EP1228666A2 - Hörgerät - Google Patents

Hörgerät

Info

Publication number
EP1228666A2
EP1228666A2 EP99952208A EP99952208A EP1228666A2 EP 1228666 A2 EP1228666 A2 EP 1228666A2 EP 99952208 A EP99952208 A EP 99952208A EP 99952208 A EP99952208 A EP 99952208A EP 1228666 A2 EP1228666 A2 EP 1228666A2
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
hearing aid
receiver
hearing
acoustic signals
aid according
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status 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 status listed.)
Granted
Application number
EP99952208A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP1228666B1 (en
Inventor
André Vonlanthen
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Sonova Holding AG
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
Publication of EP1228666A2 publication Critical patent/EP1228666A2/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP1228666B1 publication Critical patent/EP1228666B1/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

Links

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
    • H04R25/654—Ear wax retarders
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04R—LOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; DEAF-AID SETS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS
    • H04R2225/00—Details of deaf aids covered by H04R25/00, not provided for in any of its subgroups
    • H04R2225/025—In the ear hearing aids [ITE] hearing aids
    • 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
    • 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
    • H04R25/60—Mounting or interconnection of hearing aid parts, e.g. inside tips, housings or to ossicles
    • H04R25/607—Mounting or interconnection of hearing aid parts, e.g. inside tips, housings or to ossicles of earhooks

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a hearing aid according to the preamble of patent claim 1.
  • Hearing aids are used to compensate for or compensate for a patient's hearing loss by processing acoustic signals recorded with a microphone and correspondingly amplifying or changing them via a receiver into the patient's auditory canal.
  • a sound outlet opening is provided on the hearing aid, through which the acoustic signals generated by the listener are guided into the auditory canal.
  • cerumen It has long been recognized that the sound outlet opening is often reduced or even completely blocked by excretions, so-called cerumen. In addition, these are spreading
  • a hearing device is known from EP-0 377 074-A2, which has a receiver with two openings, a first leads a tubular channel from one opening of the earphone into the patient's auditory canal and a second tubular channel leads from the second opening of the earphone to the outward-facing side of the hearing aid - the so-called face plate.
  • the interior of the receiver has a chamber connecting the two openings, which is delimited on one side by a movable membrane, the membrane being deflectable by an actuating unit for generating acoustic signals.
  • two further chambers and openings are provided in the hearing device housing, by means of which a pressure difference between the auditory canal and the atmosphere generated by changes in height can be compensated for when the hearing device is inserted.
  • pressure compensation devices are also referred to as “pressure vent” devices.
  • deposits that may have become lodged in the receiver or in the channel to the hearing aid wearer's ear can be removed from the receiver and thus from the hearing aid by opening the opening in the face that is closed during operation Plate "is opened and a syringe or similar cleaning agent is pressed through the second channel, the receiver and finally the first channel. Any deposits that may be present are thereby washed out. After the cleaning process, the opening in the" Face Plate "is closed again so that - According to the known publication - no impermissible transfer function changes are obtained.
  • the present invention is based on the object of specifying a hearing device which has a structure which is substantially simpler than that of the known hearing devices, but which is functionally in no way inferior to the known hearing devices.
  • the invention has the following advantages: by using a receiver with two openings in the hearing aid, of which one opening is connected to the auditory canal of the hearing aid wearer via a channel and the other opening is connected to the outside world via a further channel easiest way, for example by blowing, can be cleaned.
  • the channels also serve as a pressure compensation device, i.e. as a so-called “pressure vent”, without this resulting in an inadmissible change in the characteristic transmission function.
  • the hearing device according to the invention has the advantage that, by appropriately selecting the dimensions of the further channel,
  • Fig. 1 shows a hearing aid according to the invention inserted into an ear in a schematic representation
  • Fig. 2 different frequency responses of hearing aids according to the invention.
  • the hearing aid 1 shows a hearing device 1 according to the invention, consisting of a microphone, a signal processing unit 4, an energy storage unit 3 and a receiver 5 which has two openings 8 and 9.
  • the hearing aid 1 shown is a so-called ITE (in-the-ear) hearing aid, i.e. the hearing aid is fitted into the outer auditory canal of the hearing aid wearer.
  • ITE in-the-ear
  • BTE far-the-ear
  • the microphone 2 converts acoustic signals from the environment into electrical signals, which are applied to the signal processing unit 4, in accordance with the usual mode of operation of hearing aids.
  • a corresponding signal processing ie amplification, is carried out in the signal processing unit 4.
  • the electrical output signal of the signal processing unit 4 is subsequently applied to the listener 5, in which the electrical signals are converted into acoustic signals, which are finally passed through an opening 8, a tubular channel 6 and a first outlet 12 into the hearing aid wearer.
  • the receiver 5 has a second opening 9, which is connected to the outside world via a tubular channel 7 and via a second outlet 11. Because in a preferred embodiment a continuous
  • connection between the two outputs 11 and 12 the dimensions and the shape of the two channels 6 and 7 are to be selected such that the acoustic signals generated in the receiver 5 propagate mainly in the direction of the hearing aid wearer's hearing path.
  • the continuous connection between the auditory canal and the outside world, including the listener 4, makes it easy to blow through, i.e. Clean the components carrying the acoustic signals.
  • the continuous connection between the auditory canal and the outside world acts as a pressure balancer when the hearing aid is used, i.e. than the "pressure vent" device known and known per se - but not in this form.
  • Hearing aid components ie receiver 5 and channels 6 and 7, are provided for pressing air or cleaning agents, for example with the aid of a syringe, through these hearing aid components in order to blow out any impurities present in them, ie to remove them from them.
  • the original transmission characteristic, in which the hearing device fulfills the desired function in the best possible way, is thus established again.
  • the further channel 7 is also used for the purpose of avoiding any reflections caused by unadjusted lines - i.e. due to channel 7 and other factors influencing the transmission (such as the shape of the ear canal).
  • unadjusted lines consistently lead to resonances in the receiver 5, specifically in the area of the break point in the frequency response of the listener, going to higher frequencies. In this way, undamped and thus structurally simpler listeners can be used in the hearing device according to the invention.
  • the acoustic signals do not enter the auditory canal at the exit 12, but a further element, often referred to as a hook element, is required, which finally guides the acoustic signals into the hearing aids wearer's auditory canal.
  • a hook element is indicated and with the Reference number 10 is referenced. Due to the changed transmission properties compared to ITE hearing aids, the second channel 7 must be adapted accordingly, ie in the sense of the explanations made in connection with the line adaptation.
  • the solid line shows the frequency response of a hearing aid 1, in which a channel 7 with a diameter of 2 mm is used.
  • a frequency response is shown in broken lines, in which a channel 7 with a diameter of 0.5 mm is used.
  • a variant is shown in which a diameter between 0.5 and 2 mm is selected for channel 7.
  • the selected diameter for channel 7 is preferably in the specified range, the selection is in no way restricted by this information. Rather, restrictions result from the physical conditions, such as, for example, from an impending feedback of acoustic signals generated by the receiver 5 back into the microphone 2.
  • the hearing aids according to the invention also have the advantages mentioned when the channels 6 and 7 are not tubular. Rather, it is conceivable to provide any means in such a way that - in the case of the channel 6 - acoustic signals generated in the receiver 5 from the one opening 8 of the receiver 5 into the auditory canal of the hearing aid wearer and that - in the case of the channel 7 - a connection is created from the second opening 9 of the receiver 5 to the outside world. In this case, according to the invention, there is no further connection between the auditory canal and the outside world, which makes it possible to have a simpler structure than the known hearing aids.

Abstract

The invention relates to a hearing device comprising a microphone (2), a signal processing unit (4), an earphone (5) with two openings (8,9) and an energy storage unit (3). The microphone (2) is connected to the signal processing unit (4) which is in turn connected to the earphone (5). Means (7,12,10) are also provided to allow the acoustic signals produced in the earphone (5) to be propagated from one of the openings (8) into the auditory canal of the person wearing the hearing device. The invention is characterized in that other means (6,11) are also provided to enable the second opening (9) of the earphone (5) to be linked to the outside world when the hearing device is inserted into the ear of the wearer.

Description

HörgerätHearing aid
Die vorliegende Erfindung betrifft ein Hörgerät nach dem Oberbegriff des Patentanspruchs 1.The present invention relates to a hearing aid according to the preamble of patent claim 1.
Hörgeräte werden dazu eingesetzt, eine bei einem Patienten auftretende Schwerhörigkeit auszugleichen bzw. zu kompensieren, indem mit einem Mikrofon aufgenommene akustische Signale verarbeitet und entsprechend verstärkt bzw. verändert über einen Hörer in den Gehδrgang des Patienten geleitet wird. Entsprechend ist am Hörgerät eine Schallaustrittsδffnung vorgesehen, durch welche die durch den Hörer erzeugten akustischen Signale in den Gehδrgang geleitet werden.Hearing aids are used to compensate for or compensate for a patient's hearing loss by processing acoustic signals recorded with a microphone and correspondingly amplifying or changing them via a receiver into the patient's auditory canal. Correspondingly, a sound outlet opening is provided on the hearing aid, through which the acoustic signals generated by the listener are guided into the auditory canal.
Es ist seit langem erkannt worden, dass die Schallaustrittsδffnung oft durch Ausscheidungen, sogenanntes Cerumen, verkleinert oder gar vollständig verstopft wird. Darüber hinaus breiten sich dieseIt has long been recognized that the sound outlet opening is often reduced or even completely blocked by excretions, so-called cerumen. In addition, these are spreading
Ausscheidungen weiter ins Innere des Hörgerätes aus, so dass der im Innern liegende Hörer bzw. dessen Öffnung verunreinigt werden. Dies hat zunächst zur Folge, dass sich die Übertragungseigenschaften des Hörgerätes verändern. Des weiteren entstehen oftmals irreparable Schäden an den einzelnen Komponenten des Hörgerätes, dabei insbesondere am Hörer selbst.Excretions continue into the inside of the hearing aid, so that the inside of the receiver or its opening are contaminated. This initially has the consequence that the transmission properties of the hearing aid change. Furthermore, there is often irreparable damage to the individual components of the hearing aid, in particular to the listener itself.
Aus der EP-0 377 074-A2 ist ein Hörgerät bekannt, das einen Hörer mit zwei Öffnungen aufweist, wobei ein erster rohrförmiger Kanal von der einen Öffnung des Hörers in den Gehörgang des Patienten führt und ein zweiter rohrförmiger Kanal von der zweiten Öffnung des Hörers zu der nach Aussen gerichteten Seite des Hörgerätes - dem sogenannten Face Plate - führt . Das Innere des Hörers weist eine die beiden Öffnungen verbindende Kammer auf, welche auf einer Seite durch eine bewegliche Membran begrenzt ist, wobei die Membran durch eine Stelleinheit zur Erzeugung von akustischen Signalen auslenkbar ist. Neben der erwähnten Kammer sind zwei weitere Kammern und Öffnungen im Hörgerätgehäuse vorgesehen, über welche ein durch Höhenveränderungen erzeugter Druckunterschied zwischen Gehδrgang und Atmosphäre bei eingesetztem Hörgerät ausgeglichen werden kann. Solche Druckausgleichsvorrichtungen werden auch etwa als „Pressure Vent"-Einrichtungen bezeichnet.A hearing device is known from EP-0 377 074-A2, which has a receiver with two openings, a first leads a tubular channel from one opening of the earphone into the patient's auditory canal and a second tubular channel leads from the second opening of the earphone to the outward-facing side of the hearing aid - the so-called face plate. The interior of the receiver has a chamber connecting the two openings, which is delimited on one side by a movable membrane, the membrane being deflectable by an actuating unit for generating acoustic signals. In addition to the chamber mentioned, two further chambers and openings are provided in the hearing device housing, by means of which a pressure difference between the auditory canal and the atmosphere generated by changes in height can be compensated for when the hearing device is inserted. Such pressure compensation devices are also referred to as “pressure vent” devices.
Gemäss der bekannten Lehre können nun Ablagerungen, die sich allenfalls im Hörer bzw. im Kanal zum Gehörgang des Hδrgeräteträgers im Laufe der Zeit festgesetzt haben, aus dem Hδrer und somit aus dem Hörgerät entfernt werden, indem die im Betrieb an sich verschlossene Öffnung im „Face Plate" geöffnet wird und mit einer Spritze oder dgl . Reinigungsmittel durch den zweiten Kanal, den Hörer und schliesslich den ersten Kanal gepresst wird. Damit werden allenfalls vorhandene Ablagerungen ausgeschwemmt . Nach dem Reinigungsvorgang wird die Öffnung im „Face Plate" wiederum verschlossen, so dass - gemäss der bekannten Druckschrift - keine unzulässigen Übertragungsfunktionsänderungen erhalten werden. Der vorliegenden Erfindung liegt die Aufgabe zugrunde, ein Hörgerät anzugeben, das einen gegenüber den bekannten Hörgeräten wesentlich einfacheren Aufbau aufweist, funktionell jedoch in keiner Weise den bekannten Hörgeräten nachsteht .According to the known teaching, deposits that may have become lodged in the receiver or in the channel to the hearing aid wearer's ear can be removed from the receiver and thus from the hearing aid by opening the opening in the face that is closed during operation Plate "is opened and a syringe or similar cleaning agent is pressed through the second channel, the receiver and finally the first channel. Any deposits that may be present are thereby washed out. After the cleaning process, the opening in the" Face Plate "is closed again so that - According to the known publication - no impermissible transfer function changes are obtained. The present invention is based on the object of specifying a hearing device which has a structure which is substantially simpler than that of the known hearing devices, but which is functionally in no way inferior to the known hearing devices.
Diese Aufgabe wird durch die im kennzeichnenden Teil des Patentanspruchs 1 angegebenen Massnahmen gelöst. Vorteilhafte Ausgestaltungen der Erfindung sind in weiteren Ansprüchen angegeben.This object is achieved by the measures specified in the characterizing part of patent claim 1. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are specified in further claims.
Die Erfindung weist die folgenden Vorteile auf: Indem im Hörgerät ein Hörer mit zwei Öffnungen eingesetzt wird, von denen die eine Öffnung über einen Kanal mit dem Gehörgang des Hörgeräteträgers und die andere Öffnung über einen weiteren Kanal mit der Aussenwelt verbunden ist, kann das Hörgerät auf einfachste Weise, beispielsweise durch Ausblasen, gereinigt werden. Gleichzeitig dienen die Kanäle auch als Druckausgleichseinrichtung, d.h. als sogenannter „Pressure vent", ohne dass dadurch eine unzulässige Veränderung der charakteristischen Übertragungsfunktion erfolgt. Des weiteren weist das erfindungsgemässe Hörgerät den Vorteil auf, dass durch entsprechende Wahl der Abmessungen des weiteren Kanals, dieThe invention has the following advantages: by using a receiver with two openings in the hearing aid, of which one opening is connected to the auditory canal of the hearing aid wearer via a channel and the other opening is connected to the outside world via a further channel easiest way, for example by blowing, can be cleaned. At the same time, the channels also serve as a pressure compensation device, i.e. as a so-called “pressure vent”, without this resulting in an inadmissible change in the characteristic transmission function. Furthermore, the hearing device according to the invention has the advantage that, by appropriately selecting the dimensions of the further channel,
Übertragungseigenschaften des ersten Kanals im Sinne einer Leitungsanpassung, bei der es insbesondere Reflexionen zu vermeiden gilt, verbessert werden können. Die Erfindung wird nachfolgend anhand von Zeichnungen beispielsweise näher erläutert. Dabei zeigenTransmission properties of the first channel in the sense of a line adaptation, in which reflections in particular have to be avoided, can be improved. The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to drawings, for example. Show
Fig. 1 ein in ein Ohr eingesetztes erfindungsgemässes Hörgerät in schematischer Darstellung undFig. 1 shows a hearing aid according to the invention inserted into an ear in a schematic representation and
Fig. 2 verschiedene Frequenzgänge von erfindungsgemässen Hörgeräten.Fig. 2 different frequency responses of hearing aids according to the invention.
In Fig. 1 ist ein erfindungsgemässes Hörgerät 1 dargestellt, bestehend aus einem Mikrofon, einer Signalverarbeitungseinheit 4, einer Energiespeichereinheit 3 und einem Hörer 5, der zwei Öffnungen 8 und 9 aufweist. Bei dem dargestellten Hörgerät 1 handelt es sich um ein sogenanntes IdO- (In-dem-Ohr) -Hörgerät, d.h. das Hörgerät ist in den äusseren Gehörgang des Hδrgeräteträgers eingepasst . Die nachfolgenden Ausführungen gelten jedoch sinngemäss auch für HdO- (Hinter-dem-Ohr) -Hörgeräten. Wo dies nicht der Fall ist, wird im folgenden speziell darauf hingewiesen.1 shows a hearing device 1 according to the invention, consisting of a microphone, a signal processing unit 4, an energy storage unit 3 and a receiver 5 which has two openings 8 and 9. The hearing aid 1 shown is a so-called ITE (in-the-ear) hearing aid, i.e. the hearing aid is fitted into the outer auditory canal of the hearing aid wearer. However, the following explanations also apply analogously to BTE (behind-the-ear) hearing aids. Where this is not the case, it is specifically pointed out below.
Entsprechend der üblichen Arbeitsweise von Hörgeräten werden beim erfindungsgemässen Hörgerät 1 mit dem Mikrofon 2 akustische Signale der Umgebung in elektrische Signale umgewandelt, welche der Signalverarbeitungseinheit 4 beaufschlagt werden. Aufgrund der bereits vorab bestimmten Hörbeeinträchtigung des Gehörs des Hδrgeräteträgers wird in der Signalverarbeitungseinheit 4 eine entsprechende Signalaufbereitung, d.h. Verstärkung, vorgenommen. Das elektrische Ausgangssignal der Signalverarbeitungseinheit 4 wird in der Folge dem Hörer 5 beaufschlagt, in welchem die elektrischen Signale in akustische Signale umgewandelt werden, welche schliesslich durch eine Öffnung 8, einen rohrfδrmigen Kanal 6 und einen ersten Ausgang 12 in den Gehδrgang des Hörgeräteträgers geleitet werden.In the hearing aid 1 according to the invention, the microphone 2 converts acoustic signals from the environment into electrical signals, which are applied to the signal processing unit 4, in accordance with the usual mode of operation of hearing aids. On the basis of the hearing impairment of the hearing aid wearer already determined in advance, a corresponding signal processing, ie amplification, is carried out in the signal processing unit 4. The electrical output signal of the signal processing unit 4 is subsequently applied to the listener 5, in which the electrical signals are converted into acoustic signals, which are finally passed through an opening 8, a tubular channel 6 and a first outlet 12 into the hearing aid wearer.
Neben der Öffnung 8 weist der Hörer 5 eine zweite Öffnung 9 auf, die über einen rohrfδrmigen Kanal 7 und über einen zweiten Ausgang 11 mit der Aussenwelt verbunden ist. Da in einer bevorzugten Ausführungsform eine durchgehendeIn addition to the opening 8, the receiver 5 has a second opening 9, which is connected to the outside world via a tubular channel 7 and via a second outlet 11. Because in a preferred embodiment a continuous
Verbindung zwischen den beiden Ausgängen 11 und 12 besteht, sind die Abmessungen und die Form der beiden Kanäle 6 und 7 derart zu wählen, dass sich die im Hörer 5 erzeugten akustischen Signale hauptsächlich in Richtung Gehδrgang des Hδrgeräteträgers fortpflanzen. Die durchgehende Verbindung zwischen Gehδrgang und Aussenwelt, beinhaltend den Hörer 4, ermöglicht es, auf einfachste Weise ein Durchblasen, d.h. Reinigen, der die akustischen Signale führenden Komponenten vorzunehmen. Darüber hinaus wirkt die durchgehende Verbindung zwischen Gehδrgang und Aussenwelt beim eingesetzten Hörgerät als Druck ausgleichend, d.h. als die erwähnte und an sich - jedoch nicht in dieser Form - bekannte „pressure vent"-Einrichtung.There is a connection between the two outputs 11 and 12, the dimensions and the shape of the two channels 6 and 7 are to be selected such that the acoustic signals generated in the receiver 5 propagate mainly in the direction of the hearing aid wearer's hearing path. The continuous connection between the auditory canal and the outside world, including the listener 4, makes it easy to blow through, i.e. Clean the components carrying the acoustic signals. In addition, the continuous connection between the auditory canal and the outside world acts as a pressure balancer when the hearing aid is used, i.e. than the "pressure vent" device known and known per se - but not in this form.
Zur Reinigung der die akustischen Signale führendenTo clean the acoustic signals
Hδrgerätkomponenten, d.h. Hörer 5 und Kanäle 6 und 7, ist vorgesehen, Luft oder Reinigungsmittel, beispielsweise mit Hilfe einer Spritze, durch diese Hδrgerätkomponenten zu pressen, um so allfällige, in diesen vorhandenen Verunreinigungen auszublasen, d.h. aus diesen zu entfernen. Damit wird die ursprüngliche Übertragungscharakteristik wiederum hergestellt, bei welcher das Hörgerät die gewünschte Funktion bestmöglich erfüllt.Hearing aid components, ie receiver 5 and channels 6 and 7, are provided for pressing air or cleaning agents, for example with the aid of a syringe, through these hearing aid components in order to blow out any impurities present in them, ie to remove them from them. The original transmission characteristic, in which the hearing device fulfills the desired function in the best possible way, is thus established again.
Der weitere Kanal 7 wird erfindungsgemäss darüber hinaus dafür verwendet, um allfällige Reflexionen, die aufgrund von unangepassten Leitungen - d.h. aufgrund von Kanal 7 und weiteren, die Übertragung beeinflussenden Faktoren (wie beispielsweise die Gehörgangform) - erhalten werden, zu kompensieren. Solche „unangepassten Leitungen" führen nämlich durchwegs zu Resonanzen im Hörer 5, und zwar im Bereich des Knickpunktes im Frequenzgang des Hörers, hin zu höheren Frequenzen schreitend. Damit können auch ungedämpfte und somit im Aufbau einfachere Hörer zum Einsatz im erfindungsgemässen Hörgerät kommen.According to the invention, the further channel 7 is also used for the purpose of avoiding any reflections caused by unadjusted lines - i.e. due to channel 7 and other factors influencing the transmission (such as the shape of the ear canal). Such “unadjusted lines” consistently lead to resonances in the receiver 5, specifically in the area of the break point in the frequency response of the listener, going to higher frequencies. In this way, undamped and thus structurally simpler listeners can be used in the hearing device according to the invention.
Im Zusammenhang mit der Verwendung von ungedämpften Hörern hat es sich gezeigt, dass eine Länge von 24mm für den rohrfδrmigen Kanal 7 besonders vorteilhaft ist . Selbstverständlich wird der mit der Leitungsanpassung betraute Fachmann entsprechende Änderungen in der Länge vornehmen und nicht unter allen Umständen an dieser Vorgabe festhalten.In connection with the use of undamped earphones, it has been shown that a length of 24 mm is particularly advantageous for the tubular channel 7. Of course, the specialist entrusted with the line adaptation will make corresponding changes in length and will not adhere to this specification under all circumstances.
Bei HdO-Hörgeräten treten die akustischen Signale nicht beim Ausgang 12 in den Gehδrgang, sondern es ist ein weiteres Element, oft als Hakenelement bezeichnet, erforderlich, das die akustischen Signale schliesslich in den Gehδrgang des Hδrgeräteträgers leitet. In Fig. 1 ist ein solches Hakenelement angedeutet und mit dem Bezugszeichen 10 referenziert . Aufgrund der gegenüber IdO- Hörgeräten geänderten Übertragungseigenschaften ist der zweite Kanal 7 entsprechend, d.h. im Sinne der im Zusammenhang mit der Leitungsanpassung gemachten Erläuterungen, anzupassen.In the case of BTE hearing aids, the acoustic signals do not enter the auditory canal at the exit 12, but a further element, often referred to as a hook element, is required, which finally guides the acoustic signals into the hearing aids wearer's auditory canal. In Fig. 1 such a hook element is indicated and with the Reference number 10 is referenced. Due to the changed transmission properties compared to ITE hearing aids, the second channel 7 must be adapted accordingly, ie in the sense of the explanations made in connection with the line adaptation.
In Fig. 2 sind drei Frequenzgänge des Hörgerätes 1 im Bereich niedriger Frequenzen vereinfacht dargestellt, wobei sich die entsprechenden Hörgeräte dadurch unterscheiden, dass deren rohrfδrmige Kanäle 7 unterschiedliche2 shows three frequency responses of the hearing aid 1 in the range of low frequencies in a simplified manner, the corresponding hearing aids differing in that their tubular channels 7 differ
Durchmesser aufweisen. So ist mit durchzogener Linie der Frequenzgang eines Hörgerätes 1 dargestellt, bei dem ein Kanal 7 mit 2mm Durchmesser eingesetzt ist. Demgegenüber ist strichliniert ein Frequenzgang dargestellt, bei dem ein Kanal 7 mit 0,5mm Durchmesser eingesetzt ist. Dazwischen liegend, ist eine Variante dargestellt, bei der ein Durchmesser zwischen 0,5 und 2mm für den Kanal 7 gewählt ist . Obwohl der gewählte Durchmesser für den Kanal 7 vorzugsweise im angegebenen Bereich liegt, ist die Wahl durch diese Angaben in keiner Weise eingeschränkt. Einschränkungen ergeben sich vielmehr durch die physikalischen Gegebenheiten, wie beispielsweise durch eine drohende Rückkopplung von durch den Hörer 5 erzeugten akustischen Signalen zurück in das Mikrophon 2.Have diameter. The solid line shows the frequency response of a hearing aid 1, in which a channel 7 with a diameter of 2 mm is used. In contrast, a frequency response is shown in broken lines, in which a channel 7 with a diameter of 0.5 mm is used. In between, a variant is shown in which a diameter between 0.5 and 2 mm is selected for channel 7. Although the selected diameter for channel 7 is preferably in the specified range, the selection is in no way restricted by this information. Rather, restrictions result from the physical conditions, such as, for example, from an impending feedback of acoustic signals generated by the receiver 5 back into the microphone 2.
Die erfindungsgemässen Hörgeräte weisen die erwähnten Vorteile auch dann auf, wenn die Kanäle 6 und 7 nicht rohrfδrmig sind. Vielmehr ist denkbar, beliebige Mittel derart vorzusehen, dass sich - im Fall des Kanals 6 - im Hörer 5 erzeugte akustische Signale von der einen Öffnung 8 des Hörers 5 in den Gehörgang des Hörgeräteträgers fortpflanzen und dass - im Fall des Kanals 7 - eine Verbindung von der zweiten Öffnung 9 des Hörers 5 zur Aussenwelt geschaffen ist. Dabei wird erfindungsgemäss auf eine weitere Verbindung zwischen Gehörgang und Aussenwelt verzichtet, womit ein gegenüber den bekannten Hörgeräten einfacherer Aufbau möglich ist. The hearing aids according to the invention also have the advantages mentioned when the channels 6 and 7 are not tubular. Rather, it is conceivable to provide any means in such a way that - in the case of the channel 6 - acoustic signals generated in the receiver 5 from the one opening 8 of the receiver 5 into the auditory canal of the hearing aid wearer and that - in the case of the channel 7 - a connection is created from the second opening 9 of the receiver 5 to the outside world. In this case, according to the invention, there is no further connection between the auditory canal and the outside world, which makes it possible to have a simpler structure than the known hearing aids.

Claims

Patentansprüche: Claims:
1. Hörgerät, umfassend ein Mikrofon (2), eine Signalverarbeitungseinheit (4) , einen Hörer (5) mit zwei Öffnungen (8, 9) und eine Energiespeichereinheit (3) , welche die Signalverarbeitungseinheit (4) und bei Bedarf das Mikrofon (2) und den Hörer (5) mit Energie versorgt, wobei das Mikrofon (2) mit der Signalverarbeitungseinheit (4) und diese mit dem Hörer (5) verbunden ist und wobei erste Mittel (7, 12, 10) derart vorgesehen sind, dass sich im Hörer (5) erzeugte akustische Signale von der einen Öffnung (8) in den Gehδrgang des Hörgeräteträgers fortpflanzen, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass weitere Mittel (6, 11) derart vorgesehen sind, dass die zweite Öffnung (9) des Hörers (5) mit der Aussenwelt verbunden ist.1. Hearing aid comprising a microphone (2), a signal processing unit (4), a receiver (5) with two openings (8, 9) and an energy storage unit (3), which the signal processing unit (4) and if necessary the microphone (2 ) and supplies the receiver (5) with energy, the microphone (2) being connected to the signal processing unit (4) and the latter being connected to the receiver (5) and first means (7, 12, 10) being provided such that Acoustic signals generated in the receiver (5) are propagated from the one opening (8) into the hearing path of the hearing device wearer, characterized in that further means (6, 11) are provided in such a way that the second opening (9) of the receiver (5) also is connected to the outside world.
2. Hörgerät nach Anspruch 1, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass eine direkte Verbindung von der Aussenwelt in den Gehδrgang des Hδrgeräteträgers via weiteren Mitteln (11, 6) , Hörer (5) und ersten Mitteln (7, 12, 10) vorgesehen ist.2. Hearing aid according to claim 1, characterized in that a direct connection from the outside world is provided in the Hörδrgang of the hearing aid wearer via further means (11, 6), handset (5) and first means (7, 12, 10).
3. Hörgerät nach Anspruch 1 oder 2, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Dimensionen bzw. die Formgebung der weiteren Mittel (11, 6) derart gewählt werden, dass Reflexionen von akustischen Signalen vermeidbar sind.3. Hearing aid according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the dimensions or the shape of the further means (11, 6) are selected such that reflections from acoustic signals can be avoided.
4. Hörgerät nach einem der vorangehenden Ansprüche, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die ersten Mittel (7, 10, 12) , mit Hilfe derer sich akustische Signale in den Gehδrgäng fortpflanzen, und/oder die weiteren Mittel (6, 11) zum Verbinden der zweiten Öffnung (9) des Hörers (5) mit der Aussenwelt rohrfδrmige Kanäle sind.4. Hearing aid according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first means (7, 10, 12), by means of which acoustic signals in the Gehδrgang propagate, and / or the further means (6, 11) for connecting the second opening (9) of the receiver (5) to the outside world are tubular channels.
5. Hörgerät nach Anspruch 4, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die mittels rohrförmigen Kanäle realisierten weiteren Mittel (11, 6) einen Durchmesser von 0,5mm bis 2,0mm aufweisen.5. Hearing aid according to claim 4, characterized in that the further means (11, 6) realized by means of tubular channels have a diameter of 0.5 mm to 2.0 mm.
6. Hörgerät nach Anspruch 4 oder 5, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Länge der mittels rohrförmigen Kanälen realisierten Mittel (11, 6) 24mm beträgt.6. Hearing aid according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that the length of the means (11, 6) realized by means of tubular channels is 24 mm.
7. Hörgerät nach einem der vorangehenden Ansprüche, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass am Gehorgang-seitigen Ende der ersten Mittel (6) ein Hakenelement (10) angeschlossen ist, das einen Hohlraum zum Führen von akustischen Signalen aufweist .7. Hearing aid according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a hook element (10) is connected to the end of the first means (6) on the auditory canal side, said hook element having a cavity for carrying acoustic signals.
8. Verwendung des Hörgerätes nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 7 als HdO- (Hinter-dem-Ohr) - Hörgerät. 8. Use of the hearing aid according to one of claims 1 to 7 as a BTE (behind-the-ear) hearing aid.
EP99952208A 1999-11-08 1999-11-08 Hearing aid Expired - Lifetime EP1228666B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

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PCT/CH1999/000524 WO1999066779A2 (en) 1999-11-08 1999-11-08 Hearing device

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EP1228666B1 EP1228666B1 (en) 2003-07-09

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AU (1) AU6457699A (en)
CA (1) CA2388321A1 (en)
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Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
US6744897B1 (en) 2004-06-01
WO1999066779A3 (en) 2000-12-28
EP1228666B1 (en) 2003-07-09
AU6457699A (en) 2000-01-10
CA2388321A1 (en) 1999-12-29
DE59906279D1 (en) 2003-08-14
WO1999066779A2 (en) 1999-12-29
DK1228666T3 (en) 2003-10-13

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