EP2278826A2 - Hearing aid with hearing tube - Google Patents

Abstract

Receiver tube (20) has receiver connector constructed as a cup (40) at least partly holding the receiver upon connection of the receiver to receiver connector. Receiver connector has a locking mechanism that locks the receiver in a form-locking manner upon connecting the receiver to receiver connector and a flexible element that locks the receiver. Locking mechanism is constructed as a frame (41) encompassing the connected receiver.

Description

The invention relates to a receiver tube for connecting a receiver of a hearing aid and a hearing aid with such a receiver tube.

Hearing aid apparatus generally have a housing in which a microphone, an amplifier and a receiver (so-called receiver) are arranged. In addition, a power supply is required, usually in the form of a rechargeable battery. The handset is connected to an acoustic output of the housing to be able to direct acoustic output signals of the listener out to the ear of a hearing aid user. In an in-the-ear hearing aid (IDO), the acoustic outputs from the output go directly to the ear in which the IDO device is inserted. In a behind-the-ear (HDO) device, the housing is usually connected to a carrying hook by which it can be hung on the pinna. The suspension hook has an acoustic channel, which directs the output signals of the listener to the hearing aid wearer's ear. The listener is connected to the acoustic channel for this purpose.

In the operation of a hearing aid disturbing feedback (or feedback) may occur when acoustic output signals from the listener reach the microphone. Because the recorded in the microphone acoustic signals are then amplified and played back by the listener. In order to reduce the feedback slope, it is known to connect the earphone as soundproof as possible with the output of the housing or with the acoustic channel of the support hook. The soundproof connection prevents acoustic output signals within the housing from reaching the microphone directly. For example, the handset can be glued with a tube leading to the exit or support hook tube. However, adhesive bonds have the disadvantage that they only conditionally detachable and can be restored, which is required for example when replacing the handset. In addition, adhesive joints are often not sufficiently shock or impact and take the accidental dropping the hearing aid damage. Not least, the production of an adhesive connection is a relatively complex and time-consuming manufacturing process step, since the adhesive must be dosed in an appropriate amount, carefully distributed and cured after joining the connection partners sufficiently long.

From the publication US 2008/0002848 A1 is a hearing aid known that is designed as an HDO device. To connect the handset with the acoustic channel in the carrying hook a Hörerschlauch is provided. In order to ensure a soundproof connection between the receiver tube and the handset, provided with a circumferential grooves or devices plug connection is provided. The circumferential grooves or devices can either be provided only on one side of the connector, so either on the plug or in the box, so that there is a positive connection. Or they can be provided on both sides, so that an at least partially positive connection is accomplished.

From the publication WO 2009/016 671 A1 a hearing aid is previously known in which a hose is provided between the housing and the microphone, which is in each case connected to a reversible snap connection.

From the US 6,522,764 B1 is a hearing aid known that is designed as an HDO device. The device is modular in so far as all individual components are assembled with snap connections.

From the US 4,418,787 is a hearing aid previously known to run as an HDO device. Housing and suspension hooks are connected by a hose connection with thread-shaped outer wall, which is to ensure the safest possible connection.

The invention has for its object to provide a connection of a listener to a listener tube, which ensures good acoustic stability and low feedback tilt, it is inexpensive to manufacture, and has a high impact strength. The term listener tube should be understood to mean a connecting piece between the acoustic output of the listener and an acoustic output opening of the housing of a hearing aid. This may be a tube leading directly to a housing opening, or a tube leading to the acoustic channel of a carrying hook or a tube forming the acoustic channel. The hose can be round or have any cross-sections, in addition it can be elongated or extremely short.

The invention achieves this object by means of a receiver tube having the features of independent claim 1 and by a hearing aid apparatus having the features of claim 12 and by a receiver having the features of independent claim 11.

A basic idea of the invention consists in a receiver tube for a hearing aid for connecting a receiver comprising a receiver connection, which is designed to connect the receiver, wherein the receiver connection is designed as a cup, which is connected to a receiver when it is connected to the receiver. Terminal is connected, at least partially receives, wherein the handset terminal comprises a lock by which a listener when it is connected to the handset port is positively locked, and wherein the handset port a flexible locking the handset serving element includes.

The positive connection between the handset and the handset connection simplifies the installation of the handset during the manufacturing process or replacement is achieved because neither a force, such as during toughening or widening a frictional connection, must be applied, nor an adhesive bond must be made. The use of a flexible locking serving element can be carried out in such a way that the lock can be opened and closed by their flexibility. The locking takes place to the effect that the listener is locked in the connection produced by positive connection. It is also conceivable to reinforce the positive connection by an elastic force of the flexible element. Thereby, the connection between the handset and the handset connection can be made safer by a shock or impact impact in case of accidental dropping due to the flexible resilience of the lock can be effected by the flexible locking. The cup-shaped design of the handset connector contributes to the one to increase the strength and reliability of the positive connection to the listener. On the other hand, the cup, at least as far as it receives the listener in itself, is an acoustic shield that can shield the listener's acoustic output signals in unwanted directions. This contributes to suppressing the feedback slope due to acoustic signals undesirably reaching the microphone within a hearing aid housing.

In an advantageous development of the basic idea, the lock is designed as a bracket, which surrounds the connected handset. The flexible locking member may be integrated in the bracket, e.g. the entire bracket can be made flexible. This results in a stable, structurally simple and particularly easy to handle when installing the handset version of the lock and the flexible locking element serving.

In a further advantageous development, the receiver connection is designed in one piece with the receiver tube. The one-piece design helps to avoid connection or suture patches, thus increasing the leak tightness and thus reducing the feedback tendency. In addition, the reduced One-piece design The number of production steps when mounting the receiver hose and connection. Further, by reducing the number of parts, the logistical manufacturing cost is reduced. The integrally designed receiver tube with receiver connection can lead from the listener directly to the acoustic output of a hearing aid housing, and it can be made extremely short in this embodiment. In such a short length of the tube is similar to a recording for mounting the handset.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the flexible locking element serving as a separate sleeve is formed, which is at least partially pushed over the connected handset or the handset connection.

• Fig. 1 Hdo-Hörhilfe gemäß Stand der Technik,
• Fig. 2,3 Höreranschluss in verschiedenen Perspektiven,
• Fig. 4, 5 Höreranschluss mit Hörer und Manschette, und
• Fig. 6 Hdo-Traghaken mit Höreranschluss und Hörer

Further advantageous developments are the subject of the dependent claims and the description of the figures. Hereinafter, embodiments of the invention will be explained with reference to figures. Show it:

• Fig. 1 Hdo hearing aid according to the prior art,
• Fig. 2.3 Handset connection in different perspectives,
• Fig. 4, 5 Handset connection with handset and cuff, and
• Fig. 6 Hdo carrying hook with handset connection and handset

In FIG. 1 a section of a Hdo hearing aid is shown schematically with the housing open. The Hdo hearing aid 2 comprises a carrying hook 6, with which it can be hooked behind the pinna of a hearing aid wearer. The hearing aid 2 comprises a housing 4, which is connected to the carrying hook 6. The connection can be permanent or detachable. The suspension hook 6 has a sound channel indicated by lines, are passed through the acoustic signals from the interior of the housing 4 to the end of the support hook 6. When the hearing aid 2 is used as intended, an unillustrated hearing tube (a so-called tube) is connected to the arched end of the carrying hook facing away from the housing 4 the acoustic signals continues to the ear canal of the hearing aid wearer.

In the housing 4, a microphone device 5 is arranged, which serves to record acoustic ambient signals. The microphone device 5 can operate unidirectionally, that is to say essentially direction-independent, or it can operate essentially in a direction-dependent manner, for example in a direction-dependent manner. B. bidirectional or in the manner of a directional microphone. Especially for bidirectionally or directionally operating microphone devices, a plurality of microphones are often provided instead of a single one.

The microphone device 5 is connected to an amplifier device 3 via a merely indicated signal processing device. In the signal processing device, the recorded acoustic signals are processed according to a hearing program. The hearing program can serve to improve the signal-to-noise ratio, the analysis of directed acoustic information, the interference signal suppression or reduction, or the change of the recorded acoustic signals adapted to a specific, individual hearing loss. The signal processing device can enable further processing processes as well as respond to inputs or parameter settings by the hearing aid wearer. For manual inputs, at least one switch 7 is provided which can be designed, for example, as a touch, rocker or toggle switch. By means of the switch 7, for example, a parameter selection can be made or the hearing aid can be switched on and off.

Connected to the signal processing device is a receiver (so-called receiver 8), which is controlled by the output signals of the signal processing device or the amplifier device 3 connected thereto. The receiver 8 generates amplified acoustic signals by the amplifier device 3, for example ambient signals recorded by the microphone device 5. The amplified signals are delivered to the handset tube 10, which is permanent or with the handset is detachably connected. The compound can be secured for example by an adhesive or executed as a positive connection. The receiver tube 10 directs the acoustic output signals of the handset 8 to the connector 12, which in turn is in communication with the sound channel of the support hook 6.

The illustrated connection between receiver 8 and receiver tube 10 corresponds to the prior art.

In FIG. 2 a tube 20 is shown, which forms an embodiment of the invention. It comprises a T-piece 31, which is essentially formed by two T-shaped formations on the hose end. The T-piece 31 serves the reliable and firm connection of the listener tube 20 with a connection counterpart. For example, the earphone tube 20 may be connected to a terminal piece as described above or directly to the earhook of a hearing aid. If the receiver tube 20 is used in other types of hearing aid, it can also be connected directly to the hearing aid housing via the T-piece 31, or to the housing of a receiver to be arranged in the auditory canal (so-called RIC design, receiver-in-ear). Canal).

At the T-piece 31 opposite end of the tube 20 Hörer a Becker 40 is integrally formed. The cup 40 serves to receive a receiver, which is not shown. The earphone can be inserted into the cup 40, which is why the shape, ie the cross section and the length of the cup 40 mainly depends on the shape of the listener to be used. The listener tube 20 has one of the listener inner is merely indicated in the illustration. The sound channel is used to audible signals through the Hörerschlauch ..... channel. The cup has an opening to the sound channel, so that the interior of the cup 40 opens directly into the sound channel.

The handset can be inserted into the cup 40 so that the signal output of the handset is directly connected to the sound channel. As a result, acoustic output signals of the listener can be released into the sound channel and passed through it.

In order to ensure a sound-proof connection of the earphone and the sound channel as possible, the cup 40 comprises a receiver, as soon as it is inserted into the cup 40, as close as possible. The inner wall of the cup 40 or the outer wall of a listener to be inserted can consist of flexible, sound-proofing material for this purpose. A possible play-free, tight fit of the listener in the cup 40 is achieved by the best possible matching cross-sections and low tolerances.

An inserted into the cup 40 handset is fixed by the bracket 41. The bracket 41 ensures that an inserted handset can not slip out of the cup 40. Therefore, it includes a listener as close as possible and free of play. In order to obtain a detachable connection which is advantageous, for example, for exchanging the receiver, the bracket 41 is so flexible that it can be elastically bent aside or stretched away from the cup in order to insert or remove a receiver. The entire bracket 41 or parts thereof, for example, the side struts are made for this purpose of a suitable, elastic material. The bracket 41 thus presses a receiver inserted into the cup 40 in the direction of the cup bottom, so that the acoustic output of the receiver is connected to the sound channel in the receiver tube 20 as tightly as possible, but at the same time reversibly. This connection requires no additional assurance by adhesive and on the one hand non-positively, since the bracket 41 presses the receiver into the cup 40, on the other hand, form-fitting manner by the bracket 41 and the cup 40 are adapted in the respective form so to the listener to be used in that it is included as free of play and exactly as possible. The after execution can also on the Traction be waived and a connection can be made only form-fitting.

In FIG. 3 For example, the earphone tube 20 described above is shown in a different perspective. It has the components described above, for which the same reference numerals are used. In contrast to the preceding illustration, the open end of the sound channel disposed inside can be seen at the end of the receiver tube 20 provided with the T-piece 31.

In FIG. 4 again, the previously described handset tube 20 is shown using the same reference numerals for the same components in a different perspective. In contrast to the preceding illustration, the receiver tube 20 is connected at the end provided with the T-piece 31 with a connecting piece 22. The connecting piece 22 comprises a fastening eye 30 with which it can be fastened, for example, to the housing of a hearing aid or to a supporting frame. A connection counterpart for attaching the receiver tube 20 by means of the T-piece 31 is not shown.

In the cup 40 of the tube 20 Hörer a receiver 8 is used, which is shown only partially visible. The handset 8 is as described above by the cup 40 and the bracket 41 positively and tightly. To additionally secure the connection, a sleeve 44 is pushed. The sleeve 44 fixes the earphone 8 in addition to the bracket 41 in the cup 40. The sleeve 44 can be designed to be elastic, so that it exerts a clamping force, which additionally fixes the listener.

As a result of the connection between cup 40 and receiver 8 which is as close and free of play as possible, the soundproofness of the connection is increased. It is obvious that with increasing length of the cup 40, the sealing surface grows and thus increases the connection to soundproofness. The cuff 44 may be designed to be different as shown, is pushed up to the edge of the cup to increase the soundproofing in addition.

In FIG. 5 For the sake of clarity, the foregoing components are shown separated using the same reference numerals for the sake of clarity. The handset 8 has at its acoustic output a collar 9, with which it can be inserted into the sound channel in the receiver tube 20. This results in an additional increase in the stability of the mutual connection as well as an improvement of the seat and the soundproofness.

In FIG. 6 the carrying hook 16 of a Hdo hearing aid is shown separately. The hearing aid is not shown, only the components described above for connecting the handset 8 to the support hook 16 and the sound channel disposed therein. With the support hook 16, the connecting piece 22 is first connected directly. For this purpose, it has a connection piece 17 which can be attached to the carrying hook 16 or, at least partially, inserted therein. Through the connecting piece 17 a arranged in the connecting piece 22 and not shown sound channel with the sound channel of the support hook 16 is directly connected. The connecting piece 22 also has the above-described fastening eye 30, with which it can be attached, for example, in a supporting frame of a hearing aid. Another connection piece 18 is used for connection to the receiver tube 20 and has a provided with flexible circumferential profiles circumference. The circumferential profiles serve to increase the soundproofness and the flexibility of the connection to the tube 20.

As previously explained and using the same reference numerals, the handset tube 20 is connected to the terminal piece 22. In the cup of the listener tube 40, a handset 8 is used, the collar 9 is also provided with circumferential flexible profiles. As explained above, the handset is releasably inserted into the tube 20, including the bracket 41 is made flexible. The cuff explained above is not shown, but may additionally be provided as well.

A basic idea of the invention can be summarized as follows: The invention relates to a receiver tube for connecting a receiver of a hearing aid and a hearing aid with such a receiver tube. The connection should ensure good acoustic stability and low feedback inclination, be inexpensive to produce, and have high impact strength. The invention solves this problem by a receiver tube (20) for connecting a receiver (8) comprising a receiver connection, which is designed to connect the receiver (8), wherein the receiver connection is designed as a cup (40), the one Handset (8) when it is connected to the handset port, at least partially receives, the handset port comprises a lock by which a handset (8) when it is connected to the handset port, is positively locked, and the handset connection comprises a flexible locking element of the handset. The positive connection between handset and handset connection simplifies the installation of the handset in the manufacturing process or replacement is achieved because neither a force, such as when biasing or expansion of a non-positive connection, must be applied, still made a glued connection must become. Due to the flexible element, the lock can be opened and closed. The cup-shaped design of the handset connector contributes to the one to increase the strength and reliability of the positive connection to the listener. On the other hand, the cup represents an acoustic shield.

Claims (12)

Headset tube (20) for a hearing aid (2) for connecting a receiver (8)
comprising a receiver connection, which is designed to connect the receiver (8),
characterized in that - The receiver connection is designed as a cup (40) which at least partially receives a receiver (8) when it is connected to the receiver connection, - The handset connection comprises a lock by which a handset (8) when it is connected to the handset port, is positively locked, and - The handset connection comprises a flexible locking the handset serving element. Receiver hose (20) after connection 1,
characterized in that the lock is designed as a bracket (41) which engages around the connected receiver (8). Receiver hose (20) after connection 1,
characterized in that the locking is designed as a hook or angle. A receiver hose (20) according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that the receiver connection is made in one piece with the receiver tube (20). A receiver hose (20) according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that the flexible detent serving element is integral with the handset port. Receiver hose (20) to port 5,
characterized in that the flexible detent serving element is integrated in the detent. A receiver hose (20) according to claim 6,
characterized in that the flexible detent serving element is formed by the detent itself. Handset tube (20) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the flexible locking element serving as a separate sleeve (44) is formed, which is at least partially pushed over the connected handset (8) and / or the handset connection. A receiver hose (20) according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that it comprises a connector terminal adapted to connect a connector, and in that the connector connector comprises a T-shaped locking member (31). A receiver hose (20) according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that the receiver connection with the connected receiver (8) at least partially forms a sound-damping or sound-proof connection. Handset (8) for a hearing aid apparatus (2), wherein the handset (8) is adapted to be connected to a receiver tube (20) according to one of claims 1 to 10. Hearing aid apparatus (2) comprising a receiver (8) according to claim 11 and a receiver tube (20) according to one of claims 1 to 10.

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