EP0206213B1 - Hearing aid - Google Patents

Hearing aid Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0206213B1
EP0206213B1 EP86108215A EP86108215A EP0206213B1 EP 0206213 B1 EP0206213 B1 EP 0206213B1 EP 86108215 A EP86108215 A EP 86108215A EP 86108215 A EP86108215 A EP 86108215A EP 0206213 B1 EP0206213 B1 EP 0206213B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
housing
hearing aid
otoplastic
ear
aid according
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Lifetime
Application number
EP86108215A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP0206213A1 (en
Inventor
Christof Härtl
Ulrich Birkholz
Peter Nassler
Hans-Joachim Weiss
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Sivantos GmbH
Original Assignee
Siemens AG
Siemens Audioligische Technik GmbH
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Filing date
Publication date
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Application filed by Siemens AG, Siemens Audioligische Technik GmbH filed Critical Siemens AG
Priority to AT86108215T priority Critical patent/ATE56848T1/en
Publication of EP0206213A1 publication Critical patent/EP0206213A1/en
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Publication of EP0206213B1 publication Critical patent/EP0206213B1/en
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Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04R—LOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; DEAF-AID SETS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS
    • H04R25/00—Deaf-aid sets, i.e. electro-acoustic or electro-mechanical hearing aids; Electric tinnitus maskers providing an auditory perception
    • H04R25/65—Housing parts, e.g. shells, tips or moulds, or their manufacture
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04R—LOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; DEAF-AID SETS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS
    • 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
    • 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
    • H04R2225/025—In the ear hearing aids [ITE] hearing aids
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04R—LOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; DEAF-AID SETS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS
    • H04R25/00—Deaf-aid sets, i.e. electro-acoustic or electro-mechanical hearing aids; Electric tinnitus maskers providing an auditory perception
    • H04R25/60—Mounting or interconnection of hearing aid parts, e.g. inside tips, housings or to ossicles
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04R—LOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; DEAF-AID SETS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS
    • H04R25/00—Deaf-aid sets, i.e. electro-acoustic or electro-mechanical hearing aids; Electric tinnitus maskers providing an auditory perception
    • H04R25/60—Mounting or interconnection of hearing aid parts, e.g. inside tips, housings or to ossicles
    • H04R25/603—Mounting or interconnection of hearing aid parts, e.g. inside tips, housings or to ossicles of mechanical or electronic switches or control elements
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04R—LOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; DEAF-AID SETS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS
    • H04R25/00—Deaf-aid sets, i.e. electro-acoustic or electro-mechanical hearing aids; Electric tinnitus maskers providing an auditory perception
    • H04R25/65—Housing parts, e.g. shells, tips or moulds, or their manufacture
    • H04R25/658—Manufacture of housing parts

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a tn-the-ear hearing aid, consisting of a housing which has a sound entry opening and a sound output and hearing device parts, such as a microphone, electronic amplifier components, components for signal treatment and signal delivery, which receives a sound conductor leading from a listener to the eardrum has and which is releasably connected to an earmold which can be inserted into the ear canal, to the end of which the formwork line is directed towards the eardrum and is provided with an opening, the earmold tapering down to the smallest diameter at its end facing the eardrum being a cavity which penetrates it having.
  • a hearing aid of this type is disclosed in CH-A-648 172.
  • the state of the art includes a hearing aid device with a housing which is removably embedded in an otoplastic and in which the hearing device components, such as microphone, amplifier, receiver, etc., are located.
  • This device is worn in the concha and only one attachment of the otoplastic leads a formwork lead into the ear canal.
  • the title of the document "Hearing aid to be worn in the ear” requires clarification that the known device with its housing and the otoplastic molded onto the concha is carried in the concha, so that the handicap of the hearing aid wearer is immediately recognizable.
  • the known hearing device In the known hearing device according to GB-A-11 17 245, only the listener sits in the ear canal, while the actual hearing aid device is worn conspicuously on the ear outside the ear canal.
  • the device only has a cover cap for sound outlet openings on a pot-shaped housing part, a cap-like element neither forming a fastening means nor having sound bores. There is no otoplastic to hold the hearing aid housing.
  • GB-A-11 73 657 also relates to a concha hearing aid, i.e. the housing of this known hearing aid is not arranged in the ear canal, but is worn in the concha.
  • a concha hearing aid i.e. the housing of this known hearing aid is not arranged in the ear canal, but is worn in the concha.
  • an earmold is plugged into the sound outlet of the housing.
  • the earmold is always worn together with the hearing aid.
  • DE-A-29 49 992 describes a hearing aid which is built into an otoplastic via an intermediate housing - manufactured as a metal ring.
  • the teaching of this document is that the hearing device components arranged protected in a metal intermediate housing are cast together with the intermediate housing in the otoplastic.
  • the invention has set itself the task of achieving a particularly space-saving structure of the housing in a hearing device of the type mentioned.
  • This object is achieved by the features characterized in claim 1.
  • Advantageous further developments and refinements of the invention are characterized in claims 2 to 14.
  • an in-the-ear hearing aid that can be largely inserted into the ear canal is created, the housing of which tapers towards the sound outlet opening, can be inserted into a corresponding cavity of the earmold and in the area of the small diameter facing the eardrum that is Housing attached to the earmold by a releasable lock. This creates a structure that makes it possible to almost completely insert the housing containing the hearing aid components into the otoplastic.
  • the invention is based on a housing of the parts of the hearing aid, which fits into a cavity in the otoplastic.
  • the housing and the cavity are given diameters which become smaller towards the exit of the sound conductor, so that the shape of a funnel results. This makes it possible to lock the housing in the earmold in the area of the smaller diameters.
  • the advantages that result from the use of a two-part housing can be used, and on the other hand, no significant additional space is required for holding the device in the earmold.
  • the hearing aid device housed in a housing can be moved as standard be made and get the smallest possible dimensions. It is possible to use molded parts of minimal wall thickness for its housing because the wall is reinforced by inserting it into the earmold. In particular, if you give this device a cross-section that is rounded in a kidney shape, the adaptability to the cross-sections of auditory channels that occur is also facilitated.
  • the installation of the device in the otoplastic can be promoted if the housing of the hearing aid is made up of two parts and all parts except the receiver are accommodated in one part and the receiver in a second part.
  • the connection between the two parts of the housing can be rigid, because the shape is already favorable for installation.
  • the connection of the housing of the receiver to the part of the housing which contains the other components of the hearing aid can also be made movable. As a rule, it can be sufficient to arrange the receiver to be rotatable about its longitudinal axis by approximately 30 °, because then all positions and shapes that can be taken up by the ear canal can be adjusted.
  • the locking of the housing, which contains the elements of the hearing aid, with the otoplastic or the intermediate housing can be achieved by appropriately shaping the surfaces that come to lie against one another, for example by providing undercutting elements that come into engagement with one another when they are joined together. Such elements can have a particularly favorable effect if they are attached at points where they are accessible for later removal, so that the connection can be released without destroying the housing.
  • the arrangement of the undercuts is advantageous, for example, in the areas in which the housings have a small diameter. There you only have thin walls when you later make the device, which are flexible and therefore cheap for snap locks. With an intermediate housing, very little, if any, parts of an otoplastic need to be attached.
  • the housing of the components of the hearing aid can be provided on the outside with a thread at its thinnest end, which protrudes at the end when it is joined together with the otoplastic or the intermediate housing.
  • the bracket can then be achieved by screwing an annular nut.
  • a bead can also be provided, onto which a ring is held which holds the two parts together.
  • a kind of snap lock can also be achieved by undercuts.
  • the end edge of the intermediate housing can be provided with a reinforcement.
  • a ring can be used as such.
  • Such a holder can be released if the wall of the housing of the components is flexible at the point at which a latching step lies, for example by only having a thin wall thickness. This then allows the retaining step to be pressed in so far that the adjacent locking edge can be pushed over it.
  • the materials used for the manufacture of hearing aids such as, for example, have proven themselves as materials for the housing, the earmold and the intermediate housing.
  • Favorable wall thicknesses of the housings are 0.2 to 0.5 mm.
  • a ring inserted to reinforce a locking edge can consist of a mechanically resistant plastic, such as polymethyl methacrylate.
  • the otoplastic which results in an adaptation to the ear canal and thereby an improved holder when using the device, can be produced in a manner known per se in the manufacture of ear molds. For this purpose, an impression, such as a plaster cast, is first made from the ear canal, and a cast of the cavity, which leaves the cavity for the use of the hearing aid, is made thereafter.
  • the intermediate housing is e.g. inserted into the mold made from the impression and then the space between it and the mold filled with plastic material. After curing, a suitable otoplastic is obtained.
  • an appropriately shaped stamp can be inserted into the mold to create the cavity in the otoplastic and removed again after the plastic material has hardened.
  • An arrangement according to the invention also has the advantage that a finished hearing aid is already available before an otoplastic is manufactured.
  • a part can be attached to the sound outlet opening of the housing, which corresponds, for example, to the end section of the intermediate housing, which makes locking possible.
  • the end of this part which serves as an adapter, can then be provided with an attachment onto which a so-called adapter olive is attached, which makes it possible to attach the device to the ear to be supplied.
  • This test adapter can by using different fitting olives for different forms of listening channels.
  • the screw-on part and, in the case of a bead, the ring to be pulled on can be designed in an analogous manner as an adapter.
  • a duct to the outside air for venting the air space enclosed between the device and the eardrum when using the device.
  • a bulge can be provided in the intermediate housing according to the invention.
  • the cross-section on the front panel can be saved by connecting this panel to the housing with an internal snap lock.
  • This can be arranged so that it can be loosened by means of a tool, for example a screwdriver, which is inserted through an opening in the housing, for example the opening for introducing the battery. Marks that are visible on the outside, which are unavoidable due to the use of the tool on the plastic, can be brought to an invisible point on the housing.
  • FIG 1 denotes a hearing aid in which the components, i.e. a microphone 2, an amplifier 3, a battery 4 and a receiver 5, are housed in a housing 15.
  • the housing 15 is closed at the point of its largest diameter with a cover 6, which consists of polyamide, which is reinforced with glass fibers.
  • the cover 6 carries a volume control 7, a tone control 8 and a holder 10 for the battery 4, which can be pivoted about an axis 9 attached in the cover 6.
  • the cover there is also an opening 11 for speaking into the microphone 2.
  • the parts 13 of the amplifier Inside the housing are attached to a flexible support 12, the parts 13 of the amplifier.
  • the receiver 5 is connected to the amplifier.
  • the cover 6 is connected to the housing 15 via hooks 16, which engage behind lugs 17 of the housing 15.
  • the device 1 is inserted with its housing 15 into an intermediate housing 20, on the outer wall of which an otoplastic 21 is attached.
  • the receiver 5 At its end facing away from the amplifier 3, the receiver 5 has a sound outlet connection 22 which, like the receiver 5 itself, is supported with respect to the housing 15 by a padding 23.
  • a thread 24 On the outside of the part of the housing 15, which lies in the area of the connector 22, a thread 24 is attached, onto which a threaded ring 25 is screwed, which has a bottom 26, in which openings 27 are made.
  • An adapter as shown in FIG. 5 can be used to test the device 1 on a hearing impaired person.
  • This consists of a screw ring 25.1, which can be screwed onto the thread 24 and which has an attachment olive 30 at its free end, to which an adapter olive 31 can be attached in the direction of arrow 33 (ear tip), which consists of a flexible material and one has laterally projecting sealing bead 32, with which the ear canal can be locked to the outside.
  • FIG. 4 the arrangement of a ventilation channel 40 is shown in section along the line 111-111 according to FIG. 2, which is also shown in dashed lines in FIG leads the end of the intermediate housing 20, which have the large cross section at the opposite the end of this case.
  • This channel 40 is designed in the form of a bulge 42 of the intermediate housing 20, so that the channel remains open at 40 when the material of the earmold 21 is attached.
  • a bulge 42.1 can also be provided on the other side, which then leads to a further ventilation duct 40.1 or through which the duct 40 is replaced.
  • the housing 15.6 is held in the intermediate housing 20.6 by means of lateral projections, of which those designated as 60 and 61 are visible in the figure, i.e. when inserting the housing 15.6 into the intermediate housing 20.6, the lugs 60 and 61 slide past the annular thickening 62 of the intermediate housing 20 and snap outwards as soon as they have reached the outer end of the thickening 62, so that the device 1.6 falls out due to its gradation is prevented from the intermediate housing 20.6.
  • the lugs 60 and 61 can be brought below the level of the thickening 62 and the connection of the housing 15.6 to the intermediate housing 20.6 can be released again.
  • the exit opening of the sound is closed with a cap 63, which has openings 64 for the passage of the sound and the side walls 65 of which are drawn inwards towards the open side of the cap 63, so that they are behind a bead 66 which forms the end of the housing 15.6 forms at the sound output, grab and hold the cap 63.
  • FIG. 7 for the device 1.7, which is located in a housing 15.7, the receiver 5.7 being accommodated in a separate housing 70 which is fastened to the housing 15 via a holder 71 which can be pivoted laterally by 5 °.
  • This holder can also be rotated laterally by 300 ° about the longitudinal axis of the receiver 5.1, a stop 72 being provided in order to prevent the connections 73 from being overtightened and thus torn off.
  • the thickening which is denoted by 62 in FIG.
  • FIG. 8 is simplified compared to that according to FIG. 7 in that the receiver in its housing 70.8 is held on housing 15.8 only rotatable about its axis 80 by 30 ° on each side.
  • a stop 72.8 limits the lateral rotation to avoid difficulties with regard to the connections. Otherwise, the embodiment corresponds to that according to FIG. 7.
  • FIG. 9 shows an adapter which corresponds to that shown in FIG. 5.
  • the main difference is that it is attached to the housing of the hearing aid using a snap mechanism.
  • the lugs 61.9 and 62.9 are used, which engage behind the annular part 92 when the connector 90 is pushed in the direction of the arrow 91 and enter the openings 93 and 94, so that the lug is fastened to the housing 15.9 and the adapter olive 31.9 with the sealing bead 32.9 in the direction of arrow 95 can be attached to the attachment olive 30.9.

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

1. In-the-ear-hearing aid, consisting of a housing (15) which has a sound entry opening (11) as well as a sound outlet and accommodates hearing aid portions, such as microphone (2), electronic amplifier components (3, 13), components for signal processing and signal emission, which has a sound duct (22) leading from a receiver (5) to the ear-drum and which is releasably connected with an otoplastic (21) which can be inserted into the auditory canal and to the end of which, facing the ear-drum and provided with an opening, the sound duct is directed, with the otoplastic, tapering to a smallest diameter at its end facing the ear-drum, having a hollowed-out portion penetrating it, characterised in that the shape of the housing (15) is even adapted to the shape of the hollowed-out portion of the otoplastic (21) within the auditory canal, in that the housing (15) can be inserted into the hollowed-out portion of the otoplastic (21) and in that the housing can be secured to the otoplastic in the region of the latter's end facing the ear-drum by means of a releasable latching arrangement (24, 25; 60-62).

Description

Die Erfindung betrifft ein tn-dem-Ohr-Hörgerät, bestehend aus einem Gehäuse, das eine Schalleintrittsöffnung sowie einen Schallausgang aufweist und Hörgeräteteile, wie Mikrofon, elektronische Verstärkerbauteile, Bauteile zur Signalbehandlung und Signalabgabe, aufnimmt, das eine von einem Hörer zum Trommelfell führende Schalleitung aufweist und das mit einer in den Gehörgang einsetzbaren Otoplastik lösbar verbunden ist, zu deren dem Trommelfell zugewandten, mit einer Öffnung versehenen Ende die Schalleitung geführt ist, wobei die bis zu einem kleinsten Durchmesser an ihrem dem Trommelfell zugewandten Ende sich verjügende Otoplastik eine sie durchdringende Aushöhlung aufweist. Ein Hörgerät dieser Art ist im CH-A-648 172 offenbart.The invention relates to a tn-the-ear hearing aid, consisting of a housing which has a sound entry opening and a sound output and hearing device parts, such as a microphone, electronic amplifier components, components for signal treatment and signal delivery, which receives a sound conductor leading from a listener to the eardrum has and which is releasably connected to an earmold which can be inserted into the ear canal, to the end of which the formwork line is directed towards the eardrum and is provided with an opening, the earmold tapering down to the smallest diameter at its end facing the eardrum being a cavity which penetrates it having. A hearing aid of this type is disclosed in CH-A-648 172.

Bei Hörhilfen, die so klein sind, daß sie wenigstens weitgehend in den Ohrkanal eingeführt werden können, ist neben einer günstigen Verteilung der Einbauteile auch eine vorteilhafte Gestaltung des Gehäuses selbst sehr ausschlaggebend. Am einfachsten schien es bisher für jeden Kunden, ein individuelles Gehäuse zu machen, in welches dann das Gerät eingebaut wird. Dabei ist aber ein Funktionstest erst möglich, wenn die individuelle Schale (Otoplastik) fertig ist und dem Kunden in das Ohr eingesetzt werden kann. Das eingebaute Gerät kann für eine Reparatur etc. nur ausgebaut werden, wenn das Gehäuse, das in der Regel verklebt ist, aufgebrochen wird. Ein zur Entlüftung des durch das Gerät im Hörkanal eingeschlossenen Luftraumes notwendiger Kanal muß bei der Herstellung der Otoplastik mit eingearbeitet werden.In the case of hearing aids which are so small that they can at least largely be inserted into the ear canal, in addition to a favorable distribution of the built-in parts, an advantageous design of the housing itself is also very important. So far, it seemed easiest for every customer to make an individual housing in which the device was then installed. However, a function test is only possible when the individual shell (earmold) is ready and can be inserted into the customer's ear. The built-in device can only be removed for repair etc. if the housing, which is usually glued, is broken open. A duct necessary for venting the air space enclosed by the device in the auditory canal must be incorporated in the manufacture of the otoplastic.

Derartige Probleme treten auch bei anderen Kleinhörgeräten auf, etwa solchen, die im Ohr getragen werden, d.h. bei denen der größte Teil des Gehäuses in der Ohrmuschel untergebracht ist und nur der Hörer in einem Ansatz dieses Gerätes in den Hörkanal eingeführt wird. Bei einem solchen Gerät, das an seiner äußeren Fläche großen Querschnitt aufweist und das in der DE-A-14 87 272 beschrieben ist, wird eine Lösung obengenannter Probleme angestrebt, indem die Einzelelemente der Hörhilfe in einem Gehäuse untergebracht sind, das über eine lösbare Verriegelung in ein Zwischengehäuse eingesetzt ist, dessen Außenseite mit der Otoplastik der Form des Gehörgangs des jeweils zu versorgenden Ohres angepaßt ist.Such problems also occur with other small hearing aids, such as those worn in the ear, i.e. in which most of the housing is housed in the auricle and only the listener is inserted into the auditory canal in one attachment of this device. In such a device, which has a large cross-section on its outer surface and which is described in DE-A-14 87 272, a solution to the above-mentioned problems is sought, in that the individual elements of the hearing aid are accommodated in a housing which has a releasable locking mechanism is inserted into an intermediate housing, the outside of which is adapted to the shape of the auditory canal of the ear to be supplied with the otoplastic.

Zum Stand der Technik gehört nach der CH-A-648 172 ein Hörhilfegerät, mit einem in einer Otoplastik entfernbar eingebetteten Gehäuse, in dem sich die Hörgerätebauteile, wie Mikrofon, Verstärker, Hörer usw. befinden. Dieses Gerät wird in der Concha getragen und lediglich ein Ansatz der Otoplastik führt eine Schalleitung in den Gehörgang. Der Titel der Entgegenhaltung "Im Ohr zu tragendes Hörhilfsgerät" bedarf dahingehend der Klarstellung, daß das bekannte Gerät mit seinem Gehäuse und der der Concha angeformten Otoplastik in der Concha getragen wird, so daß die Behinderung des Hörgeräteträgers sofort erkennbar ist.According to CH-A-648 172, the state of the art includes a hearing aid device with a housing which is removably embedded in an otoplastic and in which the hearing device components, such as microphone, amplifier, receiver, etc., are located. This device is worn in the concha and only one attachment of the otoplastic leads a formwork lead into the ear canal. The title of the document "Hearing aid to be worn in the ear" requires clarification that the known device with its housing and the otoplastic molded onto the concha is carried in the concha, so that the handicap of the hearing aid wearer is immediately recognizable.

Bei dem bekannten Hörgerät nach der GB-A-11 17 245 sitzt lediglich der Hörer im Ohrkanal, während das eigentliche Hörhilfegerät außerhalb des Ohrkanals auffällig am Ohr getragen wird. Das Gerät weist lediglich eine Abdeckkappe für Schallaustrittsöffnungen an einem topfförmigen Gehäuseteil auf, wobei ein kappenartiges Element weder ein Befestigungsmittel bildet noch Schallbohrungen besitzt. Eine Otoplastik zur Aufnahme des Hörgerätegehäuses ist nicht vorhanden.In the known hearing device according to GB-A-11 17 245, only the listener sits in the ear canal, while the actual hearing aid device is worn conspicuously on the ear outside the ear canal. The device only has a cover cap for sound outlet openings on a pot-shaped housing part, a cap-like element neither forming a fastening means nor having sound bores. There is no otoplastic to hold the hearing aid housing.

Auch die GB-A-11 73 657 betrifft ein Concha-Hörgerät, d.h. das Gehäuse dieses bekannten Hörgerätes wird nicht im Ohrkanal angeordnet, sondern in der Concha getragen. Zum Einsatz in den Ohrkanal wird ein Ohrpaßstück an den Schallaustrittsstutzen des Gehäuses gesteckt. Beim bekannten Hörgerät wird das Ohrpaßstück stets zusammen mit dem Hörgerät getragen.GB-A-11 73 657 also relates to a concha hearing aid, i.e. the housing of this known hearing aid is not arranged in the ear canal, but is worn in the concha. For use in the ear canal, an earmold is plugged into the sound outlet of the housing. In the known hearing aid, the earmold is always worn together with the hearing aid.

Die DE-A-29 49 992 beschreibt ein Hörgerät, das über ein Zwischengehäuse - gefertigt als Metallring - fest in eine Otoplastik eingebaut ist. Die Lehre dieses Dokuments geht dahin, daß die in einem Metall-Zwischengehäuse geschützt angeordneten Hörgerätebauteile zusammen mit dem Zwischengehäuse in die Otoplastik eingegossen werden.DE-A-29 49 992 describes a hearing aid which is built into an otoplastic via an intermediate housing - manufactured as a metal ring. The teaching of this document is that the hearing device components arranged protected in a metal intermediate housing are cast together with the intermediate housing in the otoplastic.

Die Erfindung hat sich die Aufgabe gestellt, bei einem Hörgerät der eingangs genannten Art einen besonders raumsparenden Aufbau des Gehäuses zu erreichen. Diese Aufgabe wird erfindungsgemäß durch die im Patentanspruch 1 gekennzeichneten Merkmale gelöst. Vorteilhafte Weiterbildungen und Ausgestaltungen der Erfindung sind in den Patentansprüchen 2 bis 14 gekennzeichnet. In besonders vorteilhafter Weise wird nach der Erfindung ein weitgehend in den Gehörgang einsetzbares In-dem-Ohr-Hörgerät geschaffen, dessen Gehäuse sich zur Schallaustrittsöffnung hin verjüngt, in eine entsprechende Aushöhlung der Otoplastik einsetzbar ist und im Bereich der dem Trommelfell zugewandten kleinen Durchmesser ist das Gehäuse mit der Otoplastik durch eine lösbare Verriegelung befestigt. Damit wird ein Aufbau geschaffen, der es ermöglicht, in die Otoplastik das die Hörgerätebauteile enthaltende Gehäuse nahezu vollständig einzusetzen.The invention has set itself the task of achieving a particularly space-saving structure of the housing in a hearing device of the type mentioned. This object is achieved by the features characterized in claim 1. Advantageous further developments and refinements of the invention are characterized in claims 2 to 14. In a particularly advantageous manner, according to the invention, an in-the-ear hearing aid that can be largely inserted into the ear canal is created, the housing of which tapers towards the sound outlet opening, can be inserted into a corresponding cavity of the earmold and in the area of the small diameter facing the eardrum that is Housing attached to the earmold by a releasable lock. This creates a structure that makes it possible to almost completely insert the housing containing the hearing aid components into the otoplastic.

Die Erfindung geht von einem Gehäuse der Teile der Hörhilfe aus, das in eine Aushöhlung der Otoplastik paßt. Dazu erhalten das Gehäuse und die Aushöhlung Durchmesser, die auf den Ausgang der Schallableitung hin kleiner werden, so daß sich die Form eines Trichters ergibt. Dadurch wird eine Verriegelung des Gehäuses in der Otoplastik im Bereich der kleineren Durchmesser möglich. So werden einerseits die Vorteile nutzbar, die sich aus der Anwendung eines zweiteiligen Gehäuses ergeben, und andererseits wird kein wesentlicher zusätzlicher Raum für die Halterung des Gerätes in der Otoplastik benötigt.The invention is based on a housing of the parts of the hearing aid, which fits into a cavity in the otoplastic. For this purpose, the housing and the cavity are given diameters which become smaller towards the exit of the sound conductor, so that the shape of a funnel results. This makes it possible to lock the housing in the earmold in the area of the smaller diameters. On the one hand, the advantages that result from the use of a two-part housing can be used, and on the other hand, no significant additional space is required for holding the device in the earmold.

Nach der Erfindung kann das in einem Gehäuse untergebrachte Hörhilfegerät serienmäßig gefertigt werden und kleinstmögliche Abmessungen erhalten. Es ist möglich, für sein Gehäuse Spritzteile minimaler Wandstärke zu verwenden, weil die Wand durch das Einsetzen in die Otoplastik verstärkt wird. Insbesondere wenn man diesem Gerät einen Querschnitt gibt, der nierenförmig abgerundet ist, wird außerdem die Anpaßbarkeit an die auftretenden Querschnitte von Hörkanälen erleichtert.According to the invention, the hearing aid device housed in a housing can be moved as standard be made and get the smallest possible dimensions. It is possible to use molded parts of minimal wall thickness for its housing because the wall is reinforced by inserting it into the earmold. In particular, if you give this device a cross-section that is rounded in a kidney shape, the adaptability to the cross-sections of auditory channels that occur is also facilitated.

Der Einbau des Gerätes in die Otoplastik kann gefördert werden, wenn man das Gehäuse der Hörhilfe zweiteilig ausbildet und in einem Teil davon alle Teile bis auf den Hörer unterbringt und in einem zweiten Teil den Hörer. Dabei kann die Verbindung der beiden Teile des Gehäuses starr sein, weil schon durch die Formgebung die Einbaumöglichkeit günstig ist. Die Verbindung des Gehäuses des Hörers mit dem Teil des Gehäuses, der die übrigen Bauelemente der Hörhilfe enthält, kann aber auch beweglich gemacht werden. In der Regel kann es ausreichen, den Hörer um seine Längsachse etwa um 30° verdrehbar anzuordnen, weil dann alle vom Ohrkanal einnehmbaren Lagen und Formen einstellbar sind.The installation of the device in the otoplastic can be promoted if the housing of the hearing aid is made up of two parts and all parts except the receiver are accommodated in one part and the receiver in a second part. The connection between the two parts of the housing can be rigid, because the shape is already favorable for installation. The connection of the housing of the receiver to the part of the housing which contains the other components of the hearing aid can also be made movable. As a rule, it can be sufficient to arrange the receiver to be rotatable about its longitudinal axis by approximately 30 °, because then all positions and shapes that can be taken up by the ear canal can be adjusted.

Günstiger ist es, wenn neben einer Verdrehbarkeit, die bis zu 300° gesteigert sein kann, an der Verbindungsstelle mit dem anderen Gehäuse auch noch eine Schwenkbarkeit von bis zu 10° (5° zu beiden Seiten) vorgesehen wird (vgl. Figur 7). Dadurch wird es möglich, bei der Anpassung des Gehäuses einer noch größeren Vielzahl durch das Ohr vorgegebener Formen gerecht zu werden.It is more favorable if, in addition to a rotatability, which can be increased by up to 300 °, a pivotability of up to 10 ° (5 ° on both sides) is also provided at the connection point with the other housing (see FIG. 7). This makes it possible, when adapting the housing, to meet an even greater number of shapes predefined by the ear.

Die Verriegelung des Gehäuses, das die Elemente der Hörhilfe enthält, mit der Otoplastik bzw. dem Zwischengehäuse kann durch entsprechende Ausformung der aneinander zu liegen kommenden Flächen erreicht werden, indem etwa beim Aneinanderfügen in Eingriff miteinander kommende hinterschneidende Elemente vorgesehen werden. Solche Elemente können besonders günstig wirken, wenn sie an Stellen angebracht werden, an denen sie zu einem späteren Lösen wieder zugänglich sind, so daß die Verbindung ohne Zerstörung des Gehäuses gelöst werden kann. Die Anordnung der Hinterschneidungen ist dazu etwa in den Bereichen günstig, in denen die Gehäuse geringen Durchmesser haben. Dort hat man bei der späteren Ausfertigung des Gerätes auch nur dünne Wände, die flexibel und daher für Schnappverschlüsse günstig sind. Bei einem Zwischenghäuse brauchen nur sehr wenig, wenn überhaupt, Teile einer Otoplastik angebracht zu werden.The locking of the housing, which contains the elements of the hearing aid, with the otoplastic or the intermediate housing can be achieved by appropriately shaping the surfaces that come to lie against one another, for example by providing undercutting elements that come into engagement with one another when they are joined together. Such elements can have a particularly favorable effect if they are attached at points where they are accessible for later removal, so that the connection can be released without destroying the housing. The arrangement of the undercuts is advantageous, for example, in the areas in which the housings have a small diameter. There you only have thin walls when you later make the device, which are flexible and therefore cheap for snap locks. With an intermediate housing, very little, if any, parts of an otoplastic need to be attached.

In einer Ausbildungsform kann das Gehäuse der Bauelemente der Hörhilfe an seinem dünnsten Ende außen mit einem Gewinde versehen werden, das beim Zusammenfügen mit der Otoplastik bzw. dem Zwischengehäuse am Ende vorsteht. Die Halterung kann dann durch Aufschrauben einer ringförmigen Mutter erreicht werden. Statt eines Gewindes kann auch eine Wulst vorgesehen werden, auf welche ein Ring aufgezogen wird, der die beiden Teile zusammenhält.In one embodiment, the housing of the components of the hearing aid can be provided on the outside with a thread at its thinnest end, which protrudes at the end when it is joined together with the otoplastic or the intermediate housing. The bracket can then be achieved by screwing an annular nut. Instead of a thread, a bead can also be provided, onto which a ring is held which holds the two parts together.

Durch Hinterschneidungen kann auch eine Art Schnappverschluß erreicht werden. Dazu hat es sich als zweckmäßig erwiesen, die Außenwand des Gehäuses der Bauteile so zu formen, daß sie gegen den größeren Durchmesser hin eine Stufe oder mehrere aufweist, woran beim Einstecken in die Otoplastik oder das Zwischengehäuse dort vorgesehene Kanten, etwa der Endrand des letzteren, einrasten. Zur Verbesserung dieser Halterung kann der Endrand des Zwischengehäuses mit einer Verstärkung versehen sein. Als solche kann etwa ein Ring verwendet werden. Eine derartige Halterung ist lösbar, wenn die Wand des Gehäuses der Bauelemente an der Stelle, an der eine Raststufe liegt, flexibel ist, indem sie etwa nur dünne Wandstärke aufweist. Dies erlaubt dann, die halternde Stufe so weit einzudrücken, das die anliegende Rastkante darüber hinweggeschoben werden kann.A kind of snap lock can also be achieved by undercuts. For this purpose, it has proven to be expedient to shape the outer wall of the housing of the components in such a way that it has a step or more against the larger diameter, due to which edges provided there when inserted into the otoplastic or the intermediate housing, for example the end edge of the latter, click into place. To improve this bracket, the end edge of the intermediate housing can be provided with a reinforcement. A ring can be used as such. Such a holder can be released if the wall of the housing of the components is flexible at the point at which a latching step lies, for example by only having a thin wall thickness. This then allows the retaining step to be pressed in so far that the adjacent locking edge can be pushed over it.

Als Materialien für das Gehäuse, die Otoplastik und das Zwischengehäuse haben sich die bei der Herstellung von Hörgeräten üblichen Kunststoffe bewährt, wie z.B. Polyoxymethylen oder Zelluloseazetat. Günstige Wandstärken der Gehäuse sind 0,2 bis 0,5 mm. Ein zur Verstärkung einer Rastkante eingefügter Ring kann aus einem mechanisch widerstandsfähigen Kunststoff, wie Polymethylmethacrylat, bestehen. Die Otoplastik, die eine Anpassung an den Gehörgang und dadurch eine verbesserte Halterung beim Benutzen des Gerätes ergibt, kann in der bei der Herstellung von Ohrpaßstücken an sich bekannten Weise hergestellt werden. Dazu wird vom Ohrkanal erst ein Abdruck, etwa ein Gipsabdruck, gefertigt und nach diesem wird ein die Aushöhlung für den Einsatz der Hörhilfe freilassender Abguß davon gefertigt. Dieser kann z.B. durch einen entsprechenden Auftrag auf das Zwischengehäuse gemacht werden. Das Zwischengehäuse wird zu diesem Zweck z.B. in die vom Abdruck gefertige Form eingebracht und dann der Zwischenraum zwischen ihm und der Form mit Plastikmaterial ausgefüllt. Nach dem Aushärten wird so eine geeignete Otoplastik erhalten. Anstatt des Zwischengehäuses kann zur Erzeugung der Aushöhlung in der Otoplastik ein entsprechend geformter Stempel in die Form eingesetzt und nach der Aushärtung des Plastikmaterials wieder entfernt werden.The materials used for the manufacture of hearing aids, such as, for example, have proven themselves as materials for the housing, the earmold and the intermediate housing. Polyoxymethylene or cellulose acetate. Favorable wall thicknesses of the housings are 0.2 to 0.5 mm. A ring inserted to reinforce a locking edge can consist of a mechanically resistant plastic, such as polymethyl methacrylate. The otoplastic, which results in an adaptation to the ear canal and thereby an improved holder when using the device, can be produced in a manner known per se in the manufacture of ear molds. For this purpose, an impression, such as a plaster cast, is first made from the ear canal, and a cast of the cavity, which leaves the cavity for the use of the hearing aid, is made thereafter. This can e.g. be made by a corresponding order on the intermediate housing. For this purpose, the intermediate housing is e.g. inserted into the mold made from the impression and then the space between it and the mold filled with plastic material. After curing, a suitable otoplastic is obtained. Instead of the intermediate housing, an appropriately shaped stamp can be inserted into the mold to create the cavity in the otoplastic and removed again after the plastic material has hardened.

Eine Anordnung nach der Erfindung hat auch den Vorteil, daß an sich eine fertige Hörhilfe auch schon vorliegt, bevor eine Otoplastik gefertigt ist. Um ein Ausprobieren der akustischen Eigenschaften und eine Anpassung an die Schwerhörigkeit eines bestimmten Ohres zu erreichen, kann es schon genügen, das Gerät mit einer akustischen Abdichtung ins Ohr einzusetzen und dann die erforderliche Einstellung vorzunehmen. Dazu kann an die Schallausgangsöffnung des Gehäuses ein Teil angesetzt werden, das z.B. dem Endabschnitt des Zwischengehäuses entspricht, das die Verriegelung möglich macht. Das Ende dieses Teiles, das als Adapter dient, kann dann mit einem Ansatz versehen werden, auf den eine sogenannte Anpaßolive aufgesteckt wird, die ein Anbringen des Gerätes am zu versorgenden Ohr möglich macht. Dieser Erprobungsadapter kann durch Verwendung verschiedener Anpaßoliven für verschiedene Formen von Hörkanälen verwendet werden. Bei einem Gewinde als Verriegelungselement kann das Aufschraubteil und bei einer Wulst der aufzuziehende Ring in analoger Weise als Adapter ausgebildet sein.An arrangement according to the invention also has the advantage that a finished hearing aid is already available before an otoplastic is manufactured. In order to try out the acoustic properties and adapt it to the hearing loss of a particular ear, it may be sufficient to insert the device with an acoustic seal in the ear and then to make the necessary adjustment. For this purpose, a part can be attached to the sound outlet opening of the housing, which corresponds, for example, to the end section of the intermediate housing, which makes locking possible. The end of this part, which serves as an adapter, can then be provided with an attachment onto which a so-called adapter olive is attached, which makes it possible to attach the device to the ear to be supplied. This test adapter can by using different fitting olives for different forms of listening channels. In the case of a thread as a locking element, the screw-on part and, in the case of a bead, the ring to be pulled on can be designed in an analogous manner as an adapter.

Bei Verwendung einer Verriegelung des Einbaugehäuses mit einer ringförmigen Schraubenmutter bzw. einem aufziehbaren Ring können diese die Form einer Kappe erhalten, deren Boden mit Löchern versehen ist. So wird damit neben der Verriegelung noch Schutz der Schallableitung gegen das Eindringen von Schmutz und insbesondere Cerumen erhalten, ohne daß zusätzlicher Raum beansprucht wird.When using an interlocking of the installation housing with an annular screw nut or an openable ring, these can take the form of a cap, the bottom of which is provided with holes. In addition to locking, protection of the sound deflection against the ingress of dirt and, in particular, cerumen is thus obtained without requiring additional space.

Bei der erfindungsgemäßen Ausführungsform ist es überdies möglich, zur Entlüftung des zwischen dem Gerät und dem Trommelfell beim Verwenden des Gerätes eingeschlossenen Luftraumes einen Kanal zur Außenluft vorzusehen. Zu diesem Venting genannten Entlüften des Innenraumes kann nach der Erfindung im Zwischengehäuse eine Ausbuchtung vorgesehen werden. Beim Zusammenfügen mit dem Gehäuse der Hörhilfeteile bleibt dann ein Kanal frei, der sich von dem Ende mit kleinem Durchmesser zum Ende mit grossem Durchmesser erstreckt.In the embodiment according to the invention it is also possible to provide a duct to the outside air for venting the air space enclosed between the device and the eardrum when using the device. For this venting of the interior called venting, a bulge can be provided in the intermediate housing according to the invention. When assembled with the housing of the hearing aid parts, a channel then remains free, which extends from the end with a small diameter to the end with a large diameter.

An der Frontplatte kann Querschnitt gespart werden, indem diese Platte mit dem Gehäuse über einen innen liegenden Schnappverschluß verbunden wird. Dieser kann so angeordnet sein, daß seine Lösung mittels eines Werkzeuges, etwa eines Schraubenziehers, erfolgen kann, der durch eine Öffnung im Gehäuse, etwa die Öffnung zur Einführung der Batterie, eingeführt wird. So können außen sichtbare Marken, die durch die Anwendung des Werkzeuges am Kunststoff unvermeidbar sind, an eine nicht sichtbare Stelle des Gehäuses gebracht werden.The cross-section on the front panel can be saved by connecting this panel to the housing with an internal snap lock. This can be arranged so that it can be loosened by means of a tool, for example a screwdriver, which is inserted through an opening in the housing, for example the opening for introducing the battery. Marks that are visible on the outside, which are unavoidable due to the use of the tool on the plastic, can be brought to an invisible point on the housing.

Weitere Einzelheiten und Vorteile der Erfindung werden nachfolgend anhand der in den Figuren dargestellten Ausführungsbeispiele weiter erläutert.

  • In der Figur 1 ist ein erfindungsgemäß ausgestaltetes Hörgerät im Schnitt dargestellt,
  • in der Figur 2 ein Schnitt durch das Gerät nach Figur 1 entlang der Linie 11-11,
  • in der Figur 3 die Draufsicht auf das Gerät nach Figur 1,
  • in der Figur 4 die Abbildung eines Schnittes entlang der Linie 111-111 nach Figur 2,
  • in der Figur 5 in explodierter Darstellung ein an den Schallausgang des Gerätes nach Figur 1 ansetzbarer Adapter zur Erprobung des Gerätes,
  • in der Figur 6 eine Ausführungsform, bei welcher die Verbindung der beiden Gehäuse über einen Schnappmechanismus bewirkt ist,
  • in der Figur 7 eine Hörhilfe, bei welcher die Elemente in einem zweiteiligen Gehäuse untergebracht sind, deren beide Teile beweglich miteinander verbunden und ohne Zwischengehäuse in eine Otoplastik eingebracht sind,
  • in der Figur 8 der Schnitt durch ein Gerät entsprechend Figur 7, bei welchem nur die Drehbarkeit des den Hörer enthaltenden Ansatzes vorhanden ist, und
  • in der Figur 9 in explodierter Darstellung ein Adapter, der zur Erprobung der Wirksamkeit der Hörhilfe mit einer der Ausführungsformen 6 bis 8 verbindbar ist.
Further details and advantages of the invention are further explained below using the exemplary embodiments shown in the figures.
  • A hearing aid designed according to the invention is shown in section in FIG.
  • 2 shows a section through the device according to FIG. 1 along the line 11-11,
  • 3 shows the top view of the device according to FIG. 1,
  • 4 shows the illustration of a section along the line 111-111 according to FIG. 2,
  • 5 an exploded view of an adapter which can be attached to the sound output of the device according to FIG. 1 for testing the device,
  • 6 shows an embodiment in which the connection of the two housings is effected via a snap mechanism,
  • 7 shows a hearing aid in which the elements are accommodated in a two-part housing, the two parts of which are movably connected to one another and inserted into an otoplastic without an intermediate housing,
  • 8 shows the section through a device corresponding to FIG. 7, in which only the rotatability of the attachment containing the receiver is present, and
  • 9 an exploded view of an adapter which can be connected to one of the embodiments 6 to 8 to test the effectiveness of the hearing aid.

In der Figur 1 ist mit 1 eine Hörhilfe bezeichnet, bei der die Bauteile, d.h. ein Mikrofon 2, ein Verstärker 3, eine Batterie 4 und ein Hörer 5, in einem Gehäuse 15 untergebracht sind. Das Gehäuse 15 ist an der Stelle seines größten Durchmessers mit einem Deckel 6 verschlossen, der aus Polyamid besteht, das mit Glasfasern verstärkt ist. Der Deckel 6 trägt einen Lautstärkeregler 7, einen Tonsteller 8 sowie einen um eine im Deckel 6 angebrachte Achse 9 schwenkbaren Halter 10 für die Batterie 4. Im Deckel befindet sich außerdem noch eine Öffnung 11 für die Einsprache zum Mikrofon 2. Im Inneren des Gehäuses sind an einem flexiblen Träger 12 die Teile 13 des Verstärkers angebracht. Außerdem steht mit dem Verstärker der Hörer 5 in Verbindung. Der Deckel 6 ist mit dem Gehäuse 15 über Haken 16 verbunden, die hinter Ansätze 17 des Gehäuses 15 greifen. Sie sind so angeordnet, daß man von der Öffnung des Halters 10 aus mit einem Werkzeug, etwa einem Schraubenzieher, die Verbindung zwischen Deckel 6 und oberen Rand des Gehäuses 15 erreichen kann. So wird ein Öffnen des Gehäuses 15 durch Abhebung des Deckels 6 möglich, ohne daß außen sichtbare Marken entstehen.In Figure 1, 1 denotes a hearing aid in which the components, i.e. a microphone 2, an amplifier 3, a battery 4 and a receiver 5, are housed in a housing 15. The housing 15 is closed at the point of its largest diameter with a cover 6, which consists of polyamide, which is reinforced with glass fibers. The cover 6 carries a volume control 7, a tone control 8 and a holder 10 for the battery 4, which can be pivoted about an axis 9 attached in the cover 6. In the cover there is also an opening 11 for speaking into the microphone 2. Inside the housing are attached to a flexible support 12, the parts 13 of the amplifier. In addition, the receiver 5 is connected to the amplifier. The cover 6 is connected to the housing 15 via hooks 16, which engage behind lugs 17 of the housing 15. They are arranged so that the connection between the cover 6 and the upper edge of the housing 15 can be reached from the opening of the holder 10 with a tool, such as a screwdriver. Thus, opening the housing 15 by lifting the cover 6 is possible without visible marks appearing on the outside.

Das Gerät 1 ist mit seinem Gehäuse 15 in ein Zwischengehäuse 20 eingesetzt, an dessen Außenwand eine Otoplastik 21 angebracht ist. An seinem dem Verstärker 3 abgewandten Ende besitzt der Hörer 5 einen Schallausgangsstutzen 22, der ebenso wie der Hörer 5 selbst über eine Polsterung 23 gegenüber dem Gehäuse 15 abgestützt ist. An der Außenseite des Teiles des Gehäuses 15, der im Bereich des Stutzens 22 liegt, ist ein Gewinde 24 angebracht, auf welches ein Gewindering 25 aufgeschraubt ist, der einen Boden 26 hat, in welchen Öffnungen 27 eingebracht sind.The device 1 is inserted with its housing 15 into an intermediate housing 20, on the outer wall of which an otoplastic 21 is attached. At its end facing away from the amplifier 3, the receiver 5 has a sound outlet connection 22 which, like the receiver 5 itself, is supported with respect to the housing 15 by a padding 23. On the outside of the part of the housing 15, which lies in the area of the connector 22, a thread 24 is attached, onto which a threaded ring 25 is screwed, which has a bottom 26, in which openings 27 are made.

Zur Erprobung des Gerätes 1 an einem Schwerhörigen kann ein Adapter zur Anwendung kommen, wie er in Figur 5 dargestellt ist. Dieser besteht aus einem Schraubenring 25.1, der auf das Gewinde 24 aufschraubbar ist und der an seinem freien Ende eine Ansteckolive 30 hat, an welcher eine Anpaßolive 31 in Richtung des Pfeiles 33 ansteckbar ist (Ear-Tip), die aus weichelastischem Material besteht und eine seitlich abstehende Dichtungswulst 32 aufweist, mit welcher der Ohrkanal nach außen abschließbar ist.An adapter as shown in FIG. 5 can be used to test the device 1 on a hearing impaired person. This consists of a screw ring 25.1, which can be screwed onto the thread 24 and which has an attachment olive 30 at its free end, to which an adapter olive 31 can be attached in the direction of arrow 33 (ear tip), which consists of a flexible material and one has laterally projecting sealing bead 32, with which the ear canal can be locked to the outside.

In der Figur 4 ist im Schnitt entlang der Linie 111-111 nach Figur 2 die Anordnung eines Entlüftungskanales 40 dargestellt, der auch in der Figur 2 gestrichelt eingezeichnet ist und von dem Ende des Gehäuses, an welchem der Schallaustrittsstutzen 22 des Hörers 5 liegt, zu dem Ende des Zwischengehäuses 20 führt, das am gegenüberliegenden, den großen Querschnitt aufweisenden Ende dieses Gehäuses liegt. Dieser Kanal 40 ist in der Form einer Ausbuchtung 42 des Zwischengehäuses 20 ausgebildet, so daß beim Anbringen des Materials der Otoplastik 21 der Kanal bei 40 offen bleibt. Es kann auch auf der anderen Seite eine Ausbuchtung 42.1 angebracht sein, die dann zu einem weiteren Entlüftungskanal 40.1 führt bzw. durch den der Kanal 40 ersetzt ist.In FIG. 4, the arrangement of a ventilation channel 40 is shown in section along the line 111-111 according to FIG. 2, which is also shown in dashed lines in FIG leads the end of the intermediate housing 20, which have the large cross section at the opposite the end of this case. This channel 40 is designed in the form of a bulge 42 of the intermediate housing 20, so that the channel remains open at 40 when the material of the earmold 21 is attached. A bulge 42.1 can also be provided on the other side, which then leads to a further ventilation duct 40.1 or through which the duct 40 is replaced.

Die Wirkungsweise der Erfindung ergibt sich nach der in den Figuren 1 bis 4 dargestellten Weise so, daß jeweils mit den Schraubenringen 25 der Figuren 1, 2 und 5 die ineinandergesteckten Gehäuse 15 und 20 an ihrer schmalsten Stelle zusammengehalten werden, so daß sie sich voneinander nicht selbständig lösen können. Erst nachdem der Ring 25 abgeschraubt ist, kann das Gehäuse 15 aus dem Zwischengehäuse 20 herausgenommen und evtl. zu einer Reparatur etc. gebracht werden.The operation of the invention results in the manner shown in Figures 1 to 4 so that each with the screw rings 25 of Figures 1, 2 and 5, the nested housings 15 and 20 are held together at their narrowest point, so that they are not apart can solve independently. Only after the ring 25 has been unscrewed can the housing 15 be removed from the intermediate housing 20 and possibly brought to a repair etc.

Bei dem in Figur 6 dargestellten Gerät 1.6 ist im Gegensatz zu den in den vorhergehenden Figuren dargestellten Geräten die Halterung des Gehäuses 15.6 im Zwischengehäuse 20.6 über seitliche Ansätze, von denen in der Figur die mit 60 und 61 bezeichneten sichtbar sind, bewirkt, d.h. beim Einführen des Gehäuses 15.6 in das Zwischengehäuse 20.6 gleiten die Ansätze 60 und 61 an der ringförmigen Verdickung 62 des Zwischengehäuses 20 vorbei und schnappen nach außen, sobald sie das äußere Ende der Verdickung 62 erreicht haben, so daß durch ihre Abstufung ein Herausfallen des Gerätes 1.6 aus dem Zwischengehäuse 20.6 verhindert ist. Durch Andrücken in Richtung der Pfeile 67 und 68 können die Ansätze 60 und 61 unter das Niveau der Verdickung 62 gebracht und die Verbindung des Gehäuses 15.6 mit dem Zwischengehäuse 20.6 wieder gelöst werden. Außerdem ist die Austrittsöffnung des Schalls mit einer Kappe 63 verschlossen, die Öffnungen 64 zum Durchlassen des Schalls aufweist und deren seitliche Wände 65 zur offenen Seite der Kappe 63 hin nach innen gezogen sind, so daß sie hinter eine Wulst 66, die das Ende des Gehäuses 15.6 am Schallausgang bildet, greifen und die Kappe 63 festhalten.In the device 1.6 shown in FIG. 6, in contrast to the devices shown in the previous figures, the housing 15.6 is held in the intermediate housing 20.6 by means of lateral projections, of which those designated as 60 and 61 are visible in the figure, i.e. when inserting the housing 15.6 into the intermediate housing 20.6, the lugs 60 and 61 slide past the annular thickening 62 of the intermediate housing 20 and snap outwards as soon as they have reached the outer end of the thickening 62, so that the device 1.6 falls out due to its gradation is prevented from the intermediate housing 20.6. By pressing in the direction of arrows 67 and 68, the lugs 60 and 61 can be brought below the level of the thickening 62 and the connection of the housing 15.6 to the intermediate housing 20.6 can be released again. In addition, the exit opening of the sound is closed with a cap 63, which has openings 64 for the passage of the sound and the side walls 65 of which are drawn inwards towards the open side of the cap 63, so that they are behind a bead 66 which forms the end of the housing 15.6 forms at the sound output, grab and hold the cap 63.

Die übrigen Elemente, die in der Figur 6 gezeichnet sind, stimmen mit denjenigen, die bereits in den vorhergehenden Figuren beschrieben sind, überein. Sie weisen deshalb in ihrer Bezeichnung dieselbe Ziffer wie dort auf, wobei lediglich das .6 für die Figur 6 hinzugefügt ist, ebenso wie in den folgenden Figuren jeweils die Figurenziffer zu der bereits benutzten Bezeichnung hinzugefügt wird.The other elements which are drawn in FIG. 6 correspond to those which have already been described in the previous figures. They therefore have the same number in their designation as there, only the .6 being added for FIG. 6, just as in the following figures the figure number is added to the designation already used.

In der Figur 7 ergibt sich so für das Gerät 1.7, das sich in einem Gehäuse 15.7 befindet, wobei der Hörer 5.7 in einem getrennten Gehäuse 70 untergebracht ist, welches über eine seitlich um 5° schwenkbare Halterung 71 am Gehäuse 15 befestigt ist. Diese Halterung ist außerdem um die Längsachse des Hörers 5.1 seitlich um 300° verdrehbar, wobei ein Anschlag 72 vorgesehen ist, um ein Überdrehen und damit ein Abreißen der Anschlüsse 73 zu verhindern. Die Verdickung, die in Figur 6 mit 62 bezeichnet ist, wird bei dem Gerät 1.7 durch einen Ring 74 ersetzt, der am unteren Ende der Otoplastik 21.7 eingesetzt ist und aus Polymethylmethacrylat besteht, so daß eine weitere Verstärkung dieses Endes als Halterung an den Ansätzen des Gehäuses 70, von denen die mit 60.7 und 61.7 bezeichneten sichtbar sind, erhalten wird. Wie bei der Anordnung nach Figur 6 kann die Verbindung durch Eindrücken der Ansätze 60.7 und 61.7 entsprechend der Pfeile 67.7 und 68.7 gelöst werden.This results in FIG. 7 for the device 1.7, which is located in a housing 15.7, the receiver 5.7 being accommodated in a separate housing 70 which is fastened to the housing 15 via a holder 71 which can be pivoted laterally by 5 °. This holder can also be rotated laterally by 300 ° about the longitudinal axis of the receiver 5.1, a stop 72 being provided in order to prevent the connections 73 from being overtightened and thus torn off. The thickening, which is denoted by 62 in FIG. 6, is replaced in the device 1.7 by a ring 74 which is inserted at the lower end of the earmold 21.7 and consists of polymethyl methacrylate, so that a further reinforcement of this end as a holder on the approaches of the Housing 70, of which those marked 60.7 and 61.7 are visible, is obtained. As with the arrangement according to FIG. 6, the connection can be released by pressing in the lugs 60.7 and 61.7 in accordance with the arrows 67.7 and 68.7.

Die Ausbildungsform nach der Figur 8 ist gegenüber derjenigen nach Figur 7 dadurch vereinfacht, daß der Hörer in seinem Gehäuse 70.8 am Gehäuse 15.8 lediglich um seine Achse 80 um 30° nach jeder Seite verdrehbar gehaltert ist. Durch einen Anschlag 72.8 ist die seitliche Verdrehung zur Vermeidung von Schwierigkeiten hinsichtlich der Anschlüsse begrenzt. Ansonsten stimmt die Ausführungsform mit derjenigen nach der Figur 7 überein.The embodiment according to FIG. 8 is simplified compared to that according to FIG. 7 in that the receiver in its housing 70.8 is held on housing 15.8 only rotatable about its axis 80 by 30 ° on each side. A stop 72.8 limits the lateral rotation to avoid difficulties with regard to the connections. Otherwise, the embodiment corresponds to that according to FIG. 7.

In Figur 9 ist ein Adapter dargestellt, der mit demjenigen übereinstimmt, der in Figur 5 dargestellt ist. Der hauptsächliche Unterschied besteht darin, daß die Befestigung über einen Schnappmechanismus am Gehäuse der Hörhilfe erfolgt. Dazu dienen die Ansätze 61.9 und 62.9, die beim Aufschieben des Stutzens 90 in Richtung des Pfeiles 91 hinter den ringförmigen Teil 92 greifen und in die Öffnungen 93 und 94 eintreten, so daß der Ansatz am Gehäuse 15.9 befestigt wird und die Anpaßolive 31.9 mit dem Dichtungswulst 32.9 in Richtung des Pfeiles 95 auf die Ansteckolive 30.9 aufgesteckt werden kann.FIG. 9 shows an adapter which corresponds to that shown in FIG. 5. The main difference is that it is attached to the housing of the hearing aid using a snap mechanism. For this purpose, the lugs 61.9 and 62.9 are used, which engage behind the annular part 92 when the connector 90 is pushed in the direction of the arrow 91 and enter the openings 93 and 94, so that the lug is fastened to the housing 15.9 and the adapter olive 31.9 with the sealing bead 32.9 in the direction of arrow 95 can be attached to the attachment olive 30.9.

Claims (14)

1. In-the-ear-hearing aid, consisting of a housing (15) which has a sound entry opening (11) as well as a sound outlet and accommodates hearing aid portions, such as microphone (2), electronic amplifier components (3, 13), components for signal processing and signal emission, which has a sound duct (22) leading from a receiver (5) to the ear-drum and which is releasably connected with an otoplastic (21) which can be inserted into the auditory canal and to the end of which, facing the ear-drum and provided with an opening, the sound duct is directed, with the otoplastic, tapering to a smallest diameter at its end facing the ear-drum, having a hollowed-out portion penetrating it, characterised in that the shape of the housing (15) is even adapted to the shape of the hollowed-out portion of the otoplastic (21) within the auditory canal, in that the housing (15) can be inserted into the hollowed-out portion of the otoplastic (21) and in that the housing can be secured to the otoplastic in the region of the latter's end facing the ear-drum by means of a releasable latching arrangement (24, 25; 60-62).
2. Hearing aid according to claim 1, characterised in that the latching arrangement is a snap lock which preferably has a plurality of projections (60, 61) which lie on the outer periphery of the housing (15) of the hearing aid portions and which act as catch steps at which catch edges (62) snap in when the housing is inserted into the otoplastic (21).
3. Hearing aid according to claim 1, characterised in that the latching arrangement lies at the end of the housing (15, 70) of the hearing aid portions and represents an undercut which is provided relative to the longitudinal extension of the housing and onto which a ring (74) is fitted.
4. Hearing aid according to claim 1, characterised in that the latching arrangement is a screw closure (24, 25), while the narrow end of the housing (15) of the hearing aid portions is provided with a thread (24) onto which a screw nut (25) is screwed after the insertion of the housing (15) into the otoplastic (21).
5. Hearing aid according to claim 3, characterised in that the otoplastic (21.7) is provided at the narrow opening of the hollowed-out portion with a ring (74), which strengthens the catch edge.
6. Hearing aid according to claims 3 or 4, characterised in that the ring (74) which is fitted on and the screw nut (25) respectively are completed to give a cap (63) which covers over the end of the housing (15) of the hearing aid portions and, as a result, the sound outlet (22), which cap has a sieve-like opening (64) for the sound outlet.
7. Hearing aid according to claim 1, characterised in that the cover plate, which lies at the end of the housing (15) of the hearing aid portions with the large diameter, is formed as a lid (6) which is inserted by way of a snap latching arrangement (16, 17).
8. Hearing aid according to claim 7, characterised in that the inner connection edge of the lid is accessible with an opening tool from an opening in the housing, for example the opening for the introduction of the battery.
9. Hearing aid according to claim 1, characterised in that the housing (15) of the hearing aid portions is formed in two parts, in which case the narrower housing portion (70) facing the ear-drum contains the receiver (5.7) and is connected in a rotatable or pivotable manner with the other outer housing portion (15.7) which contains the other hearing aid portions.
10. Hearing aid according to claim 1, characterised in that the hollowed-out portion in the otoplastic (21) lies in an intermediate housing (20), the outer wall of which is coated with the material of the otoplastic.
11. Hearing aid according to claim 10 and one of the claims 2 to.5, characterised in that the latching portions of the otoplastic, more particularly the catch edge, are transferred to the intermediate housing.
12. Hearing aid according to claim 10, characterised in that there is provided in the intermediate housing (20) at least one bulge (42) which, when joined with the housing (15) of the hearing aid portions, frees a channel (40) which extends from the end facing the ear-drum with small diameter to the end with large diameter.
13. Hearing aid according to claim 1, characterised in that the housing (15) of the hearing aid portions has, at least where it is of large diameter, a cross section which has the shape of a circle which is pressed in at least on one side (kidney- shape).
14. Hearing aid according to one of the claims 2 to 4, characterised in that the element which is to be provided on the extensions (17) and the thread (24) respectively is formed as an adapter for a provisional ear insert (adaptive olive) (30, 31).
EP86108215A 1985-06-27 1986-06-16 Hearing aid Expired - Lifetime EP0206213B1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AT86108215T ATE56848T1 (en) 1985-06-27 1986-06-16 HEARING AID.

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE8518681U DE8518681U1 (en) 1985-06-27 1985-06-27 Hearing aid
DE8518681U 1985-06-27

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0206213A1 EP0206213A1 (en) 1986-12-30
EP0206213B1 true EP0206213B1 (en) 1990-09-19

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US (1) US4739512A (en)
EP (1) EP0206213B1 (en)
JP (1) JPS622800A (en)
AT (1) ATE56848T1 (en)
CA (1) CA1258434A (en)
DE (2) DE8518681U1 (en)
DK (1) DK174395B1 (en)

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IT8030644V0 (en) * 1980-02-13 1980-02-13 Drago Dino PERSONALIZED AND IMPROVED INTRAURICULAR HEARING DEVICE OR HEARING SYSTEM.
CH648272A5 (en) * 1981-10-12 1985-03-15 Sika Ag ALKALIF-FREE SETTING AND HARDENING ACCELERATOR AND METHOD FOR ACCELERATING THE SETTING AND HARDENING OF A HYDRAULIC BINDING AGENT.
US4539440A (en) * 1983-05-16 1985-09-03 Michael Sciarra In-canal hearing aid
US4532649A (en) * 1983-07-03 1985-07-30 Gaspare Bellafiore Hearing aid
US4565904A (en) * 1984-10-09 1986-01-21 Qualitone Hearing Aids, Division Of Xcor Corp. Removal handle for in-the-ear hearing aids
US4617429A (en) * 1985-02-04 1986-10-14 Gaspare Bellafiore Hearing aid

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
JPH0530360B2 (en) 1993-05-07
ATE56848T1 (en) 1990-10-15
DK298186A (en) 1986-12-28
CA1258434A (en) 1989-08-15
JPS622800A (en) 1987-01-08
DE3674260D1 (en) 1990-10-25
DK298186D0 (en) 1986-06-25
EP0206213A1 (en) 1986-12-30
DE8518681U1 (en) 1986-06-12
DK174395B1 (en) 2003-01-27
US4739512A (en) 1988-04-19

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