EP3491846B1 - Hearing aid and hearing aid device - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a hearing aid, in particular an in-the-ear hearing device, with a housing with a transmitting and / or receiving unit for electromagnetic waves arranged therein, which is coupled to an antenna element. The invention further relates to a binaural hearing aid device in particular with two such hearing aids.

Hearing aids are portable hearing aids that are used to care for hearing impaired or hearing impaired people. In order to meet the numerous individual needs, different types of hearing aids such as behind-the-ear hearing aids (BTE) and hearing aids with an external handset (RIC: receiver in the canal) and in-the-ear hearing aids (ITE) are available Example also provided concha hearing aids or channel hearing aids (ITE: In-The-Ear, CIC: Completely-In-Channel, IIC: Invisible-In-The-Channel). The hearing aids listed by way of example are worn on the outer ear or in the auditory canal of a hearing aid user. Bone conduction hearing aids, implantable or vibrotactile hearing aids are also available on the market. The damaged hearing is stimulated either mechanically or electrically.

Such hearing aids or hearing aids basically have an input transducer, an amplifier and an output transducer as essential (hearing aid) components. The input transducer is usually an acoustoelectric transducer, such as a microphone, and / or an electromagnetic receiver, for example an induction coil or a (radio frequency, RF) antenna. The output transducer is mostly an electro-acoustic transducer, for example a miniature loudspeaker (handset), or an electromechanical one Transducers, such as a bone conduction receiver, realized. The amplifier is usually integrated in a signal processing device. Power is usually supplied by a battery or a rechargeable battery.

Hearing aids of this type also have, for example, an antenna element as an RF antenna, by means of which the hearing aid can be coupled in terms of signal technology, for example to an operating element (remote control) and / or to a further hearing aid. As a rule, the same antenna element is used for sending and receiving data for reasons of space.

In a so-called binaural hearing aid device, two such hearing aids or hearing aid devices are worn by a user, a wireless signal connection being established between the antenna elements of the hearing aids during operation. During operation, wireless data, possibly also large amounts of data, are exchanged or transmitted between the hearing aid on the right and left ear. The exchanged data and information enable the hearing aids to be adapted particularly effectively to a respective acoustic situation. In particular, this enables a particularly authentic surround sound for the user and improves speech understanding, even in noisy environments.

Hearing aids are preferably designed to be particularly space-saving and compact, so that they can be worn visually as inconspicuously by a hearing aid user. As a result, increasingly smaller hearing aids are produced which have an increasingly higher wearing comfort and are therefore hardly perceived by a user when worn on or in an ear. Because of the reduced installation space as a result, however, it is increasingly difficult to accommodate and / or install conventional antenna elements for wireless signal transmission in such hearing aids.

This problem occurs in particular with ITE hearing aids, which are usually custom-made and deep in an auditory canal or ear canal of the hearing aid user sit in. Such hearing aids are preferably of such a compact design that they are arranged in the ear canal in an essentially invisible manner when worn. To facilitate removal or removal of ITE hearing aids from the ear canal, grip elements in the form of pull-out threads or brackets are conceivable, which are firmly coupled to the housing of the hearing aid and are easily grasped by a hearing aid user. Such grip elements are generally arranged on a housing surface on the outside, such as a faceplate, of the housing when it is in the wearing state, so that they can be easily gripped by a hearing aid user if required. The pull-out threads and stirrups usually only serve the purpose of simply pulling the ITE hearing aid out of the ear.

In the DE 696 37 454 T2 describes an ITE hearing aid device with a housing with a transmitting and receiving unit arranged therein. The transmitting and receiving unit is coupled to an antenna element which is at least partially integrated in a handle element of the housing.

In the US 2005/0168396 A1 describes an ITE hearing aid in which an antenna element is arranged near a faceplate of a housing. The antenna element is integrated in a handle element of the faceplate.

In the US 2015/0289067 A1 describes a BTE hearing aid with a housing part arranged in the ear. The housing part worn in the ear in this case has an antenna element which at least partially protrudes from the auditory canal and is combined, for example, with a pull-out thread as the grip element.

The US 2010/0020994 A1 describes an ITE hearing aid device with an antenna element integrated in a grip element for wireless signal communication.

The invention has for its object to provide a particularly suitable hearing aid. The invention is also based on the object of specifying a hearing aid device equipped with two hearing aid devices of this type.

With regard to the hearing aid device, the object is achieved according to the invention with the features of claim 1 and with regard to the hearing aid device with the features of claim 4. Advantageous refinements and developments are the subject of the respective subclaims.

The hearing aid according to the invention is in particular as an in-the-ear hearing aid (ITE hearing aid), for example as a channel hearing aid (ITE: In-The-Ear, CIC: Completely-In-Channel, IIC: Invisible-In-The- Channel). The hearing aid, also referred to below as the hearing aid, has a shell-like housing for accommodating electrical and electronic hearing aid components.

The hearing aid components here comprise a transmitting and / or receiving unit for electromagnetic waves. In the following, electromagnetic waves are to be understood in particular as radio signals, also referred to as RF signals. The transmitting and / or receiving unit is assigned an antenna element for sending and / or receiving the RF signals, this means that the transmitting and / or receiving unit is coupled to the antenna element at least in terms of signal technology.

A handle element (handle part) is arranged on a housing surface of the housing that faces outwards when in a worn state, for example on a faceplate (cover, upper shell) that closes the housing, which can be easily gripped by a hearing aid user when in the worn state. The grip element is suitably mechanically fixedly coupled to the housing and / or the housing surface. With the handle element, the hearing aid can thus be easily pulled out or removed in the wearing state. It is provided according to the invention that the antenna element is at least partially integrated into the handle element. Due to the functional integration of the antenna element and the grip element, a particularly suitable hearing aid device is realized. Furthermore, due to the at least partial arrangement of the antenna element outside of the case their performance and effectiveness improved.

In contrast to the prior art, the grip element is therefore not only used to pull the hearing aid device out or out of an auditory canal or ear canal, but also has a further function with regard to the operation of the hearing aid device due to the integrated antenna element. By integrating the antenna element into the handle element, the antenna element is at least partially arranged outside the housing, thereby saving installation space inside the housing. This makes it possible to make the hearing aid more compact, which on the one hand increases the wearing comfort of the hearing aid. On the other hand, the hearing aid can thus be used particularly optically inconspicuously within an ear canal (auditory canal).

The housing of the hearing aid is preferably individually adapted to the ear canal or the auditory canal of the (hearing aid) user. In other words, the housing is custom-made for the respective user. Since the antenna element is at least partially arranged outside the housing, design restrictions of the antenna element compared to a complete arrangement of the antenna element within the housing are avoided. As a result, this is advantageously transferred to additional freedom in the design and implementation of the antenna element, so that a comparatively large number of antenna structures is made possible for the hearing aid device. Furthermore, greater freedom with regard to dimensioning the antenna length is thus made possible.

The hearing aid comprises, as hearing aid components, for example an input converter and an amplifier as a signal processing device and an output converter. The transmitter and / or receiver unit is functionally suitable and set up for generating and / or evaluating RF signals that can be sent or received by means of the antenna element. For this purpose, the transmitting and / or receiving unit has, for example, electronic components for adapting to the antenna element, for example for adapting the power or a resistance adjustment. The transmitting and / or receiving unit and the antenna element are preferably designed together as a transceiver, that is to say as a transceiver or a transceiver, of the hearing aid, for the wireless transmission and reception of (radio) signals and data.

The transmission range of the transceiver unit is 10 m, for example. A range is to be understood here in particular as the signal range, that is to say a distance from the respective communication or signal connection, which may exist at most between a transmitter and a receiver, so that communication between them is still possible.

The antenna element is preferably designed as a radio frequency antenna (RF antenna) or as an RF resonator, for example for a 2.4 GHz Bluetooth transmission using an ISM frequency band (ISM: Industrial, Scientific and Medical). The antenna element is thus suitable and set up to receive or record and send or emit electromagnetic radio waves.

When worn, the hearing aid device is preferably arranged essentially completely, but at least partially, in an ear canal or auditory canal of the user. The antenna element and / or the transmitting and / or receiving unit are preferably suitable and set up for correcting attenuations and / or detuning of the RF signals based on the user's head.

The handle element is designed, for example, like a bow or loop. In an advantageous embodiment, however, the grip element is designed as an elongated pull-out thread (pull wire, pull-off string), for example, which protrudes approximately vertically from the housing surface or faceplate. Due to the approximately vertical orientation of the antenna element, a particularly suitable alignment and positioning in the wearing state is realized, as a result of which radiation losses due to weakening and / or detuning of the RF signals result from the user's head can be advantageously reduced. This subsequently transfers particularly advantageously to the signal quality of a wireless signal connection in the case of a binaural version of the hearing aid devices.

In a structurally simple development, the antenna element is designed as a wire integrated in the handle element, in particular in the pull-out thread. The wire extends in particular along a longitudinal direction of the grip element. This enables a particularly inexpensive hearing aid.

In an embodiment which does not fall under the wording of the claim, the antenna element can be designed, for example, as a monopole antenna, the length of the antenna element being adaptable to the wavelength of the RF signals to be sent and / or received.

In an expedient embodiment, the grip element is made at least in sections from an electrically non-conductive material. In other words, the antenna element does not extend over the entire length of the pull-out thread. This is particularly advantageous in an embodiment of the antenna element as a monopole antenna, since the length of the pull-out thread typically required is greater than the desired antenna length for receiving the RF signals.

The antenna element is designed as a dipole antenna with a first dipole arm integrated in the handle element and with a second dipole arm arranged in the housing. The second dipole arm is integrated in the housing surface or faceplate of the housing. A practical antenna element for the hearing aid device is thereby realized.

The first and second dipole arms of the antenna element are arranged essentially perpendicular to one another. This is particularly desirable when the second dipole arm is integrated into the housing surface.

In an alternative embodiment, which does not fall under the wording of the claim, the antenna element is designed as an F-shaped antenna with a transmission and / or reception area integrated into the handle element as a vertical F-leg, on which two contact arms inside the housing as a horizontal F-leg are coupled. The antenna element is in this case in particular designed as an inverted F antenna. This results in a particularly advantageous antenna structure for the antenna element integrated in the handle element. An H-shaped version (h antenna) is also conceivable, for example.

An additional or further aspect of the invention provides that the antenna element is coupled to an internal battery, in particular by means of at least one contact arm. The battery is accommodated in a battery compartment of the housing, for example. Due to the coupling, the battery is essentially included in the antenna element. The battery suitably forms a counterweight (opposite pole) or a mass to an antenna element. This enables a particularly useful and space-saving counterweight of the antenna element.

Additionally or alternatively, it is also conceivable that the antenna element is coupled to a metallized housing surface of the housing, in particular by means of at least one contact arm. The housing surface is in particular a housing inner wall of the housing, which is metallized at least in sections or regions, and thus can be used as a ground plane inside the housing for contacting the antenna element. This metallization thus increases an available ground area of the internal ground potential, and thus the counterweight of the antenna element.

In a preferred application, two hearing aids according to the invention are used for a binaural hearing aid device in particular. The hearing aids are in operation by means of their antenna elements in a wireless signal connection. In other words, there is a signal between the hearing aids. or communication link for wireless signal transmission established. The respective antenna elements act both as transmitting and receiving antennas.

Fig. 1

eine binaurale Hörhilfevorrichtung mit zwei Hörhilfegeräten in einem Tragezustand,

Fig. 2

perspektivisch eines der Hörhilfegeräte mit einem kombinierten Griffelement und Antennenelement,

Fig. 3

einen Schnitt des Hörhilfegeräts mit einem als Monopolantenne ausgebildeten Antennenelement,

Fig. 4

einen Schnitt des Hörhilfegeräts mit einem als invertierte F-Antenne ausgebildeten Antennenelement, und

Fig. 5

einen Schnitt des Hörhilfegeräts in einer erfindungsgemäßen Ausführungsform mit einer Dipolantenne als Antennenelement.

Exemplary embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail below with reference to a drawing. It shows in schematic and simplified representations:

Fig. 1

a binaural hearing aid device with two hearing aid devices in a wearing state,

Fig. 2

in perspective one of the hearing aids with a combined grip element and antenna element,

Fig. 3

2 shows a section of the hearing aid device with an antenna element designed as a monopole antenna,

Fig. 4

a section of the hearing aid with an antenna element designed as an inverted F antenna, and

Fig. 5

a section of the hearing aid in an embodiment according to the invention with a dipole antenna as the antenna element.

Corresponding parts and sizes are always provided with the same reference symbols in all figures.

In the Fig. 1 a binaural hearing aid device 2 is shown schematically in a wearing state on a head 4 of a user. The hearing aid device 2 comprises two hearing aid devices 6, which in the wearing state are each essentially completely seated within an ear canal or auditory canal of a left or right ear 8, not shown in any more detail. The hearing aids 6 each have an antenna element 10, by means of which the hearing aids 6 are coupled bidirectionally during operation by means of a wireless radio or signal connection 12.

This in Fig. 2 Individually illustrated hearing aid 6 has an elongated handle element 14 in the form of a pull-out thread for easier removal or removal from the ear canal. The grip element 14 is mechanical firmly coupled to a housing 16 of the hearing aid 6. For simplified gripping by the user, the grip element 14 is arranged on a housing surface 18, in particular a faceplate, of the housing 16 on the outside when it is worn. According to the invention, the antenna element 10 is at least partially integrated in the handle element 14 or is formed integrally therewith. In other words, the grip element and the antenna element 10 are designed as a common component. As a result, the antenna element 10 extends at least partially outside the housing 16 and stands approximately vertically, in particular in the region of the faceplate 18.

That in the Fig. 3 Hearing aid 6 shown schematically in section is designed as an ITE hearing aid. The hearing aid device 6 comprises a housing shell 20 which is individually adapted to an auditory canal of a hearing device user and which is closed by means of the lid-like faceplate 18. Hearing aid components in the form of a microphone 22, a signal processing unit 24, a receiver 26 and a transmitting and receiving unit 28 for electromagnetic waves are arranged in the housing 16 of the hearing aid 6 formed by the housing shell 20 and the faceplate 18. The hearing aid components are supplied with electrical energy by means of a battery 30.

The battery 30 is suitably installed in a battery compartment 32 ( Fig. 4 ) of the housing 16 used. The battery compartment 32 is provided with a flap 34 ( Fig. 2 ) locked.

In Fig. 3 the antenna element 10 is designed as a wire integrated in the grip element 14 or as an integrated line. The wire in this case extends in particular along a longitudinal direction of the grip element 14. This enables a particularly inexpensive hearing aid device. The antenna element 10 is designed as a monopole antenna, the feed-side antenna end of which is led to the transmitting and receiving unit 28. The opposite free end of the antenna element 10 is guided and integrated in the handle element 14.

In the assembled state, the antenna element 10 is signal-technically coupled to the transmitting and receiving unit 28 as a transceiver of the hearing aid device 6 and is suitable and set up, for example, for a wireless 2.4 GHz Bluetooth signal transmission in an ISM frequency band.

As in the sectional view of the Fig. 3 can be seen comparatively clearly, the grip element 14 is made at least in sections from an electrically non-conductive material. In other words, the antenna element 10 does not extend over the entire length of the grip element 14.

Based on Figures 4 and 5 two further examples of the antenna element 10 are explained in more detail.

In Fig. 4 the antenna element 10 is designed as an inverted F antenna. The hearing aid components 22, 24, 26 and 28 are in the Fig. 4 not shown in detail.

The antenna element 10 points in Fig. 4 a vertical F-leg 36 designed as a transmission and reception area, which is integrated in the grip element 14. The transmission and reception area 36 in this case in particular forms the handle element 14 itself. In other words, the transmission and reception area 36 and the handle element 14 are in particular monolithic, that is to say in one piece or in one piece. The transmission and reception area 36 essentially forms the housing-outside section of the antenna element 10. On the inside of the housing, that is to say inside the housing 16, the transmission and reception area 36 is guided to two housing-internal contact arms as horizontal F-legs 38a, 38b. Here, for example, the contact arm 38a is connected to the feed line in FIG Fig. 4 Transmitter and receiver unit 28, not shown, is connected, the second contact arm 38b being connected to a ground potential as a short-circuit connection. In Fig. 4 For this purpose, the contact arm 38b is coupled, in particular, to the battery 30 inside the housing. Through the coupling is the battery 30 is essentially included in the antenna element 10. The battery 30 forms a counterweight (opposite pole) or a mass to the antenna element 10 configured as an F antenna.

In an additional or alternative embodiment, it is conceivable, for example, that the antenna element 10, or its contact arm 38b, is coupled to a metallized housing surface 40 of the housing 16. The housing surface 40 is in particular a housing inner wall of the housing, which is metallized at least in sections or regions, and thus can be used as a ground plane inside the housing for contacting the antenna element 10.

In the embodiment of the invention Fig. 5 the antenna element 10 is designed as a dipole antenna with a first dipole arm 42 integrated into the grip element 14 and with a second dipole arm 44 arranged in the housing 16. The dipole arm 44 is integrated in particular in the material of the faceplate 18. The dipole arms 42 and 44 of the antenna element 10 are arranged essentially perpendicular to one another.

Reference symbol list

2nd

Hearing aid

4th

head

6

Hearing aid

8th

ear

10th

Antenna element

12

Signal connection

14

Grip element

16

casing

18th

Housing area / faceplate

20th

Housing shell

22

microphone

24th

Signal processing device

26

Listener

28

Sending and receiving unit

30th

battery

32

Battery compartment

34

flap

36

F-leg / transmission and reception area

38a, 38b

F-leg / contact arm

40

Housing area

42, 44

Low dipole

Claims (4)

1. Hearing aid (6) with a housing (16), and with a transmitting and/or receiving unit (28) for electromagnetic waves which is arranged in the housing (16) and which is coupled to an antenna element (10), wherein a grip element (14) is arranged on a housing face (18) of the housing (16), which housing face (18) is directed outwards when the hearing aid is being worn, and wherein the antenna element (10) is integrated at least in part in the grip element (14), characterized in that

   - the antenna element (10) is configured as a dipole antenna, with a first dipole arm (42) integrated in the grip element (14) and with a second dipole arm (44) integrated in the housing face (18), and

   - the first and second dipole arms (42, 44) of the antenna element (10) are arranged substantially perpendicularly to each other.
2. Hearing aid (6) according to Claim 1, characterized in that the grip element (14) is designed as a pull-out thread protruding approximately perpendicularly from the housing face (18).
3. Hearing aid (6) according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the grip element (14) is produced at least in part from an electrically nonconductive material.
4. Hearing aid device (2) with two hearing aids (6) according to one of Claims 1 to 3, wherein the hearing aids (6) are in wireless signal connection (12) by way of their antenna elements (10).

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