EP1758427B1 - In-the-ear hearing aid with electronic module - Google Patents

In-the-ear hearing aid with electronic module Download PDF

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Publication number
EP1758427B1
EP1758427B1 EP06118187A EP06118187A EP1758427B1 EP 1758427 B1 EP1758427 B1 EP 1758427B1 EP 06118187 A EP06118187 A EP 06118187A EP 06118187 A EP06118187 A EP 06118187A EP 1758427 B1 EP1758427 B1 EP 1758427B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
hearing aid
electronic components
shell
skeleton
ear hearing
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.)
Revoked
Application number
EP06118187A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP1758427A2 (en
EP1758427A3 (en
Inventor
Joseph Sauer
Christian Schmitt
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
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Filing date
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Application filed by Siemens Audioligische Technik GmbH filed Critical Siemens Audioligische Technik GmbH
Publication of EP1758427A2 publication Critical patent/EP1758427A2/en
Publication of EP1758427A3 publication Critical patent/EP1758427A3/en
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Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04R—LOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; DEAF-AID SETS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS
    • H04R25/00—Deaf-aid sets, i.e. electro-acoustic or electro-mechanical hearing aids; Electric tinnitus maskers providing an auditory perception
    • H04R25/65—Housing parts, e.g. shells, tips or moulds, or their manufacture
    • H04R25/652—Ear tips; Ear moulds
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04R—LOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; DEAF-AID SETS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS
    • H04R25/00—Deaf-aid sets, i.e. electro-acoustic or electro-mechanical hearing aids; Electric tinnitus maskers providing an auditory perception
    • H04R25/65—Housing parts, e.g. shells, tips or moulds, or their manufacture
    • H04R25/658—Manufacture of housing parts
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04R—LOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; DEAF-AID SETS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS
    • H04R2225/00—Details of deaf aids covered by H04R25/00, not provided for in any of its subgroups
    • H04R2225/025—In the ear hearing aids [ITE] hearing aids

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to an in-the-ear hearing device having a housing shell for accurately fitting insertion into an auditory canal and a bendable skeleton to which substantially all electronic components of the hearing device are attached.
  • in-the-ear hearing aids are very complex because of the small design of the devices.
  • assembly of customized in-the-ear hearing aids is very labor-intensive.
  • the aim of the production is always a size and cost-optimized device.
  • prefabricated electronic modules which contain the essential electronic components of the hearing device, are concealed in wearer-specific ear shells. It is unfavorable, however, that the available space, which is different individually from hearing aid to hearing aid, can not be optimally utilized.
  • telecoils and other antennas are often used, the orientation of which depends on the individual shell in the installed state. When installed, it is virtually impossible to align the coils, so that the communication from the hearing aid to a telephone or between two hearing aids is often poor.
  • EP 0 629 101 B1 is an in-the-ear hearing aid with a limited plastically deformable skeleton, which carries the electronic components of the hearing aid known.
  • a membrane is attached to the skeleton in such a way that a casting space is formed by the skeleton and the membrane, which has an open pouring channel towards the outside.
  • the hearing aid is adapted to the individual auditory canal by the hearing aid positioned in the ear and then the casting room is poured with a hardening plastic compound, wherein the membrane deformed and the resulting molding forms according to the ear canal.
  • WO 93/25053 A1 is a soft ear canal for hearing aids known that surrounds a harder shell.
  • the harder shell is bendable in one end region and can be inserted into or removed from the softer shell.
  • WO 2004/082332 A1 an integrally formed hearing aid housing with integrated faceplate.
  • An electronic module can be inserted from the outside into the faceplate.
  • the object of the present invention is to further reduce the design of an in-the-ear hearing aid despite increasing functionality.
  • this object is achieved by an in-the-ear hearing device with a housing shell for accurately fitting insertion into an auditory canal and a bendable skeleton, to which essentially all electronic components of the hearing device are fastened, the bendable skeleton forming a module with the electronic components, which is removable from the housing shell as a whole and / or can be installed in this.
  • the bendable skeleton is designed in such a way that the electronic components are freely accessible in a state of the module that is not embedded in the housing shell.
  • wiring elements for the electronic components are integrated in the skeleton.
  • wiring technique insert molded
  • wiring elements for the electronic components can also be attached to the skeleton. This makes it easy to achieve a clear and repair-friendly wiring.
  • the housing shell is preferably made individually for a hearing aid wearer. In this prefabricated shell can then bring the electronics module. Particularly advantageous is the production of the hearing aid shell by RSM technology (Rapid Shell Manufacturing).
  • One of the electronics components of the electronics module may be an electrical coil that is alignable with the skeleton in a desired orientation. During assembly, the skeleton is first to deform according to the available interior of the housing shell. Subsequently, the electronic components can be installed in the skeleton, with the coil is aligned exactly. This gives the coil the optimum orientation necessary for communication.
  • the skeleton may also be an inner housing having a plurality of openings. Through these multiple openings then the electronic components can be installed, so that eventually the entire electronic module is created.
  • the skeleton here consists essentially of two rods 21 and 22 and a plate 23 which connects the rods 21 and 22 at their free end.
  • the neck 31 of the earpiece 3 protrudes through a bore of the plate 23 and the body of the earpiece 3 abuts against the rods 21 and 22.
  • a signal processing circuit 4 This consists of two individual boards, which are fastened to ribs 24 and 25 of the rods 21 and 22. In FIG. 2 this is also clearly visible.
  • a battery holder 5 including battery 6, which is also attached to the rods 21 and 22.
  • the battery holder 5 protrudes through the front panel 1 and from there allows the removal of the battery 6.
  • the microphone 7 is here attached to the battery holder 5, which thus assumes a function of the skeleton.
  • the telecoil 8, however, is at least partially attached to the rod 22.
  • the rods 21 and 22 of the skeleton 2 are angled, thus forming the typical auditory canal angle. However, since this angle is individually different, both around the x-axis and about the y-axis, the skeleton 2 is made flexible here. This means that the skeleton 2 can be bent as dictated by the interior of a custom-made hearing aid shell.
  • the individual electronic components of the hearing device can now be assembled to the skeleton 2 before installation in the hearing device shell to form a fully functioning hearing device. This makes it possible to assemble the individual components as possible without gaps between them. This results in the smallest possible structure and optimum packing density. In addition, since the components are freely accessible, they can be optimally arranged so that the best possible system function is ensured and disturbing interferences can be eliminated as far as possible.
  • FIG. 1 is also indicated that in the bar 21 of the skeleton 22 a wiring 26 extends.
  • the handset 3, the signal processing circuit 4 and the battery 6 can be electrically connected to each other suitably.
  • This wiring integrated into the skeleton can also save space.
  • the inner housing or skeleton 2 according to the invention enables a modular construction of the entire electronics of the in-the-ear hearing device.
  • This electronic module can be used in any shell.
  • This means that the present invention is independent of the shell technique.
  • an RSM shell but also any other standard prosthetic can be used.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Manufacturing & Machinery (AREA)
  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Neurosurgery (AREA)
  • Otolaryngology (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Acoustics & Sound (AREA)
  • Signal Processing (AREA)
  • Headphones And Earphones (AREA)
  • Telephone Set Structure (AREA)
  • Prostheses (AREA)

Abstract

The hearing aid has a shell that is inserted into an auditory canal, and a flexible skeleton (2), where the shell is manufactured through a rapid shell manufacturing-technology. Electronic components e.g. earpiece (3), signal processing circuit (4), battery (6) and telephone coil, are fastened to the skeleton. The skeleton with the electronic components forms a module that is removed as a whole from the shell and/or installed in the shell.

Description

Die vorliegende Erfindung betrifft ein In-dem-Ohr-Hörgerät mit einer Gehäuseschale zum passgenauen Einsetzen in einen Gehörgang und einem biegbaren Skelett, an dem im Wesentlichen alle Elektronikkomponenten des Hörgeräts befestigt sind.The present invention relates to an in-the-ear hearing device having a housing shell for accurately fitting insertion into an auditory canal and a bendable skeleton to which substantially all electronic components of the hearing device are attached.

Die Herstellung von In-dem-Ohr-Hörgeräten ist wegen der kleinen Bauform der Geräte sehr aufwändig. Insbesondere gestaltet sich die Montage von kundenspezifischen In-dem-Ohr-Hörgeräten sehr arbeitsintensiv. Das Ziel der Herstellung ist dabei stets ein größen- und kostenoptimiertes Gerät.The production of in-the-ear hearing aids is very complex because of the small design of the devices. In particular, the assembly of customized in-the-ear hearing aids is very labor-intensive. The aim of the production is always a size and cost-optimized device.

Generell ist bei der Fertigung von In-dem-Ohr-Hörgeräten bekannt, vorgefertigte Elektronikmodule, die die wesentlichen Elektronikbauteile des Hörgeräts beinhalten, in trägerspezifische Ohrschalen verdeckt einzubauen. Ungünstig dabei ist jedoch, dass der zur Verfügung stehende Bauraum, der individuell von Hörgerät zu Hörgerät unterschiedlich ist, nicht optimal ausgenutzt werden kann. Darüber hinaus werden häufig Telefonspulen und andere Antennen verwendet, deren Ausrichtung im eingebauten Zustand von der individuellen Schale abhängt. Im eingebauten Zustand ist es praktisch unmöglich, die Spulen auszurichten, so dass die Kommunikation vom Hörgerät zu einem Telefon oder zwischen zwei Hörgeräten oftmals mangelhaft ist.In general, in the manufacture of in-the-ear hearing aids, prefabricated electronic modules, which contain the essential electronic components of the hearing device, are concealed in wearer-specific ear shells. It is unfavorable, however, that the available space, which is different individually from hearing aid to hearing aid, can not be optimally utilized. In addition, telecoils and other antennas are often used, the orientation of which depends on the individual shell in the installed state. When installed, it is virtually impossible to align the coils, so that the communication from the hearing aid to a telephone or between two hearing aids is often poor.

Aus der Druckschrift EP 0 629 101 B1 ist ein In-dem-Ohr-Hörgerät mit einem begrenzt plastisch verformbaren Skelett, das die elektronischen Bestandteile des Hörgeräts trägt, bekannt. An dem Skelett ist eine Membran derart befestigt, dass durch Skelett und Membran ein Gießraum gebildet wird, der gegen außen einen offenen Gießkanal aufweist. Die Hörhilfe wird an den individuellen Gehörgang angepasst, indem die Hörhilfe im Ohr positioniert und dann der Gießraum mit einer erhärtenden Kunststoffmasse ausgegossen wird, wobei sich die Membran verformt und der entstehende Formkörper sich entsprechend dem Gehörgang formt.From the publication EP 0 629 101 B1 is an in-the-ear hearing aid with a limited plastically deformable skeleton, which carries the electronic components of the hearing aid known. A membrane is attached to the skeleton in such a way that a casting space is formed by the skeleton and the membrane, which has an open pouring channel towards the outside. The hearing aid is adapted to the individual auditory canal by the hearing aid positioned in the ear and then the casting room is poured with a hardening plastic compound, wherein the membrane deformed and the resulting molding forms according to the ear canal.

Aus der Druckschrift WO 93/25053 A1 ist eine weiche Gehörgangsschale für Hörgeräte bekannt, die eine härtere Schale umgibt. Die härtere Schale ist in einem Endbereich biegbar und kann in die weichere Schale eingesetzt bzw. aus ihr entnommen werden.From the publication WO 93/25053 A1 is a soft ear canal for hearing aids known that surrounds a harder shell. The harder shell is bendable in one end region and can be inserted into or removed from the softer shell.

Weiterhin offenbart die Druckschrift WO 2004/082332 A1 ein einstückig gebildetes Hörgerätegehäuse mit integriertem Faceplate. Ein Elektronikmodul ist von außen in das Faceplate einsetzbar.Furthermore, the document discloses WO 2004/082332 A1 an integrally formed hearing aid housing with integrated faceplate. An electronic module can be inserted from the outside into the faceplate.

Die Aufgabe der vorliegenden Erfindung besteht darin, die Bauform eines In-dem-Ohr-Hörgeräts trotz steigendem Funktionsumfang weiter zu verkleinern.The object of the present invention is to further reduce the design of an in-the-ear hearing aid despite increasing functionality.

Erfindungsgemäß wird diese Aufgabe gelöst durch ein In-dem-Ohr-Hörgerät mit einer Gehäuseschale zum passgenauen Einsetzen in einen Gehörgang und einem biegbaren Skelett, an dem im Wesentlichen alle Elektronikkomponenten des Hörgeräts befestigt sind, wobei das biegbare Skelett mit den Elektronikkomponenten ein Modul bilden, das aus der Gehäuseschale als Ganzes entnehmbar und/oder in diese einbaubar ist. Dabei ist das biegbare Skelett derart ausgebildet dass die Elektronikkomponenten in einem nicht in die Gehäuseschale eingebanten Zustand des Moduls frei zugänglich sind.According to the invention, this object is achieved by an in-the-ear hearing device with a housing shell for accurately fitting insertion into an auditory canal and a bendable skeleton, to which essentially all electronic components of the hearing device are fastened, the bendable skeleton forming a module with the electronic components, which is removable from the housing shell as a whole and / or can be installed in this. In this case, the bendable skeleton is designed in such a way that the electronic components are freely accessible in a state of the module that is not embedded in the housing shell.

In vorteilhafter Weise ist es damit möglich, ein Elektronikmodul an das Innenvolumen einer individuell angefertigten Gehäuseschale größtmöglich anzupassen. Darüber hinaus kann ein äußerst kompakter Aufbau erreicht und die Verbindungsdrähte sehr kurz gewählt werden, so dass eine verbesserte EMV-Verträglichkeit gegeben ist.Advantageously, it is thus possible to adapt as much as possible an electronic module to the internal volume of a custom-made housing shell. In addition, an extremely compact design can be achieved and the connecting wires can be chosen very short, so that an improved EMC compatibility is given.

Vorzugsweise sind in das Skelett Verdrahtungselemente für die Elektronikkomponenten integriert. Durch derartige Verdrahtungstechnik (insert moulded) kann weiterer Bauraum eingespart werden.Preferably, wiring elements for the electronic components are integrated in the skeleton. By such a wiring technique (insert molded) further space can be saved.

Verdrahtungselemente für die Elektronikkomponenten können aber auch an dem Skelett befestigt sein. Dadurch lässt sich eine übersichtliche und reparaturfreundliche Verdrahtung erreichen.But wiring elements for the electronic components can also be attached to the skeleton. This makes it easy to achieve a clear and repair-friendly wiring.

Die Gehäuseschale ist vorzugsweise individuell für einen Hörgeräteträger gefertigt. In diese vorgefertigte Schale lässt sich dann das Elektronikmodul einbringen. Besonders vorteilhaft ist die Fertigung der Hörgeräteschale durch RSM-Technologie (Rapid Shell Manufacturing). Eine der Elektronikkomponenten des Elektronikmoduls kann eine elektrische Spule sein, die an dem Skelett in einer gewünschten Orientierung ausrichtbar ist. Bei der Montage ist das Skelett zunächst entsprechend dem zur Verfügung stehenden Innenraum der Gehäuseschale zu verformen. Anschließend können die Elektronikkomponenten in das Skelett eingebaut werden, wobei die Spule exakt ausgerichtet wird. Damit erhält die Spule die für die Kommunikation notwendige optimale Orientierung.The housing shell is preferably made individually for a hearing aid wearer. In this prefabricated shell can then bring the electronics module. Particularly advantageous is the production of the hearing aid shell by RSM technology (Rapid Shell Manufacturing). One of the electronics components of the electronics module may be an electrical coil that is alignable with the skeleton in a desired orientation. During assembly, the skeleton is first to deform according to the available interior of the housing shell. Subsequently, the electronic components can be installed in the skeleton, with the coil is aligned exactly. This gives the coil the optimum orientation necessary for communication.

Im weitesten Sinne kann das Skelett auch ein Innengehäuse sein, das mehrere Öffnungen aufweist. Durch diese mehreren Öffnungen sind dann die Elektronikkomponenten einbaubar, so dass schließlich das gesamte Elektronikmodul entsteht.In the broadest sense, the skeleton may also be an inner housing having a plurality of openings. Through these multiple openings then the electronic components can be installed, so that eventually the entire electronic module is created.

Die vorliegende Erfindung wird nun anhand der beigefügten Zeichnungen näher erläutert, in denen zeigen:

FIG 1
ein Elektronikmodul eines In-dem-Ohr-Hörgeräts aus einem ersten Blickwinkel und
FIG 2
das Elektronikmodul von FIG 1 aus einem anderen Blickwinkel.
The present invention will now be explained in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
FIG. 1
an electronic module of an in-the-ear hearing aid from a first perspective and
FIG. 2
the electronic module of FIG. 1 from a different angle.

Das nachfolgend näher geschilderte Ausführungsbeispiel stellt eine bevorzugte Ausführungsform der vorliegenden Erfindung dar.The embodiment described in more detail below represents a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Entsprechend dem Beispiel von FIG 1 ist an dem so genannten Face Plate bzw. der Frontplatte 1 ein die Funktion eines Innengehäuses aufweisenden Skeletts 2 befestigt. Das Skelett besteht hier im Wesentlichen aus zwei Stäben 21 und 22 sowie einer Platte 23, die die Stäbe 21 und 22 an deren freiem Ende verbindet.According to the example of FIG. 1 is attached to the so-called face plate or the front panel 1 a function of an inner housing having skeleton 2. The skeleton here consists essentially of two rods 21 and 22 and a plate 23 which connects the rods 21 and 22 at their free end.

In dem Raum zwischen den Stäben 21 und 22 befinden sich die Elektronikkomponenten des In-dem-Ohr-Hörgeräts. So ragt der Stutzen 31 des Hörers 3 durch eine Bohrung der Platte 23 und der Körper des Hörers 3 liegt an den Stäben 21 und 22 an. Unterhalb des Hörers, d. h. an dem dem Stutzen 31 gegenüberliegenden Ende des Hörers 3, befindet sich eine Signalverarbeitungsschaltung 4. Diese besteht hier aus zwei Einzelplatinen, die an Rippen 24 und 25 der Stäbe 21 und 22 befestigt sind. In FIG 2 ist dies ebenfalls gut erkennbar.In the space between the bars 21 and 22 are the electronic components of the in-the-ear hearing aid. Thus, the neck 31 of the earpiece 3 protrudes through a bore of the plate 23 and the body of the earpiece 3 abuts against the rods 21 and 22. Below of the listener, ie at the end 31 of the receiver 3 opposite the connecting piece 31, there is a signal processing circuit 4. This consists of two individual boards, which are fastened to ribs 24 and 25 of the rods 21 and 22. In FIG. 2 this is also clearly visible.

Unterhalb der Signalverarbeitungsschaltung 4 befindet sich eine Batteriehalterung 5 einschließlich Batterie 6, die ebenfalls an die Stäbe 21 und 22 angebracht ist. Die Batteriehalterung 5 ragt durch die Frontplatte 1 und ermöglicht von dort die Entnahme der Batterie 6. Weiterhin ist ein Mikrofon 7 und insbesondere in FIG 2 eine Telefonspule 8 in der Nähe des Batteriehalters 5 zu erkennen. Das Mikrofon 7 ist hier an dem Batteriehalter 5 angebracht, der somit auch eine Funktion des Skeletts übernimmt. Die Telefonspule 8 hingegen ist zumindest teilweise an dem Stab 22 befestigt.Below the signal processing circuit 4 is a battery holder 5 including battery 6, which is also attached to the rods 21 and 22. The battery holder 5 protrudes through the front panel 1 and from there allows the removal of the battery 6. Furthermore, a microphone 7 and in particular in FIG. 2 to recognize a telecoil 8 in the vicinity of the battery holder 5. The microphone 7 is here attached to the battery holder 5, which thus assumes a function of the skeleton. The telecoil 8, however, is at least partially attached to the rod 22.

Die Stäbe 21 und 22 des Skeletts 2 sind abgewinkelt und bilden so den typischen Gehörgangswinkel. Da jedoch dieser Winkel individuell verschieden ist, und zwar sowohl um die x-Achse als auch um die y-Achse, ist das Skelett 2 hier biegsam gestaltet. Dies bedeutet, dass das Skelett 2 so gebogen werden kann, wie dies der Innenraum einer individuell angefertigten Hörgeräteschale vorgibt.The rods 21 and 22 of the skeleton 2 are angled, thus forming the typical auditory canal angle. However, since this angle is individually different, both around the x-axis and about the y-axis, the skeleton 2 is made flexible here. This means that the skeleton 2 can be bent as dictated by the interior of a custom-made hearing aid shell.

Die einzelnen Elektronikkomponenten des Hörgeräts lassen sich nun vor dem Einbau in die Hörgeräteschale zu einem vollständig funktionierenden Hörgerät an dem Skelett 2 zusammenbauen. Dadurch ist es möglich, die einzelnen Komponenten möglichst ohne Zwischenräume aneinander zu montieren. Somit ergibt sich der kleinstmögliche Aufbau und eine optimale Packungsdichte. Auch lassen sich die Komponenten, da sie frei zugänglich sind, optimal anordnen, so dass die bestmögliche Systemfunktion gewährleistet und störende Interferenzen soweit wie möglich ausgeschaltet werden können.The individual electronic components of the hearing device can now be assembled to the skeleton 2 before installation in the hearing device shell to form a fully functioning hearing device. This makes it possible to assemble the individual components as possible without gaps between them. This results in the smallest possible structure and optimum packing density. In addition, since the components are freely accessible, they can be optimally arranged so that the best possible system function is ensured and disturbing interferences can be eliminated as far as possible.

Weiterhin kann durch den kompakten Aufbau erzielt werden, dass sehr kurze Litzen zur elektrischen Verbindung der Komponenten untereinander eingesetzt werden können. Dadurch ergibt sich ein optimaler Aufbau hinsichtlich der elektromagnetischen Verträglichkeit (EMV). Die kurzen Litzen stellen nämlich nur sehr schwache Antennen für die in der Signalverarbeitung des Hörgeräts relevanten Frequenzen dar.Furthermore, can be achieved by the compact design that very short strands for electrical connection of the components can be used with each other. This results in an optimal structure in terms of electromagnetic compatibility (EMC). The short strands represent only very weak antennas for the relevant frequencies in the signal processing of the hearing aid.

Dadurch, dass die einzelnen Komponenten bei der offenen Bauweise nur durch das Skelett gehalten und frei zugänglich sind, können in einem verhältnismäßig kleinen Raum sehr komplexe Geräte mit optimaler Ausrichtung der Mikrofone und Spulen, d. h. mit sehr hoher Qualität, geschaffen werden. Dabei kann auch vermieden werden, dass Drähte brechen, wie dies bei konventioneller Bauweise vielfach der Fall ist, wenn die Elektronikkomponenten nacheinander in die Geräteschale eingebaut werden. Die offene Bauweise erleichtert aber auch Reparaturen, da die Bauelemente leicht zugänglich sind.The fact that the individual components in the open design are held only by the skeleton and are freely accessible, in a relatively small space very complex devices with optimal alignment of the microphones and coils, d. H. with very high quality, to be created. It can also be avoided that break wires, as is often the case with conventional design, when the electronic components are successively installed in the device shell. However, the open design also facilitates repairs, since the components are easily accessible.

In FIG 1 ist darüber hinaus angedeutet, dass in dem Stab 21 des Skeletts 22 eine Verdrahtung 26 verläuft. Hierdurch können beispielsweise der Hörer 3, die Signalverarbeitungsschaltung 4 und die Batterie 6 elektrisch zweckmäßig miteinander verbunden werden. Durch diese in das Skelett integrierte Verdrahtung lässt sich zusätzlich Bauraum einsparen.In FIG. 1 is also indicated that in the bar 21 of the skeleton 22 a wiring 26 extends. As a result, for example, the handset 3, the signal processing circuit 4 and the battery 6 can be electrically connected to each other suitably. This wiring integrated into the skeleton can also save space.

Das erfindungsgemäße Innengehäuse bzw. Skelett 2 ermöglicht einen Modulaufbau der gesamten Elektronik des In-dem-Ohr-Hörgeräts. Dieses Elektronikmodul ist in jede beliebige Schale einsetzbar. Dies bedeutet, dass die vorliegende Erfindung unabhängig von der Schalentechnik ist. Insbesondere kann also für den Aufbau eines erfindungsgemäßen Hörgeräts eine RSM-Schale aber auch jede andere Standardotoplastik verwendet werden.The inner housing or skeleton 2 according to the invention enables a modular construction of the entire electronics of the in-the-ear hearing device. This electronic module can be used in any shell. This means that the present invention is independent of the shell technique. In particular, therefore, for the construction of a hearing aid according to the invention, an RSM shell but also any other standard prosthetic can be used.

Claims (6)

  1. In-the-ear hearing aid having
    - a housing shell for accurate-fit insertion into an auditory canal,
    - a flexible supporting structure (2), to which substantially all the electronic components (3, 4, 6, 8) of the hearing aid are secured, wherein
    - the flexible supporting structure (2) and the electronic components (3, 4, 6, 8) form a module which can be removed from the housing shell in its entirety and/or can be inserted thereinto,
    characterised in that
    - the flexible supporting structure (2) is embodied in such a way that the electronic components (3, 4, 6, 8) are freely accessible when the module is not fitted in the housing shell.
  2. In-the-ear hearing aid according to claim 1, wherein wiring elements (26) for the electronic components (3, 4, 6, 8) are integrated into the supporting structure (2).
  3. In-the-ear hearing aid according to claim 1 or 2, wherein wiring elements for the electronic components (3, 4, 6, 8) are secured to the supporting structure (2).
  4. In-the-ear hearing aid according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the housing shell is manufactured individually for a hearing aid wearer.
  5. In-the-ear hearing aid according to claim 4, wherein the housing shell is manufactured using RSM technology.
  6. In-the-ear hearing aid according to one of the preceding claims, wherein one of the electronic components (3, 4, 6, 8) is an electrical coil (8), which can be aligned in a desired orientation on the supporting structure (2).
EP06118187A 2005-08-26 2006-07-31 In-the-ear hearing aid with electronic module Revoked EP1758427B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE102005040542A DE102005040542B3 (en) 2005-08-26 2005-08-26 In-the-ear hearing aid with electronics module

Publications (3)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP1758427A2 EP1758427A2 (en) 2007-02-28
EP1758427A3 EP1758427A3 (en) 2008-10-08
EP1758427B1 true EP1758427B1 (en) 2012-02-29

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EP06118187A Revoked EP1758427B1 (en) 2005-08-26 2006-07-31 In-the-ear hearing aid with electronic module

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US (1) US7844066B2 (en)
EP (1) EP1758427B1 (en)
AT (1) ATE547900T1 (en)
DE (1) DE102005040542B3 (en)
DK (1) DK1758427T3 (en)

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DE102007028232A1 (en) 2007-06-20 2009-01-02 Siemens Medical Instruments Pte. Ltd. Locking unit with component carrier for a hearing device
US20090010462A1 (en) * 2007-07-02 2009-01-08 Front Edge Technology, Inc. Compact rechargeable thin film battery system for hearing aid
US8628645B2 (en) * 2007-09-04 2014-01-14 Front Edge Technology, Inc. Manufacturing method for thin film battery
US20090136839A1 (en) * 2007-11-28 2009-05-28 Front Edge Technology, Inc. Thin film battery comprising stacked battery cells and method
DE102009009286B4 (en) * 2009-02-17 2013-08-08 Siemens Medical Instruments Pte. Ltd. Hearing device with individually oriented electronic component and manufacturing process
US8502494B2 (en) * 2009-08-28 2013-08-06 Front Edge Technology, Inc. Battery charging apparatus and method
US8865340B2 (en) 2011-10-20 2014-10-21 Front Edge Technology Inc. Thin film battery packaging formed by localized heating
US9887429B2 (en) 2011-12-21 2018-02-06 Front Edge Technology Inc. Laminated lithium battery
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US9257695B2 (en) 2012-03-29 2016-02-09 Front Edge Technology, Inc. Localized heat treatment of battery component films
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US8753724B2 (en) 2012-09-26 2014-06-17 Front Edge Technology Inc. Plasma deposition on a partially formed battery through a mesh screen
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Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
DE102005040542B3 (en) 2007-04-12
ATE547900T1 (en) 2012-03-15
US7844066B2 (en) 2010-11-30
EP1758427A2 (en) 2007-02-28
DK1758427T3 (en) 2012-06-25
EP1758427A3 (en) 2008-10-08
US20070047750A1 (en) 2007-03-01

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