EP2782363B1 - Appareillage auditif binaural et écouteur - Google Patents

Appareillage auditif binaural et écouteur Download PDF

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Publication number
EP2782363B1
EP2782363B1 EP14155314.9A EP14155314A EP2782363B1 EP 2782363 B1 EP2782363 B1 EP 2782363B1 EP 14155314 A EP14155314 A EP 14155314A EP 2782363 B1 EP2782363 B1 EP 2782363B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
antenna
hearing instrument
hearing
auditory canal
proximal
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.)
Active
Application number
EP14155314.9A
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German (de)
English (en)
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EP2782363A1 (fr
Inventor
Peter Nikles
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Sivantos Pte Ltd
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Sivantos Pte Ltd
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Publication of EP2782363A1 publication Critical patent/EP2782363A1/fr
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    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04R—LOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; DEAF-AID SETS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS
    • H04R25/00—Deaf-aid sets, i.e. electro-acoustic or electro-mechanical hearing aids; Electric tinnitus maskers providing an auditory perception
    • H04R25/60—Mounting or interconnection of hearing aid parts, e.g. inside tips, housings or to ossicles
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01Q—ANTENNAS, i.e. RADIO AERIALS
    • H01Q1/00—Details of, or arrangements associated with, antennas
    • H01Q1/27—Adaptation for use in or on movable bodies
    • H01Q1/273—Adaptation for carrying or wearing by persons or animals
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04R—LOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; DEAF-AID SETS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS
    • H04R25/00—Deaf-aid sets, i.e. electro-acoustic or electro-mechanical hearing aids; Electric tinnitus maskers providing an auditory perception
    • H04R25/55—Deaf-aid sets, i.e. electro-acoustic or electro-mechanical hearing aids; Electric tinnitus maskers providing an auditory perception using an external connection, either wireless or wired
    • H04R25/552—Binaural
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04R—LOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; DEAF-AID SETS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS
    • H04R25/00—Deaf-aid sets, i.e. electro-acoustic or electro-mechanical hearing aids; Electric tinnitus maskers providing an auditory perception
    • H04R25/55—Deaf-aid sets, i.e. electro-acoustic or electro-mechanical hearing aids; Electric tinnitus maskers providing an auditory perception using an external connection, either wireless or wired
    • H04R25/554—Deaf-aid sets, i.e. electro-acoustic or electro-mechanical hearing aids; Electric tinnitus maskers providing an auditory perception using an external connection, either wireless or wired using a wireless connection, e.g. between microphone and amplifier or using Tcoils
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04R—LOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; DEAF-AID SETS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS
    • H04R25/00—Deaf-aid sets, i.e. electro-acoustic or electro-mechanical hearing aids; Electric tinnitus maskers providing an auditory perception
    • H04R25/65—Housing parts, e.g. shells, tips or moulds, or their manufacture
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04R—LOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; DEAF-AID SETS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS
    • H04R1/00—Details of transducers, loudspeakers or microphones
    • H04R1/10—Earpieces; Attachments therefor ; Earphones; Monophonic headphones
    • 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
    • H04R2225/00—Details of deaf aids covered by H04R25/00, not provided for in any of its subgroups
    • H04R2225/025—In the ear hearing aids [ITE] hearing aids
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04R—LOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; DEAF-AID SETS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS
    • H04R2225/00—Details of deaf aids covered by H04R25/00, not provided for in any of its subgroups
    • H04R2225/51—Aspects of antennas or their circuitry in or for 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
    • H04R2225/00—Details of deaf aids covered by H04R25/00, not provided for in any of its subgroups
    • H04R2225/57—Aspects of electrical interconnection between hearing aid parts
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04R—LOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; DEAF-AID SETS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS
    • H04R25/00—Deaf-aid sets, i.e. electro-acoustic or electro-mechanical hearing aids; Electric tinnitus maskers providing an auditory perception
    • H04R25/02—Deaf-aid sets, i.e. electro-acoustic or electro-mechanical hearing aids; Electric tinnitus maskers providing an auditory perception adapted to be supported entirely by ear
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04R—LOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; DEAF-AID SETS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS
    • H04R25/00—Deaf-aid sets, i.e. electro-acoustic or electro-mechanical hearing aids; Electric tinnitus maskers providing an auditory perception
    • H04R25/60—Mounting or interconnection of hearing aid parts, e.g. inside tips, housings or to ossicles
    • H04R25/603—Mounting or interconnection of hearing aid parts, e.g. inside tips, housings or to ossicles of mechanical or electronic switches or control elements

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a binaural hearing instrument and an earpiece for a binaural hearing instrument which enables broadband wireless data transmission to another binaural hearing instrument.
  • Hearing instruments can be designed as hearing aids, for example.
  • a hearing aid is used to supply a hearing-impaired person with acoustic ambient signals that are processed and amplified to compensate or treat the respective hearing impairment. It basically consists of one or more input transducers, a signal processing device, an amplification device, and an output transducer.
  • the input transducer is usually a sound receiver, e.g. a microphone, and / or an electromagnetic receiver, e.g. an induction coil.
  • the output transducer is usually an electroacoustic transducer, e.g. B. miniature speakers, or as an electromechanical converter, e.g. B. bone conduction receiver realized. It is also known as a listener or receiver.
  • the output transducer generates output signals which are passed to the hearing of the patient and are intended to generate an auditory perception in the patient.
  • the amplifier is usually integrated into the signal processing device.
  • the hearing aid is powered by a battery integrated in the hearing aid housing.
  • the essential components of a hearing aid are usually arranged on or connected to a printed circuit board as a circuit carrier.
  • Tinnitus maskers are used to treat tinnitus patients. They generate from the respective hearing impairment and depending on the principle of action Also, acoustic output signals that are dependent on ambient noise and that can contribute to reducing the perception of annoying tinnitus or other noises in the ear.
  • Hearing instruments can also be designed as telephones, cell phones, headsets, headphones, MP3 players or other telecommunications or entertainment electronics systems.
  • hearing instrument should be understood to mean hearing aids as well as tinnitus maskers, comparable devices of this type, as well as telecommunication and entertainment electronics systems.
  • Hearing instruments particularly hearing aids, are known in various basic types.
  • ITE hearing aids in-the-ear, also IDO or in-the-ear
  • CIC hearing aids are similar to ITE hearing aids, but are worn entirely in the ear canal.
  • a housing with components such as a battery and signal processing device is worn behind the ear and a flexible sound tube, also known as a tube, conducts the acoustic output signals of a receiver from the housing to the ear canal, where an ear piece is often provided on the tube for reliable positioning of the tube end in the ear canal.
  • RIC-BTE hearing aids (Receiver-in-Canal Behind-the-Ear) are similar to BTE hearing aids, but the receiver is worn in the ear canal and instead of a sound tube, a flexible receiver tube conducts electrical signals instead of acoustic signals to the receiver, which is located on the front of the receiver tube is attached, usually in one of the reliable positioning in the ear canal serving earpiece.
  • RIC-BTE hearing aids are often used as so-called open-fit devices, where for Reduction of the annoying occlusion effect of the ear canal for the passage of sound and air remains open.
  • Deep-Fit hearing aids are similar to CIC hearing aids. While CIC hearing aids are generally worn in a section of the external auditory canal that is further out (distal), deep-fit hearing aids are pushed further towards the eardrum (proximally) and are worn at least partially in the internal section of the external auditory canal.
  • the outer section of the ear canal is a skin-lined canal and connects the auricle to the eardrum.
  • this canal is made of elastic cartilage.
  • the canal is formed by the temporal bone and thus consists of bone.
  • the course of the auditory canal between the cartilaginous and bony sections is usually angled in a (second) kink and includes an angle that varies from person to person.
  • the bony section of the ear canal is relatively sensitive to pressure and contact.
  • Deep-Fit hearing aids are worn at least partially in the sensitive bony section of the ear canal.
  • small diameters and tortuous shapes of the ear canal can make advancement even more difficult.
  • All hearing aid types have in common that the smallest possible housing or structural shape is sought in order to increase wearing comfort, possibly to improve implantability and, if necessary, to reduce the visibility of the hearing aid for cosmetic reasons. Miniaturization is evidently of particular importance, especially in the case of CIC and Deep Fit hearing instruments.
  • Modern binaural hearing instruments exchange control data between the right and left hearing instruments via an inductive radio system.
  • the required data rates increase sharply if acoustic signals or audiological algorithms (e.g. for beamforming, side-look etc ...) are to be exchanged.
  • a higher data rate requires a larger bandwidth.
  • the bandwidth is one of the main influencing variables with regard to the sensitivity of the antenna or the transmission to interference signals.
  • the internal interference signal sources are the main problem, which is compounded when the bandwidth is increased. To put it simply, increasing the bandwidth with the same antenna and the same energy requirement would shorten the distance that can be bridged. Although the antenna could be made more efficient, this can normally only be achieved by undesirably increasing the antenna volume.
  • the antenna is typically located in the immediate vicinity of the printed circuit board and the receiver.
  • the printed circuit board with its electronic components arranged on it and the receiver emit magnetic and electrical fields that can severely impair wireless transmission.
  • the circuit board is typically encased in a shield box.
  • the listener is typically wrapped in a screen film or designed to be magnetically tight in some other way.
  • the orientation of the antenna to the receiver and to the circuit board is one of the decisive factors for the performance of the transmission system.
  • the antenna is usually attached to or in the faceplate.
  • the alignment of the antenna can be used for different faceplates of such hearing instruments be different and is determined statistically from many ear geometries.
  • the actual installation position and alignment of the antenna and deviations from the calculated optimal alignment result in large losses compared to the theoretically possible data transmission.
  • an IDO hearing instrument in which an improvement in the wireless binaural data transmission is achieved through favorable positioning of the antenna.
  • the antenna is attached to the faceplate by means of a correspondingly designed holding arm.
  • the holding arm enables a favorable installation position and orientation of the antenna.
  • FIG. 1 a CIC hearing instrument according to the prior art is shown schematically as an example.
  • the hearing instrument 1 is used in a human ear canal.
  • the relevant outer auditory canal is shown with an outer section 10 and an inner section 11.
  • the proximal section 10 of the outer auditory canal is the further inner section adjoining the eardrum 12.
  • the course of the external auditory canal has a first kink 13 and a narrower second kink 14.
  • the hearing instrument 1 is advanced to the second bend 14. It comprises a housing 2 in the distal section of which a signal processing device 3 and an antenna 4 are arranged.
  • the antenna 4 is used for wireless binaural data transmission to a hearing instrument arranged in the other auditory canal of the hearing instrument wearer (not shown in the figure).
  • the antenna 4 is oriented approximately in the direction of the other hearing instrument, not shown.
  • a receiver 5 and a sound channel 6 for conducting the output signals of the receiver 5 are arranged in the housing 2.
  • Other components are for clarity omitted for the sake of example, a power supply, electrical connections and shields to protect the antenna 4 from electromagnetic interference signals from the signal processing device 3 and the earpiece 5.
  • the housing 2 schematically has a distal section and a proximal section which merge into one another. This is indicated by a dashed line and the letters d (distal) and p (proximal).
  • Hearing instruments of a smaller design e.g. IDO, CIC, Deep Fit
  • IDO, CIC, Deep Fit have so far not normally been set up for wireless broadband binaural data exchange, since the energy requirement for data transmission would be disproportionately high in view of the interference signal problems.
  • an antenna arrangement for a hearing aid in which a coil antenna is wound onto a core, which can be made of ferrite or plastic.
  • the core has an axially continuous sound channel.
  • the antenna arrangement is arranged axially in a part of the hearing aid that is to be positioned in the auditory canal.
  • EP 1 768 450 A3 describes a hearing aid with a housing shell and a fastening means integrally connected therewith.
  • the fastening means are used to place and fasten an antenna or coil in the housing shell.
  • the object on which the invention is based is to provide a hearing instrument and an earpiece for a hearing instrument that provide wireless broadband binaural data transmission with a high bandwidth and low resource requirements and small size, which can be produced inexpensively and inexpensively.
  • the invention solves this problem with a hearing instrument and an earpiece with the features of the independent claims.
  • a basic concept of the invention consists in a hearing instrument comprising a housing, a signal processing device, an earpiece and an antenna for binaural data transmission.
  • the housing is designed such that it can be worn at least partially in an ear canal. It has a distal section in which the signal processing device and earpiece are arranged, and a proximal section which is spatially separated therefrom and which is closest to the eardrum and in which the antenna is arranged.
  • the antenna is located between the receiver and the sound outlet, therefore as far as possible proximally in the ear canal. This reduces the distance between the antennas of the two binaural hearing instruments by at least 1-2 cm compared to conventional placement. With a high data rate (large bandwidth), even the smallest shortening of the distance (e.g. 1-2 cm) results in a strong improvement in the BER (Bit Error Rate). A shortening of the distance can in turn allow a reduction in the efficiency or the volume of the antenna. It is obvious that the influences of the distance and efficiency of the antennas with regard to the possible transmission bandwidth are mutually dependent.
  • the invention advantageously ensures a defined minimum distance between the antenna and the listener and the hybrid, as a result of which electromagnetic interference on the antenna is reduced to a minimum from the outset.
  • the interference is extremely stable and therefore calculable.
  • it remains largely independent of different signal processing algorithms on the circuit board (every configuration or configuration).
  • the antenna has a bushing with a distal and a proximal opening, which is designed as a sound channel, and that the distal opening is connected to an output of the receiver.
  • the antenna has a continuous opening that serves as a sound channel.
  • the opening is advantageously located in the middle of the antenna for the purposes of a simple construction. If the antenna encloses a ferrite core or a ferrite sleeve or ferrite material in the usual design, the opening can be surrounded by ferrite in a structurally simple manner.
  • the combination of antenna and sound channel enables a particularly uncomplicated and space-saving arrangement. It is particularly advantageous that the antenna, ferrite and opening are designed to be integrated with a particularly small overall size. It has been shown in practice that the opening through the ferrite material results in only minimal losses or performance losses. This arrangement of antenna, ferrite and opening thus allows a particularly small overall size with, at the same time, particularly high performance.
  • a further advantageous development of the basic idea consists in the fact that the distal and proximal sections together form an IDO housing to be worn in the auditory canal.
  • a further advantageous development of the basic concept consists in that the distal and proximal sections are designed separately and are connected to one another by an electrical and an acoustic conductor.
  • proximal section is flexible Dome or an expansible element, by means of which the proximal section can be positioned in the ear canal.
  • the diameter and the contour of the proximal section are designed in such a way that the proximal section can be positioned in the region of the second kink or deeper (further proximally) in a human auditory canal.
  • the type of antenna and its placement make it possible to binaurally couple hearing instruments of smaller designs to be worn in the ear canal, in particular ITE, Deep Fit and CIC, with a high audio bandwidth. At the same time, a low energy requirement, lower costs and a high and stable transmission system quality are guaranteed.
  • the antenna is designed in such a way that it uses a volume in the hearing instrument that would otherwise lie idle.
  • the antenna is arranged in a volume in the hearing instrument that cannot be used for other components, for example the earpiece, specifically deep in the ear canal.
  • the volume at and after the 2nd bend of the ear canal usually remains unused because, for example, a receiver is too long to pass through the 2nd bend or to be accommodated in it.
  • the antenna can be made shorter. Therefore, it is possible to place them in the area of the second kink or deeper in the ear canal to take advantage of this volume.
  • the increased antenna volume of a more efficiently designed antenna can be at least partially compensated for.
  • the shape of the proximal section and the arrangement of the antenna in the proximal section are adapted to the auditory canal in such a way that the antenna of the hearing instrument inserted into the auditory canal is aligned with the respective other auditory canal of a wearer of the hearing instrument.
  • the orientation (alignment) of the antennas has a major influence on the possible transmission bandwidth between binaurally coupled hearing instruments.
  • the antenna is aligned in the direction of the bony area and, when the hearing instrument is properly inserted into the ear canal, is located at the 2nd bend or deeper in the ear canal, so that part or all of the antenna volume is in the bony area of the ear canal.
  • the placement of the antenna depends on the shape and / or the available volume at the 2nd bend of the ear canal.
  • the placement is determined in the Rapid Shell Manufacturing software in such a way that the hearing instrument wearer can easily insert and remove the hearing instrument. This is made possible by a deep impression of the ear canal, which includes the spatial information of the direction of the bony area.
  • the shape of the 2nd kink and the bony section of the auditory canal thus ensure a stable alignment of the antenna.
  • the alignment of the two binaural antennas to one another achieved in this way is almost optimal due to the shape of the human ear canal. Therefore, the transmission system can be calculated with very low angle losses and there are hardly any fluctuations due to individually different ear geometries.
  • an earpiece for a hearing instrument which comprises a flexible dome or an expandable element, by means of which it can be positioned in the auditory canal.
  • an antenna for binaural data transmission is arranged, which has a bushing with a distal and a proximal opening, which is designed as a sound channel. The distal opening is designed to be connected to an output of a receiver.
  • the antenna is located between the receiver and the sound outlet, i.e. as deep as possible proximally in the ear canal. This reduces the distance between the antennas of the two binaural hearing instruments by at least 1-2 cm compared to conventional placement. With a high data rate (large bandwidth), even the smallest shortening of the distance (e.g. 1-2 cm) results in a strong improvement in the BER (Bit Error Rate). A shortening of the distance can in turn allow a reduction in the efficiency or the volume of the antenna. It is obvious that the influences of the distance and efficiency of the antennas with regard to the possible transmission bandwidth are mutually dependent.
  • the antenna core has a through hole that serves as a sound channel.
  • the hole is advantageously located in the middle of the ferrite core for the purposes of a simple construction, but it can also deviate from it.
  • the combination of antenna and sound channel enables a particularly uncomplicated and space-saving arrangement.
  • the invention advantageously ensures a defined minimum distance between the antenna and the listener and the hybrid, as a result of which electromagnetic interference on the antenna is reduced to a minimum from the outset.
  • the interference is extremely stable and therefore calculable.
  • it remains largely independent of different signal processing algorithms on the circuit board (each configuration or firmware has different interference potential and interference characteristics). No shielding foils or shielding boxes have to be installed either.
  • the diameter and the contour of the earpiece are designed in such a way that it can be positioned in the area of the second kink or deeper in a human ear canal.
  • the type of antenna and its placement make it possible to binaurally couple hearing instruments of smaller designs to be worn in the ear canal, in particular ITE, Deep Fit and CIC, with a high audio bandwidth. At the same time, a low energy requirement, lower costs and a high and stable transmission system quality are guaranteed.
  • the antenna is designed in such a way that it uses a volume in the hearing instrument that would otherwise lie idle.
  • the antenna is arranged in a volume in the hearing instrument that cannot be used for other components, for example the earpiece, specifically deep in the ear canal.
  • the volume at and proximal to the second bend of the auditory canal usually remains unused because, for example, a receiver is too long to pass through the second bend or to be accommodated in it.
  • the antenna can be made shorter. It is therefore possible to place them in the area of the 2nd kink or deeper in the ear canal in order to use this volume.
  • the increased antenna volume of a more efficiently designed antenna can be at least partially compensated for.
  • the shape of the earpiece and the arrangement of the antenna in the earpiece are adapted to the auditory canal in such a way that the antenna of the earpiece inserted into the auditory canal is aligned with the respective other auditory canal of a wearer of the earpiece.
  • the orientation (alignment) of the antennas has a major influence on the possible transmission bandwidth between binaurally coupled hearing instruments.
  • the antenna is aligned according to the direction of the bony area and, when the hearing instrument is properly inserted into the ear canal, is located in the area of the second bend or deeper in the ear canal, so that part or all of the antenna volume is in the bony area of the Ear canal is located.
  • the placement of the antenna depends on the shape and / or the available volume at the 2nd bend of the ear canal and proximally from it. The placement is determined in the Rapid Shell Manufacturing software in such a way that the hearing instrument wearer can easily insert and remove the hearing instrument. This is made possible by a deep impression of the ear canal, which includes the spatial information of the direction of the bony area.
  • the shape of the 2nd kink and the bony section of the auditory canal thus ensure a stable alignment of the antenna.
  • the alignment of the two binaural antennas to one another achieved in this way is almost optimal due to the shape of the human ear canal. Therefore, the transmission system can be calculated with very low angle losses and there are hardly any fluctuations due to individually different ear geometries.
  • the invention enables a cost-saving design, since no or fewer shielding measures are necessary, no special, magnetically tight headphones are required, and since a simpler production of the hearing instrument is made possible because no special influences have to be taken into account when positioning the antenna and no special knowledge for whose assembly is required.
  • FIG 2 a CIC hearing instrument with a proximal antenna according to the invention is shown schematically.
  • the hearing instrument 21 is used in a human ear canal.
  • the relevant external auditory canal is shown with a distal section 10 and a proximal section 11.
  • the course of the external auditory canal has a first kink 13 and a narrower second kink 14.
  • the hearing instrument 21 is advanced into the area of the second bend 14 of the auditory canal. It comprises a housing 22, in the distal section of which a signal processing device 23 and a receiver 25 are arranged.
  • the receiver 25 is connected on the output side to a sound channel 26.
  • the sound channel 26 conducts the output signals of the earphone 25 in the direction of the eardrum 12. Further components, for example a power supply and electrical lines, have been omitted for the sake of clarity.
  • An antenna 24 is arranged proximally to the receiver 25.
  • the placement of the antenna 24 in the housing distal to the receiver 25 is thus omitted, so that there is more flexibility for the arrangement of the signal processing device 23, receiver 25 and other components (not shown).
  • the housing can be made smaller distal from the earphone 25, which can be seen in the figure that it has a smaller distal extension compared to the prior art presented above, ie it extends less far to the ear.
  • the antenna 24 is used for the binaural data transmission to a hearing instrument inserted into the other auditory canal of the hearing instrument wearer (not shown in the figure).
  • the antenna 24 has a distal opening 30, from which a feedthrough leads to a proximal opening 29.
  • the passage from the distal 30 to the proximal opening 29 forms a sound channel.
  • the leadthrough is thus part of the sound channel 26 and is used to guide output signals from the receiver 25 through the antenna 24.
  • the antenna 24 is arranged in the region of the second bend 14 or proximally thereof in the external auditory canal. It is shown schematically that the shape of the housing 22 in this area is adapted to the shape of the auditory canal or the course of the second kink 14 of the auditory canal. It can be seen that, due to the relatively narrow second bend 14, no elongated and large components can be arranged in this area, since they cannot pass through the second bend 14. The antenna 24, however, can be made sufficiently short to find space here.
  • the exact adaptation of the housing 22 to the area of the second bend 14 results in a spatially stable positioning and orientation of the housing 22 with respect to the second bend 14 or the bony part of the auditory canal. This also results in a stable positioning and orientation of the antenna 24 arranged in the housing 22.
  • the antenna 24 is either mounted on the housing 22 or on the hearing tube forming the sound channel 26.
  • the assembly on the hearing tube allows a simpler installation in the housing 22 because only the hearing tube preassembled with the antenna 24 needs to be pushed into the housing 22.
  • both the antenna 24 and the hearing tube would have to be installed in the housing 22 instead, which is comparatively more complex in view of the limited space available.
  • the antenna 24 could for example by one in the figure Proximal opening (not shown) can be inserted into the housing 22.
  • the antenna 24 is placed closer than any other element of the hearing instrument 21 to the eardrum 12 and thus to the opposite ear or hearing instrument (not shown). This results in a smaller distance from the eardrum 12 compared to the conventional placement of an antenna, wherein the reduction in the distance can be on the order of one to two centimeters. This reduction in the distance to the opposite ear or hearing instrument significantly benefits the quality of the binaural data transmission, in particular the bandwidth.
  • the antenna 24 is spatially separated in the housing 22 from the components further arranged therein, the spatial separation being in the area of the dashed line.
  • a minimum distance can be ensured between the antenna 24 and the further electrical components, which reduces the electrical and magnetic interference of the components on the antenna 24.
  • This placement of the antenna 24 also improves the quality of the binaural transmission system. In addition, this makes it possible to dispense with additional shielding measures for shielding the antenna 24 from interfering influences of the further electrical components or to reduce them.
  • FIG 3 a variant of a hearing instrument with a two-part housing and proximal antenna 14 is shown schematically.
  • the hearing instrument 31 has a distal housing section 38 in which a signal processing device 33 and an earpiece 35 are arranged.
  • a signal processing device 33 and an earpiece 35 are arranged.
  • further components are not shown for the sake of clarity.
  • the distal housing section 38 is connected to a proximal housing section 37 by an electrical and acoustic line 41.
  • an electrical and acoustic line 41 In the area of the proximal housing section 14, in other words in the area of the second bend 14 of the external auditory canal, there is considerably less space available. Therefore, only a minimum of electrical components of the hearing instrument 31 are arranged in the proximal housing section 37 positioned here.
  • the antenna 34 has a feedthrough with a distal opening 40 and a proximal opening 39, through which a sound channel 36 runs.
  • the sound channel 36 together with the line 41, serves to guide output signals from the listener 35 through the antenna 34 to the eardrum 12.
  • the two-part housing variant shown serves to considerably increase the distance between antenna 34 and the further electrical components which are essentially arranged in the distal housing section 38. As a result, electrical and magnetic interference from the other components on the antenna 34 are reduced to a minimum.
  • the antenna 34 is arranged as close as possible to the eardrum 12 and thus also to the opposite hearing instrument of a binaural hearing system (not shown in the figure).
  • the shortening of the distance between the two hearing instruments of the binaural hearing system benefits the bandwidth of the binaural transmission system.
  • an earpiece with balloon and proximal antenna is shown schematically.
  • An electrical line 51 is used to control a receiver 45 arranged in the earpiece 47 and the antenna 44 arranged in the earpiece 47.
  • the antenna 44 is placed proximal to the receiver 45 in the area of the second bend 14 or deeper in the external auditory canal. It is arranged in the earpiece 47 with a spatial separation from the receiver 45.
  • Output signals of the handset 45 are through a Sound channel 47 passed through antenna 44 to eardrum 12.
  • the antenna 44 has a feedthrough with a distal opening 50 and a proximal opening 49, to which the receiver 45 is connected through the sound channel 46.
  • a balloon 52 is expandable as needed to position the eartip 47 in the ear canal.
  • the balloon 52 can be compressed or deflated.
  • a pump mechanism which is not shown in the figure for the sake of clarity, is responsible for this.
  • the illustrated ear piece 47 can for example be used in a two-part housing as explained above or in a BTE hearing instrument.
  • an earpiece 57 is shown schematically.
  • An electrical and acoustic line 61 is used to supply acoustic signals generated by a receiver, not shown, as well as the supply of control signals for an antenna 54.
  • Acoustic signals are passed through a distal opening 60 and a feedthrough through the antenna to its proximal opening Opening 59 guided, and thus reach the eardrum of an auditory canal (not shown) into which the earpiece 57 can be inserted.
  • the earpiece 57 has a flexible dome 62 by means of which it can be positioned in an auditory canal. In this way, the antenna 54 can be placed at a considerable distance from other electrical components of a hearing instrument, for example a BTE hearing instrument, and as proximally as possible in the auditory canal.

Claims (5)

  1. Appareil auditif (21, 31) comprenant un boîtier (22, 37, 38), un dispositif de traitement du signal (23, 33), un récepteur (25, 35, 45) et une antenne (24, 34, 44) pour la transmission binaurale de données, le boîtier (22, 37, 38) étant conçu pour être porté au moins partiellement dans un canal auditif
    - dans lequel le boîtier (22, 37, 38) comprend une partie distale, dans laquelle sont disposés le dispositif de traitement du signal (23, 33) et le récepteur (25, 35, 45), et une partie proximale, qui en est séparée dans l'espace et qui est la plus proche du tympan (12) et dans laquelle est disposée l'antenne (24, 34, 44),
    - dans lequel le diamètre et le contour de la partie proximale sont conçus de telle sorte que la partie proximale peut être positionnée dans la région du deuxième coude (14) ou plus profondément dans un canal auditif humain,
    - dans lequel la forme de la partie proximale et la disposition de l'antenne (24, 24, 44) dans la partie proximale sont adaptées au canal auditif de telle sorte que l'antenne de l'appareil auditif (21, 31) inséré dans le canal auditif est alignée avec l'autre canal auditif respectif d'un porteur de l'appareil auditif (21, 31), et
    - dans lequel l'antenne (24, 34, 44) comprend une traversée avec une ouverture distale (30, 40, 50) et une ouverture proximale (29, 39, 49), qui est formée comme un canal sonore, tandis que l'ouverture distale (30, 40, 50) est connectée à une sortie du récepteur (25, 35, 45).
  2. Appareil auditif (21, 31) selon la revendication 1,
    caractérisé en ce
    que l'antenne (24, 34, 44) renferme un noyau ou un manchon en ferrite ou un matériau en ferrite, les ouvertures distale et proximale (29, 39, 49) étant entourées du ferrite.
  3. Appareil auditif (21, 31) selon la revendication 1 ou 2,
    caractérisé en ce
    que les parties distale et proximale forment ensemble un boîtier ITE (22) à porter dans le canal auditif.
  4. Appareil auditif (21, 31) selon la revendication 1 ou 2,
    caractérisé en ce
    que les parties distale (38) et proximale (37) sont formées séparément et sont connectées entre elles par un conducteur électrique (41) pour la commande de l'antenne (34).
  5. Appareil auditif (21, 31) selon l'une des revendications 1 à 4,
    caractérisé en ce
    que la partie proximale comprend un dôme flexible ou un élément expansible au moyen duquel la partie proximale peut être positionnée dans le canal auditif.
EP14155314.9A 2013-03-18 2014-02-17 Appareillage auditif binaural et écouteur Active EP2782363B1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE102013204681.2A DE102013204681B4 (de) 2013-03-18 2013-03-18 Binaurales Hörinstrument sowie Ohrstück

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP2782363A1 EP2782363A1 (fr) 2014-09-24
EP2782363B1 true EP2782363B1 (fr) 2021-03-31

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US (1) US9516436B2 (fr)
EP (1) EP2782363B1 (fr)
CN (1) CN104066042B (fr)
DE (1) DE102013204681B4 (fr)
DK (1) DK2782363T3 (fr)

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DE102015201945A1 (de) 2015-02-04 2016-08-04 Sivantos Pte. Ltd. Höreinrichtung zur binauralen Versorgung sowie Verfahren zum Betrieb
DK3324651T3 (en) 2015-03-13 2019-03-04 Sivantos Pte Ltd BINAURAL HEARING SYSTEM
DK3116238T3 (da) 2015-07-08 2020-03-23 Oticon As Afstandsstykke og høreanordning, som omfatter det
US10122421B2 (en) 2015-08-29 2018-11-06 Bragi GmbH Multimodal communication system using induction and radio and method
US10104464B2 (en) 2016-08-25 2018-10-16 Bragi GmbH Wireless earpiece and smart glasses system and method
US10200780B2 (en) 2016-08-29 2019-02-05 Bragi GmbH Method and apparatus for conveying battery life of wireless earpiece
US11490858B2 (en) 2016-08-31 2022-11-08 Bragi GmbH Disposable sensor array wearable device sleeve system and method
EP3334179B1 (fr) * 2016-12-12 2021-10-13 Oticon A/s Prothèse auditive avec un dôme étendu
DK3343954T3 (da) * 2016-12-29 2023-07-03 Oticon As Høreanordning indbefattende en udvendig antennedel og en indvendig antennedel
EP3454574A1 (fr) 2017-09-07 2019-03-13 Widex A/S Dispositif de type casque possédant une protection contre les décharges électrostatiques
US11418865B2 (en) * 2018-12-07 2022-08-16 Gn Hearing A/S Configurable hearing devices
US11570561B2 (en) * 2018-12-07 2023-01-31 Falcom A/S Hearing devices and methods of making the same
EP3896990A4 (fr) * 2018-12-14 2022-01-26 Sony Group Corporation Dispositif et système acoustique
CN109905798A (zh) * 2019-04-08 2019-06-18 成都必盛科技有限公司 无线耳机
EP3739905A1 (fr) * 2019-05-13 2020-11-18 Sonova AG Écouteur comportant un boîtier électronique et un récepteur ordonnes hors-axe dans le canal auditif
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Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
CN104066042A (zh) 2014-09-24
EP2782363A1 (fr) 2014-09-24
DE102013204681A1 (de) 2014-10-02
US9516436B2 (en) 2016-12-06
DE102013204681B4 (de) 2019-10-02
US20140270191A1 (en) 2014-09-18
DK2782363T3 (da) 2021-06-28
CN104066042B (zh) 2018-09-11

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