EP1906699B1 - hearing device and earpiece - Google Patents
hearing device and earpiece Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP1906699B1 EP1906699B1 EP06121538.0A EP06121538A EP1906699B1 EP 1906699 B1 EP1906699 B1 EP 1906699B1 EP 06121538 A EP06121538 A EP 06121538A EP 1906699 B1 EP1906699 B1 EP 1906699B1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- earpiece
- canal
- hearing device
- speaker
- ear canal
- 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
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
- H04R25/65—Housing parts, e.g. shells, tips or moulds, or their manufacture
- H04R25/652—Ear tips; Ear moulds
- H04R25/656—Non-customized, universal ear tips, i.e. ear tips which are not specifically adapted to the size or shape of the ear or ear canal
-
- 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
- H04R2225/0216—BTE hearing aids having a receiver in the ear mould
-
- 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
- H04R2460/11—Aspects relating to vents, e.g. shape, orientation, acoustic properties in ear tips of hearing devices to prevent occlusion
-
- 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
- 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
- H04R25/604—Mounting or interconnection of hearing aid parts, e.g. inside tips, housings or to ossicles of acoustic or vibrational transducers
-
- 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
-
- 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
- H04R25/654—Ear wax retarders
-
- 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
Definitions
- This invention relates to a hearing device, such as a behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aid, and to an earpiece for a hearing device.
- BTE behind-the-ear
- an earpiece may be an in-the-ear part or a mould to be used in a hearing aid, and the earpiece may be provided with or without a speaker.
- a state of the art hearing aid such as, for example, disclosed in US patent application no.: 2005/0244026 , comprises a flexible earpiece to be inserted into the outer part (sometimes referred to as cartilaginous or softer region) of the ear canal and connected to a BTE device through a connecting tubular element.
- the flexible earpiece may comprise a receiver, i.e. a hearing aid speaker, mounted on to the earpiece so as to inject sound into the ear canal.
- This configuration is general known as receiver-in-the-ear (RITE) hearing aid.
- the BTE comprises the receiver and the sound is injected into the tubular connector communicating the sound to the earpiece.
- the flexible earpiece may additionally comprise a vent so as to provide an open ear configuration thereby reducing occlusion effects but significantly reducing the allowable gain at which acoustical feedback occurs.
- the flexible earpiece is particularly for use when hearing impairment of the user of the hearing aid is mild.
- US patent no.: 5,606,621 discloses a hybrid BTE and completely-in-canal (CIC) hearing aid, where the earpiece is implemented as a CIC element shaped to into the ear canal in such a manner to touch the bony region of the ear canal.
- CIC completely-in-canal
- US patent application no.: 2004/0010181 discloses another hybrid BTE/CIC hearing aid comprising a connector for communicating the processed sound from a processor in the BTE to a speaker in the CIC part.
- the connector is detachably connected to either the BTE or CIC part and is designed to be inserted in ear canal so deep as to touch the bony part of the ear canal.
- the connector therefore must be sufficiently rigid to allow the connector to be used to insert and remove the CIC part from the ear canal of the user.
- US patent no.: 5,606,621 and US patent application no.: 2004/0010181 basically describe closed systems, i.e. systems, which when positioned in the outer region of the ear canal causes severe occlusion effects, which are caused by encapsulating sound conducted via tissue to the residual space between the tympanic member and closed system earpiece.
- the purpose of the hearing aids described in these US patent documents is to position the CIC parts in the bony part or the inner most part of the ear canal thereby avoiding occlusion effect, which is not transmitted to the bony part of the ear canal.
- the insertion into the bony part of the ear canal may seem rather intrusive.
- US 7110562 discloses the following: To assemble a CIC module 1530, of a link module 1520, custom ear mold 1520 containing collar 1515, slides over hollow straight tube 1512 encapsulated into speaker module 1212, until custom ear mold 1510 seats against speaker module 1212. Hollow detachable locking pin 1514 containing flange 1515 is inserted through the open end of collar 1513 and is forced into hollow straight tube 1512. Because the outside diameter of flange 1515 is larger than the inside diameter of hollow straight tube 1512, detachable locking pin 1514 makes an interference fit with hollow straight tube 1512, thereby deformeing the outer wall of hollow straight tube 1512 and locking costum ear mold 1510 onto speaker module 1212 through frictional force.
- prior art document WO 01/43498 discloses an In The Canal hearing device which includes a flexible receiver suspension grommet seated in the sound port of the receiver housing 32 of a hearing device.
- the suspension member includes a tubular portion (42) extending into the receiver housing. The tubular portion configured to retain a receiver unit in a position such that sound waves emitted from the receiver unit are directed through the sound port.
- WO 99/07182 further shows an acoustic coupler, which is detachabley secured to a receiver assembly for deep insertion into an individual's ear canal.
- the acoustic coupler provides a semirigid, thin walled, cylindrical coupling sleeve that is adapted to be attached over a cylindrical receiver assembly. Applying a rotational (twist) force with respect to the receiver housing detached the acoustic coupler from the receiver housing.
- An object of the present invention is therefore to provide a hearing aid earpiece for insertion in the outer part of the ear canal, which accomplishes sufficient gain for users.
- a particular advantage of the present invention relates to the fact that the earpiece presents an open configuration to the user thus avoiding occlusion, while maintaining a firm fixture for the earpiece in the ear canal.
- a particular feature of the present invention relates to the designed shape of the earpiece providing the possibility of decreasing the vent diameter, while prohibiting the occlusion effects, and thus enabling greater gain.
- hearing device should in this context be construed as a hearing aid, such as a BTE possibly with a receiver-in-the-ear RITE solution (receiver is a general term for a speaker within the hearing device technology), a hearing apparatus, or an assistive listening device.
- a hearing aid such as a BTE possibly with a receiver-in-the-ear RITE solution (receiver is a general term for a speaker within the hearing device technology), a hearing apparatus, or an assistive listening device.
- the speaker is adapted to receive an electrical signal and convert this to a sound pressure in the ear canal so as to improve the hearing of the user.
- the earpiece according to the first aspect of the present invention may comprise a vent extending axially through the canal element.
- the vent advantageously, allows sound pressure equalisation between ambient surroundings and the residual space between the tympanic membrane and the canal element, thus removing the occlusion effect experienced by the user of the hearing device.
- the snapping means may be an integral part of the canal element or may be separately mounted in the canal element.
- the term "snapping" is this context to be construed as detachably engaging, clicking on or locking together of two parts.
- the speaker element according to the first aspect of the present invention may comprise a wax filter adapted to protect the speaker element from earwax entering.
- the earpiece may comprise an expendable wax filter adapted to further protect the speaker element from earwax entering.
- the expendable wax filter may, advantageously, be replaced whenever the wax filter is blocked.
- the earpiece having an outer expendable and an inner wax filter significantly increases the ability for a user to secure the operation of the hearing device. That is, the user may when experiencing decreased sound quality change the expendable wax filter and try the hearing device earpiece with a new expendable wax filter. Obviously, if the user still experiences decreased sound quality, the user may further check the wax filter in the speaker.
- the canal element according to the first aspect of the present invention may comprise an axial bore for receiving said speaker element, said bore having an axial length in the range between 3 and 10 mm such as in the ranges between 3 and 6 mm, 6 and 9 mm, 9 and 12 mm, or 4 and 11 mm, 5 and 10 mm, 7 and 8 mm, or any combination thereof.
- the axial length of the bore in fact, may express the axial length of the canal element, i.e. the bore extends through the whole length of the canal element.
- the vent according to the first aspect of the present invention may have an axial length shorter than the axial length of the bore.
- the canal element may thus comprise a proximal surface, which extends on one plane substantially perpendicular to said ear canal, and a distal surface facing towards the tympanic member, which extends on a plurality of planes substantially perpendicular to said ear canal.
- the canal element according to the first aspect of the present invention may further comprise a pull-out string extending from the proximal surface at least partly parallel to the tubular element.
- the pull-out string provides a means for the user to safely pull out the earpiece from the ear, i.e. without pulling the elements apart.
- the speaker element according to the first aspect of the present invention may further comprise a hole for receiving a flexible member adapted to support said earpiece in said ear canal.
- the flexible member or ear-grip may be adapted to abut a surface of the outer ear.
- the canal element according to the first aspect of the present invention may be manufactured by means of rapid manufacturing techniques such as stereo-lithographic manufacturing, selective laser sintering, shape deposition manufacturing or laminated object manufacturing.
- rapid manufacturing techniques such as stereo-lithographic manufacturing, selective laser sintering, shape deposition manufacturing or laminated object manufacturing.
- FIG. 1 shows a hearing device according to the first embodiment of the present invention and designated in entirety by reference numeral 10.
- the hearing device 10 comprises a BTE unit 12 converting sound recorded at the BTE unit 12 and processing said sound in accordance with a particular hearing loss, a connector 14 for communicating an electric processed signal to an earpiece 16.
- the earpiece 16 is adapted to be inserted into an ear canal of a user and converts the electric processed signal back in to sound pressure.
- FIG 2 shows an exploded view of the earpiece 16 and part of the connector 14 described with reference to figure 1 .
- the earpiece 16 comprises a speaker 20 connected to the connector 14, which speaker 20 is adapted to convert electrical signals representing processed sound into a sound pressure to be provided in the ear canal of the user of the hearing device.
- the speaker 20 may advantageously comprise an O-ring 22 for providing a tight fit between the speaker 20 and a canal element 24.
- the canal element 24 is to be inserted into the outer part of the ear canal of the user of the hearing device 10.
- the canal element 24 comprises a proximal surface 26, which faces towards the BTE unit 12, and a distal surface 28, which faces towards the tympanic member when the earpiece 16 is placed in the ear canal.
- the speaker 20 comprises a circumferential ridge section 30, which is adapted to snap into engagement with the snapping element 32 thereby maintaining the speaker 20 in the canal element 24 in an axially fixed position within a bore 34 of the canal element 24, while allowing rotational movement of the speaker 20 in the canal element 24.
- the snapping element 32 may be an integral part of the canal element 24 or an independent part inserted into the bore 34 from the distal surface 28.
- the snapping element 32 is an independent part it may comprise a flange 36 axially locking the snapping element 32 against further axial movement towards the proximal surface 26.
- the speaker 20 is inserted into the bore 34 from the proximal surface 26 of the canal element 24, and the snapping element 32 as an independent part is inserted from distal surface 28 of the canal element 24, where the ridge section 30 on the speaker 20 snaps into the snapping element 32 thus locking the speaker 20 in the canal element 24.
- the snapping element 32 is an integral part of the canal element 24
- the speaker 20 is simply inserted from the distal surface 28, where the ridge section 30 on the speaker 20 snaps into the snapping element 32.
- the speaker 20 comprises a wax filter 38 for protecting the speaker 20 from ear wax produced by the user of the hearing device 10, when the earpiece 16 is inserted into the outer ear canal of the user.
- the earpiece 16 comprises a second wax filter 40, which may be expendable so that when ever the user experience that the hearing device 10 has reduced operations then the use may exchange the wax filter 40 by simply removing second wax filter 40 and inserting a new wax filter 40.
- This functionality is, particularly, advantageous since the user may perform a first test of the operability of the hearing device 10 without needing to travel to an audiologist or hearing aid dispenser.
- the earpiece 16 further comprises a vent 42 for allowing the sound pressure variations in the outer ear canal caused by sound travelling to the ear canal through the tissue and cartilage of the user. Hence the occlusion experienced by the user is significantly reduced.
- the diameter and length of the vent 42 are determined in accordance with the required gain for compensating a particular hearing impairment. However, by providing a shortened axial length of the vent 42 a smaller diameter may be used achieving the required effects, i.e. occlusion and gain.
- the earpiece 16 further comprises a pull out string 44 for enabling the user to pull the earpiece 16 out of the ear canal of the user.
- a pull out string 44 for enabling the user to pull the earpiece 16 out of the ear canal of the user.
- the speaker 20 further comprises a bore 46 for receiving a retention means holding the earpiece 16 in position in the outer ear canal of the user.
- the retention means also called an ear grip, provides support to the earpiece 16 by flexing round the edges of the cavum concha.
- Figure 3 shows a side view of the earpiece 16 having the speaker 20 inserted into the bore 34 and snapped into the snapping element 32.
- the second wax filter 40 is shown as inserted into the snapping element 32.
- the earpiece 16 in figure 3 shows the pull out string 44, whereas the earpiece according to the second embodiment of the present invention shown in figure 4 does not have a pull out string.
- Figure 5 shows the canal element 24 according to the first embodiment of the present invention in a cross-sectional view where the snapping element 32 is inserted into the bore 34 and the second wax filter 40 is inserted into the snapping element 32.
- the bore 34 according to the first embodiment of the present invention has an axial length of 8 mm.
- the axial length of the bore 34 may be the range between 3 and 10 mm such as in the ranges between 3 and 6 mm, 6 and 9 mm, 9 and 12 mm, or 4 and 11 mm, 5 and 10 mm, 7 and 8 mm, or any combination thereof.
- the axial length of the bore 34 in fact, may express the axial length of the canal element, i.e. the bore 34 extends through the whole length of the canal element 24.
- the axial length of the bore 34 is greater than the axial length of the vent 42. As described above with reference to figure 2 by shortening the axial length of the vent 42 the diameter of the vent 42 may be reduced.
- the axial length of the vent 42 according to the first embodiment of the present invention is 5.5 mm.
- the vent 42 may be in the range between 2 and 9 mm, such as in the ranges between 2 and 4 mm, 4 and 6 mm, 6 and 9 mm, or 3 and 8 mm, 4 and 7 mm, 5 and 6 mm, or any combination thereof.
- Figure 6 shows the canal element 24 according to the first embodiment of the present invention in a perspective view, where the second wax filter 40 is to be inserted into the snapping element 32.
Landscapes
- 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)
Description
- This invention relates to a hearing device, such as a behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aid, and to an earpiece for a hearing device. In this context an earpiece may be an in-the-ear part or a mould to be used in a hearing aid, and the earpiece may be provided with or without a speaker.
- Generally, a state of the art hearing aid, such as, for example, disclosed in
US patent application no.: 2005/0244026 , comprises a flexible earpiece to be inserted into the outer part (sometimes referred to as cartilaginous or softer region) of the ear canal and connected to a BTE device through a connecting tubular element. The flexible earpiece may comprise a receiver, i.e. a hearing aid speaker, mounted on to the earpiece so as to inject sound into the ear canal. This configuration is general known as receiver-in-the-ear (RITE) hearing aid. Alternatively, the BTE comprises the receiver and the sound is injected into the tubular connector communicating the sound to the earpiece. - The flexible earpiece may additionally comprise a vent so as to provide an open ear configuration thereby reducing occlusion effects but significantly reducing the allowable gain at which acoustical feedback occurs. Hence the flexible earpiece is particularly for use when hearing impairment of the user of the hearing aid is mild.
- Further,
US patent no.: 5,606,621 discloses a hybrid BTE and completely-in-canal (CIC) hearing aid, where the earpiece is implemented as a CIC element shaped to into the ear canal in such a manner to touch the bony region of the ear canal. By inserting the CIC element deep into the bony region of the ear canal occlusion effect may be avoided while a high gain still may be maintained, since sound communicated through the tissue into the ear canal (instead of from ear opening) may freely escape the ear canal. Hence this hybrid BTE/CIC hearing aid provides benefits for users having a greater hearing impairment. - In addition,
US patent application no.: 2004/0010181 discloses another hybrid BTE/CIC hearing aid comprising a connector for communicating the processed sound from a processor in the BTE to a speaker in the CIC part. The connector is detachably connected to either the BTE or CIC part and is designed to be inserted in ear canal so deep as to touch the bony part of the ear canal. The connector therefore must be sufficiently rigid to allow the connector to be used to insert and remove the CIC part from the ear canal of the user. - The
US patent no.: 5,606,621 andUS patent application no.: 2004/0010181 basically describe closed systems, i.e. systems, which when positioned in the outer region of the ear canal causes severe occlusion effects, which are caused by encapsulating sound conducted via tissue to the residual space between the tympanic member and closed system earpiece. Hence the purpose of the hearing aids described in these US patent documents is to position the CIC parts in the bony part or the inner most part of the ear canal thereby avoiding occlusion effect, which is not transmitted to the bony part of the ear canal. However, for users the insertion into the bony part of the ear canal may seem rather intrusive. -
US 7110562 discloses the following: To assemble a CIC module 1530, of a link module 1520, custom ear mold 1520 containing collar 1515, slides over hollow straight tube 1512 encapsulated into speaker module 1212, until custom ear mold 1510 seats against speaker module 1212. Hollow detachable locking pin 1514 containing flange 1515 is inserted through the open end of collar 1513 and is forced into hollow straight tube 1512. Because the outside diameter of flange 1515 is larger than the inside diameter of hollow straight tube 1512, detachable locking pin 1514 makes an interference fit with hollow straight tube 1512, thereby deformeing the outer wall of hollow straight tube 1512 and locking costum ear mold 1510 onto speaker module 1212 through frictional force. - Further, prior art document
WO 01/43498 receiver housing 32 of a hearing device. The suspension member includes a tubular portion (42) extending into the receiver housing. The tubular portion configured to retain a receiver unit in a position such that sound waves emitted from the receiver unit are directed through the sound port. -
WO 99/07182 - An object of the present invention is therefore to provide a hearing aid earpiece for insertion in the outer part of the ear canal, which accomplishes sufficient gain for users.
- A particular advantage of the present invention relates to the fact that the earpiece presents an open configuration to the user thus avoiding occlusion, while maintaining a firm fixture for the earpiece in the ear canal.
- A particular feature of the present invention relates to the designed shape of the earpiece providing the possibility of decreasing the vent diameter, while prohibiting the occlusion effects, and thus enabling greater gain.
- The above object, advantage and feature together with numerous other objects, advantages and features, which will become evident from below detailed description, are obtained according to a first aspect of the present invention by a hearing device according to claim 1.
- The term "hearing device" should in this context be construed as a hearing aid, such as a BTE possibly with a receiver-in-the-ear RITE solution (receiver is a general term for a speaker within the hearing device technology), a hearing apparatus, or an assistive listening device.
- By rotate-ably mounting the speaker element in the canal element enables the user of the hearing device to adjust the earpiece relative to the tubular element and BTE unit so as to obtain the best fit for the user.
- The speaker is adapted to receive an electrical signal and convert this to a sound pressure in the ear canal so as to improve the hearing of the user.
- The earpiece according to the first aspect of the present invention may comprise a vent extending axially through the canal element. The vent, advantageously, allows sound pressure equalisation between ambient surroundings and the residual space between the tympanic membrane and the canal element, thus removing the occlusion effect experienced by the user of the hearing device.
- The snapping means may be an integral part of the canal element or may be separately mounted in the canal element. The term "snapping" is this context to be construed as detachably engaging, clicking on or locking together of two parts.
- The speaker element according to the first aspect of the present invention may comprise a wax filter adapted to protect the speaker element from earwax entering. Alternatively, or in addition the earpiece may comprise an expendable wax filter adapted to further protect the speaker element from earwax entering. The expendable wax filter may, advantageously, be replaced whenever the wax filter is blocked. The earpiece having an outer expendable and an inner wax filter significantly increases the ability for a user to secure the operation of the hearing device. That is, the user may when experiencing decreased sound quality change the expendable wax filter and try the hearing device earpiece with a new expendable wax filter. Obviously, if the user still experiences decreased sound quality, the user may further check the wax filter in the speaker.
- The canal element according to the first aspect of the present invention may comprise an axial bore for receiving said speaker element, said bore having an axial length in the range between 3 and 10 mm such as in the ranges between 3 and 6 mm, 6 and 9 mm, 9 and 12 mm, or 4 and 11 mm, 5 and 10 mm, 7 and 8 mm, or any combination thereof. The axial length of the bore, in fact, may express the axial length of the canal element, i.e. the bore extends through the whole length of the canal element.
- The vent according to the first aspect of the present invention may have an axial length shorter than the axial length of the bore. By reducing the axial length of the vent advantageously enables a smaller vent diameter to be implemented for achieving the same results. Hence greater gain may be applied in the BTE unit. The canal element may thus comprise a proximal surface, which extends on one plane substantially perpendicular to said ear canal, and a distal surface facing towards the tympanic member, which extends on a plurality of planes substantially perpendicular to said ear canal. The terms "distal" and "proximal" should in this context be construed in relation to the BTE unit.
- The canal element according to the first aspect of the present invention may further comprise a pull-out string extending from the proximal surface at least partly parallel to the tubular element. The pull-out string provides a means for the user to safely pull out the earpiece from the ear, i.e. without pulling the elements apart.
- The speaker element according to the first aspect of the present invention may further comprise a hole for receiving a flexible member adapted to support said earpiece in said ear canal. The flexible member or ear-grip may be adapted to abut a surface of the outer ear.
- The canal element according to the first aspect of the present invention may be manufactured by means of rapid manufacturing techniques such as stereo-lithographic manufacturing, selective laser sintering, shape deposition manufacturing or laminated object manufacturing. By using a SLA any customer fit is significantly simplified and customer variances may be incorporated in any earpiece.
- The above object, advantage and feature together with numerous other objects, advantages and features, which will become evident from below detailed description, are obtained according to a second aspect of the present invention by a hearing device earpiece according to claim 13.
- The above, as well as additional objects, features and advantages of the present invention, will be better understood through the following illustrative and non-limiting detailed description of preferred embodiments of the present invention, with reference to the appended drawing, wherein:
-
figure 1 , shows a perspective view of a hearing device according to a first embodiment of the present invention; -
figure 2 , shows an exploded view of a hearing device earpiece according to the first embodiment of the present invention; -
figure 3 , shows a side view of the hearing device earpiece according to the first embodiment of the present invention; -
figure 4 , shows a cross-sectional view of the hearing device earpiece according to the first embodiment of the present invention; -
figure 5 , shows a perspective view of the hearing device earpiece according to the first embodiment of the present invention; and -
figure 6 , shows a side view of a hearing device earpiece according to a second embodiment of the present invention. - In the following description of the various embodiments, reference is made to the accompanying figures, which show by way of illustration how the invention may be practiced.
-
Figure 1 shows a hearing device according to the first embodiment of the present invention and designated in entirety byreference numeral 10. Thehearing device 10 comprises aBTE unit 12 converting sound recorded at theBTE unit 12 and processing said sound in accordance with a particular hearing loss, aconnector 14 for communicating an electric processed signal to anearpiece 16. Theearpiece 16 is adapted to be inserted into an ear canal of a user and converts the electric processed signal back in to sound pressure. -
Figure 2 shows an exploded view of theearpiece 16 and part of theconnector 14 described with reference tofigure 1 . Theearpiece 16 comprises aspeaker 20 connected to theconnector 14, whichspeaker 20 is adapted to convert electrical signals representing processed sound into a sound pressure to be provided in the ear canal of the user of the hearing device. Thespeaker 20 may advantageously comprise an O-ring 22 for providing a tight fit between thespeaker 20 and acanal element 24. Thecanal element 24 is to be inserted into the outer part of the ear canal of the user of thehearing device 10. - The
canal element 24 comprises aproximal surface 26, which faces towards theBTE unit 12, and adistal surface 28, which faces towards the tympanic member when theearpiece 16 is placed in the ear canal. - The
speaker 20 comprises acircumferential ridge section 30, which is adapted to snap into engagement with the snappingelement 32 thereby maintaining thespeaker 20 in thecanal element 24 in an axially fixed position within abore 34 of thecanal element 24, while allowing rotational movement of thespeaker 20 in thecanal element 24. By enabling rotation of thespeaker 20 within thecanal element 24 an advantageous fitting of theBTE unit 12 relative to theearpiece 16 may be achieved. - The snapping
element 32 may be an integral part of thecanal element 24 or an independent part inserted into thebore 34 from thedistal surface 28. In case the snappingelement 32 is an independent part it may comprise aflange 36 axially locking the snappingelement 32 against further axial movement towards theproximal surface 26. - Hence the
speaker 20 is inserted into thebore 34 from theproximal surface 26 of thecanal element 24, and the snappingelement 32 as an independent part is inserted fromdistal surface 28 of thecanal element 24, where theridge section 30 on thespeaker 20 snaps into the snappingelement 32 thus locking thespeaker 20 in thecanal element 24. In case the snappingelement 32 is an integral part of thecanal element 24, thespeaker 20 is simply inserted from thedistal surface 28, where theridge section 30 on thespeaker 20 snaps into the snappingelement 32. - The
speaker 20 comprises awax filter 38 for protecting thespeaker 20 from ear wax produced by the user of thehearing device 10, when theearpiece 16 is inserted into the outer ear canal of the user. - In addition, the
earpiece 16 comprises asecond wax filter 40, which may be expendable so that when ever the user experience that thehearing device 10 has reduced operations then the use may exchange thewax filter 40 by simply removingsecond wax filter 40 and inserting anew wax filter 40. This functionality is, particularly, advantageous since the user may perform a first test of the operability of thehearing device 10 without needing to travel to an audiologist or hearing aid dispenser. - The
earpiece 16 further comprises avent 42 for allowing the sound pressure variations in the outer ear canal caused by sound travelling to the ear canal through the tissue and cartilage of the user. Hence the occlusion experienced by the user is significantly reduced. The diameter and length of thevent 42 are determined in accordance with the required gain for compensating a particular hearing impairment. However, by providing a shortened axial length of the vent 42 a smaller diameter may be used achieving the required effects, i.e. occlusion and gain. - The
earpiece 16 further comprises a pull outstring 44 for enabling the user to pull theearpiece 16 out of the ear canal of the user. When inserting theearpiece 16 into the outer ear canal of the user, the user may hold on the part of thespeaker 20 extending out of thecanal element 24 and gently insert the earpiece into the ear canal. - The
speaker 20 further comprises abore 46 for receiving a retention means holding theearpiece 16 in position in the outer ear canal of the user. The retention means, also called an ear grip, provides support to theearpiece 16 by flexing round the edges of the cavum concha. -
Figure 3 shows a side view of theearpiece 16 having thespeaker 20 inserted into thebore 34 and snapped into the snappingelement 32. Thesecond wax filter 40 is shown as inserted into the snappingelement 32. Theearpiece 16 infigure 3 shows the pull outstring 44, whereas the earpiece according to the second embodiment of the present invention shown infigure 4 does not have a pull out string. -
Figure 5 , shows thecanal element 24 according to the first embodiment of the present invention in a cross-sectional view where the snappingelement 32 is inserted into thebore 34 and thesecond wax filter 40 is inserted into the snappingelement 32. Thebore 34 according to the first embodiment of the present invention has an axial length of 8 mm. However, the axial length of thebore 34 may be the range between 3 and 10 mm such as in the ranges between 3 and 6 mm, 6 and 9 mm, 9 and 12 mm, or 4 and 11 mm, 5 and 10 mm, 7 and 8 mm, or any combination thereof. The axial length of thebore 34, in fact, may express the axial length of the canal element, i.e. thebore 34 extends through the whole length of thecanal element 24. - The axial length of the
bore 34 is greater than the axial length of thevent 42. As described above with reference tofigure 2 by shortening the axial length of thevent 42 the diameter of thevent 42 may be reduced. The axial length of thevent 42 according to the first embodiment of the present invention is 5.5 mm. However, thevent 42 may be in the range between 2 and 9 mm, such as in the ranges between 2 and 4 mm, 4 and 6 mm, 6 and 9 mm, or 3 and 8 mm, 4 and 7 mm, 5 and 6 mm, or any combination thereof. -
Figure 6 , shows thecanal element 24 according to the first embodiment of the present invention in a perspective view, where thesecond wax filter 40 is to be inserted into the snappingelement 32.
Claims (13)
- A hearing device (10) comprising a BTE unit (12) adapted to convert and process sound to an electrical signal and a tubular element (14) adapted to communicate said electrical signal to an earpiece (16), wherein said earpiece (16) comprises a canal element (24) adapted to provide a tight fit of said earpiece (16) in an ear canal and a speaker element (20), characterised in that said earpiece (16) comprises snapping means adapted to snap into engagement with said speaker element (20) thereby maintaining said speaker element (20) in an axially fixed position within said canal element (24) while allowing rotational movement of said speaker element (20) in said canal element (24).
- A hearing device (10) according to claim 1, wherein said snapping means is an integral part of the canal element (24).
- A hearing device (10) according to claim 1, wherein said snapping means (32) is separately mounted in the canal element (24).
- A hearing device (10) according to any of claims 1 to 3, wherein said speaker element (20) comprises a wax filter (38).
- A hearing device (10) according to any of claims 1 to 4, wherein said earpiece (16) comprises an expendable wax filter (40).
- A hearing device (10) according to any of claims 1 to 5, wherein said earpiece (16) further comprises a vent (42) extending axially through said canal element (24).
- A hearing device (10) according to any of claims 1 to 6, wherein said canal element (24) comprises an axial bore (34) for receiving said speaker element (24), said bore (34) having an axial length in the range between 3 and 12 mm such as in the ranges between 3 and 6 mm, 6 and 9 mm, 9 and 12 mm, or 4 and 11 mm, 5 and 10 mm, 7 and 8 mm, or any combination thereof.
- A hearing device (10) according to claim 7, wherein said vent (42) has an axial length shorter than the axial length of said axial bore (34).
- A hearing device (10) according to any of claims 1 to 8, wherein said canal element (24) comprises a proximal surface, which extends on one plane substantially perpendicular to said ear canal, and a distal surface facing towards the tympanic member, which extends on a plurality of planes substantially perpendicular to said ear canal.
- A hearing device (10) according to claim 9, wherein said canal element (24) further comprises a pull-out string (44) extending from the proximal surface at least partly parallel to the tubular element.
- A hearing device (10) according to any of claims 1 to 10, wherein said speaker element (20) further comprises a hole (46) for receiving a flexible member adapted to support said earpiece (16) in said ear canal.
- A hearing device (10) according to any of claims 1 to 11, wherein said canal element (24) is manufactured by means of rapid manufacturing techniques.
- A hearing device earpiece (16) for connecting to a BTE unit (12) adapted to convert and process sound to an electrical signal through a tubular element (14) adapted to communicate said electrical signal to said earpiece (16), wherein said earpiece (16) comprises a canal element (24) adapted to provide a tight fit of said earpiece (16) in an ear canal, and a speaker element (20), characterised in that said earpiece (16) comprises snapping means (32) adapted to snap into engagement with said speaker element (20) thereby maintaining said speaker element (20) in an axially fixed position within said canal element (24) while allowing rotational movement of said speaker element (20) in said canal element (24).
Priority Applications (5)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
EP06121538.0A EP1906699B1 (en) | 2006-09-29 | 2006-09-29 | hearing device and earpiece |
DK10183709.4T DK2309779T3 (en) | 2006-09-29 | 2006-09-29 | Hearing aid and earpiece |
DK06121538.0T DK1906699T3 (en) | 2006-09-29 | 2006-09-29 | Hearing aid and ear muffler |
EP10183709.4A EP2309779B1 (en) | 2006-09-29 | 2006-09-29 | Hearing device and earpiece |
CN2007101517354A CN101159993B (en) | 2006-09-29 | 2007-09-27 | Hearing device and earpiece |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
EP06121538.0A EP1906699B1 (en) | 2006-09-29 | 2006-09-29 | hearing device and earpiece |
Related Child Applications (3)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP10183709.4A Division EP2309779B1 (en) | 2006-09-29 | 2006-09-29 | Hearing device and earpiece |
EP10183709.4A Previously-Filed-Application EP2309779B1 (en) | 2006-09-29 | 2006-09-29 | Hearing device and earpiece |
EP10183709.4A Division-Into EP2309779B1 (en) | 2006-09-29 | 2006-09-29 | Hearing device and earpiece |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP1906699A1 EP1906699A1 (en) | 2008-04-02 |
EP1906699B1 true EP1906699B1 (en) | 2017-01-04 |
Family
ID=37770883
Family Applications (2)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP06121538.0A Revoked EP1906699B1 (en) | 2006-09-29 | 2006-09-29 | hearing device and earpiece |
EP10183709.4A Active EP2309779B1 (en) | 2006-09-29 | 2006-09-29 | Hearing device and earpiece |
Family Applications After (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP10183709.4A Active EP2309779B1 (en) | 2006-09-29 | 2006-09-29 | Hearing device and earpiece |
Country Status (3)
Country | Link |
---|---|
EP (2) | EP1906699B1 (en) |
CN (1) | CN101159993B (en) |
DK (2) | DK2309779T3 (en) |
Families Citing this family (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
AU2008362123A1 (en) * | 2008-09-26 | 2010-04-01 | Oticon A/S | Hearing aid with exchangeable shell parts and wireless communication |
US8800712B2 (en) | 2011-08-25 | 2014-08-12 | Magnatone Hearing Aid Corporation | Ear tip piece for attenuating sound |
DK2849461T3 (en) * | 2013-09-16 | 2017-11-27 | Oticon As | Filter element |
KR101372383B1 (en) * | 2013-10-24 | 2014-03-12 | 최원석 | Sound detector |
EP3706440A1 (en) | 2019-03-08 | 2020-09-09 | GN Hearing A/S | Hearing device with vent |
Citations (11)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US4739512A (en) | 1985-06-27 | 1988-04-19 | Siemens Aktiengesellschaft | Hearing aid |
DE3214636C2 (en) | 1981-04-20 | 1989-08-31 | Sony Corp., Tokio/Tokyo, Jp | |
EP0494991B1 (en) | 1989-10-04 | 1994-11-02 | Minnesota Mining And Manufacturing Company | Ear piece having disposable, compressible polymeric foam sleeve |
WO1999007182A2 (en) | 1997-07-29 | 1999-02-11 | Decibel Instruments, Inc. | Acoustic coupler |
US5887070A (en) | 1992-05-08 | 1999-03-23 | Etymotic Research, Inc. | High fidelity insert earphones and methods of making same |
WO2000042817A1 (en) | 1999-01-15 | 2000-07-20 | Sonic Innovations | Hearing aid with conformal tip, integrated vent and retrieval tube |
WO2001043498A1 (en) | 1999-12-10 | 2001-06-14 | Sonic Innovations, Inc. | Receiver suspension device for an in-the-canal hearing aid |
US20030081794A1 (en) | 2001-10-31 | 2003-05-01 | Star Micronics Co., Ltd. | Insert earphone |
DE102004016577A1 (en) | 2004-03-31 | 2005-07-28 | Siemens Audiologische Technik Gmbh | Head-set with hearing-aid functionality e.g. for mobile phone, has ear-piece releasably joined to head-set module |
WO2005069683A1 (en) | 2004-01-07 | 2005-07-28 | Etymotic Research, Inc. | One-size-fits-most hearing aid |
US7110562B1 (en) | 2001-08-10 | 2006-09-19 | Hear-Wear Technologies, Llc | BTE/CIC auditory device and modular connector system therefor |
Family Cites Families (6)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
CN2062533U (en) * | 1989-11-09 | 1990-09-19 | 陈荣权 | Micro hearing aid hidden in ear |
US5606621A (en) | 1995-06-14 | 1997-02-25 | Siemens Hearing Instruments, Inc. | Hybrid behind-the-ear and completely-in-canal hearing aid |
US6129174A (en) | 1998-12-30 | 2000-10-10 | Decibel Instruments, Inc. | Minimal contact replaceable acoustic coupler |
AU2067201A (en) * | 1999-12-10 | 2001-06-18 | Sonic Innovations, Inc. | Conformal tip for a hearing device with integrated vent and retrieval cord |
US7139404B2 (en) | 2001-08-10 | 2006-11-21 | Hear-Wear Technologies, Llc | BTE/CIC auditory device and modular connector system therefor |
EP1594340B1 (en) | 2004-05-03 | 2012-05-30 | GN ReSound A/S | Flexible ear piece for a hearing aid |
-
2006
- 2006-09-29 DK DK10183709.4T patent/DK2309779T3/en active
- 2006-09-29 EP EP06121538.0A patent/EP1906699B1/en not_active Revoked
- 2006-09-29 DK DK06121538.0T patent/DK1906699T3/en active
- 2006-09-29 EP EP10183709.4A patent/EP2309779B1/en active Active
-
2007
- 2007-09-27 CN CN2007101517354A patent/CN101159993B/en active Active
Patent Citations (11)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
DE3214636C2 (en) | 1981-04-20 | 1989-08-31 | Sony Corp., Tokio/Tokyo, Jp | |
US4739512A (en) | 1985-06-27 | 1988-04-19 | Siemens Aktiengesellschaft | Hearing aid |
EP0494991B1 (en) | 1989-10-04 | 1994-11-02 | Minnesota Mining And Manufacturing Company | Ear piece having disposable, compressible polymeric foam sleeve |
US5887070A (en) | 1992-05-08 | 1999-03-23 | Etymotic Research, Inc. | High fidelity insert earphones and methods of making same |
WO1999007182A2 (en) | 1997-07-29 | 1999-02-11 | Decibel Instruments, Inc. | Acoustic coupler |
WO2000042817A1 (en) | 1999-01-15 | 2000-07-20 | Sonic Innovations | Hearing aid with conformal tip, integrated vent and retrieval tube |
WO2001043498A1 (en) | 1999-12-10 | 2001-06-14 | Sonic Innovations, Inc. | Receiver suspension device for an in-the-canal hearing aid |
US7110562B1 (en) | 2001-08-10 | 2006-09-19 | Hear-Wear Technologies, Llc | BTE/CIC auditory device and modular connector system therefor |
US20030081794A1 (en) | 2001-10-31 | 2003-05-01 | Star Micronics Co., Ltd. | Insert earphone |
WO2005069683A1 (en) | 2004-01-07 | 2005-07-28 | Etymotic Research, Inc. | One-size-fits-most hearing aid |
DE102004016577A1 (en) | 2004-03-31 | 2005-07-28 | Siemens Audiologische Technik Gmbh | Head-set with hearing-aid functionality e.g. for mobile phone, has ear-piece releasably joined to head-set module |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
EP2309779B1 (en) | 2017-05-10 |
DK1906699T3 (en) | 2017-03-20 |
CN101159993B (en) | 2013-10-09 |
EP2309779A1 (en) | 2011-04-13 |
DK2309779T3 (en) | 2017-08-07 |
CN101159993A (en) | 2008-04-09 |
EP1906699A1 (en) | 2008-04-02 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US8437489B2 (en) | Hearing instrument | |
EP1681904B1 (en) | Hearing instrument | |
US8218803B2 (en) | Receiver facility with an elastically mounted receiver | |
US20180262853A1 (en) | Ball and socket connection with an acoustic seal and mounting interface for a hearing assistance device | |
JP5150798B1 (en) | Hearing aid earplugs and hearing aids | |
JP5823056B2 (en) | Hearing aid with ear guard guard bushing | |
US10440485B2 (en) | Hearing aid and earpiece | |
EP1906699B1 (en) | hearing device and earpiece | |
US20090034770A1 (en) | Receiver device with manipulable sound outlet direction | |
US8116496B2 (en) | Earpiece for a hearing device with bayonet fitting | |
US8290187B2 (en) | Hearing device and earpiece therefore | |
US20140072165A1 (en) | Couplable hearing apparatus for a hearing device, coupling element and hearing device | |
US20110188692A1 (en) | Hearing system with positioning device and corresponding positioning method | |
EP4254985A1 (en) | A hearing device | |
US20230319494A1 (en) | Hearing device | |
US20230403521A1 (en) | Earpiece for a hearing device and a method of detachable assembly of an earpiece of a hearing device | |
US20080298620A1 (en) | Wearing hook with metal section for a hearing device | |
EP2252080A2 (en) | Domes for a receiver in the canal hearing instrument |
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: 20080410 |
|
17Q | First examination report despatched |
Effective date: 20080625 |
|
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 |
|
INTG | Intention to grant announced |
Effective date: 20160302 |
|
GRAP | Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR1 |
|
INTG | Intention to grant announced |
Effective date: 20160729 |
|
STAA | Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent |
Free format text: STATUS: GRANT OF PATENT IS INTENDED |
|
GRAS | Grant fee paid |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR3 |
|
GRAA | (expected) grant |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009210 |
|
STAA | Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent |
Free format text: STATUS: THE PATENT HAS BEEN GRANTED |
|
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 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: CH Ref legal event code: EP |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: AT Ref legal event code: REF Ref document number: 860288 Country of ref document: AT Kind code of ref document: T Effective date: 20170115 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: IE Ref legal event code: FG4D |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: DE Ref legal event code: R096 Ref document number: 602006051419 Country of ref document: DE |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: DK Ref legal event code: T3 Effective date: 20170314 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: LT Ref legal event code: MG4D Ref country code: NL Ref legal event code: MP Effective date: 20170104 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: AT Ref legal event code: MK05 Ref document number: 860288 Country of ref document: AT Kind code of ref document: T Effective date: 20170104 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
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: 20170104 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
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: 20170104 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: 20170405 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: 20170504 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: 20170104 |
|
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: 20170504 Ref country code: ES 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: 20170104 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: 20170104 Ref country code: AT 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: 20170104 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: 20170404 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: 20170104 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: 20170104 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: FR Ref legal event code: PLFP Year of fee payment: 12 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: DE Ref legal event code: R026 Ref document number: 602006051419 Country of ref document: DE |
|
PLBI | Opposition filed |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009260 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: IT 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: 20170104 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: 20170104 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: 20170104 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: 20170104 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: 20170104 |
|
PLAX | Notice of opposition and request to file observation + time limit sent |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNOBS2 |
|
26 | Opposition filed |
Opponent name: SONOVA AG Effective date: 20171002 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
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: 20170104 |
|
PLBB | Reply of patent proprietor to notice(s) of opposition received |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNOBS3 |
|
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 FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20170104 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: IE Ref legal event code: MM4A |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: BE Ref legal event code: MM Effective date: 20170930 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: LU Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 20170929 |
|
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 NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 20170929 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: FR Ref legal event code: PLFP Year of fee payment: 13 |
|
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: 20170930 |
|
APAH | Appeal reference modified |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSCREFNO |
|
APBM | Appeal reference recorded |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNREFNO |
|
APBP | Date of receipt of notice of appeal recorded |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNNOA2O |
|
APBQ | Date of receipt of statement of grounds of appeal recorded |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNNOA3O |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
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; INVALID AB INITIO Effective date: 20060929 |
|
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 NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 20170104 |
|
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: 20170104 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: DE Ref legal event code: R103 Ref document number: 602006051419 Country of ref document: DE Ref country code: DE Ref legal event code: R064 Ref document number: 602006051419 Country of ref document: DE |
|
APBU | Appeal procedure closed |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNNOA9O |
|
RDAF | Communication despatched that patent is revoked |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNREV1 |
|
STAA | Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent |
Free format text: STATUS: PATENT REVOKED |
|
RDAG | Patent revoked |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009271 |
|
STAA | Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent |
Free format text: STATUS: PATENT REVOKED |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: CH Ref legal event code: PL |
|
PGFP | Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: CH Payment date: 20210913 Year of fee payment: 16 Ref country code: FR Payment date: 20210907 Year of fee payment: 16 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: FI Ref legal event code: MGE |
|
27W | Patent revoked |
Effective date: 20210826 |
|
GBPR | Gb: patent revoked under art. 102 of the ep convention designating the uk as contracting state |
Effective date: 20210826 |
|
PGFP | Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: DE Payment date: 20210909 Year of fee payment: 16 Ref country code: DK Payment date: 20210907 Year of fee payment: 16 Ref country code: GB Payment date: 20210907 Year of fee payment: 16 |