WO2002025993A1

WO2002025993A1 - Otoplastic

Info

Publication number: WO2002025993A1
Application number: PCT/CH2000/000521
Authority: WO
Inventors: Christoph Widmer; Hans Hessel; Markus Weidmann
Original assignee: Phonak Ag
Priority date: 2000-09-25
Filing date: 2000-09-25
Publication date: 2002-03-28
Also published as: EP1463375A3; AU7265600A; EP1330938A1; DK1463375T3; AU2000272656B2; EP1330938B1; CA2422425C; DK1330938T3; DE50014072D1; EP1463375A2; EP1463375B1; DE50006446D1; CA2422425A1; AU2000272656C1

Abstract

The invention relates to a hearing aid, into the shell (79) of which the acoustic conductor connected to the input of an acoustic/electric or an electric/acoustic converter is integrated.

Description

otoplasty

The present invention relates to an otoplastic with at least one acoustic / electrical transducer and / or at least one electrical / acoustic transducer, each with an acoustic input or output, the input or output having a coupling opening on the outer surface of the otoplastic shell via an acoustic conductor connected is.

In the case of otoplastics of the type mentioned, in particular in the case of hearing aids, whether these are in-the-ear or these outer-ear hearing aids, the acoustic inputs usually become acoustic / electrical input transducers, microphones and / or the acoustic outputs of electrical / acoustic output transducers, loudspeakers, via acoustic conductor components, e.g. in the form of tubes, connected to coupling openings on the outer surface of the otoplastic shell, provided that these entrances and exits are not arranged directly in the surface area of the aforementioned shell. This approach is disadvantageous from various aspects:

The geometrical arrangement and orientation of the coupling opening on the outer surface of the otoplastic shell for input transducers is primarily given by the desired acoustic reception characteristic. Thus, the acoustic reception characteristic can be determined by the distance and the position of such coupling openings with respect to the otoplastic, a hearing aid. The position of a coupling opening on the output side also Output transducer is given, for example, by the relative position of the earmold in the ear canal and the eardrum.

In the case of an outer ear hearing device in which, for example, a further tubular acoustic conductor leads from the outer surface of the otoplastic, the coupling opening mentioned is to be arranged in such a way that the additional acoustic conductor mentioned can be optimally guided along the ear cup into the ear canal. If the position of this coupling opening is given by parameters of the type mentioned, then in the otoplastic and in accordance with the available

Construction space integrated one or more transducers and connected to the coupling openings with the aforementioned acoustic conductors. If one takes into account that in such active earmoulds, such as the hearing aids mentioned, the space available for transducers to be recorded and further functional groups of the electronics, including the battery, is extremely small, it can be seen that it often takes a lot of effort, with the desired position of the coupling openings, the transducer and Integrate acoustic conductors into the earmold so that space and acoustic conditions are optimally taken into account.

It is an object of the present invention to remedy these disadvantages and to propose an otoplastic of the type mentioned, in which there is great flexibility in constructively positioning the transducers provided in the otoplastic, largely independently of the position of the

Coupling openings without having to take into account the space required by separate to make acoustic connections. The possibility should be opened to flexibly install the above-mentioned transducers where, from the aspect of the most compact possible design, the optimal location is independent of the position of the coupling openings on the outer surface of the otoplastic shell and without the acoustic connection lines to be provided or the construction volume to be provided for this To assign meaning. This is achieved with the mentioned otoplastic in that the acoustic conductor is bordered as a channel through the material of the otoplastic shell.

In other words, the acoustic conductor mentioned is integrally molded into the otoplastic or its shell. Since a shell with a given wall thickness is to be provided on the otoplastic anyway, only an insignificant amount of space is required in the otoplastic for the acoustic conductors to be provided towards the coupling opening or openings, and the conductor can essentially be guided from any position. If necessary, several acoustic conductors or channels can also be routed in parallel at least in sections in terms of signal technology. For example, in an area of the otoplastic in which the space for a channel of the desired cross-sectional area is not available, two or more channels parallel in terms of signal technology can make it smaller

Cross-sectional areas are passed or bypassed: the first-mentioned channel branches out, the branching channels reunite at the end of a given expansion section. In a preferred embodiment, the at least one channel mentioned has cross-sectional areas and / or cross-sectional shapes varying along its length, in sections, with which the acoustic transmission behavior is specifically optimized. In this way, networks of acoustic impedances are created along the channel, which allow optimum acoustic adaptation.

In a further embodiment, the impedance matching can be implemented by at least one matching stub which opens into the channel. In order to bridge larger distances between the above-mentioned transducer and the coupling opening on the otoplastic according to the invention, it is proposed to guide the at least one channel at least along a substantial portion of its length substantially parallel to the outer surface of the otoplastic.

Although the otoplastic according to the invention can certainly be designed as a headphone section, the proposed procedure is particularly suitable for hearing aids.

If the hearing aid is designed as an in-the-ear hearing aid, it is further proposed that the channel is part of a ventilation system for the eardrum. This is made possible in particular by the possibilities of impedance matching described above.

The invention is subsequently explained, for example, using figures. These show:

Fig. 1 is a simplified schematic of a manufacturing plant operating according to the preferred method for the optimization of industrial manufacturing of earmolds;

Fig. 2 in a representation analogous to that of Fig. 1, a further system concept;

3 shows an illustration of the system of FIGS. 1 and 2, yet another system concept;

4 schematically shows an in-the-ear hearing device with a cerumen protective cap fitted in a known manner;

FIG. 5 in an illustration analogous to FIG. 4, an in-the-ear hearing aid manufactured integrally with a cerumen protective cap;

6 shows an in-the-ear hearing aid with a ventilation groove incorporated in a known manner;

7 (a) to (f)

Cutouts of otoplastic shell surfaces with new types, shown in perspective

ventilation grooves;

8 shows a ventilation groove with a cross-section or cross-sectional shape that varies along its length, using a schematic section of an otoplastic surface;

9 schematically shows an in-ear otoplastic with an extended ventilation groove;

FIG. 10 shows a representation analogous to FIG. 9, an in-ear otoplastic with a plurality of ventilation grooves;

11 (a) to (e) Cutouts of otoplastic shells with integrated ventilation channels of various cross-sectional shapes and dimensions;

FIG. 12 shows, in a representation analogous to that of FIG. 8, a ventilation channel in an otoplastic shell with a cross-sectional shape or cross-sectional area that varies along its longitudinal extent;

FIG. 13 in analogy to the representation of FIG. 9, schematically an in-ear earmold with an integrated, elongated ventilation channel;

FIG. 14 in a representation analogous to FIG. 10, an in-ear earmold according to the invention with a plurality of ventilation channels;

15 schematically shows a longitudinal sectional view of an in-ear earmold with a ribbed inner surface;

16 shows a cross section of the otoplastic according to FIG. 15, the ribs having different cross-sectional areas;

Fig. 17 shows the perspective of a section

15 or 16, wherein the ribs have different cross-sectional shapes and dimensions along their longitudinal extent;

FIG. 18 shows a representation analogous to FIG. 15, an in-ear otoplastic with external ribbing; 19 schematically shows a section of an otoplastic shell with ribs according to FIG. 18 with ribs of different cross-sectional areas;

20 schematically shows a cross section through an otoplastic with external ribbing, possibly internal ribbing, and at least partially interior filled with filler material;

21 schematically shows a longitudinal section of an otoplastic shell with a flexible and compressible portion;

22 schematically shows in longitudinal section an in-the-ear otoplastic with a receiving space for an electronic module;

23 the otoplastic according to FIG. 22 when it is put over an electronic module;

24 is a perspective and schematic view of an in-ear otoplastic, such as in particular an in-the-ear hearing aid, with a two-part, separable and assemblable otoplastic shell;

25 shows a detail and schematically the integration according to the invention of acoustic conductors and adapter elements to form an acoustic / electrical or electrical / acoustic transducer in an otoplastic;

Fig. 26 in a representation analogous to that of Fig. 25, the arrangement of two or several acoustic conductors in the shell of an otoplastic shell, and

Fig. 27 using a simplified

Signal flow / function block diagram, a new procedure or a new arrangement for its execution, in which the dynamics of the application area of an earmold is taken into account for its shaping.

The embodiments of otoplastics described after the manufacturing process are preferably all manufactured using this manufacturing process.

definition

We understand an otoplastic to be a device that is applied directly outside the auricle and / or on the auricle and / or in the ear canal. These include outer ear hearing aids, in-the-ear hearing aids, headphones, noise protection and water protection inserts etc.

1. Manufacturing process

The manufacturing process, which is preferably used to manufacture the otoplastics described in detail below, is based on three-dimensionally digitizing the shape of an individual application area for an intended otoplastic, then creating the otoplastic or its shell using an additive assembly process. Additive construction processes are also known under the term "rapid prototyping". With regard to such additive processes already used in rapid prototype construction, reference is made, for example, to: • http://ltk.hut.fi/~koukka/RP/rptree.html (1)

or on

• Wohlers Report 2000, rapid prototyping

& Tooling State of the industry (2)

From the group of these additive processes known today for rapid prototype construction, it follows that laser sintering, laser or stereolithography or the thermojet process are particularly suitable for building up earmolds or their shells, and in particular the special embodiments described below. Therefore, to summarize only briefly, the specifications of these preferred additive assembly processes are discussed:

• Laser sintering: Hot melt powder is applied to a powder bed, for example using a roller, in a thin layer. The powder layer is solidified by means of a laser beam, the laser beam being driven, inter alia, in accordance with a cut layer of the otoplastic or otoplastic shell by means of the 3D shape information of the individual application area. A solidified cut layer of the otoplastic or its shell is formed in the powder, which is otherwise loose. This is lowered from the powder laying level and a new powder layer is applied over it, which in turn is laser-hardened in accordance with a cut layer, etc. • Laser or stereolithography: A first cut layer or an otoplastic or an otoplastic shell is solidified on the surface of liquid photopolymer by means of a UV laser. The solidified layer is lowered and is replaced by

Liquid polymer covered. By means of the UV laser mentioned, the second cut layer of the otoplastic or its shell is solidified on the already solidified layer. Again, the laser position control takes place, among other things. by means of the 3D data or information of the individual, previously recorded application area.

• Thermojet process: The contour formation corresponding to a cut layer of the otoplastic or the otoplastic shell is carried out similarly to an inkjet printer by means of liquid application, etc. carried out according to the digitized SD form information, in particular also of the individual application area. Then the filed section "drawing" is solidified. Again, layer by layer is deposited to build up the otoplastic or its shell in accordance with the principle of the additive build-up method.

With regard to additive construction methods and the above-mentioned preferred publications, reference may be made to the following further publications:

• http://www.padtinc.com/srv_rpm_sls.html (3)

"Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) of Ceramics", Muskesh Agarwala et al. , presented at the Solid Freeform Fabrication Symposium, Austin, TX, August 1999, (4)

• http: // www. caip. rutgers. edu / RP_Library / process. html (5)

• http://www.biba.uni-bremen.de/groups/rp/lom.html or

• http://www.biba.uni-bremen.de/groups/rp/rp_intro.html (6)

• Donald Klosterman et al. , "Direct Fabrication of Polymer Composite Structures with Curved LOM", Solid Freeform Fabrication Symposium, University of Texas at Austin, August 1999, (7) • http://lff.me.utexas.edu/sls.html (8)

• http://www.padtinc.com/srv_rpm_sla.html (9)

• http://www.cs.hut.fi/~ado/rp/rp.html (10)

Basically, a thin layer of material is deposited on a surface in additive build-up processes, be it like laser sintering or

Stereolithography over the entire surface, be it in the contour of a cut of the otoplastic or its shell, which is under construction, as in the thermojet process. The desired cut shape is then stabilized or consolidated.

Once a layer has solidified, a new layer is placed over it as described and this in turn is solidified and connected to the already finished layer underneath. The otoplastic or its shell is created layer by layer by additive layer-by-layer application. For industrial production, it is preferred not only to lay down or solidify the cut layer for an individual earmold or its shell, but also several individual ones at the same time. In laser sintering, for example, one laser, usually mirror-controlled, solidifies the cut layers of several otoplastics or their shells one after the other before all the solidified cut layers are lowered together. Thereupon, after a new powder layer has been deposited over all the already solidified and lowered cut layers, the formation of the several further cut layers takes place again. Despite this parallel production, the respective earmolds or their shells, digitally controlled, are manufactured individually.

Either a single laser beam is used to solidify the multiple cut layers and / or more than one beam is operated and controlled in parallel.

An alternative to this procedure is to solidify a cut layer with a laser, while at the same time the powder layer is deposited for the formation of a further otoplastic or otoplastic shell. The same laser then solidifies the prepared powder layer, corresponding to the cut layer for the further plastic, while the layer solidified before is lowered and a new powder layer is deposited there. The laser then works intermittently between two or more otoplastics or otoplastic shells that are being built up, the dead time for laser use resulting from the powder deposit during the formation of one of the shells for Solidification of a cut layer of another otoplastic which is being built up is used.

1 schematically shows how, in one embodiment variant, laser sintering or laser or stereolithography is used to manufacture several otoplastics or their shells industrially in a parallel process. The laser with control unit 5 is above the material bed 1 for powder or liquid medium and beam 3 mounted. In position 1 it solidifies the layer Si of a first earmold or its shell, controlled with the first individual data set Di. Then it is moved to a second position on a displacement device 7, where it corresponds to the layer S ₂ with the individual data set D ₂ created another individual contour. Of course, several of the lasers can be moved as a unit and more than one individual otoplastic layer can be created at the same time. Only when the envisaged lasers 5 have created the respective individual layers in all envisaged positions is a new powder layer deposited with the powder feed shown generally at 9 in the case of laser sintering, while (not shown) the solidified layers S in laser or stereolithography be lowered in the fluidized bed.

According to FIG. 2, layers of individual earmolds or their shells are solidified simultaneously on one or more liquid or powder beds 1, with several simultaneously individually controlled lasers 5. Once again, the powder dispensing unit 9 after completion of this solidification phase and after stopping the laser deposits a new layer of powder, while in the case of laser or stereo lithography, the layers that have just solidified or the structures that have already solidified are lowered in the fluid bed.

According to FIG. 3, laser 5 solidifies layer 5 bzw. on a powder or liquid bed la, in order to then change over to bed lb (dashed line), during which during the solidification phase on bed la the powder application device 9b removes Si powder over a previously solidified layer or , in laser or stereolithography, the layer Sι_ is lowered. Only when the laser 5 becomes active on the bed 1b, does the powder dispensing device 9a place a new powder layer over the layer S _x just solidified on the bed 1 a or does the layer S _x in the liquid bed 1 a lower.

When using the Thermojet process and for increasing productivity, cut layers of more than one earmold or its shells are deposited at the same time, practically in one drawing by an application head or, in parallel, by several.

With the method shown, it is possible to realize highly complex shapes on otoplastics or their shells, both in terms of their outer shape with individual adaptation to the application area and also in the case of a shell, their

Concerning internal shaping. Overhangs, jumps and jumps can be easily realized.

In addition, materials for additive construction processes are known which result in a rubber-elastic and yet dimensionally stable shell can be formed, which, if desired, can be realized locally differently up to extremely thin-walled and nevertheless tear-resistant.

In a preferred embodiment today, the digitization of the individual application area, in particular the application area for a hearing device, in particular in-the-ear hearing device, is carried out at a specialized institution, in the latter case at the audiologist. The individual form recorded there, as digital 3D information, will be transmitted to a production center, in particular in connection with hearing aids, be it by sending a data carrier, be it by internet connection etc. In the production center, in particular using the methods mentioned above, the Otoplasty or its shell, in this case the in-the-ear hearing aid shell, individually shaped. The finished assembly of the hearing device with the functional assemblies is also preferably carried out there.

Due to the fact that, as mentioned, the thermoplastic materials used generally lead to a relatively elastic, conforming outer shape, the shape with regard to pressure points in otoplastics or their shells is far less critical than was previously the case, which in particular for in-the-ear

Otoplastics is crucial. In-ear earmolds, such as ear protection devices, headphones, water protection devices, but in particular also for in-ear hearing aids, can be used in a similar manner to rubber-elastic plugs, and the like their surface nestles optimally on the application area, the ear canal. It is easily possible to incorporate one or more ventilation channels into the in-ear earmold in order to ensure that the resulting, possibly relatively tight fit of the earmold in the

Ensure an undisturbed ventilation to the eardrum. With the individual 3D data of the application area during production, the interior of the plastic can also be optimized and optimally used, also individually with regard to the individual unit constellation to be recorded, such as with a hearing aid.

In particular in the case of otoplastics in the form of hearing aids, the central production of their shells enables central storage and management of individual data, both with regard to the individual application area and also the individual functional parts and their settings. If, for whatever reason, a shell needs to be replaced, it can easily be made again by calling up the individual data records, without the need for laborious readjustment - as was the case up to now.

Due to the fact that the methods described for the production of earmolds, but only for prototype construction, are known and are described in the literature, it is not necessary at this point to reproduce all the technical details relating to these methods.

In any case, surprisingly, the adoption of these technologies known from prototype construction for The industrial, commercially viable manufacture of earmolds is a very significant advantage, for reasons that, in and of themselves, are not decisive in prototype construction, such as the elasticity of the thermoplastic materials that can be used, the possibility of building extremely thin walls, etc.

In summary, by using the additive assembly methods mentioned for the production of earmolds or their shells, it is possible to integrate various functional elements into them, which are already structurally prepared on the computer during the planning of the earmold and which are designed with the structure of the earmold or its shell be generated. Typically, functional elements of this type have so far only been fitted into or added to the otoplastic or its shell after the completion of the otoplastic, which can be recognized from material interfaces or material inhomogeneity at the connection points.

For the otoplastics mentioned, in particular with electronic internals, such as for hearing aids, in particular for in-the-ear hearing aids, there are elements which can be built directly into the otoplastic shell using the proposed technology, for example: receptacles and holders for components, cerumen Protection systems, ventilation channels in in-ear earmolds, support elements which hold the latter in the ear canal in in-ear earmolds, such as so-called claws (English channel locks).

4 shows, for example and schematically, an in-the-ear otoplastic 11, for example an in-the-ear Hearing aid in which the acoustic output 13 to the eardrum is protected by a cerumen protective cap 15. Up to now, this protective cap 15 has been applied to the shell 16 of the otoplastic 11 as a separate part and fixed, for example by gluing or welding. As shown in FIG. 5 in the same representation, the cerumen protective cap 15 _{a is integrated} directly onto the shell 16 a of the otherwise identical in-ear earmold 11 a by using the additive construction methods mentioned. According to FIG. 5, there are no such interfaces at the connection points schematically indicated by P in FIG. 4, where a material inhomogeneity or interface necessarily arises in conventional methods; the material of the shell 16a passes homogeneously into that of the cerumen protective cap 15a over.

This is only an example of how well-known cerumen protection systems and other functional elements can be integrated using the above-mentioned manufacturing process.

Some specific new types of earmolds are presented below:

2. Inner ear earmolds with ventilation

It is known to provide a ventilation channel on the outside of in-ear earmolds, in particular in-oh hearing aids, as is shown schematically in FIG. 6. Such ventilation channels, as they are used today, are in no way optimized in various ways:

- Regarding acoustic behavior: the known today

Ventilation channels are hardly suitable for the respective acoustic Adapted to requirements. In active earmolds, such as in-the-ear hearing aids, they can hardly help to effectively solve the feedback problem from the electromechanical output transducer to the acoustic / electrical input transducer. Even with passive in-ear earmolds, such as hearing protection devices, they are unable to support the desired protective behavior and at the same time maintain the desired ventilation properties.

- Cerumen sensitivity: The ventilation channels used today in the outer surface of in-ear earmolds are extremely sensitive to cerumen formation. Depending on their intensity, this can quickly match the ventilation channels provided

To impair ventilation properties, if not to block them completely.

In the following, ventilation measures are proposed for in-ear earmolds, in particular for in-the-ear hearing aids or hearing protection devices, but also for otoplastics that only partially protrude into the ear canal, such as headphones, which at least partially remedy the above-mentioned disadvantages of known measures.

To this end, a distinction is made between ventilation systems that

- are at least partially open to the wall of the auditory canal, - which are completely closed against the wall of the ear canal.

2a) Ventilation systems open against the wall of the ear canal

7 (a) to (f), with the aid of perspective, schematic representations of sections of the outer wall 18 of in-the-ear earmoulds adjacent to the auditory canal, sections of novel ventilation groove profiles are shown. 7 (a), the profile of the ventilation groove 20a is rectangular or square in shape with predetermined, exactly maintained dimensioning ratios. 7 (b), the profile of the ventilation groove 20b is circular or elliptical sector-shaped, again with an exactly predetermined cross-sectional boundary curve 21b. By exact specification and implementation of the

The cross-sectional shape of the ventilation grooves 20 provided can already achieve a certain degree of predictability and influence on the acoustic transmission conditions along this groove, if they are in contact with the inner wall of the auditory canal. Of course, the acoustic behavior is also dependent on the length with which the groove 20 extends along the outer wall 18 of the otoplastic.

7 (c) to (f) show further ventilation groove profiles which are additionally protected against cerumen. The profile of the groove 20c shown in Fig. 7 (c) is T-shaped.

With regard to the wide groove cross-sectional area at 27c, the projecting portions 23c and the resulting narrowing 25c, towards the wall of the auditory canal, already have a considerable cerumen protection effect. Even if cerumen in the constriction 25c penetrates and hardens there, this does not result in any significant narrowing or even blockage of the ventilation groove, which is now a closed ventilation duct. 7 (d) to 7 (f), following the explained principle of FIG. 7 (c), the

The cross-sectional shape of the wide groove part 27d to 27f is formed with a different shape, in accordance with FIG. 7 (d) in the form of a circular sector or in accordance with the sector of an ellipse, in accordance with FIG. 7 (e) in a triangular shape, in accordance with FIG. 7 (f) in a circular or elliptical manner.

By specifically designing the cross-sectional area of the groove, as shown only with reference to FIGS. 7 (a) to 7 (f), it is possible to improve the acoustic properties as well as the wax protection effect to a great extent compared to conventional, more or less randomly profiled ventilation grooves Make an impact. The profiles are previously mathematically modeled taking into account the wax protection effect mentioned and the acoustic effect and are precisely integrated into the manufactured earmoulds. The additive construction methods explained above are particularly suitable for this. In order to further optimize the acoustic effect of the ventilation groove, a wide variety of acoustic impedances can be implemented along the novel ventilation grooves, which results, for example, according to FIG. 8 in ventilation grooves 29 which, progressing in their longitudinal direction, define different profiles, as can be seen in FIG 8 are shown assembled from profiles according to FIG. Similar to the design of passive electrical networks, the acoustic transmission behavior of the groove in the ear canal can be mathematically modeled and checked, then integrated into the in-ear earmold or its shell.

Increasingly, cerumen-protected sections can be provided on exposed parts in this regard, as shown at A in FIG. 8.

Furthermore, it may be desirable, particularly with a view to optimizing the acoustic conditions, to design the ventilation grooves provided longer than is basically the case due to the longitudinal expansion of an in-ear earmold under consideration. As shown in FIG. 9, this is achieved in that such grooves 31 with a configuration as are shown, for example, with reference to FIGS. 7 and 8 are guided in predetermined curves along the surface of the otoplastic, for example as shown in FIG. 9 , practical as grooves that wrap around the thread like an otoplastic. Further optimization flexibility is achieved in that not only one ventilation groove, but several are guided on the surface of the otoplastic, as is shown schematically in FIG. 10. The high flexibility of the groove design means that depending on the application area in the auditory canal, different dimensions are targeted

Cerum protection and acoustic transmission conditions can be optimized ventilation grooves along the otoplastic surface.

2b) Ventilation systems with fully integrated channels This variant of the new ventilation systems is based on ventilation channels that are completely integrated into the otoplastic at least in sections and closed against the wall of the ear canal. This system is then explained on the basis of its training on an otoplastic shell. However, it should be emphasized that if no further units are to be integrated in the otoplastic in question and it is designed as a full plastic, the following explanations naturally also relate to a channel guide through the full plastic mentioned.

Analogous to FIG. 7, FIG. 11 shows different cross-sectional shapes and area ratios of the proposed ventilation channels 33a to 33e. 11 (a), the ventilation duct 33a built into the otoplastic shell 35a has a rectangular or square cross-sectional shape. In the embodiment according to FIG. 11 (b), it, 35b, has a circular sector or elliptical sector-shaped channel cross-sectional shape. In the embodiment according to FIG. 11 (c), the ventilation channel 33c provided has a circular or elliptical cross-sectional shape, while in the embodiment variant according to FIG. 11 (d) it has a triangular cross-sectional shape.

In the embodiment according to FIG. 11 (e), the otoplastic shell has a complex internal shape, for example a mounting part 37 integrated thereon. For optimum use of space, the ventilation channel 35e provided here is designed with a cross-sectional shape that also uses complex shapes of the otoplastic shell. Accordingly, it extends its cross-sectional shape partially complicates with the mounting bar 37 attached to the shell 35e.

Looking back at the design variant in accordance with section 2a), it should be stated that such complex cross-sectional shapes that optimally use the available space can also be realized with ventilation grooves open towards the auditory canal, and vice versa, channel guides as used for open grooves in FIG. 9 and 10 are shown on closed ventilation channels.

Finally, FIG. 12 shows a variant of a fully integrated ventilation duct 39, which has different cross-sectional shapes and / or cross-sectional dimensions along its longitudinal extent, as shown, for example, in the otoplastic shell 41, with which the acoustic transmission behavior can be optimized in the sense of realizing different acoustic impedance elements , In this context and referring to the following section ..., it can also be pointed out that because of the possibility of realizing complex acoustic impedance conditions, ventilation channels, in particular the closed construction shown in this section, may at least in sections at the same time act as acoustic conductor sections which are active on the output side on the output side Transducers, as can be used on the output side of microphones, for example in in-the-ear hearing aids.

13 and 14, in analogy to FIGS. 9 and 10, show how, on the one hand, on the respective otoplastic 43, the integrated ventilation channels explained in this section are extended by appropriate web guidance or on the other hand like two or more of the channels mentioned, if necessary. with different and / or varying channel cross sections, analogous to FIG. 12, can be integrated on the otoplastic.

The possibilities shown in sections 2a) and 2b), which can be combined as required, open up a myriad of design variants of the new ventilation systems and, in particular, a large degree of freedom, due to the various parameters that can be dimensioned, for optimal wax protection for the respective individual otoplastic and to create optimal acoustic transmission conditions. In all variants, the specific individual configuration of the system is preferably calculated or modeled, taking into account the needs mentioned. Then the individual earmould is realized. Again, the manufacturing process explained at the beginning with an additive construction principle, as is known from prototype construction, is particularly suitable for this, which is then controlled with the optimized model result.

3. Shape stability-optimized earmolds

This section is about introducing new types of earmolds that are optimally adapted to the dynamics of the application areas. It is known, for example, that conventional in-the-ear earmoulds are unable to take into account the relatively great hearing movement dynamics, for example when chewing, because of their essentially identical shape stability. Likewise, for example, the acoustic conductors between the outer ear hearing aids and the auditory canal are capable of a dynamic of the Application area not to follow freely. The same problem arises with in-ear earmolds, partially weakened, also with hearing protection devices, headphones, water protection inserts, etc. In particular, their intrinsic function, for example protective action, is partially impaired if the mentioned application area dynamics are increasingly taken into account. As an example, reference can be made to known hearing protection devices made of elastically deformable plastics, which are probably those mentioned

Application area dynamics as far as possible, but at the expense of their acoustic transmission behavior.

FIG. 15 schematically shows a longitudinal sectional view of an in-ear earmold, in FIG. 16 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a section of this earmold. The earmold - e.g. for receiving electronic components - has a shell 45, which consists of stocking-like, thin-walled elastic material. The dimensional stability of the - in the illustrated

Embodiment smooth on the outside - shell skin is ensured - where desired - by ribs 47 which are integrally fitted on the inside of the shell and which are made of the same material with respect to the shell skin.

Depending on the required dynamics of the in-ear earmold, on the one hand, for example to take account of those of the ear canal and the requirements with regard to the support and protection of internals, such as in the case of an in-the-ear hearing aid, the course of the wall thickness of shell skin 45, the density and shape of the ribs 47 previously calculated and then the earmold built up according to the calculated data. Again, the manufacturing method explained above using additive construction methods is extremely well suited for this. Of course, the design of the in-ear earmold just explained can be combined with a ventilation system, as was explained with reference to FIGS. 7 to 14. In particular, the ribs provided to influence the shape stability or bendability in certain areas of the otoplastic can also be formed with a different cross-sectional profile, possibly also progressively extending in their longitudinal extent from one cross-section to the other.

In the form of a perspective illustration, the formation of the outer skin 45 with ribs 47 with varying cross-sectional areas along its longitudinal extent is shown schematically in FIG.

Instead of or in addition to the targeted wall reinforcement and targeted design of the bending or torsion behavior, in short the shape behavior, the in-ear earmold can, as mentioned, in addition to the inner rib pattern, as shown in FIGS. 17 and 18, also External rib patterning can be provided. According to FIGS. 18 and 19, a pattern of ribs 51 is worked up on the outer surface of the otoplastic 49, possibly with different density, orientation and profile shape.

According to FIG. 19, this can be used for the otoplastics with a cavity considered here, but also for otoplastics with no cavity, for example with no electronic components, e.g. for

Hearing protection devices or water protection devices. Such an otoplastic is shown schematically in a cross-sectional illustration in FIG. 20. The interior 53 is made of extremely compressible material, for example

Absorbent material manufactured and surrounded by a shaping skin shell 55 with the rib pattern 57. "Skin" 55 and the rib pattern 57 are made together integrally. The manufacturing method explained at the beginning with the aid of additive construction methods is again suitable for this purpose. How far in the near future these additive construction methods will take If this is possible, the path is free, for example in the exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 20, the filler 53 is also built up sequentially with the shell skin 55 and the ribs 57 in the respective build-up layers.

Looking back in particular on FIGS. 18 and 19, it can be seen that with the aid of the outer rib patterns, ventilation channels or free spaces can be formed at the same time, as is shown purely schematically and, for example, by the path P.

Returning to FIG. 20, it is entirely possible, if necessary and as shown in dashed lines in FIG. 20 at 57i, even if the in-the-ear earmold is filled with material, that is, not to accommodate further structural units, such as electronic structural units. is intended to provide an inner rib pattern 57ι on the shell skin 55. As further dashed at 59 in FIG. 20 Otoplastics can also be created, which probably leave a cavity for units to be accommodated, such as electronic components, but in which the space between such a cavity 59 is specifically designed for the necessary volumes and shapes of the additional units to be installed and the shell skin 55, for example, by a resilient or sound-absorbing material is filled or components to be installed are poured out with such a material up to the shell skin 55.

The shell skin 55 or 45, according to FIGS. 15, 16 and 17, can certainly be made of electrically conductive material, which at the same time creates an electrical shielding effect for internal electronic components. This may also apply to the filling 53 according to FIG. 20.

15 to 20, an otoplastic was shown using the example of an in-the-ear otoplastic, the shell of which is shape-stabilized with internal and / or external ribs, which results in an extraordinarily light and selectively formable construction. Of course, this design can also be used for outer ear earmolds if necessary.

FIG. 21 shows a further embodiment variant of an in-the-ear earmold which can be bent or compressed in a targeted manner. For this purpose, the shell 61 of an otoplastic, such as in particular the shell of an in-the-ear hearing device, has a corrugated or corrugated tube formation 63 in one or more predetermined areas, by means of which it can bend or is compressible. Even if FIG. 21 shows this procedure using the shell of an in-ear earmold, this procedure can be implemented and if necessary also for an outer ear earmold. Again, the manufacturing method explained at the outset is preferably used for this purpose.

In this exemplary embodiment, too, as was explained with reference to FIG. 20, the inner volume of the otoplastic can be filled with the filling material corresponding to the requirements, or built-in internals can be embedded in such filling material, which results in a higher stability of the device and improved acoustic conditions.

4. Modular housings / internals

Particularly in the case of in-the-ear hearing aids, there is the problem that the application area, i.e. the ear canal, its shape changes. Obviously, this is the case with adolescents. But in adults, too, the hearing changes in part, mostly in a narrowing sense (e.g. so-called diver's ear).

In the case of in-the-ear hearing aids, the problem arises that even if the hearing aid installations themselves could be maintained over long periods of life, for example only the transmission behavior of the hearing aid would have to be adjusted to the respective hearing conditions, new hearing aids are nevertheless always being designed due to the fact that the previous ones no longer fit the ear canal satisfactorily. The measures explained in section 3 already provide the opportunity to improve this, due to the fact that this enables the otoplastic to be automatically adapted to the changing application areas. In this section, further measures are to be explained in this regard, in particular on the basis of in-ear earmolds. It should be pointed out, however, that even with outer ear earmolds, such as outer ear hearing aids, this opens up the possibility of changing the "housing", not only if this is necessary in terms of wearing comfort, but also, if desired, for example to change the aesthetic appearance of such outer ear hearing aids.

In FIG. 22, an in-ear earmold 65 is shown schematically and in longitudinal section, in which the shape of the inner space 67 essentially corresponds to the shape of the electronics module 69 to be accommodated, which is shown schematically in FIG. 23. The otoplastic 65 is made of rubber-elastic material and, as shown in FIG. 23, can be put over the electronics module 69. The shape of the interior 67 is such that the one or more modules to be accommodated are positively positioned and held directly by the otoplastic 65. Because of this procedure, it is easily possible to use one and the same electronic module 69 with different ones

To provide earmoulds 65, for example in the case of a growing child of the changing

To take into account the The earmold practically becomes an easily replaceable disposable accessory for the in-the-ear hearing aid. Not only to change conditions in the application area, namely the Ear canal to take into account, but also simply for reasons of contamination, the earmold 65 can be easily replaced. This concept can even be used to carry out medical applications, for example in the case of ear canal infections, for example by applying medication to the outer surface of the otoplastic, or at least in order to use sterilized otoplastics at regular intervals.

The concept shown in FIGS. 22 and 23 can of course be combined with the concepts set out in sections 2 and 3, and the otoplastic 65 is preferably manufactured according to the manufacturing process explained in section 1), which allows the formation of the most complex internal shapes for play and allows vibration-free recording of module 69.

As can be seen from FIGS. 22 and 23, the phase plate 1, which is otherwise provided in conventional in-the-ear hearing aids, is built integrally with the otoplastic, for example as part of the module holder. The same applies to further holders and receptacles for electronic components of the hearing aid. If the layer-by-layer build-up method described in section 1) is implemented, as shown by dash-dotted lines in FIG. 22 and in the direction indicated by the arrow AB, then it should be possible without further ado, the otoplastic in the mentioned direction AB according to requirements to be made from different materials in the respective areas. This also applies to the earmoulds set out in sections 2) and 3) and to those explained in the following sections 5), 6) and 7). Using the example of Fig. 22, it is therefore entirely possible to manufacture the area 65 _a from rubber-elastic material, whereas the exit area 65 _{b is} made from more dimensionally stable material.

24 shows a further embodiment of an otoplastic, again as an example using an in-the-ear hearing device, which enables the internal internals to be replaced simply and quickly. Basically, it is proposed to design the otoplastic shell on an in-the-ear otoplastic with internals, as can be seen in FIG. 24. By means of fast-acting closures, such as snap-in closures, latch-in closures or even bayonet-like closures, it is possible to quickly separate housing parts 73a and 73b on the in-ear earmold, to remove the internals such as electronic modules and to re-install them in a new shell, if necessary with a changed outer shape or basically in a new bowl, even if this is necessary for cleaning reasons, sterility reasons, etc. If it is intended to throw away the already used shell, it is readily possible to design the connections of the shell parts in such a way that the shell can only be opened in a destructive manner, for example by providing locking elements such as latches that are not accessible from the outside and cutting the shell open for their removal becomes.

This embodiment can of course also be combined with the embodiment variants described so far and still to be described. 5. Integration of acoustic conductors in earmolds or their shells

In the case of outer ear as well as in-the-ear hearing aids, it is common to couple provided acoustic / electrical transducers or electro-acoustic output transducers to the surroundings of the hearing aid on the input or output side via acoustic conductors assembled as independent parts, namely tube-like structures. or, in particular with acoustic / electrical transducers on the input side, these with their receiving surface directly in the

To place areas of the surfaces of the hearing aid, possibly separated from the environment only by slight cavities and protective measures.

In the design of such hearing aids, there is a relatively large bond between where the actual transducers are to be found in the hearing aid and where the actual coupling openings to the surroundings are to be provided on the hearing aid. It would be highly desirable to have the greatest possible freedom of design with regard to the arrangement of coupling openings to the surroundings and the arrangement of the transducers mentioned within the hearing device.

This is fundamentally achieved in that the above-mentioned acoustic conductors - on the input side of acoustic / electrical transducers or on the output side of electrical / acoustic transducers - are integrated into the otoplastic or into the wall of otoplastic shells.

This is shown purely schematically in FIG. 25. A converter module 75 has an acoustic input or output 77. The shell 79 of the otoplastic of an in-the-ear or of an outer ear hearing device or a headphone has an acoustic conductor 81 integrated in it. It lies at least in sections and, as shown in FIG. 25, within the wall of the otoplastic shell 79. The respective acoustic impedance of the acoustic conductor 81 is preferably adapted by means of acoustic stub lines or line sections 83. This concept, with a view to outer ear hearing aids, makes it possible to provide acoustic input openings 85 offset along the hearing aid and, if desired, via these in the

To couple the otoplastic or its shell 87 integrated acoustic conductors 89 to the provided acoustic / electrical transducers 91, essentially regardless of where these transducers 91 are installed in the hearing aid. 26 only shows, for example, centralizing two transducers into one module and connecting their inputs to the desired receiving openings 85 by the aforementioned guidance of the acoustic conductors 89. From consideration of FIGS. 25 and 26 and the explanations in section 2) regarding the novel ventilation systems, it becomes clear that it is quite possible to use ventilation channels as acoustic conductor channels, especially if, as schematized in FIG. 25, by means of acoustic adapters 83 the acoustic impedance conditions are specifically designed.

6. Labeling of earmolds

In the manufacture of earmolds, in particular in-ear earmolds, each is individually adapted to its respective wearer. Therefore, it would be extremely desirable to have every otoplastic manufactured, as mentioned in particular to mark every in-ear earmold, especially every in-ear hearing aid. It is therefore proposed to provide an individual marking in the otoplastic or in its shell, by indentations and / or by bulges, which, in addition to the individual customer, eg manufacturer,

Product serial number, left-right application etc. may contain. Such a marking is created in a much preferred manner during the manufacture of the earmold using the removal method described under 1). This ensures that any confusion of the earmolds is excluded from production. This is particularly important in the subsequent, possibly automated assembly with further modules, for example the assembly of in-the-ear hearing aids.

This procedure can of course be implemented in combination with one or more of the aspects described in sections 2) to 5).

7. Optimization of earmolds with regard to the dynamics of the application area

For the shaping of otoplastics for in-the-ear application, for example for in-the-ear hearing aids, it is customary today to take an impression of the auditory canal, for example in silicone. If one now takes into account the relatively large movement dynamics of the auditory canal, for example during the chewing process, it can be seen that the support of the in-the-ear otoplastic mold on an impression which corresponds practically to a snapshot hardly leads to a result which can be completely satisfactory in use. As now in Fig. 27 using a simplified Function block / signal flow diagram is shown, the dynamic application area, represented by block 93, takes shape at several positions corresponding to the dynamics occurring in practice or, like a film, the dynamics of the application area itself are registered. The resulting data records are stored in a storage unit 95. Even with the conventional procedure of taking impressions, this can certainly be achieved by taking the impressions corresponding to the practical dynamics from the application area in two or more positions.

These impressions are then scanned and the respective digital data records are stored in the storage unit 95. As a further possibility, for example, the dynamics of the application area can be recorded by means of X-ray images.

Depending on the accuracy to be achieved, several “images” or even practically a “film” of the movement pattern of the application area of interest are registered. The data registered in the storage unit 95 are then fed to a computing unit 97. On the output side, the computing unit 97 controls the manufacturing process 99 for the earmold. If, for example, and as is usual until now, in-ear earmolds are manufactured with a relatively hard shell, the computing unit 97 calculates the best fit for the dynamic data stored in the storage unit 95 and, if necessary, as shown schematically at K, other manufacturing parameters the earmold, so that optimal wearing comfort is achieved in everyday life, while maintaining its functionality. Will that too Manufacturing otoplastic according to the principle set out in section 3), the computing unit 97 determines which otoplastic areas are to be designed and how with regard to their flexibility, flexibility, compressibility, etc. On the output side, as mentioned, the computing unit 97 controls the manufacturing process 99, preferably in the process the manufacturing process as set out in Section 1) as the preferred process.

Claims

Patent claims:

1. Otoplastic with at least one acoustic / electrical transducer and / or at least one electrical / acoustic transducer, each with an acoustic input or output, the input or output having a

Coupling opening on the outer surface of the otoplastic shell is connected via an acoustic conductor, characterized in that the acoustic conductor is bordered as a channel by the material of the otoplastic shell.

2. Otoplastic according to claim 1, characterized in that the channel is formed along its length with a varying cross-sectional area and / or shape.

3. Otoplastic according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that a matching stub for adjusting the acoustic transmission conditions between the coupling opening and the inlet or outlet opens into the channel, which is also bordered by the material of the otoplastic shell.

4. Otoplastic according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the channel extends at least along a substantial portion of its length substantially parallel to the outer surface of the otoplastic.

5. Otoplastic according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the otoplastic is a hearing aid.

6. Otoplastic according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the otoplastic is an in-the-ear hearing aid and the channel is part of a ventilation system for the eardrum.

7. Otoplasty according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that at least two of the channels are guided in parallel in terms of signal technology at least in sections.