EP3249954B1 - Retaining ear tip for a standard earpiece - Google Patents

Retaining ear tip for a standard earpiece Download PDF

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Publication number
EP3249954B1
EP3249954B1 EP17167790.9A EP17167790A EP3249954B1 EP 3249954 B1 EP3249954 B1 EP 3249954B1 EP 17167790 A EP17167790 A EP 17167790A EP 3249954 B1 EP3249954 B1 EP 3249954B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
retaining cap
standard
earpiece
headpiece
ear canal
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
EP17167790.9A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
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EP3249954A1 (en
Inventor
Thomas Lotter
Erwin Singer
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
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Sivantos Pte Ltd
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Publication date
Application filed by Sivantos Pte Ltd filed Critical Sivantos Pte Ltd
Publication of EP3249954A1 publication Critical patent/EP3249954A1/en
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Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04R—LOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; DEAF-AID SETS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS
    • H04R25/00—Deaf-aid sets, i.e. electro-acoustic or electro-mechanical hearing aids; Electric tinnitus maskers providing an auditory perception
    • H04R25/65—Housing parts, e.g. shells, tips or moulds, or their manufacture
    • H04R25/652—Ear tips; Ear moulds
    • H04R25/656—Non-customized, universal ear tips, i.e. ear tips which are not specifically adapted to the size or shape of the ear or ear canal
    • 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
    • H04R2225/00—Details of deaf aids covered by H04R25/00, not provided for in any of its subgroups
    • H04R2225/021—Behind the ear [BTE] hearing aids
    • H04R2225/0213—Constructional details of earhooks, e.g. shape, material
    • 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
    • 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
    • H04R2460/09—Non-occlusive ear tips, i.e. leaving the ear canal open, for both custom and non-custom tips
    • 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
    • H04R2460/11—Aspects relating to vents, e.g. shape, orientation, acoustic properties in ear tips of hearing devices to prevent occlusion

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a holding screen according to the preamble of claim 1 for a standard earpiece that can be inserted into an ear canal in one insertion direction.
  • the invention also relates to a standard earpiece with a corresponding holding screen.
  • Hearing loss and hearing impairment affect a large number of people around the world.
  • the reduction or even the loss of one's own hearing performance has a negative effect on communication and contact with other people. Accordingly, most people who are affected by hearing loss wear hearing aids that enable their users with impaired hearing to experience largely normal acoustics.
  • BTE hearing aids (behind-the-ear, also behind-the-ear or BTE)
  • a housing with components such as a battery and the signal processing unit is worn behind the ear.
  • a flexible sound tube also known as a tube, guides the acoustic output signals of the receiver from the housing to the ear canal.
  • RIC hearing aids (Receiver-In-Canal) are BTE hearing aids with an electrical connection to a loudspeaker worn in the ear.
  • ITE hearing aids in-the-ear, also ITE or in-the-ear
  • a housing which contains all functional components including the microphone and the receiver is at least partially worn in the ear canal.
  • CIC hearing aids Completely-in-Canal
  • ITE hearing aids are similar to ITE hearing aids, but are worn entirely in the ear canal.
  • the DE 202015000840 U1 discloses a hearing aid otoplastic for an ear canal for positioning a RIC hearing system with a hollow otoplastic, a storage pocket integrated into the insulating plastic, at the end of which a constriction (clamp) for connecting Ex-listeners of different RIC hearing aids is introduced and one behind the constriction Located universal holder for manufacturer-specific click sleeves.
  • the hearing aid otoplastic allows a manufacturer-independent, i.e. universal connection option for RIC hearing aids.
  • a dome which can be reversibly, ie detachably, connected to a receiver or hearing tube of a hearing aid.
  • the dome has a wax guard that can be cleaned easily and, if possible, without detaching the dome from the receiver or the receiver tube.
  • the wax protection according to DE 10 2014 200 605 A1 is softer compared to the inner part, the inner part being designed to reversibly establish a positive connection with a correspondingly shaped adapter.
  • the cerumen protection here comprises at least one elongated protective element, with a surface projection of each protective element extending radially perpendicular to the base of the cerumen protection in relation to the centroid of the base of the cerumen protection.
  • cerumen protection from flexible, elongated elements, which can be designed as spokes or lamellas, ensures that the cerumen protection is easy to clean .;
  • the construction of the dome with a harder insert ensures a mechanically stable connection, which can nevertheless be reversibly released for maintenance or replacement purposes.
  • the US 2015 049 897 A1 discloses an eartip having a flange having an upper end and a lower end, the flange having a teardrop-shaped curved cross section extending from the upper end to the lower end.
  • the flange further comprises an inner body through which an acoustic channel or sound channel extends.
  • the flange When the earpiece is in the inserted state, the flange at least partially closes an auditory canal for ambient noise and forms at least a partial seal against air in the auditory canal.
  • the sound channel allows sound to pass into the ear canal when the inner body is connected to a sound source.
  • a holding screen according to the preamble of claim 1 is from US 2006/0291683 A1 known.
  • standardized hearing systems so-called instant-fit hearing systems
  • instant-fit hearing systems are designed to be as universal as possible and contain standard ear pieces that are dimensioned small enough to be able to be placed in the ear canal of the respective hearing aid wearer regardless of the respective anatomy.
  • standard ear pieces often do not have sufficient hold in the auditory canal, since they are not adapted to the individual ear canal or auditory canal of the hearing aid wearer. The ear pieces slip easily.
  • a first object of the invention is to provide a possibility which, when using a standard earpiece, allows optimal hearing perception and a comfortable fit of the respective hearing aid.
  • a second object of the invention is to provide a corresponding standard earpiece with improved wearing properties and improved hearing comfort.
  • the first object of the invention is achieved according to the invention by a holding screen for a standard earpiece that can be inserted into an ear canal in one direction of insertion, comprising a headpiece at the end and an adjoining wing section which is designed in such a way that the standard earpiece has at least 50 % of its length can be accommodated, the wing section being circumferentially spaced from the standard earpiece, and wherein the headpiece has a lower elasticity than the wing section, in particular the material of the headpiece has a lower elasticity than the material of the wing section.
  • the invention is based on the fact that standardized ear pieces, such as in particular CIC hearing aids, RIC hearing aids or ear pieces of a BTE hearing aid with attached elastic holding screens, so-called domes, can be used.
  • a sufficient hold in the auditory canal or in the ear canal of the respective hearing aid wearer can usually be achieved.
  • this does not improve acoustic perception.
  • both optimal wearing comfort and optimal hearing perception are desired.
  • the invention meets these requirements with a holding screen that adapts to the ear canal and at the same time ensures adequate ventilation.
  • the holding screen is designed with a head piece at the end and an adjoining wing section.
  • the standard ear piece can be received in the holding screen, in particular in the wing section of the holding screen, with at least 50% of its length, and the wing section is circumferentially spaced from the standard ear piece.
  • the holding screen is designed so long that it covers the entire length between the isthmus, the constriction in the ear trumpet, and the entrance to the ear canal when it is attached to the standard earpiece and inserted into the ear canal. In this way, the firm hold of the earpiece within the ear canal is ensured. Furthermore, the circumferential spacing between the standard earpiece and the holding screen or its wing section prevents the standard earpiece from being attached rests against the wall of the ear canal or abuts it and thus gives the hearing aid wearer an uncomfortable feeling.
  • the holding screen comprises a number of ventilation openings which penetrate the head piece essentially parallel to the direction of insertion and open into the interior of the wing section.
  • the interior space is given by the distance between the inner wall of the holding screen and the outer wall of the standard earpiece. Since the interior of the wing section is designed to be open on the outward-facing side of the holding screen - i.e. at the entrance of the ear canal - the interior represents a ventilation volume that enables the necessary ventilation and thus pressure equalization via the or each opening. An undesirable occlusion effect or locking effect is avoided.
  • the cross section of the holding screen expediently expands in the insertion direction.
  • the head piece of the holding shield facing the isthmus when the holding shield is in the inserted state (together with the standard ear piece) thus has a smaller cross section than the wing section located at the entrance to the ear canal.
  • the centers of gravity of the cross-sectional areas of the holding screen run along the insertion direction on a curved path.
  • the holding screen is thus formed with a curvature in the insertion direction.
  • the geometry of the holding shield that is to say both the widening of the holding shield and its curvature, thus follows the contour of the ear canal and allows the earpiece to be positioned securely and comfortably.
  • the earpiece can thus be used for both a left ear and a right ear.
  • the holding screen or a standard earpiece with a corresponding holding screen can preferably be positioned reproducibly within the ear canal.
  • the holding screen is preferably formed from two parts of different elasticity and thus also different flexibility.
  • the head piece has a lower elasticity than the wing section.
  • the material of the head piece compared to the material of the wing section has a lower elasticity.
  • the holding screen is preferably made of a plastic.
  • the head piece and the wing section are particularly advantageous to manufacture from the same material, but with mutually different wall thicknesses.
  • the wing section here preferably has a smaller wall thickness than the head piece.
  • a further preferred possibility consists in using the same material to manufacture the head piece and the wing section of the holding screen with different Shore hardnesses. In such a holding screen, the wing section expediently has a lower Shore hardness than the head piece.
  • the head piece is flexible or elastic enough to ensure the desired comfort for the hearing aid wearer.
  • the headpiece is sufficiently strong to give the hearing aid wearer haptic feedback when inserting the earpiece into the ear canal as to whether he has reached the intended end position - the isthmus. If this is the case, it is more difficult to push the standard earpiece with the holding shield attached from this point onwards. The hearing aid wearer can therefore assume that the earpiece is in the intended position within the ear canal.
  • the flexible, more elastic section of the holding screen that is to say the wing section, ensures the desired wearing comfort along the wall of the ear canal.
  • the length of the head piece in the insertion direction is expediently less than half the length of the wing section.
  • the holding screen can expediently be fastened to the standard earpiece via the headpiece, or it is fastened to it in the plugged-on state.
  • the head piece preferably comprises a fastening opening for a force-locking connection with the standard ear piece.
  • the fastening opening is preferably formed on the insertion-side end face of the holding screen.
  • a fastening element of the standard earpiece can be inserted into the fastening opening in order to releasably fix the two components to one another.
  • the second object of the invention is achieved according to the invention by a standard earpiece with a holding screen according to one of the embodiments described above.
  • the non-positive connection is preferably designed as a rotatable clip connection.
  • the holding shield is attached to the standard earpiece.
  • a fastening element formed on the end face of the standard earpiece preferably engages in the fastening opening of the holding screen.
  • the fastening element is preferably rotatably received in the fastening opening. Because of this rotatable design of the clip connection, the standard earpiece, together with the holding shield, is suitable for use in the ear canal of the right ear as well as in the ear canal of the left ear.
  • any earpiece that is located within the auditory canal of the hearing aid wearer in the inserted state can be used as a standard earpiece.
  • the standard earpiece is particularly preferably designed as a standard CIC hearing aid (Completely-In-Channel).
  • the housing of the hearing aid ends in the outer part of the auditory canal and is therefore hardly or not at all visible from the outside.
  • the holding screen is attached to the hearing aid as described above and equally meets the requirements for wearing comfort, secure fit and ventilation of the ear.
  • Fig. 1 shows a holding screen 1 which is placed on a standard earpiece 3 designed as an instant-fit CIC hearing aid (shown schematically).
  • the instant-fit CIC hearing aid 3 with the holding screen 1 is inserted within an ear canal 5.
  • both components are pushed together in the insertion direction 7 into the ear canal 5.
  • the holding screen 1 here covers the entire length between the isthmus 9, that is to say the constriction in the ear trumpet 11, and the entrance 13 into the ear canal 5.
  • the holding screen 1 comprises a head piece 15 at the end and a wing section 17 adjoining the head piece 15, the length of the head piece 15 in the insertion direction 7 being less than half the length of the wing section 17.
  • the head piece 15 has a lower elasticity than the wing section 17. If the Instant-Fit-CIC hearing aid 3 is inserted into the ear canal 5, when the end position is reached, i.e. when the isthmus 9 is reached, the Instant-Fit- CIC hearing aid 3 difficult. The hearing aid wearer then knows that the instant-fit CIC hearing aid 3 is positioned far enough in the ear canal 5.
  • the flexible wing section 17 ensures that the holding screen 1 adapts to the anatomy of the ear canal 5, so that the desired wearing comfort for the hearing aid wearer is achieved.
  • the holding screen 1 is attached to the instant-fit CIC hearing aid 3 via a non-positive, rotatable clip connection 19.
  • a fastening opening 21 is formed on the insertion-side end face 20 of the head piece 15, into which a fastening element 23, for example a spherical head, of the standard ear piece 3 engages.
  • the standard earpiece 3 that is to say the instant-fit CIC hearing aid, is accommodated within the holding screen 1 with 75% of its length L in the present case.
  • the wing section 17 is circumferentially spaced from the standard earpiece 3. The circumferential spacing between the instant-fit CIC hearing aid 3 and the holding screen 1 or its wing section 17 prevents the instant-fit CIC hearing aid 3 from resting on the wall of the ear canal 5 and thus preventing the Hearing aid wearer exerts uncomfortable pressure.
  • the holding screen 1 comprises several ventilation openings 25 which penetrate the head piece 15 essentially parallel to the insertion direction 7 and open into the interior space 27 of the wing section 17.
  • the interior space 27 is defined here by an annular space with the distance A between the inner wall of the holding screen 1 and the outer wall of the instant-fit CIC hearing aid 3.
  • the ventilation openings 25 are formed on the insertion-side end face 20 of the head piece 15. In combination with the interior space 27 resulting from the circumferential spacing between the standard earpiece 3 and the wing section 17 of the holding screen 1, ventilation of the ear can be made through the interior space 27 of the holding screen 1 take place. Ventilation openings in the instant-fit CIC hearing aid 3 are not necessary.
  • the cross section 29 of the holding screen 1 widens against the insertion direction 7, so the cross-sectional areas 30 become larger against the insertion direction 7.
  • the centers of gravity 31 of the cross-sectional areas of the holding screen 1 run along the insertion direction 7 on a curved path 33. This is particularly evident from the illustration of the holding screen 1 according to FIG Fig. 2 evident.
  • the curvature of the holding screen 1 can be seen here, which are drawn in by way of example for some non-marked cross-sectional areas.
  • the focal points 31 of the cross-sectional areas do not lie on a straight line. Due to the curvature, the shape of the holding screen 1 is adapted both to the shape of the ear canal and to the shape of the instant-fit CIC hearing aid 3.
  • the curvature reflects the anatomy of the ear canal 5.
  • the instant-fit CIC hearing aid 3 is shown alone Fig. 3 refer to. Its curved shape can also be seen on the basis of the illustration.
  • the front-side fastening element 23, which is used to fasten the holding screen 1, can also be seen. When the holding screen 1 is slipped on, the fastening element 23 engages in the fastening opening 21 formed on the insertion-side end face 20 of the head piece 15. In this way, the non-positive and rotatable clip connection 19 between the instant-fit CIC hearing aid 3 and the holding screen 1 is established.
  • the fastening opening 21 of the holding screen 1 is in the Fig. 4 and 5 to see clearly again.
  • Fig. 4 one of the ventilation openings 25, which penetrate the head piece 15 essentially parallel to the insertion direction 7 and open into the interior space 27 of the wing section 17, can be seen.
  • the length of the less elastic and correspondingly less flexible head piece 15 in the insertion direction 7 is less than half the length of the wing section 17.
  • Fig. 5 shows a section 35 of the holding screen 1 in a sectional illustration. This illustration shows the ventilation openings 25 as well as the fastening opening 21 on the insertion-side end face 20 of the head piece 15. The transition between the head piece 15 forming the holding screen 1 and the wing section 17 adjoining this can also be seen.

Description

Die Erfindung betrifft einen Halte-Schirm nach dem Oberbegriff des Anspruchs 1 für ein in einer Einführrichtung in einem Ohrkanal einführbares Standard-Ohrstück. Des Weiteren betrifft die Erfindung ein Standard-Ohrstück mit einem entsprechenden Halte-Schirm.The invention relates to a holding screen according to the preamble of claim 1 for a standard earpiece that can be inserted into an ear canal in one insertion direction. The invention also relates to a standard earpiece with a corresponding holding screen.

Weltweit ist eine Vielzahl von Menschen von Hörverlust und Schwerhörigkeit betroffen. Die Verringerung oder gar der Verlust der eigenen Hörleistung wirkt sich negativ auf die Kommunikation und den Kontakt zu anderen Menschen aus. Entsprechend tragen die meisten Menschen, die von Hörverlust betroffen sind, Hörhilfegeräte, die ihren Anwendern mit vermindertem Hörvermögen eine weitgehend normale akustische Wahrnehmung ermöglichen.Hearing loss and hearing impairment affect a large number of people around the world. The reduction or even the loss of one's own hearing performance has a negative effect on communication and contact with other people. Accordingly, most people who are affected by hearing loss wear hearing aids that enable their users with impaired hearing to experience largely normal acoustics.

Um den zahlreichen individuellen Bedürfnissen der Hörgeräteträger entgegenzukommen, werden unterschiedliche Bauformen von Hörgeräten angeboten. Bei BTE-Hörgeräten (Behind-the-Ear, auch Hinter-dem-Ohr bzw. HdO) wird ein Gehäuse mit Komponenten wie einer Batterie und der Signalverarbeitungseinheit hinter dem Ohr getragen. Ein flexibler, auch als Tube bezeichneter Schallschlauch leitet die akustischen Ausgabesignale des Receivers vom Gehäuse zum Gehörgang. RIC-Hörgeräte (Receiver-In-Canal) sind BTE-Hörgeräte mit einer elektrischen Verbindung zu einem im Ohr getragenen Lautsprecher. Bei den sogenannten ITE-Hörgeräten (In-the-Ear, auch IdO bzw. In-dem-Ohr) wird ein Gehäuse, welches sämtliche funktionale Komponenten einschließlich des Mikrofons und des Receivers enthält, zumindest teilweise im Gehörgang getragen. CIC-Hörgeräte (Completely-in-Canal) sind den ITE-Hörgeräten ähnlich, werden jedoch vollständig im Gehörgang getragen.In order to meet the numerous individual needs of hearing aid wearers, different types of hearing aid are available. In the case of BTE hearing aids (behind-the-ear, also behind-the-ear or BTE), a housing with components such as a battery and the signal processing unit is worn behind the ear. A flexible sound tube, also known as a tube, guides the acoustic output signals of the receiver from the housing to the ear canal. RIC hearing aids (Receiver-In-Canal) are BTE hearing aids with an electrical connection to a loudspeaker worn in the ear. In the so-called ITE hearing aids (in-the-ear, also ITE or in-the-ear), a housing which contains all functional components including the microphone and the receiver is at least partially worn in the ear canal. CIC hearing aids (Completely-in-Canal) are similar to ITE hearing aids, but are worn entirely in the ear canal.

Die DE 202015000840 U1 offenbart eine Hörgeräte-Otoplastik für einen Ohrkanal zur Positionierung eines RIC-Hörsystems mit einem Otoplastikhohlkörper, eine in die Dämmplastik integrierte Lagertasche, an deren Ende eine Engstelle (Klemmung) zur Anbindung von Ex-Hörern unterschiedlicher RIC-Hörgeräte eingebracht ist und eine hinter der Engstelle befindliche Universal-Aufnahme für herstellerspezifische Klickhülsen. Die Hörgeräte-Otoplastik erlaubt eine herstellerunabhängige, also universelle Anbindungsmöglichkeit von RIC-Hörgerät.the DE 202015000840 U1 discloses a hearing aid otoplastic for an ear canal for positioning a RIC hearing system with a hollow otoplastic, a storage pocket integrated into the insulating plastic, at the end of which a constriction (clamp) for connecting Ex-listeners of different RIC hearing aids is introduced and one behind the constriction Located universal holder for manufacturer-specific click sleeves. The hearing aid otoplastic allows a manufacturer-independent, i.e. universal connection option for RIC hearing aids.

Aus der DE 10 2014 200 605 A1 ist ein Dome bekannt, der reversibel, d.h. lösbar, mit einem Receiver oder Hörschlauch eines Hörgerätes verbunden werden kann. Der Dome weist einen Cerumenschutz auf, der leicht und möglichst ohne den Dome vom Receiver oder Hörerschlauch zu lösen gereinigt werden kann. Der Cerumenschutz gemäß der DE 10 2014 200 605 A1 ist im Vergleich zum Innenteil weicher, wobei das Innenteil dazu ausgebildet, eine formschlüssige Verbindung mit einem korrespondierend geformten Adapter reversibel herzustellen. Der Cerumenschutz umfasst hierbei mindestens ein längliches Schutzelement, wobei eine Flächenprojektion jeden Schutzelements senkrecht auf die Grundfläche des Cerumenschutzes in Bezug auf den Flächenschwerpunkt der Grundfläche des Cerumenschutzes radial verläuft. Die Gestaltung des Cerumenschutzes aus flexiblen, länglichen Elementen, die als Speichen oder Lamellen ausgeführt sein können, gewährleistet eine gute Reinigbarkeit des Cerumenschutzes.; Die Konstruktion des Domes mit einem härteren Insert gewährleistet eine mechanisch stabile Verbindung, die dennoch zu Wartungs- oder Ersatzzwecken reversibel lösbar ist.From the DE 10 2014 200 605 A1 a dome is known which can be reversibly, ie detachably, connected to a receiver or hearing tube of a hearing aid. The dome has a wax guard that can be cleaned easily and, if possible, without detaching the dome from the receiver or the receiver tube. The wax protection according to DE 10 2014 200 605 A1 is softer compared to the inner part, the inner part being designed to reversibly establish a positive connection with a correspondingly shaped adapter. The cerumen protection here comprises at least one elongated protective element, with a surface projection of each protective element extending radially perpendicular to the base of the cerumen protection in relation to the centroid of the base of the cerumen protection. The design of the cerumen protection from flexible, elongated elements, which can be designed as spokes or lamellas, ensures that the cerumen protection is easy to clean .; The construction of the dome with a harder insert ensures a mechanically stable connection, which can nevertheless be reversibly released for maintenance or replacement purposes.

Die US 2015 049 897 A1 offenbart ein Ohrstück mit einem ein oberes Ende und ein unteres Ende aufweisenden Flansch, wobei der Flansch einen vom oberen Ende zum unteren Ende verlaufenden, tränenförmig geschwungenen Querschnitt aufweist. Weiter umfasst der Flansch einen Innenkörper, durch den sich ein akustischer Kanal oder Schallkanal erstreckt. Der Flansch verschließt im eingesetzten Zustand des Ohrstückes zumindest teilweise einen Gehörgang für Umgebungsgeräusche und bildet zumindest eine teilweise Abdichtung gegen Luft in dem Gehörgang. Der Schallkanal erlaubt hierbei den Durchtritt von Schall in den Ohrkanal, wenn der Innenkörper mit einer Klangquelle verbunden ist.the US 2015 049 897 A1 discloses an eartip having a flange having an upper end and a lower end, the flange having a teardrop-shaped curved cross section extending from the upper end to the lower end. The flange further comprises an inner body through which an acoustic channel or sound channel extends. When the earpiece is in the inserted state, the flange at least partially closes an auditory canal for ambient noise and forms at least a partial seal against air in the auditory canal. The sound channel allows sound to pass into the ear canal when the inner body is connected to a sound source.

Ein Halteschirm nach dem Oberbegriff des Anspruchs 1 ist aus US 2006/0291683 A1 bekannt.A holding screen according to the preamble of claim 1 is from US 2006/0291683 A1 known.

Unabhängig von der Bauform kann auf standardisierte Hörsysteme, sogenannte Instant-fit Hörsysteme zurückgegriffen werden. Solche Instant-fit Hörsysteme sind für eine möglichst universelle Einsetzbarkeit gestaltet und beinhalten Standard-Ohrstücke, die klein genug dimensioniert sind, um unabhängig von der jeweiligen Anatomie im Ohrkanal des jeweiligen Hörgeräteträgers platziert werden zu können. Bei einem vergleichsweise großen Gehörgang des Hörgeräteträgers weisen solche Standard- Ohrstücke jedoch häufig keinen ausreichenden Halt im Gehörgang auf, da sie nicht an den individuellen Ohrkanal bzw. Gehörgang des Hörgeräteträgers angepasst sind. Die Ohrstücke verrutschen leicht.Regardless of the design, standardized hearing systems, so-called instant-fit hearing systems, can be used. Such instant-fit hearing systems are designed to be as universal as possible and contain standard ear pieces that are dimensioned small enough to be able to be placed in the ear canal of the respective hearing aid wearer regardless of the respective anatomy. In the case of a comparatively large auditory canal of the hearing aid wearer, however, such standard ear pieces often do not have sufficient hold in the auditory canal, since they are not adapted to the individual ear canal or auditory canal of the hearing aid wearer. The ear pieces slip easily.

Ist das Standard-Ohrstück zu groß, wird häufig die akustische Wahrnehmung beeinträchtigt, da hier die für einen Druckausgleich im Ohr notwendige Belüftung nicht immer sichergestellt werden kann. Durch eine entsprechend geringe Belüftung werden unangenehme Rückkopplungseffekte begünstigt (Okklusionseffekt). Zusätzlich vermitteln Standard-Hörstücke dem Hörgeräteträger aufgrund des harten Gehäusematerials häufig ein unangenehmes Tragegefühl.If the standard earpiece is too large, acoustic perception is often impaired, as the ventilation necessary for pressure equalization in the ear cannot always be ensured. A correspondingly low level of ventilation promotes unpleasant feedback effects (occlusion effect). In addition, standard audio pieces often make the hearing aid wearer uncomfortable to wear because of the hard housing material.

Trotz der verschiedenen Größen der erhältlichen Standard-Ohrstücke ist somit eine optimale Anpassung an die Anatomie des Gehörgangs eines jeweiligen Hörgeräteträgers derzeit nicht sichergestellt.Despite the different sizes of the available standard ear pieces, an optimal adaptation to the anatomy of the auditory canal of the respective hearing aid wearer is currently not ensured.

Der Erfindung liegt als eine erste Aufgabe zugrunde, eine Möglichkeit anzugeben, die bei Verwendung eines Standard-Ohrstückes eine optimale Hörwahrnehmung und einen komfortablen Sitz des jeweiligen Hörgerätes erlaubt.A first object of the invention is to provide a possibility which, when using a standard earpiece, allows optimal hearing perception and a comfortable fit of the respective hearing aid.

Als eine zweite Aufgabe liegt der Erfindung zugrunde, ein entsprechendes Standard-Ohrstück mit verbesserten Trageeigenschaften und verbessertem Hörkomfort bereitzustellen.A second object of the invention is to provide a corresponding standard earpiece with improved wearing properties and improved hearing comfort.

Die erste Aufgabe der Erfindung wird erfindungsgemäß gelöst durch einen Halte-Schirm für ein in einer Einführrichtung in einen Ohrkanal einführbares Standard-Ohrstück, umfassend ein endseitiges Kopfstück und einen daran anschließenden Flügelabschnitt, welcher derart ausgebildet ist, dass das Standard-Ohrstück darin mit wenigstens 50 % seiner Länge aufnehmbar ist, wobei der Flügelabschnitt von dem Standard-Ohrstück umlaufend beabstandet ist, und wobei das Kopfstück eine geringere Elastizität aufweist als der Flügelabschnitt, insbesondere das Material des Kopfstücks gegenüber dem Material des Flügelabschnitts eine geringere Elastizität aufweist.The first object of the invention is achieved according to the invention by a holding screen for a standard earpiece that can be inserted into an ear canal in one direction of insertion, comprising a headpiece at the end and an adjoining wing section which is designed in such a way that the standard earpiece has at least 50 % of its length can be accommodated, the wing section being circumferentially spaced from the standard earpiece, and wherein the headpiece has a lower elasticity than the wing section, in particular the material of the headpiece has a lower elasticity than the material of the wing section.

Die Erfindung basiert auf der Tatsache, dass standardisierte Ohrstücke, wie insbesondere CIC-Hörgeräte, RIC-Hörgeräte oder Ohrstücke eines BTE-Hörgerätes mit aufgesetzten elastischen Halte-Schirmen, sogenannten Domes, verwendet werden können. So kann zumeist ein ausreichender Halt im Gehörgang bzw. im Ohrkanal des jeweiligen Hörgeräteträgers erreicht werden. Die akustische Wahrnehmung wird hierdurch allerdings nicht verbessert. Gewünscht sind jedoch sowohl ein optimaler Tragekomfort als auch eine optimale Hörwahrnehmung.The invention is based on the fact that standardized ear pieces, such as in particular CIC hearing aids, RIC hearing aids or ear pieces of a BTE hearing aid with attached elastic holding screens, so-called domes, can be used. In this way, a sufficient hold in the auditory canal or in the ear canal of the respective hearing aid wearer can usually be achieved. However, this does not improve acoustic perception. However, both optimal wearing comfort and optimal hearing perception are desired.

Die Erfindung begegnet diesen Anforderungen nun durch einen Halte-Schirm, welcher sich dem Ohrkanal anpasst und gleichzeitig eine ausreichende Belüftung sicherstellt. Der Halte-Schirm ist hierzu mit einem endseitigen Kopfstück und einen daran anschließenden Flügelabschnitt ausgebildet. Das Standard-Ohrstück ist in dem Halte-Schirm, insbesondere in dem Flügelabschnitt des Halteschirms mit wenigstens 50 % seiner Länge aufnehmbar und der Flügelabschnitt ist von dem Standard-Ohrstück umlaufend beabstandet.The invention meets these requirements with a holding screen that adapts to the ear canal and at the same time ensures adequate ventilation. For this purpose, the holding screen is designed with a head piece at the end and an adjoining wing section. The standard ear piece can be received in the holding screen, in particular in the wing section of the holding screen, with at least 50% of its length, and the wing section is circumferentially spaced from the standard ear piece.

Der Halte-Schirm ist hierbei insbesondere so lang ausgebildet, dass dieser im auf das Standard-Ohrstück aufgesteckten und im in den Ohrkanal eingesetzten Zustand die komplette Länge zwischen dem Isthmus, der Engstelle in der Ohrtrompete, und dem Eingang in den Ohrkanal abdeckt. Auf diese Weise wird der feste Halt des Ohrstückes innerhalb des Ohrkanals sichergestellt. Weiter wird durch die umlaufende Beabstandung zwischen dem Standard-Ohrstück und dem Halte-Schirm bzw. dessen Flügelabschnitt verhindert, dass das Standard- Ohrstück an der Wand des Ohrkanals anliegt oder an dieser anstößt und dem Hörgeräteträger so eine unangenehmes Gefühl vermittelt.The holding screen is designed so long that it covers the entire length between the isthmus, the constriction in the ear trumpet, and the entrance to the ear canal when it is attached to the standard earpiece and inserted into the ear canal. In this way, the firm hold of the earpiece within the ear canal is ensured. Furthermore, the circumferential spacing between the standard earpiece and the holding screen or its wing section prevents the standard earpiece from being attached rests against the wall of the ear canal or abuts it and thus gives the hearing aid wearer an uncomfortable feeling.

Erfindungsgemäß umfasst der Halte-Schirm eine Anzahl von Belüftungsöffnungen, die das Kopfstück im Wesentlichen parallel zur Einführrichtung durchdringen und in den Innenraum des Flügelabschnitts münden. Der Innenraum ist im eingesetzten Zustand des Ohrstückes durch den Abstand zwischen der inneren Wandung des Halte-Schirms und der äußeren Wandung des Standard- Ohrstückes gegeben. Da der Innenraum des Flügelabschnitts an der nach außen gerichteten Seite des Halte-Schirms - also am Eingang des Ohrkanals - offen ausgebildet ist, stellt der Innenraum ein Belüftungsvolumen dar, das über die oder jede Öffnung die notwendige Belüftung und damit den Druckausgleich ermöglicht. Ein unerwünschter Okklusionseffekt bzw. Verschlusseffekt wird vermieden.According to the invention, the holding screen comprises a number of ventilation openings which penetrate the head piece essentially parallel to the direction of insertion and open into the interior of the wing section. In the inserted state of the earpiece, the interior space is given by the distance between the inner wall of the holding screen and the outer wall of the standard earpiece. Since the interior of the wing section is designed to be open on the outward-facing side of the holding screen - i.e. at the entrance of the ear canal - the interior represents a ventilation volume that enables the necessary ventilation and thus pressure equalization via the or each opening. An undesirable occlusion effect or locking effect is avoided.

Zweckmäßigerweise weitet sich der Querschnitt des Halte-Schirms in Einführrichtung auf. Das im eingesetzten Zustand des Halte-Schirms (gemeinsam mit dem Standard-Ohrstück) dem Isthmus zugewandte Kopfstück des Halte-Schirms weist somit einen kleineren Querschnitt auf, als der am Eingang des Ohrkanals befindliche Flügelabschnitt.The cross section of the holding screen expediently expands in the insertion direction. The head piece of the holding shield facing the isthmus when the holding shield is in the inserted state (together with the standard ear piece) thus has a smaller cross section than the wing section located at the entrance to the ear canal.

Besonders bevorzugt verlaufen die Schwerpunkte der Querschnittsflächen des Halte-Schirms entlang der Einführrichtung auf einer gekrümmten Bahn. Der Halte-Schirm ist also in Einführrichtung mit einer Krümmung ausgebildet. Die Geometrie des Halte-Schirms, also sowohl die Aufweitung des Halte-Schirms als auch dessen Krümmung folgt somit der Kontur des Ohrkanals und erlaubt eine sichere und komfortable Positionierung des Ohrstückes. Gleichwohl lässt sich das Ohrstück damit sowohl für ein linkes Ohr als auch für ein rechtes Ohr einsetzen.Particularly preferably, the centers of gravity of the cross-sectional areas of the holding screen run along the insertion direction on a curved path. The holding screen is thus formed with a curvature in the insertion direction. The geometry of the holding shield, that is to say both the widening of the holding shield and its curvature, thus follows the contour of the ear canal and allows the earpiece to be positioned securely and comfortably. At the same time, the earpiece can thus be used for both a left ear and a right ear.

Der Halte-Schirm bzw. ein Standard-Ohrstück mit einem entsprechenden Halte-Schirm ist vorzugsweise reproduzierbar innerhalb des Ohrkanals positionierbar. Hierzu ist der Halte-Schirm bevorzugt aus zwei Teilen verschiedener Elastizität und damit auch unterschiedlicher Flexibilität ausgebildet. Das Kopfstück weist eine geringere Elastizität auf als der Flügelabschnitt. Insbesondere weist das Material des Kopfstücks gegenüber dem Material des Flügelabschnitts eine geringere Elastizität auf. Der Halteschirm ist vorzugsweise aus einem Kunststoff gefertigt.The holding screen or a standard earpiece with a corresponding holding screen can preferably be positioned reproducibly within the ear canal. For this purpose, the holding screen is preferably formed from two parts of different elasticity and thus also different flexibility. The head piece has a lower elasticity than the wing section. In particular, the material of the head piece compared to the material of the wing section has a lower elasticity. The holding screen is preferably made of a plastic.

Um einen Halteschirm mit Abschnitten unterschiedlicher Elastizitäten zu fertigen, ist es besonders vorteilhaft, das Kopfstück und den Flügelabschnitt aus dem gleichen Material, aber mit voneinander verschiedenen Wandstärken herzustellen. Der Flügelabschnitt weist hierbei vorzugsweise eine geringere Wandstärke auf als das Kopfstück. Eine weiter bevorzugte Möglichkeit besteht darin, bei der Verwendung des gleichen Materials das Kopfstück und den Flügelabschnitt des Halteschirms mit unterschiedlichen Shore-Härten zu fertigen. Bei einem solchen Halteschirm hat der Flügelabschnitt zweckmäßigerweise eine geringere Shore-Härte, als das Kopfstück. Alternativ kann es von Vorteil sein, das Kopfstück und den Flügelabschnitt aus verschiedenen Materialien zu fertigen.In order to manufacture a holding screen with sections of different elasticities, it is particularly advantageous to manufacture the head piece and the wing section from the same material, but with mutually different wall thicknesses. The wing section here preferably has a smaller wall thickness than the head piece. A further preferred possibility consists in using the same material to manufacture the head piece and the wing section of the holding screen with different Shore hardnesses. In such a holding screen, the wing section expediently has a lower Shore hardness than the head piece. Alternatively, it can be advantageous to manufacture the head piece and the wing section from different materials.

Das Kopfstück ist hierbei einerseits flexibel bzw. elastisch genug, um den gewünschten Komfort für den Hörgeräteträger sicherzustellen. Andererseits ist das Kopfstück ausreichend fest, um dem Hörgeräteträger beim Einsetzen des Ohrstückes in den Ohrkanal ein haptisches Feedback zu geben, ob er die vorgesehene Endposition - den Isthmus - erreicht hat. Ist dies der Fall, so ist ein Weiterschieben des Standard-Ohrstücks mit dem aufgesteckten Halte-Schirm ab diesem Punkt erschwert. Der Hörgeräteträger kann also davon ausgehen, dass das Ohrstück sich in der vorgesehen Position innerhalb des Ohrkanals befindet.On the one hand, the head piece is flexible or elastic enough to ensure the desired comfort for the hearing aid wearer. On the other hand, the headpiece is sufficiently strong to give the hearing aid wearer haptic feedback when inserting the earpiece into the ear canal as to whether he has reached the intended end position - the isthmus. If this is the case, it is more difficult to push the standard earpiece with the holding shield attached from this point onwards. The hearing aid wearer can therefore assume that the earpiece is in the intended position within the ear canal.

Der flexible, elastischere Abschnitt des Halte-Schirms, also der Flügelabschnitt, gewährleistet entlang der Wandung des Ohrkanals den gewünschten Tragekomfort. Zweckmäßigerweise beträgt die Länge des Kopfstückes in Einführrichtung weniger als die Hälfte der Länge des Flügelabschnitts.The flexible, more elastic section of the holding screen, that is to say the wing section, ensures the desired wearing comfort along the wall of the ear canal. The length of the head piece in the insertion direction is expediently less than half the length of the wing section.

Der Halte-Schirm ist zweckmäßigerweise über das Kopfstück an dem Standard-Ohrstück befestigbar bzw. im aufgesteckten Zustand an diesem befestigt. Hierzu umfasst das Kopfstück vorzugsweise eine Befestigungsöffnung zu einer kraftschlüssigen Verbindung mit dem Standard-Ohrstück. Die Befestigungsöffnung ist vorzugsweise an der einführseitigen Stirnfläche des Halte-Schirms ausgebildet. In die Befestigungsöffnung kann ein Befestigungselement des Standard-Ohrstückes eingeführt werden, um beide Komponenten lösbar aneinander zu fixieren.The holding screen can expediently be fastened to the standard earpiece via the headpiece, or it is fastened to it in the plugged-on state. For this purpose, the head piece preferably comprises a fastening opening for a force-locking connection with the standard ear piece. The fastening opening is preferably formed on the insertion-side end face of the holding screen. In A fastening element of the standard earpiece can be inserted into the fastening opening in order to releasably fix the two components to one another.

Die zweite Aufgabe der Erfindung wird erfindungsgemäß gelöst durch ein Standard-Ohrstück mit einem Halte-Schirm gemäß einer der vorbeschriebenen Ausgestaltungen. Bevorzugt ist die kraftschlüssige Verbindung als eine drehbare Clipverbindung ausgebildet.The second object of the invention is achieved according to the invention by a standard earpiece with a holding screen according to one of the embodiments described above. The non-positive connection is preferably designed as a rotatable clip connection.

Der Halte-Schirm ist auf das Standard-Ohrstück aufgesteckt. Hierzu greift vorzugsweise ein an der Stirnseite des Standard-Ohrstücks ausgebildetes Befestigungselement in die Befestigungsöffnung des Halte-Schirms ein. Das Befestigungselement ist in der Befestigungsöffnung bevorzugt drehbar aufgenommen. Aufgrund dieser drehbaren Ausgestaltung der Clipverbindung ist das Standard-Ohrstück gemeinsam mit dem Halte-Schirm sowohl für den Einsatz im Ohrkanal des rechten Ohres, als auch im Ohrkanal des linken Ohres geeignet.The holding shield is attached to the standard earpiece. For this purpose, a fastening element formed on the end face of the standard earpiece preferably engages in the fastening opening of the holding screen. The fastening element is preferably rotatably received in the fastening opening. Because of this rotatable design of the clip connection, the standard earpiece, together with the holding shield, is suitable for use in the ear canal of the right ear as well as in the ear canal of the left ear.

Grundsätzlich kann als Standard-Ohrstück ganz allgemein jedes Ohrstück verwendet werden, welches sich im eingesetzten Zustand innerhalb des Gehörgangs des Hörgeräteträgers befindet. Besonders bevorzugt ist das Standard-Ohrstück als ein Standard-CIC-Hörgerät (Completely-In-Channel) ausgebildet. Das Gehäuse des Hörgerätes endet im äußeren Teil des Gehörganges und ist dadurch von außen kaum oder gar nicht sichtbar. Der Halte-Schirm ist dem Hörgerät wie vorbeschrieben aufgesetzt und erfüllt die Anforderungen an den Tragekomfort, den sicheren Sitz und die Belüftung des Ohres gleichermaßen.In principle, any earpiece that is located within the auditory canal of the hearing aid wearer in the inserted state can be used as a standard earpiece. The standard earpiece is particularly preferably designed as a standard CIC hearing aid (Completely-In-Channel). The housing of the hearing aid ends in the outer part of the auditory canal and is therefore hardly or not at all visible from the outside. The holding screen is attached to the hearing aid as described above and equally meets the requirements for wearing comfort, secure fit and ventilation of the ear.

Die zu den bevorzugten Ausgestaltungen des Halte-Schirms genannten Vorteile können sinngemäß auf entsprechende Ausgestaltungen des Standard-Ohrstückes übertragen werden.The advantages mentioned with regard to the preferred configurations of the holding screen can be applied analogously to corresponding configurations of the standard earpiece.

Im Folgenden werden Ausführungsbeispiele der Erfindung anhand einer Zeichnung näher erläutert. Dabei zeigen:

Fig. 1
ein in einem Ohrkanal eingesetztes Instant-Fit-CIC-Hörgerät mit auf-gesetztem Halte-Schirm,
Fig. 2
eine dreidimensionale Darstellung des Halte-Schirms gemäß Fig. 1,
Fig. 3
eine dreidimensionale Darstellung des Instant-Fit-CIC Hörgerätes ge-mäß Fig. 1,
Fig. 4
eine weitere dreidimensionale Darstellung des Halte-Schirms gemäß Fig. 1, sowie
Fig. 5
eine Schnittdarstellung eines Teilabschnittes des Halte-Schirms ge-mäß Fig. 1.
In the following, exemplary embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail with reference to a drawing. Show:
Fig. 1
an Instant-Fit-CIC hearing aid inserted in an ear canal with a holding screen attached,
Fig. 2
a three-dimensional representation of the holding screen according to Fig. 1 ,
Fig. 3
a three-dimensional representation of the Instant-Fit-CIC hearing aid according to Fig. 1 ,
Fig. 4
a further three-dimensional representation of the holding screen according to FIG Fig. 1 , as
Fig. 5
a sectional view of a section of the holding screen according to FIG Fig. 1 .

Fig. 1 zeigt einen Halte-Schirm 1, der einem als Instant-Fit-CIC-Hörgerät (schematisch dargestellt) ausgebildetem Standard-Ohrstück 3 aufgesetzt ist. Das Instant-Fit-CIC-Hörgerät 3 mit dem Halte-Schirm 1 ist innerhalb eines Ohrkanals 5 eingesetzt. Zum Einsetzen des Instant-Fit-CIC-Hörgerätes 3 mit aufgesetztem HalteSchirm 1 werden beide Komponenten gemeinsam in Einführrichtung 7 in den Ohrkanal 5 eingeschoben. Der Halte-Schirm 1 deckt hierbei die komplette Länge zwischen dem Isthmus 9, also der Engstelle in der Ohrtrompete 11, und dem Eingang 13 in den Ohrkanal 5 ab. Fig. 1 shows a holding screen 1 which is placed on a standard earpiece 3 designed as an instant-fit CIC hearing aid (shown schematically). The instant-fit CIC hearing aid 3 with the holding screen 1 is inserted within an ear canal 5. To insert the instant-fit CIC hearing aid 3 with the holding screen 1 attached, both components are pushed together in the insertion direction 7 into the ear canal 5. The holding screen 1 here covers the entire length between the isthmus 9, that is to say the constriction in the ear trumpet 11, and the entrance 13 into the ear canal 5.

Der Halte-Schirm 1 umfasst ein endseitiges Kopfstück 15 und einen sich an das Kopfstück 15 anschließenden Flügelabschnitt 17, wobei die Länge des Kopfstückes 15 in Einführrichtung 7 weniger als die Hälfte der Länge des Flügelabschnitts 17 beträgt.The holding screen 1 comprises a head piece 15 at the end and a wing section 17 adjoining the head piece 15, the length of the head piece 15 in the insertion direction 7 being less than half the length of the wing section 17.

Das Kopfstück 15 weist eine geringere Elastizität auf als der Flügelabschnitt 17. Wird das Instant-Fit-CIC-Hörgerät 3 in den Ohrkanal 5 eingeführt, so ist bei Erreichen der Endposition, also bei Erreichen des Isthmus 9 ein weiteres Einschieben des Instant-Fit-CIC- Hörgeräts 3 erschwert. Der Hörgeräteträger weiß dann, dass das Instant-Fit-CIC- Hörgerät 3 weit genug im Ohrkanal 5 positioniert ist.The head piece 15 has a lower elasticity than the wing section 17. If the Instant-Fit-CIC hearing aid 3 is inserted into the ear canal 5, when the end position is reached, i.e. when the isthmus 9 is reached, the Instant-Fit- CIC hearing aid 3 difficult. The hearing aid wearer then knows that the instant-fit CIC hearing aid 3 is positioned far enough in the ear canal 5.

Durch den flexiblen Flügelabschnitt 17 wird sichergestellt, dass sich der Halte-Schirm 1 der Anatomie des Ohrkanals 5 anpasst, so dass der gewünschte Tragekomfort für den Hörgeräteträger erreicht wird.The flexible wing section 17 ensures that the holding screen 1 adapts to the anatomy of the ear canal 5, so that the desired wearing comfort for the hearing aid wearer is achieved.

Der Halte-Schirm 1 ist über eine kraftschlüssige drehbare Clipverbindung 19 an dem Instant-Fit-CIC-Hörgerät 3 befestigt. Hierzu ist an der einführseitigen Stirnfläche 20 des Kopfstücks 15 eine Befestigungsöffnung 21 ausgebildet, in die ein Befestigungselement 23, wie beispielsweise ein Kugelkopf, des Standard-Ohrstücks 3 eingreift.The holding screen 1 is attached to the instant-fit CIC hearing aid 3 via a non-positive, rotatable clip connection 19. For this purpose, a fastening opening 21 is formed on the insertion-side end face 20 of the head piece 15, into which a fastening element 23, for example a spherical head, of the standard ear piece 3 engages.

Das Standard-Ohrstück 3, also das Instant-Fit-CIC-Hörgerät, ist innerhalb des Halte-Schirms 1 mit vorliegend 75 % seiner Länge L aufgenommen. Der Flügelabschnitt 17 ist hierbei von dem Standard-Ohrstück 3 umlaufend beabstandet. Durch die umlaufende Beabstandung zwischen dem Instant-Fit-CIC-Hörgerät 3 und dem Halte-Schirm 1 bzw. dessen Flügelabschnitt 17 wird verhindert, dass das Instant-Fit-CIC-Hörgerät 3 an der Wandung des Ohrkanals 5 anliegt und so einen für den Hörgeräteträger unangenehmen Druck ausübt.The standard earpiece 3, that is to say the instant-fit CIC hearing aid, is accommodated within the holding screen 1 with 75% of its length L in the present case. The wing section 17 is circumferentially spaced from the standard earpiece 3. The circumferential spacing between the instant-fit CIC hearing aid 3 and the holding screen 1 or its wing section 17 prevents the instant-fit CIC hearing aid 3 from resting on the wall of the ear canal 5 and thus preventing the Hearing aid wearer exerts uncomfortable pressure.

Um die für eine optimale Hörwahrnehmung notwendige Belüftung des Ohres bzw. den Druckausgleich sicherzustellen, umfasst der Halte-Schirm 1 mehrere Belüftungsöffnungen 25, die das Kopfstück 15 im Wesentlichen parallel zur Einführrichtung 7 durchdringen und in den Innenraum 27 des Flügelabschnitts 17 münden. Der Innenraum 27 ist hierbei durch einen Ringraum mit dem Abstand A zwischen der inneren Wandung des Halte-Schirms 1 und der äußeren Wandung des Instant-Fit-CIC-Hörgeräts 3 definiert.In order to ensure the ventilation of the ear or pressure equalization necessary for optimal hearing, the holding screen 1 comprises several ventilation openings 25 which penetrate the head piece 15 essentially parallel to the insertion direction 7 and open into the interior space 27 of the wing section 17. The interior space 27 is defined here by an annular space with the distance A between the inner wall of the holding screen 1 and the outer wall of the instant-fit CIC hearing aid 3.

Die Belüftungsöffnungen 25 sind wie auch die Befestigungsöffnung 21 an der einführseitigen Stirnfläche 20 des Kopfstücks 15 ausgebildet. In Kombination mit dem durch die umlaufende Beabstandung zwischen dem Standard-Ohrstück 3 und dem Flügelabschnitt 17 des Halte-Schirms 1 resultierenden Innenraum 27 kann eine Belüftung des Ohres durch den Innenraum 27 des Halte-Schirms 1 hindurch erfolgen. Belüftungsöffnungen in dem Instant-Fit-CIC-Hörgerät 3 sind nicht notwendig.Like the fastening opening 21, the ventilation openings 25 are formed on the insertion-side end face 20 of the head piece 15. In combination with the interior space 27 resulting from the circumferential spacing between the standard earpiece 3 and the wing section 17 of the holding screen 1, ventilation of the ear can be made through the interior space 27 of the holding screen 1 take place. Ventilation openings in the instant-fit CIC hearing aid 3 are not necessary.

Der Querschnitt 29 des Halte-Schirms 1 weitet sich entgegen der Einführrichtung 7 auf, die Querschnittsflächen 30 werden also entgegen der Einführrichtung 7 größer. Hierbei verlaufen die Schwerpunkte 31 der Querschnittsflächen des HalteSchirms 1 entlang der Einführrichtung 7 auf einer gekrümmten Bahn 33. Dies wird besonders aus der Darstellung des Halte-Schirms 1 gemäß Fig. 2 ersichtlich. Man erkennt hier die Krümmung des Halte-Schirms 1, die exemplarisch für einige nicht gekennzeichnete Querschnittsflächen eingezeichnet sind. Die Schwerpunkte 31 der Querschnittsflächen liegen nicht auf einer Geraden. Durch die Krümmung ist die Form des Halte-Schirms 1 sowohl der Form des Ohrkanals, als auch der Form des Instant-Fit-CIC-Hörgerätes 3 angepasst. Die Krümmung spiegelt die Anatomie des Ohrkanals 5 wider.The cross section 29 of the holding screen 1 widens against the insertion direction 7, so the cross-sectional areas 30 become larger against the insertion direction 7. Here, the centers of gravity 31 of the cross-sectional areas of the holding screen 1 run along the insertion direction 7 on a curved path 33. This is particularly evident from the illustration of the holding screen 1 according to FIG Fig. 2 evident. The curvature of the holding screen 1 can be seen here, which are drawn in by way of example for some non-marked cross-sectional areas. The focal points 31 of the cross-sectional areas do not lie on a straight line. Due to the curvature, the shape of the holding screen 1 is adapted both to the shape of the ear canal and to the shape of the instant-fit CIC hearing aid 3. The curvature reflects the anatomy of the ear canal 5.

Das Instant-Fit-CIC-Hörgerät 3 in alleiniger Darstellung ist Fig. 3 zu entnehmen. Anhand der Darstellung ist auch dessen gekrümmte Form zu sehen. Weiter ist das stirnseitige Befestigungselement 23 zu erkennen, welches der Befestigung des Halte-Schirms 1 dient. Das Befestigungselement 23 greift beim Aufstecken des Halte-Schirms 1 in die an der einführseitigen Stirnfläche 20 des Kopfstücks 15 ausgebildete Befestigungsöffnung 21 ein. Auf diese Weise kommt die kraftschlüssige und drehbare Clipverbindung 19 zwischen dem Instant-Fit-CIC-Hörgerät 3 und dem Halte-Schirm 1 zustande.The instant-fit CIC hearing aid 3 is shown alone Fig. 3 refer to. Its curved shape can also be seen on the basis of the illustration. The front-side fastening element 23, which is used to fasten the holding screen 1, can also be seen. When the holding screen 1 is slipped on, the fastening element 23 engages in the fastening opening 21 formed on the insertion-side end face 20 of the head piece 15. In this way, the non-positive and rotatable clip connection 19 between the instant-fit CIC hearing aid 3 and the holding screen 1 is established.

Die Befestigungsöffnung 21 des Halte-Schirms 1 ist in den Fig. 4 und 5 noch einmal deutlich zu sehen. In Fig. 4 ist eine der Belüftungsöffnungen 25, die das Kopfstück 15 im Wesentlichen parallel zur Einführrichtung 7 durchdringen und in den Innenraum 27 des Flügelabschnitts 17 münden, zu erkennen. Auch ist anhand der Darstellung gemäß Fig. 4 zu erkennen, dass die Länge des weniger elastischen und entsprechend weniger flexiblen Kopfstückes 15 in Einführrichtung 7 weniger als die Hälfte der Länge des Flügelabschnitts 17 beträgt.The fastening opening 21 of the holding screen 1 is in the Fig. 4 and 5 to see clearly again. In Fig. 4 one of the ventilation openings 25, which penetrate the head piece 15 essentially parallel to the insertion direction 7 and open into the interior space 27 of the wing section 17, can be seen. Also based on the representation according to Fig. 4 it can be seen that the length of the less elastic and correspondingly less flexible head piece 15 in the insertion direction 7 is less than half the length of the wing section 17.

Fig. 5 zeigt in einer Schnittdarstellung einen Teilabschnitt 35 des Halte-Schirms 1. Dieser Darstellung sind die Belüftungsöffnungen 25 ebenso wie die Befestigungsöffnung 21 an der einführseitigen Stirnfläche 20 des Kopfstücks 15 zu entnehmen. Weiter ist der Übergang zwischen dem den Halte-Schirm 1 bildenden Kopfstück 15 und dem sich diesem anschließenden Flügelanschnitt 17 zu erkennen. Fig. 5 shows a section 35 of the holding screen 1 in a sectional illustration. This illustration shows the ventilation openings 25 as well as the fastening opening 21 on the insertion-side end face 20 of the head piece 15. The transition between the head piece 15 forming the holding screen 1 and the wing section 17 adjoining this can also be seen.

BezugszeichenlisteList of reference symbols

11
Halte-SchirmHold umbrella
33
Standard-OhrstückStandard earpiece
55
OhrkanalEar canal
77th
EinführrichtungDirection of insertion
99
Isthmusisthmus
1111
OhrtrompeteEustachian tube
1313th
Eingangentry
1515th
KopfstückHeadjoint
1717th
FlügelabschnittWing section
1919th
ClipverbindungClip connection
2020th
StirnflächeFace
2121
BefestigungsöffnungMounting hole
2323
BefestigungselementFastener
2525th
BelüftungsöffnungVentilation opening
2727
Innenrauminner space
2929
Querschnittcross-section
3030th
QuerschnittsflächeCross sectional area
3131
Schwerpunktmain emphasis
3333
gekrümmte Bahncurved path
3535
TeilabschnittSection
LL.
Länge des Standard-OhrstückesLength of the standard earpiece
AA.
Abstanddistance

Claims (10)

  1. Retaining cap (1) for a standard earpiece (3) insertable in an insertion direction (7) into an ear canal (5), comprising an end-side headpiece (15) and a blade section (17) adjoining the headpiece (15), said blade section (17) being configured in such a way that the standard earpiece (3) can be accommodated therein with at least 50% of its length (L), wherein the blade section (17) is circumferentially spaced from the standard earpiece (3), comprising a number of ventilation openings (25), which penetrate the retaining cap (1) and open into the interior (27) of the blade section (17),
    characterized in
    that the headpiece (15) has a lower elasticity than the blade section (17), and that the or each ventilation opening (25) penetrates the headpiece (15) substantially parallel to the insertion direction (7).
  2. Retaining cap (1) according to claim 1,
    wherein the retaining cap (1) is configured to be so long that it covers the entire length between the isthmus, i.e. the constriction in the Eustachian tube, and the entrance into the ear canal when fitted onto the standard earpiece and inserted into the ear canal.
  3. Retaining cap (1) according to claim 1 or 2,
    wherein the material of the headpiece (15) has a lower elasticity compared to the material of the blade section (17).
  4. Retaining cap (1) according to one of claims 1 to 3, the cross-section (29) of which widens counter to the insertion direction (7).
  5. Retaining cap (1) according to claim 4,
    wherein the centers of gravity (31) of the cross-sectional areas (30) of the retaining cap (1) run along the insertion direction (7) on a curved path (33).
  6. Retaining cap (1) according to one of the preceding claims,
    wherein in the insertion direction (7) the length of the headpiece (15) is less than half the length of the blade section (17).
  7. Retaining cap (1) according to claim 5 or 6,
    wherein the headpiece (15) comprises a fastening opening (21) for a force-locking connection to the standard earpiece (3).
  8. Standard earpiece (3) with a retaining cap (1) according to one of claims 1 to 7.
  9. Standard earpiece (3) with a retaining cap (1) according to claim 7,
    wherein the force-locking connection is configured as a rotatable clip connection (19).
  10. Standard earpiece (3) according to claim 8 or 9, which is configured as a standard CIC hearing aid.
EP17167790.9A 2016-05-24 2017-04-24 Retaining ear tip for a standard earpiece Active EP3249954B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE102016208940.4A DE102016208940B4 (en) 2016-05-24 2016-05-24 Holding umbrella for a standard earpiece

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP3249954A1 EP3249954A1 (en) 2017-11-29
EP3249954B1 true EP3249954B1 (en) 2021-09-22

Family

ID=58671381

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP17167790.9A Active EP3249954B1 (en) 2016-05-24 2017-04-24 Retaining ear tip for a standard earpiece

Country Status (5)

Country Link
US (1) US20170347212A1 (en)
EP (1) EP3249954B1 (en)
CN (1) CN107426662A (en)
DE (1) DE102016208940B4 (en)
DK (1) DK3249954T3 (en)

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* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE102018107195B3 (en) 2018-02-05 2019-02-14 Paul Gregor Junke Universal silicone soft adapter for hearing aids
CN108430022B (en) * 2018-04-29 2020-08-28 乐清市川嘉电气科技有限公司 Medical in-the-ear hearing auxiliary equipment
DE102018209173A1 (en) * 2018-06-08 2019-12-12 Sivantos Pte. Ltd. Method for producing a component of a hearing aid
CN109769710B (en) * 2019-03-12 2021-04-13 于晓宇 Livestock electronic intelligent ear tag installation method
CN109769709B (en) * 2019-03-12 2021-08-31 于晓宇 Livestock ear tag installation guide
KR102440468B1 (en) * 2021-06-17 2022-09-06 부전전자 주식회사 Eartip having silicon foam type flange

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US20060291683A1 (en) * 1998-11-25 2006-12-28 Insound Medical, Inc. Sealing retainer for extended wear hearing devices
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ATE555616T1 (en) * 2005-03-10 2012-05-15 Widex As EARPLUGS FOR A HEARING AID
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Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
DK3249954T3 (en) 2021-12-13
DE102016208940B4 (en) 2020-01-23
US20170347212A1 (en) 2017-11-30
DE102016208940A1 (en) 2017-11-30
CN107426662A (en) 2017-12-01
EP3249954A1 (en) 2017-11-29

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