EP3399775B1 - Module for installing in a hearing aid - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a module for installation in a housing of a hearing aid device and to a hearing aid device with such a module.

People who suffer from hearing impairment usually use a hearing aid. Ambient sound is usually recorded by means of an electromechanical sound transducer. The acquired electrical signals are processed by means of an amplifier circuit and introduced into the ear canal of the person by means of a further electromechanical transducer. Different types of hearing aid devices are known. The so-called "behind-the-ear devices" are worn between the skull and the auricle. The introduction of the amplified sound signal into the auditory canal takes place here by means of a sound tube. Another common embodiment of a hearing aid device is an "in-the-ear device" in which the hearing aid device itself is inserted into the auditory canal. The auditory canal is consequently at least partially closed by means of this hearing aid device, so that apart from the sound signals generated by the hearing aid device, no further sound - or only to a greatly reduced extent - sound can penetrate into the auditory canal.

From the DE 10 2014 200 524 A1 an IDO hearing aid device with a receiver, a coil core forming a sound channel and an antenna arranged on the coil core for installation in a housing of the hearing aid device is known. In this embodiment, it is necessary that, during the assembly of the remaining components of the hearing aid device, they are individually glued to one another with a great deal of assembly effort. This can easily lead to contamination of the components by adhesive. Due to the bonding of the components service or repair of the hearing aid device is impossible. It has also been shown that the antenna can be easily damaged.

Out US 2015/0382094 A1 is a known headphone. This has a rigid housing within which a receiver is arranged. The housing is closed by means of a rigid connecting piece, by means of which a grommet is held.

In DE 10 2014 200 524 A1 an antenna device for hearing instruments is disclosed. This has a coil core and a shield.

Out US 2013/0148830 A1 a listener with a loudspeaker and an earpiece and a sound channel is known.

Recognizing these facts, the present invention is therefore based on the object of providing a particularly suitable module for a hearing aid and a particularly suitable hearing aid which in particular overcomes the disadvantages of the prior art and which can preferably be used universally for different types of hearing aid.

According to the invention, this object is achieved with regard to the module by the features of claim 1 and with regard to the hearing aid device by the features of claim 11. Advantageous further developments and refinements are the subject matter of the respective subclaims.

The first-mentioned object is achieved by a module for installation in a housing of a hearing aid, comprising a receiver having a first sound opening for emitting acoustic signals, and a sound channel for sound guidance that is aligned with the first sound opening and running in a longitudinal direction, the sound channel being a cup-shaped Holder is enclosed, and wherein the holder has a second sound opening aligned with the sound channel, the holder carrying a grommet with a mounting end and with a connector for connecting an earmold, the grommet having an in Has the longitudinal direction running channel to the sound line, which is arranged in alignment with the second sound opening of the holder.

In other words, the module has the receiver, the sound channel enclosed by the holder and the grommet for installation in the housing of the hearing aid device. Acoustic signals can be emitted in the sound channel running in the longitudinal direction through a first sound opening in the receiver. The sound channel is preferably designed in a straight line. On the side of the sound channel facing away from the receiver, a base of the cup-shaped holder delimits the sound channel in the longitudinal direction. The bottom of the cup-shaped holder is spaced from the receiver. The second sound opening is located in the bottom of the holder. The holder carries the grommet covering the second sound opening with the channel for sound conduction oriented in the longitudinal direction. The first sound opening, the sound channel, the second sound opening and the channel to the sound line are arranged in alignment with one another.

For example, the grommet is made from a metal, in particular a steel, such as stainless steel. The grommet is preferably designed to be rotationally symmetrical, in particular to the course of the sound channel. At one assembly end of the grommet, it is expediently attached to the holder. An ear mold can suitably be attached to a connection piece of the grommet. A tubular part of the ear mold can preferably be pushed over the connection piece. For example, in the assembled state, the ear mold is fastened, in particular detachable, to the connection piece.

In a preferred embodiment, the connection piece of the grommet has a spherical thickening or is formed by means of this. The spout or the connection piece is in particular a so-called ball spout.

In a particularly expedient variant that reduces the assembly effort, the sound channel is formed by means of the holder.

The holder is advantageously made from a plastic. In this way, inexpensive production methods can be used, in particular production by injection molding. For example, during assembly, the grommet is at least partially encapsulated by means of the plastic forming the holder. In other words, the holder is molded onto the grommet.

For example, the hearing aid is a headphone or comprises a headphone. However, the hearing aid is particularly preferably a hearing aid. The hearing aid is used to support a person suffering from a hearing loss. In other words, the hearing aid device is a medical device, by means of which, for example, a partial hearing loss is compensated. The hearing aid is, for example, a "receiver-in-the-canal" hearing aid (RIC; Ex-listener hearing aid), an in-the-ear hearing aid, such as an "in-the-ear" hearing aid, an "in-the -canal "hearing aid (ITC) or a" complete-in-canal "hearing aid (CIC), hearing glasses, a pocket hearing aid, a bone conduction hearing aid or an implant. The hearing aid device is particularly preferably a behind-the-ear hearing aid device that is worn behind an auricle. During operation, acoustic signals sensed by means of the receiver are expediently output and passed into the ear of the person suffering from impaired hearing by means of the sound channel. For example, the part of the housing that receives the receiver is at least partially arranged in an auditory canal of the person. Here, for example, in the intended state, the grommet is arranged deeper in the auditory canal than the receiver.

In an advantageous development, the sound channel is formed by means of a hollow cylindrical carrier. The hollow cylindrical support enables the sound to be conducted effectively from the receiver to the grommet. The carrier is suitably at least partially, in particular completely, arranged within the cup-shaped holder. For example, the bottom of the cup-shaped holder has an annular projection which points in the direction of the receiver. The carrier is suitably placed on the projection, for example positively and / or non-positively. The projection is designed in particular in the shape of a bead

In a preferred development, an acoustic seal is arranged between the holder and the carrier. The acoustic seal prevents disturbing ambient noise from being coupled into the sound channel. The seal can be formed integrally with the holder. Alternatively, the seal is a separate component. The seal is suitably formed by means of the projection, if this is present.

In a further embodiment, the holder is permanently connected to the carrier, preferably glued. This ensures that the holder and carrier remain connected to one another during assembly and use of the module in the hearing aid. If the seal is present, it is expediently formed at least partially, in particular completely, by means of the adhesive. Alternatively, the seal is at least partially formed by means of the projection, if it is present. Penetration of the adhesive into the sound channel, in particular into the interior of the carrier, is suitably prevented by means of the projection.

The mounting end of the grommet is expediently at least partially enclosed by the holder, the mounting end of the grommet in particular being notched. By partially enclosing the assembly end of the grommet, a stable connection between the holder and grommet is achieved. Unintentional sound leakage is also prevented. A change in position of the grommet with respect to the holder is excluded by means of the notch.

In a further embodiment, the receiver is designed in the shape of a cuboid. For example, the receiver is arranged across the sound channel. The receiver is also aligned transversely to the carrier, if one is available. The main extent of the receiver is perpendicular to the course of the sound channel. This means that the expansion of the receiver across the sound channel is greater than the expansion of the receiver in the direction of the sound channel. In summary, the receiver has a larger spatial extent transversely than parallel to the sound channel. The transverse alignment of the receiver results in a space-saving arrangement of the receiver and sound channel, the overall length of which is reduced by the transverse arrangement of the receiver is. In addition, there is a better use of space in the tapering part of the housing. The first sound opening in the receiver is suitably arranged essentially centrally on the side facing the holder.

A carrier plate is advantageously connected to the carrier, in particular molded onto it, on which the receiver rests and which is arranged perpendicular to the carrier. The carrier plate is predominantly flat and oriented transversely to the direction of the sound channel. The receiver is particularly easy to mount on the carrier plate. For example, the receiver is tied, in particular fastened, to the carrier.

The carrier and carrier plate are designed, for example, in one piece or as two separate components that are connected to one another. The carrier plate preferably has a further sound opening which is aligned with the sound channel. Here, the sound channel expediently extends through the carrier plate. In particular, the carrier plate serves to shield the receiver.

In a preferred development, an antenna carried by the carrier is arranged between the holder and the carrier. In particular, it is an induction antenna, preferably an antenna for data transmission between two binaural hearing aid devices. The antenna is made, for example, from enamelled enamelled wire, such as enamelled copper wire.

In a particularly advantageous development, the carrier plate and / or the carrier are formed from a ferrite material. The carrier plate formed from a ferrite material shields the receiver from the antenna or the antenna from the receiver. The carrier formed from a ferrite material acts as a coil core for the antenna.

The holder advantageously has an external thread. The external thread enables simple and reversible assembly of the module in a housing of a hearing aid. Here, the housing expediently comprises an internal thread, that corresponds to the external thread. In an alternative, the module and the housing are locked.

The second-mentioned object is achieved by a hearing aid device, in particular a CIC hearing aid device, with a housing and a module described above.

The further developments and refinements mentioned in connection with the module can also be applied to the hearing aid device and vice versa.

Fig. 1

einen Querschnitt durch ein Modul eines ersten Ausführungsbeispiels,

Fig. 2

ein Modul eines zweiten Ausführungsbeispiels in Draufsicht,

Fig. 3, 4

einen Querschnitt durch ein Hörhilfegerät, und

Fig. 5, 6

die Montage des Hörhilfegeräts.

Several exemplary embodiments are explained in more detail using the drawing and the description below. It shows:

Fig. 1

a cross section through a module of a first embodiment,

Fig. 2

a module of a second embodiment in plan view,

Fig. 3, 4

a cross section through a hearing aid, and

Fig. 5, 6

the assembly of the hearing aid.

In the figures, components that match are provided with the same reference symbols.

A first embodiment is in Fig. 1 shown schematically in a cross section through a module 10. The module 10 has a receiver 18, a cup-shaped holder 22 and a grommet 26.

In Fig. 1 the receiver 18 is shown spaced apart from the holder 22 for a better overview. When the module 10 is assembled, receiver 18 and holder 22 are connected to one another.

The receiver 18 has a first sound opening 16 through which it emits acoustic signals during operation. The first sound opening 16 is arranged essentially centrally on the side of the receiver 18 facing the holder 22. If necessary, the first sound opening 16 can also be arranged laterally offset.

The cup-shaped holder 22 encloses a sound channel 20, which is preferably cylindrical. The sound channel 20 is oriented in a longitudinal direction 21 and is closed off by a base 46 of the cup-shaped holder 22 on its side facing away from the receiver 18. The bottom 46 of the holder 22 has a second sound opening 24. The sound channel 20 preferably runs in a straight line. The cup base 46 is arranged at a distance from the receiver 18.

As an alternative to the cylindrical shape shown, the holder 22 can be tapered or have another ergonomic shape.

The holder 22 is made of a plastic. The holder 22 can be produced particularly efficiently by injection molding.

The receiver 18 is oriented transversely to the sound channel 20. The extent of the receiver 18 in the transverse direction, which is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction 21, is greater than its extent in the longitudinal direction 21. The main extent of the receiver 18 preferably extends perpendicular to the course of the sound channel 20.

If necessary, the receiver 18 can also be arranged inclined to the course of the sound channel 20, for example at an angle of 5, 10, 15 or 20 degrees.

At one assembly end 28, the grommet 26 is attached to the bottom 46 of the holder 22. The grommet 26 is made of a metallic material or a plastic. In particular, the spout is a ball spout.

In the in Fig. 1 In the example shown, a notched mounting end 28 of the grommet 26 is partially enclosed by the holder 22. The notch 50 of the assembly end 28 is U-shaped, alternatively the notch 50 can be V-shaped. The mounting end 28 is embedded in the holder 22 in such a way that the side of the mounting end 28 facing the sound channel 20 is exposed. All other sides of the mounting end 28 are covered by the material of the holder 22. In another embodiment, the mounting end 28 could be completely enclosed by the holder 22.

The mounting end 28 is preferably enclosed by injection molding. In another variant, the assembly end 28 of the grommet 28 is clicked into a recess in the holder 22.

Alternatively, the grommet 26 is fastened to the holder 22 on the side of the holder 22 facing away from the sound channel 20, for example by gluing.

In a variant not shown, the holder 22 and the grommet 26 are integrally formed.

The grommet 26 also has a connection piece 30 to which an ear mold 32 can be fastened. This in Fig. 1 The connection piece 30 shown has a spherical, outwardly projecting or bead-shaped thickening 48 which prevents the ear mold 32 from slipping off. Alternatively, the connection piece 30 can be straight, conical or wave-shaped.

The grommet 26 is designed to be rotationally symmetrical, in particular to the course of the sound channel 20, and has a channel running in the longitudinal direction 21 to the sound line 34.

The channel to the sound line 34, the second sound opening 24, the sound channel 20 and the first sound opening 16 are aligned with one another in order to enable sound to be conducted from the receiver 18 to the ear mold 32.

In Fig. 2 is a module 10 of a second embodiment in plan view and in Fig. 3 shown in a sectional view. In addition to the below Fig. 1 described Components of the first exemplary embodiment, to which reference is made, the second exemplary embodiment has a carrier plate 40 and a carrier 36. The second embodiment can further include an antenna 42 ( Fig. 3 ) include. An antenna-free variant of the exemplary embodiment is also possible. A variant not shown has no antenna 42.

The carrier 36 is a hollow cylinder which at least partially forms the sound channel 20 and which is for the most part enclosed by a cup wall 52 of the cup-shaped holder 22. The sound channel 20 thus runs in the carrier 36. The carrier 36 preferably extends as far as the base 46 of the cup-shaped holder 22, in particular the carrier 36 rests on the base 46.

An acoustic seal 38, which shields the sound channel 20 from disruptive noises, is arranged between the holder 22 and the carrier 36.

The carrier plate 40 is flat and oriented transversely to the direction of the sound channel 20. A further sound opening 54 located in the carrier plate 40 is aligned with the sound channel 20.

Carrier 36 and carrier plate 40 are designed in one piece. Alternatively, the carrier 36 and the carrier plate 40 can be divided into two parts. The carrier plate 40 is oriented perpendicular to the carrier 36.

If necessary, the carrier plate 40 can also be arranged inclined to the course of the carrier 36, for example at an angle of 5, 10, 15 or 20 degrees.

The receiver 18 is fastened to the carrier plate 40. Receiver 18 and carrier plate 40 are arranged in such a way that first sound opening 16 of receiver 18 and the further sound opening 54 of carrier plate 40 are aligned with one another and with sound channel 20 in order to enable sound conduction up to earmold 32.

The antenna 42 is a coil extending in the longitudinal direction 21 and is thus oriented transversely to the receiver 18. The antenna 42 is mounted on the lateral surface of the carrier 36 so that the antenna 42 lies between the holder 22 and the carrier 36. The cup wall 52 of the holder 22 encloses the antenna 42 for the most part. The holder 22 protects the antenna 42 from damage.

The carrier plate 40 separates the receiver 18 from the antenna 42 and shields it from the antenna 42. If the carrier plate 40 is made of a ferrite material, the shielding is particularly effective. The carrier plate 40 is arranged transversely to the antenna 42 and at a small distance from its coil core. The carrier 36 made of a ferrite material acts as a coil core for the antenna 42, the transmission and reception performance of which is thereby improved.

The holder 22 is a separate, injection-molded plastic part. Alternatively, the holder 22 and the carrier 36 are a composite part in which the holder 22 was produced by overmolding the carrier 36. Holder 22 and carrier 36 are then permanently connected to one another. If necessary, the seal 38 is integrated into the composite part. Alternatively, holder 22 and carrier 36 are connected to one another by means of gluing.

Fig. 3 and Fig. 4 show a cross section through a hearing aid device 14 with the module 10 according to FIG Fig. 2 .

The holder 22 has an external thread 44. The external thread 44 allows a simple, detachable fastening of the module 10 in a housing 12 of the hearing aid device 14.

The transverse alignment of the receiver 18 results in a space-saving arrangement of the receiver 18 and the antenna 42, so that the overall length of the module 10 in the longitudinal direction 21 is reduced. In addition, the transverse arrangement of the receiver 18 results in a better use of space in the tapering part of the housing 12. The space available in the tapering tip of the housing 12 is thus made better utilized than would be the case with a longitudinally arranged receiver 18. In the event that the sound output of the housing 12 does not follow a straight line with the sound channel 20 in the antenna 42, a bent, preformed sound tube of an ear mold 32 can be connected to the connection piece 30 of the grommet 26.

In Fig. 5 the assembly of the hearing aid device 14 is shown. For this purpose, the module 10 is inserted through a first opening 58 into a first housing part 56, which is essentially conical in shape. The module 10 is moved through the first housing part 56 until the grommet 26 and part of the holder 22 protrude through a second opening 60. In this case, it is prevented from being moved through the first housing part 56 due to a stop of the first housing part 56 against which the holder 22 rests as intended in the assembled state. The first opening 58 is closed by means of the holder 22. Subsequently, a second housing part 62 is placed on the second opening 60 and screwed or locked there with the external thread of the holder 22. As a result, the module 10 is fixed between the two housing parts 56, 62. The first opening is then made using an in Fig. 6 Cover 64 shown closed, which has an operating element for setting the hearing aid device 14.

The invention is not restricted to the exemplary embodiments described above. Rather, other variants of the invention can also be derived therefrom by the person skilled in the art without departing from the subject matter of the invention. In particular, all of the individual features described in connection with the individual exemplary embodiments can also be combined with one another in other ways without departing from the subject matter of the invention.

List of reference symbols

10

module

12th

casing

14th

Hearing aid device

16

first sound opening

18th

Receiver

20th

Sound channel

21

Longitudinal direction

22nd

holder

24

second sound opening

26th

grommet

28

End of assembly

30th

Connector

32

Eartip

34

Channel to sound conduction

36

carrier

38

poetry

40

Carrier plate

42

antenna

44

External thread

46

ground

48

spherical thickening

50

notch

52

Cup wall

54

further sound opening

56

first housing part

58

first opening

60

second opening

62

second housing part

Claims (11)

1. Module (10) for installation in a housing (12) of a hearing device (14), in particular of a hearing aid (14), said module (10) comprising a receiver (18), which has a first sound opening (16) for emitting acoustic signals, and an acoustic channel (20), which is aligned with the first sound opening (16) and extends in a longitudinal direction for conducting sound,

   - wherein the acoustic channel (20) is enclosed by a cup-shaped holder (22),

   - wherein the holder (22) has a second sound opening (24), which is aligned with the acoustic channel (20),

   - wherein the holder (22) carries a spout (26) with a mounting end (28) and with a connecting piece (30) for connecting an ear mold (32), and

   - wherein said spout (26) has a longitudinally extending sound conduction channel (34) aligned with said second sound opening (24) of said holder (22), and

   - wherein the bottom (46) of the cup-shaped holder (22) is spaced from the receiver (18).
2. Module (10) according to claim 1,
   characterized in
   that the acoustic channel (20) is formed by means of a hollow cylindrical support (36).
3. Module (10) according to claim 2,
   characterized in
   that an acoustic seal (38) is arranged between the holder (22) and the support (36).
4. Module (10) according to claim 2 or 3,
   characterized in
   that the holder (22) is non-detachably connected to the support (36), preferably glued.
5. Module (10) according to one of the preceding claims,
   characterized in
   that the mounting end (28) of the spout (26) is at least partially enclosed by the holder (22), wherein the mounting end (28) of the spout (26) is in particular notched.
6. Module (10) according to one of the preceding claims,
   characterized in
   that the receiver (18) is arranged transversely to the acoustic channel (20).
7. Module (10) according to one of the preceding claims,
   characterized in
   that a support plate (40) is connected to the support (36), in particular is integrally formed, against which the receiver (18) rests, and which is arranged perpendicular to the support (36).
8. Module (10) according to one of the preceding claims,
   characterized in
   that an antenna (42) carried by the support (36) is arranged between the holder (22) and the support (36).
9. Module (10) according to one of the preceding claims,
   characterized in
   that the support plate (40) and/or the support (36) are formed of a ferrite material.
10. Module (10) according to one of the preceding claims,
    characterized in
    that the holder (22) has an external thread (44).
11. Hearing aid device (14), in particular "complete-in-canal" hearing aid, CIC hearing aid, with a housing (12) and a module (10) according to one of the preceding claims.

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