EP0954265A1 - Sound damper to be adapted into the outer auditory duct of a human being - Google Patents

Sound damper to be adapted into the outer auditory duct of a human being

Info

Publication number
EP0954265A1
EP0954265A1 EP97950487A EP97950487A EP0954265A1 EP 0954265 A1 EP0954265 A1 EP 0954265A1 EP 97950487 A EP97950487 A EP 97950487A EP 97950487 A EP97950487 A EP 97950487A EP 0954265 A1 EP0954265 A1 EP 0954265A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
tube
sound damper
envelope
auditory passage
disc
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.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP97950487A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Inventor
Rudolf De Boer
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.)
Fields Bv
Original Assignee
FIELDS BV
Priority date (The priority date 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 date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by FIELDS BV filed Critical FIELDS BV
Publication of EP0954265A1 publication Critical patent/EP0954265A1/en
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
    • A61F11/00—Methods or devices for treatment of the ears or hearing sense; Non-electric hearing aids; Methods or devices for enabling ear patients to achieve auditory perception through physiological senses other than hearing sense; Protective devices for the ears, carried on the body or in the hand
    • A61F11/06—Protective devices for the ears
    • A61F11/08—Protective devices for the ears internal, e.g. earplugs
    • A61F11/10—Protective devices for the ears internal, e.g. earplugs inflatable or expandable

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a sound damper for arrangement in the external auditory passage of a person, comprising a carrier which is suitable for fixing in the auditory passage, wherein the carrier is provided with a channel which extends in longitudinal direction and which is provided with a constriction.
  • Such sound dampers are generally known in the form of so-called earplugs which are manufactured from slightly flexible material and which, when arranged in the auditory passage, close it off entirely.
  • sound dampers are also known wherein the carrier is provided with a channel extending in longitudinal direction which is provided with a constriction.
  • the object of the present invention is to provide a sound damper of the above stated type, wherein the dimensions of the constriction are defined precisely and wherein they are not subject to change. This object is achieved in that the constriction is formed by a separate rigid disc is placed in the tube and provided with a hole with a defined diameter.
  • the carrier comprises an elongate tube and an envelope extending around the tube, wherein the envelope is adapted to adjust to the shape of the auditory passage such that the auditory passage is closed off by the envelope.
  • This step has the advantage that a single sound damper is suitable for everyone and does not have to be made to measure .
  • the disc is manufactured from ceramic material.
  • the disc is provided with a hole manufactured by a laser light beam.
  • figure 1 shows a cross-sectional view of a sound damper arranged in an auditory passage
  • figure 2 shows a cross-sectional view of a first embodiment of a sound damper according to the present invention
  • figure 3 shows a view similar to figure 1 of a second embodiment of the invention
  • figure 4 shows a cross-sectional view of the embodiment depicted in figure 3
  • figure 5 shows an exploded view of the embodiment depicted in figure 4.
  • figure 1 is shown a cross-section of a human ear 1 wherein a sound damper designated in its entirety by 3 is arranged in the external auditory passage 2.
  • the sound damper 3 is shown in more detail in figure 2. This shows that sound damper 3 is formed essentially by a tube 4 around which an envelope 5 is arranged and wherein a disc 6 is arranged in the interior thereof.
  • the tube 4 is manufactured from relatively rigid plastic, wherein it can be manufactured for instance by means of an injection moulding method.
  • the tube 4 is provided on one side with a shoulder 7 which is chamfered toward the front .
  • a shoulder 7 Arranged a short distance from shoulder 7 is a second shoulder 8, between which a groove 9 is created.
  • a set of chamfers 10 and tube 4 is provided with a thickened portion 11.
  • the envelope 5 is manufactured from flexible material, i.e. material which is considerably more flexible than the comparatively rigid material from which tube 4 is manufactured. This flexibility provides the possibility for the envelope to adapt to the shape and dimensions of the external auditory passage 2.
  • the envelope 5 is provided with an internal constriction 12 which fits into groove 9 and is there gripped fixedly between shoulders 7 and 8. The envelope then extends outward at a greater distance from tube 4 and still further outward the envelope 4 once again comes closer to the tube.
  • the envelope is herein provided with two internal ribs 13 , 14 which are engaged by the chamfers 10.
  • the envelope 5 is provided with a ring 15 of relatively large diameter.
  • the flexibility of envelope 5 results in the possibility of it adapting to the shape of the auditory passage. In the situation shown in full lines in figure 2 the envelope 5 is thus suitable for an auditory passage of relatively small diameter. For an auditory passage of somewhat larger diameter the envelope can be deformed to the situation shown with dashed lines.
  • the sound damper 3 is introduced into the external auditory passage 2, whereafter pressure is exerted with the fingers against the disc 15 and this is moved inward, wherein ribs 13,14 slide over the chamfers 10 and fix themselves when no further pressure is applied to the ring.
  • the user will herein continue pressing on ring 15 until a closure of the external auditory passage is obtained by the bulging envelope 5.
  • tube 4 Further arranged in tube 4 is a groove 16 extending all the way round in which is arranged the disc 6 preferably manufactured from ceramic material .
  • This disc 6 is provided with a hole 17 which is preferably arranged by means of a laser light beam. This provides the option of arranging a hole with an accurately defined diameter.
  • a disc of ceramic material it is possible to manufacture a disc from other types of material, for instance from metal, in which a hole is arranged for instance by means of drilling or other machining operation.
  • this latter material is recommended. It is noted herein that under prolonged pressure most materials yield so that when such materials are used for disc 6 there is a great likelihood of the hole 17 being deformed and the desired sound damping no longer being obtained.
  • the thickness of the ceramic disc 6 is likewise of importance for the damping.
  • the thickness of the ceramic disc together with the diameter of the orifice can herein be used to determine the desired damping.
  • this embodiment comprises an intermediate element 26 being formed of an annular body 27, to which a collar 28 is attached, but also a number of fingers 29 connected to the annular body 27 by a reduced part .
  • the sound damper according to the invention comprises an envelope 30 made of soft material having a circle-symmetrical form and comprising a substantially cylindrical part 31, a substantially flat part 32 connected thereto, from which a part 33 has been removed, and a slightly conically part 34 being located concentric to the cylindrical part. At its end an aperture has been provided.
  • the envelope 30 is provided around the intermediate element 26, after which the tube 21 is moved so far into the intermediate element 26 that it is clamped to some extent. Further, the combination thus formed is located in the auditory passage and is checked whether sufficient separation is obtained. If this is not the case the combination is removed from the auditory passage, the tube 21 is further pressed inwards, so that the fingers 29 will move in the outer direction, and the envelope 30 is diverted to the outer direction, so that the circumference thereof becomes bigger. Than it is newly fitted whether sufficient separation is obtained. This process can be repeated several times until the correct separation and fixation is obtained. Also in this embodiment a defined sound damper is obtained.

Landscapes

  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Biomedical Technology (AREA)
  • Heart & Thoracic Surgery (AREA)
  • Biophysics (AREA)
  • Otolaryngology (AREA)
  • Psychology (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Acoustics & Sound (AREA)
  • Vascular Medicine (AREA)
  • Animal Behavior & Ethology (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Public Health (AREA)
  • Veterinary Medicine (AREA)
  • Soundproofing, Sound Blocking, And Sound Damping (AREA)
  • Headphones And Earphones (AREA)

Abstract

The invention relates to a sound damper for arrangement in the external auditory passage of a person, comprising a carrier which is suitable for fixing in the auditory passage, wherein the carrier is provided with a channel which extends in longitudinal direction and which is provided with a constriction, wherein the constriction is formed by a separate rigid disc placed in the tube and provided with a hole with a defined diameter. The carrier preferably comprises an elongate tube and an envelope extending round the tube, wherein the envelope is adapted to adjust to the shape of the auditory passage such that the auditory passage is closed off by the envelope.

Description

SOUND DAMPER TO BE ADAPTED INTO THE OUTER AUDITORY DUCT OF A HUMAN BEING
The present invention relates to a sound damper for arrangement in the external auditory passage of a person, comprising a carrier which is suitable for fixing in the auditory passage, wherein the carrier is provided with a channel which extends in longitudinal direction and which is provided with a constriction.
Such sound dampers are generally known in the form of so-called earplugs which are manufactured from slightly flexible material and which, when arranged in the auditory passage, close it off entirely.
This causes discomfort for the wearer as a result of complete closure, whereby air pressure differences occur which are perceived by the wearer as being disagreeable. In addition, an almost complete form of sound exclusion is obtained, so that a form of isolation results.
In order to obviate these problems sound dampers are also known wherein the carrier is provided with a channel extending in longitudinal direction which is provided with a constriction.
The problems of a complete closure and the resulting air pressure differences and complete sound insulation are herein avoided. Experience has shown however that the dimensions of the constriction, i.e. the length and the diameter thereof, determine to a considerable extent the degree of sound damping.
However, in these prior art sound dampers the dimensions of the constriction depend to a great extent on the manner in which the sound damper is arranged. in the auditory passage. This can vary from person to person. The object of the present invention is to provide a sound damper of the above stated type, wherein the dimensions of the constriction are defined precisely and wherein they are not subject to change. This object is achieved in that the constriction is formed by a separate rigid disc is placed in the tube and provided with a hole with a defined diameter.
According to a first embodiment the carrier comprises an elongate tube and an envelope extending around the tube, wherein the envelope is adapted to adjust to the shape of the auditory passage such that the auditory passage is closed off by the envelope.
This step has the advantage that a single sound damper is suitable for everyone and does not have to be made to measure .
According to another preferred embodiment the disc is manufactured from ceramic material.
According to yet another preferred embodiment the disc is provided with a hole manufactured by a laser light beam.
Other attractive preferred embodiment are designated in the remaining sub-claims.
The present invention will be elucidated hereinbelow with reference to annexed drawing of embodiments, in which: figure 1 shows a cross-sectional view of a sound damper arranged in an auditory passage; figure 2 shows a cross-sectional view of a first embodiment of a sound damper according to the present invention; figure 3 shows a view similar to figure 1 of a second embodiment of the invention; figure 4 shows a cross-sectional view of the embodiment depicted in figure 3; and figure 5 shows an exploded view of the embodiment depicted in figure 4. In figure 1 is shown a cross-section of a human ear 1 wherein a sound damper designated in its entirety by 3 is arranged in the external auditory passage 2.
The sound damper 3 is shown in more detail in figure 2. This shows that sound damper 3 is formed essentially by a tube 4 around which an envelope 5 is arranged and wherein a disc 6 is arranged in the interior thereof. The tube 4 is manufactured from relatively rigid plastic, wherein it can be manufactured for instance by means of an injection moulding method.
The tube 4 is provided on one side with a shoulder 7 which is chamfered toward the front . Arranged a short distance from shoulder 7 is a second shoulder 8, between which a groove 9 is created. On the other side of tube 4 is arranged a set of chamfers 10 and tube 4 is provided with a thickened portion 11.
The envelope 5 is manufactured from flexible material, i.e. material which is considerably more flexible than the comparatively rigid material from which tube 4 is manufactured. This flexibility provides the possibility for the envelope to adapt to the shape and dimensions of the external auditory passage 2.
For this purpose the envelope 5 is provided with an internal constriction 12 which fits into groove 9 and is there gripped fixedly between shoulders 7 and 8. The envelope then extends outward at a greater distance from tube 4 and still further outward the envelope 4 once again comes closer to the tube. The envelope is herein provided with two internal ribs 13 , 14 which are engaged by the chamfers 10. On its outermost end the envelope 5 is provided with a ring 15 of relatively large diameter. As already stated, the flexibility of envelope 5 results in the possibility of it adapting to the shape of the auditory passage. In the situation shown in full lines in figure 2 the envelope 5 is thus suitable for an auditory passage of relatively small diameter. For an auditory passage of somewhat larger diameter the envelope can be deformed to the situation shown with dashed lines. For this purpose the sound damper 3 is introduced into the external auditory passage 2, whereafter pressure is exerted with the fingers against the disc 15 and this is moved inward, wherein ribs 13,14 slide over the chamfers 10 and fix themselves when no further pressure is applied to the ring. The user will herein continue pressing on ring 15 until a closure of the external auditory passage is obtained by the bulging envelope 5.
Further arranged in tube 4 is a groove 16 extending all the way round in which is arranged the disc 6 preferably manufactured from ceramic material . This disc 6 is provided with a hole 17 which is preferably arranged by means of a laser light beam. This provides the option of arranging a hole with an accurately defined diameter.
Instead of a disc of ceramic material it is possible to manufacture a disc from other types of material, for instance from metal, in which a hole is arranged for instance by means of drilling or other machining operation. However, in view of the precision required and the lifespan of the ceramic material, this latter material is recommended. It is noted herein that under prolonged pressure most materials yield so that when such materials are used for disc 6 there is a great likelihood of the hole 17 being deformed and the desired sound damping no longer being obtained.
It will be apparent that the thickness of the ceramic disc 6 is likewise of importance for the damping. The thickness of the ceramic disc together with the diameter of the orifice can herein be used to determine the desired damping.
It is also possible to arrange several ceramic discs one behind another in series in the tube, as shown in figure 3. This provides an additional possibility of adjusting the damping.
In the embodiment shown in figures 3 , 4 and 5 there is again question of a tube 21, in which a groove 22 has been provided, into which a disc 23 comprising an aperture 24 has been located. At its outer side the tube 21 comprises a collar 25.
Further, this embodiment comprises an intermediate element 26 being formed of an annular body 27, to which a collar 28 is attached, but also a number of fingers 29 connected to the annular body 27 by a reduced part .
Further, the sound damper according to the invention comprises an envelope 30 made of soft material having a circle-symmetrical form and comprising a substantially cylindrical part 31, a substantially flat part 32 connected thereto, from which a part 33 has been removed, and a slightly conically part 34 being located concentric to the cylindrical part. At its end an aperture has been provided.
When this device is located in the auditory passage, the envelope 30 is provided around the intermediate element 26, after which the tube 21 is moved so far into the intermediate element 26 that it is clamped to some extent. Further, the combination thus formed is located in the auditory passage and is checked whether sufficient separation is obtained. If this is not the case the combination is removed from the auditory passage, the tube 21 is further pressed inwards, so that the fingers 29 will move in the outer direction, and the envelope 30 is diverted to the outer direction, so that the circumference thereof becomes bigger. Than it is newly fitted whether sufficient separation is obtained. This process can be repeated several times until the correct separation and fixation is obtained. Also in this embodiment a defined sound damper is obtained.
It will be apparent that diverse changes can be made to the embodiments shown without departing from the invention.

Claims

1. Sound damper for arrangement in the external auditory passage of a person, comprising a carrier which is suitable for fixing in the auditory passage, wherein the carrier is provided with a channel which extends in longitudinal direction and which is provided with a constriction, characterized in that the constriction is formed by a separate rigid disc placed in the tube and provided with a hole with a defined diameter.
2. Sound damper as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the carrier comprises an elongate tube and an envelope extending round the tube, wherein the envelope is adapted to adjust to the shape of the auditory passage such that the auditory passage is closed off by the envelope.
3. Sound damper as claimed in claim 2 , characterized in that the tube is manufactured from a material with a greater form retention than the material from which the envelope is manufactured.
4. Sound damper as claimed in claim 2 or 3 , characterized in that in between the tube and the envelope an intermediate element is located of which the outer circumference can be enlarged.
5. Sound damper as claimed in claim 4, characterized in that the intermediate element comprises a number of fingers which divert outwardly when the tube is pressed in the inward direction.
6. Sound damper as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, characterized in that the disc is manufactured from ceramic material .
7. Sound damper as claimed in claim 6, characterized in that the disc is provided with a hole manufactured by a laser light beam.
8. Sound damper as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, characterized in that the sound damper comprises more than one disc provided with a hole, wherein the discs are placed one behind another in the axial direction of the tube.
EP97950487A 1996-12-12 1997-12-12 Sound damper to be adapted into the outer auditory duct of a human being Withdrawn EP0954265A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
NL1004758 1996-12-12
NL1004758A NL1004758C2 (en) 1996-12-12 1996-12-12 Sound attenuator to be fitted in the external auditory canal of a human being.
PCT/NL1997/000692 WO1998025558A1 (en) 1996-12-12 1997-12-12 Sound damper to be adapted into the outer auditory duct of a human being

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0954265A1 true EP0954265A1 (en) 1999-11-10

Family

ID=19764035

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP97950487A Withdrawn EP0954265A1 (en) 1996-12-12 1997-12-12 Sound damper to be adapted into the outer auditory duct of a human being

Country Status (4)

Country Link
EP (1) EP0954265A1 (en)
AU (1) AU5347198A (en)
NL (1) NL1004758C2 (en)
WO (1) WO1998025558A1 (en)

Families Citing this family (16)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
NL1011877C2 (en) * 1999-04-23 2000-10-24 Groeneveld Elcea B V Sound attenuation filter, hearing protector and method for manufacturing a membrane for a sound attenuation filter.
DE10036559A1 (en) * 2000-07-27 2002-02-14 Wolf Karl Heinz Ear plugs, comprising soft shell to be combined with various filter units
US7370655B2 (en) * 2003-01-17 2008-05-13 Cabot Safety Intermediate Corporation Method of forming an earplug by laser ablation and an earplug formed thereby
EP1629809A1 (en) * 2004-08-25 2006-03-01 Phonak Ag Customized hearing protection earplug and method for manufacturing the same
US7478702B2 (en) 2004-08-25 2009-01-20 Phonak Ag Customized hearing protection earplug and method for manufacturing the same
US7779844B2 (en) 2006-12-15 2010-08-24 Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc. Self-fitting device for location in an ear canal
US20080264428A1 (en) * 2007-04-30 2008-10-30 Purcell Ricky W Self-fitting device for location in an ear canal
US7984716B2 (en) * 2007-06-22 2011-07-26 Kimberly-Clark Worldwide Inc. Self-conforming sound attenuation earplug
DE102007042740A1 (en) * 2007-09-07 2009-03-12 Uvex Arbeitsschutz Gmbh Earplugs
US7886745B2 (en) 2008-06-30 2011-02-15 Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc. Self-fitting device for location in an ear canal
US7913696B2 (en) 2008-06-30 2011-03-29 Kimberly-Clark Worldwide Inc. Self-fitting device for location in an ear canal
US8113207B2 (en) 2008-08-22 2012-02-14 Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc. Self-conforming sound attenuation earplug
NL1039885C2 (en) * 2012-11-09 2014-05-12 Ontwerpstudio Dunc B V Sound damping ear protector, with a universal fitting.
FR3006583B1 (en) * 2013-06-05 2018-01-26 Laboratoire Cotral EAR PROTECTION
KR20200128733A (en) 2018-03-09 2020-11-16 스테이턴 테츠야, 엘엘씨 Ear tip and earphone device, and system and method thereof
CN108324426B (en) * 2018-03-26 2019-10-18 桂林市兴达光电医疗器械有限公司 A kind of ear protection device

Family Cites Families (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB643927A (en) * 1948-05-10 1950-09-27 Josef Zwislocki Improvements in or relating to acoustic ear-protectors
US2719523A (en) * 1954-05-25 1955-10-04 Gierke Henning E Von Ear protector
NL8204984A (en) * 1982-12-24 1984-07-16 Berend De Boer En Karel Jean M EARBUD FOR PREVENTING NOISE.
FR2633827A1 (en) * 1988-06-20 1990-01-12 Deban Bruno Protective cover for hearing aids
FR2657716B1 (en) * 1990-02-01 1995-07-13 Leher Francois SOUND TRANSMISSION DEVICE WITH SELECTIVE FILTERING, INTENDED TO BE PLACED IN THE EXTERNAL AUDITIVE DUCT.
FR2676642B1 (en) * 1991-05-22 1998-05-15 Saint Louis Inst PERFECTED HEARING PROTECTION.
EP0730811B1 (en) * 1993-11-23 1998-09-02 Gabriele Lux-Wellenhof Hearing aids tester and method of operation

Non-Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Title
See references of WO9825558A1 *

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
WO1998025558A1 (en) 1998-06-18
AU5347198A (en) 1998-07-03
NL1004758C2 (en) 1998-07-02
NL1004758A1 (en) 1998-06-17

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
WO1998025558A1 (en) Sound damper to be adapted into the outer auditory duct of a human being
US11647319B2 (en) Headphone eartips with internal support components for outer eartip bodies
AU2004216223C1 (en) Conforming earplug
US6286622B1 (en) Hearing protector
JP5271412B2 (en) Non-roll type ear tip
US4055233A (en) Ear coupler
US5113967A (en) Audibility earplug
US3602654A (en) Hydraulically expandable earpiece
US3800791A (en) Adjustable ear plug
EP0997057B1 (en) Behind the ear hearing aid system
US5572594A (en) Ear canal device holder
US4607720A (en) Hearing aid
JPH05305081A (en) Ear tip
EP0333298B1 (en) A hearing protector and method of manufacturing the same
US20030159878A1 (en) Earplug
KR20200116969A (en) Universal adapter for hearing aids and earphones
JPS59166997A (en) Ear protector for lowering sound and filter used therefor
EP0286334A2 (en) Method and apparatus for attaching a catheter to a bag such as a wound drainage bag
SE443505B (en) HEARING PROTECTION WITH SPRING HEADBANDS
US20210315740A1 (en) Earpiece and manufacturing method and customization method of the earpiece
US5153387A (en) Layered earplug
EP2854732A1 (en) Ear protection device and assembly method
US5433749A (en) Apparatus for enhancing hearing in an ear
CN113038912B (en) Earplug
EP1763284B1 (en) Behind the ear hearing system

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
PUAI Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 19990527

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): AT BE CH DE DK ES FI FR GB GR IE IT LI LU MC NL PT SE

GRAG Despatch of communication of intention to grant

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOS AGRA

17Q First examination report despatched

Effective date: 20011001

GRAG Despatch of communication of intention to grant

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOS AGRA

GRAH Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOS IGRA

RAP1 Party data changed (applicant data changed or rights of an application transferred)

Owner name: FIELDS B.V.

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: THE APPLICATION IS DEEMED TO BE WITHDRAWN

18D Application deemed to be withdrawn

Effective date: 20020702