WO2002025995A1 - Procede de production d'otoplastiques - Google Patents

Procede de production d'otoplastiques Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2002025995A1
WO2002025995A1 PCT/CH2000/000524 CH0000524W WO0225995A1 WO 2002025995 A1 WO2002025995 A1 WO 2002025995A1 CH 0000524 W CH0000524 W CH 0000524W WO 0225995 A1 WO0225995 A1 WO 0225995A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
otoplastic
ear
shell
earmold
acoustic
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/CH2000/000524
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
Inventor
Christoph Widmer
Hans Hessel
Markus Weidmann
Original Assignee
Phonak Ag
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Phonak Ag filed Critical Phonak Ag
Priority to PCT/CH2000/000524 priority Critical patent/WO2002025995A1/fr
Priority to AU2000272659A priority patent/AU2000272659B2/en
Priority to EP00960278.0A priority patent/EP1323331B1/fr
Priority to AU7265900A priority patent/AU7265900A/xx
Priority to CA2424835A priority patent/CA2424835C/fr
Publication of WO2002025995A1 publication Critical patent/WO2002025995A1/fr

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Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04R—LOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; DEAF-AID SETS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS
    • 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
    • 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
    • H04R25/658—Manufacture of housing parts
    • 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 present invention relates to a method for producing earmolds according to the preamble of claim 1 and to the use of this method according to the wording of claim 6.
  • the present invention is based on problems that have arisen primarily in the production of in-the-ear hearing aids.
  • the resulting solution can basically be applied to the manufacture of all otoplastics, which - as will be described later - are arranged or applied in a dynamic application area.
  • In-the-ear hearing aids are usually produced today, for example, by making an impression of the auditory canal of an individual concerned, for example by the audiologist, and sending this to the company producing the hearing aid, where, according to the impression, the hearing aid shell is created. Due to e.g. Diagnostic data, likewise determined by the audiologist, is assembled with the hearing aid shell using the corresponding electronic modules.
  • the outer shape of the hearing aid is exactly adapted to the individual ear canal shape. This usually requires further trials of the finished hearing aid and a fine adjustment of the shape of the hearing aid.
  • At least two impressions are taken from the application area of the otoplastic - in the case of an in-ear otoplastic or an in-the-ear hearing aid, the ear canal , with several positions of the jaw and thus of the ear canal occurring in the chewing movement.
  • either the otoplastic shell initially assumed to be rigid, is shaped in such a way that it at least disturbs the chewing movements that occur and nevertheless meets the requirements regarding positional positioning in the ear canal or on the application area.
  • the design of the otoplastic is carried out with the aforementioned registration optimized with regard to their shape behavior, ie with regard to their bending and compression properties.
  • optimizations are preferably modeled with the aid of computers.
  • the three-dimensional, digitized data corresponding to the model found to be optimal are subsequently used to control the further manufacturing process, in particular the shell forming.
  • the application area is mapped at more than two positions, that is to say at several positions, in order to cover the entire dynamic range of the application area that occurs in everyday life.
  • the registrations optimize the outer shape of the otoplastic. As has been mentioned, this is mainly used when using relatively hard otoplastic shell materials or as a basic setting for a subsequent one
  • the registrations optimize the shape behavior of the otoplastic, that is to say where and how the otoplastic and, in particular, in the case of intended internals, its shell should be bendable or compressible.
  • the design of the otoplastic is carried out by means of arithmetic optimization, and the arithmetic configuration is found to be optimal
  • the method according to the invention is particularly suitable for the production of in-ear earmoulds, in particular in-ear hearing aids, but also for headphones, hearing protection devices such as noise protection devices or water protection devices. However, it can also be used for the exact adaptation of outer ear earmolds, in particular outer ear hearing aids.
  • FIG. 1 shows a simplified diagram of a manufacturing plant for the optimization of industrial manufacturing of earmolds
  • FIG. 2 in a representation analogous to that of Fig. 1, a further system concept
  • FIG. 3 shows a still further system concept in a representation analogous to that of FIGS. 1 and 2;
  • FIG. 4 schematically shows an in-the-ear hearing device with a cerumen protective cap fitted in a known manner; 5 shows a representation analogous to FIG. 4, an in-the-ear hearing aid made with a cerumen protective cap;
  • FIG. 6 shows an in-the-ear hearing aid with a ventilation groove incorporated in a known manner
  • FIG. 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
  • FIG. 10 shows a representation analogous to FIG. 9, an in-ear otoplastic with a plurality of ventilation grooves
  • 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 shows a representation analogous to FIG. 10, an in-ear otoplastic with a plurality of ventilation channels;
  • FIG. 16 shows a detail of the otoplastic according to FIG. 15 in cross section, the ribs having different cross-sectional areas;
  • Fig. 17 shows the perspective of a section
  • FIG. 18 shows a representation analogous to FIG. 15, an in-ear otoplastic with external ribbing
  • FIG. 19 schematically shows a section of an otoplastic shell with ribs according to FIG. 18 with ribs of different cross-sectional areas;
  • Fig. 20 schematically shows a cross section through a
  • 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
  • FIG. 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, in sections and schematically, the integration of acoustic conductors and adapter elements to form an acoustic / electrical or electrical / acoustic transducer in an otoplastic;
  • FIG. 26 shows a representation analogous to that of FIG. 25, the arrangement of two or more acoustic conductors in the shell of an otoplastic shell, and
  • Embodiments of otoplastics are preferably all manufactured using the manufacturing method described. definition
  • 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.
  • 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".
  • Thermojet processes are particularly well suited to building up earmoulds 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:
  • 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 and others.
  • 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.
  • a first cut layer of 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 again covered by liquid polymer.
  • the second cut layer of the otoplastic or its shell is solidified on the already solidified layer.
  • the laser position control takes place, among other things, by means of the 3D data or information of the individual, previously recorded application area. 2/25995
  • Thermojet process The contour formation corresponding to a cut layer of the otoplastic or the otoplastic shell is carried out similarly to an ink jet printer by means of liquid application, etc. carried out in accordance with the digitized 3D shape information, in particular also the individual application area. Then the filed section "drawing" is solidified. Again, in accordance with the principle of the additive build-up method, layer by layer is deposited to build up the otoplastic or its shell.
  • SLS Selective Laser Sintering
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Laser sintering for example, one laser, usually mirror-controlled, successively solidifies the cut layers of several otoplastics or their shells 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 manufacturing the respective earmolds or their shells, digitally controlled, individually manufactured.
  • 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. Then the same laser will solidify the prepared powder layer according to the cut layer for the further plastic, while the layer solidified in front of it is lowered and a new powder layer is deposited there. The laser then works intermittently between two or more earmolds or otoplastic shells being built up, the dead time resulting from the powder deposit during the formation of one of the shells being used to solidify a cut layer of another earmold being built up.
  • FIG. 1 schematically shows how, in one embodiment variant, several otoplastics or their shells are manufactured industrially in a parallel process by means of laser sintering or laser or stereolithography.
  • the laser with control unit 5 and beam 3 is mounted above the material bed 1 for powder or liquid medium.
  • position 1 it solidifies the layer S x of a first earmold or its shell, controlled with the first individual data set Di. Then it is adjusted to a second position on a displacement device 7, O 02/25995
  • Stereolithography the solidified layers S are lowered in the fluid bed.
  • layers of individual earmolds or their shells are solidified simultaneously on one or more liquid beds 1 or powder beds 1, with several simultaneously individually controlled lasers 5.
  • a new powder layer is deposited with the powder dispensing unit 9 after completion of this solidification phase and after the laser has been stopped, while in the case of laser or stereolitography the layers which have just been solidified or structures which have already been solidified are lowered in the fluid bed.
  • laser 5 solidifies layer Si on a powder or liquid bed la, in order to then switch to bed lb (dashed line), which is indicated during the
  • 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.
  • the method shown makes it possible to implement 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 whose inner shape is concerned. Overhangs, jumps and jumps can be easily realized.
  • materials for additive construction processes which can be formed into a rubber-elastic and yet dimensionally stable shell which, if desired, can be realized locally differently up to extremely thin-walled and nevertheless tear-resistant.
  • 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 is transmitted to a production center, in particular in connection with hearing aids, be it by transmission of a data carrier, be it through an Internet connection, etc.
  • the otoplastic or its shell in the case under consideration, ie the in-the-ear hearing aid shell, is individually shaped.
  • the finished assembly of the hearing device with the functional assemblies is also preferably carried out there.
  • thermoplastic materials used generally lead to a relatively elastic, conforming outer shape
  • shape with regard to pressure points in otoplastics or their shells is far less critical than was previously the case, which in particular is of crucial importance for in-ear earmolds.
  • in-ear earmolds can be used as
  • Hearing protection devices headphones, water protection devices, but in particular also for in-the-ear hearing aids, are used, similar to rubber-elastic plugs, and their surface conforms optimally to 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 unimpaired ventilation to the eardrum when the earmold is seated in the ear canal, which may be relatively tight.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Otoplastic shell can be installed, for example: mounts 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).
  • FIG. 4 shows, for example and schematically, an in-ear earmold 11, for example an in-ear hearing device, in which the acoustic output 13 to the eardrum is protected by a cerumen protective cap 15.
  • 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.
  • the cerumen protective cap 15a is integrated directly onto the shell 16a of the otherwise identical in-ear earmold 11a by using the additive construction methods mentioned.
  • P in FIG. 4 where in conventional methods a material 5 there are no such interfaces, the material of the shell 16a merges homogeneously with that of the cerumen protective cap 15a.
  • - Regarding acoustic behavior The ventilation channels known today are hardly adapted to the respective acoustic 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, the cerumen formation can quickly, if not completely, block the ventilation channels provided with regard to their ventilation properties.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • the acoustic behavior is also dependent on the length with which the groove 20 extends along the outer wall 18 of the otoplastic.
  • FIG. 7 (c) to (f) show further ventilation groove profiles which are additionally protected against cerumen.
  • the profile of the groove 20c according to Fig. 7 (c) is T-shaped.
  • the projecting portions 23c and the resulting narrowing 25c, towards the wall of the ear canal already have a considerable cerumen protection effect. Even if cerumen penetrates into the constriction 25c and hardens there, this does not result in any significant constriction or even blockage of the ventilation groove, which is now a closed ventilation channel. 7 (d) to 7 (f), following the explained principle of FIG. 7 (c), the cross-sectional shape of the wide groove part 27d to 27f is formed with different shapes, ge ass. 7 (d) circular sector or 7 according to the sector of an ellipse, according to FIG. 7 (e) triangular, ge ass FIG.
  • 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.
  • cerumen-protected sections can be provided on exposed parts in this regard, as shown at A in FIG. 8.
  • Cerum protection and acoustic transmission conditions can be optimized ventilation grooves along the otoplastic surface.
  • 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 shape.
  • FIG. 11 (b) In the embodiment according to FIG. 11 (b), it, 35b, has a circular sector or elliptical sector-shaped channel cross-sectional shape.
  • the provided ventilation duct 33c In the embodiment according to FIG. 11 (c), the provided ventilation duct 33c has a circular or elliptical cross-sectional shape, while it is shown in FIG. 11
  • the otoplastic shell has a complex internal shape, e.g. an integrated bracket 37.
  • the ventilation duct 35e provided here is designed with a cross-sectional shape that also uses complex shapes of the otoplastic shell. Accordingly, its cross-sectional shape extends, in part, in a complicated manner into the mounting strip 37 attached to the shell 35e.
  • FIG. 12 shows an embodiment variant of a fully integrated ventilation duct 39, which runs along its longitudinal extent, as shown for example in the otoplastic shell 41, has different cross-sectional shapes and / or cross-sectional dimensions, which can be used to optimize the acoustic transmission behavior in the sense of realizing different acoustic impedance elements.
  • ventilation channels in particular the closed construction shown in this section, can be electromechanical at least in sections at the same time as acoustic conductor sections on the output side Transducers, as can be used on the output side of microphones, for example in in-the-ear hearing aids.
  • FIGS. 9 and 10 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 lengthened by appropriate web guidance, and 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.
  • 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 optimal acoustic To create transfer relationships.
  • the specific individual configuration of the system is preferably calculated or modeled, taking into account the needs mentioned. Then the individual earmould is realized.
  • 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.
  • This section is about introducing new types of earmolds that are optimally adapted to the dynamics of the application areas.
  • conventional in-the-ear earmolds cannot take into account the relatively large ear canal dynamics, for example when chewing, due to their essentially identical shape stability.
  • the acoustic conductors between the outer ear hearing aids and the auditory canal cannot freely follow a dynamic of the application area.
  • the same problem arises with in-the-ear earmolds, partially weakened, also with hearing protection devices, headphones, water protection inserts, etc.
  • their intrinsic function, for example protective action is partially impaired if the mentioned application area dynamics are increasingly taken into account.
  • reference can be made to known hearing protection devices made of elastically deformable plastics which probably largely take into account the dynamic range of application mentioned, but this at the expense of their acoustic transmission behavior.
  • FIG. 15 schematically shows a longitudinal sectional view of an in-ear earmold
  • 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 shape stability of the shell skin which is smooth on the outside in the exemplary embodiment shown, is ensured, if desired, by ribs 47 which are integrally placed on the inside of the shell and which are made of the same material with respect to the shell skin.
  • the course of the wall thickness of shell skin 45, the density and shape of the ribs 47 are calculated beforehand and then the earmold is built up according to the calculated data.
  • the manufacturing method explained above using additive construction methods is extremely well suited for this.
  • 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.
  • 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, if necessary also progressively progressing in length from one cross-section to another.
  • FIGS. 17 and 18 In addition to the inner rib pattern, as shown in FIGS. 17 and 18, one can 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.
  • this can be used for the otoplastics with cavity considered here, but also for otoplastics with no cavity, for example with no electronic components, e.g.
  • FIG. 20 Such an otoplastic is shown schematically in a cross-sectional illustration in FIG. 20.
  • the interior 53 is made, for example, from extremely compressible absorption material and is surrounded by a shaping skin shell 55 with the rib pattern 57.
  • "Skin" 55 and the rib pattern 57 are manufactured integrally together.
  • the manufacturing method explained at the beginning with the aid of additive construction methods is again suitable for this. How far in the near future this additive assembly processes while changing the processed materials on a workpiece are not an option. If this becomes possible, the path is free, for example in the exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 20 also to build up the filler 53 simultaneously with the shell skin 55 and the ribs 57 in the respective structural layers.
  • Ventilation channels or free spaces can be formed at the same time, as is shown purely schematically and, for example, by the path P.
  • Shell skin 55 is filled, for example, by a resilient or sound-absorbing material or components to be installed are poured out with such material as far as 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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 be bent or compressed in accordance with the respective requirements.
  • 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.
  • the inner volume of the otoplastic can be filled with the filling material corresponding to the requirements or can be integrated therein Built-in components are embedded in such filling material, which results in greater stability of the device and improved acoustic conditions.
  • 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 formation 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
  • the earmold practically becomes an easily replaceable disposable accessory for the in-the-ear hearing aid.
  • the earmold 65 can be easily replaced not only to take account of changing conditions in the application area, namely the auditory canal, but also simply for reasons of contamination. This concept can even be used for this, if necessary - for example at
  • Ear canal infections - medical applications for example by applying medication to the outer surface of the earmold or at least in order to use sterilized earmolds 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 produced according to the manufacturing process explained in section 1), which involves the formation of the most complex internal shapes - And vibration-free recording of the module 69 enables.
  • 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 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).
  • Otoplasty again as an example using an in-the-ear hearing aid, is shown, which enables the internal fittings to be replaced quickly and easily.
  • it is proposed to multiply the otoplastic shell on an in-ear otoplastic with internals to be assembled, as shown in FIG. 24.
  • fast-acting closures such as snap-in closures, latch-in closures or even bayonet-like closures
  • 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.
  • connection 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.
  • 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.
  • a converter module 75 has an acoustic input or output 77.
  • the shell 79 of the otoplastic of an in-the-ear or an outer-ear hearing device or a headphone has, integrated in it, an acoustic conductor 81. 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 makes it possible to provide acoustic input openings 85 offset along the hearing aid and, if desired, via acoustic openings integrated in the otoplastic or its shell 87
  • 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.
  • Ventilation channels as acoustic conductor channels, especially if, as schematized in FIG. 25, by means of acoustic adapter elements 83 the acoustic impedance conditions are specifically designed.
  • each is individually adapted to its respective wearer. Therefore, it would be extremely desirable to mark each manufactured earmold, as mentioned in particular each in-the-ear earmold, and particularly each in-the-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 - e.g. 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 there is no confusion from production the earmold is excluded. This is particularly important in the subsequent, possibly automated assembly with further modules, for example the assembly of in-the-ear hearing aids.
  • Storage unit 95 filed. 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, the dynamics of the application area can, for example, be recorded by means of X-ray images.
  • the computing unit 97 controls the manufacturing process 99 for the earmold. If, for example, and as is still the case today, in-ear earmoulds are manufactured with a relatively hard shell, the computing unit 97 calculates the best fit for the dynamic data stored on the storage unit 95 and, if necessary, as shown schematically at K, other manufacturing parameters the earmold, so that optimal comfort is achieved in everyday life, while maintaining its functionality.
  • the computing unit 97 determines which otoplastic areas are to be designed and how, in terms of their flexibility, bendability, compressibility, etc., as mentioned, the computing unit 97 controls the manufacturing process 99 , preferably the

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

Abstract

L'invention a pour objet de tenir compte de la dynamique de la zone où la prothèse auditive est appliquée, notamment du conduit auditif. A cet effet, on reproduit cette zone dans les différentes positions qu'elle prend lors de sa dynamique. Ces reproductions permettent, par l'assistance d'un ordinateur (97), d'optimiser la forme de la coque de cette prothèse auditive ou son procédé de moulage.
PCT/CH2000/000524 2000-09-25 2000-09-25 Procede de production d'otoplastiques WO2002025995A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (5)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PCT/CH2000/000524 WO2002025995A1 (fr) 2000-09-25 2000-09-25 Procede de production d'otoplastiques
AU2000272659A AU2000272659B2 (en) 2000-09-25 2000-09-25 Method for Manufacturing a Customized Hearing Device
EP00960278.0A EP1323331B1 (fr) 2000-09-25 2000-09-25 Procede de production d'otoplastiques
AU7265900A AU7265900A (en) 2000-09-25 2000-09-25 Method for producing otoplastics
CA2424835A CA2424835C (fr) 2000-09-25 2000-09-25 Procede de production d'otoplastiques

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PCT/CH2000/000524 WO2002025995A1 (fr) 2000-09-25 2000-09-25 Procede de production d'otoplastiques

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2002025995A1 true WO2002025995A1 (fr) 2002-03-28

Family

ID=4358137

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/CH2000/000524 WO2002025995A1 (fr) 2000-09-25 2000-09-25 Procede de production d'otoplastiques

Country Status (4)

Country Link
EP (1) EP1323331B1 (fr)
AU (2) AU7265900A (fr)
CA (1) CA2424835C (fr)
WO (1) WO2002025995A1 (fr)

Cited By (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2005041617A1 (fr) 2003-09-25 2005-05-06 In'tech Industries, Incorporated Procedes de fabrication d'un moule femelle pour prothese auditive
US7162323B2 (en) 2004-04-05 2007-01-09 Hearing Aid Express, Inc. Decentralized method for manufacturing hearing aid devices
US7720243B2 (en) 2006-10-12 2010-05-18 Synygis, Llc Acoustic enhancement for behind the ear communication devices
US8616214B2 (en) 2011-04-06 2013-12-31 Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc. Earplug having a resilient core structure

Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE4041105A1 (de) * 1990-12-21 1992-06-25 Toepholm & Westermann Verfahren zum herstellen von individuell an die konturen eines ohrkanals angepassten otoplastiken oder ohrpassstuecken
BE1010200A3 (nl) * 1996-04-26 1998-03-03 Variphone Benelux Naamloze Ven Werkwijze en inrichting voor het vervaardigen van oorstukjes.
WO2000047016A1 (fr) * 1999-02-02 2000-08-10 Beltone Electronics Corporation Enveloppe moulee pour prothese auditive

Family Cites Families (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5487012A (en) * 1990-12-21 1996-01-23 Topholm & Westermann Aps Method of preparing an otoplasty or adaptive earpiece individually matched to the shape of an auditory canal

Patent Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE4041105A1 (de) * 1990-12-21 1992-06-25 Toepholm & Westermann Verfahren zum herstellen von individuell an die konturen eines ohrkanals angepassten otoplastiken oder ohrpassstuecken
BE1010200A3 (nl) * 1996-04-26 1998-03-03 Variphone Benelux Naamloze Ven Werkwijze en inrichting voor het vervaardigen van oorstukjes.
WO2000047016A1 (fr) * 1999-02-02 2000-08-10 Beltone Electronics Corporation Enveloppe moulee pour prothese auditive

Cited By (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2005041617A1 (fr) 2003-09-25 2005-05-06 In'tech Industries, Incorporated Procedes de fabrication d'un moule femelle pour prothese auditive
US7162323B2 (en) 2004-04-05 2007-01-09 Hearing Aid Express, Inc. Decentralized method for manufacturing hearing aid devices
US7720243B2 (en) 2006-10-12 2010-05-18 Synygis, Llc Acoustic enhancement for behind the ear communication devices
US8616214B2 (en) 2011-04-06 2013-12-31 Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc. Earplug having a resilient core structure

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
AU7265900A (en) 2002-04-02
EP1323331A1 (fr) 2003-07-02
EP1323331B1 (fr) 2017-05-03
AU2000272659B2 (en) 2006-01-19
CA2424835A1 (fr) 2003-03-12
CA2424835C (fr) 2010-02-23

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