EP1860915B2 - Method and corresponding hearing device to generate an acoustic signal or to transfer energy in an ear canal - Google Patents

Method and corresponding hearing device to generate an acoustic signal or to transfer energy in an ear canal Download PDF

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Publication number
EP1860915B2
EP1860915B2 EP07106929.8A EP07106929A EP1860915B2 EP 1860915 B2 EP1860915 B2 EP 1860915B2 EP 07106929 A EP07106929 A EP 07106929A EP 1860915 B2 EP1860915 B2 EP 1860915B2
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Prior art keywords
component
auditory canal
ear canal
signals
hearing
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EP07106929.8A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP1860915A2 (en
EP1860915A3 (en
EP1860915B1 (en
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Uwe Rass
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Sivantos GmbH
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Siemens Audioligische Technik GmbH
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    • 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
    • H04R25/55—Deaf-aid sets, i.e. electro-acoustic or electro-mechanical hearing aids; Electric tinnitus maskers providing an auditory perception using an external connection, either wireless or wired
    • H04R25/554—Deaf-aid sets, i.e. electro-acoustic or electro-mechanical hearing aids; Electric tinnitus maskers providing an auditory perception using an external connection, either wireless or wired using a wireless connection, e.g. between microphone and amplifier or using Tcoils
    • 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
    • H04R2460/15—Determination of the acoustic seal of ear moulds or ear tips of hearing devices

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a hearing device with a component that can be worn in the ear canal, which has a receiving unit for the wireless reception of signals. Moreover, the present invention relates to a method for generating a sound signal or for transmitting energy in an ear canal. In particular, the invention relates to hearing aids which are arranged in the ear canal.
  • CICs Deeply in the ear canal hearing aids, so-called CICs (completely in the channel), are problematic for several reasons.
  • the user finds it uncomfortable to push the device very far into the ear canal.
  • hearing aids that are completely housed in the ear canal must be removed from time to time, for example to change the battery and used again.
  • the hearing aid is equipped with a first component located in the ear canal.
  • a second component, with which signals from the first can be received, is located outside the ear canal.
  • DE 38 26 294 A1 a hands-free device for communication systems.
  • a player is carried in an ear. It receives its signals from an out-of-ear transmitter over a wireless link.
  • the publication WO 2006/042298 A2 describes a hearing system with photomechanical conversion.
  • the photomechanical transducer In the middle ear or on the drum tube is the photomechanical transducer, which is excited by light, which is modulated with the desired signal to vibrate.
  • this object is achieved by a hearing device according to claim 1.
  • the invention provides a method according to claim 7.
  • the idea is used of arranging a component which itself has no energy store very deep in the auditory canal and to transmit the signals or the energy wirelessly to this component.
  • a component located further out in the ear canal transmits the signal or the energy to the deeper-seated component.
  • the deeper-seated component only has to be removed very seldom, while the outside-sitting component can easily be removed by the user, for example, for battery replacement.
  • the hearing device is designed as a hearing aid.
  • CIC devices can thus profit from the advantage according to the invention.
  • the first component ie the more deeply seated component, has a seal for a soundproof seat in the auditory canal. This improves the efficiency of sound transmission from the first component to the eardrum.
  • the first component may have a receiving coil. This means that signals or energy can be transmitted inductively to the first component.
  • the first component also has an electromechanical transducer to convert the signals to acoustic waves.
  • the first component may comprise a magnetically active membrane. This is preferably coated with a ferromagnetic fluid. With the aid of a magnet placed in the auditory canal, the membrane can be deflected to generate sound.
  • the first component consists exclusively of the magnetically active membrane and the seal or another passive holder for fixing the membrane in the ear canal. This practically allows a loudspeaker to be realized in which the auditory canal wall represents the loudspeaker housing.
  • FIG. 1 is a structurally divided into two parts hearing aid in an ear canal or ear canal 1 used.
  • a second component 2 serves to generate a signal in the ear canal 1.
  • the second component 2 comprises a transmitting coil 3 arranged in the auditory canal 1 and provided with a transmission coil 3 in the auditory canal 1 FIG. 1 not shown, external auditory signal processing, microphones and a battery is connected.
  • the entire signal processing including microphone, battery and the transmitting coil can also be arranged in the ear canal or partially in the ear canal.
  • a first component 4 of the hearing device is placed further inside the ear canal 1. It consists here of a receiver coil 5, an electroacoustic transducer 6 and a seal 7 and optionally from additional electronics.
  • the first component 4 is batteryless and converts the signals received by means of the coil 5 and possibly further processed by the signal processing into sound signals for direct reception by the in FIG. 1 unreproduced eardrum.
  • the transmitting coil 3 of the second component 2 sends the output signal and optionally energy for the signal processing in magnetic form to the deep-seated in the ear first component 4.
  • FIG. 1 the supply of the electronics for the signal processing and the receiver or sound transducer 6 via a magnetic field by arrows 8 symbolizes.
  • the second component 2 consists here, as in the first embodiment, inter alia of a transmitting coil 3, which is placed in the ear canal 1. It is in magnetic interaction (arrows 8) with the first component 4, which is located lower in the ear canal.
  • This first component 4 consists here only of a magnetically active membrane 9, which is held by means of a holder or seal 10 in the ear canal 1.
  • the magnetically active membrane 9 has a ferromagnetic coating, which allows a deflection of the membrane by means of the magnetic field generated by the second component 2.
  • the membrane is coated with a ferromagnetic liquid which dries after application.
  • the first component 4 apart from the seal 10 here exclusively consists of the passive membrane 9, a signal coding in the signal transmission between the two components 2 and 4 is not possible.
  • electronics used under certain circumstances enable coding during signal transmission within the ear canal.
  • the hearing aids shown in detail above have many advantages.
  • the first component 4 or its seal 7, 10 can remain permanently in the ear canal 1, so that the ear doctor, for example, only has to place it once. This is possible because the first component 4 is batteryless.
  • the deep seat of the first component allows an effective acoustic supply, in particular a high output level with relatively low energy consumption.
  • the transmitting coil 3 of the second component can be mounted relatively large area along the ear canal 1, which leads to a more effective magnetic field coupling.
  • the second component 2 can also, for example, be a hearing aid that is not individually matched to a wearer and whose earpiece does not have to be individually adapted (so-called open-ear hearing aid). Rather, the acoustically unproblematic placement of a transmitting coil in the auditory canal is sufficient for generating a magnetic field. For a completely open, occlusion-free coupling to the ear canal 1 is possible. It combines the benefits of a comfortable open BTE hearing aid with the good sound quality of the deep-seated CICs.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Computer Networks & Wireless Communication (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)
  • Circuit For Audible Band Transducer (AREA)
  • Near-Field Transmission Systems (AREA)
  • Details Of Audible-Bandwidth Transducers (AREA)

Abstract

The device has a component (4) that is carried in an auditory channel (1) and includes a receiving coil (5) for wireless reception of signals. Another component (2) is constructionally separated from the component (4), where the component (2) is placed on an outer side of the auditory channel. The component (2) has a transmitting coil (3) for wireless transmission of signals and/or energy to the receiving coil of the component (4). The component (2) has a seal (7) for sound-proof fitting of the device in the auditory channel. An independent claim is also included for a method for generating a sound signal or for transmission of energy in an auditory channel.

Description

Die vorliegende Erfindung betrifft eine Hörvorrichtung mit einer im Gehörgang tragbaren Komponente, die eine Empfangseinheit zum drahtlosen Empfangen von Signalen aufweist. Darüber hinaus betrifft die vorliegende Erfindung ein Verfahren zum Erzeugen eines Schallsignals oder zum Übertragen von Energie in einem Gehörgang. Insbesondere bezieht sich die Erfindung auf Hörgeräte, die im Ohrkanal angeordnet sind.The present invention relates to a hearing device with a component that can be worn in the ear canal, which has a receiving unit for the wireless reception of signals. Moreover, the present invention relates to a method for generating a sound signal or for transmitting energy in an ear canal. In particular, the invention relates to hearing aids which are arranged in the ear canal.

Tief im Ohrkanal sitzende Hörgeräte, sogenannte CICs (completely in the channel), sind aus mehreren Gründen problematisch. Zum einen empfindet es der Benutzer als unangenehm, das Gerät sehr weit in den Ohrkanal zu schieben. Darüber hinaus besteht die Gefahr, dass das Trommelfell oder die empfindliche Haut im knöchernen Bereich des Ohrkanals berührt oder verletzt wird. Dennoch müssen auch Hörgeräte, die vollständig im Ohrkanal untergebracht sind, von Zeit zu Zeit beispielsweise zum Wechseln der Batterie herausgenommen und wieder eingesetzt werden.Deeply in the ear canal hearing aids, so-called CICs (completely in the channel), are problematic for several reasons. On the one hand, the user finds it uncomfortable to push the device very far into the ear canal. In addition, there is a risk that the eardrum or the sensitive skin in the bony area of the ear canal is touched or injured. Nevertheless, hearing aids that are completely housed in the ear canal must be removed from time to time, for example to change the battery and used again.

Das Einsetzen von Tief-im-Ohrkanal sitzenden CICs erfolgt typischerweise durch einen Hörgeräteakustiker oder einen Ohrenarzt. Dies bedeutet, dass bei jedem Batteriewechsel der Arzt bzw. Akustiker aufgesucht werden muss. Eine Alternative hierzu bestünde allenfalls darin, weniger tief sitzende CICs zu verwenden, die vom Nutzer selbst aus dem Ohrkanal genommen werden können. Derartige Geräte sind allerdings wegen des größeren Restvolumens zwischen Hörgerät und Trommelfell ineffizienter und verursachen eventuell störende Okklusionseffekte.The insertion of deep-in-the-ear canal-sitting CICs is typically done by a hearing care professional or an ear specialist. This means that the doctor or acoustician must be visited every time the battery is changed. An alternative would be to use less deep-seated CICs, which can be removed from the ear canal by the user. However, such devices are inefficient due to the greater residual volume between the hearing aid and the eardrum and possibly cause disturbing occlusion effects.

Aus der Druckschrift DE 10 2004 050 616 B3 ist eine Hörhilfe mit Signalkopplung bekannt. Die Hörhilfe ist mit einer ersten im Gehörgang befindlichen Komponente ausgestattet. Eine zweite Komponente, mit der Signale von der ersten empfangen werden können, ist außerhalb des Gehörgangs angeordnet.From the publication DE 10 2004 050 616 B3 is a hearing aid with signal coupling known. The hearing aid is equipped with a first component located in the ear canal. A second component, with which signals from the first can be received, is located outside the ear canal.

Weiterhin offenbart die Druckschrift DE 38 26 294 A1 eine Freisprecheinrichtung für Kommunikationssysteme. Ein Wiedergabegerät wird in einem Ohr getragen. Es empfängt seine Signale von einem außerhalb des Ohrs angeordneten Sender über eine drahtlose Übertragungsstrecke.Furthermore, the document discloses DE 38 26 294 A1 a hands-free device for communication systems. A player is carried in an ear. It receives its signals from an out-of-ear transmitter over a wireless link.

Ferner ist in der Druckschrift DE 35 08 830 A1 ein Hörgerät beschrieben, bei dem sich der Hörer außerhalb des Hörgerätegehäuses in einer Otoplastik befindet. Die Verbindung zwischen einem Verstärker des Hörgeräts und dem Hörer erfolgt drahtlos.Furthermore, in the document DE 35 08 830 A1 a hearing aid described in which the handset is outside the hearing aid housing in an earmold. The connection between an amplifier of the hearing aid and the handset is wireless.

In der PatentschriftIn the patent US 5,220,918 AUS 5,220,918 A ist eine transtympanische Verbindung für Magnetinduktionshörgeräte beschrieben. Das im Gehörgang befindliche Hörgerät besitzt eine Magnetspule, die einen Magneten zu Vibrationen anregt. Ein Stift wird in das Trommelfell implantiert, sodass ein Ende in den Gehörgang und das andere in das Mittelohr ragt. An dem Stift befindet sich der Magnet, dessen Bewegungen über den Stift auf das Trommelfell übertragen werden.is a transtympanic connection for Magnetinduktionshörgeräte described. The hearing aid in the auditory canal has a magnetic coil, which excites a magnet to vibrate. A pin is implanted in the eardrum so that one end projects into the ear canal and the other into the middle ear. On the pin is the magnet whose movements are transmitted via the pin to the eardrum.

Die DruckschriftThe publication WO 2006/042298 A2WO 2006/042298 A2 beschreibt ein Hörsystem mit fotomechanischer Wandlung. Im Mittelohr oder auf dem Trommelohr befindet sich der fotomechanische Wandler, welcher durch Licht, das mit dem gewünschten Signal moduliert ist, zu Schwingungen angeregt wird.describes a hearing system with photomechanical conversion. In the middle ear or on the drum tube is the photomechanical transducer, which is excited by light, which is modulated with the desired signal to vibrate.

Schließlich ist aus der Patentschrift US 5,701,348 A eine Hörvorrichtung mit zwei Komponenten bekannt, bei der beide Komponenten im Gehörgang angeordnet sind. Die beiden Komponenten sind mit einer Verbindung fest aneinander gekoppelt. Die Aufgabe der vorliegenden Erfindung besteht somit darin, eine tief im Ohrkanal sitzende Hörvorrichtung vorzuschlagen, bei der ein Batteriewechsel durch den Nutzer komfortabler durchgeführt werden kann.Finally, from the patent US 5,701,348 A a hearing device with two components, in which both components are arranged in the ear canal. The two components are firmly connected to each other with a connection. The object of the present invention is thus to propose a deep seated in the ear canal hearing, in which a battery change can be performed by the user more comfortable.

Erfindungsgemäß wird diese Aufgabe gelöst durch eine Hörvorrichtung nach Anspruch 1. According to the invention this object is achieved by a hearing device according to claim 1.

Darüber hinaus wird erfindungsgemäß bereitgestellt ein Verfahren nach Anspruch 7. In addition, the invention provides a method according to claim 7.

Erfindungsgemäß wird somit der Gedanke genutzt, eine Komponente, die selbst keinen Energiespeicher besitzt, sehr tief im Gehörgang anzuordnen und die Signale bzw. die Energie drahtlos an diese Komponente zu übertragen. Eine weiter außen im Gehörgang befindliche Komponente überträgt das Signal bzw. die Energie an die tiefer sitzende Komponente. Die tiefer sitzende Komponente muss nur sehr selten entnommen werden, während die außen sitzende Komponente ohne weiteres vom Nutzer beispielsweise zum Batteriewechsel entnommen werden kann.Thus, according to the invention, the idea is used of arranging a component which itself has no energy store very deep in the auditory canal and to transmit the signals or the energy wirelessly to this component. A component located further out in the ear canal transmits the signal or the energy to the deeper-seated component. The deeper-seated component only has to be removed very seldom, while the outside-sitting component can easily be removed by the user, for example, for battery replacement.

Vorzugsweise ist die Hörvorrichtung als Hörgerät ausgebildet. Damit können insbesondere CIC-Geräte von dem erfindungsgemäßen Vorteil profitieren.Preferably, the hearing device is designed as a hearing aid. In particular, CIC devices can thus profit from the advantage according to the invention.

Die erste Komponente, d.h. die tiefer sitzende komponente, besitzt eine Abdichtung zum schalldichten Sitz in dem Gehörgang. Dadurch wird der Wirkungsgrad der Schallübertragung von der ersten Komponente auf das Trommelfell verbessert.The first component, ie the more deeply seated component, has a seal for a soundproof seat in the auditory canal. This improves the efficiency of sound transmission from the first component to the eardrum.

Darüber hinaus kann die erste Komponente eine Empfangsspule aufweisen. Dies bedeutet, dass Signale bzw. Energie induktiv an die erste Komponente übertragen werden können. Die erste Komponente verfügt dann außerdem über einen elektromechanischen Wandler zum Wandeln der Signale in akustische Wellen.In addition, the first component may have a receiving coil. This means that signals or energy can be transmitted inductively to the first component. The first component also has an electromechanical transducer to convert the signals to acoustic waves.

Alternativ kann die erste Komponente eine magnetisch aktive Membran aufweisen. Diese ist vorzugsweise mit einer ferromagnetischen Flüssigkeit beschichtet. Mit Hilfe eines im Gehörgang platzierten Magneten lässt sich die Membran zur Erzeugung von Schall auslenken.Alternatively, the first component may comprise a magnetically active membrane. This is preferably coated with a ferromagnetic fluid. With the aid of a magnet placed in the auditory canal, the membrane can be deflected to generate sound.

In der einfachsten Ausgestaltung besteht die erste Komponente ausschließlich aus der magnetisch aktiven Membran und der Abdichtung oder einer anderen passiven Halterung zur Fixierung der Membran im Gehörgang. Damit lässt sich praktisch ein Lautsprecher realisieren, bei dem die Gehörgangswand das Lautsprechergehäuse darstellt.In the simplest embodiment, the first component consists exclusively of the magnetically active membrane and the seal or another passive holder for fixing the membrane in the ear canal. This practically allows a loudspeaker to be realized in which the auditory canal wall represents the loudspeaker housing.

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

  • FIG 1 eine Hörvorrichtung gemäß einer ersten Ausführungsform mit Empfangsspule und
  • FIG 2 eine Hörvorrichtung gemäß einer zweiten Ausführungsform mit einer magnetischen Membran.
The present invention will now be explained in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
  • FIG. 1 a hearing device according to a first embodiment with receiving coil and
  • FIG. 2 a hearing device according to a second embodiment with a magnetic membrane.

Die nachfolgend näher geschilderten Ausführungsformen stellen bevorzugte Ausführungsbeispiele der vorliegenden Erfindung dar.The embodiments described in more detail below represent preferred embodiments of the present invention.

Entsprechend FIG 1 ist ein baulich in zwei Teile aufgeteiltes Hörgerät in einem Ohrkanal bzw. Gehörgang 1 eingesetzt. Eine zweite Komponente 2 dient dazu, in dem Gehörgang 1 ein Signal zu erzeugen. In dem Beispiel von FIG 1 umfasst die zweite Komponente 2 eine im Gehörgang 1 angeordnete Sendespule 3, die mit einer in FIG 1 nicht dargestellten, gehörgangsexternen Signalverarbeitung, Mikrofonen und einer Batterie verbunden ist. Alternativ kann die gesamte Signalverarbeitung einschließlich Mikrofon, Batterie sowie der Sendespule auch im Ohrkanal oder teilweise im Ohrkanal angeordnet sein.Corresponding FIG. 1 is a structurally divided into two parts hearing aid in an ear canal or ear canal 1 used. A second component 2 serves to generate a signal in the ear canal 1. In the example of FIG. 1 the second component 2 comprises a transmitting coil 3 arranged in the auditory canal 1 and provided with a transmission coil 3 in the auditory canal 1 FIG. 1 not shown, external auditory signal processing, microphones and a battery is connected. Alternatively, the entire signal processing including microphone, battery and the transmitting coil can also be arranged in the ear canal or partially in the ear canal.

Eine erste Komponente 4 des Hörgeräts ist weiter im Inneren des Ohrkanals 1 platziert. Sie besteht hier aus einer Empfangsspule 5, aus einem elektroakustischen Wandler 6 und aus einer Abdichtung 7 und gegebenenfalls aus zusätzlicher Elektronik. Die erste Komponente 4 ist batterielos und wandelt die mit Hilfe der Spule 5 empfangenen und gegebenenfalls durch die Signalverarbeitung weiter verarbeiteten Signale in Schallsignale zum direkten Empfang durch das in FIG 1 nicht wiedergegebene Trommelfell um.A first component 4 of the hearing device is placed further inside the ear canal 1. It consists here of a receiver coil 5, an electroacoustic transducer 6 and a seal 7 and optionally from additional electronics. The first component 4 is batteryless and converts the signals received by means of the coil 5 and possibly further processed by the signal processing into sound signals for direct reception by the in FIG. 1 unreproduced eardrum.

Die Sendespule 3 der zweiten Komponente 2 sendet das Ausgangssignal und gegebenenfalls Energie für die Signalverarbeitung in magnetischer Form an die tief im Ohr sitzende erste Komponente 4. In FIG 1 ist die Versorgung der Elektronik für die Signalverarbeitung und des Receivers bzw. Schallwandlers 6 über ein Magnetfeld durch Pfeile 8 symbolisiert.The transmitting coil 3 of the second component 2 sends the output signal and optionally energy for the signal processing in magnetic form to the deep-seated in the ear first component 4. In FIG. 1 the supply of the electronics for the signal processing and the receiver or sound transducer 6 via a magnetic field by arrows 8 symbolizes.

Die in FIG 2 wiedergegebene Ausführungsform einer erfindungsgemäßen Hörvorrichtung ist baulich noch einfacher gestaltet als die Ausführungsform von FIG 1. Die zweite Komponente 2 besteht hier wie in der ersten Ausführungsform unter anderem aus einer Sendespule 3, die im Gehörgang 1 platziert ist. Sie steht in magnetischer Wechselwirkung (Pfeile 8) mit der ersten Komponente 4, die tiefer im Gehörgang angeordnet ist. Diese erste Komponente 4 besteht hier nur aus einer magnetisch aktiven Membran 9, die mit Hilfe einer Halterung bzw. Abdichtung 10 im Ohrkanal 1 gehalten ist.In the FIG. 2 reproduced embodiment of a hearing device according to the invention is structurally even simpler than the embodiment of FIG. 1 , The second component 2 consists here, as in the first embodiment, inter alia of a transmitting coil 3, which is placed in the ear canal 1. It is in magnetic interaction (arrows 8) with the first component 4, which is located lower in the ear canal. This first component 4 consists here only of a magnetically active membrane 9, which is held by means of a holder or seal 10 in the ear canal 1.

Die magnetisch aktive Membran 9 besitzt eine ferromagnetische Beschichtung, die eine Auslenkung der Membran mit Hilfe des Magnetfelds ermöglich, das von der zweiten Komponente 2 erzeugt wird. Vorzugsweise wird die Membran mit einer ferromagnetischen Flüssigkeit beschichtet, die nach dem Auftragen trocknet.The magnetically active membrane 9 has a ferromagnetic coating, which allows a deflection of the membrane by means of the magnetic field generated by the second component 2. Preferably, the membrane is coated with a ferromagnetic liquid which dries after application.

Da die erste Komponente 4 abgesehen von der Abdichtung 10 hier ausschließlich aus der passiven Membran 9 besteht, ist eine Signalkodierung bei der Signalübertragung zwischen den beiden Komponenten 2 und 4 nicht möglich. Bei der ersten Ausführungsform gemäß FIG 1 hingegen ermöglicht eine unter Umständen eingesetzte Elektronik eine Codierung bei der Signalübertragung innerhalb des Gehörgangs.Since the first component 4 apart from the seal 10 here exclusively consists of the passive membrane 9, a signal coding in the signal transmission between the two components 2 and 4 is not possible. In the first embodiment according to FIG. 1 on the other hand, electronics used under certain circumstances enable coding during signal transmission within the ear canal.

Die oben im Detail dargestellten Hörgeräte besitzen zahlreiche Vorteile. Zum einen kann die erste Komponente 4 bzw. ihre Abdichtung 7, 10 in dem Ohrkanal 1 dauerhaft verbleiben, so dass sie der Ohrenarzt beispielsweise nur einmal platzieren muss. Dies wird dadurch möglich, dass die erste Komponente 4 batterielos ist. Darüber hinaus ermöglicht der tiefe Sitz der ersten Komponente eine effektive akustische Versorgung, insbesondere einen hohen Ausgangspegel bei relativ geringem Energieeinsatz.The hearing aids shown in detail above have many advantages. On the one hand, the first component 4 or its seal 7, 10 can remain permanently in the ear canal 1, so that the ear doctor, for example, only has to place it once. This is possible because the first component 4 is batteryless. In addition, the deep seat of the first component allows an effective acoustic supply, in particular a high output level with relatively low energy consumption.

Weiterhin kann die Sendespule 3 der zweiten Komponente relativ großflächig am Ohrkanal 1 entlang angebracht werden, was zu einer effektiveren Magnetfeldkopplung führt. Die zweite Komponente 2 kann außerdem beispielsweise ein Hörgerät sein, das nicht individuell an einen Träger abgestimmt ist und dessen Ohrstück nicht individuell angepasst sein muss (so genanntes offenes-Hd0-Hörgerät). Vielmehr genügt hier die akustisch unproblematische Platzierung einer Sendespule im Gehörgang zur Erzeugung eines Magnetfelds. Damit ist eine völlig offene, okklusionsfreie Ankopplung an den Ohrkanal 1 möglich. Es werden somit die Vorteile eines komfortablen offenen-HdO-Hörgeräts mit der guten Klangqualität der tiefsitzenden CICs kombiniert.Furthermore, the transmitting coil 3 of the second component can be mounted relatively large area along the ear canal 1, which leads to a more effective magnetic field coupling. The second component 2 can also, for example, be a hearing aid that is not individually matched to a wearer and whose earpiece does not have to be individually adapted (so-called open-ear hearing aid). Rather, the acoustically unproblematic placement of a transmitting coil in the auditory canal is sufficient for generating a magnetic field. For a completely open, occlusion-free coupling to the ear canal 1 is possible. It combines the benefits of a comfortable open BTE hearing aid with the good sound quality of the deep-seated CICs.

Claims (8)

  1. Hearing apparatus having
    - a first component (4) which can be worn in the auditory canal (1), said component having a receiver unit for the wireless reception of signals, and
    - a second component (2) which is separated from the first component (4) in terms of design, said second component (2) likewise being able to be worn in the auditory canal (1) and comprising a transmitter unit (3) for the wireless transmission of signals to the receiver unit of the first component (4),
    characterised in that,
    - the first component (4) has a seal (7, 10) for the soundproof position in the auditory canal (1), and
    - with the first component (4), the signals can be converted into acoustic signals for direct receipt by an eardrum.
  2. Hearing apparatus according to claim 1, which is designed as a hearing device.
  3. Hearing apparatus according to one of the preceding claims, with the first component (4) comprising a receiver coil (5).
  4. Hearing apparatus according to claim 1 to 2, with the first component (4) comprising a magnetically active membrane (9).
  5. Hearing apparatus according to claim 4, with the membrane (9) being coated with a ferromagnetic liquid.
  6. Hearing apparatus according to claim 4 or 5, with the first component (4) consisting exclusively of the magnetically active membrane (9) and the seal (7, 10) or another passive fastener.
  7. Method for generating an acoustic signal or for transmitting energy in an auditory canal (1) by
    - generating a wirelessly transmittable signal in the auditory canal by means of a second component,
    - receiving the wirelessly transmitted signal further within the auditory canal (1) through a first component (4) and
    - converting the received signal through the first component (4) into an acoustic signal and/or using the energy transmitted in the received signal,
    characterised in that
    - the space in the auditory canal (1) is sealed in a soundproof manner between the first component (4) and the eardrum and
    - acoustic signals for direct receipt by the eardrum are generated with the first component (4).
  8. Method according to claim 7, with the wireless transmission (8) being carried out between the two components (2, 4) in electromagnetic fashion.
EP07106929.8A 2006-05-24 2007-04-25 Method and corresponding hearing device to generate an acoustic signal or to transfer energy in an ear canal Active EP1860915B2 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

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DE102006024411A DE102006024411B4 (en) 2006-05-24 2006-05-24 Method for generating a sound signal or for transmitting energy in an ear canal and corresponding hearing device

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EP1860915A2 EP1860915A2 (en) 2007-11-28
EP1860915A3 EP1860915A3 (en) 2010-03-24
EP1860915B1 EP1860915B1 (en) 2011-03-16
EP1860915B2 true EP1860915B2 (en) 2014-10-08

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US (1) US8116494B2 (en)
EP (1) EP1860915B2 (en)
AT (1) ATE502492T1 (en)
DE (2) DE102006024411B4 (en)
DK (1) DK1860915T4 (en)

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Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
DK1860915T4 (en) 2015-01-12
EP1860915A2 (en) 2007-11-28
EP1860915A3 (en) 2010-03-24
ATE502492T1 (en) 2011-04-15
DK1860915T3 (en) 2011-07-11
DE502007006712D1 (en) 2011-04-28
DE102006024411B4 (en) 2010-03-25
US8116494B2 (en) 2012-02-14
DE102006024411A1 (en) 2007-11-29
US20070274553A1 (en) 2007-11-29
EP1860915B1 (en) 2011-03-16

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