EP2040488B1 - Tool for inserting an earpiece of a hearing aid into an auditory canal - Google Patents

Tool for inserting an earpiece of a hearing aid into an auditory canal Download PDF

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Publication number
EP2040488B1
EP2040488B1 EP08105175A EP08105175A EP2040488B1 EP 2040488 B1 EP2040488 B1 EP 2040488B1 EP 08105175 A EP08105175 A EP 08105175A EP 08105175 A EP08105175 A EP 08105175A EP 2040488 B1 EP2040488 B1 EP 2040488B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
tool
hearing aid
tweezer
arms
hearing
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Not-in-force
Application number
EP08105175A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP2040488A2 (en
EP2040488A3 (en
Inventor
Sebastian Pape
Ulrich Giese
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Sivantos Pte Ltd
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Siemens Medical Instruments Pte Ltd
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Publication date
Application filed by Siemens Medical Instruments Pte Ltd filed Critical Siemens Medical Instruments Pte Ltd
Publication of EP2040488A2 publication Critical patent/EP2040488A2/en
Publication of EP2040488A3 publication Critical patent/EP2040488A3/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP2040488B1 publication Critical patent/EP2040488B1/en
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Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04R—LOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; DEAF-AID SETS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS
    • H04R25/00—Deaf-aid sets, i.e. electro-acoustic or electro-mechanical hearing aids; Electric tinnitus maskers providing an auditory perception
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B25—HAND TOOLS; PORTABLE POWER-DRIVEN TOOLS; MANIPULATORS
    • B25B—TOOLS OR BENCH DEVICES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR, FOR FASTENING, CONNECTING, DISENGAGING OR HOLDING
    • B25B9/00—Hand-held gripping tools other than those covered by group B25B7/00
    • B25B9/02—Hand-held gripping tools other than those covered by group B25B7/00 without sliding or pivotal connections, e.g. tweezers, onepiece tongs
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04R—LOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; DEAF-AID SETS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS
    • H04R2225/00—Details of deaf aids covered by H04R25/00, not provided for in any of its subgroups
    • H04R2225/025—In the ear hearing aids [ITE] hearing aids
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04R—LOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; DEAF-AID SETS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS
    • H04R2460/00—Details of hearing devices, i.e. of ear- or headphones covered by H04R1/10 or H04R5/033 but not provided for in any of their subgroups, or of hearing aids covered by H04R25/00 but not provided for in any of its subgroups
    • H04R2460/17—Hearing device specific tools used for storing or handling hearing devices or parts thereof, e.g. placement in the ear, replacement of cerumen barriers, repair, cleaning hearing devices

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a tool for inserting a receiver of a hearing device into an auditory canal, comprising tweezers having a first and a second tweezer arm, which are fastened to one another at one end.
  • hearing device is understood here to mean, in particular, a hearing device, but also any other device for sound output which can be worn on / in the ear, for example a headset, headphones and the like.
  • 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), hearing aid with external receiver (RIC: receiver in the canal) and in-the-ear hearing aids (IDO), e.g. Concha hearing aids or canal hearing aids (ITE, CIC).
  • BTE behind-the-ear hearing aids
  • RIC hearing aid with external receiver
  • IDO in-the-ear hearing aids
  • ITE canal hearing aids
  • 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 are installed for recording the sound from the environment.
  • a signal processing unit 3 which is also integrated 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 carried out by a likewise integrated into the hearing aid housing 1 battery. 5
  • the document is US2005 / 0179274 citing a tool for inserting a battery in a hearing device, the tool comprising tweezers having first and second tweezer arms secured together at one end, the first tweezer arm having a receptacle at its free end which is to inhibit the male battery with respect to movements in at least three directions.
  • the object of the present invention is therefore to facilitate the insertion of a listener in an ear canal.
  • this object is achieved by a tool for inserting a receiver of a hearing device into an auditory canal of a user comprising tweezers with a first and a second tweezer arm, which are fastened to one another at one end, wherein the first tweezer arm at its free end has a receiving device by which the male listener is to inhibit movements in at least three directions, and one of the two tweezer arms has a stop which protrudes substantially perpendicularly from the tweezer arm and for abutment against a concha of the user when inserting the handset serves.
  • the user or hearing aid wearer by means of the tool according to the invention, on the one hand, can grasp the earpiece securely and, on the other hand, insert it into the auditory canal with a defined depth.
  • said receiving means has a U-shaped cross-section.
  • a shaped receiving column of the handset can be easily inserted and pressed with the second tweezer arm.
  • a respective stop is arranged on both tweezer arms. This can further facilitate insertion of the handset and prevent the handset from being pushed too deep into the ear canal.
  • the tweezers along their longitudinal extent have a kink transverse to the direction of movement of the tweezer arms. This tweezer shape better reflects ergonomics.
  • the tool can be made of a plastic. This not only reduces the weight of the tool, but also the risk of damage to the handset.
  • the free end of one or each of the two tweezer arms may have a rubber coating. This allows the listener to better grip and hold.
  • the basic idea of the present invention is to provide a tool that helps the hearing aid wearer to connect the external handset 10 (cf. FIG. 3 ) into the ear canal. With such a tool it is then possible to keep the handset more secure and to guide it more controlledly into the ear.
  • the tool is constructed essentially according to the principle of tweezers. It has a first tweezer arm 11 and a second tweezer arm 12. Both tweezer arms 11, 12 are interconnected at one end. In addition, they are resiliently movable towards each other.
  • the first tweezer arm 11 has at its free end a Kule 13 with U-profile as a receiving device for the handset 10.
  • each of the two tweezer arms 11, 12 each have a stop 14, 15, which is substantially perpendicular to the respective tweezer arm 11, 12th extend.
  • a single stop on one of the two tweezer arms is sufficient. This stop or these stops prevent the handset with the tool could be inserted too deep into the ear canal.
  • the stops 14, 15 are also designed to be adjustable, so that, for example the acoustician can adjust the appropriate insertion depth to the hearing aid wearer.
  • the setting can z. B. by a set screw or a thread on the top of one of the tweezer arms.
  • FIG. 3 a typical external handset 10 is shown. He is connected by means of a cable 16 to a partially illustrated hearing aid housing 17. At the output of the receiver is a holder 18 (so-called receiver spout) on which an unillustrated earmold (so-called "dome") can be plugged.
  • This earmold usually also contains a cerumen protection.
  • the dome may slip off the holder at the output of the listener, or solve the cerumen protection from the dome.
  • the hearing aid wearer can now use the tool of FIG. 2 deploy. For this purpose, he should the handset 10 with the Kule 13 in the area 19, ie in its central area, grab.
  • FIG. 4 is the tip of the tool of FIG. 2 shown in front view.
  • the Kule 13 which has a U-shaped profile, the handset 10 is included.
  • the handset 10 is secured on three sides: down, to the left and to the right.
  • With the help of the second tweezer arm 12 he is pressed into the kule 13.
  • the Kule 13 is preferably provided with a rubber layer 20.
  • Such gumming may also be provided on the second tweezer arm 12.
  • FIG. 5 shows a plan view of a tweezer-shaped tool according to a specific embodiment.
  • the tweezers has a kink 21 along its longitudinal axis.
  • the top view of FIG. 5 shows the kinked upper tweezer arm 12 'including the stopper 15. From the lower tweezer arm, which is also kinked, only the Kule 13 is to recognize. It is therefore about one third of the length of the tweezers at the top by about 20 ° to 30 ° to the side, so inclined in the direction perpendicular to the direction of movement of the tweezer arms.
  • the inclination may be left or right to facilitate insertion of the earpiece into the left ear or right ear.
  • the angle of inclination may take any other angle, preferably between 0 ° and 90 °. In any case, the kink 21 or the inclination of the ergonomics of the tool is taken into account.
  • the tool is made of a rigid plastic or metal.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Neurosurgery (AREA)
  • Otolaryngology (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Acoustics & Sound (AREA)
  • Signal Processing (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Headphones And Earphones (AREA)
  • Measurement Of The Respiration, Hearing Ability, Form, And Blood Characteristics Of Living Organisms (AREA)
  • Telephone Set Structure (AREA)

Abstract

The tool has forceps with arms (11, 12) that are fastened to each other to an end that is coated with rubber. The arm (11) includes a depression (13) at its free end, where the depression has a U-shaped cross-section for a hearing aid. The hearing aid to be retained is locked with respect to movements in three directions, where the tool is made of plastic. The arms have stoppers (14, 15) perpendicular to the arms, and are attached to a concha of a user during insertion of the hearing aid. A sharp bend is arranged transverse to a movement direction of the arms along its longitudinal extension.

Description

Die vorliegende Erfindung betrifft ein Werkzeug zum Einsetzen eines Hörers einer Hörvorrichtung in einen Gehörgang, umfassend eine Pinzette mit einem ersten und einen zweiten Pinzettenarm, die an einem Ende aneinander befestigt sind. Unter dem Begriff "Hörvorrichtung" wird hier insbesondere ein Hörgerät, aber auch jedes andere am/im Ohr tragbare Gerät zur Schallausgabe wie beispielsweise ein Headset, Kopfhörer und dergleichen verstanden.The present invention relates to a tool for inserting a receiver of a hearing device into an auditory canal, comprising tweezers having a first and a second tweezer arm, which are fastened to one another at one end. The term "hearing device" is understood here to mean, in particular, a hearing device, but also any other device for sound output which can be worn on / in the ear, for example a headset, headphones and the like.

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), Hörgerät mit externem Hörer (RIC: receiver in the canal) und In-dem-Ohr-Hörgeräte (IdO), z.B. auch Concha-Hörgeräte oder Kanal-Hörgeräte (ITE, CIC), 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. In order to meet the numerous individual needs, different types of hearing aids such as behind-the-ear hearing aids (BTE), hearing aid with external receiver (RIC: receiver in the canal) and in-the-ear hearing aids (IDO), e.g. Concha hearing aids or canal hearing aids (ITE, CIC). 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 are installed for recording the sound from the environment. A signal processing unit 3, which is also integrated 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 carried out by a likewise integrated into the hearing aid housing 1 battery. 5

Bezüglich Stand der Technik ist das Dokument US2005/0179274 zu zitieren, das ein Werkzeug zum Einsetzen einer Batterie in einer Hörvorrichtung zeigt, wobei das Werkzeug eine Pinzette mit einem ersten und einem zweiten Pinzettenarm umfasst, die an einem Ende aneinander befestigt sind, wobei der erste Pinzettenarm an seinem freien Ende eine Aufnahmeeinrichtung aufweist, durch die die aufzunehmende Batterie hinsichtlich Bewegungen in mindestens drei Richtungen zu hemmen ist.With regard to the state of the art, the document is US2005 / 0179274 citing a tool for inserting a battery in a hearing device, the tool comprising tweezers having first and second tweezer arms secured together at one end, the first tweezer arm having a receptacle at its free end which is to inhibit the male battery with respect to movements in at least three directions.

Zum Tragen eines RIC-Hörgeräts ist es notwendig, den vom Hörgerätegehäuse getrennten Hörer in den Gehörgang einzusetzen und das mit einem Kabel an den Hörer angekoppelte Hörgerätegehäuse an der Ohrmuschel zu befestigen. Erfahrungen zeigen, dass es zumindest am Anfang Hörgeräteträgern schwer fällt, den Hörer des RIC-Hörgeräts in den Gehörgang korrekt einzusetzen. Darunter leidet in vielen Fällen die Spontanakzeptanz solcher RIC-Hörgeräte. Der Grund, weshalb der Hörer nur schwer in den Gehörgang eingesetzt werden kann, liegt darin, dass er selbst sehr klein ist und nur mit sehr viel Fingerspitzengefühl in den Gehörgang passend tief geschoben werden kann. Meist wird der Hörer daher mit Hilfe des angeschlossenen Kabels solange hin- und hergedrückt, bis das Gefühl entsteht, der Hörer säße nun richtig. Es bleibt dem Hörgeräteträger jedoch ein Gefühl der Unsicherheit, ob der Hörer nun tief genug im Ohr sitzt oder nicht.To wear a RIC hearing aid, it is necessary to insert the earphone separate from the hearing aid housing in the ear canal and to attach the attached with a cable to the listener hearing aid housing to the auricle. Experience shows that hearing aid users find it difficult at the very beginning to properly insert the earpiece of the RIC hearing device into the auditory canal. Among them is the spontaneous acceptance of such RIC hearing aids in many cases. The reason why the listener can hardly be inserted into the ear canal is that he is very small and can only be pushed deep into the auditory canal with great sensitivity. Usually the listener is therefore pushed back and forth with the help of the connected cable until the feeling arises that the listener is now sitting correctly. However, the hearing aid wearer still has a feeling of uncertainty as to whether the listener is sitting low enough in the ear or not.

Die Aufgabe der vorliegenden Erfindung besteht somit darin, das Einsetzen eines Hörers in einen Gehörgang zu erleichtern.The object of the present invention is therefore to facilitate the insertion of a listener in an ear canal.

Erfindungsgemäß wird diese Aufgabe gelöst durch ein Werkzeug zum Einsetzen eines Hörers einer Hörvorrichtung in einen Gehörgang eines Nutzers umfassend eine Pinzette mit einem ersten und einem zweiten Pinzettenarm, die an einem Ende aneinander befestigt sind, wobei der erste Pinzettenarm an seinem freien Ende eine Aufnahmeeinrichtung aufweist, durch die der aufzunehmende Hörer hinsichtlich Bewegungen in mindestens drei Richtungen zu hemmen ist, und einer der beiden Pinzettenarme einen Anschlag aufweist, der im Wesentlichen senkrecht von dem Pinzettenarm absteht und zum Anschlagen an eine Concha des Nutzers beim Einsetzen des Hörers dient.According to the invention, this object is achieved by a tool for inserting a receiver of a hearing device into an auditory canal of a user comprising tweezers with a first and a second tweezer arm, which are fastened to one another at one end, wherein the first tweezer arm at its free end has a receiving device by which the male listener is to inhibit movements in at least three directions, and one of the two tweezer arms has a stop which protrudes substantially perpendicularly from the tweezer arm and for abutment against a concha of the user when inserting the handset serves.

In vorteilhafter Weise kann der Nutzer bzw. Hörgeräteträger durch das erfindungsgemäße Werkzeug zum einen den Hörer sicher greifen und zum anderen mit definierter Tiefe in den Gehörgang einsetzen.Advantageously, the user or hearing aid wearer by means of the tool according to the invention, on the one hand, can grasp the earpiece securely and, on the other hand, insert it into the auditory canal with a defined depth.

Vorzugsweise besitzt die genannte Aufnahmeeinrichtung einen U-förmigen Querschnitt. In eine derartig geformte Aufnahmekule kann der Hörer leicht eingelegt und mit dem zweiten Pinzettenarm festgedrückt werden.Preferably, said receiving means has a U-shaped cross-section. In such a shaped receiving column of the handset can be easily inserted and pressed with the second tweezer arm.

Weiterhin kann es vorteilhaft sein, wenn an beiden Pinzettenarmen jeweils ein genannter Anschlag angeordnet ist. Dies kann das Einsetzen des Hörers weiter erleichtern und verhindert, dass der Hörer zu tief in den Gehörgang geschoben wird.Furthermore, it may be advantageous if a respective stop is arranged on both tweezer arms. This can further facilitate insertion of the handset and prevent the handset from being pushed too deep into the ear canal.

Darüber hinaus kann die Pinzette entlang ihrer Längserstreckung einen Knick quer zur Bewegungsrichtung der Pinzettenarme aufweisen. Durch diese Pinzettenform lässt sich der Ergonomie besser Rechnung tragen.In addition, the tweezers along their longitudinal extent have a kink transverse to the direction of movement of the tweezer arms. This tweezer shape better reflects ergonomics.

Entsprechend einer weiteren Ausführungsform kann das Werkzeug aus einem Kunststoff hergestellt sein. Dadurch lässt sich nicht nur das Gewicht des Werkzeugs reduzieren, sondern auch die Beschädigungsgefahr für den Hörer.According to a further embodiment, the tool can be made of a plastic. This not only reduces the weight of the tool, but also the risk of damage to the handset.

Ferner kann das freie Ende eines oder jedes der beiden Pinzettenarme eine Gummierung aufweisen. Hierdurch lässt sich der Hörer besser greifen und halten.Further, the free end of one or each of the two tweezer arms may have a rubber coating. This allows the listener to better grip and hold.

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

FIG 1
eine Prinzipskizze zum Aufbau eines Hörgeräts gemäß dem Stand der Technik;
FIG 2
eine Prinzipskizze eines erfindungsgemäßen Werk- zeugs in der Seitenansicht;
FIG 3
eine perspektivische Ansicht eines in einen Gehör- gang einzusetzenden Hörers;
FIG 4
das Werkzeug von FIG 2 in der Frontansicht und
FIG 5
ein erfindungsgemäßes Werkzeug gemäß einer speziel- len Ausführungsform in der Draufsicht.
The present invention will be further explained with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
FIG. 1
a schematic diagram of the construction of a hearing aid according to the prior art;
FIG. 2
a schematic diagram of a tool according to the invention in side view;
FIG. 3
a perspective view of a listener to be inserted into an ear canal;
FIG. 4
the tool of FIG. 2 in front view and
FIG. 5
an inventive tool according to a special embodiment in plan view.

Der Grundgedanke der vorliegenden Erfindung besteht darin, ein Werkzeug bereitzustellen, das dem Hörgeräteträger hilft, den externen Hörer 10 (vgl. FIG 3) in den Gehörgang einzusetzen. Mit einem derartigen Werkzeug ist es dann möglich, den Hörer sicherer zu halten und kontrollierter in das Ohr zu führen.The basic idea of the present invention is to provide a tool that helps the hearing aid wearer to connect the external handset 10 (cf. FIG. 3 ) into the ear canal. With such a tool it is then possible to keep the handset more secure and to guide it more controlledly into the ear.

Entsprechend dem Ausführungsbeispiel von FIG 2 ist das Werkzeug im Wesentlichen entsprechend dem Prinzip einer Pinzette aufgebaut. Es besitzt einen ersten Pinzettenarm 11 und einen zweiten Pinzettenarm 12. Beide Pinzettenarme 11, 12 sind an einem Ende miteinander verbunden. Außerdem sind sie federelastisch aufeinander zu bewegbar.According to the embodiment of FIG. 2 the tool is constructed essentially according to the principle of tweezers. It has a first tweezer arm 11 and a second tweezer arm 12. Both tweezer arms 11, 12 are interconnected at one end. In addition, they are resiliently movable towards each other.

Der erste Pinzettenarm 11 besitzt an seinem freien Ende eine Kule 13 mit U-Profil als Aufnahmeeinrichtung für den Hörer 10. Außerdem besitzt jeder der beiden Pinzettenarme 11, 12 jeweils einen Anschlag 14, 15, die sich im Wesentlichen senkrecht zum jeweiligen Pinzettenarm 11, 12 erstrecken. Prinzipiell genügt auch ein einziger Anschlag an einem der beiden Pinzettenarme. Dieser Anschlag oder diese Anschläge verhindern, dass der Hörer mit dem Werkzeug zu tief in den Gehörgang gesteckt werden könnte. Dazu können die Anschläge 14, 15 auch justierbar gestaltet werden, so dass beispielsweise der Akustiker dem Hörgeräteträger die passende Einsetztiefe einstellen kann. Die Einstellung kann z. B. durch eine Feststellschraube oder ein Gewinde auf der Oberseite einer der Pinzettenarme erfolgen.The first tweezer arm 11 has at its free end a Kule 13 with U-profile as a receiving device for the handset 10. In addition, each of the two tweezer arms 11, 12 each have a stop 14, 15, which is substantially perpendicular to the respective tweezer arm 11, 12th extend. In principle, a single stop on one of the two tweezer arms is sufficient. This stop or these stops prevent the handset with the tool could be inserted too deep into the ear canal. For this purpose, the stops 14, 15 are also designed to be adjustable, so that, for example the acoustician can adjust the appropriate insertion depth to the hearing aid wearer. The setting can z. B. by a set screw or a thread on the top of one of the tweezer arms.

In FIG 3 ist ein typischer externer Hörer 10 dargestellt. Er ist mit Hilfe eines Kabels 16 an ein nur teilweise dargestelltes Hörgerätegehäuse 17 angeschlossen. Am Ausgang des Hörers befindet sich eine Halterung 18 (sog. Receiver Spout) an dem ein nicht dargestelltes Ohrpassstück (sog. "Dome") aufgesteckt werden kann. Dieses Ohrpassstück enthält üblicherweise auch einen Cerumenschutz. Gerade beim falschen Handhaben bzw. Einsetzen und Entnehmen des Hörgeräts in den/aus dem Gehörgang kann der Dome von der Halterung am Ausgang des Hörers abrutschen, oder aber sich der Cerumenschutz aus dem Dome lösen. Um dies zu vermeiden, und um auch den Hörer sicher zu greifen sowie mit vorgegebener Tiefe in den Gehörgang einzusetzen, kann der Hörgeräteträger nun das Werkzeug von FIG 2 einsetzen. Hierzu sollte er den Hörer 10 mit der Kule 13 in dem Bereich 19, d.h. in seinem Mittelbereich, greifen.In FIG. 3 a typical external handset 10 is shown. He is connected by means of a cable 16 to a partially illustrated hearing aid housing 17. At the output of the receiver is a holder 18 (so-called receiver spout) on which an unillustrated earmold (so-called "dome") can be plugged. This earmold usually also contains a cerumen protection. Especially with the wrong handling or insertion and removal of the hearing aid in / out of the ear canal, the dome may slip off the holder at the output of the listener, or solve the cerumen protection from the dome. To avoid this, and also to grab the handset safely and use it with a predetermined depth in the ear canal, the hearing aid wearer can now use the tool of FIG. 2 deploy. For this purpose, he should the handset 10 with the Kule 13 in the area 19, ie in its central area, grab.

In FIG 4 ist die Spitze des Werkzeugs von FIG 2 in der Frontansicht dargestellt. In die Kule 13, die U-förmiges Profil besitzt, ist der Hörer 10 aufgenommen. Damit ist der Hörer 10 nach drei Seiten gesichert: Nach unten, nach links und nach rechts. Mit Hilfe des zweiten Pinzettenarms 12 wir er in die Kule 13 gedrückt. Damit wird seine Bewegung auch in die übrigen drei Bewegungsrichtungen gehemmt: Nach oben sowie in den beiden axialen Richtungen des Hörers 10 (senkrecht zur Zeichnungsebene). In diesen beiden axialen Richtungen wird der Hörer 10 durch Reibung gehalten. Um diese zu erhöhen ist die Kule 13 vorzugsweise mit einer Gummischicht 20 versehen. Eine derartige Gummierung kann auch an dem zweiten Pinzettenarm 12 vorgesehen sein.In FIG. 4 is the tip of the tool of FIG. 2 shown in front view. In the Kule 13, which has a U-shaped profile, the handset 10 is included. Thus, the handset 10 is secured on three sides: down, to the left and to the right. With the help of the second tweezer arm 12 he is pressed into the kule 13. Thus, its movement is inhibited in the other three directions of movement: upwards and in the two axial directions of the listener 10 (perpendicular to the plane of the drawing). In these two axial directions of the handset 10 is held by friction. To increase this, the Kule 13 is preferably provided with a rubber layer 20. Such gumming may also be provided on the second tweezer arm 12.

FIG 5 zeigt eine Draufsicht auf eine pinzettenförmiges Werkzeug gemäß einer speziellen Ausführungsform. Die Pinzette weist entlang ihrer Längsachse einen Knick 21 auf. Die Draufsicht von FIG 5 zeigt den geknickten oberen Pinzettenarm 12' einschließlich des Anschlags 15. Vom unteren Pinzettenarm, der ebenfalls geknickt ist, ist lediglich die Kule 13 zu erkennten. Es ist also etwa ein Drittel der Länge der Pinzette an der Spitze um ca. 20° bis 30° zur Seite, also in der Richtung senkrecht zu der Bewegungsrichtung der Pinzettenarme geneigt. Die Neigung kann nach links oder rechts ausgeführt sein, um ein Einsetzen des Hörers in das linke Ohr bzw. in das rechte Ohr zu erleichtern. Der Neigungswinkel kann natürlich auch jeden anderen Winkel vorzugsweise zwischen 0° und 90° einnehmen. In jedem Fall wird durch den Knick 21 bzw. die Neigung der Ergonomie des Werkzeugs Rechnung getragen. FIG. 5 shows a plan view of a tweezer-shaped tool according to a specific embodiment. The tweezers has a kink 21 along its longitudinal axis. The top view of FIG. 5 shows the kinked upper tweezer arm 12 'including the stopper 15. From the lower tweezer arm, which is also kinked, only the Kule 13 is to recognize. It is therefore about one third of the length of the tweezers at the top by about 20 ° to 30 ° to the side, so inclined in the direction perpendicular to the direction of movement of the tweezer arms. The inclination may be left or right to facilitate insertion of the earpiece into the left ear or right ear. Of course, the angle of inclination may take any other angle, preferably between 0 ° and 90 °. In any case, the kink 21 or the inclination of the ergonomics of the tool is taken into account.

Vorzugsweise ist das Werkzeug aus einem steifen Kunststoff oder Metall hergestellt.Preferably, the tool is made of a rigid plastic or metal.

Claims (6)

  1. Tool for inserting a receiver (10) of a hearing apparatus into an auditory canal of a user, said tool comprising
    - a pair of tweezers with a first (11) and a second tweezer arm (12), which are affixed to one another at one end,
    characterised in that
    - the first tweezer arm (11) has a holding device (13) at its free end by means of which the movements of the receiver (10) to be held are restricted in at least three directions, and
    - one of the two tweezer arms (11, 12, 12') has a stopper (14, 15) that stands substantially perpendicular to the tweezer arm (11, 12, 12') and serves to abut against a concha of the user during insertion of the receiver (10).
  2. Tool according to claim 1, with the holding device having a U-shaped cross-section.
  3. Tool according to claim 1 or 2, with an aforementioned stopper (14, 15) being arranged on each of the tweezer arms (11, 12, 12').
  4. Tool according to one of the preceding claims, with the pair of tweezers having a bend (21) along its length that is transverse to the direction of movement of the tweezer arms (11, 12, 12').
  5. Tool according to one of the preceding claims, which is made of a plastic.
  6. Tool according to one of the preceding claims, with the free end of one or both of the tweezer arms (11, 12, 12') having a rubber coating.
EP08105175A 2007-09-21 2008-08-29 Tool for inserting an earpiece of a hearing aid into an auditory canal Not-in-force EP2040488B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE102007045315A DE102007045315B3 (en) 2007-09-21 2007-09-21 Tool for inserting a receiver of a hearing device into an auditory canal

Publications (3)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP2040488A2 EP2040488A2 (en) 2009-03-25
EP2040488A3 EP2040488A3 (en) 2010-09-15
EP2040488B1 true EP2040488B1 (en) 2011-03-16

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EP08105175A Not-in-force EP2040488B1 (en) 2007-09-21 2008-08-29 Tool for inserting an earpiece of a hearing aid into an auditory canal

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US (1) US20090082801A1 (en)
EP (1) EP2040488B1 (en)
AT (1) ATE502493T1 (en)
DE (2) DE102007045315B3 (en)
DK (1) DK2040488T3 (en)

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Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
DK2040488T3 (en) 2011-06-14
EP2040488A2 (en) 2009-03-25
EP2040488A3 (en) 2010-09-15
DE502008002861D1 (en) 2011-04-28
ATE502493T1 (en) 2011-04-15
DE102007045315B3 (en) 2009-07-02
US20090082801A1 (en) 2009-03-26

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