EP3672284B1 - Otoplastic and use of an otoplastic - Google Patents
Otoplastic and use of an otoplastic Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP3672284B1 EP3672284B1 EP19216558.7A EP19216558A EP3672284B1 EP 3672284 B1 EP3672284 B1 EP 3672284B1 EP 19216558 A EP19216558 A EP 19216558A EP 3672284 B1 EP3672284 B1 EP 3672284B1
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- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- section
- opening
- otoplastic
- auditory canal
- earmould
- Prior art date
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- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 claims description 18
- 238000009423 ventilation Methods 0.000 claims description 8
- 238000012360 testing method Methods 0.000 claims description 7
- 229920001296 polysiloxane Polymers 0.000 claims description 4
- 230000008719 thickening Effects 0.000 claims description 3
- 239000012780 transparent material Substances 0.000 claims description 2
- 210000000613 ear canal Anatomy 0.000 description 25
- 238000003780 insertion Methods 0.000 description 9
- 230000037431 insertion Effects 0.000 description 9
- 230000002787 reinforcement Effects 0.000 description 9
- 230000005236 sound signal Effects 0.000 description 5
- 210000003027 ear inner Anatomy 0.000 description 4
- 230000005489 elastic deformation Effects 0.000 description 4
- 230000007704 transition Effects 0.000 description 4
- 241000446313 Lamella Species 0.000 description 3
- 230000008878 coupling Effects 0.000 description 3
- 238000010168 coupling process Methods 0.000 description 3
- 238000005859 coupling reaction Methods 0.000 description 3
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 3
- 210000003128 head Anatomy 0.000 description 3
- 230000001681 protective effect Effects 0.000 description 3
- 230000006978 adaptation Effects 0.000 description 2
- 210000003484 anatomy Anatomy 0.000 description 2
- 230000008859 change Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000002349 favourable effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000000007 visual effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 208000032041 Hearing impaired Diseases 0.000 description 1
- 241000746998 Tragus Species 0.000 description 1
- 230000004308 accommodation Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000002775 capsule Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000011109 contamination Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000013016 damping Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000007613 environmental effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000007774 longterm Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000013507 mapping Methods 0.000 description 1
- 210000000056 organ Anatomy 0.000 description 1
- IHQKEDIOMGYHEB-UHFFFAOYSA-M sodium dimethylarsinate Chemical class [Na+].C[As](C)([O-])=O IHQKEDIOMGYHEB-UHFFFAOYSA-M 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04R—LOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; DEAF-AID SETS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS
- H04R25/00—Deaf-aid sets, i.e. electro-acoustic or electro-mechanical hearing aids; Electric tinnitus maskers providing an auditory perception
- H04R25/65—Housing parts, e.g. shells, tips or moulds, or their manufacture
- H04R25/652—Ear tips; Ear moulds
- H04R25/656—Non-customized, universal ear tips, i.e. ear tips which are not specifically adapted to the size or shape of the ear or ear canal
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- 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
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04R—LOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; DEAF-AID SETS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS
- H04R2225/00—Details of deaf aids covered by H04R25/00, not provided for in any of its subgroups
- H04R2225/021—Behind the ear [BTE] hearing aids
- H04R2225/0216—BTE hearing aids having a receiver in the ear mould
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- 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
- H04R2225/57—Aspects of electrical interconnection between hearing aid parts
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04R—LOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; DEAF-AID SETS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS
- H04R2460/00—Details of hearing devices, i.e. of ear- or headphones covered by H04R1/10 or H04R5/033 but not provided for in any of their subgroups, or of hearing aids covered by H04R25/00 but not provided for in any of its subgroups
- H04R2460/11—Aspects relating to vents, e.g. shape, orientation, acoustic properties in ear tips of hearing devices to prevent occlusion
Definitions
- the invention relates to a one-piece, flexible or semi-flexible otoplastic as an ear insert for hearing aids with a hollow, tube-like base body that tapers from one connection side to one ear canal side, with a first opening on the connection side for connecting a hearing aid accessory and a second opening on the ear canal side is provided as a receptacle for the end of a sound tube.
- Such otoplastics form the part of a hearing aid or a hearing aid inserted into the ear of a hearing aid wearer and serve to transmit sound signals generated or amplified with the hearing aid to the inner ear of the hearing aid wearer.
- the otoplastic is connected directly to a loudspeaker or a so-called sound tube, which is coupled to the hearing aid on the other side and in turn serves to transmit sound.
- a loudspeaker or a so-called sound tube which is coupled to the hearing aid on the other side and in turn serves to transmit sound.
- it is manufactured precisely and individually by mapping a negative contour over an ear and auditory canal impression.
- the DE 20 2008 009 586 U1 relates to an otoplastic for behind-the-ear hearing aid systems with a plug-like plastic body onto which an open shell shape is molded, which extends approximately to the mouth of the external auditory canal.
- the shell shape has a recess in the area of the tragus.
- the WO 99/07182 A2 describes coupling pieces for hearing aids that are intended to enable a sound tube to be connected to an earpiece.
- the coupling piece is inserted into the earpiece and can have latching openings into which latching lugs of the sound tube end can dip so that the tube end can be fixed in the coupling piece.
- the object of the present invention is to provide an improved otoplastic with increased operating and wearing comfort while at the same time being compatible with different ear shapes and hearing aids.
- the otoplastic has a hollow, tube-like base body and thus forms an essentially round hollow body, preferably without sharp corners or edges on the outside.
- the shell of the base body surrounding the cavity is more or less elastically deformable depending on the degree of flexibility (flexible or semi-flexible).
- connection side is the side of the otoplastic to which a hearing aid accessory is connected, for example a loudspeaker, sound tube, plug or cable is inserted into the otoplastic.
- a hearing aid accessory for example a loudspeaker, sound tube, plug or cable is inserted into the otoplastic.
- a sound tube it is passed through the otoplastic from the connection side and finally ends at the ear canal side, where it is inserted, for example, into a sound outlet opening of the otoplastic on the ear canal side and emits sound signals from here into the inside of the ear of the hearing aid wearer.
- a first opening for connecting a sound tube or loudspeaker is provided on the connection side, while a second opening for a sound outlet is provided on the ear canal side, which is designed as a universal receptacle for the end of a sound tube.
- the first opening on the connection side has an oval contour.
- An oval contour is understood to mean a contour that deviates from a circular contour.
- an oval contour is understood to mean a rather elongated, for example elliptical and thus symmetrical, or a contour that tapers to a point on one or two sides.
- connection side of the otoplastic is assigned a connection section of the base body which extends from the first opening in the direction of the auditory canal side and merges via a concave curved section into an auditory canal section which is assigned to the auditory canal side.
- the base body thus has a concave curved section between the connection section and the auditory canal section. This can be provided around the circumference of the otoplastic or a concave curved section can be formed between the connection section and the ear canal section over the entire circumference of the base body.
- An otoplastic shaped in this way offers a universal connection option for a large number of different hearing aid connections such as plugs, loudspeakers, sound tubes and cables in various shapes and sizes. Due to its (semi-) flexibility, the base body, in particular the connection section of the base body, is sufficiently elastic to be deformed when a hearing aid accessory is plugged in according to the shape and size of the accessory and to be placed against it.
- the elongated oval shape of the first opening is particularly advantageous here, as it creates higher resilience and pressure forces on the longer oval sides and can thus fix the inserted accessories better, regardless of their shape and size, than a circular opening with force evenly distributed around the circumference. which requires a similar shape and size of the plugged-in accessories.
- the otoplastic according to the invention is a universal otoplastic which is anatomically shaped so that it can be used by a large number of people with a high degree of accuracy of fit and a high level of comfort.
- it is a universal earmold that is made in one piece and can be connected to a large number of device types and models without any adapter, since it can be coupled with different hearing aid accessories due to its special shape in the connection area.
- the otoplastic has an oval cross section along its entire base body.
- the connection opening is oval, but the entire otoplastic from the connection side to the ear canal side.
- the otoplastic adapts better to the auditory canal, in particular along its longer oval longitudinal sides, and offers more stability than circular otoplastic cross-sections.
- the otoplastic preferably does not simply have a cross-section or outer circumference that tapers from the connection opening via the connection section and the auditory canal section to the side of the auditory canal. It is advantageous if the concave curved section is followed by a convex curved section in the auditory canal section towards the auditory canal side. Two opposite curvatures thus follow one another below the connection section. In a side view, this results in an S-contour of the otoplastic over part of the otoplastic.
- Such an otoplastic is characterized by a better fit in the auditory canal because the convex curvature section in the auditory canal section rests softly on the auditory canal of the hearing aid wearer.
- the course of the outer circumference of the otoplastic from the connection opening via the connection section and the auditory canal section to the side of the auditory canal is adapted to the averaged anatomy of the auditory canals of a large number of users.
- the otoplastic thus offers sufficient support for the majority of patients, even if the otoplastic is not precisely adapted to the anatomy of the auditory canal of the individual patient.
- connection section merges into the auditory canal section on a front side of the otoplastic under a concave curvature section and on an opposite rear under a convex curvature section, the radius of curvature of the concave curvature section on the front side being smaller than the radius of curvature of the convex curvature section on the rear side.
- the front is considered to be the area of the otoplastic which, when the otoplastic is inserted, would point inwards in the direction of the middle of the head of the hearing aid wearer.
- the side of the otoplastic opposite the front side, which in an inserted state would point outwards and away from the head, is to be regarded as the rear side.
- the front and rear sides each extend from the longer longitudinal sides of the oval of the first opening in the direction of the ear canal side.
- the transition of the connection section into the auditory canal section on the rear side is flatter and less strongly curved than on the opposite "kink" side.
- the insertion depth and the insertion angle of the inserted hearing aid accessories can be varied easily within limits, so that the compatibility with different types of accessories is increased.
- the flatter curved section on the rear side can be elastically deformed more easily, so that the insertion of a hearing aid accessory is made easier.
- the convex curvature section on the rear side can have, for example, a radius of curvature between 10 and 20 mm in the initial state, that is to say without any accessories introduced. In this radius area there is an improved flexibility of the connection section on the rear side of the otoplastic.
- a collar protruding into the first opening is formed on the connection side of the otoplastic on the connection section. This is a slightly inwardly curved or turned-over edge of the otoplastic on the connection side. Such a collar forms a material reinforcement on the circumference of the first opening and supports the pressing of the connection section against an inserted accessory.
- the second opening of the otoplastic on the auditory canal side is designed as a receptacle for receiver-in-canal or thin tube systems.
- the second opening is designed as a hole in the otoplastic jacket with a predefined length and a predefined diameter in order to be able to accommodate the sound tubes of a receiver-in-canal or thin tube system, which are much smaller than, for example, those of standard sound tubes.
- the base body can be reinforced on the circumference of the second opening with retaining ribs (e.g.
- the bore diameter can be between 0.5 and 1.5 mm.
- the length of the bore can preferably be between 2 and 4 mm.
- the wall thickness of the otoplastic is increased in an area assigned to the side of the auditory canal compared to the further base body.
- the otoplastic is thus thicker at its end associated with the auditory canal side than in other areas of the otoplastic, the material thickening being implemented inwardly into the cavity.
- a further ventilation opening is preferably provided on the ear canal side of the otoplastic in addition to the second opening. This is not closed by an inserted accessory, but always remains open even when the otoplastic is worn. This ventilation opening thus enables pressure equalization of the inside of the ear and thus increases the wearing comfort of the otoplastic.
- the otoplastic can be made from a silicone material. This offers favorable elastic properties that provide the necessary pressing force of the otoplastic on a hearing aid accessory and on the ear of the hearing aid wearer.
- silicone materials are hygienic and, thanks to their surface structure, comfortable to wear. In this way, a spontaneously compatible universal otoplasty can be made available to an interested party immediately, for example during an initial consultation.
- the otoplastic is made of a transparent material. This enables a simplified visual check of the correct fit of inserted hearing aid accessories and a visual check for internal damage or contamination of the otoplastic.
- the invention also relates to the use of an otoplastic according to the features described above as a trial earmold for testing various hearing aid types and hearing aid models.
- a trial earmold can without further adapters with different accessories, for example different sound tubes or Speakers are connected and is therefore particularly suitable for test phases.
- the trial earmold is anatomically shaped in such a way that it can be used as a finished earmold without individual adaptation by a large number of different people. This makes the test phase much more comfortable for the hearing aid wearer, who can start testing immediately and also switch flexibly between different hearing solutions during the test phase, and more economical for the hearing aid provider or manufacturer, as there is no need to create individual earmolds for the test period. .
- a generic otoplastic for the universal accommodation of different sound tubes can be improved according to the invention to the effect that the second opening on the ear canal side is designed as a universal receptacle for the end of a sound tube by placing the base body on the circumference of the second opening is reinforced with retaining ribs which are designed to fix the sound tube inserted into the second opening.
- the retaining ribs can be designed, for example, as lamellae, which are formed on the inner wall of the second opening all the way round.
- the second opening can have a plurality of holding ribs or lamellae arranged one behind the other.
- retaining ribs in the interior of the second opening partially reduce the inside diameter in order to fix a sound tube to the otoplastic by means of the elastic deformation of the retaining ribs in the second opening.
- a sound tube end or receiver end (“receiver-in channel”), which has circumferential grooves or lamellas, can be held on the otoplastic not only by frictional engagement, but also by means of a form fit.
- a generic otoplastic is one-piece, flexible or semi-flexible and designed as an ear insert for hearing aids with a hollow, tube-like base body which tapers from a connection side to an auditory canal side.
- a first opening for connecting a hearing aid accessory is provided on the connection side and a second opening for a sound outlet and as a receptacle for the end of a sound tube is provided on the auditory canal side, with a receiver end of a receiver-in channel also being understood as a type of sound tube end.
- the sound tube can thus be designed to transport sound signals via sound air waves or by means of electrical signals via an electrical line.
- the second opening can have a plurality of sections arranged one behind the other, each of which forms a section with a conically tapering diameter of the second opening, the diameter of the section following this preceding section each being greater than the diameter of the opening of the preceding section Section is.
- the base body 2 has, towards the connection side 3, a connection section 7 which is intended for inserting the hearing aid accessories.
- the base body Towards the auditory canal side 4, the base body has an auditory canal section 8, which is used, for example, to transmit sound or to protect a sound tube 17 guided through the otoplastic 1 to a second opening 6, the sound outlet opening.
- a concave curved section 9 is provided between the connection section 7 and the auditory canal section 8 on at least part of the circumference of the otoplastic 1.
- This transition between the connection section 7 and the auditory canal section 8 creates a type of "kink" in which the main direction of extent is of the base body 2 changes at least slightly.
- the concave curved section 9 defines the insertion depth and the insertion angle of a hearing aid accessory inserted into the otoplastic 1 and prevents it from protruding too far into the auditory canal section 8. At the same time, it is not a sharp, but a gradual change in direction that significantly reduces the notch effect of the transition.
- the concave curved section 9 is located on a front side 11 of the otoplastic 1, which, when the otoplastic 1 is inserted into an ear, would point in the direction of the middle of the head of the hearing aid wearer.
- the connection section 7 merges into the auditory canal section 8 via a convex curved section 13.
- the radius of curvature r 2 of the convex curvature section 13 on the rear side 12 is preferably greater than the radius of curvature r 1 of the concave curvature section 9 on the front side 11 of the base body 2.
- the radius of curvature r 2 can, for example, have a radius of curvature of 15 mm in the initial state, that is to say without any accessories introduced.
- the radius of curvature r 1 is significantly smaller and is, for example, 3 mm.
- the earmold 1 in Figure 1 has a convex curved section 10 in the auditory canal section 8 toward the auditory canal side 4, which is connected to the concave curved section 9.
- the convex curvature section 10 can be made just as wide as the concave curvature section 9; however, it can also be wider or narrower and in particular also over the entire circumference of the base body 2 in the auditory canal section 8.
- the convex curvature section 10 enables an improved hold of the otoplastic 1 in the ear of the hearing aid wearer, since the bulge can rest against adjacent inner ear structures.
- Figure 2 shows a schematic plan view of the connection side 3 of the otoplastic 1.
- the oval contour of the first opening 5 is clearly shown, and is also due to of the "kink" or change of direction of the base body 2 in the concave curved section 9, a part of the auditory canal section 8 can still be seen.
- the base body 2 has an oval cross-section over its entire longitudinal extent, in which the front side 11 and the rear side 12 form the longer oval longitudinal sides and the side regions lying in between can be assigned to the shorter oval broad sides.
- an inserted sound tube 17 or another hearing aid accessory can be reliably held regardless of its size or shape, because there are strong rebound and thus pressure forces on the longitudinal sides of the oval form elastic deformation through the hearing aid accessories.
- FIGS 3 and 4 schematic top views of the front sides 11 of two different embodiments of the otoplastic 1 are shown.
- the otoplastic 1 in Figure 4 a collar 14 protruding inward into the first opening 5, which is a material reinforcement of the base body 2 at the first opening 5 and thus improves the fixation of an inserted hearing aid accessory.
- the connection section 7 and the auditory canal section 8 can again be seen, which merge into one another at least on part of the circumference of the base body 2 via the concave curvature region 9 shown hatched.
- Figure 5 shows a schematic plan view of the ear canal side 4 of the otoplastic 1.
- the second opening 6 can be clearly seen, which can serve to receive a sound tube 17.
- the diameter of the second opening 6, if it is intended as a receptacle for a sound tube 17, can either be designed for standard sound tubes and, for example, be 3 mm, or also be designed for receiver-in-canal or thin tube systems and thus, for example, be 2 mm.
- a ventilation opening 16 Adjacent to the second opening 6, a ventilation opening 16 is provided which enables the inside of the ear of the hearing aid wearer to be ventilated through the otoplastic 1 and thus enables pressure equalization, so that the wearing comfort of the otoplastic 1 is significantly increased.
- Figure 6 shows a top view of the back 12 of the otoplastic 1 and in particular in a transparent section on the ear canal side 4 the bores for the second opening 6 and the ventilation opening 16.
- a material reinforcement 15 of the base body 2 is in an area of the ear canal side 4 assigned Ear canal section 8 is provided in that the wall thickness of the base body 2 is increased in this area compared to the wall thickness of the further base body 2.
- the material reinforcement 15 takes place inwards into the cavity of the otoplastic 1.
- the second opening 6 and the ventilation opening 16 are made as bores, the length of which corresponds to the wall thickness of the material reinforcement 15 and can be 3 mm, for example.
- a sound tube 17 received by the second opening 6 is held particularly securely by the material reinforcement 15 and is stabilized against external forces and moments.
- Figure 7 shows a transparent side view of the otoplastic 1 with an inserted sound tube 17.
- the connection 18 is inserted through the first opening 5 into the connection section 7 of the base body 2, the otoplastic 1 expanding elastically around the connection 18 and at least to the connection 18 the long oval sides.
- the connection 18 is connected to a hearing aid (not shown) and forwards sound signals generated by this via the sound tube 17.
- the sound tube 17 is guided through the otoplastic 1 to the second opening 6, which forms a receptacle for the end of the sound tube 17.
- the transmitted sound emerges from this end of the sound tube 17, so that the opening 6 also represents a sound exit opening.
- hearing aid accessories can also be connected to the otoplastic 1 shown, since they accommodate a variety of plug, cable, earpiece, loudspeaker or hose shapes and sizes and safely due to the oval first opening 5 in connection with the concave curved section 9 can hold.
- Figure 8 shows a sectional view through an embodiment of an otoplastic 1 with retaining ribs 19 in the second opening 6 on the auditory canal side 4.
- the otoplastic 1 is adapted to universally accommodate different sound tubes.
- These retaining ribs 19 in the interior of the second opening 6 partially reduce the inside diameter of the second opening 6 in order to fix a sound tube on the otoplastic 1 by means of the elastic deformation of the retaining ribs 17 in the second opening 6. It becomes clear that the retaining ribs 19 are formed on the end region of the otoplastic 1 on the auditory canal side 4, which is less elastic than the connection side 3 due to a material reinforcement 15.
- the end of the sound tube which may also be a receiver end ("receiver-in channel"), also has circumferential grooves or retaining ribs or lamellas, the end of the sound tube can be held on the otoplastic 1 not only by frictional engagement, but also by a form fit will.
- the second opening 6 can have several conical sections 20 arranged one behind the other, each of which forms a section with a conically tapering diameter of the second opening 6, the diameter of the conical section 20 following this preceding section 20 each following the opening of a preceding section 20 is greater than the diameter of the mouth of the preceding section 20. In this way, retaining ribs 19 that are elastic and yet sufficiently dimensionally stable for fixing different sound tubes 17 are formed.
Description
Die Erfindung betrifft eine einstückige, flexible oder semiflexible Otoplastik als Ohreinsatz für Hörgeräte mit einem hohlen, schlauchartigen Grundkörper, der sich von einer Anschlussseite zu einer Gehörgangsseite hin verjüngt, wobei an der Anschlussseite eine erste Öffnung zum Anschluss eines Hörgerätezubehörs und an der Gehörgangsseite eine zweite Öffnung als Aufnahme für das Ende eines Schallschlauchs vorgesehen ist.The invention relates to a one-piece, flexible or semi-flexible otoplastic as an ear insert for hearing aids with a hollow, tube-like base body that tapers from one connection side to one ear canal side, with a first opening on the connection side for connecting a hearing aid accessory and a second opening on the ear canal side is provided as a receptacle for the end of a sound tube.
Solche Otoplastiken bilden den in das Ohr eines Hörgeräteträgers eingeführten Teil eines Hörgerätes bzw. einer Hörhilfe und dienen dazu, mit dem Hörgerät erzeugte bzw. verstärkte Schallsignale an das Innenohr des Hörgeräteträgers weiterzuleiten. Hierzu wird die Otoplastik direkt mit einem Lautsprecher oder einem sogenannten Schallschlauch verbunden, der auf der anderen Seite mit dem Hörgerät gekoppelt ist und seinerseits der Schallübertragung dient. Üblicherweise wird für einen langfristigen Einsatz einer Otoplastik diese passgenau und individuell durch Abbilden einer Negativkontur über eine Ohr- und Gehörgangsabformung hergestellt.Such otoplastics form the part of a hearing aid or a hearing aid inserted into the ear of a hearing aid wearer and serve to transmit sound signals generated or amplified with the hearing aid to the inner ear of the hearing aid wearer. For this purpose, the otoplastic is connected directly to a loudspeaker or a so-called sound tube, which is coupled to the hearing aid on the other side and in turn serves to transmit sound. Usually, for long-term use of an otoplastic, it is manufactured precisely and individually by mapping a negative contour over an ear and auditory canal impression.
Da jedoch nicht nur die Ohrformen und -größen der Hörgeräteträger, sondern auch die erhältlichen Hörgerätetypen und -modelle stark variieren, bestehen Bestrebungen, die Kompatibilität von Otoplastiken mit unterschiedlichen Geräten zu erhöhen.However, since not only the ear shapes and sizes of the hearing aid wearer, but also the available hearing aid types and models vary greatly, efforts are being made to increase the compatibility of otoplastics with different devices.
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Ausgehend hiervon ist es Aufgabe der vorliegenden Erfindung, eine verbesserte Otoplastik mit einem erhöhten Bedienungs- und Tragekomfort bei gleichzeitiger Kompatibilität mit unterschiedlichen Ohrformen und Hörgeräten bereitzustellen.Based on this, the object of the present invention is to provide an improved otoplastic with increased operating and wearing comfort while at the same time being compatible with different ear shapes and hearing aids.
Die Aufgabe wird durch die Otoplastik mit den Merkmalen des Anspruchs 1 und durch die Otoplastik mit den Merkmalen des Anspruchs 12 gelöst. Vorteilhafte Ausführungsformen sind in den Unteransprüchen beschrieben.The object is achieved by the otoplastic with the features of
Demnach ist eine einstückige, flexible oder semiflexible Otoplastik als Ohreinsatz für Hörgeräte vorgesehen. Unter einer flexiblen Otoplastik wird eine Otoplastik verstanden, die haptisch deutlich spürbar biegsam und elastisch ist, jedoch bei Rücknahme einer beaufschlagten Krafteinwirkung in ihre vorherige Form zurückkehrt. Bei einer semiflexiblen Otoplastik ist dieser haptische Eindruck einer Elastizität deutlich geringer, aber immer noch vorhanden, und das Otoplastikmaterial bietet einen spürbaren Widerstand gegenüber einer elastischen Verformung, lässt diese aber dennoch zu. Die Flexibilität kann auch entlang der Otoplastik variieren, beispielsweise kann diese einen flexiblen Anschlussabschnitt für einen einfacheren Anschluss eines Schallschlauchs oder Lautsprechers und einen semiflexiblen Gehörgangsabschnitt für einen verbesserten Halt der Otoplastik im Ohr aufweisen.Accordingly, a one-piece, flexible or semi-flexible otoplastic is provided as an ear insert for hearing aids. A flexible otoplastic is understood to mean an otoplastic that is haptically noticeably flexible and elastic, but returns to its previous shape when an applied force is withdrawn. In the case of a semi-flexible otoplastic, this haptic impression of elasticity is significantly less, but still exists, and the otoplastic material offers a noticeable resistance to elastic deformation, but nevertheless allows this. The flexibility can also vary along the otoplastic, for example it can have a flexible connection section for easier connection of a sound tube or loudspeaker and a semi-flexible auditory canal section for improved hold of the otoplastic in the ear.
Die Otoplastik hat einen hohlen, schlauchartigen Grundkörper und bildet somit einen im Wesentlichen runden Hohlkörper, vorzugsweise ohne scharfe Ecken oder Kanten an der Außenseite. Der den Hohlraum umgebende Mantel des Grundkörpers ist hierbei je nach Flexibilitätsgrad (flexibel oder semiflexibel) stärker oder schwächer elastisch verformbar.The otoplastic has a hollow, tube-like base body and thus forms an essentially round hollow body, preferably without sharp corners or edges on the outside. The shell of the base body surrounding the cavity is more or less elastically deformable depending on the degree of flexibility (flexible or semi-flexible).
Der Grundkörper verjüngt sich von einer Anschlussseite zu einer Gehörgangsseite hin, wobei die Verjüngung zumindest abschnittsweise konisch sein kann. Mit der Verjüngung verringert sich der Durchmesser der Otoplastik und ihr Querschnitt wird kleiner von einer Anschlussseite in Richtung der Gehörgangsseite gesehen.The base body tapers from a connection side to an auditory canal side, it being possible for the taper to be conical at least in sections. With the taper, the diameter of the otoplastic is reduced and its cross-section is seen smaller from a connection side in the direction of the auditory canal side.
Als Anschlussseite wird die Seite der Otoplastik bezeichnet, an der ein Hörgerätezubehör angeschlossen wird, beispielsweise ein Lautsprecher, Schallschlauch, Stecker oder Kabel in die Otoplastik eingeführt wird. Im Falle eines Schallschlauchs wird dieser von der Anschlussseite aus weiter durch die Otoplastik hindurchgeführt und endet schließlich an der Gehörgangsseite, wo er beispielsweise in eine Schallaustrittsöffnung der Otoplastik auf der Gehörgangsseite eingesteckt wird und von hier aus Schallsignale in das Ohrinnere des Hörgeräteträgers abgibt. Im Falle beispielsweise eines Lautsprechers, der an der Anschlussseite der Otoplastik angeordnet wird, können sich die hierüber abgegebenen Schallsignale im Inneren der Otoplastik in Richtung Gehörgangsseite ausbreiten und treten dort schließlich aus einer Schallaustrittsöffnung der Otoplastik auf der Gehörgangsseite aus. An der Gehörgangsseite austretender Schall kann somit in den Gehörgang des Hörgeräteträgers eintreten und von dort aus die weiteren Hörorgane wie beispielsweise das Innenohr erreichen.The connection side is the side of the otoplastic to which a hearing aid accessory is connected, for example a loudspeaker, sound tube, plug or cable is inserted into the otoplastic. In the case of a sound tube, it is passed through the otoplastic from the connection side and finally ends at the ear canal side, where it is inserted, for example, into a sound outlet opening of the otoplastic on the ear canal side and emits sound signals from here into the inside of the ear of the hearing aid wearer. In the case of a loudspeaker, for example, which is arranged on the connection side of the otoplastic, the sound signals emitted via this can propagate inside the otoplastic in the direction of the ear canal and finally emerge from a sound outlet opening of the otoplastic on the ear canal side. Sound emerging on the side of the auditory canal can thus enter the auditory canal of the hearing aid wearer and from there reach the other hearing organs such as the inner ear.
Somit ist an der Anschlussseite eine erste Öffnung zum Anschluss eines Schallschlauchs oder Lautsprechers vorgesehen, während an der Gehörgangsseite eine zweite Öffnung für einen Schallaustritt vorgesehen ist, die als universelle Aufnahme für das Ende eines Schallschlauchs ausgebildet ist.Thus, a first opening for connecting a sound tube or loudspeaker is provided on the connection side, while a second opening for a sound outlet is provided on the ear canal side, which is designed as a universal receptacle for the end of a sound tube.
Die erste Öffnung an der Anschlussseite weist eine ovale Kontur auf. Unter einer ovalen Kontur wird eine Kontur verstanden, die von einer kreisrunden Kontur abweicht. Insbesondere wird unter einer ovalen Kontur eine eher langgestreckte, beispielsweise elliptische und somit symmetrische oder auch eine an einer oder zwei Seiten spitz zulaufende Kontur verstanden.The first opening on the connection side has an oval contour. An oval contour is understood to mean a contour that deviates from a circular contour. In particular, an oval contour is understood to mean a rather elongated, for example elliptical and thus symmetrical, or a contour that tapers to a point on one or two sides.
Der Anschlussseite der Otoplastik ist ein Anschlussabschnitt des Grundkörpers zugeordnet, der sich von der ersten Öffnung ausgehend in Richtung der Gehörgangsseite erstreckt und über einen konkaven Krümmungsabschnitt in einen Gehörgangsabschnitt übergeht, der der Gehörgangsseite zugeordnet ist. Somit weist der Grundkörper zwischen dem Anschlussabschnitt und dem Gehörgangsabschnitt einen konkaven Krümmungsabschnitt auf. Dieser kann teilumfänglich an der Otoplastik vorgesehen sein oder es kann über den gesamten Umfang des Grundkörpers ein konkaver Krümmungsabschnitt zwischen Anschlussabschnitt und Gehörgangsabschnitt gebildet sein.The connection side of the otoplastic is assigned a connection section of the base body which extends from the first opening in the direction of the auditory canal side and merges via a concave curved section into an auditory canal section which is assigned to the auditory canal side. The base body thus has a concave curved section between the connection section and the auditory canal section. This can be provided around the circumference of the otoplastic or a concave curved section can be formed between the connection section and the ear canal section over the entire circumference of the base body.
Unter einem konkaven Krümmungsabschnitt wird eine bogenförmige Kontur mit einem optisch wahrnehmbaren Radius verstanden. Die Rundung des Krümmungsabschnitts ist mit bloßem Auge erkennbar. Der Anschlussabschnitt geht somit unter einem runden Absatz mit einem Innenradius in den Gehörgangsabschnitt über. Bei einem teilumfänglichen Krümmungsabschnitt ist dieser aus seitlichen Ansichten der Otoplastik als "Knick" wahrnehmbar, da sich durch den Krümmungsabschnitt die Haupterstreckungsrichtung des Grundkörpers leicht ändert. Dies bedeutet, dass der Anschlussabschnitt und der Gehörgangsabschnitt nicht gerade ineinander übergehen, sondern gewissermaßen in einem Winkel aufeinander stehen.A concave curvature section is understood to mean an arcuate contour with an optically perceptible radius. The roundness of the curved section can be seen with the naked eye. The connection section thus merges into the auditory canal section under a round shoulder with an inner radius. In the case of a partially circumferential curved section, this can be perceived as a "kink" from side views of the otoplastic, since the main direction of extent of the base body changes slightly due to the curved section. This means that the connection section and the auditory canal section do not just merge into one another, but rather are, so to speak, at an angle to one another.
Eine derart geformte Otoplastik bietet eine universelle Anschlussmöglichkeit für eine Vielzahl unterschiedlicher Hörgeräteanschlüsse wie Stecker, Lautsprecher, Schallschläuche und Kabel in verschiedenen Formen und Größen. Durch seine (Semi-)Flexibilität ist der Grundkörper, insbesondere der Anschlussabschnitt des Grundkörpers ausreichend elastisch, um sich beim Einstecken eines Hörgerätezubehörs entsprechend der Form und Größe des Zubehörs zu verformen und an dieses anzulegen. Hierbei ist insbesondere die längliche ovale Form der ersten Öffnung von Vorteil, da diese höhere Rückfeder- und Anpresskräfte an den längeren Ovalseiten ausbildet und somit das eingesteckte Zubehör unabhängig von dessen Form und Größe besser fixieren kann als eine kreisrunde Öffnung mit gleichmäßig am Umfang verteilter Kraftwirkung, die eine ähnliche Form und Größe des eingesteckten Zubehörs voraussetzt.An otoplastic shaped in this way offers a universal connection option for a large number of different hearing aid connections such as plugs, loudspeakers, sound tubes and cables in various shapes and sizes. Due to its (semi-) flexibility, the base body, in particular the connection section of the base body, is sufficiently elastic to be deformed when a hearing aid accessory is plugged in according to the shape and size of the accessory and to be placed against it. The elongated oval shape of the first opening is particularly advantageous here, as it creates higher resilience and pressure forces on the longer oval sides and can thus fix the inserted accessories better, regardless of their shape and size, than a circular opening with force evenly distributed around the circumference. which requires a similar shape and size of the plugged-in accessories.
Der konkave Krümmungsabschnitt definiert und begrenzt die Einführtiefe und den Einführwinkel des in die Otoplastik eingesteckten Hörgerätezubehörs. Bei einem teilumfänglich ausgeführten konkaven Krümmungsabschnitt, bildlich mit dem oben beschriebenen "Knick" in der Otoplastik vergleichbar, ergibt sich zudem ein verbesserter Tragekomfort und Halt der Otoplastik im Ohr des Hörgeräteträgers, da gerade Otoplastiken leichter aus dem Ohr herausrutschen können.The concave curved section defines and limits the insertion depth and the insertion angle of the hearing aid accessories inserted into the otoplastic. In the case of a partially circumferential concave curved section, visually comparable with the above-described "kink" in the otoplastic, there is also improved wearing comfort and hold of the otoplastic in the ear of the hearing aid wearer, since otoplasts can slip out of the ear more easily.
Bei der erfindungsgemäßen Otoplastik handelt es sich um eine Universalotoplastik, die anatomisch so geformt ist, dass sie von einer Vielzahl von Personen mit einer hohen Passgenauigkeit und einem hohen Tragekomfort benutzt werden kann. Zugleich handelt es sich um eine Universalotoplastik, die einteilig ausgeführt ist und ohne jegliche Adapter mit einer Vielzahl von Gerätetypen und -modellen verbunden werden kann, da sie durch ihre spezielle Form im Anschlussbereich mit unterschiedlichen Hörgerätezubehörteilen koppelbar ist.The otoplastic according to the invention is a universal otoplastic which is anatomically shaped so that it can be used by a large number of people with a high degree of accuracy of fit and a high level of comfort. At the same time, it is a universal earmold that is made in one piece and can be connected to a large number of device types and models without any adapter, since it can be coupled with different hearing aid accessories due to its special shape in the connection area.
Somit können mit einer universellen Otoplastiklösung diversen hörbeeinträchtigten Personen beispielsweise in einer Erprobungsphase verschiedene Hörlösungen angeboten werden. Zudem kann einem Interessenten sofort, beispielsweise bei einer Erstberatung, eine Hörlösung zur Verfügung gestellt werden, da die bisher übliche Anfertigung einer Individualotoplastik entfällt. Somit entfällt auch eine zeitaufwendige individuelle Anpassung der Otoplastik oder wird zumindest beschleunigt. Diese Vorteile gelten nicht nur für den Interessenten oder Kunden, sondern auch für Hörgeräte anbietende und herstellende Unternehmen, für die die mit Kosten und Aufwand verbundene Anfertigung von Individualotoplastiken zumindest während der Erprobungsphase entfällt.Thus, with a universal otoplastic solution, various hearing impaired people can be offered different hearing solutions, for example in a trial phase. In addition, a hearing solution can be made available to an interested party immediately, for example during an initial consultation, since the customary manufacture of an individual earmold is no longer necessary. Time-consuming individual adaptation of the otoplastic is thus eliminated or at least accelerated. These advantages apply not only to interested parties or customers, but also to companies that offer and manufacture hearing aids, for whom the cost and effort associated with making individual earmolds is no longer necessary, at least during the trial phase.
Die Otoplastik weist entlang ihres gesamten Grundkörpers einen ovalen Querschnitt auf. Somit ist nicht nur die Anschlussöffnung oval, sondern die gesamte Otoplastik von der Anschlussseite bis zur Gehörgangsseite. Durch diese Form und die elastische Verformbarkeit passt sich die Otoplastik insbesondere entlang ihrer längeren Ovallängsseiten besser an den Gehörgang an und bietet mehr Stabilität als kreisrunde Otoplastikquerschnitte.The otoplastic has an oval cross section along its entire base body. Thus, not only the connection opening is oval, but the entire otoplastic from the connection side to the ear canal side. As a result of this shape and the elastic deformability, the otoplastic adapts better to the auditory canal, in particular along its longer oval longitudinal sides, and offers more stability than circular otoplastic cross-sections.
Die Otoplastik hat bevorzugt nicht einfach einen sich von der Anschlussöffnung über den Anschlussabschnitt und den Gehörgangsabschnitt bis zur Gehörgangsseite hin verjüngenden Querschnitt bzw. Außenumfang. Vorteilhaft ist es, wenn sich an den konkaven Krümmungsabschnitt ein konvexer Krümmungsabschnitt im Gehörgangsabschnitt zur Gehörgangsseite hin anschließt. Somit folgen unterhalb des Anschlussabschnitts zwei entgegengesetzte Krümmungen aufeinander. In einer seitlichen Ansicht ergibt sich hiermit eine S-Kontur der Otoplastik über einen Teil der Otoplastik. Eine solche Otoplastik zeichnet sich durch einen besseren Sitz im Gehörgang aus, weil sich der konvexe Krümmungsabschnitt im Gehörgangsabschnitt weich an den Gehörgang des Hörgeräteträgers anlegt. Der Verlauf des Außenumfangs der Otoplastik von der Anschlussöffnung über den Anschlussabschnitt und den Gehörgangsabschnitt bis zur Gehörgangsseite ist an die gemittelte Anatomie der Gehörgänge einer Vielzahl von Nutzern angepasst. Damit bietet die Otoplastik für den Großteil der Patienten einen ausreichenden Halt, auch wenn die Otoplastik nicht genau an die Gehörgangs-Anatomie des individuellen Patienten angepasst ist.The otoplastic preferably does not simply have a cross-section or outer circumference that tapers from the connection opening via the connection section and the auditory canal section to the side of the auditory canal. It is advantageous if the concave curved section is followed by a convex curved section in the auditory canal section towards the auditory canal side. Two opposite curvatures thus follow one another below the connection section. In a side view, this results in an S-contour of the otoplastic over part of the otoplastic. Such an otoplastic is characterized by a better fit in the auditory canal because the convex curvature section in the auditory canal section rests softly on the auditory canal of the hearing aid wearer. The course of the outer circumference of the otoplastic from the connection opening via the connection section and the auditory canal section to the side of the auditory canal is adapted to the averaged anatomy of the auditory canals of a large number of users. The otoplastic thus offers sufficient support for the majority of patients, even if the otoplastic is not precisely adapted to the anatomy of the auditory canal of the individual patient.
Der Krümmungsradius des konkaven Krümmungsabschnitts kann zwischen 1 und 5 mm betragen. Bevorzugt ist es, wenn der Krümmungsradius zwischen 2 und 4 mm beträgt. In diesem besonders günstigen Radiusbereich wird angeschlossenes Hörgerätezubehör zuverlässig fixiert, ohne dass der Absatz ein unangenehmes Tragegefühl oder eine materialschwächende Kerbwirkung erzeugt.The radius of curvature of the concave curved section can be between 1 and 5 mm. It is preferred if the radius of curvature is between 2 and 4 mm. In this particularly favorable radius area, connected hearing aid accessories are reliably fixed without the shoulder creating an uncomfortable feeling or a notch effect that weakens the material.
Der Anschlussabschnitt geht an einer Vorderseite der Otoplastik unter einem konkaven Krümmungsabschnitt und an einer gegenüberliegenden Rückseite unter einem konvexen Krümmungsabschnitt in den Gehörgangsabschnitt über, wobei der Krümmungsradius des konkaven Krümmungsabschnitts an der Vorderseite kleiner ist als der Krümmungsradius des konvexen Krümmungsabschnitts an der Rückseite. Als Vorderseite wird der Bereich der Otoplastik angesehen, der bei einem Einführen der Otoplastik nach innen in Richtung der Kopfmitte des Hörgeräteträgers zeigen würde. Als Rückseite ist entsprechend die der Vorderseite gegenüberliegende Seite der Otoplastik anzusehen, die in einem eingeführten Zustand nach außen und vom Kopf weg zeigen würde. Die Vorder- und die Rückseite erstrecken sich jeweils von den längeren Längsseiten des Ovals der ersten Öffnung in Richtung Gehörgangsseite.The connection section merges into the auditory canal section on a front side of the otoplastic under a concave curvature section and on an opposite rear under a convex curvature section, the radius of curvature of the concave curvature section on the front side being smaller than the radius of curvature of the convex curvature section on the rear side. The front is considered to be the area of the otoplastic which, when the otoplastic is inserted, would point inwards in the direction of the middle of the head of the hearing aid wearer. The side of the otoplastic opposite the front side, which in an inserted state would point outwards and away from the head, is to be regarded as the rear side. The front and rear sides each extend from the longer longitudinal sides of the oval of the first opening in the direction of the ear canal side.
Bei der Ausführungsform mit einem stärker gekrümmten konkaven Krümmungsabschnitt an der Vorderseite und einem schwächer gekrümmten konvexen Krümmungsabschnitt an der Rückseite ist der Übergang des Anschlussabschnitts in den Gehörgangsabschnitt auf der Rückseite flacher und weniger stark gebogen als auf der gegenüberliegenden "Knick"-Seite. Hierdurch können die Einführtiefe und der Einführwinkel des eingesteckten Hörgerätezubehörs in Grenzen leicht variiert werden, sodass die Kompatibilität gegenüber unterschiedlichen Zubehörtypen erhöht wird. Zudem ist der flachere Krümmungsabschnitt auf der Rückseite leichter elastisch verformbar, sodass das Einführen eines Hörgerätezubehörs erleichtert wird. Der konvexe Krümmungsabschnitt auf der Rückseite kann im Ausgangszustand, also ohne eingeführtes Zubehör, beispielsweise einen Krümmungsradius zwischen 10 und 20 mm aufweisen. In diesem Radiusbereich liegt eine verbesserte Biegsamkeit des Anschlussabschnitts an der Rückseite der Otoplastik vor.In the embodiment with a more strongly curved concave curvature section on the front side and a more weakly curved convex curvature section on the rear side, the transition of the connection section into the auditory canal section on the rear side is flatter and less strongly curved than on the opposite "kink" side. As a result, the insertion depth and the insertion angle of the inserted hearing aid accessories can be varied easily within limits, so that the compatibility with different types of accessories is increased. In addition, the flatter curved section on the rear side can be elastically deformed more easily, so that the insertion of a hearing aid accessory is made easier. The convex curvature section on the rear side can have, for example, a radius of curvature between 10 and 20 mm in the initial state, that is to say without any accessories introduced. In this radius area there is an improved flexibility of the connection section on the rear side of the otoplastic.
Es hat sich als vorteilhaft erwiesen, wenn an der Anschlussseite der Otoplastik an den Anschlussabschnitt ein in die erste Öffnung ragender Kragen angeformt ist. Es handelt sich hierbei um einen leicht nach innen gebogenen oder gestülpten Rand der Otoplastik an der Anschlussseite. Ein solcher Kragen bildet eine Materialverstärkung am Umfang der ersten Öffnung und unterstützt die Anpressung des Anschlussabschnitts an ein eingeführtes Zubehör.It has proven to be advantageous if a collar protruding into the first opening is formed on the connection side of the otoplastic on the connection section. This is a slightly inwardly curved or turned-over edge of the otoplastic on the connection side. Such a collar forms a material reinforcement on the circumference of the first opening and supports the pressing of the connection section against an inserted accessory.
In einer vorteilhaften Ausführungsform ist die die zweite Öffnung der Otoplastik an der Gehörgangsseite als Aufnahme für Receiver-In-Canal- oder Dünnschlauchsysteme ausgebildet. In diesem Sinne ist die zweite Öffnung als eine Bohrung in dem Otoplastikmantel mit einer vordefinierten Länge und einem vordefinierten Durchmesser ausgebildet, um die Schallschläuche eines Receiver-In-Canal- oder Dünnschlauchsystems aufnehmen zu können, die wesentlich kleiner sind als beispielsweise die von Standardschallschläuchen. Zudem kann der Grundkörper am Umfang der zweiten Öffnung mit Halterippen (bspw. in Form von umlaufenden Lamellen an der Innenwand der zweiten Öffnung) verstärkt sein, um das eingesteckte Zubehör insbesondere im Falle der besonders schmalen Anschlüsse von Receiver-In-Canal- und Dünnschlauchsystemen zuverlässig und sicher zu fixieren. Der Bohrungsdurchmesser kann in diesem Beispiel zwischen 0,5 und 1,5 mm betragen. Für Standardschallschläuche ist die Bohrung hingegen breiter ausgeführt und beträgt beispielsweise zwischen 1,5 und 2,5 mm. Die Länge der Bohrung kann in beiden Fällen bevorzugt zwischen 2 und 4 mm betragen.In an advantageous embodiment, the second opening of the otoplastic on the auditory canal side is designed as a receptacle for receiver-in-canal or thin tube systems. In this sense, the second opening is designed as a hole in the otoplastic jacket with a predefined length and a predefined diameter in order to be able to accommodate the sound tubes of a receiver-in-canal or thin tube system, which are much smaller than, for example, those of standard sound tubes. In addition, the base body can be reinforced on the circumference of the second opening with retaining ribs (e.g. in the form of circumferential lamellas on the inner wall of the second opening) in order to reliably secure the inserted accessories, especially in the case of the particularly narrow connections of receiver-in-canal and thin tube systems and to be fixed securely. In this example, the bore diameter can be between 0.5 and 1.5 mm. For standard sound hoses however, if the bore is made wider and is between 1.5 and 2.5 mm, for example. In both cases, the length of the bore can preferably be between 2 and 4 mm.
Erfindungsgemäß ist die Wandstärke der Otoplastik in einem der Gehörgangsseite zugeordneten Bereich gegenüber dem weiteren Grundkörper erhöht ist. Somit ist die Otoplastik an ihrem der Gehörgangsseite zugeordneten Ende dicker als in anderen Bereichen der Otoplastik, wobei die Materialverdickung nach innen in den Hohlraum ausgeführt ist. Hierdurch kann ein von der zweiten Öffnung aufgenommener Schallschlauch zuverlässig fixiert und besser gegen ein Herausrutschen gesichert werden. Bevorzugt ist auf der Gehörgangsseite der Otoplastik neben der zweiten Öffnung eine weitere Belüftungsöffnung vorgesehen. Diese wird nicht durch ein eingeführtes Zubehör geschlossen, sondern bleibt auch im getragenen Zustand der Otoplastik stets offen. Somit ermöglicht diese Belüftungsöffnung einen Druckausgleich des Ohrinneren und erhöht damit den Tragekomfort der Otoplastik.According to the invention, the wall thickness of the otoplastic is increased in an area assigned to the side of the auditory canal compared to the further base body. The otoplastic is thus thicker at its end associated with the auditory canal side than in other areas of the otoplastic, the material thickening being implemented inwardly into the cavity. In this way, a sound tube received by the second opening can be reliably fixed and better secured against slipping out. A further ventilation opening is preferably provided on the ear canal side of the otoplastic in addition to the second opening. This is not closed by an inserted accessory, but always remains open even when the otoplastic is worn. This ventilation opening thus enables pressure equalization of the inside of the ear and thus increases the wearing comfort of the otoplastic.
Die Otoplastik kann aus einem Silikonmaterial hergestellt sein. Dieses bietet günstige elastische Eigenschaften, die die nötige Anpresskraft der Otoplastik an ein Hörgerätezubehör und an das Ohr des Hörgeräteträgers bereitstellen. Zudem sind Silikonmaterialien hygienisch und aufgrund ihrer Oberflächenstruktur angenehm zu tragen. Somit kann einem Interessenten sofort, beispielsweise bei einer Erstberatung, eine spontan verträgliche Universalotoplastik zur Verfügung gestellt werden.The otoplastic can be made from a silicone material. This offers favorable elastic properties that provide the necessary pressing force of the otoplastic on a hearing aid accessory and on the ear of the hearing aid wearer. In addition, silicone materials are hygienic and, thanks to their surface structure, comfortable to wear. In this way, a spontaneously compatible universal otoplasty can be made available to an interested party immediately, for example during an initial consultation.
In einer bevorzugten Ausführungsform ist die Otoplastik aus einem transparenten Material hergestellt. Hierdurch wird eine vereinfachte optische Überprüfung des korrekten Sitzes von eingeführtem Hörgerätezubehör und eine optische Prüfung auf innere Beschädigungen oder Verunreinigungen der Otoplastik ermöglicht.In a preferred embodiment, the otoplastic is made of a transparent material. This enables a simplified visual check of the correct fit of inserted hearing aid accessories and a visual check for internal damage or contamination of the otoplastic.
Die Erfindung betrifft auch eine Verwendung einer Otoplastik nach den vorbeschriebenen Merkmalen als Probeotoplastik zum Testen verschiedener Hörgerätetypen und Hörgerätemodelle. Eine solche Probeotoplastik kann ohne weitere Adapter mit unterschiedlichem Zubehör, beispielsweise verschiedenen Schallschläuchen oder Lautsprechern verbunden werden und ist somit insbesondere für Testphasen besonders geeignet. Zugleich ist die Probeotoplastik derart anatomisch geformt, dass sie als Fertigotoplastik ohne individuelle Anpassung von einer Vielzahl unterschiedlicher Personen verwendet werden kann. Hierdurch wird die Testphase wesentlich komfortabler für den Hörgeräteträger, der die Erprobung unmittelbar starten und auch während der Testphase flexibel zwischen verschiedenen Hörlösungen wechseln kann, und wirtschaftlicher für den Hörgeräteanbieter bzw. -hersteller, da auf die Erstellung von Individualotoplastiken für die Erprobungszeit verzichtet werden kann..The invention also relates to the use of an otoplastic according to the features described above as a trial earmold for testing various hearing aid types and hearing aid models. Such a trial earmold can without further adapters with different accessories, for example different sound tubes or Speakers are connected and is therefore particularly suitable for test phases. At the same time, the trial earmold is anatomically shaped in such a way that it can be used as a finished earmold without individual adaptation by a large number of different people. This makes the test phase much more comfortable for the hearing aid wearer, who can start testing immediately and also switch flexibly between different hearing solutions during the test phase, and more economical for the hearing aid provider or manufacturer, as there is no need to create individual earmolds for the test period. .
Unabhängig von der vorbeschriebenen optimierten Passform durch die äußere Kontur kann eine gattungsgemäße Otoplastik zur universellen Aufnahme unterschiedlicher Schallschläuche erfindungsgemäß dahingehend verbessert werden, dass die zweite Öffnung an der Gehörgangsseite als universelle Aufnahme für das Ende eines Schallschlauchs ausgebildet ist, indem der Grundkörper am Umfang der zweiten Öffnung mit Halterippen verstärkt ist, die zur Fixierung des in die zweite Öffnung eingesteckten Schallschlauches ausgebildet sind. Die Halterippen können beispielsweise als Lamellen ausgebildet sein, die an der Innenwand der zweiten Öffnung umlaufend angeformt sind. Die zweite Öffnung kann mehrere hintereinander angeordnete Halterippen bzw. Lamellen haben. Durch diese Halterippen im Innenraum der zweiten Öffnung wird der Innendurchmesser partiell verringert, um damit einen Schallschlauch mittels der elastischen Verformung der Halterippen in der zweiten Öffnung an der Otoplastik zu fixieren. Damit kann zudem ein Schallschlauchende oder Hörerende ("Receiver-In-Kanal"), das umlaufende Nuten bzw. Lamellen aufweist, nicht nur durch Reibschluss, sondern zusätzlich auch durch Formschuss an der Otoplastik gehalten werden.Regardless of the above-described optimized fit through the outer contour, a generic otoplastic for the universal accommodation of different sound tubes can be improved according to the invention to the effect that the second opening on the ear canal side is designed as a universal receptacle for the end of a sound tube by placing the base body on the circumference of the second opening is reinforced with retaining ribs which are designed to fix the sound tube inserted into the second opening. The retaining ribs can be designed, for example, as lamellae, which are formed on the inner wall of the second opening all the way round. The second opening can have a plurality of holding ribs or lamellae arranged one behind the other. These retaining ribs in the interior of the second opening partially reduce the inside diameter in order to fix a sound tube to the otoplastic by means of the elastic deformation of the retaining ribs in the second opening. In this way, a sound tube end or receiver end ("receiver-in channel"), which has circumferential grooves or lamellas, can be held on the otoplastic not only by frictional engagement, but also by means of a form fit.
Eine gattungsgemäße Otoplastik ist einstückig, flexibel oder semiflexibel und als Ohreinsatz für Hörgeräte mit einem hohlen, schlauchartigen Grundkörper ausgebildet, der sich von einer Anschlussseite zu einer Gehörgangsseite hin verjüngt. An der Anschlussseite ist eine erste Öffnung zum Anschluss eines Hörgerätezubehörs und an der Gehörgangsseite eine zweite Öffnung für einen Schallaustritt und als Aufnahme für das Ende eines Schallschlauchs vorgesehen, wobei auch ein Hörerende eines Receiver-In-Kanals als eine Art von Schallschlauchende verstanden wird. Der Schallschlauch kann somit zum Transport von Schallsignalen über Schallluftwellen oder mittels elektrischer Signale über eine elektrische Leitung ausgebildet sein.A generic otoplastic is one-piece, flexible or semi-flexible and designed as an ear insert for hearing aids with a hollow, tube-like base body which tapers from a connection side to an auditory canal side. A first opening for connecting a hearing aid accessory is provided on the connection side and a second opening for a sound outlet and as a receptacle for the end of a sound tube is provided on the auditory canal side, with a receiver end of a receiver-in channel also being understood as a type of sound tube end. The sound tube can thus be designed to transport sound signals via sound air waves or by means of electrical signals via an electrical line.
Die zweite Öffnung kann mehrere hintereinander angeordnete Abschnitte aufweisen, die jeweils einen Abschnitt mit sich konisch verjüngendem Durchmesser der zweiten Öffnung bilden, wobei der sich an die Ausmündung eines vorhergehenden Abschnitts anschließende Durchmesser des diesem vorhergehenden Abschnitts nachfolgenden Abschnitts jeweils größer als der Durchmesser der Ausmündung des vorhergehenden Abschnitts ist. Auf diese Weise werden elastische und dennoch zur Fixierung unterschiedlicher Schallschläuche hinreichend formstabile Halterippen bzw. Lamellen gebildet.The second opening can have a plurality of sections arranged one behind the other, each of which forms a section with a conically tapering diameter of the second opening, the diameter of the section following this preceding section each being greater than the diameter of the opening of the preceding section Section is. In this way, elastic and nevertheless retaining ribs or lamellae that are sufficiently dimensionally stable for fixing different sound tubes are formed.
Die Erfindung wird nachfolgend anhand von Ausführungsbeispielen mit den beigefügten Zeichnungen näher erläutert. Es zeigen in schematischer Weise:
Figur 1- - eine Seitenansicht einer Otoplastik;
Figur 2- - eine Draufsicht auf die Anschlussseite der Otoplastik;
Figur 3- - eine Draufsicht auf eine Vorderseite der Otoplastik;
Figur 4- - eine Draufsicht auf eine Vorderseite der Otoplastik mit einem Kragen;
Figur 5- - eine Draufsicht auf die Gehörgangsseite der Otoplastik;
Figur 6- - eine Draufsicht auf eine Rückseite der Otoplastik;
Figur 7- - eine Seitenansicht der Otoplastik mit eingestecktem Schallschlauch;
Figur 8- - eine Schnittansicht durch eine Ausführungsform einer Otoplastik mit Halterippen in der zweiten Öffnung an der Gehörgangsseite.
- Figure 1
- - a side view of an otoplastic;
- Figure 2
- - A plan view of the connection side of the otoplastic;
- Figure 3
- - A plan view of a front of the otoplastic;
- Figure 4
- - A plan view of a front side of the otoplastic with a collar;
- Figure 5
- - A plan view of the ear canal side of the otoplastic;
- Figure 6
- - A plan view of a back of the otoplastic;
- Figure 7
- - A side view of the otoplastic with inserted sound tube;
- Figure 8
- - A sectional view through an embodiment of an otoplastic with retaining ribs in the second opening on the ear canal side.
Zwischen dem Anschlussabschnitt 7 und dem Gehörgangsabschnitt 8 ist zumindest an einem Teil des Umfangs der Otoplastik 1 ein konkaver Krümmungsabschnitt 9 vorgesehen. Durch diesen Übergang zwischen Anschlussabschnitt 7 und Gehörgangsabschnitt 8 entsteht eine Art "Knick", in welchem sich die Haupterstreckungsrichtung des Grundkörpers 2 zumindest leicht ändert. Durch den konkaven Krümmungsabschnitt 9 wird die Einführtiefe und der Einführwinkel eines in die Otoplastik 1 eingesteckten Hörgerätezubehörs definiert und verhindert, dass dieses zu weit in den Gehörgangsabschnitt 8 ragt. Zugleich handelt es sich nicht um einen scharfen, sondern allmählichen Richtungswechsel, der die Kerbwirkung des Übergangs deutlich verringert.A concave
Der konkave Krümmungsabschnitt 9 befindet sich in diesem Ausführungsbeispiel an einer Vorderseite 11 der Otoplastik 1, die bei einem Einführen der Otoplastik 1 in ein Ohr in Richtung Kopfmitte des Hörgeräteträgers weisen würde. An der der Vorderseite 11 gegenüberliegenden Seite, der Rückseite 12, geht der Anschlussabschnitt 7 über einen konvexen Krümmungsabschnitt 13 in den Gehörgangsabschnitt 8 über. Bevorzugt ist der Krümmungsradius r2 des konvexen Krümmungsabschnitts 13 an der Rückseite 12 größer als der Krümmungsradius r1 des konkaven Krümmungsabschnitts 9 an der Vorderseite 11 des Grundkörpers 2. Durch diesen flacheren, weicheren Übergang ist der Anschlussabschnitt 7 auf der Rückseite 12 leichter elastisch verformbar, sodass das Einführen eines Hörgerätezubehörs vereinfacht wird. Der Krümmungsradius r2 kann beispielsweise im Ausgangszustand, also ohne eingeführtes Zubehör, einen Krümmungsradius von 15 mm aufweisen. Der Krümmungsradius r1 ist hingegen deutlich kleiner und beträgt beispielsweise 3 mm.In this exemplary embodiment, the concave
Die Otoplastik 1 in
In den
Benachbart zu der zweiten Öffnung 6 ist eine Belüftungsöffnung 16 vorgesehen, die eine Be- und Entlüftung des Ohrinneren des Hörgeräteträgers durch die Otoplastik 1 hindurch und somit einen Druckausgleich ermöglicht, sodass der Tragekomfort der Otoplastik 1 deutlich erhöht wird.Adjacent to the
Erfindungsgemäß können auch andere Hörgerätezubehörteile an die gezeigte Otoplastik 1 angeschlossen werden, da diese aufgrund der ovalen ersten Öffnung 5 in Verbindung mit dem konkaven Krümmungsabschnitt 9 eine Vielzahl an Stecker-, Kabel-, Hörer-, Lautsprecher- oder Schlauchformen und -größen aufnehmen und sicher halten kann.According to the invention, other hearing aid accessories can also be connected to the
Wenn auch das Schallschlauchende, das u.U. auch ein Hörerende ("Receiver-In-Kanal") sein kann, ebenso umlaufende Nuten oder Halterippen bzw. Lamellen aufweist, kann das Schallschlauchende nicht nur durch Reibschluss, sondern zusätzlich auch durch Formschuss an der Otoplastik 1 gehalten werden.If the end of the sound tube, which may also be a receiver end ("receiver-in channel"), also has circumferential grooves or retaining ribs or lamellas, the end of the sound tube can be held on the
Die zweite Öffnung 6 kann mehrere hintereinander angeordnete konische Abschnitte 20 aufweisen, die jeweils einen Abschnitt mit sich konisch verjüngendem Durchmesser der zweiten Öffnung 6 bilden, wobei der sich an die Ausmündung eines vorhergehenden Abschnitts 20 anschließende Durchmesser des diesem vorhergehenden Abschnitts 20 nachfolgenden konischen Abschnitts 20 jeweils größer als der Durchmesser der Ausmündung des vorhergehenden Abschnitts 20 ist. Auf diese Weise werden elastische und dennoch zur Fixierung unterschiedlicher Schallschläuche 17 hinreichend formstabile Halterippen 19 gebildet.The
- 11
- OtoplastikEarmold
- 22
- GrundkörperBase body
- 33
- AnschlussseiteConnection side
- 44th
- GehörgangsseiteEar canal side
- 55
- Erste ÖffnungFirst opening
- 66th
- Zweite ÖffnungSecond opening
- 77th
- AnschlussabschnittConnection section
- 88th
- GehörgangsabschnittEar canal section
- 99
- Konkaver KrümmungsabschnittConcave curve portion
- 1010
- Konvexer Krümmungsabschnitt (Gehörgangsseite)Convex curvature section (ear canal side)
- 1111
- Vorderseite der OtoplastikFront of the earmold
- 1212th
- Rückseite der OtoplastikBack of the earmold
- 1313th
- Konvexer Krümmungsabschnitt (Rückseite)Convex Curvature Section (Back)
- 1414th
- Kragencollar
- 1515th
- MaterialverstärkungMaterial reinforcement
- 1616
- BelüftungsöffnungVentilation opening
- 1717th
- SchallschlauchSound tube
- 1818th
- Anschlussconnection
- 1919th
- HalterippenRetaining ribs
- 2020th
- Konische AbschnitteConical sections
- r1r1
- Krümmungsradius konkaver KrümmungsabschnittRadius of curvature concave curvature portion
- r2r2
- Krümmungsradius konvexer KrümmungsabschnittRadius of curvature convex curvature section
Claims (15)
- One-piece, flexible or semi-flexible otoplastic (1) as an ear insert for hearing aids with a hollow, tube-like basic body (2) which tapers from a connection side (3) towards an auditory canal side (4), wherein a first opening (5) for the connection of a hearing aid accessory is provided on the connection side (3) and a second opening (6) as a receptacle for the end of a sound tube (17) is provided on the auditory canal side (4), wherein the first opening (5) has an oval contour on the connection side (3) and a connection section (7) of the basic body (2) associated with the connection side (3) merges via a concave curvature section (9) into an auditory canal section (8) of the basic body (2) associated with the auditory canal side (4), wherein the earmould (1) has an oval cross-section along the entire basic body (2), wherein the connection section (7) merges into the auditory canal section (8) at a front side (11) of the earmould (1) under a concave curvature section (9) and at an opposite rear side (12) under a convex curvature section (13), wherein the radius of curvature (r1) of the concave curvature portion (9) at the front side (11) is smaller than the radius of curvature (r2) of the convex curvature portion (13) at the rear side (12), and wherein a convex curvature section (10) in the auditory canal section (8) with a material thickening (15) towards the auditory canal side (4) adjoins the concave curvature section (9), characterised in that in that the wall thickness of the basic body (2) is increased in a region associated with the auditory canal side (4) in comparison with the wall thickness of the further basic body (2), the material thickening being designed for fixing a sound tube inwards into the cavity of the earmould (1).
- Otoplastic (1) according to claim 1, characterised in that the radius of curvature (r1) of the concave curved section (9) is between 1 and 5 mm, preferably between 2 and 4 mm.
- An earmould (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that the radius of curvature (r2) of the convex curvature section (13) is between 10 and 20 mm.
- An earmould (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that a collar (14) projecting into the first opening (5) is moulded onto the connection section (7) on the connection side (3).
- Otoplastic (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the second opening (6) of the otoplastic (1) on the auditory canal side (4) is designed as a receptacle for receiver-in-canal or thin tube systems.
- Otoplastic (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that a further ventilation opening (16) is provided on the auditory canal side (4) next to the second opening (6).
- An earmould (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the earmould (1) is made of a silicone material.
- An earmould (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the earmould (1) is made of a transparent material.
- An earmould (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the base body (2) is reinforced at the periphery of the second opening (6) with retaining ribs (19) which are designed to fix the sound tube (17) inserted into the second opening (6).
- The earmould (1) according to claim 9, characterised in that the second opening (6) on the auditory canal side (4) is designed as a universal receptacle for the end of a sound tube (17) and has several retaining ribs (19) arranged one behind the other.
- An earmould (1) according to claim 9 or 10, characterised in that the second opening (6) has a plurality of sections (20) arranged one behind the other, each of which forms a section (20a, 20b) with a conically tapering diameter of the second opening (2), wherein the diameter of the section (20b) following this preceding section (20a), which diameter follows the outlet of a preceding section (20a), is in each case greater than the diameter of the outlet of the preceding section (20a).
- One-piece, flexible or semi-flexible otoplastic (1) as an ear insert for hearing aids with a hollow, tube-like basic body (2) which tapers from a connection side (3) towards an auditory canal side (4), wherein a first opening (5) for the connection of a hearing aid accessory is provided on the connection side (3) and a second opening (6) for a sound outlet and as a receptacle for the end of a sound tube (17) is provided on the auditory canal side (4), characterised in that the base body (2) is reinforced on the periphery of the second opening (6) with retaining ribs (19) which are designed to fix the sound tube (17) inserted into the second opening (6).
- An earmould (1) according to claim 12, characterised in that the second opening (6) on the auditory canal side (4) is designed as a universal receptacle for the end of a sound tube (17) and has a plurality of retaining ribs (19) arranged one behind the other.
- An earmould (1) according to claim 12 or 13, characterised in that the second opening (6) has a plurality of sections (20) arranged one behind the other, each of which forms a section (20a, 20b) with a conically tapering diameter of the second opening (2), wherein the diameter of the section (20b) following this preceding section (20a), which diameter follows the outlet of a preceding section (20a), is in each case greater than the diameter of the outlet of the preceding section (20a).
- Use of an earmould (1) according to one of the preceding claims as a trial earmould for testing different hearing aid types or hearing aid models.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
PL19216558T PL3672284T3 (en) | 2018-12-17 | 2019-12-16 | Otoplastic and use of an otoplastic |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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DE102018132445.6A DE102018132445A1 (en) | 2018-12-17 | 2018-12-17 | Otoplastic and use of an otoplastic |
Publications (3)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
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EP3672284A2 EP3672284A2 (en) | 2020-06-24 |
EP3672284A3 EP3672284A3 (en) | 2020-08-05 |
EP3672284B1 true EP3672284B1 (en) | 2021-10-20 |
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EP19216558.7A Active EP3672284B1 (en) | 2018-12-17 | 2019-12-16 | Otoplastic and use of an otoplastic |
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EP (1) | EP3672284B1 (en) |
DE (1) | DE102018132445A1 (en) |
PL (1) | PL3672284T3 (en) |
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Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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EP4124069A1 (en) * | 2021-07-21 | 2023-01-25 | Sonova AG | Ear piece for a hearing device |
DE102021004077A1 (en) | 2021-08-07 | 2023-02-09 | Caddent Gmbh | Customized earmolds and glasses |
Family Cites Families (14)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US4870688A (en) * | 1986-05-27 | 1989-09-26 | Barry Voroba | Mass production auditory canal hearing aid |
US6671381B1 (en) * | 1993-11-23 | 2003-12-30 | Gabriele Lux-Wellenhof | Sleeve for hearing aids, and a method and apparatus for testing hearing |
AU738314B2 (en) * | 1997-07-18 | 2001-09-13 | Resound Corporation | Behind the ear hearing aid system |
AR012683A1 (en) * | 1997-07-29 | 2000-11-08 | Decibel Instr Inc | AN INTRACANAL ACOUSTIC COUPLER, THE INTRACANAL ACOUSTIC ADAPTER THAT CONTAINS IT AND A CONTAINER DISTRIBUTION DEVICE THAT CONTAINS IT |
WO2001069973A2 (en) * | 2000-03-13 | 2001-09-20 | Sarnoff Corporation | Disposable modular hearing aid |
DE102004009268B3 (en) | 2004-02-26 | 2005-10-20 | Siemens Audiologische Technik | Ear insert for a hearing system |
EP1594340B1 (en) * | 2004-05-03 | 2012-05-30 | GN ReSound A/S | Flexible ear piece for a hearing aid |
DE202005012668U1 (en) * | 2005-08-11 | 2006-12-28 | Interton Electronic Hörgeräte GmbH | Hearing aid, has handset shell inserted into ear adaptor, and pipe-shaped cartridge provided into ear adaptor, where cartridge accommodates total length of handset shell and exhibits sound output port at its front end |
US20070092094A1 (en) * | 2005-10-26 | 2007-04-26 | Gilbertson Mark D | System and method for an adaptor for interconnecting a hearing assistance device to a sound conduit |
US7706557B2 (en) * | 2006-03-13 | 2010-04-27 | Siemens Hearing Instruments Inc. | Chambers for a hearing instrument shell |
DE202008009586U1 (en) * | 2008-07-17 | 2008-09-18 | Dreve Otoplastik Gmbh | Otoplasty for BTE hearing aids |
US8800712B2 (en) * | 2011-08-25 | 2014-08-12 | Magnatone Hearing Aid Corporation | Ear tip piece for attenuating sound |
US9088846B2 (en) * | 2013-08-14 | 2015-07-21 | Klipsch Group, Inc. | Oval variable wall earbud |
DE102013111851A1 (en) | 2013-10-28 | 2015-04-30 | Isma Ag | Otoplasty, hearing system and method for mounting a hearing system |
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2018
- 2018-12-17 DE DE102018132445.6A patent/DE102018132445A1/en active Pending
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2019
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PL3672284T3 (en) | 2022-02-28 |
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