage resisted all cleaning attempts, except for solvents.

Mit Hilfe des erfindungsgemäßen Otoplastik-Endstückes laßt sich auch in diesem Fall das Verschmutzungsproblem durch Ohrenschmalz lösen.With the help of the otoplastic end piece according to the invention, the contamination problem caused by ear wax can also be solved in this case.

Dem Einbau der Lautsprecherkapsel in die Gehörgangolive herkömmlicher Otoplastiken stehen aber außer dem Verschmutzungsproblem auch noch andere Hindernisse entgegen. Ein solches Problem ist die Anschlußverdrahtung der Lautsprecherkapsel. Die praktische Unmöglichkeit, in der aus Kunststoff bestehenden Otoplastik Lötarbeiten an den Anschlußdrähten der Lautsprecherkapsel vorzunehmen, läßt ein Austauschen der infolge der mechanischen Beanspruchung als Verschleißteil anzusehenden Verbindungsdrähte zwischen Lautsprecherkapsel und Hörgerät nicht zu.The installation of the loudspeaker capsule in the ear canal olive of conventional earmoulds, however, also has other obstacles in addition to the contamination problem. One such problem is the connection wiring of the speaker capsule. The practical impossibility of carrying out soldering work on the connecting wires of the loudspeaker capsule in the plastic earmold does not allow the connecting wires between the loudspeaker capsule and the hearing aid to be replaced as a result of the mechanical stress.

Die Verwendung eines erfindungsgemäßen, als gesondertes Bauteil ausgebildeten Otoplastik-Endstücks läßt auch hier eine Problemlösung zu. Das als selbständiges Bauteil ausgebildete Endstück kann als Deckel einer in der Gehörgangolive gebildeten Lautsprecherkammer ausgebildet sein (Anspruch 8), und bei abnehmbarer Gestaltung dieses Deckels nach den bereits oben erwähnten Möglichkeiten ist diese Lautsprecherkammer und folglich eine in dieser untergebrachte Lautsprecherkapsel jederzeit leicht zugänglich.The use of an otoplastic end piece according to the invention, designed as a separate component, also allows a problem to be solved here. The end piece, which is designed as an independent component, can be designed as a cover for a loudspeaker chamber formed in the ear canal olive (claim 8), and if this cover is made removable in accordance with the options already mentioned, this loudspeaker chamber and consequently a loudspeaker capsule accommodated in it are easily accessible at all times.

In diesem Fall braucht auch das Lautsprecheranschlußkabel, welches die Lautsprecherkapsel mit dem Hörgerät verbindet, nicht fest an der Lautsprecherkapsel angelötet zu sein, sondern es kann beispielsweise eine nach Art gedruckter Schaltungen aus einem flexiblen Trägerband und aufgebrachten Leiterbahnen bestehende Flachleitung verwendet werden, die in die Lautsprecherkammer hineinragt, und die Lautsprecherkapsel kann mit Kontaktflächen versehen sein, die lediglich mechanisch an die entsprechenden Leiterbahnen der Flachleitung angedrückt werden. Zur Kontaktdruckerzeugung kann dabei das als Deckel ausgebildete Otoplastik-Endstück dienen, das mittels einer Gewindeverbindung mit der übrigen Otoplastik verbunden ist und beim Aufschrauben die Lautsprecherkapsel mit ihren Kontaktflächen an das Leitungsband andrückt. Eine Otoplastik mit derart eingebauter Lautsprecherkapsel ist Gegenstand des Anspruchs 11.In this case, the loudspeaker connection cable, which connects the loudspeaker capsule to the hearing aid, does not need to be firmly soldered to the loudspeaker capsule, but it can be, for example, a printed type Circuits made of a flexible carrier tape and applied conductor tracks are used, which protrudes into the loudspeaker chamber, and the speaker capsule can be provided with contact surfaces which are only pressed mechanically onto the corresponding conductor tracks of the flat conductor. To generate contact pressure, the otoplastic end piece designed as a lid can be used, which is connected to the rest of the otoplastic by means of a threaded connection and, when screwed on, presses the loudspeaker capsule with its contact surfaces against the conduction band. An otoplastic with a loudspeaker capsule installed in this way is the subject of claim 11.

Aber auch die Lötverbindung von Anschlußdrähten mit der Lautsrrecherkapsel ist ohne weiteres möglich, wobei die Lautsprecherkapsel bei Bedarf nach Abnehmen des Deckels aus der Lautsprecherkammer herausgenommen werden kann, wobei die angelöteten, durch eine Durchführungsöffnung der Gehörgangolive eingeführten Anschlußdrähte einfach nachgezogen werden, bis die Anschlußstellen freiliegen.But also the solder connection of connecting wires to the speaker capsule is possible without further ado, the speaker capsule being able to be removed from the speaker chamber if necessary after removing the cover, the soldered connecting wires inserted through a passage opening of the ear canal olive being simply retightened until the connection points are exposed.

Der durch die Erfindung ermöglichte Einbau der Lautsprecherkapsel in die Gehörgangolive der Otoplastik ist fertigungstechnisch sehr einfach, da die Lautsrrecherkapsel erst in die Fertigolive eingelegt wird. Auf diese Weise ist auch ein akustisches Ausprobieren verschiedener Lautsprecherkapseln leicht möglich.The installation of the loudspeaker capsule into the ear canal olive of the earmold made possible by the invention is very simple in terms of production technology, since the loudspeaker capsule is only inserted into the finished olive. In this way, acoustic testing of different loudspeaker capsules is easily possible.

Die Erfindung wird nachstehend anhand einiger Ausführungsbeispiele unter Bezugnahme auf die anliegenden Zeichnungen mehr im einzelnen beschrieben. In den Zeichnungen zeigt:

  • Fig. 1 einen Schnitt durch ein mit der übrigen Otoplastik einteilig ausgebildetes Endstück nach der Erfindung,
  • Fig. 2 ein als gesondertes Bauteil ausgebildetes, mittels einer Schnappverbindung auf die übrige Otoplastik aufsteckbares Endstück nach der Erfindung, und
  • Fig. 3 einen Schnitt durch die Gehörgangolive einer Otoplastik mit eingebauter Lautsprecherkapsel und einem als Deckel aufgegchraubten Endstück nach der Erfindung.
The invention is described in more detail below with the aid of some exemplary embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings:
  • 1 shows a section through an end piece designed in one piece with the remaining otoplastic according to the invention,
  • Fig. 2 is designed as a separate component, by means of a snap connection on the rest of the earmold according to the invention, and
  • Fig. 3 shows a section through the ear canal olive of an earmold with built-in speaker capsule and an end piece screwed on as a cover according to the invention.

Fig. 1 zeigt im Längsschnitt den Endstückbereich 1 der Gehörgangolive 2 einer Otoplastik 3. Das mit der übrigen Otoplastik einstückig ausgebildete Endstück 1 weist an seinem Außenumfang 11 und am umfang der Schallausmündungsöffnung 41 des Schallkanals 4 der Otoplastik in Richtung zum Innenohr hin vorspringende relativ scharfe Kanten 12 und 13 auf. Der zwischen diesen Kanten 12 und 13 verlaufende, in Richtung zum Innenohr hin weisende Stirnflächenbereich 15 ist konkav gewölbt und bildet mit dem Außenumfang 11 und mit der Innenwandung 42 des Schallkanals 4 jeweils spitze Winkel.1 shows in longitudinal section the end piece area 1 of the ear canal olive 2 of an otoplastic 3. The end piece 1, which is formed in one piece with the other otoplastic, has relatively sharp edges projecting on its outer circumference 11 and on the circumference of the sound opening 41 of the sound channel 4 of the otoplastic in the direction of the inner ear 12 and 13. The end face region 15 running between these edges 12 and 13 and pointing in the direction of the inner ear is concavely curved and forms an acute angle with the outer circumference 11 and with the inner wall 42 of the sound channel 4.

Fig. 2 zeigt, wiederum im Längsschnitt, ein als selbständiges Bauteil ausgebildetes Endstück 1, das an der übrigen Otoplastik zu befestigen ist. Die dem Innenohr zugewandte Stirnseite dieses Endstücks zeichnet sich wiederum durch am Außenumfang 11 und am Innenumfang der Schallausmündungsöffnung 41 vorspringende, relativ scharfe Kanten 12 und 13 sowie einen dazwischen verlaufenden, konkav gewölbten Stirnflächenbereich 15 aus. Auf seiner anderen, der übrigen Otoplastik (nicht dargestellt) zugewandten Seite ist das Endstück 1 mit einem schnappverschlußartigen Formschlußprofil 16 ausgebildet, das zum Aufstecken des Endstücks auf die übrige Otoplastik dient, die mit einem entsprechenden Gegenprofil ausgebildet ist, in welches das Formschlußprofil 16 des Endstücks 1 einrastet. Das Formschlußprofil 16 des Endstücks 1 ist als Innenprofil dargestellt, das mit einem Außenprofil der übrigen Otoplastik zusammenwirkt. Selbstverständlich ist diese Profilanordnung auch umgekehrt anwendbar.Fig. 2 shows, again in longitudinal section, an end piece 1 designed as an independent component, which is to be attached to the rest of the earmold. The end face of this end piece facing the inner ear is in turn characterized by relatively sharp edges 12 and 13 protruding on the outer circumference 11 and on the inner circumference of the sound opening 41 and a concavely curved end face region 15 running between them. On its other side facing the rest of the otoplastic (not shown), the end piece 1 is designed with a snap-lock-like positive-locking profile 16, which is used to attach the end piece to the rest of the otoplastic, which is designed with a corresponding counter-profile into which the positive-locking profile 16 of the end piece 1 snaps into place. The form-fitting profile 16 of the end piece 1 is shown as an inner profile which interacts with an outer profile of the rest of the otoplastic. Of course, this profile arrangement can also be used in reverse.

Fig. 3 zeigt, ebenfalls im Längsschnitt, den Gehörgangoliventeil einer Otoplastik mit einem deckelartig aufgesetzten Endstück 1 und einer in eine Lautsprecherkammer 21 der Olive 2 eingebauten Lautsprecherkapgel 5. Das ebenso wie die Endstücke nach den Fig. 1 und 2 mit gehörgangseitig am Außenumfang 11 und am umfang der Schallausmündungsöffnung 41 mit vorspringenden scharfen Kanten 12 und 13 und einem dazwischenliegenden, konkav gewölbten Stirnflächenbereich 15 versehene Endstück 1 besteht vorzugsweise aus Tetrafluoräthylen und weist an seinem der Lautsprecherkammer zugewandten Ende einen mit Außengewinde versehenen Ringansatz 18 auf, der in ein entsprechendes Innengewinde der Olive 2 eingeschraubt ist.Fig. 3 shows, also in longitudinal section, the ear canal olive part of an otoplastic with a lid-like end piece 1 and a loudspeaker capsule 5 built into a loudspeaker chamber 21 of the olive 2. This, like the end pieces according to FIGS. 1 and 2, with the outer circumference 11 and on the circumference of the sound opening 41 with projecting sharp edges 12 and 13 and an intermediate, concavely curved end face region 15, end piece 1 is preferably made of tetrafluoroethylene and has at its end facing the loudspeaker chamber an externally threaded ring extension 18 which fits into a corresponding internal thread of the olive 2 is screwed in.

Die Lautsprecherkapsel 5 ist lose in die Laut- sprecherkammer 21 eingesetzt, in welcher sie mittels des als Deckel der Lautsprecherkammer dienenden Endstückes 1 gehalten wird. Als elektrische Zuleitung zur Lautsprecherkapsel 5 dient eine flexible Flachleitung 6 in Form eines Kunststoffbandes mit darauf aufgebrachten Leiterbahnen. Das lautsprecherseitige Leitungsende ist in der Lautsprecherkammer 21 fixiert. Die Lautsprecherkapsel ist mit entsprechenden Kontaktflächen 51 versehen, mit welchen sie, wenn sie in die Lautsprecherkammer 21 eingesetzt ist, an den zugehörigen Leiterbahnen der Flachleitung anliegt. Den nötigen Kontaktdruck erzeugt dabei das als Deckel der Lautsprecherkammer dienende Endstück 1, welches beim Aufschrauben auf die Olive 2 die Lautsprecherkapsel in die Lautsprecherkammer hinein und gegen die Leiterflächen des in der Lautsprecherkammer fixierten Leiterendes der Flachleitung 6 drückt.The loudspeaker capsule 5 is loosely inserted into the phonetic s p recherkammer 21, in which it is held by means of serving as a cover of the speaker chamber end piece. 1 A flexible flat cable 6 in the form of a plastic strip with conductor tracks attached to it serves as the electrical lead to the loudspeaker capsule 5. The loudspeaker-side line end is fixed in the loudspeaker chamber 21. The loudspeaker capsule is provided with corresponding contact surfaces 51, with which it, when inserted into the loudspeaker chamber 21, bears against the associated conductor tracks of the flat cable. The necessary contact pressure is generated by the end piece 1 serving as the cover of the loudspeaker chamber, which, when screwed onto the olive 2, presses the loudspeaker capsule into the loudspeaker chamber and against the conductor surfaces of the conductor end of the flat cable 6 fixed in the loudspeaker chamber.

Das Endstück 1 kann demzufolge jederzeit zu Service-zwecken leicht abgeschraubt werden, so daß auch die Lautsprecherkapsel frei herausnehmbar und erforderlichenfalls austauschbar ist. Ebenso kann die Flachleitung bei Bedarf ohne weiteres ausgewechselt werden. Selbstverständlich ist es auch möglich, die Lautsprecherkapsel durch Anlöten von Anschlußdrähten mit diesen zu verbinden, wobei dann die Lautsprecherkapsel unter Nachziehen der Anschlußdrähte, die beweglich durch eine entsprechende Bohrung der Olive hindurchgeführt sind, aus der Lautsprecherkammer herausgenommen werden kann.The end piece 1 can therefore easily be unscrewed at any time for service purposes, so that the loudspeaker capsule can also be freely removed and, if necessary, exchanged. The flat cable can also be easily replaced if necessary. Of course, it is also possible to connect the loudspeaker capsule to them by soldering on the connecting wires, the loudspeaker capsule then being able to be removed from the loudspeaker chamber by retightening the connecting wires which are movably guided through a corresponding hole in the olive.

Claims (11)

1. End piece of an otoplastic hearing aid which is on the auditory canal side and has an outer periphery (11) corresponding to the auditory canal contours, an acoustic opening (41), and a dished end face (15) running between these, the end face forming, with the outer periphery, a relatively sharp edge (12) projecting towards the inner ear, characterized in that the end face (15) also forms, with the periphery of the acoustic opening (41), a relatively sharp, acute-angled edge (13) projecting in the direction of the inner ear.
2. End piece according to Claim 1, characterized in that the same is designed integral with the remaining otoplastic device (3).
3. End piece according -to Claim 1, characterized in that the same is designed as an independent component to be attached to the remaining otoplastic device.
4. End piece according to Claim 3, characterized in that the end piece (1) is provided, on its side directed towards the remaining otoplastic device, with a toothed profile (16) which,, by integral casting to the remaining otoplastic device, produces a positive connection to the latter.
5. End piece according to Claim 3, characterized in that the end piece has, on its side directed towards the remaining otoplastic device, a snap-type form closure profile (16) for attachment to the remaining otoplastic device. -
6. End piece according to Claim 3, characterized in that the end piece (1) is provided, on its side directed towards the remaining otoplastic device, with a thread (18) for screwing the end piece onto the remaining otoplastic device (3) provided with a corresponding counterthread.
7. End piece according to Claim 3, characterized in that the end piece is connected to the remaining otoplastic device by means of an adhesion connection.
8. End piece according to one of Claims 3 to 7, characterized in that the end piece (1) is designed as a sealing cover for a miniature loudspeaker chamber (21) formed in the remaining otoplastic device (3).
9. End piece according to one of Claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the same is made from polytetrafluoroethylene.
10. End piece according to one of Claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the same is made from soft plastic such as, for example, silicone rubber.
11. Otoplastic hearing aids with a loudspeaker capsule built into the auditory canal olive, which loudspeaker capsule is connected to the hearing aid via an electrical connection cable, characterized in that the loudspeaker capsule (5) is inserted removably into a loudspeaker chamber (21) which is formed in the auditory canal olive (2) and is sealed off according to Claim 8 by means of a screwed-on end piece (1) on the auditory canal side, and in that the loudspeaker capsule (5) bears, by contact pressure generated by the screwed-on end piece (1), with contact surfaces (51) formed thereon against corresponding contact surfaces of the connection line end (6) fixed in the loudspeaker chamber.
EP85103722A 1984-04-06 1985-03-28 Ear tip for a hearing aid ear mould, and a hearing aid ear mould Expired EP0159571B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE3413067A DE3413067C1 (en) 1984-04-06 1984-04-06 Hearing aid earmold end piece and hearing aid earmold on the hearing side
DE3413067 1984-04-06

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EP0159571A1 EP0159571A1 (en) 1985-10-30
EP0159571B1 true EP0159571B1 (en) 1989-02-01

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US (1) US4679650A (en)
EP (1) EP0159571B1 (en)
JP (1) JPS61501674A (en)
DE (1) DE3413067C1 (en)
WO (1) WO1985004779A1 (en)

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DE3413067C1 (en) 1989-06-08
US4679650A (en) 1987-07-14
EP0159571A1 (en) 1985-10-30
JPH0414920B2 (en) 1992-03-16
WO1985004779A1 (en) 1985-10-24
JPS61501674A (en) 1986-08-07

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