EP1320340A1 - Prothese auditive intra-auriculaire - Google Patents

Prothese auditive intra-auriculaire

Info

Publication number
EP1320340A1
EP1320340A1 EP00960274A EP00960274A EP1320340A1 EP 1320340 A1 EP1320340 A1 EP 1320340A1 EP 00960274 A EP00960274 A EP 00960274A EP 00960274 A EP00960274 A EP 00960274A EP 1320340 A1 EP1320340 A1 EP 1320340A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
otoplastic
ear
ventilation
acoustic
shell
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Withdrawn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
EP00960274A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
Inventor
Christoph Widmer
Hans Hessel
Markus Weidmann
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.)
Sonova Holding AG
Original Assignee
Phonak AG
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 Phonak AG filed Critical Phonak AG
Publication of EP1320340A1 publication Critical patent/EP1320340A1/fr
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04R—LOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; DEAF-AID SETS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS
    • H04R25/00—Deaf-aid sets, i.e. electro-acoustic or electro-mechanical hearing aids; Electric tinnitus maskers providing an auditory perception
    • H04R25/65—Housing parts, e.g. shells, tips or moulds, or their manufacture
    • H04R25/652—Ear tips; Ear moulds
    • 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
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04R—LOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; DEAF-AID SETS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS
    • H04R25/00—Deaf-aid sets, i.e. electro-acoustic or electro-mechanical hearing aids; Electric tinnitus maskers providing an auditory perception
    • H04R25/65—Housing parts, e.g. shells, tips or moulds, or their manufacture
    • H04R25/658—Manufacture of housing parts
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04R—LOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; DEAF-AID SETS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS
    • H04R2460/00—Details of hearing devices, i.e. of ear- or headphones covered by H04R1/10 or H04R5/033 but not provided for in any of their subgroups, or of hearing aids covered by H04R25/00 but not provided for in any of its subgroups
    • H04R2460/11—Aspects relating to vents, e.g. shape, orientation, acoustic properties in ear tips of hearing devices to prevent occlusion
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04R—LOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; DEAF-AID SETS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS
    • H04R25/00—Deaf-aid sets, i.e. electro-acoustic or electro-mechanical hearing aids; Electric tinnitus maskers providing an auditory perception
    • H04R25/65—Housing parts, e.g. shells, tips or moulds, or their manufacture
    • H04R25/652—Ear tips; Ear moulds
    • H04R25/654—Ear wax retarders

Definitions

  • 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.
  • this is solved in that the cross-sectional area of the passage, along 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • FIG. 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;
  • FIG. 6 shows an in-the-ear hearing aid with a ventilation groove incorporated in a known manner
  • FIG. 10 in a representation analogous to Fig. 9, an in-ear earmold with several according to the invention
  • 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
  • FIG. 16 shows a section of the otoplastic according to FIG. 15 in cross section, the ribs being different
  • Fig. 17 shows the perspective of a section
  • FIG. 18 shows a representation analogous to FIG. 15, an in-ear otoplastic with external ribbing
  • FIG. 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
  • 21 schematically shows a longitudinal section of an otoplastic shell with a flexible and compressible portion
  • FIG. 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;
  • 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
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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:
  • 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:
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • the UV laser mentioned the second cut layer of the otoplastic or its shell is solidified on the already solidified layer.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Fig. 1 is shown schematically how, in a
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • materials for additive construction processes 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • receptacles and holders for components for example: 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).
  • FIG. 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.
  • 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.
  • the cerumen protective cap 15 a directly integrated into the shell 16a of the otherwise identical in-ear earmold 11a.
  • P in FIG. 4 where a material inhomogeneity or interface necessarily arises in conventional methods, lies moderately
  • cerumen protection systems and other functional elements can be integrated using the above-mentioned manufacturing process.
  • Ventilation channels are hardly adapted to the respective acoustic requirements.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • FIG. 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.
  • 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.
  • FIG. 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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. 8
  • Fig. 8 composed of profiles according to Fig. 7 are shown.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • FIG. 11 shows different cross-sectional shapes and area ratios of the proposed ventilation channels 33a to 33e.
  • the ventilation duct 33a built into the otoplastic shell 35a has a rectangular or square cross-sectional shape.
  • 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.
  • Otoplastic shell has a complex internal shape, e.g. a bracket section 37 integrated thereon.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • FIGS. 9 and 10 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • FIG. 15 schematically shows a longitudinal sectional view of an in-ear earmold
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • FIG. 20 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.
  • Ventilation channels or free spaces can be formed at the same time, as is shown purely schematically and, for example, by the path P.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • the manufacturing method explained at the outset is preferably used for this purpose.
  • 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.
  • Hearing aids have to be designed simply because the former no longer fit satisfactorily in the ear canal.
  • 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
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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 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).
  • the exit area 65 b is made from more dimensionally stable material.
  • FIG. 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.
  • fast-acting closures such as snap-in closures, latch-in closures or even bayonet-like closures
  • housing parts 73a and 73b on the in-ear earmold 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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 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.
  • 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
  • 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.
  • the dynamics of the application area can be recorded by means of X-ray images.
  • 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
  • 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.

Landscapes

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

Abstract

Prothèse auditive intra-auriculaire, en particulier appareil auditif intra-auriculaire, qui possède un passage d'aération (39) pour le tympan, la forme et / ou la dimension de la section transversale du passage variant en permanence le long dudit passage.
EP00960274A 2000-09-25 2000-09-25 Prothese auditive intra-auriculaire Withdrawn EP1320340A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PCT/CH2000/000520 WO2002024128A1 (fr) 2000-09-25 2000-09-25 Prothese auditive intra-auriculaire

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP1320340A1 true EP1320340A1 (fr) 2003-06-25

Family

ID=4358133

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP00960274A Withdrawn EP1320340A1 (fr) 2000-09-25 2000-09-25 Prothese auditive intra-auriculaire

Country Status (5)

Country Link
EP (1) EP1320340A1 (fr)
JP (1) JP2004508155A (fr)
AU (2) AU2000272655B9 (fr)
CA (1) CA2421294A1 (fr)
WO (1) WO2002024128A1 (fr)

Families Citing this family (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
ITRM20070130U1 (it) * 2007-06-06 2007-09-05 Andrea Angeloni Dispositivo intrauricolare
DE202009003670U1 (de) 2009-03-17 2009-05-28 Kimmerle, Hans-Georg Selektiver, individueller Gehör- und Lärmschutz
DE102017219882B3 (de) 2017-11-08 2019-01-03 Sivantos Pte. Ltd. Hörgerät

Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP1046382A1 (fr) * 1999-04-23 2000-10-25 Groeneveld Elcea B.V. Filtre amortisseur acoustique, protecteur d'oreilles et méthode de fabrication d'une membrane à cet usage
WO2001005207A2 (fr) * 2000-06-30 2001-01-25 Phonak Ag Procede de fabrication d'otoplastiques et otoplastique y relatif
WO2001076520A1 (fr) * 2000-04-06 2001-10-18 Bacou-Dalloz Ab Bouchon d'oreille
WO2002003757A1 (fr) * 2000-06-29 2002-01-10 Beltone Electronics Corporation Appareil de correction auditive compressible

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4143657A (en) * 1977-05-19 1979-03-13 Hidetaka Takeda Earplug
DE8816266U1 (fr) * 1988-01-19 1989-04-13 Siemens Ag, 1000 Berlin Und 8000 Muenchen, De
DE4008982A1 (de) * 1990-03-21 1991-09-26 Bosch Gmbh Robert Im ohr zu tragendes hoergeraet oder otoplastik mit einem belueftungskanal
US5488961A (en) * 1994-11-30 1996-02-06 Adams; Daniel O. Hydrophobic ear plugs
DE19843389C2 (de) * 1998-09-22 2002-07-11 Fariborz-Hassan Dirinpur Perforierte Otoplastik für Hörgeräte
DE19942707C2 (de) * 1999-09-07 2002-08-01 Siemens Audiologische Technik Im Ohr tragbares Hörhilfegerät oder Hörhilfegerät mit im Ohr tragbarer Otoplastik

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP1046382A1 (fr) * 1999-04-23 2000-10-25 Groeneveld Elcea B.V. Filtre amortisseur acoustique, protecteur d'oreilles et méthode de fabrication d'une membrane à cet usage
WO2001076520A1 (fr) * 2000-04-06 2001-10-18 Bacou-Dalloz Ab Bouchon d'oreille
WO2002003757A1 (fr) * 2000-06-29 2002-01-10 Beltone Electronics Corporation Appareil de correction auditive compressible
WO2001005207A2 (fr) * 2000-06-30 2001-01-25 Phonak Ag Procede de fabrication d'otoplastiques et otoplastique y relatif

Non-Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Title
See also references of WO0224128A1 *

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
AU7265500A (en) 2002-04-02
AU2000272655B9 (en) 2006-05-11
JP2004508155A (ja) 2004-03-18
AU2000272655B2 (en) 2005-08-18
WO2002024128A1 (fr) 2002-03-28
CA2421294A1 (fr) 2002-03-28

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