EP1320340A1

EP1320340A1 - Intra-auricular otoplastic

Info

Publication number: EP1320340A1
Application number: EP00960274A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Christoph Widmer; Hans Hessel; Markus Weidmann
Original assignee: Phonak AG
Current assignee: Sonova Holding AG
Priority date: 2000-09-25
Filing date: 2000-09-25
Publication date: 2003-06-25
Also published as: WO2002024128A1; JP2004508155A; AU2000272655B2; AU7265500A; AU2000272655B9; CA2421294A1

Abstract

The invention relates to an intra-auricular otoplastic, in particular an intra-auricular hearing-aid, which comprises a ventilation passage (39) for the eardrum. The shape and/or size of the cross-section of said passage alters along the length of the latter.

Description

In-O r earmold

The present invention relates to an in-the-ear otoplastic with at least one ventilation passage which extends essentially along the otoplastic between an area facing the eardrum and an area facing the ear environment.

The present invention is based on problems which have arisen in the production of in-the-ear hearing aids. The resulting solution can also be transferred to other earmolds, such as parts of headphones, noise protection devices or water protection devices, such as those used for swimming.

It is known to provide a ventilation passage on the surface of the otoplastic in in-the-ear hearing aids, for example a ventilation groove or channel. Such a ventilation device is intended to ensure ventilation of the eardrum, despite the relatively full fit of such an earmold in the auditory canal. This ventilation arrangement can be problematic in several respects. On the one hand, such ventilation passages can be relatively easily blocked by cerumen. These passages continue to act as acoustic conductors, which can be problematic in particular in the case of in-the-ear hearing aids from the aspect of acoustic feedback. To date, little attention has been paid to the targeted design of such ventilation passages taking into account all of the aspects mentioned. It is an issue of the present invention to fundamentally better ventilation passages on in-the-ear To create earmolds that increasingly take into account the requirements mentioned - wax protection, acoustic properties.

In a first aspect, this is solved in that the cross-sectional area of the passage, along the

Continuously, changes in shape and / or dimension. This primarily takes into account the acoustic influence of such a ventilation passage. By having the cross-sectional shape and / or cross-sectional dimension varying in sections, sections of different acoustic impedances are created which make it possible to optimize the acoustic conditions along the ventilation passage in a targeted manner.

In a second aspect, it is proposed to provide at least two of the ventilation passages mentioned on the in-ear earmold mentioned. On the one hand, this results in an increase in the ventilation effect and the division of the ventilation over several passes also enables the acoustic conditions caused by the

Ventilation system are given to optimize more flexibly. In addition, this creates greater security with regard to the risk of cerumen blockage that ventilation is not prevented. In a third aspect, the above-mentioned general object is achieved in that the ventilation passage is designed at least in one section as an at least partially covered channel. This makes it possible, in particular on areas of the earmold exposed to cerumen, to prevent cerumen from entering the ventilation passage penetrates and clogs it. This protective effect is optimally achieved, in particular, if the ventilation passage is not designed as a partially covered channel, but rather as a completely covered channel, ie as the actual ventilation channel or ventilation duct. Depending on the circumstances, any combination of the three aspects mentioned gives possibilities, also individually, for example according to the shape of the ear canal, to optimize the ventilation system with the at least one ventilation passage both in terms of ventilation effect as well as in terms of acoustic effect and cerumen sensitivity. As mentioned, an optimal cerumen protection effect is achieved on the one hand by the passage being designed as a closed channel in at least one section, preferably along its entire length, and, in addition, a decoupling of the ear canal wall is achieved, which enables the acoustic conditions to be calculated and modeled in advance Passage much easier.

If the passage mentioned is formed as an at least partially or completely covered channel, in the latter case as a channel, in a preferred embodiment the material forming the cover passes homogeneously into the rest of the otoplastic material surrounding the channel. There is no material interface, such as a welding, adhesive or other connection point, which separated the material of the channel cover from the rest of the material surrounding the channel: the channel with cover and otoplastic, at least in the channel area, are integrally made in one piece. In a further preferred embodiment, the ventilation passage is considerably longer than the length of the earmold between the area to be faced to the eardrum and the area to be placed around the ear? ! ? ! , The ventilation passage can, for example, run helically along the otoplastic surface or in the material of the otoplastic. This degree of freedom, namely essentially being able to freely choose the length of the ventilation passage through its lines, also results in a further design parameter with a view to the above-mentioned problems, in particular acoustic effect and ventilation effect.

The otoplastic according to the invention is, in a far preferred manner, an additive

Manufacturing process manufactured, particularly preferably by laser sintering, stereolithography or a thermojet process.

The invention is subsequently explained, for example, using figures. These show:

1 shows a simplified diagram of a manufacturing plant operating according to the preferred method for the optimization of industrial manufacturing of earmolds;

Fig. 2 in a representation analogous to that of Fig. 1, a further system concept;

FIG. 3 shows a still further system concept in a representation analogous to that of FIGS. 1 and 2; 4 schematically shows an in-the-ear hearing device with a cerumen protective cap fitted in a known manner;

FIG. 5 in an illustration analogous to FIG. 4, an in-the-ear hearing aid manufactured according to the preferred method with a cerumen protective cap;

6 shows an in-the-ear hearing aid with a ventilation groove incorporated in a known manner;

7 (a) to (f)

with the aid of perspectively illustrated sections of otoplastic shell surfaces, ventilation grooves according to the invention;

8 with the aid of a schematic section of an otoplastic surface, a ventilation groove according to the invention with a cross-section or a cross-section that varies along its longitudinal extent

Cross-sectional shape;

9 schematically shows an in-ear otoplastic with a ventilation groove extended according to the invention;

Fig. 10 in a representation analogous to Fig. 9, an in-ear earmold with several according to the invention

ventilation grooves;

11 (a) to (e)

Cutouts of otoplastic shells with ventilation channels according to the invention of various cross-sectional shapes and dimensions; 12 shows, in a representation analogous to that of FIG. 8, a ventilation duct according to the invention in an otoplastic shell with a cross-sectional shape or cross-sectional area varying along its longitudinal extent;

FIG. 13 in analogy to the representation of FIG. 9, schematically an in-ear earmold with an elongated ventilation duct according to the invention;

FIG. 14 in a representation analogous to FIG. 10, an in-ear otoplastic according to the invention with several

Ventilation channels;

15 schematically shows a longitudinal sectional view of an in-ear earmold with a ribbed inner surface;

16 shows a section of the otoplastic according to FIG. 15 in cross section, the ribs being different

Have cross-sectional areas;

Fig. 17 shows the perspective of a section

15 or 16, the ribs differing along their longitudinal extent

Have cross-sectional shapes and dimensions;

FIG. 18 shows a representation analogous to FIG. 15, an in-ear otoplastic with external ribbing;

19 schematically shows a detail from an otoplastic shell with ribs according to FIG. 18 with ribs of different cross-sectional areas; Fig. 20 schematically shows a cross section through a

Otoplastic with external ribbing, possibly internal ribbing, and at least partially filler-filled interior;

21 schematically shows a longitudinal section of an otoplastic shell with a flexible and compressible portion;

22 schematically shows in longitudinal section an in-the-ear otoplastic with a receiving space for an electronic module;

23 the otoplastic according to FIG. 22 when it is put over an electronic module;

24 is a perspective and schematic view of an in-ear otoplastic, such as in particular an in-the-ear hearing aid, with a two-part, separable and assemblable otoplastic shell;

25 a detail and schematically, the integration of acoustic conductors and adapter elements to form an acoustic / electrical or electrical / acoustic converter, in one

ear mold;

FIG. 26 shows a representation analogous to that of FIG. 25, the arrangement of two or more acoustic conductors in the shell of an otoplastic shell, and

Fig. 27 using a simplified

Signal flow / function block diagram, a new procedure or a new arrangement for its implementation, in which the dynamics of the application area of an otoplastic are taken into account for its shaping.

The embodiments of otoplastics described after the manufacturing process are preferably all manufactured using this manufacturing process.

definition

We understand an otoplastic to be a device that is applied directly outside the auricle and / or on the auricle and / or in the ear canal. These include outer ear hearing aids, in-the-ear hearing aids, headphones, noise protection and water protection inserts etc.

1. Manufacturing process

The manufacturing process, which is preferably used to manufacture the otoplastics described in detail below, is based on three-dimensionally digitizing the shape of an individual application area for an intended otoplastic, then creating the otoplastic or its shell using an additive assembly process. Additive construction processes are also known under the term "rapid prototyping". With regard to such additive processes already used in rapid prototype construction, e.g. referred to:

• http://ltk.hut.fi/~koukka/RP/rptree.html (1)

or on

• Wohlers Report 2000, rapid prototyping & Tooling State of the industry (2)

From the group of these additive processes known today for rapid prototype construction, it follows that laser sintering, laser or stereolithography or that

Thermojet processes are particularly well suited to building up earmoulds or their shells, and in particular the special embodiments described below. Therefore, to summarize only briefly, the specifications of these preferred additive assembly processes are discussed:

• Laser sintering: Hot melt powder is applied to a powder bed, for example using a roller, in a thin layer. The powder layer is solidified by means of a laser beam, the laser beam and others. is controlled according to a cut layer of the otoplastic or otoplastic shell by means of the 3D shape information of the individual application area. In the powder, which is otherwise loose, a solidified cut layer of the otoplastic or its shell is formed. This is lowered from the powder laying level and a new powder layer is applied over it, which in turn is laser-hardened in accordance with a cut layer, etc.

• Laser or stereolithography: a first cut layer or an otoplastic or one

The otoplastic shell is solidified on the surface of liquid photopolymer using a UV laser. The solidified layer is lowered and is again covered by liquid polymer. By means of the UV laser mentioned the second cut layer of the otoplastic or its shell is solidified on the already solidified layer. Again, the laser position control takes place, among other things, by means of the 3D data or information of the individual, previously recorded application area.

Thermojet process: The contour formation according to a cut layer of the otoplastic or the otoplastic shell is carried out similarly to an inkjet printer by means of liquid application, etc. carried out in accordance with the digitized SD form information, in particular also the individual application area. Then the filed section "drawing" is solidified. Again, in accordance with the principle of the additive build-up method, layer by layer is deposited to build up the otoplastic or its shell.

With regard to additive construction methods and the above-mentioned preferred publications, reference may be made to the following further publications:

• http://www.padtinc.com/srv_rpm_sls.html (3)

"Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) of Ceramics", Muskesh Agarwala et al. , presented at the Solid Freeform Fabrication Symposium, Austin,

TX, August 1999, (4) • http://www.caip.rutgers.edu/RP_Library/process.html (5)

• http://www.biba.uni-bremen.de/groups/rp/lom.html or

• http: // www. iba.uni-bremen.de/groups/rp/rp_intro. tml

(6) • Donald Klosterman et al. , "Direct Fabrication of Polymer Composite Structures with Curved LOM", Solid Freeform Fabrication Symposium, University of Texas at Austin, August 1999, (7) • http://lff.me.utexas.edu/sls.html (8)

• http://www.padtinc.com/srv__rpm_sla.html (9)

• http://www.cs.hut.fi/~ado/rp/rp.html (10)

Basically, a thin layer of material is deposited on a surface in additive build-up processes, be it like laser sintering or

Stereolithography over the entire surface, be it in the contour of a cut of the otoplastic or its shell, which is under construction, as in the thermojet process. The desired cut shape is then stabilized or consolidated.

Once a layer has solidified, a new layer is placed over it as described and this in turn is solidified and connected to the already finished layer underneath. The otoplastic or its shell is created layer by layer by additive layer-by-layer application.

For industrial production, it is preferred not only to lay down or solidify the cut layer for an individual earmold or its shell, but also several, each individually. at

Laser sintering, for example, one laser, usually mirror-controlled, successively solidifies the cut layers of several otoplastics or their shells before all the solidified cut layers are lowered together. Thereupon, after a new powder layer has been deposited over all the already solidified and lowered cut layers, the formation of the several further cut layers takes place again. Despite this parallel production, the respective earmolds or their shells, digitally controlled, are manufactured individually.

Either a single laser beam is used to solidify the multiple cut layers and / or more than one beam is operated and controlled in parallel.

An alternative to this procedure is to solidify a cut layer with a laser, while at the same time the powder layer is deposited for the formation of a further otoplastic or otoplastic shell. The same laser then solidifies the prepared powder layer, corresponding to the cut layer for the further plastic, while the layer solidified before is lowered and a new powder layer is deposited there. The laser then works intermittently between two or more earmolds or otoplastic shells being built up, the dead time resulting from the powder deposit during the formation of one of the shells being used to solidify a cut layer of another earmold being built up.

In Fig. 1 is shown schematically how, in a

Design variant, by means of laser sintering or laser or stereolithography of several otoplastics or their shells are manufactured industrially in a parallel process. The laser with control unit 5 and beam 3 is mounted above the material bed 1 for powder or liquid medium. In Position 1, it solidifies the layer Si of a first earmold or its shell, controlled with the first individual data set Di. Then, it is moved to a second position on a displacement device 7, where it corresponds to the layer S ₂ with the individual data set D ₂ another individual contour created. Of course, several of the lasers can be moved as a unit and more than one individual otoplastic layer can be created at the same time. Only when the envisaged lasers 5 have created the respective individual layers in all envisaged positions is a new powder layer deposited with the powder feed shown generally at 9 in the case of laser sintering, while (not shown) the solidified layers S in laser or stereolithography be lowered in the fluidized bed.

According to FIG. 2, layers of individual otoplastics or their shells are solidified simultaneously on one or more liquid or powder beds 1, with several simultaneously individually controlled lasers 5. Once again, a new powder layer is deposited with the powder dispensing unit 9 after completion of this solidification phase and after the laser has been stopped, while in the case of laser or stereolitography the layers which have just been solidified or structures which have already been solidified are lowered in the fluid bed.

According to FIG. 3, laser 5 solidifies layer Si on a powder or liquid bed la, in order to then switch to bed lb (dashed line), after which the powder application device on bed la during the solidification phase 9b removes powder over a previously solidified layer Si or, in the case of laser or stereolithography, the layer Si is lowered. Only when the laser 5 becomes active on the bed 1b, does the powder dispensing device 9a deposit a new powder layer over the layer Si that has just solidified on the bed la or does the layer S _x in the liquid bed la be lowered.

When using the Thermojet process and for increasing productivity, cut layers of more than one earmold or its shells are deposited at the same time, practically in one drawing by an application head or, in parallel, by several.

The method shown makes it possible to implement highly complex shapes on otoplastics or their shells, both in terms of their outer shape with individual adaptation to the application area and also in the case of a shell whose inner shape is concerned. Overhangs, jumps and jumps can be easily realized.

In addition, materials for additive construction processes are known which can be formed into a rubber-elastic and yet dimensionally stable shell which, if desired, can be realized locally differently up to extremely thin-walled and nevertheless tear-resistant.

In a preferred embodiment today, the

Digitization of the individual application area, in particular the application area for a hearing aid, in particular in-the-ear hearing aid, at a specialized institution, in the latter case at Audiologist. The individual form recorded there, as digital 3D information, will be transmitted to a production center, in particular in connection with hearing aids, be it by sending a data carrier, be it through an internet connection, etc. The production center, in particular using the above-mentioned methods, will: Otoplasty or its shell, in the case under consideration, the in-the-ear hearing aid shell, individually shaped. The finished assembly of the hearing device with the functional assemblies is also preferably carried out there.

Due to the fact that, as mentioned, the thermoplastic materials used generally lead to a relatively elastic, conforming outer shape, the shape with regard to pressure points in otoplastics or their shells is far less critical than was previously the case, which in particular is of crucial importance for in-ear earmolds. In-ear earmoulds, for example as hearing protection devices, headphones, water protection devices, but in particular also for in-ear hearing aids, can be used with similar rubber-elastic plugs, and their surface adapts optimally to the application area, the ear canal. It is easily possible to incorporate one or more ventilation channels into the in-ear earmold in order to ensure unimpaired ventilation to the eardrum when the earmold is seated in the ear canal, which may be relatively tight. The individual 3D data of the application area during production can also be used

Interior of the plastic can be optimized and optimally used, also individually with regard to the individual aggregate constellation to be recorded, as in the case of a hearing aid.

In particular in the case of otoplastics in the form of hearing aids, the central production of their shells enables central storage and management of individual data, both with regard to the individual application area and also the individual functional parts and their settings. If, for whatever reason, a shell needs to be replaced, it can easily be made again by calling up the individual data records, without the need for laborious readjustment - as was the case up to now.

Due to the fact that the methods described for the production of earmolds, but only for prototype construction, are known and are described in the literature, it is not necessary at this point to reproduce all the technical details relating to these methods.

In any case, surprisingly, the adoption of these technologies known from prototype construction for the industrial, commercially viable manufacture of earmolds results in very significant advantages, for reasons which, in themselves, are not decisive in prototype construction, such as Elasticity of the usable thermoplastic materials, the possibility to build extremely thin walls individually etc.

In summary, it is achieved by using the additive assembly processes mentioned for the production of Otoplastics or their shells possible to integrate various functional elements on them, which are already structurally prepared on the computer during the planning of the earmold and which are generated with the structure of the earmold or its shell. Typically, functional elements of this type have so far only been fitted into or attached to the otoplastic or its shell after the completion of the otoplastic, which is recognizable by material interfaces or material inhomogeneity at the connection points.

For the otoplastics mentioned, in particular with electronic internals, such as for hearing aids, in particular for in-the-ear hearing aids, there are elements which can be installed directly into the otoplastic shell using the proposed technology, for example: receptacles and holders for components, cerumen Protection systems, ventilation channels in in-ear earmolds, support elements that hold the latter in the ear canal in in-ear earmolds, such as so-called claws (English channel locks).

4 shows, for example and schematically, an in-ear earmold 11, for example an in-ear hearing device, in which the acoustic output 13 to the eardrum is protected by a cerumen protective cap 15. Up to now, this protective cap 15 has been applied to the shell 16 of the otoplastic 11 as a separate part and fixed, for example by gluing or welding. As shown in Fig. 5 in the same representation, the cerumen protective cap 15 _a directly integrated into the shell 16a of the otherwise identical in-ear earmold 11a. At the connection points schematically indicated by P in FIG. 4, where a material inhomogeneity or interface necessarily arises in conventional methods, lies moderately

5 shows no such interfaces, the material of the shell 16a merges homogeneously with that of the cerumen protective cap 15a.

This is only an example of how well-known cerumen protection systems and other functional elements can be integrated using the above-mentioned manufacturing process.

Some specific new types of earmolds are presented below:

2. Inner ear earmolds with ventilation

It is known to provide a ventilation channel on the outside of in-ear earmolds, in particular in-oh hearing aids, as is shown schematically in FIG. 6. Such ventilation channels, as they are used today, are in no way optimized in various ways:

- Regarding acoustic behavior: the known today

Ventilation channels are hardly adapted to the respective acoustic requirements. In active earmolds, such as in-the-ear hearing aids, they can hardly help to effectively solve the feedback problem from the electromechanical output transducer to the acoustic / electrical input transducer. Even with passive in-ear earmolds, such as hearing protection devices, they are unable to support the desired protective behavior and at the same time to maintain the desired ventilation properties.

- Cerumen sensitivity: The ventilation channels used today in the outer surface of in-ear earmolds are extremely sensitive to cerumen formation. Depending on their intensity, this can quickly, if not completely, block the ventilation channels provided with regard to their ventilation properties.

The following are for in-ear earmoulds, in particular for in-ear hearing aids or

Hearing protection devices, but also for otoplastics which only partially protrude into the ear canal, such as headphones, proposed ventilation measures which at least partially remedy the above-mentioned disadvantages of known measures.

To this end, a distinction is made between ventilation systems that

- are at least partially open against the wall of the ear canal,

- which are completely closed against the wall of the ear canal.

2a) Ventilation systems open against the wall of the ear canal

7 (a) to (f) are, using perspective, schematic representations of sections of the outer wall 18 adjacent to the auditory canal of in-the-ear Otoplastics, novel ventilation groove profiles shown in sections. According to FIG. 7 (a), the profile of the ventilation groove 20a is rectangular or square with predetermined, exactly maintained dimensioning ratios. 7 (b) is the profile of

Ventilation groove 20b in the form of a circle or ellipse in a sector, again with an exactly predetermined cross-sectional boundary curve 21b. By precisely specifying and realizing the cross-sectional shape of the ventilation grooves 20 provided, a certain degree of predictability and influencing of the acoustic transmission conditions along this groove can be realized when the inner wall of the auditory canal is in contact. Of course, the acoustic behavior is also dependent on the length with which the groove 20 extends along the outer wall 18 of the otoplastic.

7 (c) to (f) show further ventilation groove profiles which are additionally protected against cerumen. The profile of the groove 20c according to Fig. 7 (c) is T-shaped.

With regard to the wide groove cross-sectional area at 27c, the projecting portions 23c and the resultant portions

Narrowing 25c, against the wall of the ear canal, already a considerable cerumen protection effect. Even if cerumen penetrates into the constriction 25c and hardens there, this does not result in any significant constriction or even blockage of the ventilation groove, which is now a closed ventilation channel. 7 (d) to 7 (f), following the explained principle of FIG. 7 (c), the cross-sectional shape of the wide groove part 27d to 27f is designed with different shapes, according to FIG. 7 (d) in the form of a sector of a circle or corresponding to the sector one Ellipse, according to Fig. 7 (e) triangular, according to Fig. 7 (f) circular or elliptical.

Through targeted design of the groove cross-sectional area, as is only shown for example with reference to FIGS. 7 (a) to 7 (f), an acoustic groove that is already greatly improved over conventional, more or less randomly profiled ventilation grooves can be improved both in terms of acoustic properties and in terms of cerumen protection Make an impact. The profiles are modeled beforehand, taking into account the wax protection effect mentioned and the acoustic effect, and are precisely integrated into the manufactured earmolds. The additive construction methods explained above are particularly suitable for this. In order to further optimize the acoustic effect of the ventilation groove, a wide variety of acoustic impedances can be implemented along the novel ventilation grooves, which results, for example, according to FIG. 8 in ventilation grooves 29, which, progressing in their longitudinal direction, define different profiles, as can be seen in FIG

Fig. 8 composed of profiles according to Fig. 7 are shown.

Similar to the design of passive electrical networks, the acoustic transmission behavior of the groove in the ear canal can be mathematically modeled and checked, then integrated into the in-ear earmold or its shell.

Increasingly, cerumen-protected sections can be provided on exposed parts in this regard, as shown at A in FIG. 8. Furthermore, it may be desirable, especially with a view to optimizing the acoustic conditions, to design the ventilation grooves provided longer than is basically the case due to the longitudinal expansion of an in-ear earmold under consideration. As shown in FIG. 9, this is achieved in that such grooves 31 with a configuration as are shown, for example, with reference to FIGS. 7 and 8 are guided in predetermined curves along the surface of the otoplastic, for example as shown in FIG. 9 , practical as grooves that wrap around the thread like an otoplastic. Further

Optimization flexibility is achieved in that not only one ventilation groove, but several are guided on the surface of the otoplastic, as is shown schematically in FIG. 10. The high flexibility of the groove design means that depending on the area of application in the auditory canal, differently dimensioned ventilation grooves can be implemented along the earmold surface in terms of wax protection and acoustic transmission conditions.

2b) Ventilation systems with fully integrated channels

This variant of the new ventilation systems is based on ventilation channels that are completely integrated into the otoplastic at least in sections and closed against the wall of the ear canal. This system is then explained on the basis of its training on an otoplastic shell. However, it should be emphasized that if no further units are to be integrated in the otoplastic in question and it is designed as a full plastic, the following explanations are of course also true refer to a ducting as desired through the aforementioned full plastic.

Analogous to FIG. 7, FIG. 11 shows different cross-sectional shapes and area ratios of the proposed ventilation channels 33a to 33e. 11 (a), the ventilation duct 33a built into the otoplastic shell 35a has a rectangular or square cross-sectional shape. In the embodiment according to FIG. 11 (b), it, 35b, has a circular sector or elliptical sector-shaped channel cross-sectional shape. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 11 (c), the ventilation channel 33c provided has a circular or elliptical cross-sectional shape, while in the embodiment shown in FIG. 11 (d) it has a triangular cross-sectional shape.

In the embodiment according to FIG. 11 (e), the

Otoplastic shell has a complex internal shape, e.g. a bracket section 37 integrated thereon. For optimum use of space, the ventilation channel 35e provided here is designed with a cross-sectional shape that also uses complex shapes of the otoplastic shell. Accordingly, its cross-sectional shape extends, in part, in a complicated manner into the mounting strip 37 attached to the shell 35e.

Looking back at the design variant in accordance with section 2a), it should be stated that such complex cross-sectional shapes that make optimal use of the available space can also be implemented in ventilation grooves open towards the auditory canal, and, conversely, channel guides as used for open grooves in FIG. 9 and 10 are shown on closed ventilation channels. Finally, FIG. 12 shows a variant of a fully integrated ventilation duct 39, which has different cross-sectional shapes and / or cross-sectional dimensions along its longitudinal extent, as shown, for example, in the otoplastic shell 41, with which the acoustic transmission behavior can be optimized in the sense of realizing different acoustic impedance elements , In this context and referring to the following section ..., it can also be pointed out that because of the possibility of realizing complex acoustic impedance conditions, ventilation channels, in particular the closed construction shown in this section, may at least in sections at the same time act as acoustic conductor sections active on the output side on the output side Transducers, as can be used on the output side of microphones, for example in in-the-ear hearing aids.

13 and 14, in analogy to FIGS. 9 and 10, show how, on the one hand, the integrated earplugs 43 explained in this section are integrated into the respective otoplastic 43

Ventilation ducts can be lengthened by means of appropriate web guidance or, on the other hand, integrated into the otoplastic like two or more of the ducts mentioned, possibly with different and / or varying duct cross-sections, in analogy to FIG. 12.

The possibilities shown in sections 2a) and 2b), which can also be combined as desired, open up a myriad of design variants of the novel ventilation systems and, in particular, a large degree of freedom due to the different options dimensionable parameters to create optimal wax protection and optimal acoustic transmission conditions for the respective individual earmold. In all variants, the specific individual configuration of the system is preferably calculated or modeled, taking into account the needs mentioned. Then the individual earmould is realized. Again, the manufacturing process explained at the beginning with an additive construction principle, as is known from prototype construction, is particularly suitable for this, which is then controlled with the optimized model result.

3. Shape stability-optimized earmolds

This section is about introducing new types of earmolds that are optimally adapted to the dynamics of the application areas. It is known, for example, that conventional in-the-ear earmolds cannot take into account the relatively large ear canal dynamics, for example when chewing, due to their essentially identical shape stability. Likewise, for example, the acoustic conductors between the outer ear hearing aids and the auditory canal cannot freely follow the dynamics of the application area. The same problem arises with in-ear earmolds, partially weakened, also with hearing protection devices, headphones, water protection inserts, etc. In particular, their intrinsic function, for example protective effect, is partially impaired if the mentioned application area dynamics are increasingly taken into account. As an example, known hearing protection devices made of elastically deformable can be used for this Plastics are pointed out, which probably take the mentioned application area dynamics as far as possible, but at the expense of their acoustic transmission behavior.

FIG. 15 schematically shows a longitudinal sectional view of an in-ear earmold, in FIG. 16 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a section of this earmold. The earmold - e.g. for receiving electronic components - has a shell 45, which consists of stocking-like, thin-walled elastic material. The shape stability of the shell skin, which is smooth on the outside in the exemplary embodiment shown, is ensured, if desired, by ribs 47 which are integrally placed on the inside of the shell and which are made of the same material with respect to the shell skin.

Depending on the required dynamics of the in-ear earmold, on the one hand, to take account of those of the ear canal, for example, and the requirements with regard to the support and protection of internals, such as in an in-the-ear hearing aid, the course of the wall thickness of

Shell skin 45, the density and shape of the ribs 47 previously calculated and then the otoplastic constructed according to the calculated data. Again, the manufacturing method explained above using additive construction methods is extremely well suited for this.

Of course, the design of the in-ear earmold just explained can be combined with a ventilation system, as was explained with reference to FIGS. 7 to 14. In particular, the ribs provided for influencing the dimensional stability or Bendability in certain areas of the otoplastic can also be formed with a different cross-sectional profile, possibly also progressively extending in its longitudinal extent from one cross-section to the other.

In the form of a perspective illustration, the formation of the outer skin 45 with ribs 47 with varying cross-sectional areas along its longitudinal extent is shown schematically in FIG.

Instead of or in addition to the targeted wall reinforcement and targeted design of the bending or torsion behavior, briefly the shape behavior, the in-ear earmold can, as mentioned, in addition to the inner rib pattern, as shown in FIGS. 17 and 18, also External rib patterning can be provided. According to FIGS. 18 and 19, a pattern of ribs 51 is worked up on the outer surface of the otoplastic 49, possibly with different density, orientation and profile shape.

According to FIG. 19, this can be used for the otoplastics with cavity considered here, but also for

Otoplastics with no cavity, for example with no electronic components, e.g. For

Hearing protection devices or water protection devices. Such an otoplastic is shown schematically in a cross-sectional illustration in FIG. 20. The interior 53 is made, for example, from extremely compressible absorption material and is surrounded by a shaping skin shell 55 with the rib pattern 57. "Skin" 55 and the rib pattern 57 are made integrally together. Again, this is suitable Manufacturing processes explained at the beginning with the aid of additive construction processes. It remains to be seen how far in the near future these additive assembly processes can be realized by changing the processed materials on a workpiece. If this becomes possible, the path is free to build up the filler 53 simultaneously with the shell skin 55 and the ribs 57 in the respective build-up layers, for example using the exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 20.

Looking back in particular on FIGS. 18 and 19, it can be seen that with the aid of the outer rib patterns, ventilation channels or free spaces can be formed at the same time, as is shown purely schematically and, for example, by the path P.

Returning to FIG. 20, it is quite possible, if necessary and as shown in dashed lines in FIG. 20 at 57ι, even if the in-the-ear earmold is filled with material, that is, not to accommodate further structural units, such as electronic structural units, is intended to provide an inner rib pattern 57ι on the shell skin 55. As further shown in dashed lines in FIG. 20 at 59, otoplastics can also be created, which probably leave a cavity for units to be accommodated, such as electronic components, but in which the space between such a cavity 59 is specific to the necessary volumes and shapes of the additional designed to be installed units and the shell skin 55 is filled, for example, by a resilient or sound-absorbing material or to be installed Components with such a material are poured out to the shell skin 55.

The shell skin 55 or 45, according to FIGS. 15, 16 and 17, can certainly be made of an electrically conductive material, which means that an electrical one at the same time

Shielding effect for internal electronic components is created. This may also apply to the filling 53 according to FIG. 20.

15 to 20, an otoplastic was shown using the example of an in-the-ear otoplastic, the shell of which is shape-stabilized with internal and / or external ribs, which results in an extraordinarily light and selectively formable construction. Of course, this design can also be used for outer ear earmolds if necessary.

FIG. 21 shows a further embodiment variant of an in-the-ear earmold which can be bent or compressed in a targeted manner. For this purpose, the shell 61 of an otoplastic, such as in particular the shell of an in-the-ear hearing device, has a corrugated or corrugated tube formation 63 in one or more predetermined areas, by means of which it can be bent or compressed in accordance with the respective requirements. Even if FIG. 21 shows this procedure using the shell of an in-ear earmold, this procedure can be implemented and if necessary also for an outer ear earmold. Again, the manufacturing method explained at the outset is preferably used for this purpose. In this exemplary embodiment too, as was explained with reference to FIG. 20, the inner volume of the otoplastic can be filled with the filling material that is required, or built-in components can be embedded in such filling material, which results in greater stability of the device and improved acoustic conditions.

4. Modular housings / internals

Particularly in the case of in-the-ear hearing aids, there is the problem that the application area, i.e. the ear canal, its shape changes. Obviously, this is the case with adolescents. But also in adults, the ear canal changes partially, mostly in a narrowing sense (e.g. so-called diver's ear).

In the case of in-the-ear hearing aids, the problem arises that even if the hearing aid installations per se could be maintained over long periods of life, for example only the transmission behavior of the hearing aid would have to be re-adjusted according to the respective hearing conditions, but new ones again and again

Hearing aids have to be designed simply because the former no longer fit satisfactorily in the ear canal.

The measures explained in section 3 already provide the opportunity to improve this, due to the fact that this enables the otoplastic to be automatically adapted to the changing application areas. In this section, further measures are to be taken in this regard, in particular using in-the-ear Otoplastics are explained. It should be pointed out, however, that even with outer ear earmolds, such as outer ear hearing aids, this opens up the possibility of changing the “housing”, and not only if this is necessary in terms of wearing comfort, but also afterwards

Desire, for example, to change the aesthetic appearance of such outer ear hearing aids.

In FIG. 22, an in-ear earmold 65 is shown schematically and in longitudinal section, in which the shape of the inner space 67 essentially corresponds to the shape of the electronics module 69 to be accommodated, which is shown schematically in FIG. 23. The otoplastic 65 is made of rubber-elastic material and, as shown in FIG. 23, can be put over the electronics module 69. The shape of the interior 67 is such that the one or more modules to be accommodated are positively positioned and held directly by the otoplastic 65. Because of this procedure, it is easily possible to provide one and the same electronic modules 69 with different otoplastics 65, in order for example for a growing child to change

Ear canal training. The earmold practically becomes an easily replaceable disposable accessory for the in-the-ear hearing aid. The otoplastic 65 can be easily replaced not only to take account of changing conditions in the application area, namely the ear canal, but also simply for reasons of contamination. This concept can even be used to carry out medical applications, for example in the case of ear canal infections, for example by applying medication to the patient Otoplastic outer surface or at least to use sterilized otoplastics at regular intervals.

The concept shown in FIGS. 22 and 23 can of course be combined with the concepts set out in sections 2 and 3, and the otoplastic 65 is preferably manufactured according to the manufacturing process explained in section 1), which allows the formation of the most complex internal shapes for play and allows vibration-free recording of module 69.

As can be seen from FIGS. 22 and 23, the phase plate 1, which is otherwise provided in conventional in-the-ear hearing aids, is built integrally with the otoplastic, for example as part of the module holder. The same applies to further holders and receptacles for electronic components of the hearing aid.

If the layer-by-layer build-up method described in section 1) is implemented, as shown by dash-dotted lines in FIG. 22 and in the direction indicated by the arrow AB, then it should be possible without further ado, the otoplastic in the mentioned direction AB according to requirements to be made from different materials in the respective areas. This also applies to the earmoulds set out in sections 2) and 3) and to those explained in the following sections 5), 6) and 7). Using the example of FIG. 22, it is therefore entirely possible to manufacture the area 65 _a from rubber-elastic material, whereas the exit area 65 _{b is} made from more dimensionally stable material.

24 shows a further embodiment of an otoplastic, again as an example using an in-the-ear hearing device, which is simple, quick Replacing the internal fittings allows. Basically, it is proposed to design the otoplastic shell on an in-the-ear otoplastic with internals, as can be seen in FIG. 24. By means of fast-acting closures, such as snap-in closures, latch-in closures or even bayonet-like closures, it is possible to quickly separate housing parts 73a and 73b on the in-ear earmold, to remove the internals such as electronic modules and to re-install them in a new shell, if necessary with a changed outer shape or basically in a new bowl, even if this is necessary for cleaning reasons, sterility reasons, etc. If it is intended to throw away the already used shell, it is readily possible to design the connections of the shell parts in such a way that the shell can only be opened in a destructive manner, for example by providing locking elements such as latches that are not accessible from the outside and cutting the shell open for their removal becomes.

This embodiment can of course also be combined with the embodiment variants described so far and still to be described.

5. Integration of acoustic conductors in earmolds or their shells

In the case of outer ear as well as in-the-ear hearing aids, it is customary to include provided acoustic / electrical transducers or electro-acoustic output transducers on the input or output side via acoustic conductors assembled as independent parts, namely tube-like structures to couple the surroundings of the hearing aid, or, particularly in the case of acoustic / electrical transducers on the input side, to place them with their receiving surface directly in the area of the surfaces of the hearing aid, possibly only separated from the surroundings by slight cavities and protective measures.

In the design of such hearing aids, there is a relatively large bond between the actual transducers in the hearing aid and where the actual coupling openings to the surroundings are to be provided on the hearing aid. It would be highly desirable to have the greatest possible freedom of design with regard to the arrangement of coupling openings to the surroundings and the arrangement of the transducers mentioned within the hearing aid.

This is fundamentally achieved in that the above-mentioned acoustic conductors - on the input side of acoustic / electrical transducers or on the output side of electrical / acoustic transducers - are integrated into the otoplastic or into the wall of otoplastic shells.

This is shown purely schematically in FIG. 25. On

Converter module 75 has an acoustic input or output 77. The shell 79 of the otoplastic of an in-the-ear or an outer-ear hearing device or a headphone has, integrated in it, an acoustic conductor 81. It lies at least in sections and, as shown in FIG. 25, within the wall of the otoplastic shell 79. The respective acoustic impedance of the acoustic conductor 81 is preferably adapted by means of acoustic stub lines or line sections 83. This concept, with a view to outer ear hearing aids, makes it possible to move along the Hearing aid offset and where desired to provide acoustic input openings 85, to couple them via the acoustic conductors 89 integrated in the earmold or their shell 87 to the provided acoustic / electrical transducers 91, essentially regardless of where these transducers 91 are installed in the hearing aid. 26 only shows, for example, centralizing two transducers into one module and connecting their inputs to the desired receiving openings 85 by the aforementioned guidance of the acoustic conductors 89. From consideration of FIGS. 25 and 26 and the explanations in section 2) regarding the novel ventilation systems, it becomes clear that it is quite possible to use ventilation channels as acoustic conductor channels, especially if, as schematized in FIG. 25, by means of acoustic adapters 83 the acoustic impedance conditions are specifically designed.

6. Labeling of earmolds

In the manufacture of earmolds, in particular in-ear earmolds, each is individually adapted to its respective wearer. Therefore, it would be extremely desirable to mark each earmold that is manufactured, as mentioned in particular each in-ear earmold, and particularly each in-the-ear hearing aid. It is therefore proposed to insert into or into the otoplastic

Shell, by indentations and / or by bulges, to provide individual identification which, in addition to the individual customer, e.g. Manufacturer,

Product serial number, left-right application etc. may contain. Such labeling is much more preferred Way created in the manufacture of the earmold with the removal process described under 1). This ensures that any confusion of the earmolds is excluded from production. This is particularly important in the subsequent, possibly automated

Assembly with other modules, such as the assembly of in-the-ear hearing aids.

This procedure can of course be implemented in combination with one or more of the aspects described in sections 2) to 5).

7. Optimization of earmolds with regard to the dynamics of the application area

For the shaping of earmolds for in-the-ear application, for example for in-the-ear hearing aids, it is common today to take an impression of the ear canal, for example in silicone. If one now takes into account the relatively large movement dynamics of the ear canal, for example during the chewing process, it can be seen that the support of the in-the-ear otoplastic mold on a practically corresponding snapshot is hardly at all

The result is a result that is completely satisfactory in use. As is now shown in FIG. 27 on the basis of a simplified function block / signal flow diagram, the dynamic application area, represented by block 93, takes shape at several positions corresponding to the dynamics occurring in practice or, like a film, the dynamics of the application area itself registered. The resulting data records are stored in a storage unit 95. This can also be achieved with the conventional procedure of taking impressions by taking the impressions corresponding to the practical dynamics from the application area in two or more positions.

These impressions are then scanned and the respective digital data records are stored in the storage unit 95. As a further possibility, for example, the dynamics of the application area can be recorded by means of X-ray images.

Depending on the accuracy to be achieved, several “images” or even practically a “film” of the movement pattern of the application area of interest are registered. The data registered in the storage unit 95 are then fed to a computing unit 97. On the output side, the computing unit 97 controls the manufacturing process 99 for the earmold. If, for example, and as is still the case today, in-ear earmoulds are manufactured with a relatively hard shell, the computing unit 97 calculates the best fit for the dynamic data stored on the storage unit 95 and, if necessary, as shown schematically at K, other manufacturing parameters the

Otoplastics, so that optimal comfort is achieved in everyday life, while maintaining their functionality. If the otoplastic to be manufactured is implemented according to the principle set out in section 3), the computing unit 97 determines which otoplastic areas are to be designed and how, in terms of their flexibility, bendability, compressibility, etc., as mentioned, the computing unit 97 controls the manufacturing process 99 , preferably the manufacturing process as set out in Section 1) as the preferred process.

Claims

Patent claims:

1. In-the-ear otoplastic with at least one ventilation passage, which extends essentially along the otoplastic, between an area facing the eardrum and an area facing the ear, characterized in that the cross-sectional area of the passage, progressing along the passage, in shape and / or dimension changes.

2. In-ear earmold according to the preamble of claim 1, characterized in that at least two of the passages are provided.

3. In-ear earmold according to the preamble of claim 1, characterized in that the ventilation passage is formed at least in one section as an at least partially covered channel.

4. Otoplasty according to at least two of claims 1, 2 or 3.

5. Otoplastic according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the passage is formed at least in one section as a closed channel.

6. Otoplastic according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the passage is formed by an at least partially covered channel at least in one section and the material forming the cover passes homogeneously into the material of the earmold material surrounding the channel.

7. Otoplastic according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the ventilation passage is substantially longer than given by the aforementioned longitudinal expansion of the otoplastic.

8. Otoplastic according to at least one of claims 1 to 7 with at least one acoustic / electrical or electrical / acoustic transducer, characterized in that the transducer communicates with the surroundings of the otoplastic via a section of a ventilation passage.

9. Otoplastic according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that it is an in-the-ear hearing aid, part of a headphone, a noise protection device or a water protection device.