EP1909536B1 - Behind-the-ear hearing aid with external, optical microphone - Google Patents

Behind-the-ear hearing aid with external, optical microphone Download PDF

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Publication number
EP1909536B1
EP1909536B1 EP07115284A EP07115284A EP1909536B1 EP 1909536 B1 EP1909536 B1 EP 1909536B1 EP 07115284 A EP07115284 A EP 07115284A EP 07115284 A EP07115284 A EP 07115284A EP 1909536 B1 EP1909536 B1 EP 1909536B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
optical
microphone
housing
behind
hearing aid
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Not-in-force
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EP07115284A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP1909536A3 (en
EP1909536A2 (en
Inventor
Ulrich Kornagel
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Sivantos GmbH
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Siemens Audioligische Technik GmbH
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Publication of EP1909536A3 publication Critical patent/EP1909536A3/en
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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
    • H04R23/00—Transducers other than those covered by groups H04R9/00 - H04R21/00
    • H04R23/008—Transducers other than those covered by groups H04R9/00 - H04R21/00 using optical signals for detecting or generating sound
    • 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
    • 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

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a behind-the-ear hearing aid having a housing that is portable behind the ear, a signal processing device arranged in the housing, which has an optical converter, and at least one optical microphone.
  • Hearing aids are portable hearing aids that are used to care for the hearing impaired.
  • different types of hearing aids such as behind-the-ear hearing aids (BTE), in-the-ear hearing aids (IDO) and Concha hearing aids are provided.
  • BTE behind-the-ear hearing aids
  • IDO in-the-ear hearing aids
  • Concha hearing aids are provided.
  • the hearing aids listed by way of example are worn on the outer ear or in the ear canal.
  • bone conduction hearing aids, implantable or vibrotactile hearing aids are also available on the market. The stimulation of the damaged hearing takes place either mechanically or electrically.
  • Hearing aids have in principle as essential components an input transducer, an amplifier and an output transducer.
  • the input transducer is usually a sound receiver, z. As a microphone, and / or an electromagnetic receiver, for. B. an induction coil.
  • the output transducer is usually used as an electroacoustic transducer, z. As miniature speaker, or as an electromechanical transducer, z. B. bone conduction, realized.
  • the amplifier is usually integrated in a signal processing unit. This basic structure is in FIG. 1 shown using the example of a behind-the-ear hearing aid. In a hearing aid housing 1 for carrying behind the ear, one or more microphones 2 for receiving the sound from the environment are installed.
  • a signal processing unit 3 also in the hearing aid housing 1, processes the microphone signals and amplifies them.
  • the output signal of the signal processing unit 3 is transmitted to a loudspeaker or earpiece 4, which outputs an acoustic signal.
  • the sound is optionally transmitted via a sound tube, which is fixed with an earmold in the ear canal, to the eardrum of the device carrier.
  • the power supply of the hearing device and in particular of the signal processing unit 3 is effected by a likewise integrated into the hearing aid housing 1 battery. 5
  • the microphones are usually located in the housing behind the ear. The sound therefore does not experience the typical frequency response through the auricle on its way to the microphone or to the microphones. This results in the disadvantage that sound events are difficult to localize. It has therefore already been proposed that the microphone or microphones in the auricle, z. B. in the earmold to place. However, standard microphones with electrical supply are too large and conspicuous for this purpose.
  • Optical microphones are used because of their robustness against electromagnetic interference and chemically aggressive environment. Multiple optical microphones can be connected to a common optical fiber. This results in advantages over a three-wire cabling of an electric microphone.
  • the document discloses DE 10 2005 006 404 B3 a modular hearing aid system that can be better customized to the needs of a hearing aid wearer.
  • the hearing aid system includes an in-the-ear hearing aid with microphone, amplifier and loudspeaker.
  • a hearing aid supplement module which has a fastening device for attachment to the head of a hearing device wearer, serves to expand or change the functionality of the in-ear hearing device.
  • the hearing aid supplement module can serve as an additional energy store.
  • an earpiece for noise suppression.
  • An external speaker and external microphone are connected to a sound processor that can be worn behind the ear via one or more cables.
  • the speaker and the microphone can be carried in the ear canal.
  • the object of the present invention is to improve the acoustic properties of a behind-the-ear hearing aid while at the same time not significantly increasing the optical conspicuousness of the hearing aid but rather reducing it.
  • this object is achieved by a behind-the-ear hearing aid according to claim 1.
  • optical microphone is used exclusively for the acousto-optical converter.
  • the subsequent components for routing the optical signal and for opto-electrical conversion should not fall under the term here.
  • the frequency response shaping by the auricle can also be utilized for hearing aid wearers.
  • optical Microphones usually relatively small feasible, so that they are visually less noticeable.
  • optical fibers are usually optically low in contrast, so that they can hardly be perceived.
  • optical microphones are less sensitive to sweat than electric microphones.
  • the optical fiber is a fiber optic cable. This can be realized very thin and visually less noticeable.
  • the hearing aid according to the invention has an earmold on which the optical microphone is fixed or in which the optical microphone is integrated. This allows the optical microphone in / on the auditory canal stable fix.
  • any type of earmold or earpiece can be used instead of the earmold.
  • the earmold or earmold may include or hold a speaker in addition to the optical microphone. An electrical or magnetic crosstalk from the speaker to the optical microphone is excluded.
  • a connecting line from the hearing aid housing to the auditory canal which is used for sound transport or sound generation, is also used for transmitting the optical signals.
  • an insulating tube of the supply line may be formed as the optical waveguide for transmitting the optical signal.
  • this sound tube can be used as the Fiber optic cables serve to transmit the optical signal.
  • FIG. 2 The sketch reproduced by way of example shows an unclaimed behind-the-ear hearing aid, which is worn behind an auricle 10, for a better understanding of the invention. It consists of a housing 11, which contains the essential signal processing components including the battery (see. FIG. 1 ). However, in the example of FIG. 2 the speaker 12 and the microphone, here an optical microphone 13, outsourced from the hearing aid housing 11. The speaker 12 and the optical microphone 13 are using an earmold, which in FIG. 2 is not shown for clarity, fixed in the ear canal 14.
  • the loudspeaker 12 is electrically connected to the hearing aid housing 11 or the signal processing unit located therein by means of a customary electronic cable 15.
  • the loudspeaker 12 or the corresponding sound outlet is directed in the auditory canal approximately to the eardrum 16.
  • a sound tube may also simply be provided here to control the sound from a loudspeaker integrated in the housing 11 (cf. FIG. 1 ) into the ear canal 14.
  • the earmold is equipped as mentioned with the optical microphone 13.
  • This optical microphone 13 has a membrane in the usual design, which is optically scanned. Accordingly, a light source is to be provided in the housing 11, the light of which is guided to the optical microphone 13 via an optical waveguide 17 which is guided parallel to the electrical cable 15 from the housing 11 to the earmold. The light is reflected at the membrane and interferences result according to the vibration of the membrane. The reflected light is transmitted via the optical waveguide 17 back to the housing 11. In the housing is located upstream of the signal processing unit, an opto-electrical converter, which converts the optical signal of the microphone 13 for further processing into an electrical signal.
  • the optical microphone 13 is simply attached to the earmold.
  • the membrane may also be integrated in the earmold shell, if appropriate, flush with the surface.
  • the optical waveguide 17 is then brought to the rear of the membrane from the side of the eardrum forth to the membrane, as shown in FIG. 2 symbolically indicated.
  • the membrane is made of the same material as the earmold.
  • it can be formed integrally with the earmold, for example, in an injection molding process.
  • the membrane can be injected into the otoplastic using suitable injection molding techniques.
  • An embodiment of the invention is that instead of a separate optical waveguide 17, as in FIG. 2 is shown using an existing physical connection between the hearing aid housing 11 and the earmold for transmitting the optical signal of the optical microphone 13 it becomes.
  • This can be in the present example of FIG. 2 for example the insulating tube of the electric cable 15 realize with a material having light pipe properties.
  • the insulating tube of the electric cable 15 thus serves as the optical waveguide for transmitting the signals from the optical microphone to the hearing aid signal processing.
  • a crosstalk from the electrical speaker supply to the microphone power supply is not to be feared in this case, since the speaker is electrically powered and the microphone optically powered or tapped.
  • the sound tube can be designed as an optical waveguide. Also in this case, the sound tube thus has dual functionality.
  • optical waveguide 17 is barely visible per se, so that this hearing aid is relatively inconspicuous. Even less visible is the optical waveguide, if it is integrated as mentioned in the electrical line or the sound tube.
  • optical microphone 13 but also the optical waveguide 17 are relatively small and space-saving. This accommodates the optical microphone in an otoplastic is readily possible.
  • RIC device receiver in the channel
  • fewer components are required in total than in the embodiment of FIG. 2 , so that this variant should also be cheaper in the production costs.

Abstract

The hearing aid has a housing (11), and a signal processing device arranged in the housing and comprising an opto-electrical converter. An optical microphone (13) is arranged in an inner side of the housing and placed in the auricle (10) or in the auditory canal (14), where the microphone is fastened to an otoplastic. The microphone is connected with the signal processing device by using an optical waveguide (17) for optical signal transmission, where the waveguide is a fiber optical cable. A sound tube for transmission of sound to the auditory canal is attached to the housing. An independent claim is also included for a method for receiving sound for a behind-the-ear-hearing aid.

Description

Die vorliegende Erfindung betrifft ein Hinter-dem-Ohr-Hörgerät mit einem hinter dem Ohr tragbaren Gehäuse, einer in dem Gehäuse angeordneten Signalverarbeitungseinrichtung, die einen optischen Wandler aufweist, und mindestens einem optischen Mikrofon.The present invention relates to a behind-the-ear hearing aid having a housing that is portable behind the ear, a signal processing device arranged in the housing, which has an optical converter, and at least one optical microphone.

Hörgeräte sind tragbare Hörvorrichtungen, die zur Versorgung von Schwerhörenden dienen. Um den zahlreichen individuellen Bedürfnissen entgegenzukommen, werden unterschiedliche Bauformen von Hörgeräten wie Hinter-dem-Ohr-Hörgeräte (HdO), Indem-Ohr-Hörgeräte (IdO) und Concha-Hörgeräte bereitgestellt. Die beispielhaft aufgeführten Hörgeräte werden am Außenohr oder im Gehörgang getragen. Darüber hinaus stehen auf dem Markt aber auch Knochenleitungshörhilfen, implantierbare oder vibrotaktile Hörhilfen zur Verfügung. Dabei erfolgt die Stimulation des geschädigten Gehörs entweder mechanisch oder elektrisch.Hearing aids are portable hearing aids that are used to care for the hearing impaired. To meet the numerous individual needs, different types of hearing aids such as behind-the-ear hearing aids (BTE), in-the-ear hearing aids (IDO) and Concha hearing aids are provided. The hearing aids listed by way of example are worn on the outer ear or in the ear canal. In addition, bone conduction hearing aids, implantable or vibrotactile hearing aids are also available on the market. The stimulation of the damaged hearing takes place either mechanically or electrically.

Hörgeräte besitzen prinzipiell als wesentliche Komponenten einen Eingangswandler, einen Verstärker und einen Ausgangswandler. Der Eingangswandler ist in der Regel ein Schallempfänger, z. B. ein Mikrofon, und/oder ein elektromagnetischer Empfänger, z. B. eine Induktionsspule. Der Ausgangswandler ist meist als elektroakustischer Wandler, z. B. Miniaturlautsprecher, oder als elektromechanischer Wandler, z. B. Knochenleitungshörer, realisiert. Der Verstärker ist üblicherweise in eine Signalverarbeitungseinheit integriert. Dieser prinzipielle Aufbau ist in FIG 1 am Beispiel eines Hinter-dem-Ohr-Hörgeräts dargestellt. In ein Hörgerätegehäuse 1 zum Tragen hinter dem Ohr sind ein oder mehrere Mikrofone 2 zur Aufnahme des Schalls aus der Umgebung eingebaut. Eine Signalverarbeitungseinheit 3, die ebenfalls in das Hörgerätegehäuse 1 integriert ist, verarbeitet die Mikrofonsignale und verstärkt sie. Das Ausgangssignal der Signalverarbeitungseinheit 3 wird an einen Lautsprecher bzw. Hörer 4 übertragen, der ein akustisches Signal ausgibt. Der Schall wird gegebenenfalls über einen Schallschlauch, der mit einer Otoplastik im Gehörgang fixiert ist, zum Trommelfell des Geräteträgers übertragen. Die Stromversorgung des Hörgeräts und insbesondere die der Signalverarbeitungseinheit 3 erfolgt durch eine ebenfalls ins Hörgerätegehäuse 1 integrierte Batterie 5.Hearing aids have in principle as essential components an input transducer, an amplifier and an output transducer. The input transducer is usually a sound receiver, z. As a microphone, and / or an electromagnetic receiver, for. B. an induction coil. The output transducer is usually used as an electroacoustic transducer, z. As miniature speaker, or as an electromechanical transducer, z. B. bone conduction, realized. The amplifier is usually integrated in a signal processing unit. This basic structure is in FIG. 1 shown using the example of a behind-the-ear hearing aid. In a hearing aid housing 1 for carrying behind the ear, one or more microphones 2 for receiving the sound from the environment are installed. A signal processing unit 3, also in the hearing aid housing 1, processes the microphone signals and amplifies them. The output signal of the signal processing unit 3 is transmitted to a loudspeaker or earpiece 4, which outputs an acoustic signal. The sound is optionally transmitted via a sound tube, which is fixed with an earmold in the ear canal, to the eardrum of the device carrier. The power supply of the hearing device and in particular of the signal processing unit 3 is effected by a likewise integrated into the hearing aid housing 1 battery. 5

Bei HdO-Geräten sitzen die Mikrofone in der Regel im Gehäuse hinter dem Ohr. Der Schall erfährt daher auf seinem Weg zum Mikrofon bzw. zu den Mikrofonen nicht die typische Frequenzgangformung durch die Ohrmuschel. Hieraus ergibt sich der Nachteil, dass Schallereignisse schwer zu lokalisieren sind. Es wurde daher bereits vorgeschlagen, das oder die Mikrofone in der Ohrmuschel, z. B. in der Otoplastik, zu platzieren. Übliche Standardmikrofone mit elektrischer Versorgung sind hierfür allerdings zu groß und auffällig.For BTE devices, the microphones are usually located in the housing behind the ear. The sound therefore does not experience the typical frequency response through the auricle on its way to the microphone or to the microphones. This results in the disadvantage that sound events are difficult to localize. It has therefore already been proposed that the microphone or microphones in the auricle, z. B. in the earmold to place. However, standard microphones with electrical supply are too large and conspicuous for this purpose.

Aus der Patentschrift DE 10 2005 013 833 B3 ist eine Hörhilfevorrichtung mit optischem Mikrofon bekannt. Optische Mikrofone werden wegen ihrer Robustheit gegenüber elektromagnetischen Störungen und chemisch aggressiver Umgebung eingesetzt. Mehrere optische Mikrofone können an eine gemeinsame Lichtleitfaser angeschlossen werden. Damit ergeben sich Vorteile gegenüber einer dreiadrigen Verkabelung eines Elektromikrofons.From the patent DE 10 2005 013 833 B3 a hearing aid device with optical microphone is known. Optical microphones are used because of their robustness against electromagnetic interference and chemically aggressive environment. Multiple optical microphones can be connected to a common optical fiber. This results in advantages over a three-wire cabling of an electric microphone.

Darüber hinaus offenbart die Druckschrift DE 10 2005 006 404 B3 ein modulares Hörgerätesystem, das an die Bedürfnisse eines Hörgeräteträgers besser individuell angepasst werden kann. Das Hörgerätesystem umfasst ein Im-Ohr-Hörgerät mit Mikrofon, Verstärker und Lautsprecher. Ein Hörgeräteergänzungsmodul, das eine Befestigungseinrichtung zur Befestigung am Kopf eines Hörgeräteträgers aufweist, dient zur Erweiterung oder Änderung der Funktionalität des Im-Ohr-Hörgeräts. So kann beispielsweise das Hörgeräteergänzungsmodul als zusätzlicher Energiespeicher dienen.In addition, the document discloses DE 10 2005 006 404 B3 a modular hearing aid system that can be better customized to the needs of a hearing aid wearer. The hearing aid system includes an in-the-ear hearing aid with microphone, amplifier and loudspeaker. A hearing aid supplement module, which has a fastening device for attachment to the head of a hearing device wearer, serves to expand or change the functionality of the in-ear hearing device. For example, the hearing aid supplement module can serve as an additional energy store.

Darüber hinaus offenbart die Druckschrift WO 98/43567 ein Ohrstück zur Störgeräuschunterdrückung. An einen hinter dem Ohr tragbaren Schallprozessor sind ein externer Lautsprecher und ein externes Mikrofon über ein oder mehrere Kabel angeschlossen. Der Lautsprecher und das Mikrofon können im Gehörgang getragen werden.In addition, the document discloses WO 98/43567 an earpiece for noise suppression. An external speaker and external microphone are connected to a sound processor that can be worn behind the ear via one or more cables. The speaker and the microphone can be carried in the ear canal.

Die Aufgabe der vorliegenden Erfindung besteht darin, die akustischen Eigenschaften eines Hinter-dem-Ohr-Hörgeräts zu verbessern und dabei gleichzeitig die optische Auffälligkeit des Hörgeräts nicht wesentlich zu erhöhen sondern eher zu verringern.The object of the present invention is to improve the acoustic properties of a behind-the-ear hearing aid while at the same time not significantly increasing the optical conspicuousness of the hearing aid but rather reducing it.

Erfindungsgemäß wird diese Aufgabe gelöst durch ein Hinter-dem-Ohr-Hörgerät nach Anspruch 1.According to the invention this object is achieved by a behind-the-ear hearing aid according to claim 1.

In dem vorliegenden Dokument wird der Begriff "optisches Mikrofon" ausschließlich für den akustooptischen Wandler benutzt. Die anschließenden Komponenten zum Weiterleiten des optischen Signals und zum optoelektrischen Wandeln sollen hier nicht unter den Begriff fallen.In the present document, the term "optical microphone" is used exclusively for the acousto-optical converter. The subsequent components for routing the optical signal and for opto-electrical conversion should not fall under the term here.

In vorteilhafter Weise kann so gewährleistet werden, dass die Frequenzgangformung durch die Ohrmuschel auch für Hörgeräteträger ausgenutzt werden kann. Darüber hinaus sind optische Mikrofone in der Regel relativ kleiner realisierbar, so dass sie optisch wenig auffällig sind. Darüber hinaus sind Lichtwellenleiter in der Regel optisch wenig kontrastreich, so dass sie kaum wahrgenommen werden können. Ferner sind optische Mikrofone gegenüber Schweiß weniger empfindlich als elektrische Mikrofone.Advantageously, it can thus be ensured that the frequency response shaping by the auricle can also be utilized for hearing aid wearers. In addition, optical Microphones usually relatively small feasible, so that they are visually less noticeable. In addition, optical fibers are usually optically low in contrast, so that they can hardly be perceived. Furthermore, optical microphones are less sensitive to sweat than electric microphones.

Vorzugsweise ist der Lichtwellenleiter ein Glasfaserkabel. Dieses kann sehr dünn und optisch wenig auffällig realisiert werden.Preferably, the optical fiber is a fiber optic cable. This can be realized very thin and visually less noticeable.

Entsprechend einer vorteilhaften Ausgestaltung weist das erfindungsgemäße Hörgerät eine Otoplastik auf, an der das optische Mikrofon befestigt oder in die das optische Mikrofon integriert ist. Hierdurch lässt sich das optische Mikrofon im/am Gehörgang stabil befestigen. Anstelle der Otoplastik kann selbstverständlich jede Art eines Ohrpassstücks oder Ohrstücks verwendet werden.According to an advantageous embodiment, the hearing aid according to the invention has an earmold on which the optical microphone is fixed or in which the optical microphone is integrated. This allows the optical microphone in / on the auditory canal stable fix. Of course, any type of earmold or earpiece can be used instead of the earmold.

Die Otoplastik bzw. das Ohrpassstück kann neben dem optischen Mikrofon auch einen Lautsprecher beinhalten oder halten. Ein elektrisches oder magnetisches Übersprechen von dem Lautsprecher zu dem optischen Mikrofon ist dabei ausgeschlossen.The earmold or earmold may include or hold a speaker in addition to the optical microphone. An electrical or magnetic crosstalk from the speaker to the optical microphone is excluded.

Besonders vorteilhaft ist, wenn eine Verbindungsleitung von dem Hörgerätegehäuse zum Gehörgang, die für den Schalltransport oder die Schallerzeugung genutzt wird, auch zum Übertragen der optischen Signale verwendet wird. Dadurch erhält die jeweilige Verbindungsleitung eine doppelte Funktionalität. Wenn beispielsweise die Otoplastik einen Lautsprecher aufweist, der mit einer elektrischen Versorgungsleitung an dem hinter dem Ohr getragenen Hörgerätegehäuse angeschlossen ist, kann ein Isolierschlauch der Versorgungsleitung als der Lichtwellenleiter zur Übertragung des optischen Signals ausgebildet sein. Wenn alternativ der Schall vom Hörgerätegehäuse mithilfe eines Schallschlauchs in den Gehörgang transportiert wird, kann dieser Schallschlauch gleichzeitig als der Lichtwellenleiter zur Übertragung des optischen Signals dienen.It is particularly advantageous if a connecting line from the hearing aid housing to the auditory canal, which is used for sound transport or sound generation, is also used for transmitting the optical signals. This gives the respective connection line a double functionality. For example, if the earmold has a loudspeaker connected to an electrical supply line on the hearing aid housing carried behind the ear, an insulating tube of the supply line may be formed as the optical waveguide for transmitting the optical signal. Alternatively, if the sound from the hearing aid housing is transported by means of a sound tube into the ear canal, this sound tube can be used as the Fiber optic cables serve to transmit the optical signal.

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

FIG 1
den prinzipiellen Aufbau eines Hinter-dem-Ohr-Hör- geräts und
FIG 2
eine Skizze einer Vorstufe eines erfindungsgemäßen Hinter-dem-Ohr-Hörgeräts im getragenen Zustand.
The present invention will be explained in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
FIG. 1
the basic structure of a behind-the-ear hearing aid and
FIG. 2
a sketch of a precursor of a behind-the-ear hearing aid according to the invention in the worn state.

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

Die in FIG 2 wiedergegebene Skizze zeigt beispielhaft ein nicht beanspruchtes Hinter-dem-Ohr-Hörgerät, das hinter einer Ohrmuschel 10 getragen wird, zum besseren Verständnis der Erfindung. Es besteht aus einem Gehäuse 11, das die wesentlichen Signalverarbeitungsbestandteile einschließlich der Batterie beinhaltet (vgl. FIG 1). Allerdings sind in dem Beispiel von FIG 2 der Lautsprecher 12 und das Mikrofon, hier ein optisches Mikrofon 13, aus dem Hörgerätegehäuse 11 ausgelagert. Der Lautsprecher 12 und das optische Mikrofon 13 sind mithilfe einer Otoplastik, die in FIG 2 der Übersicht halber nicht eingezeichnet ist, im Gehörgang 14 fixiert.In the FIG. 2 The sketch reproduced by way of example shows an unclaimed behind-the-ear hearing aid, which is worn behind an auricle 10, for a better understanding of the invention. It consists of a housing 11, which contains the essential signal processing components including the battery (see. FIG. 1 ). However, in the example of FIG. 2 the speaker 12 and the microphone, here an optical microphone 13, outsourced from the hearing aid housing 11. The speaker 12 and the optical microphone 13 are using an earmold, which in FIG. 2 is not shown for clarity, fixed in the ear canal 14.

Der Lautsprecher 12 ist mithilfe eines üblichen elektronischen Kabels 15 mit dem Hörgerätegehäuse 11 bzw. der darin befindlichen Signalverarbeitungseinheit elektrisch verbunden. Der Lautsprecher 12 bzw. der entsprechende Schallauslass ist im Gehörgang in etwa hin zum Trommelfell 16 gerichtet. Anstelle des elektrischen Kabels 15 und des Lautsprechers 12 kann hier auch einfach ein Schallschlauch vorgesehen sein, um den Schall von einem in das Gehäuse 11 integrierten Lautsprecher (vergleiche FIG 1) in den Gehörgang 14 zu leiten.The loudspeaker 12 is electrically connected to the hearing aid housing 11 or the signal processing unit located therein by means of a customary electronic cable 15. The loudspeaker 12 or the corresponding sound outlet is directed in the auditory canal approximately to the eardrum 16. Instead of the electric cable 15 and the speaker 12, a sound tube may also simply be provided here to control the sound from a loudspeaker integrated in the housing 11 (cf. FIG. 1 ) into the ear canal 14.

Die Otoplastik ist wie erwähnt mit dem optischen Mikrofon 13 ausgestattet. Dieses optische Mikrofon 13 weist in üblicher Bauform eine Membran auf, die optisch abgetastet wird. Dementsprechend ist in dem Gehäuse 11 eine Lichtquelle vorzusehen, deren Licht über einen Lichtwellenleiter 17, der parallel zu dem elektrischen Kabel 15 von dem Gehäuse 11 zu der Otoplastik geführt ist, hin zum optischen Mikrofon 13 geleitet wird. Das Licht wird an der Membran reflektiert und es ergeben sich Interferenzen entsprechend der Schwingung der Membran. Das reflektierte Licht wird über den Lichtwellenleiter 17 zurück zum Gehäuse 11 übertragen. In dem Gehäuse befindet sich, der Signalverarbeitungseinheit vorgelagert, ein optoelektrischer Wandler, der das optische Signal des Mikrofons 13 für die weitere Verarbeitung in ein elektrisches Signal wandelt.The earmold is equipped as mentioned with the optical microphone 13. This optical microphone 13 has a membrane in the usual design, which is optically scanned. Accordingly, a light source is to be provided in the housing 11, the light of which is guided to the optical microphone 13 via an optical waveguide 17 which is guided parallel to the electrical cable 15 from the housing 11 to the earmold. The light is reflected at the membrane and interferences result according to the vibration of the membrane. The reflected light is transmitted via the optical waveguide 17 back to the housing 11. In the housing is located upstream of the signal processing unit, an opto-electrical converter, which converts the optical signal of the microphone 13 for further processing into an electrical signal.

Im einfachsten Fall ist das optische Mikrofon 13 einfach an der Otoplastik befestigt. Die Membran kann aber auch in die Otoplastikschale gegebenenfalls oberflächenbündig integriert sein. Der Lichtwellenleiter 17 ist dann zur rückwärtigen Abtastung der Membran von der Seite des Trommelfells her an die Membran herangeführt, wie dies in FIG 2 symbolisch angedeutet ist.In the simplest case, the optical microphone 13 is simply attached to the earmold. The membrane may also be integrated in the earmold shell, if appropriate, flush with the surface. The optical waveguide 17 is then brought to the rear of the membrane from the side of the eardrum forth to the membrane, as shown in FIG. 2 symbolically indicated.

Entsprechend einer Weiterentwicklung wird die Membran aus dem gleichen Material gefertigt wie die Otoplastik. Somit lässt sie sich beispielsweise in einem Spritzgussvorgang einstückig mit der Otoplastik ausbilden. Auch wenn die Membran aus einem anderen Material wie die Otoplastik besteht, lässt sie sich mit geeigneten Spritzgussverfahren in die Otoplastik einspritzen.According to a further development, the membrane is made of the same material as the earmold. Thus, it can be formed integrally with the earmold, for example, in an injection molding process. Even if the membrane is made of a different material, such as the otoplastic, it can be injected into the otoplastic using suitable injection molding techniques.

Eine erfindungsgemäße Ausführungsform besteht darin, dass anstelle eines eigenen Lichtwellenleiters 17, wie er in FIG 2 dargestellt ist, eine bestehende physische Verbindung zwischen dem Hörgerätegehäuse 11 und der Otoplastik zur Übertragung des optischen Signals des optischen Mikrofons 13 verwen det wird. So lässt sich im vorliegenden Beispiel von FIG 2 beispielsweise der Isolierschlauch des elektrischen Kabels 15 mit einem Material realisieren, das Lichtleitungseigenschaften besitzt. Der Isolierschlauch des elektrischen Kabels 15 dient somit als der Lichtwellenleiter zum Übertragen der Signale vom optischen Mikrofon zur Hörgerätesignalverarbeitung. Ein Übersprechen von der elektrischen Lautsprecherversorgung zu der Mikrofonversorgung ist auch in diesem Fall nicht zu befürchten, da der Lautsprecher elektrisch und das Mikrofon optisch versorgt bzw. abgegriffen wird.An embodiment of the invention is that instead of a separate optical waveguide 17, as in FIG. 2 is shown using an existing physical connection between the hearing aid housing 11 and the earmold for transmitting the optical signal of the optical microphone 13 it becomes. This can be in the present example of FIG. 2 for example the insulating tube of the electric cable 15 realize with a material having light pipe properties. The insulating tube of the electric cable 15 thus serves as the optical waveguide for transmitting the signals from the optical microphone to the hearing aid signal processing. A crosstalk from the electrical speaker supply to the microphone power supply is not to be feared in this case, since the speaker is electrically powered and the microphone optically powered or tapped.

Für den oben bereits geschilderten Fall, dass lediglich ein Schallschlauch vom Hörgerätegehäuse 11 zu der Otoplastik im Gehörgang 14 geführt ist, kann auch der Schallschlauch als Lichtwellenleiter ausgelegt sein. Auch in diesem Fall besitzt der Schallschlauch somit doppelte Funktionalität.For the case already described above, that only a sound tube from the hearing aid housing 11 is guided to the earmold in the ear canal 14, and the sound tube can be designed as an optical waveguide. Also in this case, the sound tube thus has dual functionality.

Vorteilhaft an den oben dargestellten Lösungen ist, dass der Lichtwellenleiter 17 an sich kaum sichtbar ist, so dass dieser Hörgeräteaufbau verhältnismäßig unauffällig ist. Noch weniger sichtbar ist der Lichtwellenleiter, wenn er wie erwähnt, in die elektrische Leitung bzw. den Schallschlauch integriert ist.An advantage of the above solutions is that the optical waveguide 17 is barely visible per se, so that this hearing aid is relatively inconspicuous. Even less visible is the optical waveguide, if it is integrated as mentioned in the electrical line or the sound tube.

Ein weiterer Vorteil der geschilderten Ausführungsbeispiele besteht darin, dass das optische Mikrofon 13, aber auch der Lichtwellenleiter 17 verhältnismäßig klein und Platz sparend sind. Damit ist eine Unterbringung des optischen Mikrofons in einer Otoplastik ohne weiteres möglich. Im Falle der Integration des Lichtwellenleiters in den Schallschlauch oder die elektrische Leitung zum Lautsprecher bei einem so genannten RIC-Gerät (Receiver in the Channel) sind insgesamt weniger Komponenten notwendig als bei dem Ausführungsbeispiel von FIG 2, so dass diese Variante auch in den Herstellungskosten günstiger sein dürfte.Another advantage of the described embodiments is that the optical microphone 13, but also the optical waveguide 17 are relatively small and space-saving. This accommodates the optical microphone in an otoplastic is readily possible. In the case of integration of the optical waveguide in the sound tube or the electrical line to the speaker in a so-called RIC device (receiver in the channel), fewer components are required in total than in the embodiment of FIG. 2 , so that this variant should also be cheaper in the production costs.

Claims (2)

  1. Behind-the-ear hearing device having
    - a housing (1, 11) which can be worn behind the ear,
    - a signal processing facility (3) arranged in the housing (1, 11), said signal processing facility (3) comprising an optoelectrical converter, and
    - at least one optical microphone (13) which is connected to the signal processing facility (3) by way of an optical wave guide (17) for optical signal transmission,
    characterised in that
    - the optical microphone (13) is arranged outside the housing (1, 11) and can be positioned in the concha (10) or in the auditory canal (14), and
    - either
    o the behind-the-ear hearing device has an otoplastic on which the optical microphone (13) is fixed or in which the optical microphone (13) is integrated, with the otoplastic containing a loudspeaker (12), and with an insulating tube of an electrical supply line (15) of the loudspeaker (12) being embodied as the optical wave guide for transmission of the optical signal, or
    o a sound tube for transmitting sound to an auditory canal is arranged on the housing (1, 11), and the sound tube serves simultaneously as the optical wave guide for transmission of the optical signal.
  2. Behind-the-ear hearing device according to claim 1, with the optical wave guide (17) being a glass fibre cable.
EP07115284A 2006-10-02 2007-08-30 Behind-the-ear hearing aid with external, optical microphone Not-in-force EP1909536B1 (en)

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DE102006046700A DE102006046700A1 (en) 2006-10-02 2006-10-02 Behind-the-ear hearing aid with external optical microphone

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EP1909536A3 EP1909536A3 (en) 2010-05-19
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Publication number Publication date
DK1909536T3 (en) 2011-10-24
EP1909536A3 (en) 2010-05-19
US20080107292A1 (en) 2008-05-08
US8243971B2 (en) 2012-08-14
DE102006046700A1 (en) 2008-04-10
EP1909536A2 (en) 2008-04-09
ATE517521T1 (en) 2011-08-15

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