EP3481084B1 - Hearing aid - Google Patents

Hearing aid Download PDF

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Publication number
EP3481084B1
EP3481084B1 EP18199446.8A EP18199446A EP3481084B1 EP 3481084 B1 EP3481084 B1 EP 3481084B1 EP 18199446 A EP18199446 A EP 18199446A EP 3481084 B1 EP3481084 B1 EP 3481084B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
sound channel
protective element
hearing aid
sound
microphone
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
EP18199446.8A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP3481084A1 (en
Inventor
Uwe Flaig
Hartmut Ritter
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Sivantos Pte Ltd
Original Assignee
Sivantos Pte Ltd
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Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Sivantos Pte Ltd filed Critical Sivantos Pte Ltd
Publication of EP3481084A1 publication Critical patent/EP3481084A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP3481084B1 publication Critical patent/EP3481084B1/en
Active legal-status Critical Current
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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
    • H04R1/00—Details of transducers, loudspeakers or microphones
    • H04R1/08—Mouthpieces; Microphones; Attachments therefor
    • H04R1/083—Special constructions of mouthpieces
    • H04R1/086—Protective screens, e.g. all weather or wind screens
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04R—LOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; DEAF-AID SETS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS
    • H04R25/00—Deaf-aid sets, i.e. electro-acoustic or electro-mechanical hearing aids; Electric tinnitus maskers providing an auditory perception
    • H04R25/02—Deaf-aid sets, i.e. electro-acoustic or electro-mechanical hearing aids; Electric tinnitus maskers providing an auditory perception adapted to be supported entirely by ear
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04R—LOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; DEAF-AID SETS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS
    • H04R25/00—Deaf-aid sets, i.e. electro-acoustic or electro-mechanical hearing aids; Electric tinnitus maskers providing an auditory perception
    • H04R25/40—Arrangements for obtaining a desired directivity characteristic
    • H04R25/402—Arrangements for obtaining a desired directivity characteristic using contructional means
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04R—LOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; DEAF-AID SETS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS
    • H04R25/00—Deaf-aid sets, i.e. electro-acoustic or electro-mechanical hearing aids; Electric tinnitus maskers providing an auditory perception
    • H04R25/60—Mounting or interconnection of hearing aid parts, e.g. inside tips, housings or to ossicles
    • H04R25/604—Mounting or interconnection of hearing aid parts, e.g. inside tips, housings or to ossicles of acoustic or vibrational transducers
    • 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
    • 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
    • H04R25/654—Ear wax retarders
    • 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
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04R—LOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; DEAF-AID SETS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS
    • H04R2460/00—Details of hearing devices, i.e. of ear- or headphones covered by H04R1/10 or H04R5/033 but not provided for in any of their subgroups, or of hearing aids covered by H04R25/00 but not provided for in any of its subgroups
    • H04R2460/17—Hearing device specific tools used for storing or handling hearing devices or parts thereof, e.g. placement in the ear, replacement of cerumen barriers, repair, cleaning hearing devices
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04R—LOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; DEAF-AID SETS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS
    • H04R25/00—Deaf-aid sets, i.e. electro-acoustic or electro-mechanical hearing aids; Electric tinnitus maskers providing an auditory perception
    • H04R25/60—Mounting or interconnection of hearing aid parts, e.g. inside tips, housings or to ossicles

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a hearing aid, in particular an in-the-ear hearing aid (IDO hearing aid), with the features of the preamble of claim 1.
  • IDO hearing aid in-the-ear hearing aid
  • Hearing aids are portable hearing devices which are generally designed to output sound.
  • sound is generally understood to mean an acoustic signal, for example music and / or speech.
  • a hearing device is generally understood to mean any device that can be worn in or on the ear and produces a sound stimulus, for example a headset, headphones and the like.
  • Hearing aids are specially designed as hearing aids.
  • Hearing aid is understood to mean a device for supplying a hearing-impaired or hearing-impaired person who wears the hearing aid particularly continuously or most of the time in order to compensate for a hearing deficit,
  • hearing aids have an input converter, an amplifier and an output converter as essential components.
  • the input transducer is usually a sound receiver, e.g. B. a microphone, and / or an electromagnetic receiver, e.g. B. an induction coil.
  • the output transducer is usually an electroacoustic transducer, e.g. B. miniature speakers, or as an electromechanical converter, e.g. B. bone conduction receiver realized.
  • the amplifier is usually integrated in a signal processing unit. This basic structure is in Fig. 1 shown using the example of a behind-the-ear hearing aid.
  • One or more microphones 2 for picking up the sound from the environment are built into a hearing aid housing 1 to be worn behind the ear.
  • a signal processing unit 3 which is also integrated in the hearing aid housing 1, processes the microphone signals and strengthen it.
  • the output signal of the signal processing unit 3 is transmitted to a loudspeaker or earpiece 4, which outputs an acoustic signal. If necessary, the sound is transmitted to the eardrum of the device wearer via a sound tube that is fixed in the auditory canal with an otoplastic.
  • the power supply of the hearing device and in particular that of the signal processing unit 3 is provided by a battery 5 also integrated in the hearing device housing 1.
  • Sound to be amplified usually reaches the microphone through one or more sound openings in the hearing aid housing.
  • unwanted foreign bodies and / or liquids such as water and / or sweat, for example, can also enter the interior of the hearing aid and in particular to the microphone through such sound openings. This can result in anything from damaging the microphone to failure of the hearing aid.
  • EP 0 310 866 A1 discloses a device for closing openings on hearing aids.
  • the openings are closed, for example, by means of caps which have a sound-permeable and moisture-repellent membrane.
  • the caps are screwed onto the opening, for example.
  • a hearing aid can be seen in which a sound-permeable barrier element for sealing a microphone opening against moisture is arranged in an opening in a housing and in front of a microphone.
  • From the EP 2 334 102 A2 shows a hearing aid in which sound openings are formed laterally next to a rocker switch in the housing, which are connected to a microphone via a channel, a protective element being arranged in front of the microphone to protect it.
  • the EP 2 360 948 A2 describes a pen-shaped tool with two opposing tool tips for mounting a receiver in an earpiece. Based on this, the invention is based on the object of specifying a hearing aid in which the openings, in particular the microphone opening, are reliably protected.
  • the object is achieved by a hearing aid having the features of claim 1.
  • Advantageous configurations, developments and variants are the subject matter of the subclaims.
  • the hearing aid has a closable housing with a wall.
  • lockable is understood to mean that the housing is in particular not formed in one piece, i.e. monolithically, but has at least two (housing) parts, with the housing being able to be opened, for example, to change the battery and / or to change defective components.
  • the wall delimits an interior space in which the individual components of the hearing aid mentioned at the beginning are preferably arranged,
  • the hearing aid thus has a microphone which is arranged in the interior space and a microphone opening in the wall.
  • the hearing aid has a protective element to protect the microphone, in particular from contamination. Such impurities often get into the interior through the microphone opening.
  • contaminants specifically include foreign bodies, e.g. Hair and / or moisture, such as water and / or sweat.
  • the housing also has a sound channel with at least one sound inlet opening.
  • the sound channel leads from the outside to the microphone, so it forms a sound connection to the microphone opening.
  • the protective element is positioned in the sound channel to protect the microphone.
  • the protective element preferably fills the sound channel.
  • the protective element is designed to be especially flexible and especially elastic. In particular, it sits in a clamping manner in the sound channel.
  • the protective element therefore has a cross-sectional area which is adapted to that of the sound channel.
  • the protective element has an outer dimension, in the case of a circular configuration, that is, a diameter which is equal to or slightly larger than an inner dimension, in particular an (inner) diameter of the sound channel.
  • the protective element is also protected from direct contact, for example contaminated fingers, and from the associated contamination. For example, if a foreign body or moisture penetrates, this or this is retained and / or absorbed by the protective element and thus the microphone is protected, which extends the functionality of the hearing aid,
  • an essential advantage of the hearing aid is also reduced, since an existing “space”, that is to say the sound channel, is used to position the protective element.
  • a separate “space” for the protective element in the interior of the housing can be dispensed with, as a result of which the structural height of the housing and thus of the entire hearing aid is reduced.
  • the protective element can be replaced reversibly.
  • the protective element is not glued in or held by mechanical fastening means.
  • the protective element is preferably located directly in the sound channel without any further means and is for example - as already mentioned - clamped in the sound channel by this. In this way, on the one hand, a renewal of a soiled protective element is implemented in a simple manner.
  • the protective element can thus be manufactured as an inexpensive service part and, in particular, long-lasting and expensive materials can be dispensed with.
  • the sound channel is expediently designed as a sound channel extending through the housing.
  • continuous is specifically understood to mean that the sound channel extends through the housing from one side to the other side of the housing, for example in the manner of a bore.
  • Each end if the sound channel has a sound inlet opening, the sound channel being delimited by the wall. Sound reaches the microphone through the sound inlet openings and the sound channel.
  • the microphone is connected to the sound channel via the microphone opening.
  • the microphone opening is oriented transversely to the sound channel, so that the protective element is positioned within the sound channel “in front of” the microphone opening in the inserted state.
  • the protective element preferably has a length which corresponds to a third of the length of the sound channel.
  • the sound inlet openings are preferably arranged on opposite side walls of the housing, one of the side walls being oriented towards the head in the worn state. I.e. When worn, the sound channel is oriented essentially perpendicular to the scalp. This prevents ingress of contaminants, e.g. Hair at least reduced.
  • the sound inlet openings at each end thus ensure, on the one hand, that the protective element can be replaced easily. On the other hand, a sufficient "sound absorption" of the microphone is ensured by means of the sound inlet openings.
  • the protective element is expediently arranged in the sound channel at a distance from the two sound inlet openings, so that contact protection, for example from the user's fingers, is guaranteed.
  • the protective element is preferably arranged in a middle third of the sound channel so that the protective element in the inserted state is positioned in the sound channel, for example, by a third of the length of the sound channel away from the sound inlet openings. This furthermore prevents soiling in particular from touching the protective element, for example by the user's fingers.
  • the protective element can be passed through the sound channel for easy replacement.
  • This exchange can thus be easy and done quickly by the user, for example by pushing out the protective element at a sound inlet opening of the sound channel by inserting a new protective element through the other sound inlet opening.
  • the housing is designed as a lockable housing.
  • the protective element can be pushed into the sound channel through one of the sound inlet openings.
  • the advantage of this configuration can be seen in the user-friendliness.
  • the closed housing prevents components of the hearing aid from being damaged and / or lost when the protective element is replaced.
  • no specialist personnel for example no acoustician, is required to replace the protective element.
  • the protective element can preferably be inserted into or removed from the sound channel for exchange by means of a tool.
  • the protective element is pushed out of the sound channel, for example by means of the tool, and then a new protective element is pushed into the sound channel by means of the tool and positioned in front of the microphone opening.
  • the protective element is designed as an in particular sound permeable membrane.
  • the protective element consists of the membrane.
  • the protective element is designed as a grid.
  • the protective element has, in particular, a shape in the manner of a cuboid or, alternatively, in the manner of a cylinder. As a result, it is very well adapted to an inner contour of the sound channel.
  • the protective element preferably has the same cross-sectional area as the sound channel.
  • the protective element preferably has a slightly larger outer dimension, especially a diameter, than the inner dimension of the sound channel.
  • a slightly larger outer dimension is understood here in particular to mean that the outer dimension is 10% to 20% or, for example, a value in the range from 0.5 mm to 1.5 mm greater than the inner dimension of the sound channel.
  • the protective element is preferably self-locking due to its elastic property. In particular, no further means are provided by means of which the clamping of the protective element in the sound channel is ensured.
  • the protective element has a hydrophobic and / or oleophobic material.
  • the protective element is formed from such a material.
  • the protective element is designed to be water- and / or oil-repellent and successfully prevents moisture and / or sweat from penetrating into the housing.
  • the wall has an inner wall area and an outer wall area, between which the sound channel is formed. I.e. the sound channel is limited by the inner wall area and the outer wall area.
  • the inner wall separates the part of the interior space in which the components of the hearing aid and in particular the microphone are arranged from the sound channel.
  • the outer wall forms the "second boundary" of the sound channel.
  • the inner wall also has a hole in the manner of a bore which forms the microphone opening.
  • a sealing element is preferably arranged between the inner wall and the microphone. The sealing element is preferably used to further seal the microphone against sound from the interior.
  • the sealing element is preferably free of the protective element.
  • the sealing element and the protective element are two separate components of the hearing aid and thus an expensive and complicated sealing element, in which, for example, the protective element is integrated, can be dispensed with.
  • this further reduces the overall height of the housing, since a sealing element with an integrated protective element has a greater overall height than the present sealing element without an integrated protective element.
  • the hearing aid expediently has a tool as an accessory.
  • the tool has a handle part and at least one tool tip.
  • the handle part is used to hold the tool by the user when replacing the protective element.
  • the tool tip is used to guide the protective element when Positioning in and within the sound channel.
  • the at least one tool tip is designed in the shape of a pin and can be pushed into the sound channel, in particular for positioning the protective element.
  • pen-shaped is understood to mean that the tool tip preferably has a diameter that is 10 times smaller than the handle part.
  • the tool tip has the same diameter as the sound channel, apart from minor tolerances due to the manufacturing process. As a result, the tool, in particular the tool tip, can easily be pushed into the sound channel.
  • the tool has two tool tips each with different lengths.
  • This development is based on the idea that the protective element can be pushed out of the sound channel by means of the first - longer - tool tip and a new protective element can be pushed into the sound channel by means of the second - shorter - tool tip.
  • An essential aspect here is to be seen in the fact that the first - longer - tool tip preferably has at least a length that corresponds to two-thirds of the length of the sound channel. This ensures that the protective element is pushed out of a sound outlet opening when the user inserts the first tool tip into the other sound inlet opening.
  • the second - shorter - tool tip preferably has a maximum length that is one third of the length of the sound channel.
  • the hearing aid is designed as a behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aid.
  • BTE behind-the-ear
  • the hearing aid 6 shown has all the components 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 necessary for functionality according to the one in FIG Fig. 1 hearing aid 6 shown.
  • the hearing aid according to Fig. 2 is designed as a behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aid.
  • the hearing aid housing 1, called housing 1 for short has a sound channel 8 which, in the exemplary embodiment, extends through the housing 1 and has a sound inlet opening 12 at each end.
  • the sound channel 8 is delimited by an outer wall area 12 and an inner wall area 14 of the housing 1.
  • the sound channel 8 is arranged in such a way that, when the hearing aid 6 is worn, it extends through the housing 1, oriented essentially perpendicularly to the scalp 15 of the user.
  • a sound inlet opening 10 is thus arranged on the side of the housing 1. This prevents, in particular, the hair of a user from simply getting into the sound channel 8 and thus impairing the functionality of the hearing aid 6.
  • the hearing aid 6, in particular the housing 1, has an interior 16 (cf. Fig. 3 ), in which the components of the hearing aid 2, 3, 4, 5 are arranged in the exemplary embodiment and which is delimited by a wall 11.
  • the interior 16 is delimited from the sound channel 8 by the inner wall area 14.
  • a microphone 2 is arranged in the interior 16 in such a way that it passes through a microphone opening 18 (cf. Fig. 3 ) (preferably in the manner of a bore) into the inner wall area 14, with which the sound channel 8 is connected for receiving sound.
  • the microphone 2 is arranged and oriented in the interior space 16 such that sound reaches the microphone 2 through the sound channel 8 and the microphone opening 18.
  • a protective element 20 is positioned in the sound channel 8.
  • the protective element 20 serves to protect the microphone 2 from foreign bodies and contamination, such as moisture.
  • the protective element 20 is in the inserted state (cf. Fig. 3 ) positioned in the sound channel 8 in such a way that it closes the microphone opening 18 and thus prevents the ingress of foreign bodies or contaminants already mentioned.
  • the protective element 20 is designed as a membrane or, alternatively, as a grid, which has a hydrophobic and / or oleophobic material or consists of such a material.
  • a design of the protective element 20 as a grid is based on the idea that the protective element 20 thus has a strength that is "firm” enough to push the protective element 20 into and out of the sound channel 8, but “soft” enough and thus permeable is enough to let sound through to microphone 2.
  • the protective element 20 is adapted to the inner contour of the sound channel 8 and has the same cross-sectional contour in order, on the one hand, to have a high degree of accuracy of fit in the sound channel 8 and, on the other hand, to have an easy-to-manufacture shape that favors production, in particular as a service part.
  • the protective element 20 is, for example, cylindrical or else cuboid. It preferably has a length in the direction of the sound channel 8 which is greater than the microphone opening, for example by at least a factor of 2 or at least a factor of 3.
  • the longitudinal direction of the sound channel 8 and thus that of the protective element 20 is preferably oriented perpendicular to a surface normal to the microphone opening 18.
  • the protective element 20 is oriented generally transversely to the microphone opening 18.
  • the protective element 20 has the same diameter D as the sound channel 8 apart from a few tolerances, for example manufacturing-related tolerances.
  • a sealing element 22 is arranged between the inner wall area 14, specifically between the microphone opening 18 and the microphone 2.
  • the sealing element 22 serves to additionally seal the microphone opening 18 against sound from the interior 16.
  • Fig. 4 shows a tool 24 inserted into the sound channel 8, in particular a first tool tip 26 of the tool 24 inserted into the sound channel 8.
  • the tool 24 is used to replace the protective element 20 from the sound channel 8 introduced into the sound channel 8, so that it “pushes out” the protective element 20 through the opposite sound inlet opening 10 of the continuous sound channel 8.
  • the protective element 20 can then be completely removed from the sound channel 8, for example by hand, and disposed of.
  • it also has a handle part 28 in addition to the first tool tip 26.
  • the latter has at least a length that corresponds to two-thirds of the length L of the sound channel 8.
  • the tool 24 in the exemplary embodiment also has a second pin-shaped tool tip 30, as shown in FIG Fig. 5 is shown.
  • the tool tips 26, 30 are each arranged, for example, on one (end) side of the handle part 28, so that the user only has to turn the tool depending on whether a protective element 20 is to be pushed out or pushed in.
  • the user holds the protective element 20, for example, in front of one of the sound inlet openings 10 and then “pushes” it into the sound channel 8 using the second tool tip 30.
  • the configuration of the tool 24 by means of two tool tips 26, 30 has proven to be suitable, since the second tool tip 30 has, for example, a length that corresponds to a third of the length L of the sound channel 8. This ensures in a simple manner that the protective element 20 is always positioned in front of the microphone opening 18 in the inserted / pushed-in state.
  • the user pushes the protective element 20 into the sound channel 8 by means of the tool 24 until, for example, the handle part 28 rests on the housing 1.
  • Due to the advantageously selected length of the second tool tip 30, the protective element 20 is then positioned in front of the microphone opening 18 without the user being able to push the protective element 20 too far into the sound channel 8.
  • the tool 24 only has a tool tip.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Acoustics & Sound (AREA)
  • Signal Processing (AREA)
  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Neurosurgery (AREA)
  • Otolaryngology (AREA)
  • Manufacturing & Machinery (AREA)
  • Details Of Audible-Bandwidth Transducers (AREA)
  • Headphones And Earphones (AREA)

Description

Die Erfindung betrifft ein Hörgerät, insbesondere ein In-dem-Ohr-Hörgerät (idO-Hörgerät), mit den Merkmalen des Oberbegriffs des Anspruchs 1.The invention relates to a hearing aid, in particular an in-the-ear hearing aid (IDO hearing aid), with the features of the preamble of claim 1.

Hörgeräte sind tragbare Hörvorrichtungen, welche allgemein zur Ausgabe von Schall ausgebildet sind. Hierbei wird unter Schall allgemein ein akustisches Signal, beispielsweise Musik und / oder Sprache verstanden.Hearing aids are portable hearing devices which are generally designed to output sound. Here, sound is generally understood to mean an acoustic signal, for example music and / or speech.

Unter einer Hörvorrichtung wird allgemein jedes im oder am Ohr tragbare, einen Schallreiz produzierende Gerät, beispielweise ein Headset, Kopfhörer und dergleichen verstanden. Hörgeräte sind speziell auch als Hörhilfegeräte ausgebildet. Unter Hörhilfegerät wird ein Gerät zur Versorgung einer hörgeschädigten oder hörbeeinträchtigten Person verstanden, welche das Hörhilfegerät insbesondere durchgängig oder die meiste Zeit trägt, um ein Hördefizit auszugleichen,A hearing device is generally understood to mean any device that can be worn in or on the ear and produces a sound stimulus, for example a headset, headphones and the like. Hearing aids are specially designed as hearing aids. Hearing aid is understood to mean a device for supplying a hearing-impaired or hearing-impaired person who wears the hearing aid particularly continuously or most of the time in order to compensate for a hearing deficit,

Hörgeräte besitzen prinzipiell als wesentliche Komponenten einen Eingangswandler, einen Verstärker und einen Ausgangswandler. Der Eingangswandler ist in der Regel ein Schallempfänger, z. B. ein Mikrofon, und/oder ein elektromagnetischer Empfänger, z. B. eine Induktionsspule. Der Ausgangswandler ist meist als elektroakustischer Wandler, z. B. Miniaturlautsprecher, oder als elektromechanischer Wandler, z. B. Knochenleitungshörer, realisiert. Der Verstärker ist üblicherweise in eine Signalverarbeitungseinheit integriert. Dieser prinzipielle Aufbau ist in Fig. 1 am Beispiel eines Hinter-dem-Ohr-Hörgeräts dargestellt. In ein Hörgerätegehäuse 1 zum Tragen hinter dem Ohr sind ein oder mehrere Mikrofone 2 zur Aufnahme des Schalls aus der Umgebung eingebaut. Eine Signalverarbeitungseinheit 3, die ebenfalls in das Hörgerätegehäuse 1 integriert ist, verarbeitet die Mikrofonsignale und verstärkt sie. Das Ausgangssignal der Signalverarbeitungseinheit 3 wird an einen Lautsprecher bzw. Hörer 4 übertragen, der ein akustisches Signal ausgibt. Der Schall wird gegebenenfalls über einen Schallschlauch, der mit einer Otoplastik im Gehörgang fixiert ist, zum Trommelfell des Geräteträgers übertragen, Die Energieversorgung des Hörgeräts und insbesondere die der Signalverarbeitungseinheit 3 erfolgt durch eine ebenfalls ins Hörgerätegehäuse 1 integrierte Batterie 5.In principle, hearing aids have an input converter, an amplifier and an output converter as essential components. The input transducer is usually a sound receiver, e.g. B. a microphone, and / or an electromagnetic receiver, e.g. B. an induction coil. The output transducer is usually an electroacoustic transducer, e.g. B. miniature speakers, or as an electromechanical converter, e.g. B. bone conduction receiver realized. The amplifier is usually integrated in a signal processing unit. This basic structure is in Fig. 1 shown using the example of a behind-the-ear hearing aid. One or more microphones 2 for picking up the sound from the environment are built into a hearing aid housing 1 to be worn behind the ear. A signal processing unit 3, which is also integrated in the hearing aid housing 1, processes the microphone signals and strengthen it. The output signal of the signal processing unit 3 is transmitted to a loudspeaker or earpiece 4, which outputs an acoustic signal. If necessary, the sound is transmitted to the eardrum of the device wearer via a sound tube that is fixed in the auditory canal with an otoplastic. The power supply of the hearing device and in particular that of the signal processing unit 3 is provided by a battery 5 also integrated in the hearing device housing 1.

Zu verstärkender Schall, beispielsweise eine Stimme eines Gesprächspartners des Hörgeräteträgers gelangt üblicherweise durch eine oder mehrere Schallöffnungen im Hörgerätegehäuse zum Mikrofon. Durch derartige Schallöffnungen können jedoch auch unerwünschte Fremdkörper und/oder Flüssigkeiten wie beispielswiese Wasser und/oder Schweiß in das Innere des Hörgerätes und insbesondere zu dem Mikrofon eintreten. Dies kann von einer Beschädigung des Mikrofons bis hin zu einem Ausfall des Hörgerätes führen.Sound to be amplified, for example a voice of a conversation partner of the hearing aid wearer, usually reaches the microphone through one or more sound openings in the hearing aid housing. However, unwanted foreign bodies and / or liquids such as water and / or sweat, for example, can also enter the interior of the hearing aid and in particular to the microphone through such sound openings. This can result in anything from damaging the microphone to failure of the hearing aid.

In der EP 0 310 866 A1 ist eine Vorrichtung zum Verschließen von Öffnungen an Hörgeräten offenbart. Die Öffnungen werden beispielsweise mittels Kappen verschlossen, die eine schalldurchlässige und feuchtigkeitsabweisende Membran aufweisen. Zum Verschließen der Öffnungen werden die Kappen beispielsweise auf die Öffnung geschraubt.In the EP 0 310 866 A1 discloses a device for closing openings on hearing aids. The openings are closed, for example, by means of caps which have a sound-permeable and moisture-repellent membrane. To close the openings, the caps are screwed onto the opening, for example.

Aus der DE 10 2015 208 846 B3 ist ein Hörgerät zu entnehmen, bei dem in einem Durchbruch in einem Gehäuse und vor einem Mikrofon ein schalldurchlässiges Barriereelement zur Abdichtung einer Mirofonöffnung gegen Feuchtigkeit angeordnet ist.From the DE 10 2015 208 846 B3 a hearing aid can be seen in which a sound-permeable barrier element for sealing a microphone opening against moisture is arranged in an opening in a housing and in front of a microphone.

Aus der EP 2 334 102 A2 ist ein Hörgerät zu entnehmen, bei dem seitlich neben einem Wippschalter im Gehäuse Schallöffnungen ausgebildet sind, die über einen Kanal mit einem Mikrofon verbunden sind, wobei zum Schutz des Mikrofons vor diesem ein Schutzelement angeordnet ist.From the EP 2 334 102 A2 shows a hearing aid in which sound openings are formed laterally next to a rocker switch in the housing, which are connected to a microphone via a channel, a protective element being arranged in front of the microphone to protect it.

Die EP 2 360 948 A2 beschreibt ein stiftförmiges Werkzeug mit zwei gegenüberliegenden Werkzeugspitzen zum Montieren eines Hörers in ein Ohrstück. Ausgehend hiervon liegt der Erfindung die Aufgabe zugrunde ein Hörgerät anzugeben, bei dem die Öffnungen, insbesondere die Mikrofonöffnung zuverlässig geschützt ist.The EP 2 360 948 A2 describes a pen-shaped tool with two opposing tool tips for mounting a receiver in an earpiece. Based on this, the invention is based on the object of specifying a hearing aid in which the openings, in particular the microphone opening, are reliably protected.

Die Aufgabe wird erfindungsgemäß gelöst durch ein Hörgerät mit den Merkmalen das Anspruchs 1. Vorteilhafte Ausgestaltungen, Weiterbildungen und Varianten sind Gegenstand der Unteransprüche.According to the invention, the object is achieved by a hearing aid having the features of claim 1. Advantageous configurations, developments and variants are the subject matter of the subclaims.

Das Hörgerät weist ein verschließbares Gehäuse mit einer Wandung auf. Unter verschließbar wird vorliegend verstanden, dass das Gehäuse insbesondere nicht einstückig, also monolith ausgebildet ist, sondern zumindest zwei (Gehäuse-)Teile aufweist, wobei das Gehäuse beispielsweise zu einem Batteriewechsel und/oder zum Wechsel defekter Bauteile geöffnet werden kann. Die Wandung begrenzt einen Innenraum, in dem bevorzugt die einzelnen eingangs genannten Komponenten des Hörgerätes angeordnet sind,The hearing aid has a closable housing with a wall. In the present case, lockable is understood to mean that the housing is in particular not formed in one piece, i.e. monolithically, but has at least two (housing) parts, with the housing being able to be opened, for example, to change the battery and / or to change defective components. The wall delimits an interior space in which the individual components of the hearing aid mentioned at the beginning are preferably arranged,

Somit weist das Hörgerät ein Mikrofon auf, welches im Innenraum angeordnet ist sowie eine Mikrofonöffnung in der Wandung. Zum Schutz des Mikrofons, insbesondere vor Verunreinigungen weist das Hörgerät ein Schutzelement auf. Derartige Verunreinigungen gelangen häufig über die Mikrofonöffnung in den Innenraum. Unter Verunreinigungen werden vorliegend speziell Fremdkörper, z.B. Haare und/oder Feuchtigkeiten, wie beispielsweise Wasser und/oder Schweiß verstanden.The hearing aid thus has a microphone which is arranged in the interior space and a microphone opening in the wall. The hearing aid has a protective element to protect the microphone, in particular from contamination. Such impurities often get into the interior through the microphone opening. In the present case, contaminants specifically include foreign bodies, e.g. Hair and / or moisture, such as water and / or sweat.

Das Gehäuse weist zudem einen Schallkanal mit zumindest einer Schalleintrittsöffnung auf. Der Schallkanal führt von außen zum Mikrofon, bildet also eine Schallverbindung zur Mikrofonöffnung. Das Schutzelement ist zum Schutz des Mikrofons in dem Schallkanal positioniert.The housing also has a sound channel with at least one sound inlet opening. The sound channel leads from the outside to the microphone, so it forms a sound connection to the microphone opening. The protective element is positioned in the sound channel to protect the microphone.

Hierzu füllt das Schutzelement den Schallkanal vorzugsweise aus. Das Schutzelement ist hierzu insbsondere flexibel und speziell elastisch ausgebildet. Es sitzt insbesondere klemmend in dem Schallkanal ein. Das Schutzelement weist daher eine Querschnittsfläche auf, die der des Schallkanals angepasst ist. Das Schutzelement weist eine Außenabmessung auf, bei einer kreisrunden Ausgesatlgung also einen Durchmesser, welche gleich oder etwas größer als eine Innenabmessung, insbesondere ein (Innen-) Durchmesser des Schallkanals ist.For this purpose, the protective element preferably fills the sound channel. For this purpose, the protective element is designed to be especially flexible and especially elastic. In particular, it sits in a clamping manner in the sound channel. The protective element therefore has a cross-sectional area which is adapted to that of the sound channel. The protective element has an outer dimension, in the case of a circular configuration, that is, a diameter which is equal to or slightly larger than an inner dimension, in particular an (inner) diameter of the sound channel.

Hierdurch Ist ein zuverlässiger und einfacher Schutz des Mikrofons vor Verunreinigungen erreicht. Zudem ist das Schutzelement weiterhin durch ein direktes Berühren, beispielsweise verunreinigter Finger und vor einer damit einhergehenden Verunreinigung geschützt. Beispielsweise wird bei einem Eindringen eines Fremdkörpers oder von Feuchtigkeit dieser beziehungsweise diese von dem Schutzelement zurückgehalten und/oder aufgenommen und somit das Mikrofon geschützt, was die Funktionsfähigkeit des Hörgerätes verlängert,This achieves a reliable and simple protection of the microphone from contamination. In addition, the protective element is also protected from direct contact, for example contaminated fingers, and from the associated contamination. For example, if a foreign body or moisture penetrates, this or this is retained and / or absorbed by the protective element and thus the microphone is protected, which extends the functionality of the hearing aid,

Durch die Positionierung des Schutzelements in dem Schallkanal ist zugleich als wesentlicher Vorteil eine Bauhöhe des Hörgerätes reduziert, da zur Positionierung des Schutzelements ein vorhandener "Raum", also der Schallkanal, herangezogen wird. Mit anderen Worten: Es kann auf einen gesonderten "Platz" für das Schutzelement im Innenraum des Gehäuses verzichtet werden, wodurch die Bauhöhe des Gehäuses und somit des gesamten Hörgerätes reduziert ist.By positioning the protective element in the sound channel, an essential advantage of the hearing aid is also reduced, since an existing “space”, that is to say the sound channel, is used to position the protective element. In other words, a separate “space” for the protective element in the interior of the housing can be dispensed with, as a result of which the structural height of the housing and thus of the entire hearing aid is reduced.

Weiterhin ist das Schutzelement reversibel austauschbar. Insbesondere ist das Schutzelement nicht eingeklebt oder durch mechanische Befestigungsmittel gehalten. Das Schutzelement liegt vorzugsweise ohne weitere Mittel unmittelbar im Schallkanal ein und wird beispielsweise - wie bereits erwähnt - im Schallkanal durch diesen verklemmt. Hierdurch ist zum Einen eine Erneuerung bei einem verschmutzten Schutzelement auf eine einfache Weise realisiert. Zum Anderen ist das Schutzelement somit als ein kostengünstiges Serviceteil herstellbar und es kann insbesondere auf langlebige und teure Materialien verzichtet werden.Furthermore, the protective element can be replaced reversibly. In particular, the protective element is not glued in or held by mechanical fastening means. The protective element is preferably located directly in the sound channel without any further means and is for example - as already mentioned - clamped in the sound channel by this. In this way, on the one hand, a renewal of a soiled protective element is implemented in a simple manner. On the other hand, the protective element can thus be manufactured as an inexpensive service part and, in particular, long-lasting and expensive materials can be dispensed with.

Zweckdienlicherweise ist der Schallkanal als ein durch das Gehäuse durchgehender Schallkanal ausgebildet. Unter durchgehend wird vorliegend speziell verstanden, dass sich der Schallkanal von einer Seite zur anderen Seite des Gehäuses beispielsweise nach Art einer Bohrung durch das Gehäuse erstreckt. Jeweils endseitig weist der Schallkanal hierbei eine Schalleintrittsöffnung auf, wobei der Schallkanal durch die Wandung begrenzt ist. Durch die Schalleintrittsöffnungen und den Schallkanal gelangt Schall zum Mikrofon. Hierzu ist das Mikrofon über die Mikrofonöffnung mit dem Schallkanal verbunden.The sound channel is expediently designed as a sound channel extending through the housing. In the present case, continuous is specifically understood to mean that the sound channel extends through the housing from one side to the other side of the housing, for example in the manner of a bore. Each end if the sound channel has a sound inlet opening, the sound channel being delimited by the wall. Sound reaches the microphone through the sound inlet openings and the sound channel. For this purpose, the microphone is connected to the sound channel via the microphone opening.

Die Mikrofonöffnung ist quer zum Schallkanal orientiert, sodass das Schutzelement im eingesetzten Zustand innerhalb des Schallkanals "vor" der Mikrofonöffnung positioniert ist. Bevorzugt weist das Schutzelement eine Länge auf, die einem Drittel der Länge des Schallkanals entspricht.The microphone opening is oriented transversely to the sound channel, so that the protective element is positioned within the sound channel “in front of” the microphone opening in the inserted state. The protective element preferably has a length which corresponds to a third of the length of the sound channel.

Die Schalleintrittsöffnungen sind bevorzugt an gegenüberliegenden Seitenwänden des Gehäuses angeordnet, wobei eine der Seitenwände im getragenen Zustand zum Kopf orientiert ist. D.h. im getragenen Zustand ist der Schallkanal im Wesentlichen senkrecht zur Kopfhaut orientiert. Hierdurch ist ein Eindringen von Verunreinigungen, z.B. Haaren zumindest reduziert.The sound inlet openings are preferably arranged on opposite side walls of the housing, one of the side walls being oriented towards the head in the worn state. I.e. When worn, the sound channel is oriented essentially perpendicular to the scalp. This prevents ingress of contaminants, e.g. Hair at least reduced.

Durch die jeweils endseitigen Schalleintrittsöffnungen ist somit einerseits ein einfacher Austausch des Schutzelements gewährleistet. Andererseits ist mittels der Schalleintrittsöffnungen eine ausreichende "Schallaufnahme" des Mikrofons sichergestellt.The sound inlet openings at each end thus ensure, on the one hand, that the protective element can be replaced easily. On the other hand, a sufficient "sound absorption" of the microphone is ensured by means of the sound inlet openings.

Zweckdienlicherweise ist das Schutzelement im Schallkanal beabstandet von den beiden Schalleintrittsöffnungen angeordnet, sodass ein Berührungsschutz, beispielsweise durch Finger des Nutzers gewährleistet ist. D.h. das Schutzelement ist bevorzugt in einem mittleren Drittel des Schallkanals angeordnet, sodass das Schutzelement im eingesetzten Zustand beispielsweise um ein Drittel der Länge des Schallkanals von den Schalleintrittsöffnungen entfernt im Schallkanal positioniert ist. Hierdurch wird weiterhin insbesondere eine Verschmutzung durch ein Berühren des Schutzelements beispielsweise durch die Finger des Nutzers verhindert.The protective element is expediently arranged in the sound channel at a distance from the two sound inlet openings, so that contact protection, for example from the user's fingers, is guaranteed. I.e. the protective element is preferably arranged in a middle third of the sound channel so that the protective element in the inserted state is positioned in the sound channel, for example, by a third of the length of the sound channel away from the sound inlet openings. This furthermore prevents soiling in particular from touching the protective element, for example by the user's fingers.

Zum einfachen Austausch ist das Schutzelement gemäß einer bevorzugten Ausbildung durch den Schallkanal durchführbar. Dieser Austausch kann somit einfach und schnell durch den Nutzer erfolgen, indem dieser beispielsweise das Schutzelement an einer Schalleintrittsöffnung des Schallkanals herausdrückt indem er ein neues Schutzelement durch die jeweils andere Schalleintrittsöffnung einschiebt.According to a preferred embodiment, the protective element can be passed through the sound channel for easy replacement. This exchange can thus be easy and done quickly by the user, for example by pushing out the protective element at a sound inlet opening of the sound channel by inserting a new protective element through the other sound inlet opening.

Das Gehäuse ist als ein verschließbares Gehäuse ausgebildet. Das Schutzelement ist bei geschlossenem Gehäuse durch eine der Schalleintrittsöffnungen in den Schallkanal einschiebbar. Der Vorteil dieser Ausgestaltung ist in der Nutzerfreundlichkeit zu sehen. D.h. zum Einen ist aufgrund des geschlossenen Gehäuses verhindert, dass Komponenten des Hörgerätes beim Austausch des Schutzelements beschädigt werden und/oder verloren gehen. Zum Anderen ist somit kein Fachpersonal, beispielsweise kein Akustiker erforderlich, um das Schutzelement zu tauschen.The housing is designed as a lockable housing. When the housing is closed, the protective element can be pushed into the sound channel through one of the sound inlet openings. The advantage of this configuration can be seen in the user-friendliness. On the one hand, the closed housing prevents components of the hearing aid from being damaged and / or lost when the protective element is replaced. On the other hand therefore no specialist personnel, for example no acoustician, is required to replace the protective element.

Bevorzugt ist das Schutzelement zum Austausch mittels eines Werkzeugs in und aus dem Schallkanal ein- beziehungsweise ausführbar. Hierzu wird das Schutzelement beispielsweise mittels des Werkzeuges aus dem Schallkanal ausgeschoben und anschließend ein neues Schutzelement mittels des Werkzeugs in den Schallkanal eingeschoben und vor der Mikrofonöffnung positioniert.The protective element can preferably be inserted into or removed from the sound channel for exchange by means of a tool. For this purpose, the protective element is pushed out of the sound channel, for example by means of the tool, and then a new protective element is pushed into the sound channel by means of the tool and positioned in front of the microphone opening.

Zur Ausbildung einer Schalldurchlässigkeit ist das Schutzelement als eine insbesondere schalldurchlässige Membran ausgebildet. Insbesondere besteht das Schutzelement aus der Membran. Hierdurch ist einerseits eine ausreichende Schutzwirkung gegenüber Fremdkörper und/oder Feuchtigkeit ausgebildet und andererseits die bereits erwähnte Schalldurchlässigkeit ausgebildet, um die Funktionsweise des Hörgeräts nicht zu beeinflussen. Alternativ ist das Schutzelement als ein Gitter ausgebildet.In order to create sound permeability, the protective element is designed as an in particular sound permeable membrane. In particular, the protective element consists of the membrane. In this way, on the one hand, a sufficient protective effect against foreign bodies and / or moisture is formed and, on the other hand, the aforementioned sound permeability is formed so as not to affect the functionality of the hearing aid. Alternatively, the protective element is designed as a grid.

Allgemein weist das Schutzelement insbesondere eine Form nach Art eines Quaders oder alternativ nach Art eines Zylinders auf. Hierdurch ist es sehr gut an eine Innenkontur des Schallkanals angepasst. Allgemein weist das Schutzelement vorzugsweise eine gleiche Querschnittsfläche auf wie der Schallkanal.In general, the protective element has, in particular, a shape in the manner of a cuboid or, alternatively, in the manner of a cylinder. As a result, it is very well adapted to an inner contour of the sound channel. In general, the protective element preferably has the same cross-sectional area as the sound channel.

Um die bereits beschrieben Verklemmung des Schutzelements im Schallkanal zu gewährleisten, weist das Schutzelement vorzugsweise einen geringfügig größere Außenabmessung auf, speziell ein Durchmesser, als die Innenabmessung des Schallkanals. Unter einer geringfügig größeren Außenabmessung wird hierbei insbesondere verstanden, dass die Außenabmessung um 10% bis 20% oder beispielsweise um einen Wert im Bereich von 0,5mm bis 1,5mm größer ist als die Innenabmessung des Schallkanals.In order to ensure the already described jamming of the protective element in the sound channel, the protective element preferably has a slightly larger outer dimension, especially a diameter, than the inner dimension of the sound channel. A slightly larger outer dimension is understood here in particular to mean that the outer dimension is 10% to 20% or, for example, a value in the range from 0.5 mm to 1.5 mm greater than the inner dimension of the sound channel.

Das Schutzelement ist vorzugsweise selbstklemmend aufgrund seiner elastischen Eigenschaft. Speziell sind keine weiteren Mittel vorgesehen, mittels denen die Verklemmung des Schutzelements im Schallkanal sichergestellt wird.The protective element is preferably self-locking due to its elastic property. In particular, no further means are provided by means of which the clamping of the protective element in the sound channel is ensured.

Gemäß einer zweckdienlichen Weiterbildung weist das Schutzelement ein hydrophobes und/oder oleophobes Material auf. Alternativ ist das Schutzelement aus einem derartigen Material gebildet. Hierdurch ist das Schutzelement wasser- und/oder ölabweisend ausgebildet und ein Eindringen von Feuchtigkeit und/oder Schweiß in das Gehäuse erfolgreich verhindert.According to an expedient development, the protective element has a hydrophobic and / or oleophobic material. Alternatively, the protective element is formed from such a material. As a result, the protective element is designed to be water- and / or oil-repellent and successfully prevents moisture and / or sweat from penetrating into the housing.

Die Wandung weist einen Innenwandbereich und einen Außenwandbereich auf, zwischen denen der Schallkanal ausgebildet ist. D.h. der Schallkanal wird durch den Innenwandbereich und den Außenwandbereich begrenzt. Mit anderen Worten: Die Innenwandung trennt den Teil des Innenraumes, in dem die Komponenten des Hörgerätes und insbesondere das Mikrofon angeordnet sind von dem Schallkanal. Die Außenwandung bildet hierbei die "zweite Begrenzung" des Schallkanals aus. Die Innenwandung weist weiterhin ein Loch nach Art einer Bohrung auf, welches die Mikrofonöffnung ausbildet. Zwischen der Innenwandung und dem Mikrofon ist bevorzugt ein Dichtelement angeordnet. Das Dichtelement dient vorzugsweise einer weiteren Abdichtung des Mikrofones gegenüber Schall aus dem Innenraum.The wall has an inner wall area and an outer wall area, between which the sound channel is formed. I.e. the sound channel is limited by the inner wall area and the outer wall area. In other words: the inner wall separates the part of the interior space in which the components of the hearing aid and in particular the microphone are arranged from the sound channel. The outer wall forms the "second boundary" of the sound channel. The inner wall also has a hole in the manner of a bore which forms the microphone opening. A sealing element is preferably arranged between the inner wall and the microphone. The sealing element is preferably used to further seal the microphone against sound from the interior.

Ein wesentlicher Aspekt ist vorliegend auch darin zu sehen, dass das Dichtungselement bevorzugt frei von dem Schutzelement ist. D.h., dass das Dichtungselement und das Schutzelement zwei separate Komponenten des Hörgeräts sind und somit auf ein teures und kompliziertes Dichtungselement, in welches beispielsweise das Schutzelement integriert ist verzichtet werden kann. Weiterhin ist hierdurch die Bauhöhe des Gehäuses weiter reduziert, da ein Dichtelement mit integriertem Schutzelement eine größere Bauhöhe aufweist als das vorliegende Dichtelement ohne ein integriertes Schutzelement.In the present case, an essential aspect is also to be seen in the fact that the sealing element is preferably free of the protective element. This means that the sealing element and the protective element are two separate components of the hearing aid and thus an expensive and complicated sealing element, in which, for example, the protective element is integrated, can be dispensed with. Furthermore, this further reduces the overall height of the housing, since a sealing element with an integrated protective element has a greater overall height than the present sealing element without an integrated protective element.

Zweckdienlicherweise weist das Hörgerät ein Werkzeug als Zubehörteil auf. Das Werkzeug weist ein Griffteil sowie zumindest eine Werkzeugspitze auf. Das Griffteil dient einem Halten des Werkzeugs durch den Nutzer beim Austausch des Schutzelements. Die Werkzeugspitze dient zur Führung des Schutzelements beim Positionieren in den und innerhalb des Schallkanals. Der Vorteil ist, dass hierdurch ein einfacher Austausch des Schutzelements ermöglicht ist.The hearing aid expediently has a tool as an accessory. The tool has a handle part and at least one tool tip. The handle part is used to hold the tool by the user when replacing the protective element. The tool tip is used to guide the protective element when Positioning in and within the sound channel. The advantage is that this enables the protective element to be exchanged easily.

Gemäß einer bevorzugten Weiterbildung ist die zumindest eine Werkzeugspitze stiftförmig ausgebildet und in den Schallkanal, insbesondere zur Positionierung des Schutzelements einschiebbar. Unter Stiftförmig wird vorliegend verstanden, dass die Werkzeugspitze vorzugsweise einen um den Faktor 10 kleineren Durchmesser aufweist als das Griffteil. Insbesondere weist die Werkzeugspitze einen bis auf fertigungsbedingte und geringfügige Toleranzen gleichen Durchmesser auf wie der Schallkanal. Hierdurch ist das Werkzeug, insbesondere die Werkzeugspitze einfach in den Schallkanal einschiebbar.According to a preferred development, the at least one tool tip is designed in the shape of a pin and can be pushed into the sound channel, in particular for positioning the protective element. In the present case, pen-shaped is understood to mean that the tool tip preferably has a diameter that is 10 times smaller than the handle part. In particular, the tool tip has the same diameter as the sound channel, apart from minor tolerances due to the manufacturing process. As a result, the tool, in particular the tool tip, can easily be pushed into the sound channel.

Gemäß einer weiteren bevorzugten Weiterbildung weist das Werkzeug zwei Werkzeugspitzen mit jeweils unterschiedlichen Längen auf. Dieser Weiterbildung liegt der Gedanke zugrunde, dass mittels der ersten - längeren - Werkzeugspitze das Schutzelement aus dem Schallkanal ausschiebbar ist und ein neues Schutzelement mittels der zweiten - kürzeren - Werkzeugspitze in den Schallkanal einschiebbar ist. Ein wesentlicher Aspekt ist hierbei darin zu sehen, dass die erste - längere - Werkzeugspitze vorzugsweise mindestens eine Länge aufweist, die Zweidrittel der Länge des Schallkanals entspricht. Somit ist gewährleistet, dass das Schutzelement aus einer Schallaustrittsöffnung heraus geschoben wird, wenn der Nutzer die erste Werkzeugspitze in die andere Schalleintrittsöffnung einführt. Analog hierzu ist ein wesentlicher Aspekt, dass die zweite - kürzere - Werkzeugspitze vorzugsweise maximal eine Länge aufweist, die einem Drittel der Länge des Schallkanals aufweist. Beim Einschieben des Schutzelements in den Schallkanal ist dieses somit - wenn die zweite Werkzeugspitze bis auf Anschlag in den Schallkanal eingeschoben ist - genau über der Mikrofonöffnung positioniert.According to a further preferred development, the tool has two tool tips each with different lengths. This development is based on the idea that the protective element can be pushed out of the sound channel by means of the first - longer - tool tip and a new protective element can be pushed into the sound channel by means of the second - shorter - tool tip. An essential aspect here is to be seen in the fact that the first - longer - tool tip preferably has at least a length that corresponds to two-thirds of the length of the sound channel. This ensures that the protective element is pushed out of a sound outlet opening when the user inserts the first tool tip into the other sound inlet opening. Analogous to this, an essential aspect is that the second - shorter - tool tip preferably has a maximum length that is one third of the length of the sound channel. When the protective element is pushed into the sound channel, it is thus positioned exactly above the microphone opening when the second tool tip is pushed into the sound channel as far as it will go.

Hierdurch sind ein einfacher Austausch und eine einfache Positionierung des Schutzelements im Schallkanal ermöglicht.This enables simple replacement and simple positioning of the protective element in the sound channel.

Gemäß einer bevorzugten Ausgestaltung ist das Hörgerät als ein Hinter-dem-Ohr-(HdO-)Hörgerät ausgebildet.According to a preferred embodiment, the hearing aid is designed as a behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aid.

Ein Ausführungsbeispiel der Erfindung wird nachfolgend anhand der Figuren näher erläutert. Diese zeigen teilweise in stark vereinfachten Darstellungen:

Fig. 1
ein Längsschnitt durch ein Hörgerät gemäß dem Stand der Technik,
Fig. 2
ein Längsschnitt durch ein Hörgerät mit einem Schallkanal zum zusätzlichen Einführen eines Schutzelements,
Fig. 3
ein Querschnitt durch die Schnittachse A-A des Hörgerätes mit im Schallkanal positioniertem Schutzelement,
Fig. 4
der Querschnitt durch die Schnittachse A-A des Hörgerätes mit in den Schallkanal zum Ausschieben des Schutzelements eingeführtem Werkzeug sowie
Fig. 5
der Querschnitt durch die Schnittachse A-A des Hörgerätes mit in den Schallkanal zum Einschieben des Schutzelements eingeführtem Werkzeug
An exemplary embodiment of the invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the figures. Some of these show in greatly simplified representations:
Fig. 1
a longitudinal section through a hearing aid according to the prior art,
Fig. 2
a longitudinal section through a hearing aid with a sound channel for the additional introduction of a protective element,
Fig. 3
a cross section through the cutting axis AA of the hearing aid with the protective element positioned in the sound channel,
Fig. 4
the cross section through the cutting axis AA of the hearing aid with the tool inserted into the sound channel for pushing out the protective element and
Fig. 5
the cross section through the cutting axis AA of the hearing aid with the tool inserted into the sound channel for inserting the protective element

In den Figuren sind gleichwirkende Teile mit den gleichen Bezugszeichen dargestellt.In the figures, parts with the same effect are shown with the same reference numerals.

Das in Fig. 2 gezeigte Hörgerät 6 weist alle zur Funktionsfähigkeit notwendigen Bauteile 1,2,3,4,5 gemäß dem in Fig. 1 dargestellten Hörgerät 6 auf. Das Hörgerät gemäß Fig. 2 ist als ein Hinter-dem-Ohr (HdO-) Hörgerät ausgebildet. Das Hörgerätegehäuse 1, kurz Gehäuse 1 genannt, weist einen Schallkanal 8 auf, welcher sich im Ausführungsbeispiel durch das Gehäuse 1 erstreckt und beidendseitig jeweils eine Schalleintrittsöffnung 12 aufweist. Der Schallkanal 8 ist durch einen Außenwandbereich 12 und einen Innenwandbereich 14 des Gehäuses 1 begrenzt. Im Ausführungsbeispiel ist der Schallkanal 8 derart angeordnet, dass er sich im getragenen Zustand des Hörgerätes 6 im Wesentlichen senkrecht zur Kopfhaut 15 des Nutzers orientiert durch das Gehäuse 1 erstreckt. Somit ist jeweils eine Schalleintrittsöffnung 10 seitlich an dem Gehäuse 1 angeordnet. Hierdurch wird insbesondere verhindert, dass Haare eines Nutzers einfach in den Schallkanal 8 gelangen und somit die Funktionsfähigkeit des Hörgerätes 6 beeinträchtigen.This in Fig. 2 The hearing aid 6 shown has all the components 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 necessary for functionality according to the one in FIG Fig. 1 hearing aid 6 shown. The hearing aid according to Fig. 2 is designed as a behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aid. The hearing aid housing 1, called housing 1 for short, has a sound channel 8 which, in the exemplary embodiment, extends through the housing 1 and has a sound inlet opening 12 at each end. The sound channel 8 is delimited by an outer wall area 12 and an inner wall area 14 of the housing 1. In the exemplary embodiment, the sound channel 8 is arranged in such a way that, when the hearing aid 6 is worn, it extends through the housing 1, oriented essentially perpendicularly to the scalp 15 of the user. A sound inlet opening 10 is thus arranged on the side of the housing 1. This prevents, in particular, the hair of a user from simply getting into the sound channel 8 and thus impairing the functionality of the hearing aid 6.

Das Hörgerät 6, insbesondere das Gehäuse 1 weist einen Innenraum 16 (vgl. Fig. 3) auf, in dem im Ausführungsbeispiel die Komponenten des Hörgerätes 2,3,4,5 angeordnet sind und der durch eine Wandung 11 begrenzt wird. Der Innenraum 16 ist durch den Innenwandbereich 14 von dem Schallkanal 8 abgegrenzt. Im Ausführungsbeispiel ist ein Mikrofon 2 derart in dem Innenraum 16 angeordnet, dass es durch eine Mikrofonöffnung 18 (vgl. Fig. 3) (vorzugsweise nach Art einer Bohrung) in den Innenwandbereich 14, mit dem Schallkanal 8 zur Aufnahme von Schall verbunden ist. Mit anderen Worten: Das Mikrofon 2 ist derart in dem Innenraum 16 angeordnet und orientiert, dass Schall durch den Schallkanal 8 und die Mikrofonöffnung 18 zu dem Mikrofon 2 gelangt.The hearing aid 6, in particular the housing 1, has an interior 16 (cf. Fig. 3 ), in which the components of the hearing aid 2, 3, 4, 5 are arranged in the exemplary embodiment and which is delimited by a wall 11. The interior 16 is delimited from the sound channel 8 by the inner wall area 14. In the exemplary embodiment, a microphone 2 is arranged in the interior 16 in such a way that it passes through a microphone opening 18 (cf. Fig. 3 ) (preferably in the manner of a bore) into the inner wall area 14, with which the sound channel 8 is connected for receiving sound. In other words: the microphone 2 is arranged and oriented in the interior space 16 such that sound reaches the microphone 2 through the sound channel 8 and the microphone opening 18.

In Fig. 3 ist eine Querschnittsdarstellung durch die Schnittebene A-A gezeigt. Im Ausführungsbeispiel ist in dem Schallkanal 8 ein Schutzelement 20 positioniert. Das Schutzelement 20 dient einem Schutz des Mikrofons 2 vor Fremdkörpern und Verunreinigungen, wie beispielsweise Feuchtigkeit. Das Schutzelement 20 ist im eingesetzten Zustand (vgl. Fig. 3) derart in dem Schallkanal 8 positioniert, dass es die Mikrofonöffnung 18 verschließt und somit ein Eindringen von bereits genannten Fremdkörpern oder Verunreinigungen verhindert. Zur Ausbildung einer Schalldurchlässigkeit ist das Schutzelement 20 als eine Membran oder alternativ als ein Gitter ausgebildet, welche ein hydrophpobes und/oder oleophobes Material aufweist oder aus einem solchen Material besteht. Einer Ausbildung des Schutzelements 20 als ein Gitter liegt der Gedanke zugrunde, dass das Schutzelement 20 somit eine Festigkeit aufweist, die "fest" genug ist, um das Schutzelement 20 in und aus dem Schallkanal 8 zu schieben, jedoch "weich" genug und somit durchlässig genug ist, um Schall zum Mikrofon 2 durchzulassen. Im Ausführungsbeispiel ist das Schutzelement 20 an die Innenkontur des Schallkanals 8 angepasst und weist die gleiche Querschnittskontur auf, um einerseits eine hohe Passgenauigkeit in dem Schallkanal 8 aufzuweisen und andererseits eine einfach herzustellende Form aufzuweisen, die eine Fertigung insbesonder als Serviceteil begünstigt. Das Schutzelement 20 ist dabei beispielsweise zylinderförmig oder auch quaderförmig ausgebildet. Es weist vorzugsweise eine Länge in Richtung des Schallkanals 8 auf, welche größer ist als die Mikrofonöffnung, beispielsweise um zumindest den Faktor 2 oder zumindest den Faktor 3.In Fig. 3 is shown a cross-sectional view through the section plane AA. In the exemplary embodiment, a protective element 20 is positioned in the sound channel 8. The protective element 20 serves to protect the microphone 2 from foreign bodies and contamination, such as moisture. The protective element 20 is in the inserted state (cf. Fig. 3 ) positioned in the sound channel 8 in such a way that it closes the microphone opening 18 and thus prevents the ingress of foreign bodies or contaminants already mentioned. To create sound permeability, the protective element 20 is designed as a membrane or, alternatively, as a grid, which has a hydrophobic and / or oleophobic material or consists of such a material. A design of the protective element 20 as a grid is based on the idea that the protective element 20 thus has a strength that is "firm" enough to push the protective element 20 into and out of the sound channel 8, but "soft" enough and thus permeable is enough to let sound through to microphone 2. In the exemplary embodiment, the protective element 20 is adapted to the inner contour of the sound channel 8 and has the same cross-sectional contour in order, on the one hand, to have a high degree of accuracy of fit in the sound channel 8 and, on the other hand, to have an easy-to-manufacture shape that favors production, in particular as a service part. The protective element 20 is, for example, cylindrical or else cuboid. It preferably has a length in the direction of the sound channel 8 which is greater than the microphone opening, for example by at least a factor of 2 or at least a factor of 3.

Die Längsrichtung des Schallkanals 8 und damit die des Schutzelementes 20 ist vorzugsweise senkrecht zu einer Flächennormalen der Mikrofonöffnung 18 orientiert. Das Schutzelement 20 ist allgemein quer zur Mikrofonöffnung 18 orientiert.The longitudinal direction of the sound channel 8 and thus that of the protective element 20 is preferably oriented perpendicular to a surface normal to the microphone opening 18. The protective element 20 is oriented generally transversely to the microphone opening 18.

Zu einer Erhöhung der Schutzwirkung weist das Schutzelement 20 bis auf wenige, beispielsweise fertigungsbedingte Toleranzen einen gleichen Durchmesser D auf, wie der Schallkanal 8.In order to increase the protective effect, the protective element 20 has the same diameter D as the sound channel 8 apart from a few tolerances, for example manufacturing-related tolerances.

Im Ausführungsbeispiel ist zwischen dem Innenwandbereich 14, speziell zwischen der Mikrofonöffnung 18 und dem Mikrofon 2 ein Dichtelement 22 angeordnet. Das Dichtelement 22 dient einer zusätzlichen Abdichtung der Mikrofonöffnung 18 gegenüber Schall aus dem Innenraum 16.In the exemplary embodiment, a sealing element 22 is arranged between the inner wall area 14, specifically between the microphone opening 18 and the microphone 2. The sealing element 22 serves to additionally seal the microphone opening 18 against sound from the interior 16.

Fig. 4 zeigt ein in den Schallkanal 8 eingeführtes Werkzeug 24, insbesondere eine in den Schallkanal 8 eingeführte erste Werkzeugspitze 26 des Werkzeuges 24. Das Werkzeug 24 dient einer Auswechslung des Schutzelements 20 aus dem Schallkanal 8. Hierzu wird beispielsweise die erste stiftförmige Werkzeugspitze 26 durch eine Schalleintrittsöffnung 10 in den Schallkanal 8 eingeführt, sodass diese das Schutzelement 20 durch die gegenüberliegende Schalleintrittsöffnung 10 des durchgehenden Schallkanals 8 "herausdrückt". Anschließend kann das Schutzelement 20 beispielsweise per Hand vollständig aus dem Schallkanal 8 entnommen werden und entsorgt werden. Zur besseren Handhabung des Werkzeuges 24 weist dieses neben der ersten Werkzeugspitze 26 zusätzlich ein Griffteil 28 auf. Fig. 4 shows a tool 24 inserted into the sound channel 8, in particular a first tool tip 26 of the tool 24 inserted into the sound channel 8. The tool 24 is used to replace the protective element 20 from the sound channel 8 introduced into the sound channel 8, so that it “pushes out” the protective element 20 through the opposite sound inlet opening 10 of the continuous sound channel 8. The protective element 20 can then be completely removed from the sound channel 8, for example by hand, and disposed of. For better handling of the tool 24, it also has a handle part 28 in addition to the first tool tip 26.

Um ein ausreichendes "Ausschieben" des Schutzelements 20 mittels der ersten Werkzeugspitze 26 zu gewährleisten, weist diese mindestens eine Länge auf, die Zweidrittel der Länge L des Schallkanals 8 entspricht.In order to ensure sufficient “pushing out” of the protective element 20 by means of the first tool tip 26, the latter has at least a length that corresponds to two-thirds of the length L of the sound channel 8.

Um ein neues Schutzelement 20 in den Schallkanal 8 "einzuschieben" weist das Werkzeug 24 im Ausführungsbeispiel ergänzend noch eine zweite stiftförmige Werkzeugspitze 30 auf, wie gemäß Fig. 5 gezeigt ist.In order to “push” a new protective element 20 into the sound channel 8, the tool 24 in the exemplary embodiment also has a second pin-shaped tool tip 30, as shown in FIG Fig. 5 is shown.

Die Werkzeugspitzen 26,30 sind beispielsweise jeweils an einer (End-)Seite des Griffteils 28 angeordnet, sodass der Nutzer das Werkzeug je nachdem, ob ein Schutzelement 20 ausgeschoben oder eingeschoben werden soll lediglich drehen muss.The tool tips 26, 30 are each arranged, for example, on one (end) side of the handle part 28, so that the user only has to turn the tool depending on whether a protective element 20 is to be pushed out or pushed in.

Zum Einschieben in den Schallkanal 8 hält der Nutzer das Schutzelement 20 beispielsweise vor eine der Schalleintrittsöffnungen 10 und "schiebt" es anschließend mittels der zweiten Werkzeugspitze 30 in den Schallkanal 8 ein. Die Ausgestaltung des Werkzeuges 24 mittels zwei Werkzeugspitzen 26,30 hat sich als geeignet erwiesen, da die zweite Werkzeugspitze 30 beispielsweise eine Länge aufweist, die einem Drittel der Länge L des Schallkanals 8 entspricht. Somit ist auf einfache Weise sichergestellt, dass das Schutzelement 20 im eingesetzten/eingeschobenen Zustand immer vor der Mikrofonöffnung 18 positioniert ist. Mit anderen Worten: Der Nutzer schiebt das Schutzelement 20 mittels des Werkzeuges 24 so lange in den Schallkanal 8 ein, bis beispielsweise das Griffteil 28 am Gehäuse 1 anliegt. Aufgrund der vorteilhaft gewählten Länge der zweiten Werkzeugspitze 30 ist das Schutzelement 20 dann vor der Mikrofonöffnung 18 positioniert ohne, dass der Nutzer das Schutzelement 20 zu weit in den Schallkanal 8 einschieben kann. Alternativ weist das Werkzeug 24 lediglich eine Werkzeugspitze auf.To insert it into the sound channel 8, the user holds the protective element 20, for example, in front of one of the sound inlet openings 10 and then “pushes” it into the sound channel 8 using the second tool tip 30. The configuration of the tool 24 by means of two tool tips 26, 30 has proven to be suitable, since the second tool tip 30 has, for example, a length that corresponds to a third of the length L of the sound channel 8. This ensures in a simple manner that the protective element 20 is always positioned in front of the microphone opening 18 in the inserted / pushed-in state. In other words: the user pushes the protective element 20 into the sound channel 8 by means of the tool 24 until, for example, the handle part 28 rests on the housing 1. Due to the advantageously selected length of the second tool tip 30, the protective element 20 is then positioned in front of the microphone opening 18 without the user being able to push the protective element 20 too far into the sound channel 8. Alternatively, the tool 24 only has a tool tip.

Die Erfindung ist nicht auf die vorstehend beschriebenen Ausführungsbeispiele beschränkt. Vielmehr können auch andere Varianten der Erfindung von dem Fachmann hieraus abgeleitet werden, ohne den Gegenstand der Erfindung, der in den nachfolgenden Ansprüchen definiert ist, zu verlassen. Insbesondere sind ferner alle im Zusammenhang mit dem Ausführungsbeispiel / mit den Ausführungsbeispielen beschriebenen Einzelmerkmale auch auf andere Weise miteinander kombinierbar, ohne den Gegenstand der Erfindung, der in den nachfolgenden Ansprüchen definiert ist, zu verlassen.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, which is defined in the following claims. In particular, all of the individual features described in connection with the exemplary embodiment / with the exemplary embodiments can also be combined with one another in other ways without departing from the subject matter of the invention, which is defined in the following claims.

BezugszeichenlisteList of reference symbols

11
HörgerätegehäuseHearing aid housing
22
Mikrofonmicrophone
33
SignalverarbeitungseinheitSignal processing unit
44th
HörerListener
55
Batteriebattery
66th
HörgerätHearing aid
88th
SchallkanalSound channel
1010
SchalleintrittsöffnungSound inlet opening
1111
WandungWall
1212
AußenwandbereichExterior wall area
1414th
InnenwandbereichInterior wall area
1515th
Kopfhaut des NutzersScalp of the user
1616
Innenrauminner space
1818th
MikrofonöffnungMicrophone opening
2020th
SchutzelementProtective element
2222nd
DichteelementSealing element
2424
WerkzeugTool
2626th
erste Werkzeugspitzefirst tool tip
2828
GriffteilHandle part
3030th
zweite Werkzeugspitzesecond tool tip
DD.
Durchmesser des SchallkanalsDiameter of the sound channel
LL.
Länge des SchallkanalsLength of the sound channel

Claims (13)

  1. Hearing aid (6), comprising:
    - a housing (1) with a wall (11) defining an inner space (16),
    - a microphone (2), which is arranged in the inner space (16)
    - a microphone opening (18) in the wall (11), and
    - a protective element (20) for protecting the microphone (2), wherein
    - the housing (1) comprises a sound channel (8) leading to the microphone (2) with at least one sound inlet opening (10),
    - the wall (11) comprises an inner wall portion (14) and an outer wall portion (12), which delimit the sound channel (8),
    - the microphone opening (18) is oriented transversely to the sound channel (8) and formed by a hole in the inner wall area (14)
    characterized in
    - that the protective element (20) is of elastic design and is positioned in the sound channel (8) in a clamping and reversibly exchangeable manner as a result of its elasticity, wherein the protective element (20) maybe inserted into the sound channel (8) when the housing is closed.
  2. Hearing aid (6) according to the previous claim,
    wherein
    the sound channel (8) is designed as a sound channel (8) that extends through the housing and comprises a sound inlet opening (10) at each end, wherein the sound channel (8) is delimited by the wall (11) and connected to the microphone (2) via the microphone opening (18).
  3. Hearing aid (6) according to one of the preceding claims,
    wherein
    the protective element (20) is positioned in the sound channel (8) at a distance from the at least one sound inlet opening (10).
  4. Hearing aid (6) according to one of the preceding claims,
    wherein
    the protective element (20) can be guided through the sound channel (8).
  5. Hearing aid (6) according to one of the previous claims,
    wherein
    the housing (1) is designed as a closable housing (1) and that when the housing (1) is closed, the protective element (20) can be positioned into the sound channel (8) through one of the sound inlet openings (10).
  6. Hearing aid (6) according to one of the preceding claims,
    wherein
    the protective element (20) can be inserted into and removed from the sound channel (8) for replacement by means of a tool (24).
  7. Hearing aid (6) according to one of the preceding claims,
    wherein
    the protective element (20) is designed as a membrane.
  8. Hearing aid (6) according to one of the preceding claims,
    wherein
    the protective element (20) comprises a hydrophobic and/or oleophobic material.
  9. Hearing aid (6) according to one of the preceding claims,
    wherein
    a sealing element (22) is arranged between the microphone (2) and the inner wall area (14).
  10. Hearing aid (6) according to the previous claim,
    wherein
    the sealing element (22) is free from the protective element (20).
  11. System consisting of a hearing aid (6) according to one of the preceding claims and with a tool (24) as an accessory, wherein the tool comprises a grip part (28) and at least one tool tip (26) for guiding the protective element (20).
  12. System according to the preceding claim,
    wherein
    the at least one tool tip (26) is pin-shaped and can be inserted into the sound channel (8).
  13. System according to one of the two preceding claims,
    wherein
    two tool tips (26,30) with different lengths are provided.
EP18199446.8A 2017-11-02 2018-10-09 Hearing aid Active EP3481084B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE102017219470.7A DE102017219470A1 (en) 2017-11-02 2017-11-02 hearing Aid

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EP3481084B1 true EP3481084B1 (en) 2020-12-02

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US (1) US10623873B2 (en)
EP (1) EP3481084B1 (en)
JP (1) JP2019088002A (en)
CN (1) CN109756833B (en)
DE (1) DE102017219470A1 (en)
DK (1) DK3481084T3 (en)

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DK3481084T3 (en) 2021-03-08
EP3481084A1 (en) 2019-05-08
CN109756833B (en) 2021-01-12
US10623873B2 (en) 2020-04-14
DE102017219470A1 (en) 2019-05-02
JP2019088002A (en) 2019-06-06
CN109756833A (en) 2019-05-14
US20190132690A1 (en) 2019-05-02

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