EP0325107A1 - Method for manufacturing an ear mould or ear piece - Google Patents

Method for manufacturing an ear mould or ear piece Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0325107A1
EP0325107A1 EP89100102A EP89100102A EP0325107A1 EP 0325107 A1 EP0325107 A1 EP 0325107A1 EP 89100102 A EP89100102 A EP 89100102A EP 89100102 A EP89100102 A EP 89100102A EP 0325107 A1 EP0325107 A1 EP 0325107A1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
ear
molded part
foam
protective cover
earmold
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.)
Granted
Application number
EP89100102A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP0325107B1 (en
Inventor
Hans Henneberger
Rainer Basel
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
Application filed by Siemens AG, Siemens Audioligische Technik GmbH filed Critical Siemens AG
Priority to AT89100102T priority Critical patent/ATE82662T1/en
Publication of EP0325107A1 publication Critical patent/EP0325107A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP0325107B1 publication Critical patent/EP0325107B1/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
    • H04R25/652—Ear tips; Ear moulds
    • H04R25/656—Non-customized, universal ear tips, i.e. ear tips which are not specifically adapted to the size or shape of the ear or ear canal
    • 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
    • H04R25/659—Post-processing of hybrid ear moulds for customisation, e.g. in-situ curing
    • 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

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a method for producing an otoplastic or an ear mold according to the preamble of claim 1.
  • the carrier part can e.g. the housing of an in-the-ear hearing aid (e.g. "Custom Made") or the shell of a modular ITE hearing aid or the formwork cable of a behind-the-ear hearing aid.
  • Otoplastics and customer-specific earmolds are used in particular when fitting a hearing aid to the shape of the ear canal of a hearing impaired person. Such earmolds and earmolds firstly ensure that the hearing aid is firmly positioned so that the hearing aid cannot slip or even fall out of the ear.
  • the otoplastic or the earmold has a sound-absorbing effect in order to avoid feedback between the microphone and the listener of the hearing aid.
  • Otoplastics are usually intended as an adaptation for in-the-ear hearing aids (ITE devices), whereas earmolds are suitable for behind-the-ear hearing aids (BTE devices).
  • DE-AS 12 31 304 describes a method according to which a self-hardening plastic is distributed on a basic body simulating the basic shape of the auditory canal of the human ear and the coated basic body is then inserted directly into the auditory canal of the hearing-impaired ear until it now reaches the inner contour of the ear canal is hardened plastic.
  • the adaptation to the inner contour is not yet optimal. Pressing the plastic-coated basic shape into the ear creates the risk of pushing plastic too far into the ear canal.
  • this method requires a large number of different standard base bodies, since the plastic coating is not sufficient to adapt sufficiently to all ear canal shapes using a unitary base body.
  • the soft plastic material is injected into the ear.
  • a suitable stamp is then pressed into the mass before it hardens.
  • DE-AS 24 59 259 describes a further possibility of producing an ear mold without using an impression or negative.
  • the sound channel of the hearing aid is held in the ear canal by means of an enclosing pocket filled with liquid.
  • the bag adapts to the shape of the ear canal by pressing a pressure ring against the bag.
  • a disadvantage of this solution is that the liquid in the pocket does not harden. It exists So there is always the danger that the bag will tear and the liquid will leak into the ear.
  • Foam moldings for earmolds have recently been developed. Such molded foam parts have long been known as noise protection plugs and are manufactured in series. It is not adapted to individual ear canals. The foam parts are simply pressed together and put in the ear, where they then puff up again. Manufacturers of such foam plugs include Grace Chemistry, Heidelberg, and 3M, USA (see, for example, "COMPLY TM Instant Earmold", No. 70-2008-2478-0 (77.5) 11 from 3M and the article “Disposable Foam Earmolds" by Smolak et al. in "Hearing Instruments", Volume 38, No. 12, 1987).
  • foams are less suitable as a pure otoplastic replacement for an in-the-ear hearing aid, since the foam is too soft.
  • foams become soiled very quickly (by cerumen, etc.) and have to be replaced frequently.
  • Such foams are still not optimal as earmolds.
  • the object of the present invention is to provide a method for producing an otoplastic or a customer-specific earmold based on foams, which can be carried out without the production of an impression and a negative and which does not have the disadvantages described above.
  • earmolds and earmolds can be produced in a particularly inexpensive way.
  • the wetted molded part can be adapted to the ear canal without complicated devices. It is simply positioned in the ear until it hardens after about ten minutes. This saves both time and money.
  • Different types of base bodies do not have to be present either, since a unitary base body (or the in-the-ear hearing aid itself) can be used for earmolds or the formwork lead for earmolds.
  • the adaptation to the ear canal is easier than in the prior art, since the material is bound to the molded part. If physiologically less well-tolerated materials are used to carry out the method, a protective cover can be used.
  • the otoplastics and earmolds produced are also particularly advantageous from a technical point of view.
  • the adjustment is particularly precise since the elastic molded part constantly presses against the walls of the auditory canal during the hardening of the mesh material.
  • the elasticity is only required temporarily because the molded part becomes a hard body in a few minutes. Accordingly, the molded part seals the ear canal particularly well, which in turn prevents feedback effects.
  • the otoplastics / ear molds produced in this way can be used for a long time without having to be replaced (in particular if the molded part is coated with a polymer).
  • FIG. 1 to 8 show the essential method steps for producing an otoplastic for an ITE hearing aid.
  • a support part, an elastic, porous molded part and a hardenable material are required.
  • the carrier part of this exemplary embodiment is a shell 1 of a module ITE hearing aid 2, for example of the Cosmea M type (Siemens AG).
  • the shell 1 consists of a dimensionally stable material and is adapted to the shape of the module 2.
  • the interior 3 of the shell 1 opens outwards at both ends of the shell 1.
  • the Hörge can be used advisory housing or a correspondingly shaped base body serve as a carrier part.
  • the ITE hearing aid module 2 includes all electrical components of the hearing aid.
  • a nozzle 9 At the opposite end of the hearing aid module 2 there is a nozzle 9 which forms the sound outlet opening.
  • the sound outlet 9 is part of the housing 10 (e.g. made of plastic) of the ITE hearing aid module 2.
  • the shell 1 is pushed over a base body 11.
  • the base body 11 is a series-produced unit stamp, the outer contour of which corresponds to the outer contour of the hearing device module 2. It comprises a stem 13 on its end face 12 and a socket 14 at the opposite end.
  • the molded part is an elastomer sleeve 15 with pores. It is preformed to the shape of the ear canal of a human ear, but has a slightly larger diameter.
  • the cuff 15 comprises a cutout 16 which is tailored to the shell 1.
  • the edges 17, 18 of the cuff 15 preferably narrow the cutout 16 at the open ends of the cuff 15 and thus hold the cuff 15 over the shell 1 and the base body 11 after pushing it over firmly in the recess 16.
  • the cuff 15 is an absorbent foam and, in this exemplary embodiment, has open pores on its surface 19.
  • the foam can be made from different materials.
  • a polyurethane elastomer or a foamed latex is particularly suitable.
  • the cuff 15 is initially elastic, preferably bulky, and comprises many small pores 20.
  • a hardenable material 21 e.g. a polymer.
  • the curable material 21 is preferably viscous. Resin material has proven to be particularly advantageous.
  • the base body 11 is first inserted into the interior 3 of the shell 1. Then the shell 1 together with the base body 11 is covered with the sleeve 15. For stabilization and sealing, a protective cover 22 is then screwed onto the socket 14 of the base body 11.
  • the cuff 15 is then immersed in the liquid container 23 until the pores 20 are wetted with hardenable material 21.
  • the cuff 15 must absorb at least as much hardenable material 21 that it can no longer deform after the hardenable material 21 has hardened.
  • the pores 20 should not be filled with hardenable material 21. If the foam 15 is particularly supple, the pores 20 need only be wetted with hardenable material 21. Therefore, under certain circumstances, as shown in FIG. 2, after immersing the sleeve 15, excess material 21 should be pressed out of the sleeve 15.
  • the cuff 15 can also be immersed in the material 21 in the compressed state, as a result of which the method step of FIG. 2 would be omitted.
  • a protective cover 24 is pulled over the wetted cuff 15 before insertion into the auditory canal.
  • the protective cover 24 should preferably also be elastic and adapt exactly to the outer contour of the sleeve 15.
  • Such a protective cover 24 could, for example, be made of latex (polyisoprene or polybutadiene).
  • the entire body consisting of base body 11, shell 1, sleeve 15, material 21, protective cover 22 and optionally protective cover 24, is finally positioned according to FIG. 4 in the auditory canal 25 of the ear 26 of the hearing impaired.
  • FIG. 5 shows the entire body 1, 11, 15, 21, 22, 24 a few minutes later.
  • the elastic cuff 15 has inflated again up to the walls of the auditory canal 25.
  • the hardenable material 21 hardens during this time. After about 10 to 15 minutes in the ear, the material 21 is completely hardened.
  • the entire body 1, 11, 15, 21, 22, 24 can then be removed from the auditory canal 25.
  • the protective cover 24 which may have been pulled open is then, as shown in FIG. 6, pulled off the cuff 15 and thrown away. There remains the base body 11 with shell 1 and hardened sleeve 15, which is permanently adapted to the shape of the auditory canal.
  • a coating 27 is applied to the cuff. Since the foam of the sleeve 15 is still open-pored, but has hardened, the surface 19 of the sleeve 15 is somewhat rough. The coating 27 smoothes the surface 19 so that the finished earmold is comfortable to wear. In addition, the coating 27 restores the accuracy of fit eliminated by the protective cover 24.
  • the coating 27 can be applied either by dipping or in another known manner. In any case, the coating 27 should be physiologically compatible.
  • a polymer e.g. a reaction resin based on epoxy or acrylate is e.g. well suited.
  • the coating 27 can e.g. can also be made in different colors to make the device more visually appealing.
  • the base body 11 is removed from the finished otoplastic 28.
  • the protective cover 22 is first unscrewed, as shown in FIG. 8. Then the base body 11 is replaced by the hearing aid module 2.
  • the shell 1 remains in the otoplastic 28.
  • a cerumen lid 29 with an internal thread 30 is screwed onto the socket 9 of the module 2.
  • the cerumen lid 29 comprises passage openings 31 for the sound.
  • FIG. 9 shows the otoplastic 28 produced according to the invention in longitudinal section.
  • a foam 15 not impregnated with hardenable material 21.
  • the foam in this area 32 is still soft and elastic. However, this foam can no longer expand outwards since it is completely surrounded by a second, hard area 33.
  • This second area 33 was adequately wetted with hardenable material 21 during the manufacturing process. After the material 21 hardened, the area 33 became so hard that it was no longer possible to deform the otoplastic 28.
  • the additional coating 27 adheres to the foam area 33 and gives the otoplastic a smooth surface.
  • FIGS. 10 to 12 A further process is shown in FIGS. 10 to 12. Although these method steps are also suitable for producing an otoplastic, an earmold for a BTE hearing aid is produced on the basis of this exemplary embodiment.
  • Fig. 10 shows a BTE hearing aid 34 and an earmold 35 based on foam with a Schal effetsschlauch 36.
  • the BTE hearing aid 34 comprises an inner shell 37, an outer shell 38, a battery charger 39 and a carrying hook 40.
  • a volume control 41 and a switch 42 protrude from the outer shell 38.
  • acoustic signals from the BTE hearing aid 34 can be conducted into the ear of the hearing impaired person via the ear fitting 35.
  • the earmold 35 like the otoplastic 28, should be adapted exactly to the auditory canal of the hearing impaired.
  • a curable material 21 ' is applied to a sleeve 15' made of foam by means of a brush 43 as a molded part.
  • This material 21 ' is, as in the previous embodiment, preferably a polymer and must be physiologically compatible, since no protective cover is used here.
  • the cuff 15 thus prepared is, as already explained with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5, inserted into the auditory canal of the hearing impaired for adaptation and curing.
  • the earmold 35 according to the invention thus results.
  • the 12 shows an earmold 35 designed according to the invention in longitudinal section.
  • the material 21 ' is hardly drawn into the foam 15' in this case. It only networks the surface 19 'of the sleeve 15'.
  • the cuff 15 ' need not necessarily be open-pore.
  • a sleeve 15 'with a closed surface can also be used.
  • the hardened material 21 ' has in the present case e.g. a smooth surface and therefore does not need to be coated further.
  • the sleeve 15' in the present case also includes a plurality of ventilation channels 44.
  • the carrier part can be designed as an outsourced module 45 of a BTE hearing aid 34 '.
  • the outsourced module 45 preferably comprises part of the electrical components of the hearing aid, in particular one or more electro-acoustic transducers (microphone 46 and / or receiver 47).
  • the formwork hose 36 must be replaced by an electrical line 48.

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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)
  • Prostheses (AREA)
  • Macromolecular Compounds Obtained By Forming Nitrogen-Containing Linkages In General (AREA)

Abstract

The method uses a porous elastic moulded part (15,15'), for example a foam material, and a curable material (21,21'), for example resin, in order to produce an ear mould (28) which is particularly accurately matched to the ear. The moulded part (15,15') is saturated or coated with the curable material (21,21') and then inserted into the ear of the person with defective hearing, where it cures after about 10 minutes. The direct production of the ear mould in the auditory canal (25) of the person with defective hearing is particularly advantageous; the earlier additional production of an imprint and of a negative can be omitted in the method according to the invention. <IMAGE>

Description

Die Erfindung bezieht sich auf ein Verfahren zur Herstellung einer Otoplastik oder eines Ohrpaßstückes gemäß Oberbegriff des Patentanspruches 1. Das Trägerteil kann z.B. das Gehäuse eines In-dem-Ohr-Hörgerätes (z.B. "Custom Made") oder die Schale eines Modul-IdO-Hörgerätes oder auch die Schalleitung eines Hinter-dem-Ohr-Hörgerätes sein.The invention relates to a method for producing an otoplastic or an ear mold according to the preamble of claim 1. The carrier part can e.g. the housing of an in-the-ear hearing aid (e.g. "Custom Made") or the shell of a modular ITE hearing aid or the formwork cable of a behind-the-ear hearing aid.

Otoplastiken und kundenspezifische Ohrpaßstückes werden insbe­sondere bei der Anpassung eines Hörgerätes an die Gehörgangs­form des Ohres eines Hörgeschädigten verwendet. Derartige Oto­plastiken und Ohrpaßstückes sorgen erstens für eine feste Posi­tionierung des Hörgerätes, so daß das Hörgerät nicht verrut­schen oder sogar aus dem Ohr herausfallen kann. Außerdem hat die Otoplastik oder das Ohrpaßstück eine schalldämpfende Wir­kung, um Rückkopplungen zwischen dem Mikrofon und dem Hörer des Hörgerätes zu vermeiden. Otoplastiken sind in der Regel als An­passung für In-dem-Ohr-Hörgeräte (IdO-Geräte) gedacht, wo hin­gegen Ohrpaßstücke für Hinter-dem-Ohr-Hörgeräte (HdO-Geräte) geeignet sind.Otoplastics and customer-specific earmolds are used in particular when fitting a hearing aid to the shape of the ear canal of a hearing impaired person. Such earmolds and earmolds firstly ensure that the hearing aid is firmly positioned so that the hearing aid cannot slip or even fall out of the ear. In addition, the otoplastic or the earmold has a sound-absorbing effect in order to avoid feedback between the microphone and the listener of the hearing aid. Otoplastics are usually intended as an adaptation for in-the-ear hearing aids (ITE devices), whereas earmolds are suitable for behind-the-ear hearing aids (BTE devices).

Bei den üblichen Herstellungsverfahren von Otoplastiken und kundenspezifischen Ohrpaßstücken wird zuerst ein Abdruck vom Gehörgang des zu versorgenden Ohres des Hörgeschädigten genom­men. Mittels des Abdruckes wird daraufhin ein Negativ geformt. Erst dann kann daraus eine Otoplastik oder ein Ohrpaßstück her­gestellt werden, das der Form nach dem Gehörgang des Ohres an­gepaßt ist. Häufig muß nach der Herstellung die Otoplastik oder das Ohrpaßstück noch beschnitten oder geschiffen werden, um Gußfehler zu beseitigen. Da dieser Vorgang teuer und zeit­aufwendig ist, bemühen sich Hersteller schon seit längerer Zeit ein Verfahren zu entwickeln, womit das Herstellen eines Abdruckes und eine Negatives vermieden werden kann.In the usual manufacturing processes for earmolds and customer-specific earmolds, an impression is first taken of the auditory canal of the ear of the hearing impaired to be treated. A negative is then formed by means of the impression. Only then can an otoplastic or an earmold be made, which is adapted to the shape of the ear canal. Often the earmold has to be manufactured or the earmold is trimmed or shipped to eliminate casting defects. Since this process is expensive and time-consuming, manufacturers have been trying for a long time to develop a process which can avoid the production of an impression and a negative.

So beschreibt z.B. die DE-AS 12 31 304 ein Verfahren, wonach ein selbsthärtender Kunststoff auf einem die Grundform des Ge­hörganges des menschlichen Ohres nachbildenden Grundkörper ver­teilt und der beschichtete Grundkörper danach so lange direkt in den Gehörgang des Ohres des Hörgeschädigten eingesetzt wird, bis der jetzt an die Innenkontur des Gehörganges angepaßte Kunststoff ausgehärtet ist. Die Anpassung an die Innenkontur ist aber noch nicht optimal. Durch das Einpressen der mit Kunststoff beschichteten Grundform in das Ohr besteht die Ge­fahr, Kunststoff zu weit in den Gehörgang zu drücken.For example, DE-AS 12 31 304 describes a method according to which a self-hardening plastic is distributed on a basic body simulating the basic shape of the auditory canal of the human ear and the coated basic body is then inserted directly into the auditory canal of the hearing-impaired ear until it now reaches the inner contour of the ear canal is hardened plastic. The adaptation to the inner contour is not yet optimal. Pressing the plastic-coated basic shape into the ear creates the risk of pushing plastic too far into the ear canal.

Außerdem wird bei diesem Verfahren eine Vielzahl verschiedener Standard-Grundkörper benötigt, da die Kunststoffbeschichtung nicht ausreicht, um sich an alle Gehörgangsformen unter Verwen­dung eines Einheits-Grundkörpers ausreichend anzupassen. Ähnli­ches gilt für den Gegenstand des Artikels "A Tool for the Opti­mization of Hearing Aid Fittings" von Dr. Barry Voroba, ver­öffentlicht in "Hearing Instruments", Band 35, Nr. 1, Jan. 1984, Seiten 12 bis 14 und 16. In diesem Fall wird das weiche Plastik-­material in das Ohr injiziert. Ein passender Stempel wird dann in die Masse gedrückt, bevor sie aushärtet.In addition, this method requires a large number of different standard base bodies, since the plastic coating is not sufficient to adapt sufficiently to all ear canal shapes using a unitary base body. The same applies to the subject of the article "A Tool for the Optimization of Hearing Aid Fittings" by Dr. Barry Voroba, published in "Hearing Instruments", Vol. 35, No. 1, Jan. 1984, pages 12 to 14 and 16. In this case, the soft plastic material is injected into the ear. A suitable stamp is then pressed into the mass before it hardens.

Die DE-AS 24 59 259 beschreibt eine weitere Möglichkeit, ein Ohrpaßstück ohne Verwendung eines Abdruckes oder Negatives her­zustellen. Anstelle einer Otoplastik wird der Schallkanal des Hörgerätes mittels einer umschließenden, mit Flüssigkeit ge­füllten Tasche im Gehörgang gehalten. Die Tasche paßt sich an die Form des Gehörganges an, indem ein Anpreßring gegen die Tasche gedrückt wird. Nachteilig bei dieser Lösung ist jedoch, daß die Flüssigkeit in der Tasche nicht aushärtet. Es besteht also immer die Gefahr, daß die Tasche reißt und die Flüssigkeit ins Ohr ausläuft.DE-AS 24 59 259 describes a further possibility of producing an ear mold without using an impression or negative. Instead of an otoplastic, the sound channel of the hearing aid is held in the ear canal by means of an enclosing pocket filled with liquid. The bag adapts to the shape of the ear canal by pressing a pressure ring against the bag. A disadvantage of this solution, however, is that the liquid in the pocket does not harden. It exists So there is always the danger that the bag will tear and the liquid will leak into the ear.

Ein weiteres Verfahren zur Direktabformung des Gehörganges ohne Abdruck und Negativ ist in der deutschen Patentanmeldung P 37 15 082.0 beschrieben. Bei diesem Verfahren wird fließendes Otoplastikmaterial zwischen einen Stempel und eine über den Stempel gezogene Hülle eingespritzt und ausgehärtet.Another method for direct impression of the ear canal without impression and negative is described in the German patent application P 37 15 082.0. In this method, flowing otoplastic material is injected and cured between a stamp and a sleeve pulled over the stamp.

Es sind in jünster Zeit Schaumstofformteile für Ohrpaßstücke entwickelt worden. Derartige Schaumstofformteile sind schon seit längerer Zeit als Lärmschutzstopfen bekannt und werden serienmäßig hergestellt. Eine Anpassung an einzelne Gehörgänge wird nicht durchgeführt. Die Schaumstoffteile werden lediglich zusammengepreßt und ins Ohr gesteckt, wo sie sich daraufhin wieder aufbauschen. Hersteller derartiger Schaumstoffstöpsel sind u.a. die Fa. Grace Chemie, Heidelberg, und die Fa. 3M, USA (s. z.B. Werbeschrift "COMPLY™ Instant Earmold", Nr. 70-2008-2478-0 (77.5) 11 der Fa. 3M und den Aufsatz "Disposable Foam Earmolds" von Smolak et al. in "Hearing Instruments", Band 38, Nr, 12, 1987). Als reiner Otoplastik-Ersatz für ein In-dem-­Ohr-Hörgerät sind derartige Schaumstoffe jedoch weniger geeig­net, da der Schaumstoff zu weich ist. Außerdem verschmutzen der­artige Schaumstoffe sehr schnell (durch Cerumen, usw.) und müs­sen häufig ausgewechselt werden. Auch als Ohrpaßstücke sind der­artige Schaumstoffe noch nicht optimal.Foam moldings for earmolds have recently been developed. Such molded foam parts have long been known as noise protection plugs and are manufactured in series. It is not adapted to individual ear canals. The foam parts are simply pressed together and put in the ear, where they then puff up again. Manufacturers of such foam plugs include Grace Chemistry, Heidelberg, and 3M, USA (see, for example, "COMPLY ™ Instant Earmold", No. 70-2008-2478-0 (77.5) 11 from 3M and the article "Disposable Foam Earmolds" by Smolak et al. in "Hearing Instruments", Volume 38, No. 12, 1987). However, such foams are less suitable as a pure otoplastic replacement for an in-the-ear hearing aid, since the foam is too soft. In addition, such foams become soiled very quickly (by cerumen, etc.) and have to be replaced frequently. Such foams are still not optimal as earmolds.

Aufgabe vorliegender Erfindung ist es, ein Verfahren zur Her­stellung einer Otoplastik oder eines kundenspezifischen Ohrpaß­stückes auf der Basis von Schaumstoffen anzugeben, das ohne die Herstellung eines Abdruckes und eines Negatives durchführbar ist und das die zuvor beschriebenen Nachteile nicht aufweist.The object of the present invention is to provide a method for producing an otoplastic or a customer-specific earmold based on foams, which can be carried out without the production of an impression and a negative and which does not have the disadvantages described above.

Die Aufgabe der Erfindung wird mit den kennzeichnenden Merkma­len des Verfahrens des Anspruches 1 gelöst.The object of the invention is achieved with the characterizing features of the method of claim 1.

Durch Benetzen eines porösen, elastischen Formteiles mit einem härtbaren Material können Otoplastiken sowie Ohrpaßstücke auf besonders günstige Art hergestellt werden. Das benetzte Form­teil kann ohne komplizierte Vorrichtungen an den Gehörgang an­gepaßt werden. Es wird einfach in dem Ohr positioniert, bis es nach etwa zehn Minuten aushärtet. Dies spart sowohl Zeit wie Kosten. Verschiedenartige Grundkörper müssen auch nicht vorhan­den sein, da ein Einheits-Grundkörper (oder auch das In-dem-­Ohr-Hörgerät selber) bei Otoplastiken oder die Schalleitung bei Ohrpaßstücken verwendet werden kann. Die Anpassung an den Gehörgang ist problemloser als beim Stand der Technik, da das Material an das Formteil gebunden ist. Falls physiologisch we­niger gut verträgliche Materialien zur Durchführung des Verfah­rens verwendet werden, kann eine Schutzhülle verwendet werden.By wetting a porous, elastic molded part with a hardenable material, earmolds and earmolds can be produced in a particularly inexpensive way. The wetted molded part can be adapted to the ear canal without complicated devices. It is simply positioned in the ear until it hardens after about ten minutes. This saves both time and money. Different types of base bodies do not have to be present either, since a unitary base body (or the in-the-ear hearing aid itself) can be used for earmolds or the formwork lead for earmolds. The adaptation to the ear canal is easier than in the prior art, since the material is bound to the molded part. If physiologically less well-tolerated materials are used to carry out the method, a protective cover can be used.

Auch aus technischer Sicht sind die hergestellten Otoplastiken und Ohrpaßstücke besonders vorteilhaft. Die Anpassung ist be­sonders genau, da das elastische Formteil während des Aus­härtens des Netzmaterials ständig nach außen an die Gehörgangs­wände drückt. Die Elastizität ist jedoch nur vorübergehend er­forderlich, da aus dem Formteil in wenigen Minuten ein harter Körper entsteht. Das Formteil dichtet dementsprechend den Ge­hörgang besonders gut ab, was wiederum Rückkopplungseffekte verhindert.The otoplastics and earmolds produced are also particularly advantageous from a technical point of view. The adjustment is particularly precise since the elastic molded part constantly presses against the walls of the auditory canal during the hardening of the mesh material. However, the elasticity is only required temporarily because the molded part becomes a hard body in a few minutes. Accordingly, the molded part seals the ear canal particularly well, which in turn prevents feedback effects.

Außerdem können die hierdurch hergestellten Otoplastiken/Ohr­paßstücke über lange Zeit verwendet werden, ohne daß sie ausge­tauscht werden müssen (insbesondere, wenn das Formteil mit ei­nem Polymer beschichtet wird).In addition, the otoplastics / ear molds produced in this way can be used for a long time without having to be replaced (in particular if the molded part is coated with a polymer).

Weitere Vorteile und Einzelheiten der Erfindung ergeben sich aus der nachfolgenden Beschreibung eines Ausführungsbeispieles anhand der Zeichnungen und in Verbindung mit den weiteren Unteransprüchen. Es zeigen:

  • Fig. 1 bis 8 in einem ersten Ausführungsbeispiel die wichtig­sten Verfahrensstufen zur Herstellung einer Otoplastik,
  • Fig. 9 einen Längsschnitt durch eine Otoplastik, die mittels des Verfahrens nach den Fig. 1 bis 8 hergestellt wurde,
  • Fig. 10 in einem zweiten Ausführungsbeispiel ein Hinter-dem-­Ohr-Hörgerät (HdO-Hörgerät) mit einem Ohrpaßstück aus Schaum­stoff,
  • Fig. 11 die Beschichtung eines Schaumstoffes mit einem härtba­ren Material zum Zwecke der Herstellung eines Ohrpaßstückes für ein HdO-Gerät gemäß Fig. 10,
  • Fig. 12 einen Längsschnitt durch ein derart hergestelltes Ohr­paßstück,
  • Fig. 13 das HdO-Hörgerät der Fig. 10 mit einem Ohrpaßstück, dessen Schalleitung durch einen Modul mit Bauelementen ersetzt worden ist.
Further advantages and details of the invention result from the following description of an exemplary embodiment with reference to the drawings and in connection with the further subclaims. Show it:
  • 1 to 8 in a first embodiment the most important process steps for producing an otoplastic,
  • 9 shows a longitudinal section through an otoplastic which was produced by means of the method according to FIGS. 1 to 8,
  • 10 in a second exemplary embodiment, a behind-the-ear hearing device (BTE hearing device) with an ear adapter made of foam,
  • 11 shows the coating of a foam with a hardenable material for the purpose of producing an earmold for a BTE device according to FIG. 10,
  • 12 shows a longitudinal section through an earmold manufactured in this way,
  • Fig. 13 the BTE hearing aid of Fig. 10 with an earmold, the sound conductor has been replaced by a module with components.

In den Fig. 1 bis 8 sind die wesentlichen Verfahrensschritte zur Herstellung einer Otoplastik für ein IdO-Hörgerät gezeigt. Zur Herstellung einer solchen Otoplastik benötigt man zunächst ein Trägerteil, ein elastisches, poröses Formteil und ein härt­bares Material.1 to 8 show the essential method steps for producing an otoplastic for an ITE hearing aid. To produce such an otoplastic, a support part, an elastic, porous molded part and a hardenable material are required.

Das Trägerteil dieses Ausführungsbeispieles ist eine Schale 1 eines Modul-IdO-Hörgerätes 2, z.B. vom Typ Cosmea M (Siemens AG). Die Schale 1 besteht aus einem formstabilen Material und ist an die Form des Moduls 2 angepaßt. Der Innenraum 3 der Schale 1 öffnet sich an beiden Ender der Schale 1 nach außen. Bei der Herstellung von Otoplastiken für andere IdO-Geräte­modelle, die keine Schale einsetzen, können z.B. das Hörge­ rätgehäuse oder ein dementsprechend geformter Grundkörper als Trägerteil dienen.The carrier part of this exemplary embodiment is a shell 1 of a module ITE hearing aid 2, for example of the Cosmea M type (Siemens AG). The shell 1 consists of a dimensionally stable material and is adapted to the shape of the module 2. The interior 3 of the shell 1 opens outwards at both ends of the shell 1. When producing earmolds for other ITE device models that do not use a shell, the Hörge can be used advisory housing or a correspondingly shaped base body serve as a carrier part.

Das IdO-Hörgerätmodul 2 umfaßt alle elektrischen Bauteile des Hörgerätes. An der Stirnfläche 4 des Gerätes 2 befinden sich ein Einstellknopf 5 für einen Lautstärkeregler, ein weiteres Stellglied 6, eine Klappe 7 für ein Batteriefach und eine Schalleintrittsöffnung 8, die zum Mikrofon des Gerätes 2 führt. Am gegenüberliegenden Ende des Hörgerätmoduls 2 befindet sich ein Stutzen 9, der die Schallaustrittsöffnung bildet. Der Schallaustrittsstutzen 9 ist Bestandteil des Gehäuses 10 (z.B. aus Plastik) des IdO-Hörgerätmoduls 2.The ITE hearing aid module 2 includes all electrical components of the hearing aid. On the end face 4 of the device 2 there are a setting button 5 for a volume control, a further actuator 6, a flap 7 for a battery compartment and a sound inlet opening 8 which leads to the microphone of the device 2. At the opposite end of the hearing aid module 2 there is a nozzle 9 which forms the sound outlet opening. The sound outlet 9 is part of the housing 10 (e.g. made of plastic) of the ITE hearing aid module 2.

Um die Handhabung bei der Herstellung der Otoplastik zu erleich­tern, wird die Schale 1 über einen Grundkörper 11 geschoben. Der Grundkörper 11 ist ein serienmäßig hergestellter Einheits­stempel, dessen Außenkontur der Außenkontur des Hörgerätmoduls 2 gleicht. Er umfaßt an seiner Stirnfläche 12 einen Stiel 13 und am gegenüberliegenden Ende einen Stutzen 14.In order to facilitate handling during the manufacture of the otoplastic, the shell 1 is pushed over a base body 11. The base body 11 is a series-produced unit stamp, the outer contour of which corresponds to the outer contour of the hearing device module 2. It comprises a stem 13 on its end face 12 and a socket 14 at the opposite end.

Das Formteil ist eine Elastomer-Manschette 15 mit Poren. Sie ist auf die Gehörgangsform eines menschlichen Ohres vorge­formt, hat jedoch einen etwas größeren Durchmesser. Die Man­schette 15 umfaßt eine auf die Schale 1 zugeschnittene Aus­nehmung 16. Die Ränder 17, 18 der Manschette 15 verkleinern vorzugsweise die Ausnehmung 16 an den offenen Enden der Man­schette 15 und halten somit nach Überschieben der Manschette 15 über die Schale 1 und den Grundkörper 11 diese in der Ausneh­mung 16 fest. Die Manschette 15 ist ein saugfähiger Schaumstoff und, in diesem Ausführungsbeispiel, an seiner Oberfläche 19 of­fenporig. Der Schaumstoff kann aus verschiedenen Stoffen her­gestellt werden. Besonders geeignet ist ein Polyurethanelasto­mer oder ein geschäumter Latex. Die Manschette 15 ist zunächst elastisch, vorzugsweise bauschig, und umfaßt viele kleine Po­ren 20.The molded part is an elastomer sleeve 15 with pores. It is preformed to the shape of the ear canal of a human ear, but has a slightly larger diameter. The cuff 15 comprises a cutout 16 which is tailored to the shell 1. The edges 17, 18 of the cuff 15 preferably narrow the cutout 16 at the open ends of the cuff 15 and thus hold the cuff 15 over the shell 1 and the base body 11 after pushing it over firmly in the recess 16. The cuff 15 is an absorbent foam and, in this exemplary embodiment, has open pores on its surface 19. The foam can be made from different materials. A polyurethane elastomer or a foamed latex is particularly suitable. The cuff 15 is initially elastic, preferably bulky, and comprises many small pores 20.

Im Behälter 23 befindet sich ein härtbares Material 21, z.B. ein Polymer. Das härtbare Material 21 ist vorzugsweise dick­flüssig. Harzmaterial hat sich als besonders vorteilhaft er­wiesen.In the container 23 there is a hardenable material 21, e.g. a polymer. The curable material 21 is preferably viscous. Resin material has proven to be particularly advantageous.

Wie bereits angedeutet, wird zuerst der Grundkörper 11 in den Innenraum 3 der Schale 1 gesteckt. Dann wird die Schale 1 samt Grundkörper 11 mit der Manschette 15 überzogen. Zur Stabili­sierung und Abdichtung wird anschließend ein Schutzdeckel 22 auf den Stutzen 14 des Grundkörpers 11 geschraubt.As already indicated, the base body 11 is first inserted into the interior 3 of the shell 1. Then the shell 1 together with the base body 11 is covered with the sleeve 15. For stabilization and sealing, a protective cover 22 is then screwed onto the socket 14 of the base body 11.

Die Manschette 15 wird dann in den Flüssigkeitsbehälter 23 so lange getaucht, bis die Poren 20 mit härtbarem Material 21 be­netzt sind. Die Manschette 15 muß mindestens so viel härtbares Material 21 aufsaugen, daß sie sich nach dem Aushärten des härtbaren Materials 21 nicht mehr verformen kann. Die Poren 20 sollten nicht mit härtbarem Material 21 ausgefüllt sein. Falls der Schaumstoff 15 besonders geschmeidig ist, brauchen die Po­ren 20 lediglich mit härtbarem Material 21 benetzt zu sein. Deshalb sollte unter Umständen, wie in Fig. 2 dargestellt, nach dem Eintauchen der Manschette 15 überflüssiges Material 21 aus der Manschette 15 gepreßt werden. Die Manschette 15 kann auch im zusammengepreßten Zustand in das Material 21 eingetaucht werden, wodurch der Verfahrensschritt der Figur 2 entfallen würde.The cuff 15 is then immersed in the liquid container 23 until the pores 20 are wetted with hardenable material 21. The cuff 15 must absorb at least as much hardenable material 21 that it can no longer deform after the hardenable material 21 has hardened. The pores 20 should not be filled with hardenable material 21. If the foam 15 is particularly supple, the pores 20 need only be wetted with hardenable material 21. Therefore, under certain circumstances, as shown in FIG. 2, after immersing the sleeve 15, excess material 21 should be pressed out of the sleeve 15. The cuff 15 can also be immersed in the material 21 in the compressed state, as a result of which the method step of FIG. 2 would be omitted.

Falls ein physiologisch weniger gut verträgliches Material 21 verwendet wird, wird vor Einsetzen in den Hörkanal eine Schutz­hülle 24 über die benetzte Manschette 15 gezogen. Die Schutz­hülle 24 sollte vorzugsweise auch elastisch sein und sich genau an die Außenkontur der Manschette 15 anpassen. Eine derartige Schutzhülle 24 könnte z.B. aus Latex (Polyisopren oder Poly­butadien) gefertigt sein.If a physiologically less well-tolerated material 21 is used, a protective cover 24 is pulled over the wetted cuff 15 before insertion into the auditory canal. The protective cover 24 should preferably also be elastic and adapt exactly to the outer contour of the sleeve 15. Such a protective cover 24 could, for example, be made of latex (polyisoprene or polybutadiene).

Der Gesamtkörper, bestehend aus Grundkörper 11, Schale 1, Man­schette 15, Material 21, Schutzdeckel 22 und gegebenenfalls Schutzhülle 24, wird schließlich gemäß Fig. 4 im Gehörgang 25 des Ohres 26 des Hörgeschädigten positioniert.The entire body, consisting of base body 11, shell 1, sleeve 15, material 21, protective cover 22 and optionally protective cover 24, is finally positioned according to FIG. 4 in the auditory canal 25 of the ear 26 of the hearing impaired.

Die Fig. 5 zeigt den Gesamtkörper 1, 11, 15, 21, 22, 24 einige Minuten später. Die elastische Manschette 15 hat sich bis an die Wände des Gehörganges 25 wieder aufgebauscht. Das härtbare Material 21 härtet in dieser Zeit aus. Nach etwa 10 bis 15 Minuten im Ohr ist das Material 21 vollkommen ausgehärtet. Der Gesamtkörper 1, 11, 15, 21, 22, 24 kann daraufhin aus dem Ge­hörgang 25 entfernt werden. Die eventuell aufgezogene Schutz­hülle 24 wird danach, wie in Fig. 6 gezeigt, von der Manschette 15 abgezogen und weggeworfen. Es verbleibt der Grundkörper 11 mit Schale 1 und ausgehärteter Manschette 15, die an die Ge­hörgangsform bleibend angepaßt ist.5 shows the entire body 1, 11, 15, 21, 22, 24 a few minutes later. The elastic cuff 15 has inflated again up to the walls of the auditory canal 25. The hardenable material 21 hardens during this time. After about 10 to 15 minutes in the ear, the material 21 is completely hardened. The entire body 1, 11, 15, 21, 22, 24 can then be removed from the auditory canal 25. The protective cover 24 which may have been pulled open is then, as shown in FIG. 6, pulled off the cuff 15 and thrown away. There remains the base body 11 with shell 1 and hardened sleeve 15, which is permanently adapted to the shape of the auditory canal.

Gemäß Figur 7 wird eine Beschichtung 27 auf die Manschette auf­getragen. Da der Schaumstoff der Manschette 15 weiterhin offen­porig, jedoch aber ausgehärtet ist, ist die Oberfläche 19 der Manschette 15 etwas rauh. Die Beschichtung 27 glättet die Ober­fläche 19, damit die fertige Otoplastik angenehm zu tragen ist. Außerdem stellt die Beschichtung 27 die durch die Schutzhülle 24 entfallene Paßgenauigkeit wieder her. Die Beschichtung 27 kann entweder im Tauchverfahren oder auf eine andere bekannte Weise aufgetragen werden. In jedem Fall sollte die Beschichtung 27 physiologisch verträglich sein. Ein Polymer, z.B. ein Reaktionsharz auf Epoxyd- oder Acrylat-Basis, ist z.B. gut geeignet. Die Beschichtung 27 kann z.B. auch in verschiedenen Farben ausgeführt werden, um das Gerät optisch ansprechender zu gestalten.According to FIG. 7, a coating 27 is applied to the cuff. Since the foam of the sleeve 15 is still open-pored, but has hardened, the surface 19 of the sleeve 15 is somewhat rough. The coating 27 smoothes the surface 19 so that the finished earmold is comfortable to wear. In addition, the coating 27 restores the accuracy of fit eliminated by the protective cover 24. The coating 27 can be applied either by dipping or in another known manner. In any case, the coating 27 should be physiologically compatible. A polymer, e.g. a reaction resin based on epoxy or acrylate is e.g. well suited. The coating 27 can e.g. can also be made in different colors to make the device more visually appealing.

Im letzten Verfahrensschritt wird der Grundkörper 11 von der fertigen Otoplastik 28 entfernt. Der Schutzdeckel 22 wird zu­erst abgeschraubt, wie in der Figur 8 gezeigt. Dann wird der Grundkörper 11 durch das Hörgerätmodul 2 ersetzt. Die Schale 1 bleibt weiterhin in der Otoplastik 28. Um das Modul 2 fest in der Otoplastik 28 zu haltern und außerdem das Hörgerät vor Cerumen vom Ohr zu schützen, wird auf den Stutzen 9 des Moduls 2 ein Cerumendeckel 29 mit Innengewinde 30 geschraubt. Der Cerumendeckel 29 umfaßt Durchtrittsöffnungen 31 für den Schall.In the last method step, the base body 11 is removed from the finished otoplastic 28. The protective cover 22 is first unscrewed, as shown in FIG. 8. Then the base body 11 is replaced by the hearing aid module 2. The shell 1 remains in the otoplastic 28. In order to hold the module 2 firmly in the otoplastic 28 and also to protect the hearing aid from cerumen from the ear, a cerumen lid 29 with an internal thread 30 is screwed onto the socket 9 of the module 2. The cerumen lid 29 comprises passage openings 31 for the sound.

Die Fig. 9 zeigt die erfindungsgemäß hergestellte Otoplastik 28 im Längsschnitt. Im Bereich der Schale 1 befindet sich wei­terhin ein von härtbarem Material 21 nicht getränkter Schaum­stoff 15. Der Schaumstoff in diesem Bereich 32 ist weiterhin weich und elastisch. Dieser Schaumstoff kann sich jedoch nicht mehr nach außen ausdehnen, da er vollkommen von einem zweiten, harten Bereich 33 umgeben ist. Dieser zweite Bereich 33 wurde beim Herstellungsverfahren ausreichend mit härtbarem Material 21 benetzt. Nachdem das Material 21 aushärtete, wurde der Be­reich 33 so hart, daß eine Verformung der Otoplastik 28 nicht mehr möglich war. Die zusätzliche Beschichtung 27 haftet an dem Schaumstoff-Bereich 33 und gibt der Otoplastik eine glatte Oberfläche.9 shows the otoplastic 28 produced according to the invention in longitudinal section. In the area of the shell 1 there is also a foam 15 not impregnated with hardenable material 21. The foam in this area 32 is still soft and elastic. However, this foam can no longer expand outwards since it is completely surrounded by a second, hard area 33. This second area 33 was adequately wetted with hardenable material 21 during the manufacturing process. After the material 21 hardened, the area 33 became so hard that it was no longer possible to deform the otoplastic 28. The additional coating 27 adheres to the foam area 33 and gives the otoplastic a smooth surface.

In den Fig. 10 bis 12 wird ein weiterer Verfahrensvorgang ge­zeigt. Obwohl auch diese Verfahrensschritte zur Herstellung einer Otoplastik geeignet sind, wird anhand dieses Ausführungs­beispiels ein Ohrpaßstück für ein HdO-Hörgerät hergestellt. Die Fig. 10 zeigt ein HdO-Hörgerät 34 und ein Ohrpaßstück 35 auf der Basis von Schaumstoff mit einem Schalleitungsschlauch 36. Das HdO-Hörgerät 34 umfaßt eine Innenschale 37, eine Aus­senschale 38, eine Batterielade 39 und einen Traghaken 40. Ein Lautstärkeregler 41 und ein Schalter 42 ragen aus der Außenschale 38 heraus. Nachdem der Schallleitungsschlauch 36 mit dem Traghaken 40 verbunden worden ist, können akustische Signale vom HdO-Hörgerät 34 über das Ohrpaßstück 35 in das Ohr des Hörgeschädigten geleitet werden. Das Ohrpaßstück 35 soll, genau wie die Otoplastik 28, exakt an den Gehörgang des Hör­geschädigten angepaßt sein.A further process is shown in FIGS. 10 to 12. Although these method steps are also suitable for producing an otoplastic, an earmold for a BTE hearing aid is produced on the basis of this exemplary embodiment. Fig. 10 shows a BTE hearing aid 34 and an earmold 35 based on foam with a Schalleitungsschlauch 36. The BTE hearing aid 34 comprises an inner shell 37, an outer shell 38, a battery charger 39 and a carrying hook 40. A volume control 41 and a switch 42 protrude from the outer shell 38. After the sound conduction tube 36 has been connected to the carrying hook 40, acoustic signals from the BTE hearing aid 34 can be conducted into the ear of the hearing impaired person via the ear fitting 35. The earmold 35, like the otoplastic 28, should be adapted exactly to the auditory canal of the hearing impaired.

Zu diesem Zweck wird, wie in der Fig. 11 dargestellt, ein härt­bares Material 21′ auf eine als Formteil ausgebildete Manschet­te 15′ aus Schaumstoff mittels eines Pinsels 43 aufgetragen. Dieses Material 21′ ist, wie im vorhergehenden Ausführungsbei­spiel, vorzugsweise ein Polymer und muß physiologisch verträg­lich sein, da hier keine Schutzhülle verwendet wird. Die so vorbereitete Manschette 15′ wird, wie schon anhand der Fig. 4 und 5 erläutert, in den Gehörgang des Hörgeschädigten zur An­passung und Aushärtung gesteckt. Es ergibt sich somit das er­findungsgemäße Ohrpaßstück 35.For this purpose, as shown in FIG. 11, a curable material 21 'is applied to a sleeve 15' made of foam by means of a brush 43 as a molded part. This material 21 'is, as in the previous embodiment, preferably a polymer and must be physiologically compatible, since no protective cover is used here. The cuff 15 thus prepared is, as already explained with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5, inserted into the auditory canal of the hearing impaired for adaptation and curing. The earmold 35 according to the invention thus results.

Die Fig. 12 zeigt ein erfindungsgemäß ausgebildetes Ohrpaßstück 35 im Längsschnitt. Das Material 21′ ist in diesem Fall kaum in den Schaumstoff 15′ eingezogen. Es vernetzt lediglich die Ober­fläche 19′ der Manschette 15′. Dazu braucht also die Manschette 15′ nicht unbedingt offenporig zu sein. Eine Manschette 15′ mit einer geschlossenen Oberfläche ist ebenfalls verwendbar. Das ausgehärtete Material 21′ hat im vorliegenden Fall z.B. eine glatte Oberfläche und muß deshalb nicht weiter beschichtet wer­den. Neben der Ausnehmung 16′ für den Schalleitungsschlauch 36 umfaßt die Manschette 15′ im vorliegenden Fall auch noch mehre­re Entlüftungskanäle 44.12 shows an earmold 35 designed according to the invention in longitudinal section. The material 21 'is hardly drawn into the foam 15' in this case. It only networks the surface 19 'of the sleeve 15'. For this purpose, the cuff 15 'need not necessarily be open-pore. A sleeve 15 'with a closed surface can also be used. The hardened material 21 'has in the present case e.g. a smooth surface and therefore does not need to be coated further. In addition to the recess 16 'for the formwork hose 36, the sleeve 15' in the present case also includes a plurality of ventilation channels 44.

Das Trägerteil kann gemäß Fig. 3 als ausgelagertes Modul 45 eines HdO-Hörgerätes 34′ ausgebildet sein. Das ausgelagerte Modul 45 umfaßt vorzugsweise einen Teil der elektrischen Bau­elemente des Hörgerätes, insbesondere einen oder mehrere elek­tro-akustische Wandler (Mikrofon 46 und/oder Hörer 47). In die­sem Fall muß der Schalleitungsschlauch 36 durch eine elektri­sche Leitung 48 ersetzt werden.3, the carrier part can be designed as an outsourced module 45 of a BTE hearing aid 34 '. The outsourced module 45 preferably comprises part of the electrical components of the hearing aid, in particular one or more electro-acoustic transducers (microphone 46 and / or receiver 47). In this case, the formwork hose 36 must be replaced by an electrical line 48.

Claims (14)

1. Verfahren zur Herstellung wahlweise einer Otoplastik oder eines kundenspezifischen Ohrpaßstückes unter Verwendung eines Trägerteiles und eines auf das Trägerteil aufsetzbaren zumin­dest teilweise porösen, elastischen Formteiles, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß das poröse, elastische Form­teil (15, 15′) vor dem Einsetzen in das Ohr (26) eines Hörge­schädigten zumindest teilweise mit einem härtbaren Material (21, 21′) getränkt oder beschichtet wird, derart, daß das ela­stische Formteil bei ausgehärtetem Material und nach Herausnah­me aus dem Ohr die angepaßte Außenkontur beibehält.1. A method for producing either an earmold or a customer-specific earmold using a carrier part and an at least partially porous, elastic molded part which can be placed on the carrier part, characterized in that the porous, elastic molded part (15, 15 ') before insertion into the ear (26) a hearing impaired is at least partially soaked or coated with a curable material (21, 21 '), such that the elastic molded part retains the adapted outer contour when the material is cured and after removal from the ear. 2. Verfahren nach Anspruch 1, dadurch gekenn­zeichnet, daß das Formteil (15, 15′) mit einem aus­härtendem Polymer getränkt oder beschichtet wird.2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the molded part (15, 15 ') is soaked or coated with a curing polymer. 3. Verfahren nach Anspruch 1, dadurch ge­kennzeichnet, daß das Formteil (15, 15′) aus Schaumstoff gebildet wird.3. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the molded part (15, 15 ') is formed from foam. 4. Verfahren nach Anspruch 1 und 3, dadurch ge­kennzeichnet, daß das Formteil (15) als Man­schette aus offenporigem Schaumstoff ausgebildet wird.4. The method according to claim 1 and 3, characterized in that the molded part (15) is designed as a sleeve made of open-cell foam. 5. Verfahren nach Anspruch 1, dadurch gekenn­zeichnet, daß das Formteil (15) vor dem Einsetzen in das Ohr (26) zum Entfernen von überflüssigem härtbarem Material (21) zumindest leicht ausgepreßt wird.5. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the molded part (15) before insertion into the ear (26) for removing unnecessary curable material (21) is at least slightly pressed. 6. Verfahren nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 5, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß als Schaumstoff für das Formteil ein Polyurethanelastomer verwendet wird.6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that a polyurethane elastomer is used as the foam for the molded part. 7. Verfahren nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 6, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß als Schaumstoff für das Formteil ein geschäumter Latex verwendet wird.7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that a foamed latex is used as the foam for the molded part. 8. Verfahren nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 7, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß als härtbares Material (21, 21′) ein zunächst zumindest dickflüssiges, jedoch aushärtbares Harzmaterial verwendet wird.8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that an initially at least viscous, but curable resin material is used as the curable material (21, 21 '). 9. Verfahren nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 5, da­durch gekennzeichnet, daß vor dem Einset­zen in das Ohr (26) eine Schutzhülle (24) über das benetzte Formteil (15) gezogen wird.9. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that a protective cover (24) is pulled over the wetted molded part (15) before insertion into the ear (26). 10. Verfahren nach Anspruch 9, dadurch gekenn­zeichnet, daß als Schutzhülle (24) ein Elastomer, z.B. Latex, verwendet wird.10. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that an elastomer, for example latex, is used as the protective cover (24). 11. Verfahren nach Anspruch 9, dadurch ge­kennzeichnet, daß die Schutzhülle (24) nach Aus­härten des Formteiles (15) und Entfernen vom Ohr (26) vom Form­teil abgezogen wird.11. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that the protective cover (24) after curing of the molded part (15) and removal from the ear (26) is removed from the molded part. 12. Verfahren nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 11, da­durch gekennzeichnet, daß das ausgehärte­te Formteil (15) nach Entfernen vom Ohr (26) mit einem zusätz­lichen physiologisch vertragbaren Polymer (27) entweder ge­tränkt oder beschichtet wird.12. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the cured molded part (15) after removal from the ear (26) with an additional physiologically tolerable polymer (27) is either soaked or coated. 13. Verfahren nach Anspruch 12, dadurch gekenn­zeichnet, daß das zusätzliche Polymer (27) ein Reak­tionsharz auf Epoxyd- oder Acrylatbasis ist.13. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that the additional polymer (27) is a reaction resin based on epoxy or acrylate. 14. Verfahren nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 12, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß das Formteil (15′) auf einen Schalleitungsschlauch (36) steckbar ist und mit einem im we­sentlichen parallel zur Schalleitung verlaufenden Entlüftungs­kanal (44) versehen wird.14. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the molded part (15 ') on one Shutter line hose (36) can be plugged in and is provided with a ventilation channel (44) running essentially parallel to the formwork line.
EP89100102A 1988-01-19 1989-01-04 Method for manufacturing an ear mould or ear piece Expired - Lifetime EP0325107B1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AT89100102T ATE82662T1 (en) 1988-01-19 1989-01-04 PROCEDURE FOR MANUFACTURING AN EOTOPLASTIC OR EARPIECE.

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE3801392 1988-01-19
DE3801392 1988-01-19

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0325107A1 true EP0325107A1 (en) 1989-07-26
EP0325107B1 EP0325107B1 (en) 1992-11-19

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US (1) US5008058A (en)
EP (1) EP0325107B1 (en)
AT (1) ATE82662T1 (en)
DE (2) DE8816266U1 (en)

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EP1427251A3 (en) * 2000-06-30 2006-08-16 Phonak Ag Method for the production of otoplastics and corresponding otoplastic
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US8616214B2 (en) 2011-04-06 2013-12-31 Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc. Earplug having a resilient core structure

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
DE58902726D1 (en) 1992-12-24
US5008058A (en) 1991-04-16
DE8816266U1 (en) 1989-04-13
EP0325107B1 (en) 1992-11-19
ATE82662T1 (en) 1992-12-15

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