EP1626610B1 - Shaping of a sound tube and sound tube - Google Patents

Shaping of a sound tube and sound tube Download PDF

Info

Publication number
EP1626610B1
EP1626610B1 EP05106983A EP05106983A EP1626610B1 EP 1626610 B1 EP1626610 B1 EP 1626610B1 EP 05106983 A EP05106983 A EP 05106983A EP 05106983 A EP05106983 A EP 05106983A EP 1626610 B1 EP1626610 B1 EP 1626610B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
sound tube
hearing aid
plastic material
sound
metal core
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Active
Application number
EP05106983A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP1626610A1 (en
Inventor
Esfandiar Grafenberg
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Sivantos GmbH
Original Assignee
Siemens Audioligische Technik GmbH
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Siemens Audioligische Technik GmbH filed Critical Siemens Audioligische Technik GmbH
Publication of EP1626610A1 publication Critical patent/EP1626610A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP1626610B1 publication Critical patent/EP1626610B1/en
Active legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

Links

Images

Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04R—LOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; DEAF-AID SETS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS
    • H04R25/00—Deaf-aid sets, i.e. electro-acoustic or electro-mechanical hearing aids; Electric tinnitus maskers providing an auditory perception
    • H04R25/02—Deaf-aid sets, i.e. electro-acoustic or electro-mechanical hearing aids; Electric tinnitus maskers providing an auditory perception adapted to be supported entirely by ear
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04R—LOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; DEAF-AID SETS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS
    • H04R25/00—Deaf-aid sets, i.e. electro-acoustic or electro-mechanical hearing aids; Electric tinnitus maskers providing an auditory perception
    • H04R25/60—Mounting or interconnection of hearing aid parts, e.g. inside tips, housings or to ossicles
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04R—LOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; DEAF-AID SETS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS
    • H04R2225/00—Details of deaf aids covered by H04R25/00, not provided for in any of its subgroups
    • H04R2225/021—Behind the ear [BTE] hearing aids
    • H04R2225/0213—Constructional details of earhooks, e.g. shape, material
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04R—LOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; DEAF-AID SETS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS
    • H04R2460/00—Details of hearing devices, i.e. of ear- or headphones covered by H04R1/10 or H04R5/033 but not provided for in any of their subgroups, or of hearing aids covered by H04R25/00 but not provided for in any of its subgroups
    • H04R2460/17—Hearing device specific tools used for storing or handling hearing devices or parts thereof, e.g. placement in the ear, replacement of cerumen barriers, repair, cleaning hearing devices
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04R—LOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; DEAF-AID SETS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS
    • H04R25/00—Deaf-aid sets, i.e. electro-acoustic or electro-mechanical hearing aids; Electric tinnitus maskers providing an auditory perception
    • H04R25/60—Mounting or interconnection of hearing aid parts, e.g. inside tips, housings or to ossicles
    • H04R25/607—Mounting or interconnection of hearing aid parts, e.g. inside tips, housings or to ossicles of earhooks

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a method for shaping a sound tube for sound conduction between a behind the ear portable hearing aid and the ear canal of a hearing aid wearer and such a sound tube and the use of such a sound tube in a portable behind the ear hearing aid.
  • the transmission of the sound generated by the hearing aid device from the hearing aid device to the eardrum of a hearing aid wearer generally takes place via a sound tube.
  • This is attached to one end of the hearing aid and opens at its other end mostly in an earmold that completely or partially closes the ear canal of the hearing aid wearer. If the sound tube ends loosely in the ear canal, i. Without being held by an earmold, this is called an open supply.
  • the sound tube is usually arbitrarily deformable, and he does not maintain its shape after the hearing aid is deposited.
  • preformed, elastically deformable sound tubes there are also known preformed, elastically deformable sound tubes.
  • the problem arises that a hearing care professional must have a selection of such sound tubes with different shape and length to have in stock for the majority of hearing aid wearers an at least halfway matching sound tube.
  • a relatively firm, adapted to the contours of the concha and the tragus shaping is a prerequisite that the portable behind the ear hearing aid sits stably and the earmold without tension in the ear canal.
  • the holding part is elastic in the normal state and plastically deformable in the heated state.
  • a method for shaping a sound tube for sound conduction between a hearing aid device that can be worn behind the ear and the auditory canal of a hearing aid wearer wherein the sound tube is made of a plastic material.
  • a preformed wire is inserted into the sound tube. After heat treatment, the sound tube retains the shape created by the preformed wire.
  • the object of the present invention is to provide an individually suitable sound tube for the wearer of a hearing aid device that can be worn behind the ear in a relatively short time.
  • a plastically deformable metal core which is preferably designed as a flexible wire.
  • the plastic material itself may be plastically or elastically deformable before the treatment, wherein the shape is determined by the metal core.
  • the sound tube can easily be given an individual shape adapted to the individual anatomy of a hearing aid wearer.
  • the plastic material is treated so that it retains the individual shape elastically deformable after treatment.
  • the metal core can be pulled out of the sound tube and the sound tube, which then consists only of the plastic shell, retains its shape without the action of an external force.
  • the hearing aid with the sound tube and possibly the earmold can be easily put on and removed again from the ear, without causing the risk of permanently changing the individual shape of the sound tube when placing or removing.
  • the invention offers the advantage that a hearing aid acoustician only has to provide a sound tube according to the invention, which can then be adapted to any anatomy of the ear. By a certain stiffness and elastic deformability of the finished sound tube this can also come to a carrying function. A carrying hook, so far is customary in behind the ear portable hearing aids, it can be omitted. By removing the metal core after shaping a sound tube usually made of a transparent plastic material remains very inconspicuous.
  • the sound tube retains its shape elastically deformable even after removal of the metal core
  • the sound tube is treated prior to removal of the metal core in such a way that the plastic material of the sound tube retains the predetermined shape elastically deformable.
  • the treatment is preferably carried out by supplying heat energy.
  • the sound tube can be heated from the outside.
  • Another possibility is to heat the metal core and thus supply the heat energy from the inside, so to speak.
  • Another advantageous treatment method is the energy supply by irradiation with UV light. Suitable radiation equipment for this are available at low cost.
  • the treatment of the sound tube for generating a predetermined, elastic, deformable shape is not limited to the methods mentioned. Rather, a variety of other methods applicable.
  • FIG. 1 shows by way of example a sound tube 1 in a delivery state.
  • the sound tube 1 extends in a straight line.
  • the sound tube 1 comprises a sheath 2 made of a plastic material. This opens at one end in a connector 5 for connection to a hearing aid.
  • a region 3 is usually introduced with worn hearing aid in an earmold in the form of an individually shaped earmold or a universally matching olive.
  • FIG. 2 shows a hearing aid device 7, which can be worn behind an ear 6, with a sound tube 1 which connects the hearing aid device 7 to an ear-piece 8 projecting into the auditory canal.
  • the sound tube 1 is traversed by a plastically deformable metal wire 4, so that the sound tube 1 can be adapted in terms of its external shape to the individual anatomical conditions of the hearing aid wearer.
  • the hearing aid device 7 and the sound tube 1 are carefully removed from the ear 6 and separated from each other, so that the individual shape of the sound tube 1 remains unchanged.
  • the sound tube 1 is shortened in the widened region 3 and the metal wire 4 by means of the cutting tools 9 and 10 to the required length.
  • the plastic casing 2 which now forms the sound tube, retains the predetermined shape. It is elastically deformable after the heat treatment, allowing it to be attached of the hearing aid device 7 behind the ear 6 and for removing the hearing aid can be easily brought out of the predetermined shape, but then returns again and again by itself in the once predetermined shape.
  • the plastic casing 2 forming the sound tube 1 is preferably made of a transparent material, so that the now finished, individually shaped sound tube 1 can hardly be seen by third parties when worn on the ear.
  • a sound tube that is present in the delivery state can already be shortened at the beginning of the adaptation if the required length is already apparent from the individual ear to which the sound tube is to be adapted.
  • the cutting (shortening) and shaping can also be carried out several times until the length and shape optimally fit.
  • the cutting can also take place only after the heat treatment, so that the individual shaping is not accidentally changed again.
  • an individually adapted sound tube can be produced in a short time.
  • the acoustician when using a sound tube according to the invention, the acoustician only needs to hold this one type of sound tube. This can then be adapted to each ear anatomy individually, which increases the flexibility of the acoustician and brings more comfort for the hearing aid wearer.

Abstract

The method involves treating plastic material of sound tube (1) to retain its shape in an elastically ductile manner. The metal core (4) is removed from sound tube after treatment. Independent claims are also included for the following: (1) sound tube; and (2) hearing aid.

Description

Die Erfindung betrifft ein Verfahren zur Formgebung eines Schallschlauches zur Schallleitung zwischen einem hinter dem Ohr tragbaren Hörhilfegerät und dem Gehörgang eines Hörhilfegeräteträgers sowie einen derartigen Schallschlauch und die Verwendung eines derartigen Schallschlauches bei einem hinter dem Ohr tragbaren Hörhilfegerät.The invention relates to a method for shaping a sound tube for sound conduction between a behind the ear portable hearing aid and the ear canal of a hearing aid wearer and such a sound tube and the use of such a sound tube in a portable behind the ear hearing aid.

Bei einem hinter dem Ohr tragbaren Hörhilfegerät erfolgt die Übertragung des durch das Hörhilfegerät erzeugten Schalls von dem Hörhilfegerät zum Trommelfell eines Hörhilfegeräteträgers in der Regel über einen Schallschlauch. Dieser ist an einem Ende des Hörhilfegerätes befestigt und mündet an seinem anderen Ende zumeist in einer Otoplastik, die den Gehörgang des Hörhilfegeräteträgers ganz oder teilweise verschließt. Endet der Schallschlauch lose in dem Gehörgang, d.h. ohne von einer Otoplastik gehalten zu werden, so spricht man von einer offenen Versorgung.In a hearing aid device that can be worn behind the ear, the transmission of the sound generated by the hearing aid device from the hearing aid device to the eardrum of a hearing aid wearer generally takes place via a sound tube. This is attached to one end of the hearing aid and opens at its other end mostly in an earmold that completely or partially closes the ear canal of the hearing aid wearer. If the sound tube ends loosely in the ear canal, i. Without being held by an earmold, this is called an open supply.

Der Schallschlauch ist zumeist beliebig verformbar, und er behält seine Form nach dem Ablegen des Hörhilfegerätes nicht bei. Es sind jedoch auch vorgeformte, elastisch verformbare Schallschläuche bekannt. Dabei tritt das Problem auf, dass ein Hörgeräteakustiker eine Auswahl derartiger Schallschläuche mit unterschiedlicher Formgebung und Länge bereithalten muss, um für den Großteil der Hörhilfegeräteträger einen zumindest halbwegs passenden Schallschlauch vorrätig zu haben. Insbesondere bei der Anwendung eines Schallschlauches, dem gleichzeitig eine Tragefunktion zukommt, ist eine relativ feste, an die Konturen des Ohrmuschelansatzes und des Tragus angepasste Formgebung Voraussetzung dafür, dass das hinter dem Ohr tragbare Hörhilfegerät stabil sitzt und das Ohrpassstück ohne Spannung im Gehörgang liegt.The sound tube is usually arbitrarily deformable, and he does not maintain its shape after the hearing aid is deposited. However, there are also known preformed, elastically deformable sound tubes. In this case, the problem arises that a hearing care professional must have a selection of such sound tubes with different shape and length to have in stock for the majority of hearing aid wearers an at least halfway matching sound tube. In particular, in the application of a sound tube, which at the same time has a carrying function, a relatively firm, adapted to the contours of the concha and the tragus shaping is a prerequisite that the portable behind the ear hearing aid sits stably and the earmold without tension in the ear canal.

Aus der DE 298 19 415 U1 ist ein Tragehaken für ein hinter dem Ohr tragbares Hörhilfegerät bekannt, der aus einem Kunststoffmaterial besteht und dauerhaft von einer Metallseele durchzogen ist. Der Tragehaken ist dadurch ohne Wärmebehandlung universell an die Ohrform des Hörgeräteträgers anpassbar.From the DE 298 19 415 U1 is a carrying hook for a behind the ear portable hearing aid known, which consists of a plastic material and is permanently traversed by a metal core. The carrying hook is thus universally adaptable without heat treatment to the ear shape of the hearing aid wearer.

Aus der DE 100 48 337 C1 ist ein hinter dem Ohr tragbares Hörhilfegerät mit einem Halteteil bekannt. Das Halteteil ist in normalem Zustand elastisch und in erwärmtem Zustand plastisch verformbar.From the DE 100 48 337 C1 is a behind the ear portable hearing aid known with a holding part. The holding part is elastic in the normal state and plastically deformable in the heated state.

Aus der WO 99/04601 ist ein Verfahren zur Formgebung eines Schallschlauches zur Schallleitung zwischen einem hinter dem Ohr tragbaren Hörhilfegerät und dem Gehörgang eines Hörhilfegeräteträgers bekannt, wobei der Schallschlauch aus einem Kunststoffmaterial gefertigt ist. Zur Formgebung wird ein vorgeformter Draht in den Schallschlauch eingeführt. Nach einer Wärmebehandlung behält der Schallschlauch die durch den vorgeformten Draht erzeugte Formgebung bei.From the WO 99/04601 a method is known for shaping a sound tube for sound conduction between a hearing aid device that can be worn behind the ear and the auditory canal of a hearing aid wearer, wherein the sound tube is made of a plastic material. For shaping, a preformed wire is inserted into the sound tube. After heat treatment, the sound tube retains the shape created by the preformed wire.

Aufgabe der vorliegenden Erfindung ist es, für den Träger eines hinter dem Ohr tragbaren Hörhilfegerätes in relativ kurzer Zeit einen individuell passenden Schallschlauch bereitzustellen.The object of the present invention is to provide an individually suitable sound tube for the wearer of a hearing aid device that can be worn behind the ear in a relatively short time.

Diese Aufgabe wird gelöst durch ein Verfahren zur Formgebung eines Schallschlauches zur Schallleitung zwischen einem hinter dem Ohr tragbaren Hörhilfegerät und dem Gehörgang eines Hörhilfegeräteträgers, wobei der Schallschlauch aus einem Kunststoffmaterial gefertigt und zunächst zumindest teilweise von einer Metallseele durchzogen ist, mit folgenden Schritten:

  • Bereitstellen des sich zunächst geradlinig erstreckenden und von der Metallseele durchzogenen Schallschlauches (1),
  • individuelle Formgebung des zunächst plastisch verformbaren Schallschlauches zur Anpassung an den Hörhilfegeräteträger,
  • Behandlung des Kunststoffmaterials derart, dass der Schallschlauch die individuelle Form elastisch verformbar beibehält,
  • Entfernen der Metallseele aus dem Schallschlauch.
This object is achieved by a method for shaping a sound tube for sound conduction between a hearing aid device that can be worn behind the ear and the auditory canal of a hearing aid wearer, wherein the sound tube is made of a plastic material and initially at least partially crossed by a metal core, with the following steps:
  • Providing the sound tube (1) which initially extends in a straight line and is traversed by the metal core,
  • individual shaping of the initially plastically deformable sound tube for adaptation to the hearing aid wearer,
  • Treatment of the plastic material such that the sound tube retains the individual shape elastically deformable
  • Remove the metal core from the sound tube.

Zur individuellen Formgebung ist der Schallschlauch zunächst von einer plastisch verformbaren Metallseele, die vorzugsweise als biegbarer Draht ausgeführt ist, durchzogen. Das Kunststoffmaterial selbst kann dabei vor der Behandlung plastisch oder elastisch verformbar sein, wobei die Formgebung durch die Metallseele bestimmt wird. Dadurch kann dem Schallschlauch leicht eine an die individuelle Anatomie eines Hörhilfegeräteträgers angepasste, individuelle Form gegeben werden. Anschließend wird das Kunststoffmaterial derart behandelt, dass es nach der Behandlung die individuelle Formgebung elastisch verformbar beibehält. Dann kann die Metallseele aus dem Schallschlauch herausgezogen werden und der Schallschlauch, der dann nur noch aus der Kunststoffhülle besteht, behält ohne Einwirkung einer äußeren Kraft seine Formgebung bei. Das Hörhilfegerät mit dem Schallschlauch und ggf. dem Ohrpassstück können dadurch leicht aufgesetzt und wieder vom Ohr abgenommen werden, ohne dass dabei die Gefahr besteht, die individuelle Formgebung des Schallschlauches beim Aufsetzen oder Abnehmen dauerhaft zu verändern.For individual shaping of the sound tube is initially traversed by a plastically deformable metal core, which is preferably designed as a flexible wire. The plastic material itself may be plastically or elastically deformable before the treatment, wherein the shape is determined by the metal core. As a result, the sound tube can easily be given an individual shape adapted to the individual anatomy of a hearing aid wearer. Subsequently, the plastic material is treated so that it retains the individual shape elastically deformable after treatment. Then the metal core can be pulled out of the sound tube and the sound tube, which then consists only of the plastic shell, retains its shape without the action of an external force. The hearing aid with the sound tube and possibly the earmold can be easily put on and removed again from the ear, without causing the risk of permanently changing the individual shape of the sound tube when placing or removing.

Die Erfindung bietet den Vorteil, dass ein Hörgeräteakustiker lediglich einen Schallschlauch gemäß der Erfindung bereithalten muss, der dann an jede beliebige Anatomie des Ohres angepasst werden kann. Durch eine gewisse Steifigkeit und elastische Verformbarkeit des fertigen Schallschlauches kann diesem auch eine Tragefunktion zukommen. Ein Tragehaken, der bislang bei hinter dem Ohr tragbaren Hörhilfegeräten üblich ist, kann dadurch entfallen. Durch das Entfernen der Metallseele nach der Formgebung bleibt ein in der Regel aus einem transparenten Kunststoffmaterial gefertigter Schallschlauch auch weiterhin sehr unauffällig.The invention offers the advantage that a hearing aid acoustician only has to provide a sound tube according to the invention, which can then be adapted to any anatomy of the ear. By a certain stiffness and elastic deformability of the finished sound tube this can also come to a carrying function. A carrying hook, so far is customary in behind the ear portable hearing aids, it can be omitted. By removing the metal core after shaping a sound tube usually made of a transparent plastic material remains very inconspicuous.

Damit der Schallschlauch auch nach dem Entfernen der Metallseele seine Form elastisch verformbar beibehält, wird der Schallschlauch vor dem Entfernen der Metallseele derart behandelt, dass das Kunststoffmaterial des Schallschlauches die vorgegebene Form elastisch verformbar beibehält. Die Behandlung erfolgt vorzugsweise durch Zufuhr von Wärmeenergie. Hierfür kann der Schallschlauch von außen erwärmt werden. Eine andere Möglichkeit besteht darin, die Metallseele zu erwärmen und die Wärmeenergie somit gleichsam von innen zuzuführen. Eine weitere vorteilhafte Behandlungsmethode ist die Energiezufuhr durch Bestrahlung mit UV-Licht. Geeignete Bestrahlungsgeräte hierfür sind kostengünstig verfügbar. Die Behandlung des Schallschlauches zum Erzeugen einer vorgegebenen, elastischen, verformbaren Formgebung ist nicht auf die genannten Methoden beschränkt. Vielmehr ist eine Vielzahl weiterer Methoden anwendbar.So that the sound tube retains its shape elastically deformable even after removal of the metal core, the sound tube is treated prior to removal of the metal core in such a way that the plastic material of the sound tube retains the predetermined shape elastically deformable. The treatment is preferably carried out by supplying heat energy. For this purpose, the sound tube can be heated from the outside. Another possibility is to heat the metal core and thus supply the heat energy from the inside, so to speak. Another advantageous treatment method is the energy supply by irradiation with UV light. Suitable radiation equipment for this are available at low cost. The treatment of the sound tube for generating a predetermined, elastic, deformable shape is not limited to the methods mentioned. Rather, a variety of other methods applicable.

Die Erfindung wird nachfolgend anhand eines Ausführungsbeispiels näher erläutert. Dabei zeigen:

Figur 1
einen Schallschlauch im Auslieferungszustand,
Figur 2
einen nach den individuellen anatomischen Gegebenheiten eines Hörhilfegeräteträgers geformten Schallschlauch,
Figur 3
das Ablängen des Schallschlauches gemäß Figur 2,
Figur 4
eine Wärmebehandlung des individuell geformten Schallschlauches und
Figur 5
das Herausziehen eines Metalldrahtes aus dem individuell geformten Schallschlauch.
The invention will be explained in more detail with reference to an embodiment. Showing:
FIG. 1
a sound tube in delivery condition,
FIG. 2
a sound tube shaped according to the individual anatomical conditions of a hearing aid wearer,
FIG. 3
the cutting to length of the sound tube according to FIG. 2,
FIG. 4
a heat treatment of the individually shaped sound tube and
FIG. 5
the extraction of a metal wire from the individually shaped sound tube.

Figur 1 zeigt beispielhaft einen Schallschlauch 1 in einem Auslieferungszustand. In diesem Zustand erstreckt sich der Schallschlauch 1 geradlinig. Der Schallschlauch 1 umfasst eine Hülle 2 aus einem Kunststoffmaterial. Diese mündet an ihrem einen Ende in einem Anschlussstück 5 zur Verbindung mit einem Hörhilfegerät. An dem anderen Ende ist der Schallschlauch 1 in einem Bereich 3 aufgeweitet, wobei der Bereich 3 bei getragenem Hörhilfegerät in der Regel in ein Ohrpassstück in Form einer individuell geformten Otoplastik oder einer universell passenden Olive eingeführt ist.FIG. 1 shows by way of example a sound tube 1 in a delivery state. In this state, the sound tube 1 extends in a straight line. The sound tube 1 comprises a sheath 2 made of a plastic material. This opens at one end in a connector 5 for connection to a hearing aid. At the other end of the sound tube 1 is widened in a region 3, wherein the region 3 is usually introduced with worn hearing aid in an earmold in the form of an individually shaped earmold or a universally matching olive.

Figur 2 zeigt ein hinter einem Ohr 6 tragbares Hörhilfegerät 7 mit einem Schallschlauch 1, der das Hörhilfegerät 7 mit einem in den Gehörgang ragenden Ohrpassstück 8 verbindet. Der Schallschlauch 1 ist von einem plastisch verformbaren Metalldraht 4 durchzogen, so dass sich der Schallschlauch 1 hinsichtlich seiner äußeren Formgebung an die individuellen anatomischen Gegebenheiten des Hörhilfegeräteträgers anpassen lässt. Nach der Anpassung des Schallschlauches werden das Hörhilfegerät 7 und der Schallschlauch 1 vorsichtig vom Ohr 6 abgenommen und voneinander getrennt, so dass die individuelle Formgebung des Schallschlauches 1 unverändert bleibt. In einem nachfolgenden Behandlungsschritt wird der Schallschlauch 1 in dem aufgeweiteten Bereich 3 und der Metalldraht 4 mittels der Schneidewerkzeuge 9 und 10 auf die erforderliche Länge gekürzt. Anschließend erfolgt eine Wärmebehandlung des Schallschlauches 1 in einer Wärmekammer 11, wie dies in Figur 4 veranschaulicht ist. Nach der Wärmebehandlung des Kunststoffmaterials wird der Metalldraht 4 nicht weiter benötigt und kann daher aus dem Schallschlauch 1 herausgezogen werden. Dies ist in Figur 5 veranschaulicht. Durch die Wärmebehandlung behält die nun den Schallschlauch bildende Kunststoffhülle 2 die vorgegebene Form bei. Sie ist nach der Wärmebehandlung elastisch verformbar, so dass sie zur Befestigung des Hörhilfegerätes 7 hinter dem Ohr 6 sowie zum Abnehmen des Hörhilfegerätes leicht aus der vorgegebenen Form gebracht werden kann, anschließend jedoch immer wieder von selbst in die einmal vorgegebene Form zurückkehrt. Die den Schallschlauch 1 bildende Kunststoffhülle 2 ist vorzugsweise aus einem transparenten Material gefertigt, so dass der nun fertige, individuell geformte Schallschlauch 1 beim Tragen am Ohr für Dritte kaum zu erkennen ist.FIG. 2 shows a hearing aid device 7, which can be worn behind an ear 6, with a sound tube 1 which connects the hearing aid device 7 to an ear-piece 8 projecting into the auditory canal. The sound tube 1 is traversed by a plastically deformable metal wire 4, so that the sound tube 1 can be adapted in terms of its external shape to the individual anatomical conditions of the hearing aid wearer. After the adaptation of the sound tube, the hearing aid device 7 and the sound tube 1 are carefully removed from the ear 6 and separated from each other, so that the individual shape of the sound tube 1 remains unchanged. In a subsequent treatment step, the sound tube 1 is shortened in the widened region 3 and the metal wire 4 by means of the cutting tools 9 and 10 to the required length. Subsequently, a heat treatment of the sound tube 1 in a heat chamber 11, as illustrated in Figure 4. After the heat treatment of the plastic material, the metal wire 4 is no longer needed and can therefore be pulled out of the sound tube 1. This is illustrated in FIG. As a result of the heat treatment, the plastic casing 2, which now forms the sound tube, retains the predetermined shape. It is elastically deformable after the heat treatment, allowing it to be attached of the hearing aid device 7 behind the ear 6 and for removing the hearing aid can be easily brought out of the predetermined shape, but then returns again and again by itself in the once predetermined shape. The plastic casing 2 forming the sound tube 1 is preferably made of a transparent material, so that the now finished, individually shaped sound tube 1 can hardly be seen by third parties when worn on the ear.

Die oben genannten Schritte zum Erzeugen eines individuell geformten Schallschlauches müssen nicht notwendigerweise in der genannten Reihenfolge durchgeführt werden. So kann beispielsweise ein im Auslieferungszustand vorliegender Schallschlauch bereits zu Beginn der Anpassung zunächst gekürzt werden, wenn sich die erforderliche Länge anhand des individuellen Ohres, an das der Schallschlauch angepasst werden soll, bereits abzeichnet. Ferner können das Ablängen (Kürzen) und Formen auch mehrfach ausgeführt werden, bis die Länge und Formgebung optimal passen. Weiterhin kann das Ablängen auch erst nach der Wärmebehandlung erfolgen, so dass dabei die individuelle Formgebung nicht versehentlich wieder verändert wird.The above-mentioned steps for producing a custom-shaped sound tube need not necessarily be performed in the order named. Thus, for example, a sound tube that is present in the delivery state can already be shortened at the beginning of the adaptation if the required length is already apparent from the individual ear to which the sound tube is to be adapted. Furthermore, the cutting (shortening) and shaping can also be carried out several times until the length and shape optimally fit. Furthermore, the cutting can also take place only after the heat treatment, so that the individual shaping is not accidentally changed again.

Durch die Erfindung kann ein individuell angepasster Schallschlauch in kurzer Zeit hergestellt werden. Im Unterschied zur Verwendung vorgeformter Schläuche muss der Akustiker bei der Verwendung eines Schallschlauches gemäß der Erfindung nur diesen einen Typ Schallschlauch vorhalten. Dieser kann dann an jede Ohranatomie individuell angepasst werden, was die Flexibilität des Akustikers erhöht und mehr Tragekomfort für den Hörhilfegeräteträger bringt.By the invention, an individually adapted sound tube can be produced in a short time. In contrast to the use of preformed tubes, when using a sound tube according to the invention, the acoustician only needs to hold this one type of sound tube. This can then be adapted to each ear anatomy individually, which increases the flexibility of the acoustician and brings more comfort for the hearing aid wearer.

Claims (5)

  1. A method for shaping a sound tube (1) for conducting sound between a hearing aid (7) that can be worn behind the ear and a hearing-aid wearer's auditory canal, the sound tube (1) being made of a plastic material and initially having a metal core (4) running at least partway through it, comprising the following steps:
    - providing the sound tube (1) initially extending in a straight line and having the metal core running through it,
    - individual shaping of the initially plastically ductile sound tube (1) to accommodate it to the hearing-aid wearer,
    - treating the plastic material in such a way that the sound tube (1) will retain its individual shape in an elastically ductile manner,
    - removing the metal core from the sound tube.
  2. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plastic material is heated.
  3. The method as claimed in claim 2, wherein the metal core (4) is heated in order to heat the plastic material.
  4. The method as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the plastic material is irradiated.
  5. Method according to claim 4, wherein the plastic material is irradiated with UV light.
EP05106983A 2004-07-30 2005-07-28 Shaping of a sound tube and sound tube Active EP1626610B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE102004037070 2004-07-30

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP1626610A1 EP1626610A1 (en) 2006-02-15
EP1626610B1 true EP1626610B1 (en) 2007-12-19

Family

ID=35431308

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP05106983A Active EP1626610B1 (en) 2004-07-30 2005-07-28 Shaping of a sound tube and sound tube

Country Status (6)

Country Link
US (1) US20060023909A1 (en)
EP (1) EP1626610B1 (en)
AT (1) ATE381874T1 (en)
DE (1) DE502005002271D1 (en)
DK (1) DK1626610T3 (en)
ES (1) ES2297624T3 (en)

Families Citing this family (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CA2613507C (en) * 2005-06-27 2011-03-15 Widex A/S A method and a tool for shaping an elongated deformable member for a hearing aid
DE102006001847A1 (en) * 2006-01-13 2007-07-19 Siemens Audiologische Technik Gmbh Method for forming a sound channel of a hearing device
US7729502B2 (en) * 2008-10-07 2010-06-01 Charles Beck Hearing aid tube molding heater
WO2010023331A2 (en) * 2009-12-21 2010-03-04 Phonak Ag Tube for sound transmission
EP2587839B1 (en) 2011-10-25 2018-03-07 Oticon A/S A hearing aid retainer accessory
CN204258515U (en) * 2012-04-10 2015-04-08 通用电气公司 Motor and the frame for motor
WO2016126614A1 (en) 2015-02-04 2016-08-11 Etymotic Research, Inc. Speech intelligibility enhancement system
EP3732901B1 (en) 2017-12-28 2022-06-22 Starkey Laboratories, Inc. Hearing device cable

Family Cites Families (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE4109370A1 (en) * 1990-05-23 1992-09-24 Fraunhofer Ges Forschung DEVICE FOR DEFORMING WORKPIECES FROM THERMOPLASTIC PLASTICS
JP4354631B2 (en) * 1997-07-18 2009-10-28 リザウンド コーポレイション Hearing aid device attached behind the ear
DE29819415U1 (en) 1998-10-30 1999-01-28 Siemens Audiologische Technik Carrying hook for hearing aids that can be worn behind the ear
DE10048337C1 (en) 2000-09-29 2002-03-07 Siemens Audiologische Technik Hearing aid device has housing worn behind ear provided with retaining element cooperating with otoplastic worn within ear

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
DE502005002271D1 (en) 2008-01-31
ATE381874T1 (en) 2008-01-15
US20060023909A1 (en) 2006-02-02
EP1626610A1 (en) 2006-02-15
DK1626610T3 (en) 2008-05-05
ES2297624T3 (en) 2008-05-01

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
EP1626610B1 (en) Shaping of a sound tube and sound tube
EP1290915B1 (en) Otoplasty for behind-the-ear hearing aids
DE102010006469A1 (en) Guide device for a listening device
EP1345471A1 (en) Otoplastic for behind-the-ear hearing aids
DE102007045315B3 (en) Tool for inserting a receiver of a hearing device into an auditory canal
EP3249954B1 (en) Retaining ear tip for a standard earpiece
DE10048337C1 (en) Hearing aid device has housing worn behind ear provided with retaining element cooperating with otoplastic worn within ear
EP2360949A2 (en) Hearing tube with torsion relief and hearing aid
EP1517170A1 (en) Hearing aid attachable to a spectacle temple
EP1224839B1 (en) Otoplastic for behind-the-ear hearing aids
DE102005061150A1 (en) Device and method for configuring a hearing aid
DE102006046698B4 (en) Sound conductor and hearing device
EP2302953A2 (en) Bone conduction hearing aid
EP3672284A2 (en) Otoplastic and use of an otoplastic
EP1659826A2 (en) Hearing-aid and corresponding method for inserting the hearing aid
EP1998593A1 (en) Eartip for a hearing aid with retaining ring
DE102011078675B4 (en) Impression structure for a hearing device
EP2056625A2 (en) Hearing aid, in particular BtE hearing aid
DE60221107T2 (en) METHOD FOR PRODUCING A HEARING AIDS SUPPORT AND A HELPING PART
DE102004050133B4 (en) Open earmold
EP1521498A2 (en) Universal auditory canal insert for hearing aid
EP1622421A2 (en) Hearing aid and method of manufacturing the same
DE102020115913B3 (en) Earmold with support
DE102005058772B3 (en) Open otoplastic for use as part of hearing aid, has junction formed as oblong hollow space with slot over entire length of oblong hollow space such that hollow space is open at its proximal and distal ends and on side of slot
EP2866473A2 (en) Otoplastic, hearing system and method for mounting a hearing system

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
PUAI Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC NL PL PT RO SE SI SK TR

AX Request for extension of the european patent

Extension state: AL BA HR MK YU

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 20060807

AKX Designation fees paid

Designated state(s): AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC NL PL PT RO SE SI SK TR

GRAP Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR1

GRAS Grant fee paid

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR3

GRAA (expected) grant

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009210

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: B1

Designated state(s): AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC NL PL PT RO SE SI SK TR

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: GB

Ref legal event code: FG4D

Free format text: NOT ENGLISH

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: IE

Ref legal event code: FG4D

Free format text: LANGUAGE OF EP DOCUMENT: GERMAN

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: EP

REF Corresponds to:

Ref document number: 502005002271

Country of ref document: DE

Date of ref document: 20080131

Kind code of ref document: P

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: NV

Representative=s name: SIEMENS SCHWEIZ AG

GBT Gb: translation of ep patent filed (gb section 77(6)(a)/1977)

Effective date: 20080221

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: SE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20080319

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: ES

Ref legal event code: FG2A

Ref document number: 2297624

Country of ref document: ES

Kind code of ref document: T3

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DK

Ref legal event code: T3

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: PL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20071219

Ref country code: NL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20071219

Ref country code: FI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20071219

Ref country code: LT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20071219

Ref country code: LV

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20071219

Ref country code: SI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20071219

NLV1 Nl: lapsed or annulled due to failure to fulfill the requirements of art. 29p and 29m of the patents act
PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: CZ

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20071219

Ref country code: IS

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20080419

ET Fr: translation filed
PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: SK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20071219

Ref country code: RO

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20071219

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: PT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20080519

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: IE

Ref legal event code: FD4D

PLBE No opposition filed within time limit

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009261

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: NO OPPOSITION FILED WITHIN TIME LIMIT

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: IE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20071219

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: DK

Payment date: 20080708

Year of fee payment: 4

Ref country code: ES

Payment date: 20080827

Year of fee payment: 4

26N No opposition filed

Effective date: 20080922

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: FR

Payment date: 20080715

Year of fee payment: 4

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: GR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20080320

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: MC

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20080731

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: PCAR

Free format text: SIEMENS SCHWEIZ AG;INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY FREILAGERSTRASSE 40;8047 ZUERICH (CH)

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: DE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20090203

Ref country code: EE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20071219

Ref country code: BG

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20080319

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: CY

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20071219

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: AT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20080728

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: PL

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DK

Ref legal event code: EBP

GBPC Gb: european patent ceased through non-payment of renewal fee

Effective date: 20090728

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: FR

Ref legal event code: ST

Effective date: 20100331

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: FR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20090731

Ref country code: LI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20090731

Ref country code: CH

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20090731

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: GB

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20090728

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: BE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20080731

Ref country code: LU

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20080728

Ref country code: DK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20090731

Ref country code: HU

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20080620

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: TR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20071219

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: ES

Ref legal event code: FD2A

Effective date: 20090729

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: ES

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20090729

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: IT

Payment date: 20080731

Year of fee payment: 4