EP1439733B1 - Microphone protection for hearing aids - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a microphone protection according to the preamble of claim 1 and a hearing aid resp. Hearing aid according to the preamble of claim 13.

To record and amplify or possibly attenuate sound events, hearing aids have at least one microphone. This microphone is exposed to various environmental influences, such as moisture, sweat and cerumen. Especially with miniaturized hearing aids, such as in-ear hearing aids, controls such as switches or volume control are also located in close proximity to the microphone. Thus, in addition dirt in the form of particles can be deposited by the fingers of the hearing aid wearer in the area of the microphone opening. This leads to blockages of these openings and thus at least to a deterioration or even Verunmöglichung the sound-recording capacity of the microphone. The hearing aids concerned must then be cleaned or the microphone must be replaced, which is usually only by appropriately trained resp. trained professionals can be performed and incurs additional costs. This deterioration or failure of microphones is perceived as a reduced quality of the entire hearing aid, which is reflected in a correspondingly poor image of the affected device.

A number of devices are known for the protection of hearing aid microphones. So are many hearing aids the protective covers of the microphone openings firmly in the battery cover or the faceplate resp. Module integrated or glued. Therefore, they must be cleaned in a complex manner when contaminated.

So is out of the US 4,987,597 a cap for the protection of leading outward openings, inter alia hearing aids. The cap is plugged over the opening to be protected of the device in question and has openings which are covered with a sound-permeable membrane. However, this construction requires a device of the device outwardly projecting coupling element for the cap on which the cap can be attached. On the one hand, such a coupling element may be visually distracting and, on the other hand, is susceptible to the accumulation of dirt due to the edges which are generally present. Furthermore, the outer covering cap entails the danger that it will unintentionally or independently loosens and thereby gets lost or penetrates into the auditory canal of the hearing aid wearer. Furthermore, according to this document, only the opening of the hearing device directed towards the ear, ie the sound outlet opening, is provided with the covering cap. Thus, although the sound outlet is protected against contamination from the auditory canal, but not the microphone inlet opening.

Next is from the DE 20208601 U1 a protective cover for the sound inlet opening in in-ear hearing aids known, which consists of an open plastic ring with spanned over plastic gauze and thus a for Cerumen opaque protection of the microphone offers. However, this protective cover has a low dimensional stability, which can form accessible to dirt and moisture accessible gaps between the corresponding opening and the microphone protection.

From the WO97 / 09864 Another device for protecting ear-facing openings of hearing aids is known. Here, the corresponding opening is closed with a porous pin, which respectively in the opening. the channel belonging to the opening is inserted. This construction has the disadvantage that the pin can not be removed from the opening or out of the channel practically. The pin can only be cleaned together with the hearing aid and remains in the opening or in the channel. Next there is the problem that the pin in the assembly too deep resp. the channel is pushed into it. This in turn an open chamber is formed, in which the dirt can be deposited and thus clog the corresponding opening.

The object of the present invention was to find a cover for openings in hearing aids, which are easy to assemble, provide reliable protection against dirt, and also easy to clean or replace if necessary.

This object is achieved according to the invention by a microphone protection with the features according to claim 1. Further, preferred embodiments result from the features of further claims 2 to 12.

The microphone protection for hearing aids for at least partial covering of arranged on the outside of the hearing aid openings, has a ring with the ring opening spanning webs. Here, the outer diameter of the ring corresponds approximately to the inner diameter of the corresponding opening of the hearing aid, such that the ring is at least partially introduced into this opening. This advantageously no further, on the surface of the hearing aid outwardly projecting fasteners for microphone protection needed. By the webs a high dimensional stability of the ring is ensured, whereby a closed for dirt and / or moisture connection between the opening of the hearing aid and the ring is formed.

Preferably, the ring is designed substantially as a circular, flat disc having a central opening, preferably with a bevel formed on the edge directed in the installed state toward the outside of the hearing aid. In this form, the microphone protection can be easily introduced into the corresponding opening in the housing of the hearing aid and has the outside to an optimal shape, so as not to attract dirt itself or to promote the deposition of dirt.

At least three webs are formed at a regular distance from each other, which are interconnected in the center of the ring. Of course, only a single web can be provided, and thus divide the opening of the microphone protection in two areas. Even the arrangement of more than three bars can be provided, and thus further reduce the remaining openings between the webs, which further complicates the ingress of dirt and moisture.

The Stegeweisen on the outside of a convex curvature. As a result, the microphone protection as a whole has an outwardly convexly curved contour, which, on the one hand, on the one hand usually visually matches the contour of the hearing aid and, on the other hand, further complicates the deposition of dirt.

Preferably, the microphone protection consists of one piece of plastic. Thus, the microphone protection can be produced easily and inexpensively preferably in injection molding.

Preferably, the ring resp. the webs connected directly to a preferably rod-shaped tool, wherein the connection is preferably carried out via at least one dimensioned as a predetermined breaking point connecting web. Due to the rod-shaped tool, the microphone protection, which has very small dimensions, especially in in-ear hearing aids, can be easily inserted manually into the opening of the hearing aid. After the introduction of the microphone protection, the tool can advantageously be easily separated by breaking the connecting web, which can be done by bending or twisting without much effort. The microphone protection remains reliably fixed in the corresponding opening in the hearing aid.

Preferably, the ring, the webs and the tool consist of a single part, which is preferably made of plastic by injection molding.

Preferably, the ring facing away from the end of the tool is designed as a gripping device or fork. Thus, this end of the tool can be used to remove a microphone used in the hearing aid again. Preferably, at least two spring-trained fingers with locking means are available for this purpose. These fingers can be pushed onto a bridge of the microphone protection and at this snap. This is by train on the tool of the microphone protection from the hearing aid resp. pulled out of the opening. This is where the great advantage of the webs of the inventive microphone protection, which allow easy removal without damaging the ring, becomes apparent.

Preferably, directed on the ring to the ring center projections are formed. These projections serve to clamp disc-shaped elements in the region of the opening of the microphone protection resp. hold.

Preferably, the surface of the microphone protection is at least partially provided with a hydrophobic coating. This coating further impedes or prevents the ingress of liquids into the opening, either directly through the mouth of the microphone guard or across the gap between the microphone guard and the hearing aid.

Preferably, in addition, a filter, preferably formed as a circular disc, on the inside of the Rings arranged. This filter prevents the penetration of particles into the opening of the hearing aid, which are smaller than the remaining openings between the ring and webs of the microphone protection.

Preferably, the filter is fixed to the ring, preferably glued, arranged or releasably connected to the ring, preferably inserted or engaged. Thus, the filter must be replaced either together with the microphone protection itself or it can only be replaced in case of heavy pollution, the filter itself.

Preferably, the filter is made of a fabric of metal wire or natural or synthetic fibers. The fabric is created while leaving gaps between the individual fibers.

Preferably, the filter consists of a non-woven of natural or synthetic fibers. The fleece advantageously passes the sound through to the microphone, but reliably blocks any small particles of dirt or moisture.

Preferably, the filter consists of a porous sintered body of metal, plastic or ceramic.

Alternatively, sintered bodies with microperforation are also suitable for this purpose.

The object is further according to the invention by a hearing aid resp. Hearing aid with the features of claim 13 solved. Further, preferred embodiments emerge from the features of the further claims 14 to 16.

The hearing aid or hearing aid with at least one opening arranged on the outside, and preferably with a microphone arranged in the interior of the hearing aid or the hearing aid communicating via a channel, and a microphone protection according to the invention has a diameter of the opening which approximately corresponds to the outer diameter of the according to the invention corresponds to microphone protection. Furthermore, stop means are provided in the interior of the opening in order to limit the insertion depth of the microphone protection. By this stop means is reliably prevented that the microphone protection can be inserted further than intended in the opening or independently or unintentionally during operation to the inside of the hearing aid, respectively. the hearing aid moves.

Preferably, the stop means to the mouth of the opening at a same or smaller distance than the outer height of the microphone protection. Thus, the microphone protection is either just flush inserted into the opening or is still a little beyond the edge of the opening. This has the advantage that no dirt can collect in a depression formed above the microphone protection and thus clog the microphone protection.

Preferably, the surface of the inside of the opening is formed at least partially rough, such that a frictional engagement with the corresponding surface of the microphone protection is formed. This can reliably prevent the microphone protection from accidentally coming off the opening and being lost. According to the invention, the use of the microphone protection according to the invention for hearing aids or hearing aids for covering the opening of the microphone, preferably for in-the-ear hearing aids, is claimed.

Of course, the inventive microphone protection is not only suitable for the microphone resp. the microphones of the hearing device leading openings, but also to cover, for example, ventilation openings of the hearing aid.

• Fig. 1 die Ansicht eines erfindungsgemässen Mikrophonschutzes;
• Fig. 2 schematisch die Ansicht eines Bereiches eines Hörgerätes mit eingesetztem Mikrophonschutz;
• Fig. 3 die Ansicht eines Mikrophonschutzes nach Figur 1 mit damit verbundenem Werkzeug;
• Fig. 4 detaillierter die Spitze des Werkzeuges nach Figur 3;
• Fig. 5 die Ansicht eines erfindungsgemässen Mikrophonschutzes mit eingesetztem Filter;
• Fig. 6 den Schnitt durch einen in einem Hörgerät eingesetzten erfindungsgemässen Mikrophonschutz;
• Fig. 7 schematisch den Schnitt durch die Schale eines Hörgerätes mit eingesetztem erfindungsgemässen Mikrophonschutz; und
• Fig. 8 schematisch den Querschnitt durch einen erfindungsgemässen Mikrophonschutz mit eingeklinktem Werkzeug zur Entfernung aus der Öffnung des Hörgerätes.

An embodiment of the present invention will be explained in more detail with reference to figures. Show it

• Fig. 1 the view of a novel microphone protection;
• Fig. 2 schematically the view of a portion of a hearing aid with microphone protection inserted;
• Fig. 3 the view of a microphone protection after FIG. 1 with associated tool;
• Fig. 4 detailed the tip of the tool FIG. 3 ;
• Fig. 5 the view of a novel microphone protection with filter inserted;
• Fig. 6 the section through a used in a hearing aid according to the invention microphone protection;
• Fig. 7 schematically the section through the shell of a hearing aid with inserted inventive microphone protection; and
• Fig. 8 schematically shows the cross section through an inventive microphone protection with latched tool for removal from the opening of the hearing aid.

In FIG. 1 the view of an inventive microphone protection 1 is shown. This consists essentially of a ring 2 with running towards the center and there interconnected webs 4. Between the ring 2 and the webs 4, an opening 3 is formed.

The ring 2 and the webs 4 are preferably formed as a one-piece component and consisting preferably of plastic. Such a component can be produced easily and inexpensively as an injection molded part.

The webs 4 are advantageously convexly curved to the center of the ring 2 and thus adapts to the contour of the hearing aid, as is the case FIG. 2 evident.

The microphone protection 1 is introduced into an opening 6 of the hearing aid, wherein the upper edge of the ring 2 protrudes slightly outwards or just flush terminates flush with the surface of the hearing aid in this area. The exact position of the microphone protection 1 is achieved in that the opening 6 at the corresponding depth has a shoulder or a stop for the microphone protection 1. Thus, the microphone protection 1 can neither be deliberately or unintentionally inserted deeper into the opening 6 than is provided.

This leads advantageously on the one hand to a defined position of the microphone protection 1 and thus to a uniform optical impression and on the other hand are thus created constant acoustic conditions.

Preferably, the diameter of the opening 6 is dimensioned such that a frictional engagement between the opening 6 and the outside of the ring 2 is created. Thus, the microphone protection 1 is reliably held and fixed in the opening 5, and can not be inadvertently or independently solved. This frictional engagement can be achieved by appropriate mass of the opening 6 and the microphone protection 1 and be supported by appropriate surface textures of the superposed surfaces.

Of course, another, releasable connection hiss microphone protection 1 and 6 opening executable, for example, a snap or locking connection.

To simply insert the microphone protection 1 in the opening 6, preferably the corresponding tool 7 is connected to the microphone protection 1, as shown FIG. 3 evident. The tool 7 may be formed, for example, as a pen and thus be easy to handle. At the other end of the pin 7, a gripper or a fork 8 may be formed.

The one end of the tool 7 is connected via a thin web 9 with the microphone protection 1, as in FIG. 4 shown in more detail. This web 9 is advantageously designed as a predetermined breaking point, ie it can be separated by applying a small force, for example a moment about the longitudinal axis of the tool 7 with inserted microphone protection 1.

Due to this design of the microphone protection 1 with integrated tool 7, this can now be easily inserted into the opening 6 of the hearing aid. This does not require a subject-specific skill, so that this can also be carried out simply by the hearing aid wearer. Once the microphone protection 1 is in the desired position, by twisting or bending the tool 7, the connecting web 9 can be separated.

If now the microphone protection 1 are replaced, the same tool 7 can be used to remove the microphone protection 1 used in the hearing aid. For this purpose, the other end of the tool 7 is advantageously designed as a fork. The fork can, for example, two resilient fingers 8 with locking means 8 ', which can be plugged over a web 4 of the microphone protection 1, as is made FIG. 8 evident. Applying a tensile force, the microphone protector 1 can now be pulled out of the opening 6 and then a new microphone protector 1 can be inserted into the opening 6.

Advantageously, either the original tool 7 can be used, or the tool 7 of the newly used microphone protection 1 can be used.

Despite the extremely small dimensions of the microphone protection 1 just when used in in-ear hearing aids can this by the inventive construction simply by untrained personnel, for example by the wearer of the hearing aid itself, use and replace easily due to the webs 4. Thus, for example, the service intervals for hearing aids be extended to today's solutions, since the microphone itself is protected by the microphone protection and this protection is also easily replaceable, which contributes to an overall reduction in costs.

The microphone protection 1 can additionally be provided with a hydrophobic coating, whereby the penetration of liquid through the gaps between the ring 2 and the opening 5 and through the openings 3 additionally difficult.

Furthermore, it is also possible to attach an additional filter in the region of the openings 3 of the microphone protection 1. Such a filter additionally protects against the penetration of dirt and moisture into the interior of the hearing device, in particular for the microphone arranged therein.

Such a filter 10 may preferably be mounted on the inside of the ring 2, as in FIG FIG. 5 is shown in the supervision. For example, the filter 10 may be formed as a circular, flat body, which is fixedly attached to the inside of the ring 2 or via projections 5 on the inside of the ring 2, as in FIG. 1 shown pressed against the webs 4.

The filter 10 may be constructed of a fabric of metal wire or synthetic fibers, which is constructed coarsely meshed. Alternatively, it is also possible to use a nonwoven which is formed from natural or synthetic fibers. Further, the filter 10 may be constructed as a porous sintered body and made of metal, plastic or ceramic.

The ring 2 of the microphone protection 1 serves in each case advantageous as a support for the filter 10. It can the filter 10 either be firmly connected to the ring 2, for example by gluing, or mechanically fixed to the ring 2. For example, this is done on the one hand by frictional forces on the inside of the ring 2 and / or by the already mentioned projections 5, which are formed on the inside of the ring 2 and press the filter 10 against the webs 4 and fix.

In FIG. 6 is still the section through a microphone used in the hearing aid 1 shown. The opening 6 of the hearing aid has at a depth t a paragraph 11, which serves as a stop for the ring 2 of the microphone protection 1. This defines the maximum penetration depth of the microphone protection 1 in the hearing aid. Advantageously, the depth t is dimensioned such that the advantageously bevelled edge 2 'of the ring terminates flush with the edge 6' of the opening 6 and thus no edges or depressions are formed in this area, in which dirt and moisture can be deposited.

In FIG. 7 Finally, the section through the shell 12 of a hearing aid with microphone protection 1 inserted in the opening 6 is shown purely schematically. The opening 6 opens into a channel 13, which leads to a disposed within the shell 12 of the hearing aid microphone 14. The other located in the interior of the shell 12 of the hearing aid elements resp. electronic components are for the sake of clarity in the FIG. 7 not shown.

Claims (16)

1. Microphone cover for hearing devices for at least partly covering an opening (6) arranged at the outside of the hearing device in the form of a ring (2), wherein the outer diameter of the ring (2) is commensurate with the inner diameter of the corresponding opening (6) of the hearing device, such that the ring (2) is at least partly insertable into the opening (6), wherein the ring opening features bars (4) spanning at the outside the ring opening, characterised in that at least three bars (4) are arranged at a regular distance to each other and are connected together in the centre of the ring (2), and are convex curved towards the outside.
2. Microphone cover according to claim 1, characterised in that the ring (2) consists of one piece made of plastic, preferably manufactured with an injection moulding technique.
3. Microphone cover according to claim 1 or 2 furnished with a tool (7), characterised in that the ring (2) or the bars (4) are connected directly with the preferably bar-shaped tool (7), wherein the connection is preferably provided as predetermined breaking point over at least one bridge (9).
4. Microphone according to claim 3, characterised in that the ring (2), the bars (4) and the tool (7) consist of one piece, preferably made of plastic using an injection moulding technique.
5. Microphone cover according to claim 3 or 4, characterised in that the end of the tool (7) opposite to the ring (2) is formed as a holding device or fork, wherein the holding device preferably comprises at least two resiliently arranged fingers (8) with locking means (8').
6. Microphone cover according to one of the claims 1 to 5, characterised in that the ring (2) is provided with projections (5) protruding towards its centre.
7. Microphone cover according to one of the claims 1 to 6, characterised in that the surface is at least partly covered with a hydrophobic coating.
8. Microphone cover according to one of the claims 1 to 7, characterised in that additionally a filter (10) is arranged at the inside of the ring (2), preferably formed as a circular disk.
9. Microphone cover according to claim 8, characterised in that the filter (10) is firmly attached, preferable glued, to the ring (2), or is detachably connected to the ring (2), preferably inserted or snap locked into the ring (2).
10. Microphone cover according to claim 8 or 9, characterised in that the filter (10) consists of metal wire webbing or natural or synthetic fabric.
11. Microphone cover according to claim 8 or 9, characterised in that the filter (10) consists of a fleece consisting of natural or synthetic fabric.
12. Microphone cover according to claim 8 or 9, characterised in that the filter (10) consists of a porous sinter body made of metal, plastic or ceramic.
13. Hearing device or hearing aid with at least one opening (6) arranged at the outside of the hearing device or hearing aid, with a microphone (14) arranged within the hearing device or hearing aid connected via a channel (13) with the at least one opening (6), with a microphone cover (1) according to one of the claims 1 to 12, characterised in that the opening (6) features a diameter which is commensurate with the outer diameter of the microphone cover (1) and features stop means (11) on the inside of the opening (6) to limit the insertion depth (t) of the microphone cover (1).
14. Hearing device or hearing aid according to claim 13, characterised in that the stop means (11) are arranged at a depth (t) in respect of the opening (6) that is equal to or smaller than the external extend of the microphone cover (1).
15. Hearing device or hearing aid according to claim 23, characterised in that the inside surface of the opening (6) is at least partly rough to provide a friction joint with the corresponding surface of the microphone cover (1).
16. Use of a microphone cover according to one of the claims 1 to 12 in hearing devices or hearing aids for covering the opening (6) of the microphone (14), preferably for in-the-ear hearing devices.

Images