EP0842590B1 - Hearing aid - Google Patents

Hearing aid Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0842590B1
EP0842590B1 EP96927520A EP96927520A EP0842590B1 EP 0842590 B1 EP0842590 B1 EP 0842590B1 EP 96927520 A EP96927520 A EP 96927520A EP 96927520 A EP96927520 A EP 96927520A EP 0842590 B1 EP0842590 B1 EP 0842590B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
hearing aid
tubular body
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.)
Expired - Lifetime
Application number
EP96927520A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP0842590A1 (en
Inventor
Hans-Dieter Borowsky
Theo Wesendahl
Edmund Löbbers
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Individual
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Individual
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Publication date
Priority claimed from DE19532548A external-priority patent/DE19532548C1/en
Priority claimed from DE19544822A external-priority patent/DE19544822A1/en
Priority claimed from DE19601535A external-priority patent/DE19601535C2/en
Application filed by Individual filed Critical Individual
Priority to EP00118844A priority Critical patent/EP1061772B1/en
Publication of EP0842590A1 publication Critical patent/EP0842590A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP0842590B1 publication Critical patent/EP0842590B1/en
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    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04R—LOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; DEAF-AID SETS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS
    • H04R25/00—Deaf-aid sets, i.e. electro-acoustic or electro-mechanical hearing aids; Electric tinnitus maskers providing an auditory perception
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04R—LOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; DEAF-AID SETS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS
    • H04R2225/00—Details of deaf aids covered by H04R25/00, not provided for in any of its subgroups
    • H04R2225/021—Behind the ear [BTE] hearing aids
    • H04R2225/0213—Constructional details of earhooks, e.g. shape, material
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04R—LOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; DEAF-AID SETS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS
    • H04R2225/00—Details of deaf aids covered by H04R25/00, not provided for in any of its subgroups
    • H04R2225/021—Behind the ear [BTE] hearing aids
    • H04R2225/0216—BTE hearing aids having a receiver in the ear mould
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04R—LOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; DEAF-AID SETS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS
    • H04R2225/00—Details of deaf aids covered by H04R25/00, not provided for in any of its subgroups
    • H04R2225/67—Implantable hearing aids or parts thereof not covered by H04R25/606
    • 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
    • H04R25/607—Mounting or interconnection of hearing aid parts, e.g. inside tips, housings or to ossicles of earhooks

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a hearing aid according to the preamble of the main claim.
  • behind-the-ear hearing aids are widely in use, with the sound transmission via the external auditory canal to the eardrum.
  • the sound is recorded by the microphone of the hearing aid, amplified according to audiological specifications and emitted via the galvanically coupled receiver.
  • At the listener outlet is usually a hearing angle above the pinna for receiving a sound tube, which leads by means of an earmold in the outer ear canal.
  • the sound amplified by the hearing aid radiates via the sound tube and the sound channel above and then in front of the auricle via the otoplastic directly into the auditory canal and thus onto the eardrum.
  • in-the-ear hearing aids have been proposed that do not have this disadvantage, especially if the visible surface of the in-the-ear hearing aid is adapted to the skin color of each patient.
  • a disadvantage of these arrangements is that the ear canal is closed, so it is no longer open, which is perceived by many patients as unpleasant.
  • No. 3,844,271 A proposes connecting a hearing aid arranged behind the ear to the actual loudspeaker or earpiece by means of a connecting element with a plug to be inserted into the ear.
  • This connecting element is to be passed directly through the pinna, and the puncture takes place in the helix and the antihelix, wherein in some embodiments, the connecting element is visible from the outside.
  • the ear is completely closed and the connecting element is arranged so far outside the head bone, that it is in a rotational movement z. B. must necessarily be disturbing in bed.
  • the invention has for its object to improve the known hearing aids to the effect that a possible invisible hearing aid can be done, but at the same time the sound transmission is improved and the ear canal is not completely closed.
  • This object of the invention is achieved by the proposal to provide aadosdes outward between temporal bone in the area Pars petrosa and auricle with its free end through an opening in the ear canal leading, in the ear canal otherendes opening tubular body, in the region of the free end of the sound absorbs and at the auditory end the eardrum sonicated.
  • the tubular body is connectable at its free end to the sound outlet opening of a behind-the-ear hearing aid and on the other it is proposed that the tubular body itself is designed as a hearing aid and in the region of the free end of the microphone and on the auditory side End carries the phone. It is possible that the tube body is extended to the upper approach of the auricle and opens forward and here carries the microphone.
  • connection of the tubular body to an earring is possible, which is then provided with the microphone.
  • the tube body is connected to a behind-the-ear hearing aid, it is important that a light but tight connection is possible, and so it is proposed to use a provided between the sound outlet of the hearing aid and a sound conductor sealing sleeve, which is an almost dead , but soundproof connection of the wall of the sound outlet nozzle with the wall of the sheep line z.
  • the retroauricular tubular body allows.
  • the tubular body may be made of plastic, but is preferably made according to the invention of titanium, thus having the required strength and tissue compatibility. If the tubular body is made of titanium, it is preferably formed in three parts and consists of an ear piece, an outer piece and a connecting body, wherein the ear piece and the outer piece can be screwed into the connecting body, thereby simultaneously length adjustments of the actual tubular body are possible.
  • the tubular body when the tubular body is made of titanium, it appears advantageous to ensure that a secure position of the tubular body is ensured in the body opening, which is preferably achieved in that the outer side of the tubular body is made non-slip. This can be done once by a corresponding roughening or partial compression of the outside, but can also be done in the same way that on the outside a kind of thread is attached, which then also gives the possibility to adjust the tube body in the body opening without skin injuries. Of course, these measures can also be provided if the tubular body is made of plastic.
  • a hearing aid is provided which is provided with a sound transmission opening behind the ear, preferably between temporal bone in the area of the pars petrosa and auricle, so that the sound guide is not visible from behind through an opening in the outer ear, d.
  • a body opening is made in the ear canal and thus the eardrum can be sonicated.
  • 1 denotes a tubular body, one of which ends in the ear canal 4 and the other end opens between the back of the auricle 7 and the temporal bone.
  • this mouth formed as a sound inlet opening 2 (FIGS. 2 and 3) can simultaneously be designed as a microphone 3.
  • Within the tubular body 1 is located at the other end, which opens freely in the ear canal 4, as shown in FIG. 3, a handset 6 and there are the other electrical components 5 can be seen.
  • the ear is drawn from the front and it is the auditory canal 4 recognizable, in which the tubular body 1 is located, which opens now after penetrating a body opening freely behind the ear between temporal bone and pinna.
  • the tubular body 1 is extended upward and now opens at the top of the auricle 7 and is there equipped with a microphone 3, so that the recording of the sound waves can be done from the front.
  • tubular body 1 leads from behind through an opening in the outer ear into the auditory canal 4. In this way it is achieved in any case that from the outside not the auricle 7 must be bypassed via a sound tube, this sound tube is also usually visible.
  • a behind-the-ear hearing device 11 can be seen, which is provided with a hearing angle, i. H. a sound outlet pipe 8 is equipped.
  • a sound outlet connector 8 includes a sound conductor 9, which may be formed as a separate component or can also be formed directly through the tubular body 1.
  • Decisive in this presentation is the connection of the sound conductor 9 or the tubular body 1 to the sound outlet nozzle 8, wherein the sound outlet nozzle 8 is provided with a sealing sleeve 10, which is a virtually stress-free, but soundwave-tight connection of the wall of the sound outlet nozzle 8 with the wall of the retroauricular sound conductor. 9 allows, this sealing sleeve 10 is provided on the outside of the sound outlet nozzle 8 and thus lies within the sound conductor 9 or the tubular body 1.
  • the actual tubular body 1 may be made of plastic, but also made of metal, then preferably made of titanium, which is particularly tissue-friendly.
  • a tubular body 1 which consists of titanium and is composed of three parts, namely an earpiece 12, a connecting piece 15 and an outer piece 14, which opens behind the ear. These three items are connected by screwing together, wherein the outer piece 14 has an external thread as well as the earpiece 12 and the actual connector 15 is provided with corresponding internal threaded portions.
  • This type of training has the advantage that length adjustments both inside the ear canal as well as outside the ear are possible by now the outer piece 14 relative to the connector 15 is displaced in length as well as the earpiece 12, in the length opposite the connecting piece 15th can be moved.
  • the tube body 1 may be provided according to FIG. 6 with densities, which then lie on both sides of the body opening.
  • Fig. 7 shows that it is possible to insert into the tubular body 1 a device support tube 16 to which all required electrical or electronic components can be attached, which form the actual hearing aid, which is now arranged in the tubular body 1.
  • the device support tube 16 is resiliently fixed by spring tabs 17 in the tubular body 1 and in the component 14, and in this case can also be provided that between the Automaterohr 16 and the inside of the pipe section 14 an insulating pipe is arranged, which now contributes to a better sound conduction.

Abstract

The hearing aid has a microphone, loudspeaker, battery and other electrical and electronic components. A tubular body (1) leads outwards from between elements in the pars petrosa region and the outer ear (7) through an opening in the outer ear to open into the ear canal (4). The free end of the tubular body (1) can be connected to the sound outlet opening of a device mounted behind the ear. The free end of the tubular body carries the microphone and loudspeaker. The end of the tube carrying the microphone is extended to the upper section of the outer ear and opens to the front.

Description

Die Erfindung bezieht sich auf ein Hörgerät gemäß dem Oberbegriff des Hauptanspruches.The invention relates to a hearing aid according to the preamble of the main claim.

Insbesondere Hinter-dem-Ohr-Hörgeräte sind in großem Umfang im Einsatz, wobei die Schallübertragung über den äußeren Gehörgang zum Trommelfell erfolgt. Bei Hinter-dem-Ohr-Hörgeräten wird der Schall vom Mikrophon des Hörgerätes aufgenommen, nach audiologischer Vorgabe verstärkt und über den galvanisch angekoppelten Hörer abgestrahlt. Am Höreraustritt befindet sich in der Regel ein Hörwinkel oberhalb der Ohrmuschel für die Aufnahme eines Schallschlauches, der mittels einer Otoplastik in den äußeren Gehörgang führt. Somit strahlt der vom Hörgerät verstärkte Schall über den Schallschlauch und den Schallkanal oberhalb und dann vor der Ohrmuschel über die Otoplastik direkt in den Gehörgang und somit auf das Trommelfell.In particular behind-the-ear hearing aids are widely in use, with the sound transmission via the external auditory canal to the eardrum. In behind-the-ear hearing aids, the sound is recorded by the microphone of the hearing aid, amplified according to audiological specifications and emitted via the galvanically coupled receiver. At the listener outlet is usually a hearing angle above the pinna for receiving a sound tube, which leads by means of an earmold in the outer ear canal. Thus, the sound amplified by the hearing aid radiates via the sound tube and the sound channel above and then in front of the auricle via the otoplastic directly into the auditory canal and thus onto the eardrum.

Nachteilig bei diesen bekannten Hörgeräten wurde aber empfunden, daß die Schallführung, d. h. also der Schalischlauch, immer sichtbar vom Hinter-dem-Ohr-Hörgerät vor der Ohrmuschel in den äußeren Gehörgang verläuft.A disadvantage of these known hearing aids but was felt that the sound conduction, ie the scarf tube, always visible from the behind-the-ear hearing aid in front of the auricle in the outer ear canal runs.

Es sind auch bereits sogenannte In-dem-Ohr-Hörgeräte vorgeschlagen worden, die diesen Nachteil nicht aufweisen, insbesondere dann, wenn die sichtbare Fläche des In-dem-Ohr-Hörgerätes der Hautfarbe des jeweiligen Patienten angepaßt ist. Nachteilig bei diesen Anordnungen ist aber, daß der Gehörgang verschlossen wird, also nicht mehr offen ist, was von vielen Patienten als unangenehm empfunden wird.There are also so-called in-the-ear hearing aids have been proposed that do not have this disadvantage, especially if the visible surface of the in-the-ear hearing aid is adapted to the skin color of each patient. A disadvantage of these arrangements, however, is that the ear canal is closed, so it is no longer open, which is perceived by many patients as unpleasant.

Aus der US-30 68 954 A ist eine Anordnung bekanntgeworden, bei der eine Verbindung zum Hörgerät geschaffen wird, die durch die Ohrmuschel führt. Hierbei wird in das Ohr ein Paßstück eingesetzt, in dem drei Kanäle ausgearbeitet sind, wobei zwei Kanäle eine offene Verbindung zur Außenatmosphäre herstellen. Das eigentliche Hörgerät befindet sich nicht unmittelbar hinter dem Ohr und vor allen Dingen nicht in dem Verbindungsteil, das die Ohrmuschel durchquert, sondern ist ohrfern irgendwo am Körper des Hörgeräteträgers angeordnet. Das Verbindungsteil zwischen Gehörgang und Hörgerät führt durch die Ohrmuschel und ist stets sichtbar.From US-30 68 954 A an arrangement has become known in which a connection to the hearing aid is created, which leads through the pinna. In this case, a fitting is used in the ear, in which three channels are worked out, with two channels establish an open connection to the outside atmosphere. The actual hearing aid is not located directly behind the ear and, above all, not in the connecting part that traverses the auricle, but rather is arranged earther somewhere on the body of the hearing aid wearer. The connecting part between the ear canal and the hearing aid leads through the auricle and is always visible.

In der US-38 44 271 A wird vorgeschlagen, ein hinter dem Ohr angeordnetes Hörgerät mit dem eigentlichen Lautsprecher oder Hörer durch ein Verbindungselement mit einem in das Ohr einzuführenden Stöpsel zu verbinden. Dieses Verbindungselement soll unmittelbar durch die Ohrmuschel hindurchgeführt werden, und der Durchstich erfolgt dabei in der Helix und der Antihelix, wobei bei einigen Ausführungsformen das Verbindungselement von außen sichtbar ist. Bei dieser Anordnung ist das Ohr vollständig verschlossen und das Verbindungselement ist soweit außerhalb des Kopfknochens angeordnet, daß es bei einer Drehbewegung z. B. im Bett unbedingt störend wirken muß.No. 3,844,271 A proposes connecting a hearing aid arranged behind the ear to the actual loudspeaker or earpiece by means of a connecting element with a plug to be inserted into the ear. This connecting element is to be passed directly through the pinna, and the puncture takes place in the helix and the antihelix, wherein in some embodiments, the connecting element is visible from the outside. In this arrangement, the ear is completely closed and the connecting element is arranged so far outside the head bone, that it is in a rotational movement z. B. must necessarily be disturbing in bed.

Der Erfindung liegt die Aufgabe zugrunde, die bekannten Hörgeräte dahingehend zu verbessern, daß eine möglichst unsichtbare Hörgeräteversorgung erfolgen kann, gleichzeitig aber auch die Schallübertragung verbessert wird und der Gehörgang nicht vollständig verschlossen wird.The invention has for its object to improve the known hearing aids to the effect that a possible invisible hearing aid can be done, but at the same time the sound transmission is improved and the ear canal is not completely closed.

Diese der Erfindung zugrundeliegende Aufgabe wird durch den Vorschlag gelöst, einen einenendes nach außen zwischen Schläfenbein im Bereich Pars petrosa und Ohrmuschel mit seinem freien Ende durch eine Öffnung im Gehörgang führenden, gehörgangseitig im Gehörgang anderenendes mündenden Rohrkörper vorzusehen, der im Bereich des freien Endes den Schall aufnimmt und am gehörgangseitigen Ende das Trommelfell beschallt.This object of the invention is achieved by the proposal to provide a einendes outward between temporal bone in the area Pars petrosa and auricle with its free end through an opening in the ear canal leading, in the ear canal otherendes opening tubular body, in the region of the free end of the sound absorbs and at the auditory end the eardrum sonicated.

Vorteilhafte Ausgestaltungen sind in den Unteransprüchen erläutert.Advantageous embodiments are explained in the subclaims.

So wird einmal vorgeschlagen, daß der Rohrkörper an seinem freien Ende an die Schallaustrittsöffnung eines Hinter-dem-Ohr-Hörgerätes anschließbar ist und zum anderen wird vorgeschlagen, daß der Rohrkörper selbst als Hörgerät ausgebildet ist und im Bereich des freien Endes das Mikrophon und am gehörgangseitigen Ende den Hörer trägt. Hierbei ist es möglich, daß der Rohrkörper bis zum oberen Ansatz der Ohrmuschel verlängert ist und sich nach vorne öffnet und hier das Mikrophon trägt.Thus, it is once proposed that the tubular body is connectable at its free end to the sound outlet opening of a behind-the-ear hearing aid and on the other it is proposed that the tubular body itself is designed as a hearing aid and in the region of the free end of the microphone and on the auditory side End carries the phone. It is possible that the tube body is extended to the upper approach of the auricle and opens forward and here carries the microphone.

Auch der Anschluß des Rohrkörpers an einen Ohrring ist möglich, der dann mit dem Mikrophon versehen wird.Also, the connection of the tubular body to an earring is possible, which is then provided with the microphone.

Wird der Rohrkörper an ein Hinter-dem-Ohr-Hörgerät angeschlossen, ist es wichtig, daß ein leichter, aber dichter Anschluß möglich ist, und so wird vorgeschlagen, eine zwischen dem Schallaustrittstutzen des Hörgerätes und einer Schalleitung vorgesehene Dichtmuffe einzusetzen, die eine nahezu spannungslose, aber schallwellendichte Verbindung der Wandung des Schallaustrittsstutzens mit der Wandung der Schafleitung z. B. des retroaurikulären Rohrkörpers ermöglicht.If the tube body is connected to a behind-the-ear hearing aid, it is important that a light but tight connection is possible, and so it is proposed to use a provided between the sound outlet of the hearing aid and a sound conductor sealing sleeve, which is an almost dead , but soundproof connection of the wall of the sound outlet nozzle with the wall of the sheep line z. B. the retroauricular tubular body allows.

Der Rohrkörper kann aus Kunststoff bestehen, wird aber vorzugsweise gemäß der Erfindung aus Titan hergestellt, womit er die erforderliche Festigkeit und Gewebeverträglichkeit aufweist. Wird der Rohrkörper aus Titan hergestellt, wird er vorzugsweise dreiteilig ausgebildet und besteht aus einem Ohrstück, einem Außenstück und einem Verbindungskörper, wobei das Ohrstück und das Außenstück in den Verbindungskörper eingeschraubt werden können, so daß dadurch gleichzeitig auch Längenverstellungen des eigentlichen Rohrkörpers möglich sind.The tubular body may be made of plastic, but is preferably made according to the invention of titanium, thus having the required strength and tissue compatibility. If the tubular body is made of titanium, it is preferably formed in three parts and consists of an ear piece, an outer piece and a connecting body, wherein the ear piece and the outer piece can be screwed into the connecting body, thereby simultaneously length adjustments of the actual tubular body are possible.

Insbesondere dann, wenn der Rohrkörper aus Titan besteht, erscheint es vorteilhaft, dafür Sorge zu tragen, daß eine sichere Lage des Rohrkörpers in der Körperöffnung gewährleistet ist, was vorzugsweise dadurch erreicht wird, daß die Außenseite des Rohrkörpers rutschfest gestaltet wird. Dies kann einmal durch eine entsprechende Aufrauhung oder partielle Verdichtungen der Außenseite erfolgen, kann aber in gleicher Weise auch dadurch erfolgen, daß auf der Außenseite eine Art Gewinde angebracht wird, das dann auch die Möglichkeit gibt, ohne Hautverletzungen den Rohrkörper in der Körperöffnung zu verstellen. Natürlich können diese Maßnahmen auch dann vorgesehen werden, wenn der Rohrkörper aus Kunststoff besteht.In particular, when the tubular body is made of titanium, it appears advantageous to ensure that a secure position of the tubular body is ensured in the body opening, which is preferably achieved in that the outer side of the tubular body is made non-slip. This can be done once by a corresponding roughening or partial compression of the outside, but can also be done in the same way that on the outside a kind of thread is attached, which then also gives the possibility to adjust the tube body in the body opening without skin injuries. Of course, these measures can also be provided if the tubular body is made of plastic.

Mit anderen Worten ausgedrückt wird gemäß der vorliegenden Erfindung vorgeschlagen, daß ein Hörgerät konzipiert wird, das mit einer Schallüberleitungsöffnung hinter dem Ohr versehen wird, vorzugsweise zwischen Schläfenbein im Bereich des Pars petrosa und Ohrmuschel, so daß die Schallführung nicht sichtbar von hinten durch eine Öffnung im äußeren Ohr, d. h. eine Körperöffnung in den Gehörgang geführt wird und somit das Trommelfell beschallt werden kann.In other words, it is proposed according to the present invention that a hearing aid is provided which is provided with a sound transmission opening behind the ear, preferably between temporal bone in the area of the pars petrosa and auricle, so that the sound guide is not visible from behind through an opening in the outer ear, d. H. a body opening is made in the ear canal and thus the eardrum can be sonicated.

Es ist offensichtlich, daß anstelle des Anschlusses eines Hinter-dem-Ohr-Hörgerätes an den Rohrkörper zum anderen auch die Möglichkeit bei den heutigen Fabrikationsmöglichkeiten besteht, daß der Rohrkörper selbst als Hörgerät ausgebildet ist. Alle erforderlichen elektrischen oder elektronischen Bauteile werden also in den Rohrkörper verlegt, der einenendes hinter dem Ohr frei endet und hier beispielsweise ein kleines Mikrophon tragen kann und der anderenendes frei im Gehörgang endet und hier im Rohrkörper oder Gehörgang den Hörer trägt. Mit dieser Anordnung wird daher das umständliche und überflüssige Hörgerät hinter dem Ohr vermieden, das nicht in allen Fällen sicher vom Ohr getragen werden kann und andererseits wird trotzdem erreicht, daß der Gehörgang nicht voll verschlossen wird.It is obvious that instead of the connection of a behind-the-ear hearing aid to the tubular body on the other hand, the possibility exists in today's manufacturing possibilities that the tubular body itself is designed as a hearing aid. All required electrical or electronic components are thus laid in the tube body, which ends free end behind the ear and here, for example, a small microphone can wear and the other ends free in the ear canal and here carries the listener in the tube body or ear canal. With this arrangement, therefore, the cumbersome and superfluous hearing aid behind the ear is avoided, which can not be safely borne by the ear in all cases and on the other hand is still achieved that the ear canal is not fully closed.

Ausführungsbeispiele der Erfindung werden nachfolgend anhand der Zeichnungen erläutert. Die Zeichnungen zeigen dabei in

Fig. 1
eine Schnittzeichnung durch das Ohr von vorne gesehen, das den im Gehörgang liegenden Rohr körper verdeutlicht, in
Fig. 2
eine abgeänderte Ausführungsform gemäß Fig. 1, bei der der im Gehörgang liegende Rohrkörper oben am oberen Ansatz der Ohrmuschel nach außen hin mündet, in
Fig. 3
eine Schnittzeichnung - von hinter dem Ohr her ge sehen - die die Lage des Rohrkörpers und dessen Mündung verdeutlicht, in
Fig. 4
ein Hinter-dem-Ohr-Hörgerät mit Anschlußmöglichkeiten für eine Schalleitung, in
Fig. 5
einen aus Metall bestehenden Rohrkörper und in
Fig. 6
eine abgeänderte Ausführungsform und in
Fig. 7
ein Geräteträgerrohr.
Embodiments of the invention are explained below with reference to the drawings. The drawings show in
Fig. 1
a sectional drawing through the ear seen from the front, which illustrates the tube located in the ear canal, in
Fig. 2
a modified embodiment according to FIG. 1, in which the tubular body lying in the auditory canal opens outwards at the top of the auricle, in FIG
Fig. 3
a sectional drawing - seen from behind the ear ge - which illustrates the position of the tubular body and its mouth, in
Fig. 4
a behind-the-ear hearing aid with connection options for a sound conductor, in
Fig. 5
a tubular body made of metal and in
Fig. 6
a modified embodiment and in
Fig. 7
a device carrier tube.

In den Zeichnungen ist mit 1 ein Rohrkörper bezeichnet, desen eines Ende im Gehörgang 4 und dessen anderes Ende zwischen der Rückseite der Ohrmuschel 7 und dem Schläfenbein mündet. Hierbei kann diese als Schalleintrittsöffnung 2 (Fig. 2 und 3) ausgebildete Mündung gleichzeitig als Mikrophon 3 ausgebildet sein. Innerhalb des Rohrkörpers 1 liegt am anderen Ende, das frei im Gehörgang 4 mündet, gemäß Fig. 3 ein Hörer 6 und es sind die weiteren elektrischen Bauteile 5 erkennbar.In the drawings, 1 denotes a tubular body, one of which ends in the ear canal 4 and the other end opens between the back of the auricle 7 and the temporal bone. In this case, this mouth formed as a sound inlet opening 2 (FIGS. 2 and 3) can simultaneously be designed as a microphone 3. Within the tubular body 1 is located at the other end, which opens freely in the ear canal 4, as shown in FIG. 3, a handset 6 and there are the other electrical components 5 can be seen.

Bei der Darstellung gemäß Fig. 1 ist das Ohr von vorne gezeichnet und es ist der Gehörgang 4 erkennbar, in welchem der Rohrkörper 1 liegt, der nunmehr nach Durchdringen einer Körperöffnung frei hinter dem Ohr zwischen Schläfenbein und Ohrmuschel mündet.1, the ear is drawn from the front and it is the auditory canal 4 recognizable, in which the tubular body 1 is located, which opens now after penetrating a body opening freely behind the ear between temporal bone and pinna.

Bei der Ausführungsform gemäß Fig. 2 ist der Rohrkörper 1 nach oben hin verlängert und mündet nunmehr am oberen Ansatz der Ohrmuschel 7 und ist dort mit einem Mikrophon 3 ausgerüstet, so daß die Aufnahme der Schallwellen von vorne erfolgen kann.In the embodiment of FIG. 2, the tubular body 1 is extended upward and now opens at the top of the auricle 7 and is there equipped with a microphone 3, so that the recording of the sound waves can be done from the front.

In allen drei Darstellungen gemäß den Fig. 1 bis 3 ist deutlich erkennbar, daß der Rohrkörper 1 von hinten durch eine Öffnung im äußeren Ohr in den Gehörgang 4 führt. Hierdurch wird auf jeden Fall erreicht, daß von außen nicht die Ohrmuschel 7 über einen Schallschlauch umgangen werden muß, wobei dieser Schallschlauch auch üblicherweise sichtbar ist.In all three representations according to FIGS. 1 to 3 it can be clearly seen that the tubular body 1 leads from behind through an opening in the outer ear into the auditory canal 4. In this way it is achieved in any case that from the outside not the auricle 7 must be bypassed via a sound tube, this sound tube is also usually visible.

Bei der Darstellung in Fig. 4 ist ein Hinter-dem-Ohr-Hörgerät 11 erkennbar, das mit einem Hörwinkel, d. h. einem Schallaustrittsstutzen 8 ausgerüstet ist. An diesen Schallaustrittsstutzen 8 schließt eine Schalleitung 9 an, die als gesondertes Bauteil ausgebildet sein kann oder aber auch direkt durch den Rohrkörper 1 gebildet werden kann. Entscheidend bei dieser Darstellung ist der Anschluß der Schalleitung 9 oder des Rohrkörpers 1 an den Schallaustrittsstutzen 8, wobei der Schallaustrittsstutzen 8 mit einer Dichtmuffe 10 versehen ist, die eine nahezu spannungslose, aber schallwellendichte Verbindung der Wandung des Schallaustrittsstutzens 8 mit der Wandung der retroaurikulären Schalleitung 9 ermöglicht, wobei diese Dichtmuffe 10 an der Außenseite des Schallaustrittsstutzens 8 vorgesehen ist und damit innerhalb der Schalleitung 9 oder des Rohrkörpers 1 liegt.In the illustration in FIG. 4, a behind-the-ear hearing device 11 can be seen, which is provided with a hearing angle, i. H. a sound outlet pipe 8 is equipped. At this sound outlet connector 8 includes a sound conductor 9, which may be formed as a separate component or can also be formed directly through the tubular body 1. Decisive in this presentation is the connection of the sound conductor 9 or the tubular body 1 to the sound outlet nozzle 8, wherein the sound outlet nozzle 8 is provided with a sealing sleeve 10, which is a virtually stress-free, but soundwave-tight connection of the wall of the sound outlet nozzle 8 with the wall of the retroauricular sound conductor. 9 allows, this sealing sleeve 10 is provided on the outside of the sound outlet nozzle 8 and thus lies within the sound conductor 9 or the tubular body 1.

Der eigentliche Rohrkörper 1 kann aus Kunststoff bestehen, aber auch aus Metall gefertigt werden, dann vorzugsweise aus Titan, das besonders gewebefreundlich ist.The actual tubular body 1 may be made of plastic, but also made of metal, then preferably made of titanium, which is particularly tissue-friendly.

So ist in Fig. 5 und 6 ein solcher Rohrkörper 1 dargestellt, der aus Titan besteht und sich aus drei Einzelteilen aufbaut, nämlich einem Ohrstück 12, einem Verbindungsstück 15 und einem Außenstück 14, das hinter dem Ohr mündet. Diese drei Einzelteile werden durch Verschrauben miteinander verbunden, wobei das Außenstück 14 ein Außengewinde aufweist ebenso wie das Ohrstück 12 und das eigentliche Verbindungsstück 15 mit entsprechenden Innengewindebereichen versehen ist. Diese Art der Ausbildung hat den Vorteil, daß Längenanpassungen sowohl innerhalb des Gehörganges wie auch außerhalb des Ohres möglich sind, indem nunmehr das Außenstück 14 gegenüber dem Verbindungsstück 15 in der Länge verschoben wird ebenso wie das Ohrstück 12, das in der Länge gegenüber dem Verbindungssstück 15 verschoben werden kann.Thus, in Fig. 5 and 6, such a tubular body 1 is shown, which consists of titanium and is composed of three parts, namely an earpiece 12, a connecting piece 15 and an outer piece 14, which opens behind the ear. These three items are connected by screwing together, wherein the outer piece 14 has an external thread as well as the earpiece 12 and the actual connector 15 is provided with corresponding internal threaded portions. This type of training has the advantage that length adjustments both inside the ear canal as well as outside the ear are possible by now the outer piece 14 relative to the connector 15 is displaced in length as well as the earpiece 12, in the length opposite the connecting piece 15th can be moved.

Es ist natürlich ein Bestreben, den eigentlichen Rohrkörper 1 möglichst ortsfest innerhalb der Körperöffnung festzulegen und hierzu wird vorgeschlagen, daß die Außenseite des eigentlichen Rohrkörper 1 in irgendeiner Form relativ rutschfest ausgebildet wird. Dies kann z. B. durch Gewinde erfolgen, das auf der Außenseite des in Fig. 5 dargestellten Rohrstückes 1 angeordnet wird, so daß nunmehr durch Verdrehen des gesamten Bauteiles, insbesondere des Verbindungsstückes 15, gegenüber der Körperöffnung eine Verstellung, aber auch eine Arretierung des Rohrkörpers 1 möglich ist.It is of course a desire to fix the actual tube body 1 as possible stationary within the body opening and this it is proposed that the outside of the actual tube body 1 is formed in some form relatively slip-resistant. This can be z. B. by thread, which is arranged on the outside of the pipe section 1 shown in Fig. 5, so that now by rotating the entire component, in particular the connecting piece 15, relative to the body opening an adjustment, but also a locking of the tubular body 1 is possible ,

Auch kann der Rohrkörper 1 gemäß Fig. 6 mit Verdichtungen versehen sein, die dann beidseits der Körperöffnung liegen.Also, the tube body 1 may be provided according to FIG. 6 with densities, which then lie on both sides of the body opening.

Schließlich zeigt Fig. 7, daß es möglich ist, in den Rohrkörper 1 ein Geräteträgerrohr 16 einzusetzen, an dem alle erforderlichen elektrischen oder elektronischen Bauteile befestigt werden können, die das eigentliche Hörgerät bilden, das nunmehr in dem Rohrkörper 1 angeordnet ist. Das Geräteträgerrohr 16 wird durch Federlappen 17 im Rohrkörper 1 bzw. in dem Bauteil 14 federnd festgelegt, und hierbei kann außerdem vorgesehen sein, daß zwischen dem Geräteträgerrohr 16 und der Innenseite des Rohrstückes 14 ein lsolierrohr angeordnet wird, das nunmehr zu einer besseren Schallführung beiträgt.Finally, Fig. 7 shows that it is possible to insert into the tubular body 1 a device support tube 16 to which all required electrical or electronic components can be attached, which form the actual hearing aid, which is now arranged in the tubular body 1. The device support tube 16 is resiliently fixed by spring tabs 17 in the tubular body 1 and in the component 14, and in this case can also be provided that between the Geräteträgerrohr 16 and the inside of the pipe section 14 an insulating pipe is arranged, which now contributes to a better sound conduction.

Claims (14)

  1. Hearing aid, including a microphone, a loudspeaker, a battery and further electrical and/or electronic components, characterised by a tubular body (1) the free end of which can be passed to the outside between the temple bone in the region of the pars petrosa and the auricle (7) through an opening in the ear canal, and the other end of which on the ear canal side can open into the ear canal (4), which tubular body (1) receives sound in the region of its free end and exposes the eardrum to sound at its end on the ear canal side.
  2. Hearing aid according to claim 1, characterised in that the free end of the tubular body (1) is connected behind the ear to the sound outlet opening of a behind-the-ear device (11).
  3. Hearing aid according to claim 1, characterised in that the tubular body (1) carries the microphone (3) in the region of its free end and the earphone (6) at its end on the ear canal side.
  4. Hearing aid according to claim 3, characterised in that the end of the tubular body (1) carrying the microphone (3) is prolonged as far as the upper boundary of the auricle (7) and opens towards the front.
  5. Hearing aid according to claim 3, characterised in that the end of the tubular body (1) carrying the microphone ends in an earring.
  6. Hearing aid according to claim 2, characterised in that the sound outlet opening of the behind-de-ear device (11) is fitted with a connecting piece (8) which is connectable to a tubular body (1) arranged in the ear of the patient.
  7. Hearing aid according to claim 2, characterised by a sealing bush (10) provided between the sound outlet connecting piece (8) of the hearing aid (11) and a sound conduit (9), which sealing bush (10) makes possible an almost stress-free but acoustically sealed connection between the wall of the sound outlet connecting piece (8) and the wall of the sound conduit (9), for example, of the retroauricular tubular body (1).
  8. Hearing aid according to claim 7, characterised in that the sealing bush (10) is provided on the outside of the sound outlet connecting piece (8).
  9. Hearing aid according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the tubular body (1) is made of titanium.
  10. Hearing aid according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the tubular body (1) is formed in three pieces, an ear piece (12) and an outer piece (14) being retained by a connecting body (15).
  11. Hearing aid according to claim 10, characterised in that the ear piece (12) and the outer piece (14) are connected to the connecting piece (15) by means of screw threads, the ear piece (12) and the outer piece (14) being threaded externally and the connecting piece (15) being threaded internally.
  12. Hearing aid according to claim 1, characterised in that the tubular body (1) has a non-slip configuration on its outside.
  13. Hearing aid according to claim 12, characterised in that the roughening of the outside of the tubular body (1) is effected by a screw-thread-like configuration.
  14. Hearing aid according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised by a device-carrying tube (16) which is insertable into the tubular body (1).
EP96927520A 1995-08-03 1996-07-19 Hearing aid Expired - Lifetime EP0842590B1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP00118844A EP1061772B1 (en) 1995-08-03 1996-07-19 Tubular body for sound transmission, in particular for hearing aids

Applications Claiming Priority (11)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE19528482 1995-08-03
DE19528482 1995-08-03
DE19532548 1995-09-04
DE19532548A DE19532548C1 (en) 1995-08-03 1995-09-04 Hearing aid worn behind ear
DE19539821 1995-10-26
DE19539821 1995-10-26
DE19544822 1995-12-01
DE19544822A DE19544822A1 (en) 1995-10-26 1995-12-01 Electronic in-ear hearing aid
DE19601535 1996-01-17
DE19601535A DE19601535C2 (en) 1996-01-17 1996-01-17 Hearing aid
PCT/DE1996/001385 WO1997006651A1 (en) 1995-08-03 1996-07-19 Hearing aid

Related Child Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP00118844A Division EP1061772B1 (en) 1995-08-03 1996-07-19 Tubular body for sound transmission, in particular for hearing aids

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0842590A1 EP0842590A1 (en) 1998-05-20
EP0842590B1 true EP0842590B1 (en) 2006-05-24

Family

ID=27512465

Family Applications (2)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP00118844A Expired - Lifetime EP1061772B1 (en) 1995-08-03 1996-07-19 Tubular body for sound transmission, in particular for hearing aids
EP96927520A Expired - Lifetime EP0842590B1 (en) 1995-08-03 1996-07-19 Hearing aid

Family Applications Before (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP00118844A Expired - Lifetime EP1061772B1 (en) 1995-08-03 1996-07-19 Tubular body for sound transmission, in particular for hearing aids

Country Status (10)

Country Link
US (1) US6094493A (en)
EP (2) EP1061772B1 (en)
JP (1) JPH11510345A (en)
AT (2) ATE356524T1 (en)
CA (1) CA2228372C (en)
DE (2) DE59611350D1 (en)
DK (2) DK0842590T3 (en)
ES (2) ES2282072T3 (en)
PL (1) PL188631B1 (en)
WO (1) WO1997006651A1 (en)

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Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
EP1061772A2 (en) 2000-12-20
EP1061772B1 (en) 2007-03-07
CA2228372A1 (en) 1997-02-20
ATE356524T1 (en) 2007-03-15
ES2282072T3 (en) 2007-10-16
EP0842590A1 (en) 1998-05-20
DK0842590T3 (en) 2006-07-31
DE59611421D1 (en) 2007-04-19
PL188631B1 (en) 2005-03-31
WO1997006651A1 (en) 1997-02-20
PL324864A1 (en) 1998-06-22
ES2265152T3 (en) 2007-02-01
US6094493A (en) 2000-07-25
EP1061772A3 (en) 2003-01-29
JPH11510345A (en) 1999-09-07
DK1061772T3 (en) 2007-06-11
CA2228372C (en) 2006-10-10
DE59611350D1 (en) 2006-06-29
ATE327648T1 (en) 2006-06-15

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