EP1287721A2

EP1287721A2 - Hearing aid placed in the ear and method for producing same

Info

Publication number: EP1287721A2
Application number: EP00929195A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Andi Vonlanthen
Original assignee: Phonak AG
Current assignee: Sonova Holding AG
Priority date: 2000-06-06
Filing date: 2000-06-06
Publication date: 2003-03-05
Anticipated expiration: 2020-06-06
Also published as: WO2000048443A3; DK1287721T4; JP2004500734A; EP1287721B1; DE50010852D1; EP1287721B2; CA2412476C; WO2000048443A2; AU2000247402A1; DK1287721T3; WO2000048443A9; CA2412476A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a hearing aid placed in the ear comprising an electric/acoustic transformer arrangement (1). The output opening of said arrangement (1) is separated from the surroundings of the apparatus by means of a membrane (17) which is arranged in a self-oscillating manner.

Description

In-the-ear hearing aid and method for its production

The present invention relates to an in-the-ear hearing device with an electrical / acoustic transducer arrangement according to the preamble of claim 1. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for producing an in-the-ear hearing device according to the preamble of claim 9.

The problem of contamination in in-the-ear hearing aids, in particular the acoustic output of the device facing the eardrum, is known. This contamination leads to impairment of the hearing aid effect and makes it necessary to periodically clean the hearing aid. The opening usually provided in the hearing aid housing, coupled as an acoustic output to the output of the electrical / acoustic transducer, leads to well-known cleaning problems.

From EP 0 548 580 it is known to provide an in-the-ear hearing aid with a diaphragm that closes the housing and, similar to the actual loudspeaker diaphragm, is coupled to the motorized loudspeaker drive. This makes the structure of the hearing aid relatively complicated and in particular also the measures that have to be taken to couple the membrane mentioned to the loudspeaker drive and to ensure that this membrane is not impaired during cleaning.

It is an object of the present invention to remedy the disadvantages of the known solution and to propose an in-the-ear hearing device that takes the cleaning needs into account in a structurally simple manner.

This is achieved in that the acoustic output of the electrical / acoustic transducer arrangement on the in-the-ear hearing device is separated from the device environment by means of a membrane which is attached in a freely oscillating manner. It was recognized that by appropriately designing the acoustically effective spaces on the hearing aid and the membrane characteristics, in the sense of an acoustic impedance matching, it can be achieved that such a free-floating membrane has practically no effect on the acoustic transmission behavior of the hearing aid on the output side of the converter mentioned, that is, the membrane mentioned becomes acoustically transparent.

If desired, a desired damping can also be achieved with such a membrane.

In a far preferred embodiment of the in-the-ear hearing device according to the invention, at least the free-swinging part of the membrane is made of a single material, is preferably rubber-elastic, e.g. made of latex or silicone rubber. Furthermore, in a preferred embodiment, the membrane provided according to the invention has a constant thickness at least at the said part.

The structural design for the hearing aid is thus increased only insignificantly by providing the membrane mentioned. The preferred membrane material, e.g. Latex or silicone, is extremely inexpensive and is made with a uniform, small thickness, is resistant and harmless in terms of behavior in contact with living tissue.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the above-mentioned membrane is attached in the immediate area of the device outlet, with which cleaning-problematic indentations and indentations on the device are eliminated at least in the area of its acoustic outlet. Furthermore, the acoustic output of the transducer arrangement can be connected to the acoustic output opening of the hearing device housing by means of a hose connector, but in a preferred embodiment the acoustic output of the electrical / acoustic transducer arrangement is direct is arranged in the region of the exit opening of the hearing device housing.

In a further embodiment, which is highly advantageous in particular with regard to the production of hearing aids, the exit opening of the hearing aid is formed by a plate-like connection, for example welded or glued, to the rest of the hearing aid housing. In this case, more preferably, the membrane closing the outlet opening of the device is formed in one piece with the mentioned part or is provided as a separate part on the mentioned part. If necessary, the membrane can also be placed like a sock over the hearing aid housing.

If the above-mentioned section with the membrane is formed in one piece, then the material-specific requirements for the membrane must also apply to the section. This section is then preferably made of rubber-elastic material, e.g. made of latex or silicone.

The manufacturing method according to the invention for the mentioned in-the-ear hearing aid is further characterized according to the wording of claim 9. The transducer arrangement is positioned in a sack opening of a carrier plate, the bottom part of which is formed by a membrane. By relative movement of the carrier plate and the hearing device housing, the transducer arrangement is then inserted into the hearing device housing from the end forming the acoustic output of the hearing device housing. Then the carrier plate is connected to the hearing device housing, for example glued or welded, and then the carrier plate is molded along the contour of the hearing device housing.

This procedure is extremely suitable for automating the assembly of in-the-ear hearing aid housing and electrical / acoustic transducer arrangement and membrane. In a preferred embodiment of the manufacturing method according to the invention, the membrane is formed in one piece with the carrier plate, the carrier plate preferably made of a rubber-elastic material, for example of latex or silicone, or the membrane is applied as a film-like element to the carrier plate, initially with through openings, as glued on , whereby the bag openings are formed first.

To date, it is customary to manually assemble in-the-ear hearing aid housings and the electrical / acoustic transducer arrangement. This is because it must be avoided that an acoustically effective bridge is formed between the loudspeaker in the electrical / acoustic transducer arrangement and the device housing, which leads to the feedback of the acoustic signals directly or via the surrounding ear tissue to the acoustic / electrical transducer on the device input side. It is therefore customary, as mentioned manually, to insert the transducer arrangement in the hearing device housing on all sides at a distance from the latter and to position it there.

In another aspect, the present invention aims to significantly reduce the manufacturing effort required for this. According to the wording of claim 12, this is basically achieved by automatically inserting the transducer arrangement into the hearing aid housing. In contrast to the conventional procedure, according to which the transducer arrangement is pushed from "above" through the hearing device housing to its acoustic output section, according to a far preferred embodiment of the production method mentioned, the transducer arrangement is inserted into the opening through an opening forming the acoustic output of the hearing device housing Housing introduced. In a far preferred embodiment, this is done by positioning the transducer arrangement in a receptacle opening of a carrier plate, then by moving the carrier plate relative to the hearing aid housing, the transducer arrangement from the end forming the acoustic output of the hearing aid housing into the housing mentioned. In particular in the further preferred embodiment, according to which the carrier plate is then connected to the hearing device housing, for example by being glued or welded, and then the carrier plate is molded along the outer contour of the hearing device, it is achieved that the transducer arrangement remains positioned and held in the mentioned carrier plate and thus the positioning of the transducer arrangement in the device housing is only a question of the exact feed movement of the device housing and carrier plate. As already mentioned, this procedure is ideal for automated assembly.

The invention is subsequently explained using figures. These show:

1 shows the diagram of a converter arrangement which is designed as a module;

2 schematically simplifies a longitudinal section through the transducer arrangement in one implementation form;

2a shows a further embodiment of the converter according to FIG. 2, schematized, with a membrane according to the invention;

3 further schematically shows the installation of a transducer arrangement on an in-the-ear hearing device according to the invention with a membrane provided according to the invention;

FIG. 4 in a representation analogous to that of FIG. 3, a further possibility of installing a transducer arrangement with the membrane according to the invention on an in-the-ear hearing aid according to the invention;

5 in a representation analogous to FIGS. 3 and 4, a further preferred embodiment variant which acoustically see part of a device of an in-the-ear hearing device according to the invention, and

6 (a) to 6 (c) schematically, the sequence of a manufacturing method according to the invention for an in-the-ear hearing aid, which the

Assembling the electrical / acoustic transducer arrangement and the device housing.

1 shows, schematically, a converter module for the basic explanation of the acoustic coupling ratios. The converter module 1 comprises a loudspeaker housing 3, in which the loudspeaker membrane 5 is mounted. The loudspeaker diaphragm 5 is excited by a motor drive 7, which is only shown schematically. In the loudspeaker housing 3, a front space R _λ and a rear space R _{2 are} formed by the loudspeaker membrane 5. One of the two mentioned spaces, for example the rear R ₂ , is acoustically coupled to an intermediate space 11, formed between the loudspeaker housing 3 and an encapsulating housing 13, via acoustic decoupling openings 9. The encapsulating housing 13 and thus the intermediate space 11 surround the loudspeaker housing 3 in essentially completely, apart from resilient bearing parts 15, by means of which the loudspeaker housing is spaced within the encapsulation housing 13, is mounted essentially "floating". 1, the front space Ri is connected to the acoustic output A _{A of} the converter module 1.

With the structure shown, due to the essentially free-floating mounting of the loudspeaker housing 3 in the encapsulation housing 13, an acoustic decoupling of the loudspeaker effect on the encapsulation housing 13 is achieved. In addition, the acoustic behavior of the converter module 1 is significantly improved compared to that of the loudspeaker arrangement in the housing 3 by a well-known enlargement of the rear membrane space R ₂ , namely now including the intermediate space 11: The Low-frequency behavior of the converter module is raised by several dB compared to that of the loudspeaker arrangement in the housing 3.

In a preferred embodiment of the converter module 1, a diaphragm is provided on the acoustic output A _A , as shown schematically at 17. The membrane 17 is free-swinging apart from its marginal clamping. It preferably consists of a homogeneous material phase, preferably of a rubber-elastic material, for example of latex or silicone rubber, and, more preferably, has a constant thickness of approximately 100 μm, preferably of at most 0.09 mm.

By coordinating the acoustic impedance of the space 11 with the space R ₂ , the space R as far as the membrane 17, the membrane 17 and the acoustic conductor, which may be further propagating to the environment U of the transducer module 1, the membrane 17 is practically achieved looks acoustically transparent.

2 shows a cross section through an embodiment of the converter module 1. The reference numerals already used in the schematic illustration according to FIG. 1 are used further. The loudspeaker housing 3 with the coupling openings 9 is mounted on the encapsulation housing 13 by means of rubber-elastic bearing blocks 19. The encapsulating housing 13 is formed by a cup 20, which preferably acts simultaneously as a magnetic shield and, for this purpose, preferably consists of μ-metal. In any case, the cup 20 is preferably metallic. The cup 20 is closed by a closing part 22. The membrane 17 already presented in FIG. 1 can be mounted directly on the end part 22. The end part 22 and the membrane 17 can be formed in one piece, but then the material of the end part 22 meets the material requirements for the membrane, for example regarding rubber elasticity, has to suffice. For example, the entire part 22 is then made of latex or silicone rubber. Otherwise, the membrane 17 is anchored as a separate part on the end part 22. The membrane 17 can also be provided between the acoustic output A ₃ in the loudspeaker housing 3 and the clear opening in the part 22. However, as shown in FIG. 2, the membrane 17 is preferably provided flush with the clear opening in the end part 22, with the result that the entire converter module 1 appears as a self-contained, encapsulated unit and can be easily cleaned. This is particularly important if, as will be shown, the output A _{A of} the converter module 1 is located directly at the acoustic output of a hearing aid.

The converter module or its encapsulation housing 13 can be cubic, cylindrical or in another, essentially any shape, provided that the required space 11, essentially enclosing the loudspeaker housing 3, is stretched between the loudspeaker housing 3 and the encapsulation housing 13. A further embodiment is shown only schematically in FIG. 2a, starting from the explanations for FIG. 2. Here a rubber-elastic stocking 17a is pulled over the encapsulation housing 13. It forms the end part 22 and membrane 17 at the same time.

3 schematically shows the section of an in-the-ear hearing aid 24 with the acoustic output opening A ₂₄ . The transducer module 1 constructed according to FIGS. 1, 2 and 2a is installed within the device housing 26, namely by holding and positioning it in the housing 26 of the hearing aid in a positive or non-positive manner, as schematized with the mounting and positioning tabs 28 in FIG. 3 is. This is made possible by the acoustic decoupling of the outer coupling housing 13 with respect to the loudspeaker housing 3, which is implemented on the converter module explained with reference to FIGS. 1, 2 and 2a. 3, the structure of the in-the-ear hearing device is essentially as previously known, in that the acoustic output of the transducer module 1 is connected to the acoustic output opening A _{24 of} the device via a pipe socket 30.

The electronic components and the acoustic / electrical transducer arrangement on the input side on the in-the-ear hearing aid 24 with the housing 26 are not shown in FIG. 3 and in the further figures, since they are not essential to the invention.

As further shown in FIG. 3, the membrane 17 provided in a preferred embodiment is installed in the immediate area of the acoustic output A ₂₄ on the hearing device housing 26.

4, the converter module 1 is mounted in the area of the acoustic output A _{24 of} the hearing aid 24 or the housing 26 in a positive or non-positive manner, as shown with the schematically illustrated brackets 28a. In a preferred embodiment, the free-floating membrane 17 is provided at the end.

5, the housing 26 of the in-the-ear hearing aid 24 is formed on the one hand by a main housing part 24a, but at the end, plate-like, a terminal part 24b is placed on the part 24a, glued or welded to the part 24a. A converter module 1, as described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, or directly the loudspeaker housing of a previously known loudspeaker arrangement, both designated 30 in FIG. 5, sits in the outlet opening 32 of the end part 24b and is held there, as if braced, glued, etc. 5 in the converter module generally shown in FIG. 5 around one with an encapsulation housing, that is to say constructed as shown in FIGS. 1, 2 or 2a, positioning and fixing members for, as again schematically represented with 28, can be located within the device housing 26 this converter module 1 may be provided. With 17 in FIG. 5, the or a preferably provided membrane of the type described above is shown in a preferred position. As will become apparent, the structure according to FIG. 5, whether for hearing aids with a converter module according to FIGS. 1, 2, 2a, or for hearing aids with known converter arrangements, ie with a loudspeaker housing located directly outside, has significant advantages. Furthermore, the membrane 17 can be formed in one piece with the part 24b, in particular because the part 24b which is separated from the rest of the housing 26 can be used to select the material of this part in accordance with the requirements of the membrane 17.

6 (a) to 6 (c) schematically show the sequence of a preferred production process for in-the-ear hearing aids.

According to FIG. 6 (a), receiving openings 36, preferably in the form of bag openings, are provided in a carrier plate 34 and the transducer arrangements 30 to be provided on in-the-ear hearing aids are inserted therein. If the transducer assemblies 30 are of a known type, i.e. 1, 2, 2a, then the transducer arrangements 30 are preferably firmly anchored in the carrier plate 34, such as glued to it, for example, with an external loudspeaker housing and without an encapsulation housing. 1, 2, 2a, the arrangements 30 need not be held firmly in the carrier plate 34, because, as has been shown, they can be shown in dashed lines in the corresponding device housings 24a indicated at 28b, held positively or non-positively. In terms of process technology, it is now essential that the transducer assemblies be moved relative to the plate 34 with the transducer assemblies 30 and a corresponding number of housing parts 24a

30 not from above, as usual, but from below into the parts of the housing parts 24a facing the acoustic output. In the event that the transducer arrangements 30 are designed with an encapsulating housing, the carrier plate 34 can be removed after the transducer arrangements 30 have been pushed into the housing 26, the transducer arrangements or modules are held and positioned in the housings 24a. In the event that there are transducer arrangements without an encapsulation housing, the transducers 30 remain in the openings 36 of the plate 34 provided for this purpose. The plate 34 is connected to the housing 24a, for example glued or welded, and starting from the position according to FIG. 6 (b), the plate 34 is then machined flush with the outer housing contour (transition to FIG. 6 (c)).

The in-the-ear hearing aid then arises, as shown in FIG. 5. However, this procedure is also preferably used for converter modules, constructed in accordance with FIGS. 1, 2, 2a, i.e. with encapsulation housing.

6 that this procedure is extremely well suited for simultaneously installing the membrane 17 or a further membrane 17 preferably to be provided, as protection against contamination of the acoustic device outlet and for ensuring simple cleaning. For this purpose, the base plate 38 according to FIG. 6 (a) of the openings 36, which are preferably designed as a bag opening, is formed directly as a membrane. This is done either by selecting the material of the carrier plate 34 in accordance with the requirements for the membrane material and thus the membrane being formed in one piece with the plate 34, or, as shown in dashed lines in FIG. 6 (a), by the sack openings 36 only through Lamination of the carrier plate 34, with openings 36 which are then still continuous, are formed with a film-like layer 34b which then forms the membrane 17 according to FIG. 5.

With the manufacturing method shown, it is possible, without meticulous positioning operations, both converter modules according to FIGS. 1, 2, 2a and conventional converter arrangements, ie to be mounted with an external loudspeaker housing in the in-the-ear hearing aid housing. This from the side of the housing on which the acoustic output is located. This enables a largely automated assembly. If, as preferred, the acoustic hearing aid outlet is to be protected from the environment with regard to contamination and designed to be easy to clean, the possibility is also created at the same time of installing a covering membrane 17, as has been explained.

Claims

Claims:

1. In-the-ear hearing aid with an electrical / acoustic transducer arrangement, the acoustic output of the transducer arrangement being acoustically coupled to an output opening in the hearing aid housing, characterized in that the acoustic output of the transducer is by means of a membrane which is attached in a freely oscillating manner the device environment is separated.

2. Hearing aid according to claim 1, characterized in that at least the free-swinging part of the membrane consists of a single material, is preferably rubber-elastic and more preferably has a constant thickness, preferably of at most 0.09 mm.

3. Hearing aid according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the membrane is attached in the immediate area of the device outlet.

4. Hearing aid according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the acoustic output of the transducer arrangement is connected by means of a hose connector to the acoustic output opening of the device housing.

5. Hearing aid according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the acoustic output of the transducer arrangement is arranged directly in the region of the output opening.

6. Hearing aid according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the output opening of the hearing aid is formed by a plate-shaped part connected to the rest of the hearing aid housing, such as welded or glued, preferably made of a rubber.

7. Hearing aid according to claim 6, characterized in that a membrane closing the exit opening is formed in one piece with the part or is provided on the part, or is pulled up like a sock over at least part of the hearing device.

8. Hearing aid according to claim 7, characterized in that the lot consists of rubber-elastic material.

9. Hearing aid according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the membrane forms an airtight seal.

10. The method for producing an in-the-ear hearing device according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the transducer arrangement is positioned in a sack opening of a carrier plate, the bottom part of which is formed by a membrane and by relative movement of the carrier plate and the hearing device housing introduces the transducer arrangement from the end forming the acoustic output of the hearing device housing into the hearing device housing, connects the carrier plate to the hearing device housing, preferably glued or welded, and separates the carrier plate along the contour of the hearing device housing.

11. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that the membrane is formed in one piece with the carrier plate and the carrier plate is preferably made of a rubber-elastic material, or that the membrane is applied as a film-like element to the carrier plate with through-openings, such as by sticking and thereby Forms bag openings.

12. The method according to any one of claims 10 or 11, characterized in that one automatically assembles the device housing and converter.

13. A method for producing an in-the-ear hearing aid with an electro / acoustic transducer arrangement, characterized in that the transducer arrangement is introduced automatically into the hearing aid housing.

14. The method according to claim 13, characterized in that the transducer arrangement is inserted through an opening forming the acoustic output of the hearing device housing into the hearing device housing.

15. The method according to any one of claims 13 or 14, characterized in that the transducer arrangement is positioned in a receiving opening of a carrier plate and by relative movement of the carrier plate and the hearing aid housing, the transducer arrangement is introduced into the hearing aid housing from the end forming the acoustic output of the hearing aid housing .

16. The method according to claim 15, characterized in that the carrier plate is connected to the hearing aid housing, preferably glued or welded, and then the carrier plate is separated along the hearing aid housing contour.