EP2063668A1 - Hearing aid with mechanical indicating element - Google Patents

Hearing aid with mechanical indicating element Download PDF

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Publication number
EP2063668A1
EP2063668A1 EP08167086A EP08167086A EP2063668A1 EP 2063668 A1 EP2063668 A1 EP 2063668A1 EP 08167086 A EP08167086 A EP 08167086A EP 08167086 A EP08167086 A EP 08167086A EP 2063668 A1 EP2063668 A1 EP 2063668A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
hearing
display element
state
hearing aid
electronic unit
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.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP08167086A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Inventor
Lilyana Joeng
Wee Haw Koo
Meng Kiang Lim
Poh Chye Lim
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
Original Assignee
Siemens Medical Instruments Pte Ltd
Priority date (The priority date 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 date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Siemens Medical Instruments Pte Ltd filed Critical Siemens Medical Instruments Pte Ltd
Publication of EP2063668A1 publication Critical patent/EP2063668A1/en
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04R—LOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; DEAF-AID SETS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS
    • H04R25/00—Deaf-aid sets, i.e. electro-acoustic or electro-mechanical hearing aids; Electric tinnitus maskers providing an auditory perception
    • H04R25/30—Monitoring or testing of hearing aids, e.g. functioning, settings, battery power
    • H04R25/305—Self-monitoring or self-testing
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H9/00—Details of switching devices, not covered by groups H01H1/00 - H01H7/00
    • H01H9/16—Indicators for switching condition, e.g. "on" or "off"
    • 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
    • H04R25/603—Mounting or interconnection of hearing aid parts, e.g. inside tips, housings or to ossicles of mechanical or electronic switches or control elements
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H2300/00—Orthogonal indexing scheme relating to electric switches, relays, selectors or emergency protective devices covered by H01H
    • H01H2300/004—Application hearing aid
    • 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
    • H04R2225/61—Aspects relating to mechanical or electronic switches or control elements, e.g. functioning
    • 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
    • H04R25/602—Mounting or interconnection of hearing aid parts, e.g. inside tips, housings or to ossicles of batteries
    • 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

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a hearing device for wearing in or on the ear and for outputting a sound to the ear with an electronic unit and a display unit for displaying a state of the electronic unit.
  • a hearing device is understood to mean in particular a hearing aid, 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 for receiving the sound from the environment are installed.
  • a Signal processing unit 3 which is also integrated into 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
  • Hearing aids are usually turned off when not worn. Conversely, when worn, they are at least supposedly turned on by the hearing aid wearer. In particular, in infants and the elderly, it may well happen that the hearing aid when wearing is not or only correctly (for example, incomplete closing of the battery compartment) is turned on. For the person looking after the hearing aid wearer, it is therefore desirable to be able to quickly check the condition of the hearing aid.
  • Modern hearing aids have a variety of functions. For example, they can be switched to different listening programs. Again, the maloperation is not ruled out by younger and older hearing aid wearers in particular. Therefore, the caregiver should be able to recognize the function of the hearing aid easily and quickly here, too.
  • a hearing device for example the on and off state
  • the state of the hearing aid can also be read, for example, on a remote control, to which the corresponding data are transmitted by the hearing aid.
  • LEDs for status indicators consume relatively much power, which is critical especially for hearing aids.
  • the majority of hearing aid systems do not have a remote control that could display a condition of the hearing aid.
  • As for checking the condition of a battery with a battery meter there is a drawback that a battery meter is not always available.
  • the object of the present invention is therefore to be able to quickly check the condition of a hearing device and in particular a hearing aid without high effort and without high energy consumption.
  • this object is achieved by a hearing device for wearing in or on the ear and for outputting a sound to the ear with an electronic unit and a display unit for displaying a state of the electronic unit, wherein the display unit has a display element, which mechanically depending on the state of the electronic unit is movable in a specific for the state position.
  • the mechanically movable display element it is possible by the mechanically movable display element to save energy, since energy is consumed only for the movement, but not in the static state, in contrast to the LED, in which a certain state is indicated by lights. It is also advantageous that mechanical displays can usually be made easy to read without great effort.
  • the display element can be linearly displaceable in several positions. Electrical and magnetic forces can usually be easily converted into linear movements.
  • the display element can also be pivotable into several positions. This may be necessary or advantageous for geometrical reasons.
  • the state of the electronic unit to be displayed relates to the on state and the off state. Especially with these states, it is important to provide a corresponding display and to benefit from low energy consumption.
  • the display element can be moved by magnetic force of a magnetic component of the electronic unit.
  • a separate magnetic component can be included in the hearing or it can be used already existing.
  • the magnetic force is generated by a receiver coil, a telephone coil, a data transmission coil or the coil of a reed relay.
  • the display element may be moved by the force of an electric field of a component of the electronic unit.
  • the repulsive or attractive force of electrical charges can be used, for example by charging two electrodes.
  • the hearing device has a battery door, with which the hearing device is switched on and off, wherein the display element is mechanically coupled to the battery door, so that the display element is moved when moving the battery door.
  • the battery door can be designed as a battery compartment, wherein the battery compartment is inserted or pivoted to turn on the hearing in this and while the display element is moved.
  • FIG. 2 BTE hearing aid shown in the side view has a hearing aid shell 10, to which a carrying hook 11 is attached. At the end opposite the carrying hook 11 end of the hearing aid shell 10, a battery compartment 12 is arranged. It can be pivoted into a corresponding recess of the hearing aid shell 10.
  • the battery compartment 12 serves not only for closing the battery opening, but also for holding a in FIG. 2 not shown battery.
  • the pivotable battery compartment is also used to turn the hearing aid on and off. Is the battery compartment as in FIG. 2 swung out, so is the hearing aid is switched off. Otherwise, when the battery compartment 12 is pivoted into the hearing aid shell 10, the hearing aid is turned on. This condition is in FIG. 3 played. It then protrudes only a projection 13 from the contour of the hearing aid shell 10, with the opening of the battery compartment 12 is facilitated.
  • a display 14 is incorporated into the hearing aid shell 10. It consists of a window 15, behind which a display element 16 is linearly displaceable. In the present example, the display element 16 is color-divided into two areas, so that its position in the window 15 can be immediately recognized and assigned to a state, here "on” or "off".
  • the display element 16 is mechanically coupled to the battery compartment 12. In the example of FIG. 2 the display element 16 is pulled down because of the open battery compartment 12. The dark mark of the display element 16 is therefore associated with the mark or the state "off". If, however, the battery compartment 12, as in FIG. 3 is shown pivoted into the hearing aid shell 10, the display element 16 is pushed up so that its dark area of the mark "on" is opposite, which indicates the switch-on.
  • the display element 16 can be moved not only mechanically but also, for example, magnetically.
  • a receiver coil, a telephone coil, a data transmission coil or any other coil which is already integrated for another purpose in the hearing device or in the hearing device device or which is installed specifically for the display, can be used.
  • an electric current or electric charge may be used to move the display element 16.
  • the mechanical indicator has been associated with FIGS. 2 and 3 explained on a BTE hearing aid.
  • this display device can also be used for other hearing devices, such as, for example, ITE hearing aids. It is advantageous in any case that for the display little power is consumed and that it is easy to see whether the user or hearing impaired has activated his device or not. In particular, it is then not necessary to remove the hearing device or the hearing device from the ear in order to recognize the state of the hearing device / hearing device.

Abstract

The device has a display (14) for displaying a state e.g. switched-on state or switched-off state, of an electronic unit, where the display has a display element (16) being moved mechanically depending on a state of the electronic unit into a position specific to the state. The display element is configured to be displaced linearly into a number of positions and pivoted into a number of positions. The electronic unit has a magnetic component exerting a magnetic force moving the display element. A battery flap switches the device on and off.

Description

Die vorliegende Erfindung betrifft eine Hörvorrichtung zum Tragen im oder am Ohr und zur Ausgabe eines Schalls zum Ohr mit einer Elektronikeinheit und einer Anzeigeeinheit zur Anzeige eines Zustands der Elektronikeinheit. Unter einer Hörvorrichtung wird hier insbesondere ein Hörgerät, ein Headset, Kopfhörer und dergleichen verstanden.The present invention relates to a hearing device for wearing in or on the ear and for outputting a sound to the ear with an electronic unit and a display unit for displaying a state of the electronic unit. A hearing device is understood to mean in particular a hearing aid, 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 for receiving the sound from the environment are installed. A Signal processing unit 3, which is also integrated into 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

Hörgeräte werden in der Regel ausgeschaltet, wenn sie nicht getragen werden. Umgekehrt, wenn sie getragen werden, werden sie vom Hörgeräteträger zumindest vermeintlich eingeschaltet. Insbesondere bei Kleinkindern und älteren Personen kann es durchaus vorkommen, dass das Hörgerät beim Tragen nicht oder nur korrekt (z.B. unvollständiges Schließen des Batteriefachs) eingeschaltet wird. Für die den Hörgeräteträger betreuende Person ist es daher wünschenswert, den Zustand des Hörgeräts rasch überprüfen zu können.Hearing aids are usually turned off when not worn. Conversely, when worn, they are at least supposedly turned on by the hearing aid wearer. In particular, in infants and the elderly, it may well happen that the hearing aid when wearing is not or only correctly (for example, incomplete closing of the battery compartment) is turned on. For the person looking after the hearing aid wearer, it is therefore desirable to be able to quickly check the condition of the hearing aid.

Moderne Hörgeräte besitzen eine Vielzahl von Funktionen. Beispielsweise können sie in verschiedene Hörprogramme geschaltet werden. Auch hierbei ist die Fehlbedienung insbesondere durch jüngere und ältere Hörgeräteträger nicht auszuschließen. Daher sollte auch hier die betreuende Person die Funktion des Hörgeräts einfach und rasch erkennen können.Modern hearing aids have a variety of functions. For example, they can be switched to different listening programs. Again, the maloperation is not ruled out by younger and older hearing aid wearers in particular. Therefore, the caregiver should be able to recognize the function of the hearing aid easily and quickly here, too.

Es ist bekannt, den Zustand eines Hörgeräts, z.B. den Ein- und Ausschaltzustand, durch ein LED am Hörgerätegehäuse anzuzeigen. Darüber hinaus kann der Zustand des Hörgeräts beispielsweise auch an einer Fernbedienung abgelesen werden, an die entsprechende Daten von dem Hörgerät übermittelt werden. Weiterhin ist bekannt, den Batterieladezustand dadurch zu überprüfen, dass die Batterie aus dem Hörgerät entnommen und in ein entsprechendes Messgerät eingelegt wird.It is known to display the state of a hearing device, for example the on and off state, by an LED on the hearing device housing. In addition, the state of the hearing aid can also be read, for example, on a remote control, to which the corresponding data are transmitted by the hearing aid. Furthermore, it is known to check the battery state of charge in that the battery is removed from the hearing aid and inserted into a corresponding measuring device.

Aus der Druckschrift US 2007/177749 A1 ist ein IdO-Hörgerät (In-dem-Ohr) mit einer elektrischen Schaltung bekannt, in die ein Ein/Aus-Schalter integriert ist. Der Schalter ist als Drehschalter ausgeführt und wird durch eine Schiebe-Bewegung entlang einem Kreisabschnitt betätigt. Der Ein/AusSchaltzustand kann daher von außen an dem Schalter selbst erkannt werden.From the publication US 2007/177749 A1 is an ITE hearing aid (in-the-ear) with an electrical circuit known, in which an on / off switch is integrated. The switch is designed as a rotary switch and is actuated by a sliding movement along a circular section. The on / off switching state can therefore be recognized from the outside on the switch itself.

Die bekannten Anzeige- und Zustandsprüftechniken haben folgende Nachteile: LEDs für Zustandsanzeigen verbrauchen verhältnismäßig viel Strom, was gerade bei Hörgeräten kritisch ist. Ein Großteil der Hörgerätesysteme verfügt nicht über eine Fernbedienung, über die ein Zustand des Hörgeräts zur Anzeige gebracht werden könnte. Was das Überprüfen des Zustands einer Batterie mit einem Batteriemessgerät anbelangt, ist der Nachteil offensichtlich, dass nicht jederzeit ein Batteriemessgerät zur Verfügung steht.The known display and condition testing techniques have the following disadvantages: LEDs for status indicators consume relatively much power, which is critical especially for hearing aids. The majority of hearing aid systems do not have a remote control that could display a condition of the hearing aid. As for checking the condition of a battery with a battery meter, there is a drawback that a battery meter is not always available.

Die Aufgabe der vorliegenden Erfindung besteht somit darin, den Zustand einer Hörvorrichtung und insbesondere eines Hörgeräts ohne hohen Aufwand und ohne hohen Energieverbrauch rasch überprüfen zu können.The object of the present invention is therefore to be able to quickly check the condition of a hearing device and in particular a hearing aid without high effort and without high energy consumption.

Erfindungsgemäß wird diese Aufgabe gelöst durch eine Hörvorrichtung zum Tragen im oder am Ohr und zur Ausgabe eines Schalls zum Ohr mit einer Elektronikeinheit und einer Anzeigeeinheit zur Anzeige eines Zustands der Elektronikeinheit, wobei die Anzeigeeinheit ein Anzeigeelement besitzt, das in Abhängigkeit von dem Zustand der Elektronikeinheit mechanisch in eine für den Zustand spezifische Position bewegbar ist.According to the invention this object is achieved by a hearing device for wearing in or on the ear and for outputting a sound to the ear with an electronic unit and a display unit for displaying a state of the electronic unit, wherein the display unit has a display element, which mechanically depending on the state of the electronic unit is movable in a specific for the state position.

In vorteilhafter Weise ist es durch das mechanisch bewegbare Anzeigeelement möglich, Energie zu sparen, da nur für die Bewegung Energie verbraucht wird, aber nicht im statischen Zustand, im Gegensatz zur LED, bei der ein bestimmter Zustand durch Leuchten angezeigt wird. Vorteilhaft ist außerdem, dass mechanische Anzeigen meist ohne hohen Aufwand gut ablesbar gestaltet werden können.Advantageously, it is possible by the mechanically movable display element to save energy, since energy is consumed only for the movement, but not in the static state, in contrast to the LED, in which a certain state is indicated by lights. It is also advantageous that mechanical displays can usually be made easy to read without great effort.

Das Anzeigeelement kann in mehrere Positionen linear verschiebbar sein. Elektrische und magnetische Kräfte lassen sich in der Regel leicht in lineare Bewegungen umsetzen.The display element can be linearly displaceable in several positions. Electrical and magnetic forces can usually be easily converted into linear movements.

Das Anzeigeelement kann aber auch in mehrere Positionen schwenkbar sein. Dies kann aus geometrischen Gründen notwendig oder von Vorteil sein.
Vorzugsweise betrifft der Zustand der Elektronikeinheit, den es anzuzeigen gilt, den Einschaltzustand und den Ausschaltzustand. Gerade bei diesen Zuständen ist es wichtig, eine entsprechende Anzeige bereit zu stellen und dabei von geringem Energieverbrauch zu profitieren.The display element can also be pivotable into several positions. This may be necessary or advantageous for geometrical reasons.
Preferably, the state of the electronic unit to be displayed relates to the on state and the off state. Especially with these states, it is important to provide a corresponding display and to benefit from low energy consumption.

Das Anzeigeelement kann durch Magnetkraft einer magnetischen Komponente der Elektronikeinheit bewegt werden. Dabei kann eine eigene magnetische Komponente in die Hörvorrichtung aufgenommen werden oder es kann eine bereits vorhandene genutzt werden. So ist es beispielsweise möglich, dass die Magnetkraft durch eine Hörerspule, eine Telefonspule, eine Datenübertragungsspule oder die Spule eines Reed-Relais erzeugt wird.The display element can be moved by magnetic force of a magnetic component of the electronic unit. In this case, a separate magnetic component can be included in the hearing or it can be used already existing. For example, it is possible that the magnetic force is generated by a receiver coil, a telephone coil, a data transmission coil or the coil of a reed relay.

Alternativ kann das Anzeigeelement durch die Kraft eines elektrischen Felds einer Komponente der Elektronikeinheit bewegt werden. So kann beispielsweise für die Bewegung des Anzeigeelements die abstoßende oder anziehende Kraft von elektrischen Ladungen genutzt werden, indem beispielsweise zwei Elektroden geladen werden.Alternatively, the display element may be moved by the force of an electric field of a component of the electronic unit. For example, for the movement of the display element, the repulsive or attractive force of electrical charges can be used, for example by charging two electrodes.

Besonders vorteilhaft ist, wenn die Hörvorrichtung eine Batterieklappe aufweist, mit der die Hörvorrichtung ein- und ausschaltbar ist, wobei das Anzeigeelement mit der Batterieklappe mechanisch gekoppelt ist, so dass das Anzeigeelement beim Bewegen der Batterieklappe mitbewegt wird. Hierbei wird die Energie zum Bewegen des Anzeigeelements vom Nutzer der Hörvorrichtung aufgebracht, ohne beispielsweise die Batterie der Hörvorrichtung zu belasten. Konkret kann beispielsweise die Batterieklappe als Batteriefach ausgebildet sein, wobei das Batteriefach zum Einschalten der Hörvorrichtung in dieses eingeschoben oder eingeschwenkt wird und dabei das Anzeigeelement mitbewegt wird.It is particularly advantageous if the hearing device has a battery door, with which the hearing device is switched on and off, wherein the display element is mechanically coupled to the battery door, so that the display element is moved when moving the battery door. This is the energy for moving the Display element applied by the user of the hearing, for example, without burdening the battery of the hearing. Specifically, for example, the battery door can be designed as a battery compartment, wherein the battery compartment is inserted or pivoted to turn on the hearing in this and while the display element is moved.

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

FIG 1
den prinzipiellen Aufbau eines Hörgeräts gemäß dem Stand der Technik;
FIG 2
ein erfindungsgemäßes Beispiel eines HdO-Hörgeräts mit mechanischer Anzeige im ausgeschalteten Zustand; und
FIG 3
das Hörgerät von FIG 2 im eingeschalteten 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 hearing aid according to the prior art;
FIG. 2
an inventive example of a BTE hearing aid with mechanical display in the off state; and
FIG. 3
the hearing aid from FIG. 2 when switched on.

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

Das in FIG 2 in der Seitenansicht dargestellte HdO-Hörgerät besitzt eine Hörgeräteschale 10, an der ein Tragehaken 11 befestigt ist. An dem dem Tragehaken 11 gegenüberliegenden Ende der Hörgeräteschale 10 ist ein Batteriefach 12 angeordnet. Es lässt sich in eine entsprechende Aussparung der Hörgeräteschale 10 einschwenken. Das Batteriefach 12 dient dabei nicht nur zum Verschließen der Batterieöffnung, sondern auch zum Halten einer in FIG 2 nicht eingezeichneten Batterie.This in FIG. 2 BTE hearing aid shown in the side view has a hearing aid shell 10, to which a carrying hook 11 is attached. At the end opposite the carrying hook 11 end of the hearing aid shell 10, a battery compartment 12 is arranged. It can be pivoted into a corresponding recess of the hearing aid shell 10. The battery compartment 12 serves not only for closing the battery opening, but also for holding a in FIG. 2 not shown battery.

Im vorliegenden Fall wird das schwenkbare Batteriefach auch dazu genutzt, das Hörgerät ein- und auszuschalten. Ist das Batteriefach wie in FIG 2 dargestellt ausgeschwenkt, so ist das Hörgerät ausgeschaltet. Andernfalls, wenn das Batteriefach 12 in die Hörgeräteschale 10 eingeschwenkt ist, ist das Hörgerät eingeschaltet. Dieser Zustand ist in FIG 3 wiedergegeben. Es ragt dann lediglich ein Vorsprung 13 aus der Kontur der Hörgeräteschale 10, mit dem das Öffnen des Batteriefachs 12 erleichtert wird.In the present case, the pivotable battery compartment is also used to turn the hearing aid on and off. Is the battery compartment as in FIG. 2 swung out, so is the hearing aid is switched off. Otherwise, when the battery compartment 12 is pivoted into the hearing aid shell 10, the hearing aid is turned on. This condition is in FIG. 3 played. It then protrudes only a projection 13 from the contour of the hearing aid shell 10, with the opening of the battery compartment 12 is facilitated.

Zur Überprüfung des Ein- und Ausschaltzustands des Hörgeräts ist in die Hörgeräteschale 10 eine Anzeige 14 eingearbeitet. Sie besteht aus einem Fenster 15, hinter dem ein Anzeigeelement 16 linear verschiebbar ist. Im vorliegenden Beispiel ist das Anzeigeelement 16 farblich in zwei Bereiche geteilt, so dass dessen Position in dem Fenster 15 unmittelbar erkannt und einem Zustand, hier "on" oder "off", zugeordnet werden kann.To check the on and off state of the hearing aid, a display 14 is incorporated into the hearing aid shell 10. It consists of a window 15, behind which a display element 16 is linearly displaceable. In the present example, the display element 16 is color-divided into two areas, so that its position in the window 15 can be immediately recognized and assigned to a state, here "on" or "off".

Das Anzeigeelement 16 ist mechanisch mit dem Batteriefach 12 gekoppelt. In dem Beispiel von FIG 2 ist das Anzeigeelement 16 wegen des geöffneten Batteriefachs 12 nach unten gezogen. Die dunkle Markierung des Anzeigeelements 16 ist daher der Markierung bzw. dem Zustand "off" zugeordnet. Ist hingegen das Batteriefach 12, wie in FIG 3 gezeigt ist, in die Hörgeräteschale 10 eingeschwenkt, so wird das Anzeigeelement 16 nach oben geschoben, so dass sein dunkler Bereich der Markierung "on" gegenüber steht, was den Einschaltbetrieb kennzeichnet.The display element 16 is mechanically coupled to the battery compartment 12. In the example of FIG. 2 the display element 16 is pulled down because of the open battery compartment 12. The dark mark of the display element 16 is therefore associated with the mark or the state "off". If, however, the battery compartment 12, as in FIG. 3 is shown pivoted into the hearing aid shell 10, the display element 16 is pushed up so that its dark area of the mark "on" is opposite, which indicates the switch-on.

Das Anzeigeelement 16 kann nicht nur mechanisch, sondern auch beispielsweise magnetisch bewegt werden. Hierzu kann eine Hörerspule, eine Telefonspule, eine Datenübertragungsspule oder eine beliebige andere Spule, die bereits für einen anderen Zweck in dem Hörgerät bzw. in der Hörgerätevorrichtung integriert ist oder die speziell für die Anzeige eingebaut wird, genutzt werden. Alternativ kann auch ein elektrischer Strom oder elektrische Ladung genutzt werden, um das Anzeigeelement 16 zu bewegen.The display element 16 can be moved not only mechanically but also, for example, magnetically. For this purpose, a receiver coil, a telephone coil, a data transmission coil or any other coil which is already integrated for another purpose in the hearing device or in the hearing device device or which is installed specifically for the display, can be used. Alternatively, an electric current or electric charge may be used to move the display element 16.

Die mechanische Anzeigeeinrichtung wurde im Zusammenhang mit FIG 2 und 3 an einem HdO-Hörgerät erläutert. Diese Anzeigeeinrichtung kann aber auch für andere Hörvorrichtungen, wie beispielsweise IdO-Hörgeräte usw., eingesetzt werden. Vorteilhaft ist in jedem Fall, dass für die Anzeige wenig Strom verbraucht wird und dass einfach zu erkennen ist, ob der Nutzer bzw. Hörgeschädigte sein Gerät aktiviert hat oder nicht. Insbesondere ist es dann nicht notwendig, das Hörgerät bzw. die Hörvorrichtung vom Ohr abzunehmen, um den Zustand des Hörgeräts/der Hörvorrichtung zu erkennen.The mechanical indicator has been associated with FIGS. 2 and 3 explained on a BTE hearing aid. However, this display device can also be used for other hearing devices, such as, for example, ITE hearing aids. It is advantageous in any case that for the display little power is consumed and that it is easy to see whether the user or hearing impaired has activated his device or not. In particular, it is then not necessary to remove the hearing device or the hearing device from the ear in order to recognize the state of the hearing device / hearing device.

Claims (10)

Hörvorrichtung zum Tragen im oder am Ohr und zur Ausgabe eines Schalls zum Ohr mit - einer Elektronikeinheit (2 bis 5) und - einer Anzeigeeinheit (14) zur Anzeige eines Zustands der Elektronikeinheit (2 bis 5), - dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass - die Anzeigeeinheit (14) ein Anzeigeelement (16) besitzt, das in Abhängigkeit von dem Zustand der Elektronikeinheit (2 bis 5) mechanisch in eine für den Zustand spezifische Position bewegt wird. Hearing device for wearing in or on the ear and for outputting a sound to the ear with - An electronics unit (2 to 5) and a display unit (14) for displaying a state of the electronic unit (2 to 5), - characterized in that - The display unit (14) has a display element (16) which is moved in response to the state of the electronic unit (2 to 5) mechanically in a position specific to the state. Hörvorrichtung nach Anspruch 1, wobei das Anzeigeelement (16) in mehrere Positionen linear verschiebbar ist.Hearing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the display element (16) is linearly displaceable in a plurality of positions. Hörvorrichtung nach Anspruch 1, wobei das Anzeigeelement (16) in mehrere Position schwenkbar ist.Hearing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the display element (16) is pivotable in a plurality of positions. Hörvorrichtung nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei der Zustand der Elektronikeinheit (2 bis 5) den Einschaltzustand und den Ausschaltzustand betrifft.Hearing apparatus according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the state of the electronic unit (2 to 5) relates to the on state and the off state. Hörvorrichtung nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei das Anzeigeelement (16) durch Magnetkraft einer magnetischen Komponente der Elektronikeinheit (2 bis 5) bewegt wird.Hearing apparatus according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the display element (16) by magnetic force of a magnetic component of the electronic unit (2 to 5) is moved. Hörvorrichtung nach Anspruch 5, wobei die Magnetkraft mit einer Hörerspule, einer Telefonspule, einer Datenübertragungsspule oder der Spule eines Reed-Relais erzeugt wird.Hearing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the magnetic force with a receiver coil, a telephone coil, a data transmission coil or the coil of a reed relay is generated. Hörvorrichtung nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 4, wobei das Anzeigeelement (16) durch die Kraft eines elektrischen Felds einer Komponente der Elektronikeinheit (2 bis 5) bewegt wird.Hearing apparatus according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the display element (16) by the force of an electric field of a component of the electronic unit (2 to 5) is moved. Hörvorrichtung nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 4, die eine Batterieklappe (12) aufweist, mit der die Hörvorrichtung ein- und ausschaltbar ist, wobei das Anzeigeelement (16) mit der Batterieklappe (12) mechanisch gekoppelt ist, so dass das Anzeigeelement beim Bewegen der Batterieklappe (12) mitbewegt wird.Hearing apparatus according to one of claims 1 to 4, which has a battery flap (12), with which the hearing device is switched on and off, wherein the display element (16) with the battery door (12) is mechanically coupled, so that the display element when moving the Battery flap (12) is moved. Hörvorrichtung nach Anspruch 8, wobei die Batterieklappe (12) als Batteriefach ausgebildet ist.Hearing apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the battery flap (12) is designed as a battery compartment. Hörvorrichtung nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 4, wobei das Anzeigeelement (16) durch mechanische Kopplung mit einer Komponente, durch deren Bewegung die Hörvorrichtung ein- und ausschaltbar ist bewegt wird.Hearing apparatus according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the display element (16) by mechanical coupling with a component, by the movement of the hearing device is switched on and off is moved.
EP08167086A 2007-11-21 2008-10-21 Hearing aid with mechanical indicating element Withdrawn EP2063668A1 (en)

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US20130136294A1 (en) * 2011-09-01 2013-05-30 Monster Cable Products, Inc. Earphones
US9615179B2 (en) * 2015-08-26 2017-04-04 Bose Corporation Hearing assistance

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US2668197A (en) * 1950-09-26 1954-02-02 Zenith Radio Corp Wearable electronic hearing aid
CH671650A5 (en) * 1986-08-11 1989-09-15 Phonak Ag Rotary programme switch for hearing aid - uses insulating rotor supporting several circuit components selectively brought into working position
GB2329524A (en) * 1995-02-01 1999-03-24 Gen Electric Co Plc A pushbutton switch
US20040052390A1 (en) * 2002-09-12 2004-03-18 Nelson Morales Method and apparatus for programming a hearing device
US20070177749A1 (en) 2006-01-30 2007-08-02 Sjursen Walter P Hearing aid circuit with integrated switch and battery

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