EP0544677A1 - Electromagnetic middle-ear hearing aid. - Google Patents

Electromagnetic middle-ear hearing aid.

Info

Publication number
EP0544677A1
EP0544677A1 EP91909548A EP91909548A EP0544677A1 EP 0544677 A1 EP0544677 A1 EP 0544677A1 EP 91909548 A EP91909548 A EP 91909548A EP 91909548 A EP91909548 A EP 91909548A EP 0544677 A1 EP0544677 A1 EP 0544677A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
hearing aid
permanent magnet
ear
aid according
sound
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
EP91909548A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP0544677B1 (en
Inventor
Hans Georg Kimmerle
Georg Schmid
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Individual
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Individual
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Publication of EP0544677A1 publication Critical patent/EP0544677A1/en
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Publication of EP0544677B1 publication Critical patent/EP0544677B1/en
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Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

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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
    • H04R25/60—Mounting or interconnection of hearing aid parts, e.g. inside tips, housings or to ossicles
    • H04R25/604—Mounting or interconnection of hearing aid parts, e.g. inside tips, housings or to ossicles of acoustic or vibrational transducers
    • H04R25/606—Mounting or interconnection of hearing aid parts, e.g. inside tips, housings or to ossicles of acoustic or vibrational transducers acting directly on the eardrum, the ossicles or the skull, e.g. mastoid, tooth, maxillary or mandibular bone, or mechanically stimulating the cochlea, e.g. at the oval window

Definitions

  • the invention relates to an electromagnetic, to the middle ear of the hearing aid act ⁇ for sound-induced transmission of electromagnetic pulses to the middle ear.
  • the previous conventional signal transmission in hearing aids is based on the principle of electroacoustic sound amplification.
  • the incoming sound waves are recorded via a microphone, converted into electrical impulses (AC voltage), amplified and modified and then emitted to the ear via a receiver.
  • AC voltage electrical impulses
  • the partial or total closure of the ear canal entrance is necessary (otoplastic).
  • the otoplastic has considerable disadvantages, both in the medical and in the acoustic field.
  • the otoplastic In addition to the deterioration of these static conditions, which are predetermined by the anatomy of the auditory canal and the sound circuit apparatus, the otoplastic also influences the impedance matching; i.e. the auditory canal body has a negative effect on the dynamic adaptability of the ear to different volume situations.
  • the human ear can optimally adjust to certain listening situations, e.g. Setting for quiet tones, hearing in the noise environment.
  • the stapedius muscle protects the ear from overlaid sound impulses that may damage the inner ear by changing the impedance. This double dynamic impedance adaptation is considerably worsened by the otoplastic.
  • an implantable electromagnetic hearing aid which consists of an essentially conventional hearing aid, the output signal, an electromagnetic analog signal, is emitted by a transmitter.
  • An associated recipient is implanted subcutaneously in the temporal nodes.
  • a line also implanted in the temporal bone, leads to a receiving device, an electromagnetic transducer, which then emits an electromagnetic signal and transmits it subcutaneously into the middle ear Permanent magnet implanted in or on the ossicular chain, which is set into corresponding vibrations by the electromagnetic vibrations, and thus is intended to set parts of the ossicular chain in vibration according to the scarf l picked up by the hearing aid.
  • This known implantable middle ear hearing aid requires not only extensive implantations of two transducers connected to one another by lines which have to be implanted in the temporal bone, but especially in the case of partially or completely destroyed ossicular chains, an implantation of the permanent magnet in the area of the ossicular chain with action on parts of the ossicular chain. If at all, this seems to be feasible with extreme precision in microsurgery. Some of the variants disclosed, on the other hand, seem to be hardly feasible, since the permanent magnet inevitably slips when vibrated and falls into the drumstick.
  • Piezoelectric, ceramic, bimorph vibrating devices are implanted in the middle ear, which are excited to vibrate. These piezoelectric vibrators are excited by lines for sound transmission to the inner ear.
  • Both previously known implantable middle ear hearing aids are primarily intended for pathological changes in the area of the middle ear, e.g. when the ossicular chain is partially or completely destroyed, although a variant has become known in which the ossicular chain appears to be in order. In all other cases, the use of these implants would result in the destruction of the natural sound transmission chain.
  • the arrangement of the vibrating device in the area of the ossicular chain means that for the surgeon exact control of the position of the permanent magnet implanted as vibrating device is no longer possible post-operatively.
  • the material used in the known vibrating device is a ceramic-magnetic, biocompatible material which is very difficult to machine and whose magnetic properties can be impaired and weakened during operative post-processing.
  • None of the implantable hearing aids known to date can do without implanted leads or electrodes and therefore requires extensive, difficult implantation microsurgery in the area of the temporal bone and in the middle ear area.
  • the invention does not relate to the surgical correction of pathological processes in the middle ear in the area of the ossicular chain or the ossicles, but rather is based on a sound-sensitive hearing loss with a completely or largely intact ear drum 1 and complete ossicular chain and should be in place the previous one - sr -
  • Hearing aid supply can be used as an alternative, particularly in the case of sound sensation difficulties.
  • Fig. 1 is a cross-sectional view of the constructed according to the invention
  • Fig. 2 is a greatly enlarged view of the arrangement of the permanent magnet in the area of the eardrum and - Q - -
  • Fig. 3 schematically the arrangement of the modified hearing aid used for this purpose.
  • Fig. 1 shows the pinna 1, to which the auditory canal 2 connects, which is closed off by the drum tube 3.
  • the ossicular chain 4 with the hammer 5 with hammer head ⁇ and hammer handle 7. This is followed by the anvil 8 and the stirrup 9.
  • a hearing aid 10 which contains a coil part with an electromagnetic transducer 11 (FIG. 3).
  • the permanent magnet 12 is shown in FIG. 1 and also in Fig. 2 to see.
  • the hammer grip 7 is normally grown together with the eardrum 3.
  • the drumhead l 3 is loosened approximately in the middle of the hammer handle 7 from this and the permanent magnet 1 2 is inserted so that it rests with its back on the eardrum and at least partially encompasses the hammer handle.
  • the sound 1 picked up by the microphone of the actual hearing aid to be worn behind the ear is transmitted directly to the permanent magnet 1 2 after amplification via the electromagnetic transducer designed as a coil part 1.
  • these sound vibrations are increasingly transmitted to the middle ear via the permanent magnet.
  • the eardrum l is set into corresponding vibrations, which are superimposed on the sound arriving at the eardrum through the ear canal.
  • the invention thus created a new implantable hearing aid which is a useful alternative for patients who have difficulties with in-the-ear hearing aids or with otoplastics or hearing olives.

Abstract

The invention relates to a middle-ear hearing aid (10) with a microphone in a casing, an amplifier with power supply and an output transformer and with a vibration device (12) excitable to oscillation by the transformer which can be implanted between the eardrum (3) and the hammer grip (7), whereby the output transformer generates electromagnetic oscillations which excite a pre-polarised permanent magnet (12) acting as a vibration device to oscillation which is transmitted to the hammer grip (7) and the eardrum (3).

Description

Elektromagnetisches Mittelohr-Hörhilfsgerät Electromagnetic middle ear hearing aid
Die Erfindung betrifft ein elektromagnetisches, auf das Mittelohr einwirken¬ des Hörhilfsgerät für eine schallinduzierte Übertragung elektromagnetischer Impulse an das Mittelohr.The invention relates to an electromagnetic, to the middle ear of the hearing aid act ¬ for sound-induced transmission of electromagnetic pulses to the middle ear.
Die bisherige konventionelle Signalübertragung bei den Hörhilfen beruht auf dem Prinzip der elektroakustischen Schallverstärkung- Hierbei werden die ankommenden Schallwellen über ein Mikrophon aufge¬ nommen, in elektrische Impulse (Wechselspannung) umgewandelt, verstärkt und modifiziert und anschließend über einen Hörer an das Ohr abge¬ strahlt. Um Schallenergieverluste und störende Rückkopplungen zu ver¬ meiden, ist hierbei der partielle oder totale Verschluß des Gehörgangs¬ einganges erforderlich (Otoplastik) . Die Otoplastik bedingt jedoch erhebliche Nachteile, sowohl im medizinischen wie auch im akustischen Bereich.The previous conventional signal transmission in hearing aids is based on the principle of electroacoustic sound amplification. Here, the incoming sound waves are recorded via a microphone, converted into electrical impulses (AC voltage), amplified and modified and then emitted to the ear via a receiver. In order to avoid sound energy losses and disturbing feedback, the partial or total closure of the ear canal entrance is necessary (otoplastic). However, the otoplastic has considerable disadvantages, both in the medical and in the acoustic field.
Der Selbstreinigungsmechanismus sowie das "Kleinklima des Gehör¬ gangs" werden durch den Verschluß des Einganges gestört. Ohrschrr-alz- anreicherungen vor der Otoplastik bis hin zu verschließenden Ceruminalpfröpfen beeinträchtigen die Schallverstärkung. Der feuchte Kamnereffekt des verschlossenen und schlecht belüfteten Gehörganges führt zu rezidivierenden nässenden Gehörgangsentzündungen, die für den Hörgerätträger sehr lästig sind, und meist eine Behandlung beim HNO-Arzt erforderlich machen. Bis zum Abklingen der Entzündung darf das Hörgerät dann nicht getragen werden.The self-cleaning mechanism and the "small climate of the auditory canal" are disturbed by the closure of the entrance. Ears of salt in the ear before the earmold up to occluding ceruminal plugs impair the sound amplification. The damp camouflage effect of the closed and poorly ventilated ear canal leads to recurrent, wetting ear canal infections, which are very annoying for the hearing aid wearer and usually require treatment by an ENT doctor. The hearing aid must not be worn until the inflammation has subsided.
Erfordert der Fremdköper "Otoplastik" schon eine gewisse Ge¬ wöhnungszeit,so bwirkt die Autophonie (d.h. Veränderung des eigenen Stiirmklanges) zum Teil erhelbiche Akzeptanzprobleme. Da durch den Gehörgangsverschlukß der normale Schallabfluß nach außen blockiert ist, ergibt sich eine Veränderung des eigenen Stimmklanges. Das natürliche Hören ist in hervorragender Weise den Koπτπunikationsbedingungen angepaßt.If the foreign body "otoplastic" already requires a certain amount of time to get used to, autophony (ie changing one's own triad sound) sometimes has considerable acceptance problems. Since the normal outflow of sound is blocked by the ear canal obstruction, there is a change in one's own vocal sound. Natural hearing is ideally adapted to the communication conditions.
Durch Resonanzbildung im offenen Gehörgang sowie Frequenz- Selektion durch Tronmelfell und Gehörknöchelchen (sogenannter Schalleitungsapparat) wird eine erhöhte Schallempfindlichkeit des Ohres im Frequenzbereich 2000 bis 4000 Hz erreicht. Dadurch wird die Hörfähigkeit bei leisen und mittleren Tönen und Klängen im Hauptsprachbereich verbessert. Dieser Vorteil des physiologischen Hörens wird durch die Otoplastik teilweise wieder aufgehoben.Through resonance formation in the open auditory canal and frequency selection through the ear and ossicles (so-called sound conduction apparatus), an increased sensitivity to sound of the ear in the frequency range 2000 to 4000 Hz is achieved. This improves hearing in soft and medium tones and sounds in the main language area. This advantage of physiological hearing is partially canceled out by the otoplastic.
Neben der Verschlechterung dieser statischen, durch die Anatom von Gehörgang und Schalleitungsapparat vorgegebenen Bedingungen, beeinflußt die Otoplastik auch die Impedanzanpassung; d.h. der Gehörgangsfre dkörper wirkt sich negativ auf die dynamische Anpassungsfähigkeit des Ohres auf unterschiedliche Lautstärken¬ situationen aus. Mittels des Musculus tensor tympani kann das menschliche Ohr sich reflektorisch auf bestimmte Hörsituationen optimal einstellen, z.B. Einstellung auf leise Töne, Hören im Geräuschumfeld. Der Musculus stapedius hingegen schützt das Ohr vor überlauten evtl. das Innenohr schädigenden Schallimpulsen dur Impedanzänderung. Diese doppelte dynamische Impedanzanpassung wir durch die Otoplastik erheblich verschlechtert.. .In addition to the deterioration of these static conditions, which are predetermined by the anatomy of the auditory canal and the sound circuit apparatus, the otoplastic also influences the impedance matching; i.e. the auditory canal body has a negative effect on the dynamic adaptability of the ear to different volume situations. Using the tensor tympani muscle, the human ear can optimally adjust to certain listening situations, e.g. Setting for quiet tones, hearing in the noise environment. The stapedius muscle, on the other hand, protects the ear from overlaid sound impulses that may damage the inner ear by changing the impedance. This double dynamic impedance adaptation is considerably worsened by the otoplastic.
Weitere akustische Nachteile sind im System der bisherigen elektr akustischen SchallVerstärkung impliziert. Der im konventionellen Hör gerät notgedrungenermaßen kleine Lautsprecher - Hörer genannt - bedingt eine nicht-lineare Verstärkung und Verzerrung des Schalls. Zusätzlich bedeutet die relativ schmalbandige Schallverstärkung eine Einschränkung des Sprachverständlichkeitsgewinnes. Zum Stand der Technik einer elektromagnetischen Schal lubertragung auf das Mittelohr ist die DE 36 17 1 18 C2 zu nennen . In dieser Patentschrift ist eine implantierbare elektromagnetische Hörhi lfe offenbart, die aus einem im wesentlichen übl ichen Hörgerät besteht, dessen Ausgangssignal, ein elektromagnetisches Analogsigna l , von einem Sender abgestrahlt wird . Ein zugehöriger Empfänger ist subkutan in den Tempora Ikn och en implantiert. Von dort führt eine ebenfalls in den Tempora Iknochen implantierte Leitung zu einer Empfangseinrichtung, einem elektromagnetischen Wandler, der dann ein elektromagnetisches Signal abgibt , und dieses subkutan in das Mittelohr hinein überträgt .. Im Mittelohr selbst ist dann a ls Empfangsein¬ richtung* ein an oder in oder an Stel le- der Ossikularkette implantierter Permanentmagnet vorgesehen, der durch die elektromagnetischen Schwin¬ gungen in entsprechende Vibrationen versetzt wird, und damit Teile der Ossikularkette entsprechend dem vom Hörgerät aufgenommenen Schal l in Schwingungen versetzen soll .Further acoustic disadvantages are implied in the system of the previous electrical acoustic sound amplification. The speaker, which is inevitably small in conventional hearing devices - called listeners - requires a non-linear amplification and distortion of the sound. In addition, the relatively narrow-band sound amplification means that speech intelligibility is restricted. DE 36 17 1 18 C2 is to be mentioned regarding the state of the art of electromagnetic scarf transmission to the middle ear. In this patent, an implantable electromagnetic hearing aid is disclosed, which consists of an essentially conventional hearing aid, the output signal, an electromagnetic analog signal, is emitted by a transmitter. An associated recipient is implanted subcutaneously in the temporal nodes. From there, a line, also implanted in the temporal bone, leads to a receiving device, an electromagnetic transducer, which then emits an electromagnetic signal and transmits it subcutaneously into the middle ear Permanent magnet implanted in or on the ossicular chain, which is set into corresponding vibrations by the electromagnetic vibrations, and thus is intended to set parts of the ossicular chain in vibration according to the scarf l picked up by the hearing aid.
Diese bekannte implantierbare Mittelohr-Hörhilfe erfordert nicht nur umfangreiche Implantationen von zwei durch Leitungen , die im Temporal¬ knochen implantiert werden müssen, miteinander verbundenen Wandlern, insbesondere aber bei zum Tei l oder völl ig zerstörter Ossikularkette eine Implantation des Permanentmagnetchens im Bereich der Ossikularkette mit Einwirkung auf Teile der Ossikularkette . Dies scheint, wenn überhaupt, nur mit äußerster Präzision in der Mikrochirurgie durchführbar. Manche der offenbarten Varianten scheinen dagegen kaum durchführbar zu sein, da der Permanentmagnet bei Vibrationserregung unweigerlich abrutscht und in den Paukenkel ler hinunterfäl lt .This known implantable middle ear hearing aid requires not only extensive implantations of two transducers connected to one another by lines which have to be implanted in the temporal bone, but especially in the case of partially or completely destroyed ossicular chains, an implantation of the permanent magnet in the area of the ossicular chain with action on parts of the ossicular chain. If at all, this seems to be feasible with extreme precision in microsurgery. Some of the variants disclosed, on the other hand, seem to be hardly feasible, since the permanent magnet inevitably slips when vibrated and falls into the drumstick.
Weiterhin sind kl inische Erfahrungen mit Hörhi lfen im Mittelohrbereich bekanntgeworden . Dabei werden piezoelektrische, keramische, bimorphe Vibrationseinrichtυngen im Mittelohr implantiert, die zu Schwingungen angeregt werden . Diese piezoelektrischen Vibrαtoren werden dabei durch Leitungen zur Schal lübertragung an das Innenohr angeregt .Clinical experiences with hearing aids in the middle ear area have also become known. Piezoelectric, ceramic, bimorph vibrating devices are implanted in the middle ear, which are excited to vibrate. These piezoelectric vibrators are excited by lines for sound transmission to the inner ear.
Beide bisher bekannten implantierbaren Mittelohr-Hörhilfen sind vor allem für pathologische Veränderungen im Bereich des Mittelohres gedacht, z.B . dann, wenn die Ossikularkette tei lweise oder ganz zerstört ist, obgleich eine Variante bekanntgeworden ist, bei der die Ossikularkette in Ordnung zu sein scheint. Bei al len anderen Fäl len würde die Anwendung dieser Implantationen die Zerstörung der natürlichen Scha l lübertragungskette zur Folge haben . Außerdem bedeutet die Anordnung der Vibrationseinrichtung im Bereich der Ossikularkette, daß für den Chirurgen eine exakte Kontrol le der Position des als Vibrationseinrichtung implantierten Permanentmagnetes post-operativ nicht mehr mögl ich ist .Both previously known implantable middle ear hearing aids are primarily intended for pathological changes in the area of the middle ear, e.g. when the ossicular chain is partially or completely destroyed, although a variant has become known in which the ossicular chain appears to be in order. In all other cases, the use of these implants would result in the destruction of the natural sound transmission chain. In addition, the arrangement of the vibrating device in the area of the ossicular chain means that for the surgeon exact control of the position of the permanent magnet implanted as vibrating device is no longer possible post-operatively.
Weiterhin ist das bei der bekannten Vibrationseinrichtung verwendete Material ein keramisch-magnetisches biokompatibles Material , das sich sehr schwer bearbeiten läßt und bei der operativen Nachbearbeitung in seinen magnetischen Eigenschaften beeinträchtigt und geschwächt werden kann .Furthermore, the material used in the known vibrating device is a ceramic-magnetic, biocompatible material which is very difficult to machine and whose magnetic properties can be impaired and weakened during operative post-processing.
Keine der bisher bekannten implantierbaren Hörhi lfen kommt ohne implan¬ tierte Leitungen oder Elektroden aus und bedarf daher umfangreicher schwieriger Implantations-Microchirurgie im Bereich des Temporalknochens und im Mittelohrbereich .None of the implantable hearing aids known to date can do without implanted leads or electrodes and therefore requires extensive, difficult implantation microsurgery in the area of the temporal bone and in the middle ear area.
Die Erfindung betrifft jedoch eben nicht die operative Korrektur patho¬ logischer Prozesse im Mittelohr im Bereich der Ossikularkette oder der Gehörknöchelchen, sondern geht vielmehr von einer Schal lempf indungs- Schwerhörigkeit bei vol lständig oder weitgehend intaktem Trommelfel l und vollständiger Ossikularkette aus und sol l an Stelle der bisherigen - sr -However, the invention does not relate to the surgical correction of pathological processes in the middle ear in the area of the ossicular chain or the ossicles, but rather is based on a sound-sensitive hearing loss with a completely or largely intact ear drum 1 and complete ossicular chain and should be in place the previous one - sr -
Hörgeräteversorgung vor al lem bei Schallempfindungsschwierigkeiten als Alternative anwendbar sein .Hearing aid supply can be used as an alternative, particularly in the case of sound sensation difficulties.
Diese der Erfindung zugrundel iegende Aufgabe wird durch die Merkmale des Patentanspruchs 1 gelöst .This object on which the invention is based is achieved by the features of patent claim 1.
Weitere Merkmale der Erfindung ergeben sich aus den weiteren Patentan¬ sprüchen .Further features of the invention result from the further patent claims.
Dies bedeutet in der Praxis folgendes:In practice, this means the following:
Zunächst erfolgt eine direkte Signal überträgung mittels elektromagneti¬ scher Impulse auf einen zwischenTrommelfel l und Hammergriff implantier¬ ten Permanentmagneten .Ajf einen Hörer und eine Otoplastik kann ohne Gefahr der Rückkoppl ung verzichtet werden . Die natürl iche Schal lauf¬ nahme im Ohr bleibt erhalten . Für den Patienten ergibt sich gegenüber anderen implantierbaren Hörhi lfen e inecperativ geringe Belastung . Außer¬ dem läßt sich das Implantat durch den HNO-Arzt gut kontrol lieren .First of all, there is a direct signal transmission by means of electromagnetic pulses to a permanent magnet implanted between drum drum 1 and hammer handle. A receiver and an otoplastic can be dispensed with without the risk of feedback. The natural scarf movement in the ear is preserved. For the patient, there is an inecperative low load compared to other implantable hearing aids. In addition, the implant can be easily checked by the ENT doctor.
Die Erfindung wird nunmehr anhand eines Ausführungsbeispieles in Verbin¬ dung mit den beigefügten Zeichnungen näher erläutert .The invention will now be explained in more detail using an exemplary embodiment in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
In den Zeichnungen zeigt:In the drawings:
Fig. 1 eine Querschnittsansicht des erfindungsgemäß aufgebautenFig. 1 is a cross-sectional view of the constructed according to the invention
Hörhi lfsgerätes;Hearing aid;
Fig . 2 eine stark vergrößerte Ansicht der Anordnung des Perma¬ nentmagneten im Bereich des Trommelfells und - Q - -Fig. 2 is a greatly enlarged view of the arrangement of the permanent magnet in the area of the eardrum and - Q - -
Fig . 3 schemαtisch die Anordnung des dazu verwendeten modifizierten Hörgerätes .Fig. 3 schematically the arrangement of the modified hearing aid used for this purpose.
In Fig . 1 ist die Ohrmuschel 1 zu sehen, an die sich der Gehörgang 2 anschließt, der durch das Trommelfe ll 3 abgeschlossen ist. Im Mittelohr erkennt man die Ossikularkette 4 mit dem Hammer 5 mit Hammerkopf ό und Hammergriff 7. Daran schl ießt sich der Amboß 8 und der Steigbügel 9 an. Außerdem sieht man ein Hörgerät 10, das einen Spulenteil mit elektromag¬ netischem Wandler 1 1 enthält (Fig . 3) . Der Permanentmagnet 12 ist in Fig . 1 und auch in Fig . 2 zu sehen .In Fig. 1 shows the pinna 1, to which the auditory canal 2 connects, which is closed off by the drum tube 3. In the middle ear you can see the ossicular chain 4 with the hammer 5 with hammer head ό and hammer handle 7. This is followed by the anvil 8 and the stirrup 9. In addition, one can see a hearing aid 10 which contains a coil part with an electromagnetic transducer 11 (FIG. 3). The permanent magnet 12 is shown in FIG. 1 and also in Fig. 2 to see.
Der Hammergriff 7 ist normalerweise mit dem Trommelfell 3 verwachsen . Bei der hier erforderlichen Operation wird das Trommelfel l 3 etwa in der Mitte des Hammergriffs 7 von diesem gelöst und der Permanentmagnet 1 2 wird so eingelegt, daß er mit seiner Rückseite am Trommelfell anl iegt und den Hammergriff mindestens tei lweise umfaßt.The hammer grip 7 is normally grown together with the eardrum 3. In the operation required here, the drumhead l 3 is loosened approximately in the middle of the hammer handle 7 from this and the permanent magnet 1 2 is inserted so that it rests with its back on the eardrum and at least partially encompasses the hammer handle.
In dieser Position kann der Permanentmagnet sich nicht aus seiner Position herausbewegen, da er zwischen Hammergriff und Trommelfell unverrückbar festgeha lten ist .In this position, the permanent magnet cannot move out of its position, since it is held immovably between the hammer handle and the eardrum.
Der durch den Gehörgang kommende Schal l wird bei diesem neuen Hör- hilfsberät das Trommelfell in der übl ichen Weise beaufschlagen .The scarf l coming through the ear canal will act on the eardrum in the usual way with this new hearing aid.
Der von dem Mikrofon des hinter dem Ohr zu tragenden eigentlichen Hör¬ gerätes aufgenommene Schal l wird nach Verstärkung über den als Spulentei l ausgeführten elektromagnetischen Wandler unmittelbar an den Permanent¬ magneten 1 2 übertragen .The sound 1 picked up by the microphone of the actual hearing aid to be worn behind the ear is transmitted directly to the permanent magnet 1 2 after amplification via the electromagnetic transducer designed as a coil part 1.
Da das Hörgerät durch den Hörgeräteakustiker an die Gehörschädigung des - -Since the hearing aid by the hearing care professional to the hearing loss of the - -
Benutzers angepaßt ist, werden diese Schallschwingungen verstärkt über den Permanentmagneten auf das Mittelohr übertragen . Gleichzeitig wird dabei auch das Trommelfel l in entsprechende Schwingungen versetzt, die sich dem durch den Gehörgang am Trommelfell eintreffendenSchall überlagern .Customized, these sound vibrations are increasingly transmitted to the middle ear via the permanent magnet. At the same time, the eardrum l is set into corresponding vibrations, which are superimposed on the sound arriving at the eardrum through the ear canal.
Mit Patienten durchgeführte Messungen haben ergeben, daß sich dadurch eine sehr gute Verbesserung in der Hörempfindung des Patienten erzielen läßt.Measurements carried out on patients have shown that a very good improvement in the hearing sensation of the patient can be achieved thereby.
Es sei abschließend noch darauf hingewiesen, daß hier jewei ls nur eine einzige Form e ines Permanentmagnetchens erforderl ich ist,die keinerlei Nachbearbeitung erforderl ich macht, so daß die Wirksamkeit und Polari¬ sierung des Permanentmagneten durch Nachbearbeitung nicht beeinträchtigt werden können .It should finally be pointed out that only a single form of a permanent magnet is required here, which does not require any post-processing, so that the effectiveness and polarization of the permanent magnet cannot be impaired by post-processing.
Dadurch, daß Größe und Gewicht des Permanentmagneten klein gehalten werden und als Überzug eine antibakteriel le Goldlegierung aufgebracht wird, sind die sonst übl ichen Nachtei le, wie Fermdkörpergefühl , Entzün¬ dungen, Abstoßreaktionen oder Beschädigung von Hammergriff und Trom¬ melfe l l nicht zu erwarten .The fact that the size and weight of the permanent magnet are kept small and an antibacterial gold alloy is applied as a coating means that the otherwise usual disadvantages, such as feeling of a body, inflammation, repulsive reactions or damage to the hammer handle and drum drum 11 are not to be expected.
Durch die Erfindung wurde som it ein neues implantierbares Hörhilfsgerät geschaffen, das für Patienten, die mit Im-Ohr-Hörgeräten oder mit Otoplastiken bzw. Hörol iven Schwierigkeiten haben, eine brauchbare Alternative darstellt . The invention thus created a new implantable hearing aid which is a useful alternative for patients who have difficulties with in-the-ear hearing aids or with otoplastics or hearing olives.

Claims

P A T E N T A N S P R Ü C H E PATENT CLAIMS
1 . Mittelohr-Hörhi lfsgerät mit einem in einem Gehäuse untergebrach¬ ten Mikrofon, einem Verstärker mit Spannungsversorgung und einem Ausgangswandler sowie mit einer durch den Ausgangswandler zu Schwingungen anregbaren impiantierbaren Vibrationseinrichtung, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß die Vibrationseinrichtung (12) zwischen Trommelfell (3) und Hammergriff (7) impiantierbar ist.1 . Middle ear hearing aid with a microphone housed in a housing, an amplifier with a voltage supply and an output transducer, and with a vibratable device that can be excited by the output transducer, characterized in that the vibrating device (12) between the eardrum (3) and hammer handle ( 7) can be imposed.
2. Hörhilfsgerät nach Anspruch 1 , dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß der Ausgangswandler elektromagnetische Schwingungen erzeugt, und daß als Vibrationseinrichtung ein Permanentmagnet (12) mit vorge¬ gebener Polarϊsierung vorgesehen ist.2. Hearing aid according to claim 1, characterized in that the output transducer generates electromagnetic vibrations, and that a permanent magnet (12) with predetermined polarization is provided as the vibration device.
3. Hörhilfsgerät nach Anspruch 1 oder 2, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß der als Vibrationseinrichtung dienende Permanentmagnet etwa die Form eines halben Hohlzylinders aufweist, dessen Polung parallel zu den Hohlzylϊnder-Oberflächen in der Weise verläuft, daß an der innenliegenden Oberfläche die eine und an der außen¬ liegenden Oberfläche die andere Pola rität wirksam ist.3. Hearing aid according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the permanent magnet serving as a vibrating device has approximately the shape of a half hollow cylinder, the polarity of which runs parallel to the hollow cylinder surfaces in such a way that one on the inner surface and one on the outside ¬ lying surface the other polarity is effective.
4. Hörhilfsgerät nach Anspruch 1 oder 2, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß der Permanentmagnet etwa die Form einer kleinen Scheibe aufweist, deren einander gegenüberliegende Flächen die Pole des Permanentmagneten bi lden . - 3 -4. Hearing aid according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the permanent magnet has approximately the shape of a small disc, the opposite surfaces of which are the poles of the permanent magnet. - 3 -
5. Hörhilfsgerät nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 3, dadurch gekenn¬ zeichnet, daß der Permanentmagnet (12) den Hammergriff (7) etwa in dessen Mitte mindestens teilweise umgreift und mit seinem Rücken am Trommelfel l (3) anliegt .5. Hearing aid according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized gekenn¬ characterized in that the permanent magnet (12) at least partially encompasses the hammer handle (7) approximately in the middle thereof and rests with its back on the drum head l (3).
6. H örhilfsgerät nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 5, dadurch gekenn¬ zeichnet, daß der Permanentmagnet vergoldet ist. 6. hearing aid according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized gekenn¬ characterized in that the permanent magnet is gold-plated.
EP91909548A 1990-08-24 1991-05-14 Electromagnetic middle-ear hearing aid Expired - Lifetime EP0544677B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE4026766A DE4026766A1 (en) 1990-08-24 1990-08-24 ELECTROMAGNETIC MEDIUM-AID AID
DE4026766 1990-08-24
PCT/EP1991/000888 WO1992003893A1 (en) 1990-08-24 1991-05-14 Electromagnetic middle-ear hearing aid

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0544677A1 true EP0544677A1 (en) 1993-06-09
EP0544677B1 EP0544677B1 (en) 1994-07-20

Family

ID=6412820

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP91909548A Expired - Lifetime EP0544677B1 (en) 1990-08-24 1991-05-14 Electromagnetic middle-ear hearing aid

Country Status (6)

Country Link
EP (1) EP0544677B1 (en)
AT (1) ATE108970T1 (en)
AU (1) AU7870091A (en)
DE (2) DE4026766A1 (en)
DK (1) DK0544677T3 (en)
WO (1) WO1992003893A1 (en)

Families Citing this family (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
AT401129B (en) 1994-12-21 1996-06-25 Viennatone Gmbh HEARING AID
US5797834A (en) * 1996-05-31 1998-08-25 Resound Corporation Hearing improvement device
DE10030372C2 (en) * 2000-06-16 2002-04-25 Univ Dresden Tech Implantable hydroacoustic transducer
DE102004038078B4 (en) * 2004-07-30 2010-11-25 Technische Universität Dresden Implantable hearing aid part

Family Cites Families (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
BE833809A (en) * 1975-09-25 1976-03-25 HEARING AID AND PROCESS FOR EXAMINATION AND PROTHETIC CORRECTION OF THE HEARING
US4606329A (en) * 1985-05-22 1986-08-19 Xomed, Inc. Implantable electromagnetic middle-ear bone-conduction hearing aid device
US4817607A (en) * 1986-03-07 1989-04-04 Richards Medical Company Magnetic ossicular replacement prosthesis

Non-Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Title
See references of WO9203893A1 *

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
ATE108970T1 (en) 1994-08-15
DE4026766A1 (en) 1992-02-27
EP0544677B1 (en) 1994-07-20
WO1992003893A1 (en) 1992-03-05
DK0544677T3 (en) 1994-09-26
AU7870091A (en) 1992-03-17
DE59102284D1 (en) 1994-08-25

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