WO2013053600A1

WO2013053600A1 - Earplug for divers

Info

Publication number: WO2013053600A1
Application number: PCT/EP2012/068981
Authority: WO
Inventors: Wolfgang Hinz
Original assignee: Wolfgang Hinz
Priority date: 2011-10-11
Filing date: 2012-09-26
Publication date: 2013-04-18

Abstract

The invention relates to a pressure equalization device, comprising a main body (5, 15) which can be inserted into the ear and/or at least partially into the outer auditory canal (3) and the outer wall (5a, 15a) of which rests against the auricle (1) and/or the wall (3a) of the auditory canal (3) in a sealing manner, the pressure equalization device having a channel (6, 7, 16, 16a) that connects the region (3b) of the outer auditory canal (3) between the eardrum (4) and the main body (5, 15) to the outside world. The invention is characterized in that the channel (6, 7; 16) has a channel volume that is at least so large that no water from the channel (6, 7; 16) gets into the region (3b) of the outer auditory canal (3) between the eardrum (4) and the main body (5, 15) at the maximum planned or maximum possible diving depth due to the outer pressure then present, the channel (6, 7; 16) having an inner cross-sectional area that is sized in such a way that no air can escape from the inside to the outside through the channel (6, 7; 16) past the water present in the channel (6, 7; 16).

Description

EARPLUGS FOR DIVERS

The present invention relates to a pressure compensation device, comprising a base body, which is insertable into the ear and / or at least partially into the external auditory canal and sealingly abuts with its outer wall on the wall of the auricle and / or the ear canal, wherein the pressure compensation device has a channel connects the area of the external auditory canal between the eardrum and the main body with the outside world.

There are known water-permeable earplugs and fully waterproof earplugs. All previous fully sealed earplugs are only suitable for near-surface use, since when diving a pressure equalization must take place in the ear, which is not possible with completely sealed earplugs. Diving ear plugs on the market allow water to enter the ear canal. It is noted in these ear plugs that a controlled water intake on the basis of droplets protects the ear canal so that it does not cool down and thus allegedly prevents auditory canal inflammation.

Earplugs as hearing protection primarily protect against the effects of noise. So are the products of 3M®. (Www.3m.com). 3M® products are not intended for use underwater. The required properties for use in diving are not met. Waterproof earplugs or soft ear plugs are available, for example, made of soft silicone, and their use is expressly noted that they are only suitable to a depth of 2 meters under water, as no pressure equalization in the ear canal is possible. They are only for use at the

Water surface, such as for swimming and surfing, provided. This restriction applies to all fully sealed earplugs or to all products that close the ear canal tightly.

Another product to protect the ear canal are the "Doc's Proplugs" by the company International Aquatic Trades Inc.

(Www.proplugs.com). These earplugs allow the water to enter the ear canal from a depth of a few meters to equalize the pressure. In this way, the pressure balance should be more pleasant and the ear canal allegedly does not cool due to constant fresh water. The ear canal is filled with water for pressure equalization and thus does not remain dry.

Currently the only product on the market that keeps the entire ear and therefore also the ear canal dry during the dive process, is the diving mask "PRO EAR" ® with ear bells from the company "SUBGEAR / Johnson Outdoors Inc." (www.subgear.de) This diving mask features two ear bells that completely cover the ears and are connected to the main mask body to the nose, which allows pressure equalization Disadvantages of the "POR EARS" ® are a potential leakage of the ear bells with any hair growth around the ear. In addition, the ear bells take up a lot of space and thus hinder the wearing of over the ears closed hoods.

The residual volume in the ear canal, which remains between the eardrum and a conventional, completely impermeable earplug, would be compressed under increasing depth of water. Since the earplug is completely sealed, the negative pressure would affect the entire wall of the cavity. If the earplug is not deeper in If the ear canal can slide freely in, the eardrum would deform as the weakest part of the wall to compensate for the negative pressure, trying to reduce the space between the eardrum and the earplug by the corresponding volume. The eardrum would cause increasing pain due to increasing deformation and could be damaged. A possibly resulting eardrum tear would be a possible consequence.

US Pat. No. 4,724,922 and US Pat. No. 3,080,011 disclose earplugs which conduct sound via the connecting tube through the earplug to the drum shell. However, these earplugs are not suitable for dives, since the tube is used only for the transmission of sound waves and thus do not allow pressure equalization between the shielded by the earplug area of the external auditory canal and the outside world. The object of the present invention is to provide a pressure compensation device which allows pressure equalization but nevertheless prevents water from reaching the area of the eardrum.

This object is achieved with a pressure compensation device having the features of claim 1. Further advantageous embodiments of the pressure compensation device according to claim 1 result from the features of the related dependent claims.

The channel of the pressure compensation device according to the invention advantageously has a channel volume which is at least large enough that no water from the channel in the region of the external auditory canal between eardrum and body passes at maximum planned or maximum immersion depth due to the then applied external pressure. Care must be taken to ensure that the channel has an internal cross-sectional area which is dimensioned such that no air can escape from the inside to the outside through the channel past the water located in the channel. Advantageously, the size of the

Inner diameter of the channel in the range of 0.5 mm to 4 mm, preferably in the range of 1 mm to 2 mm. 1 mm to 2 mm.

The invention is based on the physical law of Boyle and Mariotte that air is compressed with increasing external pressure and constant temperature. As a result, air-filled and sealed spaces become smaller under increasing pressure and, conversely, as the pressure decreases, so long as the wall of the room can not withstand the pressure. The physical law of Boyle and Mariotte describes: At constant temperature, for a given amount of gas, the pressure is in inverse proportion to the volume

1

7} * -

(v). This means that when the pressure is doubled, the volume decreases by half. If the pressure is tripled, only one third of the volume remains. By way of example applies at a depth of 10 m

[2 bar] that a volume of 12 liters is compressed to 6 liters. At a depth of 20 m [3 bar], 4 liters remain of the original 12 liters and 3 liters remain at a depth of 30 m [4 bar] as a compressed volume.

This physical law also applies to the closed space in the auditory canal, which arises, for example, by inserting a sealed earplug into the external auditory canal. The size or volume of the remaining space in the external auditory canal depends on the anatomy of the person and the size of the earplug. If a diver dived with the tight earplug, no pressure balance would be possible between the closed space in the ear canal and the outside world. The external pressure and deformability of the ear canal walls and eardrum would make the space smaller, which would cause the walls and eardrum to bulge into the space and thus stretch, causing not only pain but also injury.

The problem of pressure balance can be solved by the ear plug is not completely tight. With a simple hole in an ordinary earplug, the water would penetrate the plug after a few meters of water and enter the ear canal. In order to prevent the ingress of water into the ear canal, the invention advantageously provides that an air buffer is provided, which is held in a channel between the space defined by the earplug and remaining space of the ear canal and the outside world. The invention is thus not only a mere earplug but a pressure compensation device, but externally has a certain similarity to a conventional earplug.

The air buffer can be realized according to the invention with a thin air-filled hose. The hose must have such a small inner diameter that the water entering from outside displaces the air in the hose inwards, without the water being able to pass by in the air. The air volume in the tubing must be matched to the remaining auditory canal cavity behind the pressure equalization device inserted in the ear and the maximum diving pressure. When diving, the compression of the air in the canal and the auditory canal cavity penetrates water from the outside into the canal. The volume of the channel is to be dimensioned such that no water from the channel penetrates into the auditory canal cavity when the maximum diving depth is reached.

An example should clarify this. If the auditory canal cavity is 2.0 cm ³ (2 cubic centimeters) and a maximum depth of 30 m [equivalent to 4 bar] is planned, a channel or pressure equalization tube with an air volume of at least 6.0 cm ³ must be used. The 2.0 cm ³ would be at an underwater depth of

30 m in 0.5 cm ³ compress. Accordingly, 1.5 cm ^{3 of} compressed air from the duct or hose must fill the auditory canal cavity unless the walls of the auditory canal cavity are to be deformed. 1.5 cm ³ to provide compressed air, the channel thus has to 6 cm ³ stockpile uncompressed air. The pressure in the ear canal is thus compensated. The repressing water would fill the entire tube in the described case. A certain extra length of the channel should be included as a possible safety buffer become. Since the pressure equalization process is continuous, the load on the diver is identical to the situation without the earplugs.

The main body of the pressure compensation device is advantageously made of a water-impermeable, soft material. Similar to a cylindrical foam earplug, this could adapt to the shape of the inner ear. For a simple design of the pressure compensation device closed-pore foams made of special copolymers could be used, but also silicone or acrylic can be used.

A specially adapted to the ears of each user

The base body of the pressure compensation device (ear molds) advantageously fills the entire ear cup. In the main body, a hose can be integrated wound, which forms the channel for the air cushion. The two tube ends are arranged as openings on the inside and outside of the body. In this way, a compact overall system is advantageously created, which protrudes only slightly from the auricle.

The volume of air to be provided in the duct can be in a simple

Approximation can be calculated from the formula below:

^{KBtieI calculates} ~ 10m ^fis ™, where

Vmnenraum the enclosed in the external auditory canal volume between eardrum and body of the pressure compensation device at the pressure prevailing at the water surface pressure. V _ReS erve is a freely determinable safety _volume so that the channel is not completely filled with water when the maximum depth is reached.

This results in the relationship that the smaller the remaining between the body and the eardrum air volume

The internal space and the larger the volume of air available in the pressure equalization hose V _Kan ai, the lower it can be with the Dampening pressure equalization device. To reduce the volume V _Inn enraum between the main body and the eardrum, the extension of the inserted into the ear canal end of the

Body be extended. An existing from soft material extension with a diameter adapted to the ear canal can improve the tightness of the body advantageous. To the

Sensitivity of the internal ear canal to consider, the extension can also be chosen smaller than the existing diameter of the ear canal, which, although no improved tightness of the

Body is achieved, but still the remaining volume Vmnenraum between the body and the eardrum can be significantly reduced.

Optionally, an additional water-impermeable valve may be integrated in the body at or behind the inner end of the channel. This valve advantageously prevents an unplanned deep dive that water penetrates into the ear. By the

closed valve would take place no more pressure compensation, so that the resulting ear pressure signals the diver not to dive deeper. The above-described water-impermeable valve could optionally give in at a certain overpressure and thus allow water to penetrate into the ear canal, so that a pressure equalization takes place and a breach of the eardrum is reliably prevented with increasing depth beyond a determinable design point. Optionally, the pressure equalization devices for the two ears can be fixed by a clamp with a corresponding pressure in the ear canal. In this case, the clamp of the head anatomy could be adjusted so that it fits snugly, does not slip easily and does not hinder the wearing of a hood. The

Pressure equalizing hoses could be on or in the hanger or in the

Basic body to be integrated. An optional extension of the pressure compensation device according to the invention is described below, by means of which a

Communication is possible. So far, an acoustic communication via voice only with the use of diving helmets is possible, the sound waves from the speaker over the air reach the eardrum of the ear. If the sound waves are transported by water to the inner ear, a disadvantageous acoustics can result. The invention now provides in an optional embodiment that, similar to a hearing device, a loudspeaker is arranged on the inner wall of the base body bounding the auditory canal, which emits the sound waves into the air-filled auditory canal.

In a further embodiment of the pressure compensation device, like conventional hearing aids, it is equipped with a microphone on the outside, whereby the noises recorded under water would be converted directly into the usual acoustics by means of the loudspeaker on the inside of the UW earplug.

Similarly, the pressure compensation device and a

electronic receiver and an antenna, so that a radio transmission of audio signals is possible. Of course, a bidirectional radio transmission by means of transmission and

Be implemented receiving unit, so that by means of an additional microphone and a communication in both directions is possible.

Also, it is possible to have a connector on the outside for one

Provide transmission cable, wherein the signals supplied by the transmission cable are output directly via the built-in speaker to the ear or be forwarded to the speaker via an electronic signal processing. Thus, it is also conceivable that a radio receiving station of known underwater radio devices can be connected via the external connection. It is also possible that input means are provided with which the volume can be adjusted. Also a protection for a maximum volume can be provided.

The propagation of sound waves depends on the surrounding medium. In the air, the speed of sound is about 343 m / s. In water, however, the speed of sound is about 1500 m / s, which is more than four times the speed in the air. Humans may be due to the temporal difference of the eardrum

incoming sound waves spatially locate the acoustic source. This difference in time is much lower due to the higher speed of sound in the water under water, whereby the acoustic

Underwater orientation is hardly possible for humans.

Due to the mode of action of the invention

Pressure equalization device, the ear canal is free of water and filled with air, so that a location of the sound source is possible, provided that the loudspeakers for the left and right ear corresponding signals with the important for the location transit time differences are output. In this case, a computer-controlled software would have to pass the very small time differences between the left and right input sound waves to the speakers in a time-delayed manner. Simultaneous noise sources from different directions could be assigned to each other by the sound wave pattern. An assignment according to the sound volume is possible. An improvement of underwater spatial perception by means of coordinated input and output sound sources was published several years ago.

The pressure compensation device according to the invention thus results in the following listed advantages:

1) During the dipping process no water penetrates into the auditory canal,

which could irritate and ignite the ear. The ear is thus protected against cooling. 2) Especially for divers with existing ear problems, the ability to keep the ear canal dry when diving is of great advantage.

3) The ear canal is still dry after diving. This

reduces the risk of ear infection from cold or drafting air that cools the ear.

4) Thermal insulation of the ear canal when diving in cold water, since without the use of ear plugs only when diving with a diving helmet the ears can not come into contact with water.

5) Some waters, including saline water, can

Harmful to the ear. It remains after diving in the sea no saltwater residues in the ear.

6) Wearing a commercial, usually tight-fitting

Hood for thermal insulation is still possible because the pressure compensation device according to the invention is very small and space-saving.

Of course, it is also possible to monitor the channel by means of at least one sensor. Thus, in particular, the fill level or the filling at certain points or areas can be monitored by means of one or more sensors. The monitoring advantageously serves to recognize in time when water possibly threatens to enter the canal through the canal. The calculated data can be z. B. be displayed visually by means of a wearable or arm portable display device. The data are transmitted via radio from the pressure compensation device to the display device.

The invention will be explained in more detail with reference to drawings.

Show it : 1 shows a section through an ear with inserted pressure compensation device according to a first embodiment;

FIG. 2: first embodiment of the pressure compensation device according to FIG. 1; FIG. 3 shows a section through an ear with inserted pressure compensation device according to a second embodiment;

3a shows a second embodiment of the pressure compensation device according to FIG. 3;

4 shows a section through an ear with inserted pressure compensation device according to a third embodiment with loudspeaker.

1 shows a section through an ear with inserted pressure compensation device according to a first embodiment. The pressure compensation device has a main body 5, which is made of a material which allows adaptation to the wall 3a of the external auditory canal 3. The main body 5 is preferably completely on its surface of a soft flexible material, so that the main body 5 can be inserted into the external auditory canal 3 without causing pain. Through the main body 5 extends between the end walls 8, 11 of the main body 5, a channel 6, which continues in the tube or pipe 7. FIG. 1 is not drawn to scale and is merely intended to illustrate the basic construction of the ear and of the pressure compensation device. By the inserted into the ear pressure equalization device, which conforms sealingly with its outer wall to the inner wall 3a of the outer auditory canal 3, creates a closed space 3b between the eardrum 4 and the end wall 8 of the main body 5. The volume Vmnenraum this area 3b and the maximum depth determine the volume V _Kan ai of the channel 6, 7. the volume V to be provided _Kan ai can be approximately calculated by the following formula: t gmraam * M ximaie dipple in m

'Channel ^' in _™ * Hese? -Pe

The volume V _Kan ai can be adjusted via the inner diameter and the length of the tube or tube 7. Thus, the tube or the tube 7 can be removable from the main body 5 and replaced by a hose or tube 7 for the planned maximum depth. So a supply of different lengths can be kept. Care should be taken to ensure that the duct is clean and empty before inserting the pressure compensator into the ear.

The hanging-out hose 7 can be attached, for example, to a headband, not shown, which holds both inserted into the ear pressure compensation devices in position. FIG. 2 shows the pressure compensation device. The length and / or the external shape of the main body 5 can be varied or offered in different shapes, so that the appropriate shape and size can be selected. However, it is also possible that the base body is at least partially made of a material which is first malleable and permanently retains its adopted shape after a curing process, so that everyone can adapt the pressure compensation device to his ears. This is z. B. of mouth protectors known that can be adapted to the individual shape of the mouth. FIGS. 3 and 3a show a second possible embodiment of a pressure compensation device inserted in an ear. In this embodiment, the pressure compensation device 15 consists of a region 15a, which is inserted into the external auditory canal 3 and an outer wall 13, which rests against the auricle and whose outer contour 13a of the auricle is adapted as well as possible. The area 15a forms an inner space 12, in which a wound-up tube 16 is arranged. The tube 16 is interrupted only for a better view and shown in one layer. In fact, the tube 16 is continuously formed in a plurality of rolled-up layers and is connected at its one end to the opening 14 in the wall 13, so that water can penetrate from the outside into the tube during diving. The other end 16a of the tube 16 terminates in an opening of the end wall 18, so that the air in the hose can flow into the interior 3b when diving and increasing pressure. In this embodiment too, the tube volume V _Kan ai is to be selected in accordance with the above formula such that no water enters the region 3b during the dive.

FIG. 4 shows a possible development of the device according to FIGS. 3 and 3 a, in which a loudspeaker 24 is arranged on the inner end wall 18 which is connected to a connection socket 23 via a loudspeaker cable 22. The sound emitted by the loudspeaker 24 thus passes through the air-filled region 3b to the eardrum 4.

In an embodiment which is not illustrated, additional electronics and optionally an antenna for receiving and / or transmitting signals can be arranged in or on the pressure compensation device, so that communication via the pressure compensation device is possible.

It is also possible to provide at least one sensor with which the filling of the channel is monitored. Also, a valve can be provided, which prevents water from entering the region 3b in the channel. The valve may be a passive or controlled valve, the latter being driven by electronics located in or on the pressure compensating device.

Claims

P a n t a n s p r e c h e

Pressure compensation device, a base body (5, 15) having, which is insertable into the ear and / or at least partially in the external auditory canal (3) and with its outer wall (5a, 15a) sealingly on the auricle (1) and / or the wall ( 3a) of the ear canal (3), wherein the pressure compensation device has a channel (6, 7, 16, 16 a), the region (3b) of the external auditory canal (3) between the eardrum (4) and the base body (5, 15) connects the outside world, characterized in that the channel (6, 7, 16) has a channel volume which is at least so large that at maximum planned or maximum possible depth of water due to the then applied external pressure no water from the channel (6, 7; 16) enters the region (3b) of the external auditory canal (3) between the eardrum (4) and the base body (5, 15), the channel (6, 7; 16) having an internal cross-sectional area dimensioned such that that in the channel (6, 7, 16) located Was no air from inside to outside through the channel (6, 7; 16) can escape.

Pressure equalization device according to claim 1, characterized in that the at least required channel volume V _Kan ai according to the formula

_ Fj nrem _TO * Maximum depth of cut

K ^mua 10m ™ ^s, where V _home nenraum which in the region (3b) included external auditory canal (3)

Volume between eardrum (4) and main body (5, 15) of the

Pressure compensation device is and V _Re serve a free to be determined

Safety volume is, therefore, when reaching the maximum

Diving depth of the channel (6, 7; 16) is not completely filled with water. Pressure compensation device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the base body (5, 15) has an outer region (13) and an inner region (15a), wherein the outer region (13) has a contact surface for engagement with the outer ear (1). and the inner area (15a) is for insertion into the external auditory canal (3).

Pressure equalization device according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the channel (6, 7, 16) by a

Hose or a tube is formed, which on the base body (5, 15) attached or in the base body (5, 15) rests, in particular extends through the base body (5, 15).

Pressure compensating device according to claim 4, characterized in that the hose or pipe (6, 7, 16) is made of a flexible or rigid material.

Pressure equalization device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the channel (6, 7, 16) is straight, drum-shaped or helical or rolled up.

Pressure equalization device according to claim 6, characterized in that the channel (16) is arranged completely in the base body (15).

Pressure compensation device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the size of the inner diameter of the channel (6, 7, 16) in the range of 0.5 mm to 4 mm, Favor is in the range of 1 mm to 2 mm

Pressure compensating device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the shape of the internal cross-sectional area of the channel (6, 7; 16) is circular, oval or angular.

10. Pressure compensation device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in or on the base body (15) a loudspeaker (24) is arranged, which radiates in the enclosed area (3b) outer auditory canal (3).

11. Pressure compensation device according to claim 10, characterized in that an electronic device for controlling the loudspeaker (24) is arranged in or on the main body.

12. Pressure equalizing device according to claim 10 or 11, character- ized in that the base body (15) has a connection socket (23) for the connection of an audio cable or speaker cable.

13. Pressure compensating device according to one of claims 10 to 12, characterized in that the base body has an antenna for receiving audio signals, which are processed by the electronic device and output via the loudspeaker.

14. Pressure compensation device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one sensor monitors the degree of filling or the filling of at least a certain portion of the channel and one or the electronic

Device receives and evaluates the sensor signals.

15. Pressure equalizing device according to claim 14, characterized in that at a certain filling of the channel, the electronic device generates an acoustic signal by means of the loudspeaker for information purposes and / or warning.

16. Pressure compensation device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the pressure compensation device comprises an energy store in the form of a rechargeable battery or a battery.

17. Pressure compensation device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the base body (5, 15) has an outer wall made of flexible material, such that the base body of the shape of the ear input and / or the outer auditory canal (3) adapts ,

18. Pressure compensation device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a valve on or in

Basic body is arranged, which prevents water from entering the canal in the ear canal. 19. Pressure equalizing device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in the channel, a valve body is movably disposed and the channel has a valve seat which cooperates with the valve body and closes the passage from the channel to the region of the external auditory canal between the green body and eardrum, as soon as the valve body is subjected to force due to the external pressure against the valve seat.

20. Pressure compensation device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a display device receives data from the pressure compensation device and displays it visually and / or outputs it acoustically.