EP3188511A1 - Hearing aid - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a hearing aid (21) having a housing (23), the housing (23) comprising a housing base body (25), and a finger-shaped extension (27) for receiving an ear mold (33), wherein the finger-shaped projection (27) starting from a housing base (29) along an insertion direction (5) of the hearing aid (21). It is provided that the length (LF) of the finger-shaped extension (27) along the insertion (5) is at least 50% of the corresponding total length (LG) of the housing 23 in this direction, and that the width (B GB) of the housing base ( 29) transversely to the insertion direction (5) is a maximum 40% corresponding maximum width (B Gmax) of the housing (23) in this direction.

Description

A hearing aid is used to supply a hearing-impaired person with acoustic ambient signals, which are processed according to a compensation of the respective hearing impairment and in particular amplified. A hearing aid for this purpose usually comprises an acousto-electric input transducer, usually in the form of a microphone, a signal processing unit with an amplifier, and an electro-acoustic output transducer. The output transducer is usually implemented as a miniature speaker and is also referred to as a handset or receiver. It generates for the hearing aid wearer the acoustic output signals.

To meet the numerous individual needs, different types of hearing aids are offered. In BTE hearing aids (behind-the-ear or behind-the-ear or HDO), a housing with components such as a battery and the signal processing unit is worn behind the ear. A flexible sound tube, also referred to as a tube, directs the receiver's acoustic output signals from the housing to the ear canal. In the case of the so-called ITE hearing aids (in-the-ear, also IDO or in-the-ear), a housing which contains all the functional components, including the microphone and the receiver, is at least partially carried in the auditory canal. Completely-in-Canal (CIC) hearing aids are similar to ITE hearing aids, but are worn fully in the ear canal.

Regardless of the design of the respective hearing aid, these are often used in combination with ear pieces, so-called earmolds.

Otoplastics are the direct connection between the hearing aid and the ear. They are either connected to the sound tube of behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aids or firmly connected to the housing of in-the-ear (IdO) hearing aids and inserted directly into the ear. Otoplastics ensure a secure hold of the hearing aids within the ear canal and / or the outer ear and can additionally favor the amplification effect by the hearing aid.

Otoplastics are manufactured as custom-made specifically for the respective hearing aid wearer. An ear impression is taken, which hardens in the ear. On the basis of the ear impression, an individual earmold can be produced for the respective hearing aid wearer.

However, earmolds can not be easily combined with all hearing aids. Difficulties arise, for example, in the case of ITE hearing systems with standard shells or standard housings (Instant Fit IdO hearing systems). Such Instant Fit IdO hearing systems are designed to be as universal as possible. In this case, the contour of the shell or the housing in a first design about the auditory canal follows. In an alternative second design, the contour does not follow a general fit of the ear canal; the housing or the shell tapers only in the area of the listener. Instant fit hearing aids are usually used with attached elastic umbrellas, so-called domes, in order to achieve a sufficient hold in the ear canal. The inclusion of an individual earmold to improve the wearing comfort is usually not possible on the housing of the first variant due to the housing contour already following the ear canal. In the second variant, the seat of the hearing aid is not optimal even with a recorded earmold.

The invention is as a first object to provide a hearing aid, which is universally applicable with an improvement in wearing comfort.

The first object of the invention is achieved by a hearing aid with a housing, the housing comprising a housing base body as well a finger-shaped projection for receiving an earmold, wherein the finger-shaped extension extends from a housing base along an insertion direction of the hearing aid, wherein the length of the finger-shaped projection along the insertion direction is at least 50% of the corresponding total length of the housing in this direction, wherein the width of Housing base transverse to the insertion direction is a maximum of 40% of the corresponding maximum width of the housing in this direction, and wherein the outer dimensions of the extension over its length are less than or equal to the width of the housing base. In other words, the finger-shaped extension extends from the housing base with a width or a diameter of a maximum of 40% of the total housing width in the insertion direction. The diameter of the extension is in this case to the top constant to the width of the housing base or preferably tapers along the insertion direction. In other words, the maximum permissible width of the housing base is at the same time the maximum permitted outer dimension of the extension.

The invention proceeds in a first step from the fact that depending on the anatomy of the auditory canal or the inner ear of a hearing aid wearer different amounts of space for positioning a hearing aid is available. This can be disadvantageous especially for people with small or narrow auditory canals. For example, it is not possible with an anatomically caused small amount of space to provide an initially described instant fit hearing system of the first construction variant with an individual earmold, which is placed on the housing. A sufficient wall thickness of the earmold can not be ensured here. In other words, the anatomical conditions of the ear or the auditory canal of a hearing aid wearer undesirably determine the selection of useful, because portable, hearing aids.

In a second step, the invention takes into account the consideration that the anatomical conditions could be counteracted by a changed geometry of the housing or the contour of the hearing aid. For this purpose, in a third step of the invention, the housing of the hearing aid, in contrast to previously common housing manufactured with an area that follows the ear canal, however provides an enlarged space for receiving an earmold in the ear canal. For this purpose, the housing of the hearing aid has an extending into the ear canal finger-shaped projection for receiving an earmold, the length relative to the insertion of the hearing aid is at least half the total length of the housing and at most 40% of the maximum width of the housing in this direction.

The finger-shaped projection which is slender in its diameter compared to a known instant-fit device up to the housing base represents the receiving region of the housing for an ear mold. This receiving region is made slimmer and longer than the receiving areas of common housings. With the specified features a total of the ear canal following contour of the housing is created with a taper in the handset side area. In the area of the listener additional and sufficient space for the recording or the arrangement of an individual earmold is created between the extension and the wall of the ear canal. Even with small or narrow auditory canals an earmold can be used, since these can be made due to the extra supply of space with a sufficient wall thickness.

The insertion direction of the hearing aid indicates the direction in which the housing of the hearing aid is inserted into the auditory canal of a hearing aid wearer. The finger-shaped extension extends in the inserted state into the auditory canal of the hearing aid wearer. Due to its comparatively small dimensions up to the housing base, the maximum width of which is 40% of the housing width, earmolds for narrow auditory canals can be accommodated. This was previously not possible or only to a limited extent. The housing itself is expediently manufactured in one piece from a plastic material.

Particularly preferably, the total length of the housing including the finger-shaped extension is in a range between 12 mm and 17 mm. As a matter of principle, the housing can therefore also be used in smaller or narrow auditory canals.

In order to ensure sufficient space for receiving an earmold piece, in particular on the side of the housing projecting into an auditory canal in the inserted state, the cross-sectional area of the finger-shaped extension perpendicular to the insertion direction preferably tapers, starting from the housing base in the insertion direction. Overall, the rejuvenation gained further space, which allows both a simplified recording of an earmold, as well as the inclusion of tight ear-pieces.

It is also advantageous if the vertical to the insertion cross-sectional area of the housing base body tapers in the insertion direction to the housing base. The cross-sectional area at the side in the inserted state of the housing in the inserted state is thus greater than the cross-sectional area at the housing base. By such a configuration, the universal applicability of a hearing aid is improved with the corresponding housing.

Appropriately, an earmold is arranged on the finger-shaped extension to increase the wearing comfort and, where appropriate, to improve the reinforcing effect of the hearing aid.

Preferably, the earmold is fixed non-positively on the finger-shaped extension. A frictional connection is solvable, the cohesion of the non-positive connection is ensured by the force acting between the connected components normal force. Due to the solvability of the connection of the earmold with the housing, it is possible to remove the earmold if necessary. This may be necessary in case of repair or cleaning.

Preferably, the earmold is received along the insertion direction with its entire length of the finger-shaped extension. The earmold thus does not protrude beyond the finger-shaped extension in the insertion direction and is preferably non-positively connected along its entire length to the finger-shaped extension. By a complete recording of the earmold by the finger-shaped projection a secure fit of the earmold is guaranteed and thus ensures a comfortable fit and a comfortable fit for the hearing aid wearer.

The housing is further suitably closed on the side remote from the finger-shaped projection with a housing cover. Thus, the hearing aid components arranged within the housing are securely held. Furthermore, in particular the electronics are protected against external influences. A return element, for example in the form of a plastic web or the like, which makes it possible to pull the hearing device out of the auditory canal, is expediently attached to the housing cover. Furthermore, control elements such as switches for adjusting the hearing device or a battery compartment are preferably accommodated in the housing cover.

Within the housing, at least one microphone, a signal processing unit connected to the or each microphone, and a loudspeaker connected to the signal processing unit are preferably arranged. By means of one or more microphones, the ambient sound is recorded and converted into an electrical signal. The electrical signal is amplified and processed in the signal processing unit. In the receiver or receiver, the amplified electrical signal is converted back into an acoustic signal and delivered to the eardrum of the hearing aid wearer.

The hearing device is preferably designed as one as an in-the-ear hearing device. The housing of the hearing aid sits in the auricle and closes the external auditory canal. If the housing, or a housing cover closing the housing visible from the outside, an adaptation of the housing or the housing cover to the skin color is appropriate for cosmetic reasons.

FIG 1

eine schematische Darstellung eines Gehäuses eines Hörgeräts gemäß dem Stand der Technik mit einem aufgesetzten Dome,

FIG 2

eine schematische Darstellung eines Gehäuses mit einem fingerförmigen Fortsatz zur Aufnahme eines Ohrpassstückes, sowie

FIG 3

eine schematische Darstellung des Gehäuses gemäß FIG 2 mit einem aufgenommenen Ohrpassstück.

In the following, embodiments of the invention will be explained in more detail with reference to a drawing. Showing:

FIG. 1

1 a schematic representation of a housing of a hearing device according to the prior art with an attached dome,

FIG. 2

a schematic representation of a housing with a finger-shaped projection for receiving an earmold, as well

FIG. 3

a schematic representation of the housing according to FIG. 2 with a recorded earmold.

In FIG. 1 1 schematically shows an ITE hearing aid 1 of the prior art with a conventional housing 3 (also called a shell). The housing 3 is made in one piece from a plastic. The outer contour of the housing 3 follows in the insertion direction 5 in approximately the contour of an ear canal and is provided on the protruding in the worn state in the ear canal side 7 with a Schirmchen, a so-called dome 9, which is attached to a mounting portion 10 on the housing 3.

The total length L _{G of} the housing 3 without dome 9 is exemplified by 13 mm. With attached dome 9, the total length L _GD, for example, 18 mm. Although it can be seen that the contour of the housing 3 tapers in the insertion direction 5. A finger-shaped extension, which extends along the insertion direction 5 of the hearing aid 1, however, does not have the housing 3. The hearing aid 1 is held and worn with the dome 9 in the ear canal.

The housing 3 essentially only provides the housing section 11 for receiving an earmold, which extends above the marked line 13. For tight ear-pieces, as required for people with narrow and narrow auditory canals, they can not be mounted on the housing portion 11. For this, the earmold would have to be made with such a small wall thickness that the durability and secure attachment of the corresponding earmold can not be guaranteed. Between the housing portion 11 and the wall of the ear canal is not enough space available.

With reference to the line 13, the length L _{GAD of} the housing section 11 extending along the insertion direction 5 away from the line 13, including the attached dome 9 by way of example, is approximately 8 mm, which corresponds to approximately 44% of the corresponding overall length L _{G of} the housing 3 in this direction ,

Without the attached dome 9, the length L _{GA of} the housing portion 11 along the insertion direction 5 is only about 3.5 mm, which corresponds to about 27% of the corresponding total length L _{G of} the housing 3 in this direction.

The maximum width B _{Gmax of} the housing 3 is transversely to the insertion direction 5, for example, 12 mm. The width B _{GB of} the housing base, ie the width along the line 13 transverse to the insertion direction 5, in the present case is for example 6 mm, which corresponds approximately to 50% of the corresponding maximum width B _{Gmax of} the housing 3 in this direction. The housing 3 is wider overall in the illustrated plane than in the plane perpendicular thereto. The width B _{GB of} the housing base on the line 13 in the drawing plane is wider than in the plane perpendicular thereto. Incidentally, this applies to everyone in the FIGS. 1 to 3 illustrated hearing aids.

In FIG. 2 is in contrast to the hearing aid 1 of the prior art after FIG. 1 for the invention, an embodiment of an ITE hearing aid 21 with a corresponding housing 23 shown. The housing 23, which is made in one piece from a plastic, comprises a housing base body 25 and a finger-shaped extension 27 for receiving an earmold. The finger-shaped extension 27 extends from a housing base 29 of the housing 23 without widening its diameter along the insertion direction 5 of the hearing aid 21. Rather, the vertical to the insertion 5 vertical cross-sectional area of the finger-shaped extension 27 tapers gradually from the housing base 29 in the insertion direction 5 until Top. In other words, the width B _{GB of} the housing base 29 is at the same time the maximum outer dimension of the extension 27.

The housing 23 has an exemplary overall length L _G of 15 mm, the length L _{F of} the finger-shaped extension 27 along the insertion direction 5 is exemplary 7.5 mm and thus is 50% of the corresponding total length L _{G of} the housing 23 in this direction. The maximum width B _{Gmax of} the housing 23 transversely to the insertion direction 5 is for example 7.6 mm, the width B _{GB of} the housing base 29 in this direction is for example about 3 mm. Thus, the width B _{GB of} the housing base 29 transverse to the insertion direction 5 is almost 40% of the corresponding maximum width B _{Gmax of} the housing 23 in this direction.

The housing 23 or the finger-shaped projection 27 of the housing 23 provides a slim and long receiving area 31 to the housing base 29, which allows attachment of a custom-made, suitable for small ear canals earmold with the housing 23 of the hearing aid 21.

The housing 23 of the hearing device 21 with a recorded earmold or with an earmold 33 is in FIG. 3 shown. The earmold 33 is pushed onto the finger-shaped extension 27, starting from the side 34 of the housing 23 projecting into the ear canal in the worn state. The earmold 33 is attached after receiving frictionally on the finger-shaped projection 27 and received with its entire length L _O of the finger-shaped extension 27. As a result, a secure fit of the earmold 33 is ensured and thus ensures a comfortable fit of the hearing aid 21.

Furthermore, the housing 23 is closed on the side remote from the finger-shaped projection 27 side 35 with a housing cover 37. Thus, the hearing aid components arranged in the housing are protected against contamination.

In the present case, a microphone 39, a signal processing unit 41 connected thereto, and a loudspeaker 43 connected to the signal processing unit 41 are arranged within the housing 23. By means of the microphone 39, the ambient sound is recorded and converted into an electrical signal. The electrical signal is amplified and processed in the signal processing unit 41. The speaker or handset 43 generated from the electrical Signal then acoustic output signals that are routed to the hearing of the hearing aid wearer and generate in this the desired auditory perception.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

hearing Aid

3

casing

5

insertion

7

page

9

Dome

10

attachment section

11

housing section

13

Line / housing base

21

hearing Aid

23

casing

25

Housing body

27

finger-shaped extension

29

housing base

31

reception area

33

Eartip

34

page

35

page

37

housing cover

39

microphone

41

Signal processing unit

43

speaker

L _G

Overall length of the housing

L _GAD

Length of the housing section with dome

L _GA

Length of the housing section without dome

L _F

Length of the finger-shaped extension

L _O

Length of the earmold

B _GB

Width of the housing base

B _Gmax

maximum width of the housing

Claims (10)

Hearing aid (21) with a housing (23), the housing (23) comprising a housing base body (25) and a finger-shaped projection (27) for receiving an earmold (33), wherein the finger-shaped projection (27) starting from a housing base ( 29) along an insertion direction (5) of the hearing aid (21), wherein the length (L _F ) of the finger-shaped extension (27) along the insertion direction (5) at least 50% of the corresponding total length (L _G ) of the housing (23) in this direction is, wherein the width (B _GB ) of the housing base (29) transversely to the insertion (5) maximum 40% corresponding maximum width (B _Gmax ) of the housing (23) in this direction, and wherein the outer dimensions of the extension (27 ) are less than or equal to the width (B _GB ) of the housing base (29) over its length (L _F ). Hearing aid (21) according to claim 1,
wherein the total length (L _G ) of the housing (23) is in a range between 12 mm and 17 mm. Hearing aid (21) according to claim 1 or 2,
wherein the vertical to the insertion (5) cross-sectional area of the finger-shaped extension (27), starting from the housing base (29) in the insertion direction (5) tapers. Hearing aid (21) according to one of the preceding claims,
wherein the vertical to the insertion (5) cross-sectional area of the housing base body (25) in the insertion direction (5) tapers to the housing base (29). Hearing aid (21) according to one of the preceding claims,
wherein on the finger-shaped projection (27) an earmold (33) is arranged. Hearing aid (21) according to claim 5,
wherein the earmold (33) is fixed non-positively on the finger-shaped projection (27). Hearing aid (21) according to claim 5 or 6,
wherein the earmold (33) along the insertion direction (5) is received with its entire length (L _O ) of the finger-shaped projection (27). Hearing aid (21) according to one of the preceding claims,
wherein the housing (23) on the finger-shaped projection (27) facing away from side (35) with a housing cover (37) is closed. Hearing aid (21) according to one of the preceding claims,
wherein within the housing (23) at least one microphone (39), a signal processing unit (41) connected to the or each microphone (39), and a loudspeaker (43) connected to the signal processing unit (41) are arranged. Hearing aid (21) according to one of the preceding claims, which is designed as a by-ear hearing aid (21).

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