EP1562400A2 - Replaceable protective membrane of listening device of hearing-aids - Google Patents

Abstract

Hearing aid has an earpiece (3) which is fitted with a membrane (15). This protects it from contamination by ear wax. Independent claims are included for: (A) a method for making the membrane comprising applying the heated earpiece to a thin sheet of flexible polymer so that the sheet is welded to it; and (B) a method for fitting and removing the membrane.

Description

The present invention relates to a device as Hearing aid for wearing in the ear or in or on the ear canal according to the preamble of claim 1, a method for Producing a protective element for a device, a Assembly tool for mounting and removing the Protective element on or from a hearing aid and a Method for mounting a protective element.

Especially with in-ear hearing aids or hearing aids the problem that the acoustic output of Hearing aid against the inner ear pollution, especially by cerumen, may occur.

From the prior art are a number of measures known to the cerumen contamination of an in-ear Hearing aid to prevent or at least strongly to reduce. As a rule, the use is suggested a membrane as a hearing protection in in-ear hearing aids. Such membranes are in a variety of previous ones Publications described.

In US 4,987,597 is the use of a microporous membrane which are interchangeable with sound outlet openings from e.g. Hearing aids can be placed.

In US Pat. No. 6,164,409, a stiff, not sound-permeable (rigid, non-sound permeable) membrane described which the sound outlet of an in-ear Hearing device hermetically seals. The membrane is picked up by the listener vibrated and thus generates sound waves in Frequency and amplitude are similar.

In DE 19 640 796 A1 a hearing aid is presented at that of the listener through a membrane of the eardrum is completed. It becomes a thin titanium membrane proposed that by means of a cap on the Sound outlet of the hearing aid can be placed.

A similar system is presented in EP 0 835 042 A2. Here is the thin titanium membrane also by appropriate Surface embossing and a concave or convex shape designed as an acoustic filter or acoustic lens.

Also in the patent US 4,953,215 is a membrane mentioned from a non-porous material, which at least contains a small hole as a sound outlet, this opening being at least a factor of 10 larger must be considered the membrane thickness to increase the acoustic transparency receive.

Even with behind-the-ear (BTE) devices is the use of Membranes have already been described. So will For example, in WO-A-0045617 a treatment device described having a sound outlet, the through an acoustically transparent waterproof film is sealed.

DE 101 04 129 A1 describes a hearing aid with a Filter unit, which is a membrane or sieve-like Contains filter element. To those for sound transmission To increase effective cross-sectional area, is the Filter element inclined executed. A similar arrangement is also described in DE 102 14 189 B4. Here is a relatively large membrane parallel to the ear canal axis arranged and sonicated with a handset. The radiated Sound is then transmitted through a small slit at the Face of the hearing aid shell to the eardrum out radiated.

Also EP 0 629 101 A1 describes a membrane which is not encloses only the sound input and output ports, but also the outermost skin of the Hearing aid shell forms and by pouring the interior can be adapted to the anatomy of the ear canal. This membrane is not interchangeable, but integral Part of the shell.

EP 0 548 580 A1 describes a handset for hearing aids, which with an outer membrane against cerumen and Moisture is protected. Again, the membrane is not interchangeable but an integral part of the handset.

The approach, the listener of a hearing aid with a membrane hermetically includes five problem areas, which are addressed in the proposed invention:

1. Mechanical Properties of Membrane Sound Transmission:

As is well known, the transmission properties are of large membranes better than that of small. When used as a hearing protection in the hearing aid the maximum diameter through the ear canal geometry, or the desired "fitting rate" limited. Next to the Diameter also have the membrane thickness and the Material properties (modulus of elasticity, Poisson number, density) one Influence on the sound transmission. So, this is true Optimize factors for a given diameter to achieve optimal sound transmission.

2. Acoustic coupling of the listener to the membrane:

A membrane as a hearing protection must be audible to the listener be coupled that abrupt cross-sectional changes and so that impedance jumps are avoided. Usually will the receiver via a sound tube to the shell attached to the hearing aid. So it has to be a mechanical one Coupling of the hose diameter, which usually About half of the membrane diameter is at the Membrane can be found, the above points be taken into account.

3. Installation effort in the in-the-ear laboratory:

The assembly effort in the in-ear laboratory contributes significantly to the Total cost of an in-the-ear (IdO) hearing aid at. One Cerumen protection system must therefore be so easy to assemble be that no additional time is spent in the laboratory.

4. Purification of the membrane in daily use:

A membrane protects the handset effectively against Moisture and cerumen, but is itself all these Exposed to environmental factors. It has to be in daily use Therefore, it may be possible for the membrane to be regular can be cleaned to prevent deposits of cerumen Remove the acoustic properties can affect. This must be in the mechanical Configuration of the membrane and other elements be taken into account.

5. Insertion and removal of the membrane:

In the event that the membrane becomes heavily contaminated or damaged, there must be a possibility of it replaced. The replacement of the membrane should be not only for the service technician but also for the Hearing aid acoustician or the hearing aid wearer be possible. Therefore, a tool must be made available which is the insertion as well as the removal of the membrane allows. It is important to ensure that when inserting the filigree membrane is not damaged and when Do not remove dirt in the sound outlet can get.

Accordingly, the present invention has the object underlying the five problem areas listed above at least partially feed a solution.

Accordingly, the present invention proposes a Apparatus according to the wording of claim 1.

In US 6,813,364 B1, the use of a membrane as Completing a hearing aid module for hearing aids in the ear or worn on the ear, described, but without that To describe membrane element in more detail, in particular its Construction, production and handling. In this sense the present invention specifies the proposed Elements of US 6,813,364 B1.

Proposed is a device as a hearing aid, worn in the ear or in or on the ear canal, comprising at least a sound or acoustic exit opening with a Protective element to prevent contamination of Hearing aid, wherein the protective element is a thin, at least For example, almost flexible or elastic membrane an elastomer or a thermoplastic polymer having. The protective element is at least largely integral in the wall of a housing or a Inserted protective shell of the device or the hearing aid arranged.

According to one embodiment variant, the protective element an at least nearly circular, cylindrical body or carrier, consisting of one, preferably thermally conductive, material, wherein the one opening of the Body or carrier, preferably that of the Device as seen from the outside, from the flexible membrane is covered or completed.

The surface of the inner passage of the carrier or the Cylinder is designed conically, that the Diameter of the internal passage from the outside Opening, covered by the membrane against the opening, directed against the inside of the hearing aid rejuvenating is trained.

The membrane is preferably made of an elastomeric or rubber-elastic polymer, such as polyurethane, Synthetic rubber, butadiene-styrene copolymer, silicone rubber, etc. The membrane has a thickness of <30μm, preferably <20μm, such as about 15μm. The annular cylinder or carrier is preferably made of a metal material such as stainless steel. Alternatively, a plastic can also be used be used with those described below Manufacturing process is compatible.

Further preferred embodiments of the inventive device or hearing aid are in the dependent claims characterized.

Further proposed is a method for manufacturing a protective element for a device as above described. According to the proposed method is a Foil made of an elastic or flexible polymer arranged a support, then the cylindrical body or carrier consisting of thermally conductive material passed against the membrane, wherein either the foil or the cylinder-like body or Carrier is heated. Now the body or wearer is against pressed the membrane on what these through the terminal Body or support edge is welded and simultaneously is released from the film, which by appropriate Design of the carrier cross-section is made possible. Subsequently, the cylinder-like body or carrier with the membrane removed from the foil and can now introduced into a hearing aid as a protective element or in the Housing wall are arranged.

For the assembly of the protective element is a further Assembly tool according to the wording of claim 11 proposed. Preferred embodiments of the Assembly tool are in dependent claims characterized.

Finally, a procedure for the assembly of a Protective element in a hearing aid or a housing of a In-ear hearing aid according to the wording of claim 12 proposed.

The invention will now be described by way of example and with reference to the attached figures explained in more detail.

Fig. 1a

im Schnitt den standardmässigen Aufbau des trommelfellseitigen Endes eines Im-Ohr Hörgerätes mit einem erfindungsgemässen Schutzelement,

Fig. 1b

ein geschlossenes Hörermodul, welches in ein Im-Ohr Hörgerät eingesetzt oder als externer Hörer für ein Hinter-dem-Ohr Gerät verwendet werden kann,

Fig. 2a

im Schnitt ausschnittsweise den Bereich des eingesetzten Schutzelementes mit zusätzlicher Haltevorrichtung als separates Bauteil,

Fig. 2b

im Schnitt ausschnittsweise den Bereich des eingesetzten Schutzelementes mit einer in-situ in der Schale aufgebauten Haltevorrichtung,

Fig. 3

den typischen Frequenzgang eines Im-Ohr Hörgerätes mit und ohne Membran bzw. Schutzelement,

Fig. 4

schematisch dargestellt einen möglichen Herstellprozess für die Herstellung eines Schutzelementes,

Fig. 5

ein Montagewerkzeug für das Montieren bzw. Wiederentfernen eines Schutzelementes in Perspektive,

Fig. 6

dasjenige Ende des Montagewerkzeuges geeignet für die Montage,

Fig. 7

dasjenige Ende des Montagewerkzeuges geeignet für das Wiederentfernen des Schutzelementes,

Fig. 8a-c

den Montagevorgang des Schutzelementes in die Gehäusewandung eines Im-Ohr Hörgerätes, und

Fig. 9a-c

das Wiederentfernen des Schutzelementes aus dem Gehäuse.

Showing:

Fig. 1a

on average the standard structure of the eardrum end of an in-ear hearing aid with a protective element according to the invention,

Fig. 1b

a closed earphone module, which can be used in an in-ear hearing device or used as an external earpiece for a behind-the-ear device,

Fig. 2a

Sectionally section of the area of the protective element used with additional holding device as a separate component,

Fig. 2b

Sectionally section of the area of the protective element used with a holding device constructed in-situ in the shell,

Fig. 3

the typical frequency response of an in-ear hearing aid with and without membrane or protective element,

Fig. 4

schematically shows a possible manufacturing process for the production of a protective element,

Fig. 5

an assembly tool for mounting or removing a protective element in perspective,

Fig. 6

the end of the assembly tool suitable for mounting,

Fig. 7

that end of the assembly tool suitable for the removal of the protective element,

Fig. 8a-c

the assembly process of the protective element in the housing wall of an in-ear hearing aid, and

Fig. 9a-c

the removal of the protective element from the housing.

FIG. 1a schematically shows a sketch of the standard one Structure of the eardrum end of an in-ear Hearing aid 1 with a in the housing 3 recessed membrane wax protection 10. The cerumen protection 10 is directly in a designated recess 11 in arranged the housing wall or shell 3 inserted. The recess 11 is an integral part of Housing wall or shell 3 and is with the shell built together. Alternatively, the recess 11 may be designed as a separate component 20, which in a designated hole 22 in the shell. 3 is mounted, as shown in Figure 2a. At the bottom End of the recess 11 is an opening 21 in the the sound tube 7 is glued. This Hose also holds the handset 5 in place. Of the Earpiece 5 is additionally surrounded by a bearing 9, which should dampen mechanical vibrations. After all A ventilation compensation channel 17 is also recognizable a pressure equalization with the inner ear to the outside too enable.

FIG. 1b shows the corresponding structure for a closed handset module 4, which in an in-ear hearing aid can be used as described in US 6,813,364 B1, or which as an external speaker one Hinterohrgerätes can be used in the ear. In this Case is the handset 12 by elastic bearings 14 in a housing 6 included, which is a Sound outlet 11 has, which designed so is that the protective element 13 can be inserted and so that the diaphragm 15 the outermost end of the system forms.

In particular, Figure 2b again shows schematically as a sketch the membrane wax guard 10 in section. The membrane 15 is mounted on a support 13, which in the cavity 11th is used. The cavity 11 has the corresponding Depth that the diaphragm 15 flush with the housing surface too lie comes. It can also be seen that the carrier 13 outside has a non-constant cross-section 13, i. provided is a lateral gradation 18, which on a corresponding saddle in the cavity 11 rests and an inner gradation 57 which the replacement allows. The inner opening of the carrier, in particular from the small hose diameter 21 to the larger outer one Diameter, covered by the membrane 15, runs conical. The conical surface is with the reference 19 provided.

1. Durch die Wahl des Membranmaterials sowie die Ausgestaltung des Trägers können die oben diskutierten Probleme reduziert werden: So besteht die Membran aus einer sehr dünnen Folie, < 30µm, vorzugsweise < 20µm, wie beispielsweise einer 15µm Polyurethan-Folie. Durch die geringe Foliendicke und den tiefen E-Modul des Materials wird die Biegesteifigkeit der Membran für einen gegebenen Aussendurchmesser reduziert. Die Folie wird auf den Träger aufgeklebt, wie z.B. mit einem dauerelastischen, UVaushärtenden Klebstoff. Es sind aber auch andere Verbindungsarten denkbar, wie z.B. Schweissen mittels Induktion, Hochfrequenz oder Temperatur/Laser. Ein Verfahren zum Aufbringen der Membran wird im Übrigen unter Bezug auf Figur 4 näher beschrieben. Um für einen Druckausgleich zu sorgen, ohne die akustischen Eigenschaften zu verändern, kann in die Membran auch ein Loch von wenigen Mikrometern Durchmesser eingebracht werden. Beispielsweise kann mittels eines Laserstrahls ein Loch von ca. 30 Mikrometern Durchmesser eingebracht werden. Um eine möglichst grosse Fit-Rate zu erreichen wird der Durchmesser der schwingenden Membran unter 3mm gehalten. Das ermöglicht einen Einsatz des Cerumenschutzes auch bei Im-Ohr Hörgeräten kleinster Bauform wie z.B. Im Ohrkanal-Hörgerät (CIC).

2. Die optimale akustische Ankoppelung vom Hörerausgang bzw. dem Schallschlauch auf die Cerumenschutz-Membran wird über einen konusförmigen Übergang 19 im Trägerteil erreicht. Dadurch werden Impedanzsprünge, welche durch plötzliche Querschnittsänderungen hervorgerufen werden, verhindert. Dadurch wird auch das zwischen Hörermembran und Cerumenschutz-Membran bewegte Luftvolumen weiter reduziert, was ebenfalls einen positiven Effekt auf die Dämpfung hat.

3. Die Vertiefung 11 für den Cerumenschutz kann in modernen additiven Fertigungsverfahren für Hörgeräteschalen, wie z.B. selektives Lasersintern (SLS) oder Stereolithographie (SLA), in-situ mit der schale aufgebaut werden. Dadurch entfallen zusätzliche Schritte bei der Schalenfertigung für die Montage eines Cerumenschutz-Systems im Im-Ohr Labor. Bei einem geschlossenen Hörermodul 4 für Im-Ohr Hörgeräte oder als externer Hörer für Hinter-dem-Ohr Hörgeräte wie in Figur 1b gezeigt ist, kann die Vertiefung 11 als integraler Bestandteil des Hörergehäuses 6 ausgestaltet werden. Der Hörer wird standardmässig mittels Hörerschlauch und Lagerung montiert und anschliessend wird der Träger mit Membran einfach in die dafür vorgesehene Öffnung in der Schale hineingedrückt. Mit einem dafür vorgesehenen Werkzeug, wie später unter Bezug auf Figuren 5 ff beschrieben, kann der Cerumenschutz ausgewechselt werden.

4. Der Reinigungsaufwand des Hörgerätes wird durch die beschriebene Membran-Lösung minimal gehalten. Dadurch dass die Membran 15 bündig zur Aussenkontur der Hörgeräteschale 3 verläuft, können Verschmutzungen oder Ablagerungen von Cerumen auf der Schale oder auf der Membran durch einfaches Abwischen des Gerätes mit einem feuchten Tuch entfernt werden. Hartnäckigere Ablagerungen können mechanisch mit einer weichen Bürste entfernt werden. Beides sind Handlungen, die dem Hörgeräteträger bekannt sind. Durch die Wahl des Membranmaterials, welches eine sehr hohe Reissdehnung von über 500% hat, wird das Risiko, die Membran beim Reinigen zu verletzen sehr stark reduziert. Wenn die Membran mechanisch beschädigt ist oder die Dämpfung trotz Reinigung mit der Zeit zunimmt, kann die Membran vom Akustiker oder aber vom Hörgeräteträger selber ausgewechselt werden. Als Membranmaterialien eignen sich insbesondere Elastomere und gummielastische Polymere, wie beispielsweise das oben erwähnte Polyurethan, weiter hochreissfeste gummiartige Materialien, wie beispielsweise Synthesekautschuk, Butadien-Styrol-Copolymere, Silikonkautschuk, etc.

5. Das Einsetzen und Entfernen der Membran ist weiter unten anhand der Figuren 8 und 9 beschrieben. Insbesondere wird ein Werkzeug 41 vorgestellt, dass es ermöglicht, den Cerumenschutz einzusetzen, ohne die Membran zu beschädigen. Es wird auch gezeigt, wie der Cerumenschutz entfernt werden kann, ohne dass Schmutzpartikel in die Schallaustrittöffnung des Hörers gelangen.

The invention outlined addresses all of the problem areas discussed above:

1. By choosing the membrane material and the design of the carrier, the problems discussed above can be reduced: Thus, the membrane consists of a very thin film, <30μm, preferably <20μm, such as a 15μm polyurethane film. Due to the low film thickness and the low modulus of elasticity of the material, the flexural rigidity of the membrane is reduced for a given outside diameter. The film is adhered to the carrier, such as with a permanently elastic, UV-curing adhesive. But there are also other types of connection conceivable, such as welding by induction, high frequency or temperature / laser. Incidentally, a method of applying the membrane will be described with reference to FIG. 4. In order to provide pressure equalization without altering the acoustic properties, a hole of a few micrometers in diameter can be introduced into the membrane. For example, a hole of approximately 30 micrometers in diameter can be introduced by means of a laser beam. In order to achieve the largest possible fit rate, the diameter of the vibrating membrane is kept below 3mm. This allows the use of cerumen protection even with in-ear hearing aids of the smallest design, such as in the ear canal hearing aid (CIC).

2. The optimum acoustic coupling from the receiver outlet or the sound tube to the cerumen protection membrane is achieved via a cone-shaped transition 19 in the carrier part. As a result, impedance jumps, which are caused by sudden cross-sectional changes, prevented. As a result, the volume of air moved between the receiver membrane and the cerumen protection membrane is further reduced, which likewise has a positive effect on the attenuation.

3. The reticulum recess 11 may be constructed in-situ with the shell in modern additive manufacturing processes for hearing aid trays, such as selective laser sintering (SLS) or stereolithography (SLA). This eliminates additional steps in the shell production for the installation of a cerumen protection system in the in-ear laboratory. In a closed earphone module 4 for in-ear hearing aids or as an external earphone for behind-the-ear hearing aids as shown in Figure 1b, the recess 11 can be configured as an integral part of the earphone housing 6. The receiver is mounted as standard by means of a receiver tube and storage and then the carrier with membrane is simply pressed into the opening in the bowl. With a dedicated tool, as described later with reference to Figures 5 et seq., The cerumen guard can be replaced.

4. The cleaning of the hearing aid is minimized by the described membrane solution. Characterized in that the membrane 15 is flush with the outer contour of the hearing aid shell 3, soiling or deposits of cerumen on the shell or on the membrane can be removed by simply wiping the device with a damp cloth. Stubborn deposits can be removed mechanically with a soft brush. Both are actions that are known to the hearing aid wearer. By choosing the membrane material, which has a very high elongation at break of over 500%, the risk of violating the membrane during cleaning is greatly reduced. If the membrane is mechanically damaged or the damping increases over time despite cleaning, the membrane can be replaced by the acoustician or the hearing aid wearer himself. Particularly suitable as membrane materials are elastomers and rubber-elastic polymers, such as the above-mentioned polyurethane, further high-tensile-strength rubber-like materials, such as, for example, synthetic rubber, butadiene-styrene copolymers, silicone rubber, etc.

5. The insertion and removal of the membrane is described below with reference to Figures 8 and 9. In particular, a tool 41 is presented that makes it possible to use the wax guard, without damaging the membrane. It also shows how the cerumen protection can be removed without dirt particles entering the sound outlet of the listener.

FIG. 3 shows a typical frequency response of an in-ear Hearing aid with and without membrane. It can be seen that through the membrane a broadband attenuation of about 2 dB comes about. This is due to the inner damping of the Membrane material and the inertia of the membrane due. So it has to be in the hearing aid fitting a corresponding reserve for the compensation of Membrane damping are taken into account.

Figure 4 shows schematically a possible application of a Membrane on a support 13 for the preparation of a corresponding protective element 10. On a pad 31st a film 33 is placed, consisting of the one Polymer which is suitable for forming the membrane. By means of a gripping element 35 of the carrier 13 is held and against the film 33 disposed on the base 31 lowered.

Once the front edge 37 of the carrier or body 13th impinges on the film 33, the film material is at the edge 37 sintered or welded. This can be done either by Heating the film 33 carried on the base 31, or but, by heating the preferably one thermally conductive material existing carrier 13. By the Ansintern or welding the membrane on the carrier 13 is these simultaneously removed from the film 33, whereupon the gripping member 35 is removed from the pad 31 again can be. Now, the membrane 15 on the carrier 33rd arranged and the protective element can in the cavity of a Hörgerätewandung be embedded. This process should now with reference to Figures 5 ff closer to be discribed.

FIG. 5 shows in perspective a tool or Assembly tool 41, by means of which the CerumenschutzElement be arranged both in the housing wall can, as well as be removed from this again. The Tool has two appropriately configured ends 43 and 45 on. FIG. 6 shows the end 43 which is for the installation or the introduction of the cerumen protection in the Housing wall is provided. This is indicated by the tool a circular cylinder-like end 49, which in approximately the diameter of the upper or outer edge 37 of the Cerumen protection corresponds. Something back from the end an elastic jacket 47 is provided, which outside encompassing the end 49 surmounted. This elastic coat is dimensioned such that an outer encompassing the outer contour of the upper edge 37 of the protective element in Area of the membrane is possible. The elastic sheath 47 can consist of the same material as the end 43 and resiliently by appropriate design Have properties, or he can from one rubber elastic material such as an elastomer or a thermoplastic elastomer exist and as additional Component be mounted on the end 43, or integral with be constructed this, for example via a 2K injection molding process. For simplicity, in the Description spoken by a rubber coat. On the Assembly itself should be closer with reference to Figure 8 To be received.

The opposite end of the tool 41 is in FIG. 7 represented where a cylinder-like disassembly 51 at End 45 of the tool 41 is arranged. The Disassembly element 51 preferably has a terminal Snap-53 on whose function with reference to Figure 9 is discussed in more detail.

FIG. 8 now shows with reference to the three representations a), b) and c) the assembly process for the insertion of a Protective element 10 in the cavity 11 of an in-ear Hearing aid. In this case, according to Figure 8a, the cerumen protection or the carrier 13 by the outside embracing rubber-elastic jacket 47 of the tool 41 is held. FIG. 8b shows the insertion of the carrier 13 into the cavity 11, wherein now the outside encompassing rubber jacket 47 at the Housing wall 3 is pending. As a result of the rubber elastic Training, the jacket 47 during insertion of the carrier 13th be compressed, as shown in Figure 8c. Once the wearer or body together with the membrane, i.e. the cerumen protection element in the cavity 11 completely is admitted, the tool 41 can be lifted upwards be without the element again from the cavity 11 Will get removed.

The removal of the protective element from the cavity 11th takes place by means of the other end of the tool 41, such as schematically explained with reference to Figures 9a and 9b becomes. In this case, the dismantling element 51 with the terminal detent 53 against the membrane 15 of Protective element moves, and together with the membrane against the lower tapered opening 21 in the body or carrier 13 pressed. Due to the high tensile strength of the membrane 15 this is not pierced or cut through but with the disassembly 51 stretched, which is advantageous to contamination of the listener in the hearing aid prevent. Once the disassembly 51 completely is introduced, the laterally projecting snap Einrastorgane 53 in corresponding recesses 57 in the inner wall of the carrier 13, which now the Protective element can be pulled out of the cavity 11.

Due to the design of the protective element and under Use of the tool, shown in Figures 5 to 7, it is possible in a simple way the To replace cerumen protection at any time. In other words The cerumen protection can also be replaced by one person who uses the hearing aid.

In the devices shown in FIGS. 1 to 9, Of course, elements and tools are involved just for examples, which in any way modified, modified or supplemented by other elements can be. So it is possible, instead of the said Polymer materials others for the production of the membrane to use suitable materials. Also the carrier or Body of Cerumenschutzelementes can from x-arbitrary, suitable materials are produced, wherein preferably a good heat-conducting and heat-resistant Material, such as a fiber-reinforced polymer is used to simplify the application of the membrane on the support, as with reference to FIG. 4 explained in more detail. Also the tool, described with reference to Figures 5 to 7, is merely an example, that does not necessarily have to be rod-shaped. It can also be used a different tool shape on which a rubbery material, such as a kind Rubber hose, is arranged to protect the protective element in Hearing device to arrange, and on the other hand can also Disassembly or a gripping element may be provided, the For example, terminally has a rough contour to attacking in the inner cone of the wearer or body this to remove again from the hearing aid.

Claims (14)

Device as a hearing aid for wearing in the ear or in or on the ear canal having at least one sound or acoustic outlet opening with a protective element (10) for preventing contamination of the device, characterized in that the element (10) is a thin, at least almost flexible or elastic membrane (15) made of a thermoplastic polymer. Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the element (10) is arranged at least largely integrally embedded in the wall of a housing of the device or in a cavity (11) or protective sound of the device. Device according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the element has an at least approximately circular, cylinder-like body or carrier (13) consisting of a thermally conductive material, wherein the one opening, preferably that of the device or hearing aid to the outside directed opening of the body or support of the flexible membrane (15) is covered or completed. Apparatus according to claim 3, characterized in that the inside surface (19) of the cylinder-like carrier or body is cone-like against the inner opening (21) directed towards the interior of the device towards diameter-tapering formed. Device according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the membrane (15) consists of an elastomeric or rubber-elastic polymer, such as polyurethane, synthetic rubber, butadiene-styrene copolymer, silicone rubber, etc. Device according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the membrane (15) has a thickness of <30μm, preferably <20μm, such as about 15μm. Device according to one of claims 3 to 6, characterized in that the cylindrical support or body (13) consists of a metal, such as stainless steel. Device according to one of claims 2 to 7, characterized in that the element (10) is arranged in such a way in the housing wall (3) of the device that the membrane (15) is largely flush with the outer wall surface. Device according to one of claims 3 to 8, characterized in that the membrane (15) glued or welded to the cylinder-like body or support is arranged or connected thereto. Device according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the membrane (15) has a diameter of less than 3 mm. Device according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the membrane (15) has a pressure equalization bore of less than 30 micrometers in diameter. Method for producing a protective element (10) for a device according to one of Claims 1 to 11, characterized in that a thin foil (33) made of an elastic or flexible polymer is placed on a base and the cylindrical support or body (13) consisting of a thermally conductive material, is heated and is guided against the film (33), whereby upon impact of the body or support on the film of the frontally formed annular edge (37) of the body or carrier welds the film and so the membrane of the film triggers, whereby the membrane thus produced is firmly connected to the carrier or body, which is then moved away from the film and cooled. Assembly tool for mounting and removing a protective element (10) from a hearing aid wall in the region of a sound or acoustic exit opening, characterized by a largely rod-shaped body 41, with a terminally arranged hose-like rubber jacket (47) which projects beyond the end and which is dimensioned such that it can embrace the edge of the membrane-containing end of the cylinder-like body or carrier, and with a disassembly element arranged at the other end with a gripping or latching element (53) arranged at the end, such that when the disassembly element is introduced into the interior of the carrier or body, the membrane is pressed or pulled into the interior of the element, and by means of the terminally arranged gripper or latching the protective element from the wall or the cavity of the housing is removable. Method for mounting a protective element as defined in any one of claims 1 to 11 in or on a hearing aid by means of a mounting tool according to claim 13, characterized in that by means of the terminal protruding rubber sheath, the edge of the membrane having the end of the cylindrical body or carrier held encompassing is inserted and introduced into an outwardly open cavity of the hearing aid housing to the outside encompassing rubber jacket on the housing wall and at least slightly pushed outwards, such that the protective element is at least almost completely inserted into the cavity and is at least almost released from the rubber jacket, so the mounting tool without the protective element can be removed.

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