EP1321011B1 - Otoplastic with an integrated module, in-ear otoplastic and method for adapting otoplastics - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to an in-ear hearing aid whose shell (65) is rubber-elastic. This enables the shell to be changed modularly without changing the electronics module on which it is mounted.

Description

The present invention relates to an earmold according to the preamble of claim 1, a method according to that of claim 9, uses of the method according to claims 10 and 11 and a shell said earmold according to claim 12.

The present invention is based on problems that arise in conventional hearing aids. The solution of the mentioned problems can also be used for other earmolds, such as for headphones.

Basically, the present invention is based on the problem that until today hearing aids are manufactured integrally and are usually replaced as such. However, considering children and their growing up, for example, it can be seen that, due to growth, both outer ear and - and more specifically - in-the-ear hearing aids have to be changed following growth, resulting in either lower cost child infancy Use hearing aids, or if the best hearing aids are used from the acoustic hearing aid behaviors from the beginning, results in a relatively high cost over the years.

Although it would be possible to disassemble a hearing aid and provide it with a new shell that bears the growth in the meantime, it is very difficult to achieve this. In in-the-ear hearing aids, he is hardly justifiable big.

From the US 518 5802 a hearing aid is known which has a module and a shell enclosing this. The shell may be made of resilient or stiff material. The module has a tapered shape from one end to the other and, correspondingly, the shell has a tapered inner shape. Restraining parts on the outer surface of the module and on the inner surface of the shell secure the module in the shell after assembly.

From the EP 085 5847 is a hearing aid with a protective sleeve known, which consists of a thin elastic material, such as rubber. Between the protective cover and the hearing aid module can be installed an earmold, which is covered with the protective cover. The protective cover can be rolled up before use in the manner of a condom and can thus easily be mounted on the corresponding part of the hearing aid and removed again.

Starting from a earmold of the type mentioned, it is an object of the present invention to provide an earmold what the shell can be replaced with less effort.

This is made possible by an earmold of the aforementioned type, in which the shell has at least one rubber-elastic part with an insertion or removal opening for the module.

This makes it possible to pull or put the shell of the earmold practically over the plugged into the insertion module, and also to squeeze the module out of the shell. Optionally, this may well for the removal of the module from an existing shell be destroyed, for example, by slitting, and disposed of as a disposable practically, then a new shell is placed over the module.

In a preferred embodiment of the earmold according to the invention, the shell is made of rubber-elastic material.

In a further far preferred embodiment of the earmold according to the invention, its rubber-elastic properties are additionally utilized in that the shell at least partially encompasses the module at least in a form-fitting manner. By all means it is possible to embrace the mentioned module at least partially not only positively, but, as part of the elasticity of the rubber-elastic material, also stretched rubber-elastic, so partially non-positively. Thus, it is particularly preferred that the rubber-elastic portion at least partially surrounds the module and at least partially positively, wherein it is quite possible that even a non-elastomeric material shell portion, the module positively or even non-positively engages or clamped.

In a further preferred embodiment, it is proposed that the opening on the rubber-elastic part is smaller than the largest cross-sectional dimension of the module, viewed in a plane perpendicular to an insertion direction of the module into the opening or the shell. As a result, a phase plate is created practically on the rubber-elastic part, which, after complete insertion of the module into the shell at least partially over the module, once inserted, again closes. The module may consist of a single module in which individual sub-modules such as electronic components already united into one unit, such as shed, or the mentioned module consists of two or more sub-modules, which are then inserted in the correct order in the shell. Preferably, the module comprises a battery and / or one or more electronic modules.

More preferably, the earmold according to the invention is an in-ear or outer-ear hearing device.

With the earmold according to the invention it is now possible, without wear on installed modules, to change the shell. In addition to the case of growth explained in the introduction, this is in principle extremely useful in the case of changes in the area of application, with changes in the auditory canal in the case of in-the-ear hearing aids. Due to the ease with which the shell can be exchanged on the earmold according to the invention, however, it is even possible to replace shells in the case of external ear hearing aids, for example for changing the hearing aid color or in general for its aesthetic appearance. In addition, however, a bowl change in both outer ear devices as well as, and in particular, be indicated for in-ear earmolds for reasons of purity, namely, the earmold, practically as a disposable item, is replaced instead of the relatively expensive cleaning of the earmold. In particular, this procedure is used when diseases of the application area are present, in in-ear earmolds of the ear canal, and sterile shells are used in relatively short intervals or the bowls are even used as a drug carrier, which are then change depending on the progress of the healing process anyway. It is quite possible, for example, to incorporate medicaments which diffuse into the outer surface of the shell into the surrounding tissue in order to use the earmold shells as medicament carriers.

The above-mentioned inventive method is now further to solve the problems mentioned in the fact that you change the Otoplastikschale module. In analogy to the above statements, it is suggested that the earmold shell be rubber-elastic over the module and accordingly the module squeezes out of the otoplastikschale or if necessary also destroys an earmold shell to be changed, for example by slitting it, and a new shell rubber-elastic over the exposed one Module inverts.

The need for a bowl change can be tuned quite well with the duration of use of a designated battery.

The inventive method is particularly suitable for hearing aids, in which the cost of the recorded modules is high. Furthermore, the inventive method for in-ear earmolds is suitable for changes in the ear canal. Both the earmold according to the invention and the method according to the invention are furthermore suitable for exchanging the earmold shell for sterility reasons and / or for the application of medical products.

Fig. 1

ein vereinfachtes Schema einer nach dem bevorzugten Fertigungsverfahren arbeitenden Fertigungsanlage für die Optimierung industrieller Fertigung von Otoplastiken;

Fig. 2

in einer Darstellung analog zu derjenigen von Fig. 1, eine weitere Anlagenkonzeption;

Fig. 3

in Darstellung analog zu denjenigen der Figuren 1 und 2, eine noch weitere Anlagenkonzeption;

Fig. 4

schematisch ein Im-Ohr-Hörgerät mit auf bekannte Art und Weise aufgesetzter Cerumen-Schutzkappe;

Fig. 5

in Darstellung analog zu Fig. 4, ein mit Cerumen-Schutzkappe gefertigtes Im-Ohr-Hörgerät;

Fig. 6

ein Im-Ohr-Hörgerät mit einer auf bekannte Art und Weise eingearbeiteten Belüftungsnut;

Fig. 7(a) bis (f)

anhand perspektivisch dargestellter Ausschnitte von Otoplastik-Schalenoberflächen, neuartige Belüftungsnuten;

Fig. 8

anhand eines schematischen Ausschnittes einer Otoplastik-Oberfläche, eine Belüftungsnut mit entlang ihrer Längsausdehnung variierendem Querschnitt bzw. variierender Querschnittsform;

Fig. 9

schematisch eine Im-Ohr-Otoplastik mit verlängerter Belüftungsnut;

Fig. 10

in Darstellung analog zu Fig. 9, eine Im-Ohr-Otoplastik mit mehreren Belüftungsnuten;

Fig. 11 (a) bis (e)

Ausschnitte von Otoplastikschalen mit eingearbeiteten Belüftungskanälen verschiedener Querschnittsformen und Dimensionen;

Fig. 12

in einer Darstellung analog zu derjenigen von Fig. 8, ein Belüftungskanal in einer Otoplastikschale mit entlang seiner Längsausdehnung variierender Querschnittsform bzw. variierender Querschnittsfläche;

Fig. 13

in Analogie zur Darstellung von Fig. 9, schematisch eine Im-Ohr-Otoplastik mit eingearbeitetem, verlängerten Belüftungskanal;

Fig. 14

in Darstellung analog zu Fig. 10, eine Im-Ohr-Otoplastik mit mehreren Belüftungskanälen;

Fig. 15

schematisch eine Länggsschnittdarstellung einer Im-Ohr-Otoplastik mit gerippter Innenfläche;

Fig. 16

einen Ausschnitt der Otoplastik gemäss Fig. 15 im Querschnitt, wobei die Rippen unterschiedliche Querschnittsflächen aufweisen;

Fig. 17

perspektivisch den Ausschnitt einer Otoplastikschale mit Innenrippung nach Fig. 15 oder 16, wobei die Rippen entlang ihrer Längsausdehnung unterschiedliche Querschnittsformen und Dimensionen aufweisen;

Fig. 18

in Darstellung analog zu Fig. 15, eine Im-Ohr-Otoplastik mit Aussenrippung;

Fig. 19

schematisch einen Ausschnitt aus einer gemäss Fig. 18 gerippten Otoplastikschale mit Rippen unterschiedlicher Querschnittsflächen;

Fig. 20

schematisch einen Querschnitt durch eine Otoplastik mit Aussenrippung, ggf. Innenrippung, und mindestens teilweise Füllmaterial-gefülltem Innenraum;

Fig. 21

schematisch einen Längsschnitt-Ausschnitt einer Otoplastikschale mit biege- und stauchflexibler Partie;

Fig. 22

schematisch im Längsschnitt, eine erfindungsgemässe Im-Ohr-Otoplastik mit Aufnahmeraum für ein Elektronikmodul;

Fig. 23

die erfindungsgemässe Otoplastik nach Fig. 22 bei ihrem Aufstülpen über ein Elektronikmodul;

Fig. 24

perspektivisch und schematisch, eine Im-Ohr-Otoplastik, wie insbesondere ein Im-Ohr-Hörgerät, mit zweiteiliger, separierbarer und assemblierbarer Otoplastikschale;

Fig. 25

ausschnittsweise und schematisch, die Integration von akustischen Leitern und Anpassgliedern zu einem akustisch/elektrischen oder elektrisch/akustischen Wandler, in einer Otoplastik;

Fig. 26

in Darstellung analog zu derjenigen von Fig. 25, die Anordnung zweier oder mehrerer akustischer Leiter in der Schale einer Otoplastikschale, und

Fig. 27

anhand eines vereinfachten Signalfluss/Funktionsblockdiagrammes, ein Vorgehen bzw. eine Anordnung zu dessen Ausführung, bei dem bzw. der die Dynamik des Applikationsbereiches einer Otoplastik für deren Formgebung berücksichtigt wird.

The invention will be explained by way of example with reference to figures. Show it:

Fig. 1

a simplified diagram of a working according to the preferred manufacturing method manufacturing plant for the optimization of industrial production of earmolds;

Fig. 2

in a representation analogous to that of Figure 1, a further plant design.

Fig. 3

in representation analogous to those of Figures 1 and 2, a still further plant design;

Fig. 4

schematically an in-ear hearing aid with attached in a known manner cerumen protective cap;

Fig. 5

in a representation analogous to FIG. 4, a toe ear hearing device produced with a cerumen protective cap;

Fig. 6

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

FIGS. 7 (a) to (f)

perspective cutouts of earmold shell surfaces, novel ventilation grooves;

Fig. 8

Based on a schematic section of an earmold surface, a ventilation groove with along its longitudinal extent varying cross-section or varying cross-sectional shape;

Fig. 9

schematically an in-ear earmold with extended ventilation groove;

Fig. 10

in illustration analogous to Figure 9, an in-ear earmold with several ventilation grooves.

Fig. 11 (a) to (e)

Cutouts of earmold shells with integrated ventilation channels of various cross-sectional shapes and dimensions;

Fig. 12

in a representation analogous to that of FIG. 8, a ventilation channel in an otoplastic shell with a varying cross-sectional shape or varying cross-sectional area along its longitudinal extent;

Fig. 13

in analogy to the illustration of Figure 9, schematically an in-ear earmold with incorporated, extended ventilation duct.

Fig. 14

in illustration analogous to FIG. 10, an in-ear earmold with a plurality of ventilation channels;

Fig. 15

schematically a Länggsschnittdarstellung an in-ear earmold with ribbed inner surface;

Fig. 16

a section of the earmold according to FIG. 15 in cross section, wherein the ribs have different cross-sectional areas;

Fig. 17

in perspective, the detail of an ear mold shell with inner ribbing according to FIG. 15 or 16, wherein the ribs along their longitudinal extent have different cross-sectional shapes and dimensions;

Fig. 18

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

Fig. 19

schematically a section of a ribbed in accordance with Figure 18 Otoplastikschale with ribs of different cross-sectional areas.

Fig. 20

schematically a cross section through an ear mold with external ribbing, possibly inner ribbing, and at least partially filling material-filled interior;

Fig. 21

schematically a longitudinal section of a cutout Otoplastikschale with flexible and stauchflexibler game;

Fig. 22

schematically in longitudinal section, an inventive in-ear earmold with receiving space for an electronic module;

Fig. 23

the earmold according to the invention according to FIG. 22 during its slipping over an electronic module;

Fig. 24

perspective and schematic, an in-ear earmold, in particular an in-ear hearing aid, with two-part, separable and assemblable Otoplastikschale;

Fig. 25

fragmentary and schematic, the integration of acoustic conductors and fitting members to an acoustic / electrical or electrical / acoustic transducer, in an earmold;

Fig. 26

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

Fig. 27

Based on a simplified signal flow / function block diagram, a procedure or an arrangement for its execution, in which or the dynamics of the application area of an earmold for their shaping is taken into account.

The embodiments of earmolds described following the manufacturing method are preferably all manufactured with this described manufacturing method.

definition

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

1. Manufacturing process

The production method, which is preferably used to manufacture the otoplastics described in detail below, is based on digitizing the shape of an individual application area for an intended otoplastic in three dimensions, then creating the otoplastic or its shell by an additive construction method. Additive construction methods are also known by the term "rapid prototyping".

• http://ltk.hut.fi/-koukka/RP/rptree.html    (1)
  oder auf
• Wohlers Report 2000, Rapid Prototyping
  & Tooling State of the industry    (2)

With regard to such additive processes already used in rapid prototyping, reference is made, for example, to:

• http://ltk.hut.fi/-koukka/RP/rptree.html (1)
  or on
• Wohler's Report 2000, Rapid Prototyping
  & Tooling State of the Industry (2)

• Lasersintern: Auf einem Pulverbett wird, beispielsweise mittels eines Rollers, Heissschmelzpulver in einer dünnen Schicht aufgetragen. Mittels eines Laserstrahls wird die Pulverschicht verfestigt, wobei der Laserstrahl u.a. entsprechend einer Schnittschicht der Otoplastik bzw. Otoplastikschale mittels der 3D-Forminformation des individuellen Applikationsbereiches angesteuert wird. Es entsteht in dem im übrigen losen Pulver eine verfestigte Schnittschicht der Otoplastik bzw. deren Schale. Diese wird aus der Pulververlegeebene abgesenkt und darüber eine neue Pulverschicht aufgebracht, diese wiederum einer Schnittschicht entsprechend laserverfestigt, etc.
• Laser- bzw. Stereolithographie: Eine erste Schnittschicht einer Otoplastik bzw. einer Otoplastikschale wird mittels W-Laser an der Oberfläche flüssigen Fotopolymers verfestigt. Die verfestigte Schicht wird abgesenkt und wird wieder von Flüssigpolymer bedeckt. Mittels des erwähnten UV-Lasers wird, auf der bereits verfestigten Schicht, die zweite Schnittschicht der Otoplastik bzw. deren Schale verfestigt. Wiederum erfolgt die Laserpositionssteuerung u.a. mittels der 3D-Daten bzw. Information des individuellen, vorgängig erfassten Applikationsbereiches.
• Thermojetverfahren: Die Konturbildung entsprechend einer Schnittschicht der Otoplastik bzw. der Otoplastikschale wird ähnlich wie bei einem Tintenstrahldrucker durch Flüssigauftrag u.a. gemäss der digitalisierten 3D-Forminformation, insbesondere auch des individuellen Applikationsbereiches vorgenommen. Danach wird die abgelegte Schnitt-"Zeichnung" verfestigt. Wiederum wird gemäss dem Prinzip der additiven Aufbauverfahren Schicht um Schicht zum Aufbau der Otoplastik bzw. deren Schale abgelegt.

From the group of these additive methods known today for rapid prototyping, laser sintering, laser or stereolithography or the thermojet method are particularly well suited to construct earmolds or their shells, and in particular the special embodiments described below. Therefore, only briefly summarizing specifications of these preferred additive construction methods:

• Laser sintering: On a powder bed, for example by means of a roller, hotmelt powder is applied in a thin layer. By means of a laser beam, the powder layer is solidified, wherein the laser beam is driven, inter alia, corresponding to a sectional layer of the earmold or earmold shell by means of the 3D shape information of the individual application area. It arises in the otherwise loose powder a solidified layer of the otoplastic or its shell. This is lowered from the powder laying plane and applied to it a new powder layer, this in turn laser-solidified according to a cut layer, etc.
• Laser or Stereolithography: A first slice of an earmold or earmold shell is solidified by W-laser on the surface of liquid photopolymer. The solidified layer is lowered and again covered by liquid polymer. By means of the mentioned UV laser, the second cut layer of the otoplastic or its shell is solidified on the already solidified layer. Again, the laser position control takes place inter alia by means of the 3D data or information of the individual, previously recorded application area.
• Thermojet process: The contour formation according to a sectional layer of the earmold or the earmold shell is carried out similarly to an inkjet printer by liquid application, inter alia, according to the digitized 3D shape information, in particular also of the individual application area. Then the filed cut "drawing" is solidified. Again, according to the principle of the additive build-up process, layer by layer is laid down to build up the otoplastic or its shell.

• 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 bzw.
• http: //www.biba.uni-bremen.de/groups/rp/rp_intro.html   (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)

With regard to additive construction methods and the aforementioned preferred, the following further publications can be referred to:

• 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
• http://www.biba.uni-bremen.de/groups/rp/rp_intro.html (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, therefore, a thin layer of material is deposited on a surface in additive construction process, be it laser sintering or stereolithography over the entire surface, be it as in Thermojetverfahren already in the contour of a section of the earpiece under construction or its shell. Then, the desired sectional shape is stabilized or solidified.

If a layer has solidified, a new layer is laid over it as described and this in turn solidified and connected to the underlying, already finished layer. Thus, the earmold or its shell is created layer by layer by additive layer-by-layer application.

For industrial production, preferably not only the cut layer for an individual otoplastic or its shell is deposited or solidified, but at the same time several individual ones. In laser sintering solidifies e.g. a laser, usually mirror-controlled, one behind the other the cut layers of several earmolds or their shells before all solidified cut layers are lowered together. Subsequently, after depositing a new powder layer over all 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 are digitally controlled and manufactured individually.

In this case, either a single laser beam is used to solidify the plurality of slice layers and / or more than one jet is operated and driven in parallel.

An alternative to this procedure is to solidify a slice with a laser, while at the same time the powder layer is deposited for the formation of another earmold or earmold. Thereafter, the same laser solidifies the prepared powder layer corresponding to the cut layer for the further plastic, while the previously solidified layer is lowered and there a new powder layer is deposited. The laser then intermittently operates between two or more earmolds or earmold shells that are under construction, wherein the laser insert dead time resulting from the powder deposition during the formation of one of the shells is exploited for the consolidation of a cut layer of another earmold which is under construction.

In Fig. 1 is shown schematically how, in one embodiment, by means of laser sintering or laser or stereolithography several earmolds or their shells are manufactured industrially in a parallel process. Above the material bed 1 for powder or liquid medium, the laser with control unit 5 and beam 3 is mounted. In position 1, it solidifies the layer S _{1 of} a first otoplastic or its shell, driven by the first individual data set D ₁ . Thereafter, it is moved to a displacement device 7 in a second position, where he creates the layer S ₂ according to a further individual contour with the individual record D ₂ . Of course, several of the lasers can be moved as a unit and in each case more than one individual earmold layer can be created simultaneously. Only when the intended lasers 5 have produced the respective individual layers in all intended positions is the powder feed shown generally at 9 in the case of laser sintering deposited a new powder layer, while (not shown) in laser or stereolithography the solidified layers S be lowered in the fluid bed.

According to FIG. 2, layers of individual otoplastics or their shells are simultaneously solidified on one or more liquid or powder beds 1, with a plurality of lasers 5, which are individually controlled at the same time. Again, with the powder dispensing unit 9 after completion of this solidification phase and after stopping The laser deposited a new layer of powder, while in the case of laser or stereolithography, the newly solidified layers or already solidified structures are lowered in the fluid bed.

Referring to FIG. 3 solidifies laser 5 on a powder or liquid bed 1a, the layer S ₁ in order then switch over to the bed 1b (dashed lines) to which during the solidification phase at the bed 1a, the powder application device 9b on a previously solidified layer S ₁ - ablates powder or, in laser or stereolithography, the layer S ₁ - is lowered. Only when the laser 5 becomes active at the bed 1b is carried out with the powder dispenser 9a depositing a renewed layer of powder over the just solidified layer S ₁ at the bed 1a, or the layer S ₁ is done lowering in the fluid bed 1a.

When using the Thermojetverfahren and analog productivity increase cut layers of more than one otoplastic or their shells are simultaneously deposited, practically in a drawing train by a application head or, in parallel, by several.

By the illustrated method, it is possible to realize highly complex shapes of earmolds or their shells, both in terms of their outer shaping with individual adaptation to the application area as well as what, in a shell, its internal shaping. Overhangs, inlets and outlets can be easily realized.

In addition, materials for additive buildup methods are known which result in a rubber-elastic and yet dimensionally stable shell can be formed, which, if desired, locally different up to extremely thin-walled and still tear resistant can be realized.

In a presently preferred embodiment, the digitization of the individual application area, in particular the application area for a hearing aid, in particular in-ear hearing aid, at a specialized institution, in the last-mentioned case the audiologist, made. The individual form recorded there, as digital 3D information, is transmitted, in particular in connection with hearing aids, to a production center, be it by sending a data carrier, be it through internet connection etc. In the production center, in particular using the above-mentioned methods Otoplasty or its shell, in the case under consideration so the in-ear hearing aid shell, individually shaped. Preferably, the finished assembly of the hearing aid with the functional assemblies is made there as well.

Due to the fact that, as mentioned, the thermoplastic materials used in general lead to a relatively elastic, conforming outer shape, the shape of pressure points in otoplastics and their shells is much less critical than was previously the case, which in particular for in-ear earmoulds is of crucial importance. Thus, in-ear earmolds can be used, for example, as hearing protection devices, headphones, water protection devices, but in particular also for in-the-ear hearing aids, similar to rubber-elastic plugs, and it Its surface fits optimally to the application area, the auditory canal. The incorporation of one or more ventilation channels in the in-ear earmold is readily possible to ensure unimpaired ventilation to the eardrum in the resulting, possibly relatively tight fit of the earmold in the ear canal. In the process, the interior of the plastic can also be optimized and optimally utilized with the individual 3D data of the application area during production, and also individually with regard to the individual aggregate constellation to be accommodated, as in the case of a hearing device.

Particularly in the case of earmolds in the form of hearing aids, central storage and management of individual data, both with regard to the individual application area as well as the individual functional parts and their settings, can be performed by the central production of their shells. If, for whatever reason, a shell needs to be replaced, it can easily be re-fabricated by retrieving the individual data sets without the need for laborious readjustment, as before.

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

In any case, it surprisingly results from the adoption of these previously known from the prototype construction technologies for the industrial, commercially viable production of earmolds quite significant advantages, and indeed for reasons that, in itself, are not relevant in prototyping, such as elasticity of the usable thermoplastic materials, the ability to build individually very thin-walled etc.

In summary, it is possible by using the mentioned additive construction method for the production of earmolds or their shells to integrate it different functional elements that are already structurally prepared during the planning of the earmold on the computer and the structure of the earmold or its shell be generated. Typically, such functional elements have been fitted or attached to them until after the completion of the earmold or its shell, which is recognizable by material interfaces or material inhomogeneity at the joints.

For the earmolds mentioned, in particular with electronic fittings, such as for hearing aids, in particular for in-ear hearing aids, are such elements that can be installed directly into the Otoplastikschale with the proposed technique, for example: recordings and brackets for components, Cerumen- Protection systems, ventilation ducts for in-ear earmolds, support elements that hold the latter in the ear canal for 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-the-ear hearing device, in which the acoustic output 13 is protected to the eardrum by means of a cerumen protective cap 15. This protective cap 15 is applied until now in the production as a separate part on the shell 16 of the earmold 11 and fixed for example by gluing or welding. As shown in the same illustration in FIG. 5, the cerumen protective cap 15a is integrated directly with the shell 16a of the otherwise identical in-ear otoplastic 11a by using the aforementioned additive construction method. According to FIG. 4, there are no such interfaces as shown in FIG. 4, where the material of the shell 16a merges homogeneously into that of the cerumen protective cap 15a ,

This is only an example of how known cerumen protection systems and other functional elements can be integrally incorporated by use of the aforementioned manufacturing process.

Some specific new earmoulds are presented below:

2. Inner Ear Otoplastics with Venting

• Bezüglich akustischem Verhalten: Die heute bekannten Belüftungsrinnen sind kaum an die jeweiligen akustischen Erfordernisse angepasst. So können sie kaum, bei aktiven Otoplastiken, wie z.B. bei Im-Ohr-Hörgeräten, dazu beitragen, die Rückkopplungsproblematik von elektromechanischem Ausgangswandler zu akustisch/elektrischem Eingangswandler wirksam lösen zu helfen. Auch bei passiven Im-Ohr-Otoplastiken, wie Gehörschutz-Einrichtungen, vermögen sie nicht, das erwünschte Schutzverhalten zu unterstützen und gleichzeitig die erwünschten Belüftungseigenschaften beizubehalten.
• Cerumenempfindlichkeit: Die heute eingesetzten Belüftungsrinnen in der Aussflächen von Im-Ohr-Otoplastiken sind äusserst Cerumenbildungs-empfindlich. Die Cerumenbildung vermag, je nach deren Intensität, rasch die vorgesehene Belüftungsrinnen bezüglich ihrer Belüftungseigenschaften zu beeinträchtigen, wenn nicht gar vollständig zu verstopfen.

It is known to provide a ventilation channel on the outside for in-ear earmolds, in particular for Im-Oh hearing aids, as shown schematically in FIG. Such ventilation channels as used today are by no means optimized under various aspects:

• Concerning acoustic behavior: The ventilation channels known today are hardly connected to the respective acoustic ones Requirements adapted. Thus, with active earmolds, such as for in-the-ear hearing aids, for example, they can hardly help to effectively solve the feedback problem from electromechanical output transducers to acoustic / electrical input transducers. Even with passive in-ear earmolds, such as hearing protection devices, they are not able to support the desired protective behavior while maintaining the desired ventilation characteristics.
• Cerumen sensitivity: The ventilation channels used today in the outer surfaces of in-ear earmoulds are extremely susceptible to cerumen formation. Depending on their intensity, cerumen formation can rapidly impair, if not completely block, the intended ventilation channels with regard to their ventilation properties.

There are below for in-ear earmolds, this particular for in-ear hearing aids or hearing protectors, but also for earmolds that protrude only partially into the ear canal, such as headphones, ventilation arrangements proposed that at least partially remedy the above-mentioned disadvantages of known provisions.

• nutenähnlich gegen die Gehörgangwandung mindestens zum Teil offen sind,
• gegen die Wandung des Gehörganges hin vollständig geschlossen sind.

For this purpose, a distinction is made below ventilation systems that

• are at least partially open to the wall of the auditory canal,
• are completely closed against the wall of the ear canal.

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

FIGS. 7 (a) to (f) show, by way of perspective, schematic representations of cutouts of the outer wall 18 of in-ear earmolds resting against the auditory canal, novel ventilation slot profiles. According to FIG. 7 (a), the profile of the ventilation groove 20a is rectangular or square in shape with predetermined, precisely observed dimensioning ratios. According to FIG. 7 (b), the profile of the ventilation groove 20b is circular or elliptical sector-shaped, again with exactly predetermined cross-sectional boundary curve 21b. By exact specification and realization of the cross-sectional shape of the ventilation slots 20 provided, a certain predictability and influence on the acoustic transmission conditions along this groove can already be realized when abutting the inner wall of the auditory canal. Of course, the acoustic behavior is also dependent on the length with which the groove 20 extends along the earmold outer wall 18.

FIGS. 7 (c) to (f) show further ventilation groove profiles, which are additionally cerumen-protected. 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 parts 23c and the constriction 25c resulting therefrom already exert a considerable cerumen protection effect against the wall of the auditory canal. Even though cerumen in the constriction 25c penetrates and hardens there, this results in no significant constriction or even blockage of the ventilation groove, which now becomes a closed ventilation channel. In FIGS. 7 (d) to 7 (f), following the illustrated principle of FIG. 7 (c), the cross-sectional shape of the wide groove portion 27d to 27f is formed differently, as shown in FIG. 7 (d). according to the sector of an ellipse, according to FIG. 7 (e) triangular, according to FIG. 7 (f) circular or elliptical.

By deliberately designing the groove cross-sectional area, as shown only by way of example with reference to FIGS. 7 (a) to 7 (f), it is possible to greatly improve both the acoustic properties and the cerumen protection effect compared with conventional, more or less randomly profiled ventilation grooves Make an impact. In the process, the profiles are mathematically modeled in advance, taking into account the mentioned cerumen protection effect and the acoustic effect, and integrated exactly into the manufactured earmoulds. For this purpose, the above-described additive synthesis methods are particularly suitable. In order to further optimize the acoustic effect of the ventilation groove, a wide variety of acoustic impedances can be realized along the novel ventilation grooves, resulting, for example, in FIG. 8 in ventilation grooves 29, which progressively define different profiles in their longitudinal direction, as shown in FIG 8 are shown assembled from profiles according to FIG.

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

Specifically, cerumen-protected portions may be provided at respective exposed portions as shown at A in FIG.

Furthermore, it may well be desirable, especially with a view to optimizing the acoustic conditions, to design the ventilation slots provided for longer than is fundamentally the case with the longitudinal extent of a considered in-ear otoplastic. As shown in Fig. 9, this is achieved in that such grooves 31 with training, as shown for example with reference to FIGS. 7 and 8, are guided in predetermined curves along the surface of the earmold, for example as shown in Fig. 9 , practically as the otoplastic thread-like grooves. Further optimization flexibility is achieved in that not only a vent groove, but several are guided on the surface of the ear mold, as shown schematically in Fig. 10. The high flexibility of the groove design means that depending on the application area in the auditory canal specifically differently dimensioned, with respect to cerumen protection and acoustic transmission ratios respectively optimized ventilation grooves along the earmold surface can be realized.

2b) Ventilation systems with fully integrated channels

This training variant of the novel ventilation systems is based on at least partially completely integrated into the earmold, closed against the ear canal ventilation ducts. This system is then explained based on his training on an earmold. It should be emphasized, however, that if no other units are to be integrated on the earmold under consideration and it is designed as a solid plastic, the following statements will of course also refer to a channel guide as desired through the mentioned solid plastic.

In FIG. 11, analogous to FIG. 7, different cross-sectional shapes and area ratios of the proposed ventilation channels 33a to 33e are shown. As shown in Fig. 11 (a), the ventilation passage 33a incorporated in the otoplastic shell 35a has a rectangular or square cross-sectional shape. In the embodiment according to FIG. 11 (b), it has, 35b, a circular sector or elliptical sector-shaped channel cross-sectional shape. In the embodiment according to FIG. 11 (c), the intended ventilation channel 33c has a circular or elliptical cross-sectional shape, while in the embodiment according to FIG. 11 (d) it has a triangular cross-sectional shape.

In the embodiment according to FIG. 11 (e), the earmold shell has a complex inner shaping, eg a support section 37 integrated therewith. For optimum space utilization, the ventilation channel 35e provided here is designed with a cross-sectional shape which also uses complex shapes of the earmold shell. Accordingly, extends its cross-sectional shape partially complicates in the attached to the shell 35e mounting bar 37 inside.

Looking back on the embodiment variant according to section 2a), it should be mentioned that such complex, optimally available cross-sectional shapes can also be realized on ventilating grooves that are open against the auditory canal, and vice versa. Channel guides, as for open grooves in FIGS 10 and 10, on closed ventilation channels.

Finally, FIG. 12 shows a variant embodiment of a fully integrated ventilation channel 39, which has different cross-sectional shapes and / or cross-sectional dimensions along its longitudinal extent, as shown, for example, in the ear mold shell 41, whereby 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 5), it may also be pointed out that because of the possibility of realizing complex acoustic impedance relationships, ventilation ducts, in particular the closed construction shown in this section, at least in sections at the same time as acoustic conductor sections active electromechanical side Transducer, as the output side of microphones, for example, in in-ear hearing aids, can be exploited.

FIGS. 13 and 14 show, in analogy to FIGS. 9 and 10, how, on the one hand, the respective otoplastics 43 have the integrated jaws explained in this section Ventilation channels extended by appropriate track guide or on the other hand, as two and more of the mentioned channels, possibly with different and / or varying channel cross-sections, in analogy to FIG. 12, are integrated at the earmold.

The possibilities presented in sections 2a) and 2b), which can also be combined in any way, open up to the person skilled in the art a myriad of design variants of the novel ventilation systems and, in particular, a large degree of freedom, owing to the various parameters which can be dimensioned for themselves, optimum cerumen protection for the respective individual earmold and to create optimal acoustic transmission conditions. In all variants, the specific individual configuration of the system is preferably calculated or mathematically modeled, taking into account the mentioned needs. Then the individual earmould is realized. Again, this is particularly suitable for the above-explained manufacturing method with additive construction principle, as known from the prototype, which is then controlled with the optimized model result.

3. Dimensional stability-optimized earmolds

This section is about introducing new earmolds that are optimally adapted to the dynamics of the application areas. It is known, for example, that conventional in-ear earmolds are unable to take into account the relatively large auditory canal dynamics, eg when chewing, because of their essentially uniform shape stability. Likewise, for example, the acoustic conductors between outer ear hearing aids and auditory canal dynamics of the application area not free to follow. In in-ear earmoulds the same problem occurs, partially attenuated, even in hearing protection devices, headphones, water protection inserts, etc. on. In particular, their intrinsic function, for example protective effect, is impaired in part if the mentioned application range dynamics are increasingly taken into account. By way of example, reference may be made to known hearing protection devices made of elastically deformable plastics which, to a large extent, account for the aforementioned application range dynamics, but at the expense of their acoustic transmission behavior.

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

Depending on the required dynamics of the in-ear earmould on the one hand to take into account, for example, those of the ear canal and the requirements regarding the support and protection of internals, as in an in-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 built up the earmold according to the calculated data. Again, this is the above-mentioned manufacturing process using additive construction process exceptionally well. Of course, the above-described embodiment of the in-ear earmold can certainly be combined with a ventilation system, as explained with reference to FIGS. 7 to 14. In particular, the ribs provided for influencing the dimensional stability or bendability in certain regions of the otoplastic can also be formed with different cross-sectional profile, if necessary also progressing in their longitudinal extent progressively from one cross-section to the other.

In the form of a perspective illustration, the formation of the outer skin 45 with ribs 47 having varying cross-sectional areas along its longitudinal extent is shown purely schematically in FIG. 17, for example.

Instead of or in addition to the targeted wall reinforcement and targeted design of the bending or torsional behavior, in short the shape behavior of the in-ear otoplastic, as mentioned, in addition to the Innenrippenbemusterung, as shown in FIGS. 17 and 18, also a Außenrippenbemusterung be provided. According to FIGS. 18 and 19, a pattern of ribs 51 is processed on the outer surface of the otoplastic 49, possibly with regions of different density, orientation and profile shape.

According to FIG. 19, this can be used for the hollow earmolds considered here, but also for Otoplastics with no cavity, so for example with no electronic components, eg for hearing protection devices or water protection devices. Such earmold is shown schematically in a cross-sectional view in FIG. In this case, the interior 53 is made, for example, from a highly compressible absorption material and surrounded by a shaping skin shell 55 with the rib pattern 57. Here, "skin" 55 and the rib pattern 57 are produced integrally together. For this purpose, in turn, the manufacturing method explained above with the aid of additive construction method is suitable. How far in the near future these additive construction processes can be realized by changing the processed materials on a workpiece remains to be seen. If this becomes possible, then the web is free, for example in the embodiment according to FIG. 20, to also sequentially build up the filler 53 simultaneously with the skin 55 and the ribs 57 in respective build-up layers.

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

Returning again to FIG. 20, it is quite possible, if necessary and as shown in Fig. 20 by dashed lines at 57 _i is shown, even when the in-ear ear device is filled with material, thus not for receiving further units such as of Elektronikbaueinheiten is determined on the skin of the shell 55, an inner rib pattern 57 _i provide. As further shown in phantom at 59 in Fig. 20, earmolds may be provided which are likely to leave a cavity for male assemblies such as electronic components, but in which the space between such a lumen 59 is specific to the necessary volumes and shapes of additional designed units to be installed and the shell skin 55 is filled for example by a resilient or sound-absorbing material or components to be installed with such a material to the shell skin 55 are poured out.

The shell skin 55 or 45, according to Figures 15, 16 and 17, may well be made of electrically conductive material, whereby at the same time an electrical shielding effect for internal electronic components is created. This also applies, if necessary, to the filling 53 according to FIG. 20.

On the basis of FIGS. 15 to 20, an otoplastic was illustrated using the example of an in-ear otoplastic, the shell of which is dimensionally stabilized with internal and / or external ribs, which results in an extraordinarily lightweight and selectively shapable construction. Of course, if necessary, this design can also be used for outer ear earmolds.

FIG. 21 shows a further embodiment variant of an in-ear otoplastic, which is specifically bendable or compressible in one region. For this purpose, the shell 61 of an otoplastic, in particular the shell of an in-ear hearing device, has a corrugated tube formation 63 in one or more predetermined regions, to which according to the respective needs, bendable or compressible. Although FIG. 21 illustrates this procedure on the basis of the shell of an in-ear otoplastic, this procedure can be implemented completely and, if necessary, also for an outer ear earmold. Again, the manufacturing method explained in the introduction is preferably used for this purpose.

In this embodiment as well, as explained with reference to FIG. 20, the inner volume of the earmold can be filled with the requisite filling material or internals integrated therein can be embedded in such filling material, resulting in a higher stability of the device and improved acoustic conditions.

4. Modular housing / internals

Particularly in the case of in-ear hearing aids, there is the problem that the application area, i. the ear canal, its shape changes. Obviously this is the case with adolescent humans. But even in adults, the ear canal changes partially strong, usually in a narrowing sense (for example, so-called diver's ear).

With in-the-ear hearing aids, the conventional problem is that even if the hearing aid internals could be maintained over long periods of life, for example, only the transmission behavior of the hearing aid would have to be readjusted according to the respective hearing, still new hearing aids are designed again and again just because of The fact that the former no longer satisfactorily fit into the ear canal.

The measures explained with reference to section 3 already provide the possibility of improving this, due to the fact that an automatic adaptation of the shape of the otoplastic to respectively changing application areas is thus made possible. In this section further measures, in particular on the basis of in-ear earmoulds, will be explained in this regard. It should be noted, however, that even with external ear earmolds, such as external ear hearing aids, this opens up the possibility of changing the "housing", and not only if this becomes necessary from the comfort of use, but also, as desired, For example, to change the aesthetic appearance of such external ear hearing aids.

In Fig. 22, an in-ear otoplasty 65 is shown schematically and in longitudinal section, to which the formation of the inner space 67 substantially corresponds to the shape of the in Fig. 23 schematically shown, male electronic module 69. The earmold 65 is made of rubber-elastic material and can, as shown in Fig. 23, be slipped over the electronic module 69. The shaping of the inner space 67 is such that the or possibly the plurality of modules to be accommodated are positively positioned and held directly by the otoplastic 65. Because of this approach, it is easily possible to provide one and the same electronic module 69 with different earmolds 65, so as to take into account, for example, in a growing child of the changing auditory canal training. The earmold will for the in-the-ear hearing aid practically to the easily replaceable disposable accessory. Not only to take account of changing conditions in the application area, namely the ear canal, but also simply for reasons of contamination, the earmold 65 can be easily changed. This concept can even be exploited, if necessary - for example in auditory canal inflammations - to make medical applications, for example by applying drugs to the earmold outer surface or at least to use sterilized earmolds at regular intervals.

The concept illustrated with reference to FIGS. 22 and 23 can, of course, be combined with the concepts set out in Sections 2) and 3), and the earmold 65 is preferably produced according to the manufacturing method explained in Section 1), which plays the formation of the most complex inner forms - And vibration-free recording of the module 69 allows.

As can be seen from FIGS. 22 and 23, the phase plate 1 otherwise provided in conventional in-the-ear hearing aids, for example, is built as part of the module holder, integrally with the otoplastic. The same applies to other mounts and recordings for electronic components of the hearing aid. If one realizes the layer-by-layer build-up method set forth in section 1), as indicated by dash-dotted lines in FIG. 22 and in the direction indicated by the arrow AB, then it would be readily possible for the earmold to be in the abovementioned mounting direction AB as required in the respective areas of different materials too finished. This also applies to the earmolds described in Sections 2) and 3) as well as to those explained in the following sections 5), 6) and 7). The example of Fig. 22, it is thus quite possible to manufacture the area 65a of elastomeric material, whereas the output area 65 _b of formstabilerem material.

FIG. 24 shows a further embodiment of an otoplastic, again by way of example with reference to an in-the-ear hearing device, which enables simple, rapid replacement of the internal fittings. In principle, it is proposed in this case to design the earmold shell in a multi-part and assemblable manner on an in-ear earmold with internals, as shown in FIG. 24. By means of quick-acting closures, such as snap locks, Einklinkverschlüssen or even bayonet-like closures, is made possible at the in-ear earmold housing parts 73a and 73b quickly separated from each other to remove the internals such as electronic modules and reinstall them in a new shell, if necessary with changed outer shaping or in principle in a new shell, even if this is necessary, for example, for cleaning reasons, sterility reasons, etc. If it is provided to throw away the already used shell, it is readily possible to form the connections of the shell parts so that the shell can only be opened destructively, for example, by externally inaccessible locking members such as pawls are provided and cut the shell for their removal becomes.

This embodiment can of course be combined with the previously described and yet to be described embodiments.

5. Integration of acoustic conductors in earmolds or their shells

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

In this case, in the design of such hearing aids, a relatively large bond, where in the hearing aid, the actual transducer and where the hearing aid, the actual coupling openings are provided to the environment. It would be highly desirable to have the greatest possible freedom of design with respect to the arrangement of coupling openings to the environment and arrangement of the mentioned converter within the hearing aid.

This is basically achieved in that the 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 earmold shells.

In Fig. 25 this is shown purely schematically. A converter module 75 has an acoustic input or output 77. The shell 79 of the earmold of an in-ear or an outer-ear hearing device or a headphone has, integrated into it, an acoustic conductor 81. It lies at least in sections and as shown in FIG. 25 within the wall of the earmold shell 79. By means of acoustic stub lines or line sections 83, the respective acoustic impedance of the acoustic conductor 81 is preferably adjusted. This concept, with a view to outer ear hearing aids, makes it possible to provide auditory input openings 85 along the hearing aid and where desired, to couple them to the intended acoustic / electrical transducers 91 via acoustic conductors 89 integrated in the otoplastic or its shell 87 essentially independent of where these transducers 91 are installed in the hearing aid. For example, in FIG. 26, it is only shown to centralize two transducers into one module and to connect their inputs to the desired receiving apertures 85 through the aforementioned guide of the acoustic conductors 89. From consideration of FIGS. 25 and 26 and the statements in section 2) concerning the novel ventilation systems, it becomes apparent that it is quite possible to use ventilation channels as acoustic conductor channels, in particular if, as schematically illustrated in FIG. 25, by means of acoustic matching elements 83 the acoustic impedance conditions are designed specifically.

6. Marking of earmolds

In the manufacture of earmolds, especially in-ear earmolds, each is individually adapted for their respective wearer. Therefore, it would be extremely desirable to identify each manufactured earmold, as mentioned in particular every in-ear earmold, in particular every in-the-ear hearing aid. It is therefore proposed to provide in the ear or in their shell, by notches and / or by bulges an individual marking, which together with the individual purchaser -. Manufacturer - may include product serial number, left-right application, etc. Such a marking is produced in a much preferred manner in the manufacture of the otoplastic with the removal method described under 1). This ensures that any confusion of the earmoulds is excluded from the production. This is particularly important in the subsequent, possibly automated assembly with other modules, such as the assembly of in-ear hearing aids.

Of course, this approach can be implemented in combination with one or more of the aspects described under sections 2) to 5).

7 Optimization of earmoulds with respect to the dynamics of the application area

For the molding of earmolds for in-ear application, such as for in-the-ear hearing aids, it is common today to take a print of the ear canal, for example in silicone. If one now considers the relatively large dynamics of movement of the auditory canal, for example during the chewing process, it can be seen that the support the in-ear Otoplastikform hardly leads to a practically corresponding snapshot impression to a result that is able to fully satisfy in use. As shown in FIG. 27 with reference to a simplified functional block / signal flow diagram, the dynamical application area represented by the block 93 takes form at several positions corresponding to the actual dynamics or, similar to a film, the dynamics of the application area per se registered. The resulting data records are stored in a memory unit 95. Even with conventional procedure by impression taking, this can certainly be realized by taking from the application area in two or more positions corresponding to the practical dynamics impressions.

Subsequently, these impressions are scanned and the respective digital data records are stored in the memory unit 95. As a further possibility, for example, the dynamics of the application area can be detected by X-ray images.

Thus, depending on the accuracy to be achieved, a plurality of "images" or even practically a "film" of the movement pattern is registered by the application area of interest. The data registered in the memory unit 95 are then supplied to a computing unit 97. On the output side, the arithmetic unit 97 controls the manufacturing process 99 for the earmold. If, for example, and as is customary today, in-ear earmolds are manufactured with a relatively hard shell, the arithmetic unit 97 calculates the dynamic data stored on the memory unit 95 and optionally, as shown schematically at K, other manufacturing parameters, the best fit for the earmold, so optimal comfort is achieved in everyday life, while preserving their functionality. If the earmold to be produced is realized according to the principle described in section 3), the arithmetic unit 97 determines which earmold areas are to be designed in terms of their flexibility, bendability, compressibility, etc. As mentioned, the arithmetic unit 97 controls the production process 99 on the output side , preferably the manufacturing process, as set forth in section 1) as a preferred process.

Claims (12)

1. Otoplastic with integrated module and a shell (65) surrounding the latter, characterized in that the shell (65) has at least one rubber-elastic portion with an insertion/removal opening for the module (69).
2. Otoplastic according to Claim 1, characterized in that the shell (65) is made of rubber-elastic material.
3. Otoplastic according to either of Claims 1 and 2, characterized in that the shell (65) engages around the module (69) at least partially and at least in a form-fit.
4. Otoplastic according to one of Claims 1 through 3, characterized in that the rubber-elastic portion engages around the module (69) at least partially and at least in a form-fit.
5. Otoplastic according to one of Claims 1 through 4, characterized in that the greatest diameter of the clear area of the opening at the rubber-elastic portion (71) is smaller than the greatest diameter extent of the module (69), viewed in a plane perpendicular to a direction of insertion of the module (69) into the shell (65).
6. Otoplastic according to one of Claims 1 through 5, characterized in that the module consists of at least two subsidiary modules each of which is to be accommodated in the shell.
7. Otoplastic according to one of Claims 1 through 6, characterized in that the module comprises at least one battery and an electronic module.
8. Otoplastic according to one of Claims 1 through 7, characterized in that the otoplastic is an in-the-ear hearing device or an outer-ear hearing device.
9. Method for adapting otoplastics according to one of Claims 1 to 8 to changing requirements in terms of its external shape, characterized in that at the module the otoplastic shell is changed.
10. Use of the method according to Claim 9 for hearing devices.
11. Use of the method according to Claim 9 for in-the-ear otoplastics when changes occur in the auditory canal.
12. Shell for an Otoplastic acording to Claim 1, characterized in that it carries a medicine for the application area.

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