EP2360946A1 - Audio system with positioning device and corresponding positioning method - Google Patents

Audio system with positioning device and corresponding positioning method Download PDF

Info

Publication number
EP2360946A1
EP2360946A1 EP10193407A EP10193407A EP2360946A1 EP 2360946 A1 EP2360946 A1 EP 2360946A1 EP 10193407 A EP10193407 A EP 10193407A EP 10193407 A EP10193407 A EP 10193407A EP 2360946 A1 EP2360946 A1 EP 2360946A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
hearing
positioning device
positioning
tube
hearing device
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.)
Granted
Application number
EP10193407A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP2360946B1 (en
Inventor
Frank Naumann
Uwe Rass
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 EP2360946A1 publication Critical patent/EP2360946A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP2360946B1 publication Critical patent/EP2360946B1/en
Active legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

Links

Images

Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04R—LOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; DEAF-AID SETS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS
    • H04R25/00—Deaf-aid sets, i.e. electro-acoustic or electro-mechanical hearing aids; Electric tinnitus maskers providing an auditory perception
    • 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
    • H04R2225/023—Completely in the canal [CIC] 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 hearing system with a hearing device that can be completely inserted into a human auditory canal. Moreover, the present invention relates to a method for positioning a hearing device in a human ear canal.
  • 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 also in the hearing aid housing 1, processes the microphone signals and amplifies them.
  • the output signal of the signal processing unit 3 is transmitted to a loudspeaker or earpiece 4, which outputs an acoustic signal.
  • the sound is optionally transmitted via a sound tube, which is fixed with an earmold in the ear canal, to the eardrum of the device carrier.
  • the power supply of the hearing device and in particular the signal processing unit 3 is effected by a likewise integrated into the hearing aid housing 1 battery. 5
  • the CIC hearing aids are fully worn in the ear canal, d. H. no section of the hearing aid protrudes from the entrance of the ear canal.
  • the challenge with such CIC hearing aids is that they are placed very deep in the ear canal or ear canal, ie as close as possible to the eardrum.
  • the hearing aid In this operating position, not only is the hearing aid almost invisible from the outside, but it also provides improved acoustic performance and less amplification, ultimately leading to lower energy consumption.
  • the problem that it is not easy to use the hearing aid very deep into the ear canal. There is always a considerable risk of injuring the eardrum when inserting the hearing aid.
  • EP 2 040 488 A2 is a tool for inserting a receiver of a hearing device into an auditory canal known.
  • the tool has tweezers with first and second tweezer arms attached at one end.
  • the first tweezer arm has at its free end a receiving device by which the male listener is to inhibit movements in at least three directions.
  • at least one of the two tweezer arms has a stop which projects substantially perpendicularly from the tweezer arm and serves to abut against a user's cone when inserting the receiver. This makes it possible for the external listener, on the one hand, to grab well and, on the other hand, to insert it into the auditory canal with a defined depth.
  • the object of the present invention is to be able to use a hearing device as deeply as possible in an ear canal, without a great effort would be necessary here and without a high risk of injury to the eardrum exists.
  • this object is achieved by a hearing system with a hearing device which can be inserted completely into a human auditory canal and a positioning device which is self-holding attached to the hearing device, which is detachable from the hearing device inserted in the auditory canal, which does not or only partially in the Ear canal is insertable and which serves as a stop on a portion of an outer ear when positioning the hearing device.
  • the above-mentioned object is achieved by a method for positioning a hearing device in a human ear canal by attaching a positioning device to the hearing device so that both are latched to each other, inserting the hearing device completely into the ear canal with the aid of the positioning device until the positioning device strikes a portion of the outer ear and releasing the positioning device from the hearing device, so that the hearing device remains alone in the ear canal.
  • the positioning device advantageously constitutes a positioning aid in order to press the hearing device and in particular the hearing device completely into the auditory canal.
  • the fact that it has a stop it can be ensured that the hearing aid is not pressed too far into the auditory canal, whereby the risk of injury to the eardrum is eliminated.
  • the hearing device is individually adapted to the ear canal. It can thus be achieved that the used hearing device has an optimum position in the auditory canal at a predetermined location.
  • the positioning device is individually adapted to the shape of the entrance of the ear canal.
  • a very individual stop of the positioning device can be realized, whereby ultimately the insertion depth of the hearing device in the auditory canal can be precisely determined and easily reproducibly achieved.
  • the positioning device may comprise a tube or a bolt, and the hearing device may be detachably arranged at one end of the tube or the bolt. With the length of the tube or the pen, the individual depth of insertion into the ear canal can be easily adjusted.
  • a pin In the tube of the positioning device, a pin can be arranged, which is displaced axially for the release of the hearing device from the positioning device in the tube or rotated about its axis. This can be solved by a simple gesture, the positioning of the hearing device.
  • the pin in a first position, partially presses a ball located in the tube radially out of the tube and provides sufficient space in a second position in the tube so that the ball is completely within the tube circumference.
  • the pin of the positioning device on a portion which engages behind a projection of the hearing in the attached state of the positioning device on the hearing, wherein for releasing the positioning of the hearing device, the rear handle is released.
  • the bolt or the tube can be plugged into a recess of the hearing device under magnetic guidance for fastening in the hearing device.
  • the connection of the positioning device to the hearing device can be facilitated if the hearing device is located in the ear canal and the user does not see the two components.
  • the positioning device is detachably attached to the hearing device by negative pressure or by magnetic force. In both cases, the fixing of the positioning device to the hearing device is achieved at least primarily not by manual force, but by another physical force.
  • the aim of the present invention is to make the penetration of the hearing device or another hearing device into the auditory canal as simple and secure as possible.
  • the basic idea is to temporarily fix a positioning device or a positioning adapter for the introduction of the hearing aid to this.
  • the two components are then attached to each other self-holding, so that no force has to be applied from the outside for their connection.
  • FIGS. 2 to 5 is the onset of a CIC hearing aid, which no longer protrudes in the inserted state from the ear canal, shown in phantom on the basis of the hearing system according to the invention.
  • the entire hearing system consists in the present example of two individually manufactured parts: the actual hearing aid 10 with its custom-made shell and the positioning device 11, which also has an individually made outer contour.
  • the two components are according to FIG. 2 attached to each other. You can after that Insertion of the hearing aid 10 in the ear canal 12, however, be decoupled from each other.
  • the positioning device 11 consists here of a molded body 13 and a bolt or connecting rod 14 which connects the molded body 13 with the hearing aid 10.
  • the connecting rod 14 the two components 10 and 11 are fixed, but detachable, connected. This means that from the outside, no force must be exerted to keep the two components attached to each other. Only for insertion of the hearing device 10 in the ear canal 12, the positioning device 11 is temporarily attached to the hearing aid 10.
  • the hearing system 10, 11 is now inserted into the ear canal 12. It is inserted so far until the molded body 13 of the positioning device 11 abuts against a portion 16 of the outer ear 17 (see. FIG. 3 ).
  • the molded body 13 has a slightly larger diameter than the auditory canal 12, so that a secure stop around the entrance of the ear canal is ensured.
  • the length of the connecting rod 14 between the molded body 13 and the hearing aid 10 is selected so that the hearing aid 10 is seated in the desired depth in the ear canal 12 when the fitting 13 abuts the entrance of the ear canal 12.
  • the hearing device 10 then sits so low that there is a predetermined distance between the eardrum 18 and the side of the hearing device 10 facing the eardrum 18.
  • this distance and thus the space between the eardrum 18 and the hearing aid 10 is as small as possible, so that the acoustic transmission between the hearing aid 10 and eardrum 18 is as efficient as possible.
  • the positioning device 11 is according to FIG. 4 decoupled from the hearing aid 10. This is achieved in that the connecting rod 14 is unlocked by the hearing aid 10 so that it in the axial direction according to arrow 19 can be removed from the hearing aid 10 and further from the ear canal 12. Finally, the hearing aid 10 remains in accordance FIG. 5 in the desired position in the ear canal 12.
  • FIG. 6 has the hearing aid, here a CIC hearing aid (as well as in the FIGS. 2 to 5 ), an individually shaped shell. It is thus adapted to the auditory canal of the hearing aid wearer.
  • the hearing aid 10 has a bore or a blind hole 20 into which the connecting rod 14 of the positioning device 11 is inserted.
  • the connecting rod 14 is an integral part of the positioning device 11, and on it the molded body 13 is formed.
  • the molded body 13 is also individually shaped. In particular, as already indicated above, it is adapted to the input region of the auditory canal of the hearing device wearer. It serves as a stop and therefore has a larger maximum diameter than the hearing aid 10th
  • the connecting rod 14 has a tube 21 in which a pin 22 is guided axially.
  • the molded body 13 is arranged at one end of the tube 21, while the tube 21 is inserted with its other end in the blind hole 20 of the hearing aid 10.
  • the end portion of the tube 21, which is located in the blind hole 20 of the hearing aid 10, has a radially outwardly directed bore 23 through which a ball 24 projects partially outwards. Ie. a part of the sphere protrudes in the position of FIG. 6 beyond the circumference of the tube 21 into a Kalottenab réelle 25 in the blind hole 20.
  • the connecting rod 14 is in this position of the ball 24 form-fitting with the hearing aid 10 connected.
  • the Kalottenab réelle 25 is the negative form of a spherical cap, represents an undercut in the blind hole 20 and thus allows a locking of the connecting rod 14 in the blind hole 20 of the hearing aid 10th
  • the ball 24 is due to the special shape of the pin 22 in the locking position of FIG. 6 held.
  • the pin 22 has for this purpose a support portion 26 which, if it is under the ball 24, presses them out of the bore 23 of the tube 21 in the Kalottenab réelle 25.
  • the support section 26 is followed by a recess 27 in the pin 22, the function in connection with the unlocking (see. FIG. 7 ) unfolds.
  • the pin 22 is, for example, by spring force (in FIG. 6 not shown in detail) held in its locking position. It protrudes, as mentioned, axially from the tube 21 and the molded body 13 and on the other hand supports the ball 24, so that positive engagement with the hearing aid 10 is ensured.
  • the connection mechanism between the two components is to be unlocked.
  • the pin 22 is pressed against the spring force by hand, for example, into the tube 21.
  • the axial displacement of the pin 22 relative to the tube 21 causes the ball 24 falls into the recess 27 and is thus taken from the Kalottenabdruck 25.
  • the connecting rod 14 of the positioning device 11 can be pulled out of the blind hole 20 of the hearing device 10.
  • the positioning adapter or the positioning device 11 is therefore to be firmly coupled to the hearing aid 10 to be removed.
  • a spring presses it outwards and the special shape of the pin 22 converts this axial movement into a radial movement of the ball 24, so that it is pressed into the calotte impression 25, whereby positive engagement with the hearing aid 10 is created.
  • the hearing aid 10 can now be pulled out of the ear canal on the positioning device 11.
  • the connecting rod 14 or the material surrounding the blind hole 20 can be magnetized.
  • the connecting rod 14 is guided magnetically into the blind hole 20, which is of particular advantage, because the coupling process of the hearing aid 10 and the positioning device 11 can not be observed by the hearing aid wearer.
  • the coupling between the hearing aid 10 and the positioning device 11 can also take place, for example, by means of a bayonet catch or a pivotable hook.
  • the pin 22 has, for example, a radially projecting portion which can be pivoted by rotation of the pin 22 about its axis in an undercut of the hearing aid 10.
  • the positioning device has a hook or a self-locking gripper, with which it can be releasably attached to the hearing aid. It is also conceivable to attach the positioning device by magnetic force or by negative pressure to the hearing aid.
  • the pin 22 may also be eccentrically shaped in the region of the ball 24, so that the ball 24 is partially pressed out of the bore 23 by rotating the pin 22 about its axis.

Abstract

The system has a hearing device (10) e.g. complete-in-canal hearing aid, inserted completely into a human auditory canal (12). A positioning device (11) is automatically fastened to the hearing device and detachable from the hearing device in an inserted condition of the hearing device. The positioning device is only partially inserted into the auditory canal, and serves as a stop at a section of an external ear during positioning of the hearing device. The positioning device has a capillary tube, and the hearing device is arranged at an end of the tube in a detachable manner. An independent claim is also included for a method for positioning a hearing device in a human auditory canal.

Description

Die vorliegende Erfindung betrifft ein Hörsystem mit einer vollständig in einen menschlichen Gehörgang einbringbaren Hörvorrichtung. Darüber hinaus betrifft die vorliegende Erfindung ein Verfahren zum Positionieren einer Hörvorrichtung in einem menschlichen Gehörgang.The present invention relates to a hearing system with a hearing device that can be completely inserted into a human auditory canal. Moreover, the present invention relates to a method for positioning a hearing device in a human ear canal.

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 Energieversorgung des Hörgeräts und insbesondere die der Signalverarbeitungseinheit 3 erfolgt durch eine ebenfalls ins Hörgerätegehäuse 1 integrierte Batterie 5.Hearing aids have in principle as essential components an input transducer, an amplifier and an output transducer. The input transducer is usually a sound receiver, z. As a microphone, and / or an electromagnetic receiver, for. B. an induction coil. The output transducer is usually used as an electroacoustic transducer, z. As miniature speaker, or as an electromechanical transducer, z. B. bone conduction, realized. The amplifier is usually integrated in a signal processing unit. This basic structure is in FIG. 1 shown using the example of a behind-the-ear hearing aid. In a hearing aid housing 1 for carrying behind the ear, one or more microphones 2 for receiving the sound from the environment are installed. A signal processing unit 3, also in the hearing aid housing 1, processes the microphone signals and amplifies them. The output signal of the signal processing unit 3 is transmitted to a loudspeaker or earpiece 4, which outputs an acoustic signal. The sound is optionally transmitted via a sound tube, which is fixed with an earmold in the ear canal, to the eardrum of the device carrier. The power supply of the hearing device and in particular the signal processing unit 3 is effected by a likewise integrated into the hearing aid housing 1 battery. 5

Die CIC-Hörgeräte werden vollständig im Gehörgang getragen, d. h. kein Abschnitt des Hörgeräts ragt aus dem Eingang des Gehörgangs. Je tiefer das Hörgerät in den Gehörgang eingebracht werden kann, d. h. je näher der Hörgeräteausgang an dem Trommelfell angeordnet ist, desto besser ist der Wirkungsgrad des Hörgeräts.The CIC hearing aids are fully worn in the ear canal, d. H. no section of the hearing aid protrudes from the entrance of the ear canal. The deeper the hearing aid can be inserted into the ear canal, d. H. the closer the hearing device output is arranged to the eardrum, the better the efficiency of the hearing aid.

Es besteht also die Herausforderung bei derartigen CIC-Hörgeräten, dass sie sehr tief in dem Ohrkanal bzw. dem Gehörgang, also möglichst nahe beim Trommelfell platziert werden. In dieser Betriebsstellung ist nicht nur das Hörgerät von außen nahezu unsichtbar, sondern man erhält auch eine verbesserte akustische Leistungsfähigkeit und man braucht weniger Verstärkung, was letztlich auch zu geringerem Energieverbrauch führt. Dabei besteht jedoch das Problem, dass es nicht einfach ist, das Hörgerät sehr tief in den Ohrkanal einzusetzen. Es besteht stets eine nicht unerhebliche Gefahr, beim Einsetzen des Hörgeräts das Trommelfell zu verletzen.Thus, the challenge with such CIC hearing aids is that they are placed very deep in the ear canal or ear canal, ie as close as possible to the eardrum. In this operating position, not only is the hearing aid almost invisible from the outside, but it also provides improved acoustic performance and less amplification, ultimately leading to lower energy consumption. However, there is the problem that it is not easy to use the hearing aid very deep into the ear canal. There is always a considerable risk of injuring the eardrum when inserting the hearing aid.

Derzeit verfügbare Hörgeräte müssen durch klinisch geschultes Personal eingesetzt werden. Dies ist nicht vorteilhaft, denn der Hörgeräteträger hat hierbei einen sehr hohen Aufwand. Wenn der Hörgeräteträger seinerseits das Gerät aus dem Gehörgang entnimmt, kann er es selbst nicht ohne weiteres wieder einsetzen.Currently available hearing aids must be used by clinically trained personnel. This is not advantageous because the hearing aid wearer has a very high cost. If the hearing aid wearer in turn removes the device from the ear canal, he can not easily insert it himself.

Aus der Druckschrift EP 2 040 488 A2 ist ein Werkzeug zum Einsetzen eines Hörers einer Hörvorrichtung in einen Gehörgang bekannt. Das Werkzeug weist eine Pinzette mit einem ersten und einem zweiten Pinzettenarm, die an einem Ende aneinander befestigt sind auf. Der erste Pinzettenarm besitzt an seinem freien Ende eine Aufnahmeeinrichtung, durch die der aufzunehmende Hörer hinsichtlich Bewegungen in mindestens drei Richtungen zu hemmen ist. Darüber hinaus besitzt mindestens einer der beiden Pinzettenarme einen Anschlag, der im Wesentlichen senkrecht von dem Pinzettenarm absteht und zum Anschlagen an eine Koncha des Nutzers beim Einsetzen des Hörers dient. Damit lässt sich der externe Hörer zum einen gut greifen und zum anderen mit definierter Tiefe in den Gehörgang einsetzen.From the publication EP 2 040 488 A2 is a tool for inserting a receiver of a hearing device into an auditory canal known. The tool has tweezers with first and second tweezer arms attached at one end. The first tweezer arm has at its free end a receiving device by which the male listener is to inhibit movements in at least three directions. In addition, at least one of the two tweezer arms has a stop which projects substantially perpendicularly from the tweezer arm and serves to abut against a user's cone when inserting the receiver. This makes it possible for the external listener, on the one hand, to grab well and, on the other hand, to insert it into the auditory canal with a defined depth.

Die Aufgabe der vorliegenden Erfindung besteht darin, eine Hörvorrichtung möglichst tief in einen Gehörgang einsetzen zu können, ohne dass hier ein großer Aufwand nötig wäre und ohne dass eine hohe Verletzungsgefahr des Trommelfells besteht.The object of the present invention is to be able to use a hearing device as deeply as possible in an ear canal, without a great effort would be necessary here and without a high risk of injury to the eardrum exists.

Erfindungsgemäß wird diese Aufgabe gelöst durch ein Hörsystem mit einer vollständig in einen menschlichen Gehörgang einbringbaren Hörvorrichtung und einer Positioniervorrichtung, die an der Hörvorrichtung selbsthaltend befestigt ist, die im in den Gehörgang eingesetzten Zustand der Hörvorrichtung von dieser lösbar ist, die nicht oder nur teilweise in den Gehörgang einführbar ist und die beim Positionieren der Hörvorrichtung als Anschlag an einem Abschnitt eines Außenohrs dient.According to the invention, this object is achieved by a hearing system with a hearing device which can be inserted completely into a human auditory canal and a positioning device which is self-holding attached to the hearing device, which is detachable from the hearing device inserted in the auditory canal, which does not or only partially in the Ear canal is insertable and which serves as a stop on a portion of an outer ear when positioning the hearing device.

Darüber hinaus wird die oben genannte Aufgabe gelöst durch ein Verfahren zum Positionieren einer Hörvorrichtung in einem menschlichen Gehörgang durch Anbringen einer Positioniervorrichtung an der Hörvorrichtung, so dass beide miteinander selbsthaltend verbunden sind, Einschieben der Hörvorrichtung vollständig in den Gehörgang mit Hilfe der Positioniervorrichtung bis die Positioniervorrichtung an einem Abschnitt des Außenohrs anschlägt und Lösen der Positioniervorrichtung von der Hörvorrichtung, so dass die Hörvorrichtung allein in dem Gehörgang verbleibt.In addition, the above-mentioned object is achieved by a method for positioning a hearing device in a human ear canal by attaching a positioning device to the hearing device so that both are latched to each other, inserting the hearing device completely into the ear canal with the aid of the positioning device until the positioning device strikes a portion of the outer ear and releasing the positioning device from the hearing device, so that the hearing device remains alone in the ear canal.

In vorteilhafter Weise stellt die Positioniervorrichtung eine Positionierhilfe dar, um die Hörvorrichtung und insbesondere das Hörgerät vollständig in den Gehörgang einzudrücken. Dadurch, dass sie einen Anschlag aufweist, kann sichergestellt werden, dass die Hörvorrichtung nicht zu weit in den Hörgang eingedrückt wird, wodurch die Gefahr des Verletzens des Trommelfells beseitigt ist.The positioning device advantageously constitutes a positioning aid in order to press the hearing device and in particular the hearing device completely into the auditory canal. The fact that it has a stop, it can be ensured that the hearing aid is not pressed too far into the auditory canal, whereby the risk of injury to the eardrum is eliminated.

Vorzugsweise ist die Hörvorrichtung individuell an den Gehörgang angepasst. Damit kann erreicht werden, dass die genutzte Hörvorrichtung an einer vorbestimmten Stelle im Gehörgang einen optimalen Sitz aufweist.Preferably, the hearing device is individually adapted to the ear canal. It can thus be achieved that the used hearing device has an optimum position in the auditory canal at a predetermined location.

Darüber hinaus ist es von Vorteil, wenn die Positioniervorrichtung individuell an die Gestalt des Eingangs des Gehörgangs angepasst ist. Somit lässt sich ein sehr individueller Anschlag der Positioniervorrichtung realisieren, wodurch letztlich die Einsetztiefe der Hörvorrichtung in dem Gehörgang exakt festgelegt und einfach reproduzierbar erreicht werden kann.Moreover, it is advantageous if the positioning device is individually adapted to the shape of the entrance of the ear canal. Thus, a very individual stop of the positioning device can be realized, whereby ultimately the insertion depth of the hearing device in the auditory canal can be precisely determined and easily reproducibly achieved.

Darüber hinaus kann die Positioniervorrichtung ein Röhrchen oder einen Bolzen aufweisen, und die Hörvorrichtung kann lösbar an einem Ende des Röhrchens oder des Bolzens angeordnet sein. Mit der Länge des Röhrchens oder des Stifts lässt sich die individuelle Einsetztiefe in den Gehörgang auf einfache Weise einstellen.In addition, the positioning device may comprise a tube or a bolt, and the hearing device may be detachably arranged at one end of the tube or the bolt. With the length of the tube or the pen, the individual depth of insertion into the ear canal can be easily adjusted.

In dem Röhrchen der Positioniervorrichtung kann ein Stift angeordnet sein, der zum Lösen der Hörvorrichtung von der Positioniervorrichtung in dem Röhrchen axial verschoben oder um seine Achse gedreht wird. Damit kann durch eine einfache Handbewegung die Positioniervorrichtung von der Hörvorrichtung gelöst werden.In the tube of the positioning device, a pin can be arranged, which is displaced axially for the release of the hearing device from the positioning device in the tube or rotated about its axis. This can be solved by a simple gesture, the positioning of the hearing device.

In einer speziellen Ausführungsform drückt der Stift in einer ersten Position eine in dem Röhrchen befindliche Kugel teilweise radial aus dem Röhrchen und schafft in einer zweiten Position im Röhrchen ausreichend Platz, so dass sich die Kugel vollständig innerhalb des Röhrchenumfangs befindet. Damit wird durch einfache Weise eine Umlenkung einer Axialbewegung in eine Radialbewegung erreicht, mit der die Positioniervorrichtung in der Hörvorrichtung verriegelbar ist.In a particular embodiment, in a first position, the pin partially presses a ball located in the tube radially out of the tube and provides sufficient space in a second position in the tube so that the ball is completely within the tube circumference. This is achieved by a simple way, a deflection of an axial movement in a radial movement, with which the positioning device is locked in the hearing.

Bei einer alternativen Ausführungsform weist der Stift der Positioniervorrichtung einen Abschnitt auf, der in dem befestigten Zustand der Positioniervorrichtung an der Hörvorrichtung einen Vorsprung der Hörvorrichtung hintergreift, wobei zum Lösen der Positioniervorrichtung von der Hörvorrichtung der Hintergriff gelöst wird. Damit lässt sich die Verbindung zwischen Positioniereinrichtung und Hörvorrichtung durch eine einfache Drehung des Stifts erreichen und wieder lösen.In an alternative embodiment, the pin of the positioning device on a portion which engages behind a projection of the hearing in the attached state of the positioning device on the hearing, wherein for releasing the positioning of the hearing device, the rear handle is released. Thus, the connection between positioning and hearing can be achieved by a simple rotation of the pen and solve again.

Der Bolzen oder das Röhrchen kann zum Befestigen in der Hörvorrichtung in eine Aussparung der Hörvorrichtung unter magnetischer Führung gesteckt werden. Damit kann das Verbinden der Positioniervorrichtung mit der Hörvorrichtung erleichtert werden, wenn sich die Hörvorrichtung im Gehörgang befindet und der Nutzer die beiden Komponenten nicht sieht.The bolt or the tube can be plugged into a recess of the hearing device under magnetic guidance for fastening in the hearing device. Thus, the connection of the positioning device to the hearing device can be facilitated if the hearing device is located in the ear canal and the user does not see the two components.

In einer alternativen Ausführungsform ist die Positioniervorrichtung durch Unterdruck oder durch Magnetkraft an der Hörvorrichtung lösbar befestigt. In beiden Fällen wird das Fixieren der Positioniervorrichtung an der Hörvorrichtung zumindest primär nicht durch manuelle Kraft, sondern durch eine andere physikalische Kraft erzielt.In an alternative embodiment, the positioning device is detachably attached to the hearing device by negative pressure or by magnetic force. In both cases, the fixing of the positioning device to the hearing device is achieved at least primarily not by manual force, but by another physical force.

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

FIG 1
den schematischen Aufbau eines Hörgeräts gemäß dem Stand der Technik;
FIG 2
ein erfindungsgemäßes Hörsystem vor dem Einsetzen in den Gehörgang;
FIG 3
das Hörsystem von FIG 2 im eingesetzten Zustand;
FIG 4
das Hörsystem von FIG 3 mit gelöster Positioniervorrichtung;
FIG 5
das Hörgerät des Hörsystems von FIG 3 im eingesetzten, betriebsbereiten Zustand;
FIG 6
einen Querschnitt durch ein Hörsystem im befestigten Zustand und
FIG 7
das Hörsystem von FIG 6 im gelösten Zustand.
The present invention will be further explained with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
FIG. 1
the schematic structure of a hearing aid according to the prior art;
FIG. 2
an inventive hearing system before insertion into the ear canal;
FIG. 3
the hearing system of FIG. 2 in the inserted state;
FIG. 4
the hearing system of FIG. 3 with dissolved positioning device;
FIG. 5
the hearing aid of the hearing system of FIG. 3 in use, ready for operation;
FIG. 6
a cross section through a hearing system in the attached state and
FIG. 7
the hearing system of FIG. 6 in the dissolved state.

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

Ziel der vorliegenden Erfindung ist, das Eindringen des Hörgeräts oder einer anderen Hörvorrichtung in den Gehörgang möglichst einfach und sicher zu gestalten. Die Grundidee liegt darin, eine Positioniervorrichtung bzw. einen Positionieradapter für das Einbringen des Hörgeräts vorübergehend an diesem zu befestigen. Die beiden Komponenten sind dann selbsthaltend aneinander befestigt, so dass für ihre Verbindung keine Kraft von außen aufgebracht werden muss.The aim of the present invention is to make the penetration of the hearing device or another hearing device into the auditory canal as simple and secure as possible. The basic idea is to temporarily fix a positioning device or a positioning adapter for the introduction of the hearing aid to this. The two components are then attached to each other self-holding, so that no force has to be applied from the outside for their connection.

In den FIG 2 bis 5 ist das Einsetzen eines CIC-Hörgeräts, das im eingesetztem Zustand nicht mehr aus dem Gehörgang herausragt, anhand des erfindungsgemäßen Hörsystems schrittweise bildlich dargestellt.In the FIGS. 2 to 5 is the onset of a CIC hearing aid, which no longer protrudes in the inserted state from the ear canal, shown in phantom on the basis of the hearing system according to the invention.

Das gesamte Hörsystem besteht in dem vorliegenden Beispiel aus zwei individuell angefertigten Teilen: dem eigentlichen Hörgerät 10 mit seiner individuell angefertigten Schale und der Positioniervorrichtung 11, die ebenfalls eine individuell angefertigte Außenkontur aufweist. Die beiden Komponenten sind gemäß FIG 2 aneinander befestigt. Sie können nach dem Einsetzen des Hörgeräts 10 in den Gehörgang 12 jedoch voneinander entkoppelt werden.The entire hearing system consists in the present example of two individually manufactured parts: the actual hearing aid 10 with its custom-made shell and the positioning device 11, which also has an individually made outer contour. The two components are according to FIG. 2 attached to each other. You can after that Insertion of the hearing aid 10 in the ear canal 12, however, be decoupled from each other.

Die Positioniervorrichtung 11 besteht hier aus einem Formkörper 13 und einem Bolzen bzw. Verbindungsstab 14, der den Formkörper 13 mit dem Hörgerät 10 verbindet. Über den Verbindungsstab 14 sind die beiden Komponenten 10 und 11 fest, aber voneinander lösbar, verbunden. Dies bedeutet, dass von außen keine Kraft ausgeübt werden muss, um die beiden Komponenten aneinander befestigt zu halten. Lediglich zum Einsetzen des Hörgeräts 10 in den Gehörgang 12 wird die Positioniervorrichtung 11 vorübergehend an dem Hörgerät 10 befestigt.The positioning device 11 consists here of a molded body 13 and a bolt or connecting rod 14 which connects the molded body 13 with the hearing aid 10. About the connecting rod 14, the two components 10 and 11 are fixed, but detachable, connected. This means that from the outside, no force must be exerted to keep the two components attached to each other. Only for insertion of the hearing device 10 in the ear canal 12, the positioning device 11 is temporarily attached to the hearing aid 10.

Entsprechend dem Pfeil 15 wird nun das Hörsystem 10, 11 in den Gehörgang 12 eingeschoben. Es wird so weit eingeschoben, bis der Formkörper 13 der Positioniervorrichtung 11 an einen Abschnitt 16 des Außenohrs 17 anschlägt (vgl. FIG 3). Der Formkörper 13 besitzt einen etwas größeren Durchmesser als der Gehörgang 12, so dass ein sicherer Anschlag rund um den Eingang des Gehörgangs gewährleistet ist.According to the arrow 15, the hearing system 10, 11 is now inserted into the ear canal 12. It is inserted so far until the molded body 13 of the positioning device 11 abuts against a portion 16 of the outer ear 17 (see. FIG. 3 ). The molded body 13 has a slightly larger diameter than the auditory canal 12, so that a secure stop around the entrance of the ear canal is ensured.

Die Länge des Verbindungsstabs 14 zwischen dem Formkörper 13 und dem Hörgerät 10 ist so gewählt, dass das Hörgerät 10 in der gewünschten Tiefe im Gehörgang 12 sitzt, wenn das Formstück 13 am Eingang des Gehörgangs 12 anschlägt. Beispielsweise sitzt das Hörgerät 10 dann so tief, dass ein vorbestimmter Abstand zwischen dem Trommelfell 18 und der dem Trommelfell 18 zugewandten Seite des Hörgeräts 10 besteht. Vorzugsweise ist dieser Abstand und damit der Raum zwischen dem Trommelfell 18 und dem Hörgerät 10 möglichst klein, so dass die akustische Übertragung zwischen Hörgerät 10 und Trommelfell 18 möglichst effizient ist.The length of the connecting rod 14 between the molded body 13 and the hearing aid 10 is selected so that the hearing aid 10 is seated in the desired depth in the ear canal 12 when the fitting 13 abuts the entrance of the ear canal 12. For example, the hearing device 10 then sits so low that there is a predetermined distance between the eardrum 18 and the side of the hearing device 10 facing the eardrum 18. Preferably, this distance and thus the space between the eardrum 18 and the hearing aid 10 is as small as possible, so that the acoustic transmission between the hearing aid 10 and eardrum 18 is as efficient as possible.

Sobald das Hörgerät 10 seine endgültige Position im Gehörgang 12 erreicht hat, wird die Positioniervorrichtung 11 gemäß FIG 4 von dem Hörgerät 10 entkoppelt. Dies wird dadurch erreicht, dass der Verbindungsstab 14 von dem Hörgerät 10 entriegelt wird, so dass er in axialer Richtung gemäß Pfeil 19 aus dem Hörgerät 10 und weiter aus dem Gehörgang 12 entnommen werden kann. Letztlich bleibt das Hörgerät 10 gemäß FIG 5 in der gewünschten Position im Ohrkanal 12.Once the hearing aid 10 has reached its final position in the ear canal 12, the positioning device 11 is according to FIG. 4 decoupled from the hearing aid 10. This is achieved in that the connecting rod 14 is unlocked by the hearing aid 10 so that it in the axial direction according to arrow 19 can be removed from the hearing aid 10 and further from the ear canal 12. Finally, the hearing aid 10 remains in accordance FIG. 5 in the desired position in the ear canal 12.

Zusammen mit den FIG 6 und 7 wird ein Beispiel erläutert, wie die Positioniervorrichtung 11 an das Hörgerät bzw. die Hörvorrichtung 10 gekoppelt werden kann. Wie aus FIG 6 entnommen werden kann, besitzt das Hörgerät, hier ein CIC-Hörgerät (wie auch in den FIG 2 bis 5), eine individuell geformte Schale. Sie ist also an den Gehörgang des Hörgeräteträgers angepasst. Das Hörgerät 10 besitzt eine Bohrung bzw. ein Sackloch 20, in das der Verbindungsstab 14 der Positioniervorrichtung 11 eingeführt ist. Der Verbindungsstab 14 ist fester Bestandteil der Positioniervorrichtung 11, und an ihm ist der Formkörper 13 angeformt. Der Formkörper 13 ist ebenfalls individuell geformt. Insbesondere ist er, wie oben bereits angedeutet wurde, an den Eingangsbereich des Gehörgangs des Hörgeräteträgers angepasst. Er dient als Anschlag und besitzt daher einen größeren Maximaldurchmesser als das Hörgerät 10.Together with the FIGS. 6 and 7 an example is explained how the positioning device 11 can be coupled to the hearing device or the hearing device 10. How out FIG. 6 can be removed, has the hearing aid, here a CIC hearing aid (as well as in the FIGS. 2 to 5 ), an individually shaped shell. It is thus adapted to the auditory canal of the hearing aid wearer. The hearing aid 10 has a bore or a blind hole 20 into which the connecting rod 14 of the positioning device 11 is inserted. The connecting rod 14 is an integral part of the positioning device 11, and on it the molded body 13 is formed. The molded body 13 is also individually shaped. In particular, as already indicated above, it is adapted to the input region of the auditory canal of the hearing device wearer. It serves as a stop and therefore has a larger maximum diameter than the hearing aid 10th

Im vorliegenden Beispiel besitzt der Verbindungsstab 14 eine Röhre 21, in der axial ein Stift 22 geführt ist. Der Formkörper 13 ist an einem Ende der Röhre 21 angeordnet, während die Röhre 21 mit ihrem anderen Ende in dem Sackloch 20 des Hörgeräts 10 steckt.In the present example, the connecting rod 14 has a tube 21 in which a pin 22 is guided axially. The molded body 13 is arranged at one end of the tube 21, while the tube 21 is inserted with its other end in the blind hole 20 of the hearing aid 10.

In der Stellung von FIG 6 ragt der Stift 22 an der Seite des Formkörpers 13 aus der Röhre 21, die bündig mit der Oberfläche des Formkörpers 13 endet. Der Stift 22 ragt damit auch aus der Oberfläche des Formkörpers 13.In the position of FIG. 6 the pin 22 protrudes on the side of the shaped body 13 out of the tube 21, which ends flush with the surface of the shaped body 13. The pin 22 thus protrudes from the surface of the molded body 13th

Der Endabschnitt der Röhre 21, der sich in dem Sackloch 20 des Hörgeräts 10 befindet, besitzt eine radial nach außen gerichtete Bohrung 23, durch die eine Kugel 24 teilweise nach außen ragt. D. h. ein Teil der Kugel ragt in der Stellung von FIG 6 über den Umfang der Röhre 21 hinaus in einen Kalottenabdruck 25 in dem Sackloch 20. Der Verbindungsstab 14 ist in dieser Position der Kugel 24 formschlüssig mit dem Hörgerät 10 verbunden. Der Kalottenabdruck 25 ist die Negativform einer Kugelkalotte, stellt einen Hinterschnitt in dem Sackloch 20 dar und erlaubt somit eine Verriegelung des Verbindungsstabs 14 in dem Sackloch 20 des Hörgeräts 10.The end portion of the tube 21, which is located in the blind hole 20 of the hearing aid 10, has a radially outwardly directed bore 23 through which a ball 24 projects partially outwards. Ie. a part of the sphere protrudes in the position of FIG. 6 beyond the circumference of the tube 21 into a Kalottenabdruck 25 in the blind hole 20. The connecting rod 14 is in this position of the ball 24 form-fitting with the hearing aid 10 connected. The Kalottenabdruck 25 is the negative form of a spherical cap, represents an undercut in the blind hole 20 and thus allows a locking of the connecting rod 14 in the blind hole 20 of the hearing aid 10th

Die Kugel 24 wird durch die spezielle Form des Stifts 22 in der Verriegelungsposition von FIG 6 gehalten. Der Stift 22 besitzt hierzu einen Stützabschnitt 26, der, sofern er sich unter der Kugel 24 befindet, diese aus der Bohrung 23 der Röhre 21 in den Kalottenabdruck 25 drückt. An den Stützabschnitt 26 schließt sich eine Vertiefung 27 in dem Stift 22 an, die ihre Funktion im Zusammenhang mit dem Entriegeln (vgl. FIG 7) entfaltet. Der Stift 22 wird beispielsweise durch Federkraft (in FIG 6 nicht näher dargestellt) in seiner Verriegelungsposition gehalten. Dabei ragt er, wie erwähnt, axial aus der Röhre 21 bzw. dem Formkörper 13 und stützt andererseits die Kugel 24, so dass Formschluss mit dem Hörgerät 10 gewährleistet ist.The ball 24 is due to the special shape of the pin 22 in the locking position of FIG. 6 held. The pin 22 has for this purpose a support portion 26 which, if it is under the ball 24, presses them out of the bore 23 of the tube 21 in the Kalottenabdruck 25. The support section 26 is followed by a recess 27 in the pin 22, the function in connection with the unlocking (see. FIG. 7 ) unfolds. The pin 22 is, for example, by spring force (in FIG. 6 not shown in detail) held in its locking position. It protrudes, as mentioned, axially from the tube 21 and the molded body 13 and on the other hand supports the ball 24, so that positive engagement with the hearing aid 10 is ensured.

Damit die Positioniervorrichtung 11 von dem Hörgerät 10 getrennt werden kann, ist der Verbindungsmechanismus zwischen beiden Komponenten zu entriegeln. Hierzu wird der Stift 22 beispielsweise gegen die Federkraft per Hand in die Röhre 21 gedrückt. Die axiale Verschiebung des Stifts 22 gegenüber der Röhre 21 führt dazu, dass die Kugel 24 in die Vertiefung 27 fällt und damit aus dem Kalottenabdruck 25 genommen wird. Somit ist kein Formschluss mehr zwischen der Positioniervorrichtung 11 und dem Hörgerät 10 gegeben und der Verbindungsstab 14 der Positioniervorrichtung 11 kann aus dem Sackloch 20 des Hörgeräts 10 gezogen werden.So that the positioning device 11 can be separated from the hearing aid 10, the connection mechanism between the two components is to be unlocked. For this purpose, the pin 22 is pressed against the spring force by hand, for example, into the tube 21. The axial displacement of the pin 22 relative to the tube 21 causes the ball 24 falls into the recess 27 and is thus taken from the Kalottenabdruck 25. Thus, there is no more positive connection between the positioning device 11 and the hearing device 10 and the connecting rod 14 of the positioning device 11 can be pulled out of the blind hole 20 of the hearing device 10.

Zum Entnehmen des Hörgeräts 10 aus dem Gehörgang 12 ist die umgekehrte Prozedur (umgekehrt zu dem Einsetzen des Hörgeräts gemäß den FIG 2 bis 5) auszuführen. Der Positionieradapter bzw. die Positioniervorrichtung 11 ist also fest an das herauszunehmende Hörgerät 10 zu koppeln. Dazu ist bei dem Beispiel der FIG 6 und 7 der Stift 22 in die Röhre 21 zu drücken, so dass der Verbindungsstab 14 in das Sackloch 20 des Hörgeräts geführt werden kann. Wird der Stift 22 losgelassen, so drückt ihn eine Feder nach außen und die spezielle Form des Stifts 22 setzt diese Axialbewegung in eine Radialbewegung der Kugel 24 um, so dass diese in den Kalottenabdruck 25 gedrückt wird, womit Formschluss mit dem Hörgerät 10 entsteht. Das Hörgerät 10 kann nun an der Positioniervorrichtung 11 aus dem Gehörgang gezogen werden.To remove the hearing device 10 from the ear canal 12 is the reverse procedure (in contrast to the insertion of the hearing aid according to the FIGS. 2 to 5 ). The positioning adapter or the positioning device 11 is therefore to be firmly coupled to the hearing aid 10 to be removed. This is in the example of FIGS. 6 and 7 push the pin 22 into the tube 21, so that the connecting rod 14 in the blind hole 20 of the Hearing aid can be performed. When the pin 22 is released, a spring presses it outwards and the special shape of the pin 22 converts this axial movement into a radial movement of the ball 24, so that it is pressed into the calotte impression 25, whereby positive engagement with the hearing aid 10 is created. The hearing aid 10 can now be pulled out of the ear canal on the positioning device 11.

Damit die Positioniervorrichtung 11 einfacher mit dem Hörgerät 10 gekoppelt werden kann, kann der Verbindungsstab 14 oder das das Sackloch 20 umgebende Material magnetisiert sein. Dadurch wird der Verbindungsstab 14 magnetisch in das Sackloch 20 geführt, was von besonderem Vorteil ist, denn der Koppelvorgang von Hörgerät 10 und Positioniervorrichtung 11 kann von dem Hörgeräteträger nicht beobachtet werden.So that the positioning device 11 can be coupled more easily to the hearing device 10, the connecting rod 14 or the material surrounding the blind hole 20 can be magnetized. As a result, the connecting rod 14 is guided magnetically into the blind hole 20, which is of particular advantage, because the coupling process of the hearing aid 10 and the positioning device 11 can not be observed by the hearing aid wearer.

Alternativ zu der Ausführungsform der FIG 6 und 7 kann die Kopplung zwischen Hörgerät 10 und Positioniervorrichtung 11 auch beispielsweise durch einen Bajonettverschluss oder einen schwenkbaren Haken erfolgen. Im letzteren Fall besitzt der Stift 22 beispielsweise einen radial abstehenden Abschnitt, der sich durch Drehung des Stifts 22 um seine Achse in eine Hinterschneidung des Hörgeräts 10 schwenken lässt. Bei einer weiteren alternativen Ausführungsform besitzt die Positioniervorrichtung einen Haken oder einen selbstklemmenden Greifer, mit dem sie an dem Hörgerät lösbar befestigt werden kann. Auch ist es denkbar, die Positioniervorrichtung durch Magnetkraft oder durch Unterdruck an dem Hörgerät zu befestigen. Des Weiteren kann der Stift 22 im Bereich der Kugel 24 auch exzentrisch geformt sein, so dass die Kugel 24 durch ein Drehen des Stifts 22 um seine Achse zum Teil aus der Bohrung 23 gedrückt wird.Alternatively to the embodiment of the FIGS. 6 and 7 The coupling between the hearing aid 10 and the positioning device 11 can also take place, for example, by means of a bayonet catch or a pivotable hook. In the latter case, the pin 22 has, for example, a radially projecting portion which can be pivoted by rotation of the pin 22 about its axis in an undercut of the hearing aid 10. In a further alternative embodiment, the positioning device has a hook or a self-locking gripper, with which it can be releasably attached to the hearing aid. It is also conceivable to attach the positioning device by magnetic force or by negative pressure to the hearing aid. Furthermore, the pin 22 may also be eccentrically shaped in the region of the ball 24, so that the ball 24 is partially pressed out of the bore 23 by rotating the pin 22 about its axis.

Mit dem oben vorgestellten Hörsystem, bestehend aus Hörvorrichtung und Positioniervorrichtung, kann eine einfache Einführung des Hörgeräts in den Gehörgang ermöglicht werden, welche auch durch den Hörgeräteträger selbst erledigt werden kann. Das tiefe Einsetzen des Hörgeräts führt zu einer verbesserten akustischen Leistungsfähigkeit und ergibt außerdem eine nahezu unsichtbare Trageposition.With the hearing system presented above, consisting of hearing device and positioning device, a simple introduction of the hearing device into the auditory canal can be made possible, which can also be done by the hearing aid wearer himself. The deep insertion of the hearing aid leads to an improved acoustic performance and also results in an almost invisible carrying position.

Claims (10)

Hörsystem mit - einer vollständig in einen menschlichen Gehörgang (12) einbringbaren Hörvorrichtung (10),
gekennzeichnet durch - eine Positioniervorrichtung (11), die an der Hörvorrichtung (10) selbsthaltend befestigt ist, die im in den Gehörgang (12) eingesetzten Zustand der Hörvorrichtung (10) von dieser lösbar ist, die nicht oder nur teilweise in den Gehörgang (12) einführbar ist und die beim Positionieren der Hörvorrichtung (10) als Anschlag an einem Abschnitt (16) eines Außenohrs (17) dient. Hearing system with a hearing device (10) which can be inserted completely into a human auditory canal (12),
marked by - A positioning device (11) which is self-holding attached to the hearing device (10) in the inserted into the ear canal (12) state of the hearing device (10) of this is not or only partially inserted into the ear canal (12) is and which serves in positioning the hearing device (10) as a stop on a portion (16) of an outer ear (17). Hörsystem nach Anspruch 1, wobei die Hörvorrichtung individuell an den Gehörgang (12) angepasst ist.Hearing system according to claim 1, wherein the hearing device is individually adapted to the ear canal (12). Hörsystem nach Anspruch 1 oder 2, wobei die Positioniervorrichtung (11) individuell an die Gestalt des Eingangs des Gehörgangs (12) angepasst ist.Hearing system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the positioning device (11) is individually adapted to the shape of the entrance of the ear canal (12). Hörsystem nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei die Positioniervorrichtung (11) ein Röhrchen (21) oder einen Bolzen aufweist, und die Hörvorrichtung (10) lösbar an einem Ende des Röhrchens (21) oder des Bolzens angeordnet ist.The hearing aid according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the positioning device (11) comprises a tube (21) or a bolt, and the hearing device (10) is detachably arranged at one end of the tube (21) or the bolt. Hörsystem nach Anspruch 4, wobei in dem Röhrchen (21) der Positioniervorrichtung (11) ein Stift (22) angeordnet ist, der zum Lösen der Hörvorrichtung (10) von der Positioniervorrichtung (11) in dem Röhrchen (21) axial verschoben oder um seine Achse gedreht wird.Hearing aid according to claim 4, wherein in the tube (21) of the positioning device (11) a pin (22) is arranged, which for releasing the hearing device (10) from the positioning device (11) axially displaced in the tube (21) or around its Axis is rotated. Hörsystem nach Anspruch 5, wobei der Stift (22) in einer ersten Position eine in dem Röhrchen (21) befindliche Kugel (24) teilweise radial aus dem Röhrchen (21) drückt und in einer zweiten Position im Röhrchen (21) ausreichend Platz schafft, so dass sich die Kugel (24) vollständig innerhalb des Röhrchenumfangs befindet.The hearing aid of claim 5, wherein the pin (22) in a first position partially urges a ball (24) in the tube (21) radially out of the tube (21) and provides sufficient space in a second position in the tube (21). so that the ball (24) is completely within the circumference of the tube. Hörsystem nach Anspruch 4 oder 5, wobei der Stift (22) der Positioniervorrichtung (11) einen Abschnitt aufweist, der in dem befestigten Zustand der Positioniervorrichtung (11) an der Hörvorrichtung (10) einen Vorsprung der Hörvorrichtung hintergreift, und zum Lösen der Positioniervorrichtung (11) von der Hörvorrichtung (10) der Hintergriff gelöst wird.Hearing aid according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the pin (22) of the positioning device (11) has a portion which engages in the attached state of the positioning device (11) on the hearing device (10) a projection of the hearing device, and for releasing the positioning device ( 11) of the hearing device (10) of the rear handle is released. Hörsystem nach einem der Ansprüche 4 bis 7, wobei der Bolzen oder das Röhrchen (21) zum Befestigen in der Hörvorrichtung (10) in eine Aussparung (20) der Hörvorrichtung unter magnetischer Führung gesteckt wird.Hearing aid according to one of claims 4 to 7, wherein the bolt or the tube (21) for fastening in the hearing device (10) in a recess (20) of the hearing device is inserted under magnetic leadership. Hörsystem nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 3, wobei die Positioniervorrichtung (11) durch Unterdruck oder durch Magnetkraft an der Hörvorrichtung (10) lösbar befestigt ist.Hearing system according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the positioning device (11) by means of negative pressure or by magnetic force on the hearing device (10) is releasably attached. Verfahren zum Positionieren einer Hörvorrichtung (10) in einem menschlichen Gehörgang (12)
gekennzeichnet durch - Anbringen einer Positioniervorrichtung (11) an der Hörvorrichtung (10), so dass beide miteinander selbsthaltend verbunden sind, - Einschieben der Hörvorrichtung (10) vollständig in den Gehörgang (12) mit Hilfe der Positioniervorrichtung (11) bis die Positioniervorrichtung (11) an einem Abschnitt (16) des Außenohrs (17) anschlägt und - Lösen der Positioniervorrichtung (11) von der Hörvorrichtung (10), so dass die Hörvorrichtung (10) allein in dem Gehörgang (12) verbleibt. Method for positioning a hearing device (10) in a human auditory canal (12)
marked by - Attaching a positioning device (11) on the hearing device (10), so that both are connected to each other latched, - Inserting the hearing device (10) completely in the ear canal (12) by means of the positioning device (11) until the positioning device (11) on a portion (16) of the outer ear (17) abuts and - Release the positioning device (11) of the hearing device (10), so that the hearing device (10) alone in the ear canal (12) remains.
EP10193407A 2010-02-01 2010-12-02 Audio system with positioning device Active EP2360946B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE102010006359A DE102010006359A1 (en) 2010-02-01 2010-02-01 Hearing system with positioning device and corresponding positioning method

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP2360946A1 true EP2360946A1 (en) 2011-08-24
EP2360946B1 EP2360946B1 (en) 2012-08-29

Family

ID=43707820

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP10193407A Active EP2360946B1 (en) 2010-02-01 2010-12-02 Audio system with positioning device

Country Status (4)

Country Link
US (1) US8411889B2 (en)
EP (1) EP2360946B1 (en)
DE (1) DE102010006359A1 (en)
DK (1) DK2360946T3 (en)

Families Citing this family (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2013126749A1 (en) * 2012-02-25 2013-08-29 Aria Innovations, Inc. Hearing aid insertion, positioning and removal apparatus and system
KR102007509B1 (en) 2013-05-06 2019-08-06 삼성전자주식회사 Hearing apparatus and method for measuring distance between hearing apparatus and eardrum
US10897676B2 (en) * 2016-06-17 2021-01-19 Sonova Ag Customized device for insertion of a deep-cana hearing aid and a method for manufacturing and using such an insertion device
WO2018102664A1 (en) 2016-12-01 2018-06-07 Earplace Inc. Apparatus for manipulation of ear devices
EP3557884A1 (en) * 2018-11-13 2019-10-23 Oticon A/s Insertion and removal tool for a hearing aid
US20230239636A1 (en) * 2022-01-21 2023-07-27 Gn Hearing A/S Method for providing visual markings on a connector for a hearing device

Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4756312A (en) * 1984-03-22 1988-07-12 Advanced Hearing Technology, Inc. Magnetic attachment device for insertion and removal of hearing aid
DE29608352U1 (en) * 1996-05-08 1996-10-02 Incase Bv Hearing aid for insertion into the auditory canal and handling device for holding the hearing aid
WO1999007182A2 (en) * 1997-07-29 1999-02-11 Decibel Instruments, Inc. Acoustic coupler
US6094494A (en) * 1998-08-13 2000-07-25 Haroldson; Olaf Hearing aid device and method for providing an improved fit and reduced feedback
WO2005077011A2 (en) * 2004-02-06 2005-08-25 Insound Medical, Inc, Removal tool and method for extended wear canal devices
EP2040488A2 (en) 2007-09-21 2009-03-25 Siemens Medical Instruments Pte. Ltd. Tool for inserting an earpiece of a hearing aid into an auditory canal

Family Cites Families (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4539440A (en) * 1983-05-16 1985-09-03 Michael Sciarra In-canal hearing aid
US6055319A (en) * 1997-11-06 2000-04-25 Decibel Instruments, Inc. Selectable handle for hearing devices
US6529609B1 (en) * 1998-10-29 2003-03-04 In'tech Industries, Inc. Puller and methods of making and using the same
US7388961B2 (en) * 2004-02-05 2008-06-17 Insound Medical, Inc. Removal tool and method for extended wear canal devices
US7466836B2 (en) * 2005-02-14 2008-12-16 Insound Medical, Inc. Removal tool for in situ cerumen removal from hearing devices

Patent Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4756312A (en) * 1984-03-22 1988-07-12 Advanced Hearing Technology, Inc. Magnetic attachment device for insertion and removal of hearing aid
DE29608352U1 (en) * 1996-05-08 1996-10-02 Incase Bv Hearing aid for insertion into the auditory canal and handling device for holding the hearing aid
WO1999007182A2 (en) * 1997-07-29 1999-02-11 Decibel Instruments, Inc. Acoustic coupler
US6094494A (en) * 1998-08-13 2000-07-25 Haroldson; Olaf Hearing aid device and method for providing an improved fit and reduced feedback
WO2005077011A2 (en) * 2004-02-06 2005-08-25 Insound Medical, Inc, Removal tool and method for extended wear canal devices
EP2040488A2 (en) 2007-09-21 2009-03-25 Siemens Medical Instruments Pte. Ltd. Tool for inserting an earpiece of a hearing aid into an auditory canal

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
US8411889B2 (en) 2013-04-02
DK2360946T3 (en) 2012-12-17
DE102010006359A1 (en) 2011-08-04
EP2360946B1 (en) 2012-08-29
US20110188692A1 (en) 2011-08-04

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
DE102010007610B4 (en) Hearing device with releasably coupled earpiece
EP2360946B1 (en) Audio system with positioning device
EP2540098B1 (en) Connector for a ric-bte hearing instrument and ric-bte hearing instrument
EP2026605A1 (en) Hearing aid with elastically supported earpiece
EP2040488B1 (en) Tool for inserting an earpiece of a hearing aid into an auditory canal
EP1874093A2 (en) Hearing aid with a fastener for a hearing tube
EP1962553A2 (en) Hearing aid with magnetically mounted battery holder
DE102010021173A1 (en) Hearing device with passive, deeply seated in the auditory canal unit
DE102006004033C5 (en) Otoplasty with sound tube attachment element
EP2003930B1 (en) Hearing aid with connecting piece attached to case frame
EP2007172B1 (en) Sound emitting pipes with 2 component design
EP1993323A1 (en) Earpiece for a hearing aid with bayonet fixing
EP2023665A1 (en) Hearing aid with adjustable sound emission device
EP2026609B1 (en) Behind-ear hearing aid with linearly pushable audio shoe and corresponding mounting method
EP2043387A1 (en) Acoustic tube for a hearing procedure
EP2416595B1 (en) Hearing aid with single section moulded housing
EP2180725B1 (en) Hearing aid with oscillation decoupled earpiece
EP1909533A2 (en) Acoustic tube and hearing device
DE102011078675B4 (en) Impression structure for a hearing device
EP2360948A2 (en) Tool for assembling and removing an earpiece of a hearing aid
EP1998593A1 (en) Eartip for a hearing aid with retaining ring
EP2360950A1 (en) Device for installing a pin in a hearing aid
DE102010018264A1 (en) Hearing aid i.e. behind-the-ear hearing aid, for use in hearing device, has arms movable into position by magnet for loosening of ear hook, where arms are not gripped in/behind undercuts and comprise L-shaped cross-section
DE102006059136B4 (en) Method for producing a hearing aid
EP2007173A2 (en) Closing element for housing openings in a tumbling process

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
PUAI Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR

AX Request for extension of the european patent

Extension state: BA ME

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 20120120

GRAP Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR1

RIC1 Information provided on ipc code assigned before grant

Ipc: H04R 25/00 20060101AFI20120223BHEP

RTI1 Title (correction)

Free format text: AUDIO SYSTEM WITH POSITIONING DEVICE

GRAS Grant fee paid

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR3

GRAA (expected) grant

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009210

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: B1

Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: GB

Ref legal event code: FG4D

Free format text: NOT ENGLISH

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: NV

Representative=s name: SIEMENS SCHWEIZ AG

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: EP

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: AT

Ref legal event code: REF

Ref document number: 573610

Country of ref document: AT

Kind code of ref document: T

Effective date: 20120915

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: IE

Ref legal event code: FG4D

Free format text: LANGUAGE OF EP DOCUMENT: GERMAN

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R096

Ref document number: 502010001189

Country of ref document: DE

Effective date: 20121018

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DK

Ref legal event code: T3

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: NL

Ref legal event code: VDEP

Effective date: 20120829

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: LT

Ref legal event code: MG4D

Effective date: 20120829

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: IS

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20121229

Ref country code: FI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20120829

Ref country code: LT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20120829

Ref country code: NO

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20121129

Ref country code: HR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20120829

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: GR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20121130

Ref country code: LV

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20120829

Ref country code: SI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20120829

Ref country code: PT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20121231

Ref country code: SE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20120829

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: CZ

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20120829

Ref country code: RO

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20120829

Ref country code: EE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20120829

Ref country code: NL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20120829

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: IT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20120829

Ref country code: PL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20120829

Ref country code: SK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20120829

BERE Be: lapsed

Owner name: SIEMENS MEDICAL INSTRUMENTS PTE. LTD.

Effective date: 20121231

PLBE No opposition filed within time limit

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009261

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: NO OPPOSITION FILED WITHIN TIME LIMIT

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: MC

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20121231

Ref country code: BG

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20121129

Ref country code: RS

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20120829

26N No opposition filed

Effective date: 20130530

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: IE

Ref legal event code: MM4A

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R097

Ref document number: 502010001189

Country of ref document: DE

Effective date: 20130530

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: BE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20121231

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: ES

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20121210

Ref country code: IE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20121202

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: AL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20120829

Ref country code: CY

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20120829

Ref country code: MT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20120829

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: TR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20120829

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: LU

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20121202

Ref country code: SM

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20120829

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: HU

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20101202

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R082

Ref document number: 502010001189

Country of ref document: DE

Representative=s name: FDST PATENTANWAELTE FREIER DOERR STAMMLER TSCH, DE

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R082

Ref document number: 502010001189

Country of ref document: DE

Representative=s name: FDST PATENTANWAELTE FREIER DOERR STAMMLER TSCH, DE

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: MK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20120829

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R082

Ref document number: 502010001189

Country of ref document: DE

Representative=s name: FDST PATENTANWAELTE FREIER DOERR STAMMLER TSCH, DE

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R081

Ref document number: 502010001189

Country of ref document: DE

Owner name: SIVANTOS PTE. LTD., SG

Free format text: FORMER OWNER: SIEMENS MEDICAL INSTRUMENTS PTE. LTD., SINGAPORE, SG

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: FR

Ref legal event code: PLFP

Year of fee payment: 6

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: FR

Ref legal event code: PLFP

Year of fee payment: 7

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: AT

Ref legal event code: MM01

Ref document number: 573610

Country of ref document: AT

Kind code of ref document: T

Effective date: 20151202

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: AT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20151202

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: FR

Ref legal event code: PLFP

Year of fee payment: 8

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: CH

Payment date: 20230103

Year of fee payment: 13

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: GB

Payment date: 20231220

Year of fee payment: 14

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: FR

Payment date: 20231220

Year of fee payment: 14

Ref country code: DK

Payment date: 20231219

Year of fee payment: 14

Ref country code: DE

Payment date: 20231214

Year of fee payment: 14