EP4311271B1 - Dispositif auditif - Google Patents

Dispositif auditif

Info

Publication number
EP4311271B1
EP4311271B1 EP23185087.6A EP23185087A EP4311271B1 EP 4311271 B1 EP4311271 B1 EP 4311271B1 EP 23185087 A EP23185087 A EP 23185087A EP 4311271 B1 EP4311271 B1 EP 4311271B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
housing
hearing aid
support frame
housing shell
shell
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.)
Active
Application number
EP23185087.6A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
Other versions
EP4311271A1 (fr
EP4311271C0 (fr
Inventor
Ravikumar BADIGER
Yik Bin Lee
Elson Lim
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.)
Sivantos Pte Ltd
Original Assignee
Sivantos Pte Ltd
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 Sivantos Pte Ltd filed Critical Sivantos Pte Ltd
Publication of EP4311271A1 publication Critical patent/EP4311271A1/fr
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP4311271C0 publication Critical patent/EP4311271C0/fr
Publication of EP4311271B1 publication Critical patent/EP4311271B1/fr
Active legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

Links

Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04R—LOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; ELECTRIC HEARING AIDS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS
    • H04R25/00—Electric hearing aids
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04R—LOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; ELECTRIC HEARING AIDS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS
    • H04R25/00—Electric hearing aids
    • 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; ELECTRIC HEARING AIDS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS
    • H04R25/00—Electric hearing aids
    • H04R25/60—Mounting or interconnection of hearing aid parts, e.g. inside tips, housings or to ossicles
    • H04R25/602—Mounting or interconnection of hearing aid parts, e.g. inside tips, housings or to ossicles of batteries
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04R—LOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; ELECTRIC HEARING AIDS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS
    • H04R25/00—Electric hearing aids
    • H04R25/65—Housing parts, e.g. shells, tips or moulds, or their manufacture
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04R—LOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; ELECTRIC HEARING AIDS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS
    • H04R2225/00—Details of deaf aids covered by H04R25/00, not provided for in any of its subgroups
    • H04R2225/021—Behind the ear [BTE] hearing aids
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04R—LOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; ELECTRIC HEARING AIDS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS
    • H04R2225/00—Details of deaf aids covered by H04R25/00, not provided for in any of its subgroups
    • H04R2225/43—Signal processing in hearing aids to enhance the speech intelligibility
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04R—LOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; ELECTRIC HEARING AIDS; 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; ELECTRIC HEARING AIDS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS
    • H04R25/00—Electric hearing aids
    • H04R25/60—Mounting or interconnection of hearing aid parts, e.g. inside tips, housings or to ossicles
    • H04R25/609—Mounting or interconnection of hearing aid parts, e.g. inside tips, housings or to ossicles of circuitry

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a hearing aid with a carrying frame surrounded by a housing comprising an upper housing shell and a lower housing shell.
  • the hearing aid is preferably a hearing assistance device.
  • a hearing aid People with hearing loss typically use a hearing aid.
  • This device usually uses a microphone, an electromechanical transducer, to convert ambient sound into an electrical (audio/sound) signal.
  • the captured electrical signals are then processed by an amplifier circuit and delivered to the ear canal via another electromechanical transducer, the receiver.
  • the captured sound signals are also usually processed, typically by a signal processor within the amplifier circuit.
  • the amplification is adjusted to the specific hearing loss of the hearing aid user.
  • the transducers and amplifier circuit are usually housed in a single casing, providing at least partial protection from environmental factors.
  • the housing is relatively robust, and the individual components are attached to the inner walls of the housing, thus stabilizing them.
  • the housing is usually replaced. Therefore, it is necessary to disassemble the individual components and assemble them in the new housing.
  • mounting frames are used, to which the individual components are attached, thus ensuring the mechanical integrity of the hearing aid.
  • the mounting frame itself is enclosed in a relatively thin-walled housing.
  • the housing usually has two shells.
  • the mounting frame is inserted into one of the shells, and the remaining shell is placed on top, so that the two shells abut each other, forming a continuous edge.
  • the hearing aid is exposed to environmental influences and also to the wearer's perspiration, which can enter through openings in the housing or between the housing halves and potentially damage the components inside.
  • glue the edge i.e., to bond the two housing halves together.
  • the adhesive bond must meet stringent requirements to ensure that no moisture penetrates.
  • a rubber seal is used between the two housing halves.
  • this increases the hearing aid's installation space, making it comparatively more visible.
  • a further development incorporates a labyrinth seal between the two housing halves. Due to the relatively thin walls of the housing halves, however, the area of the labyrinth seal between them is limited, meaning that a complete seal cannot always be achieved.
  • a hearing aid that can be inserted into the ear canal is known in which all electrical and mechanical components, including a replaceable battery, are contained within a prefabricated ear assembly, which consists of a hollow, solid body with an externally attached, soft elastic cover.
  • the US 2 493 734 A shows an earphone with a magnetic insert for insertion into the user's ear.
  • An intra-aural hearing aid for deaf or hard-of-hearing persons is disclosed. This includes an earpiece containing a microphone, an amplifier, an earphone, a battery compartment with battery, and an internal-to-external equalization channel which is closed by a cover plate.
  • DE 10 2012 214 489 A1 shows a mobile device with an inner body and an outer shell at least partially enclosing the inner body, with an opening, wherein the arrangement of the outer shell and the inner body forms a gap whose diameter is at least partially so small that a capillary effect can be caused against a liquid penetrating into the mobile device from the outside through the opening.
  • a hearing aid is known.
  • a longitudinal groove is formed on an inner wall surface of a battery holder.
  • the invention is based on the objective of providing a particularly suitable hearing aid, wherein in particular reliability is increased and/or installation space is reduced, and manufacturing costs are expediently reduced.
  • a hearing aid is a headphone or includes a headphone, and a hearing aid is, for example, a headset.
  • a hearing aid is particularly preferred.
  • a hearing aid is used to support a person suffering from hearing loss.
  • a hearing aid is a medical device that compensates for, for example, partial hearing loss.
  • a hearing aid is, for example, a receiver-in-the-canal (RIC) hearing aid, an in-the-ear (ITC) hearing aid, a complete-in-the-canal (CIC) hearing aid, hearing glasses, a pocket hearing aid, or a bone conduction hearing aid.
  • the hearing aid is a behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aid, which is worn behind the ear.
  • BTE behind-the-ear
  • the hearing aid is designed and configured to be worn on the human body.
  • the hearing aid preferably includes a retention device that allows it to be attached to the human body.
  • the retention device is formed by a shape or outer contour of the hearing aid.
  • the hearing aid is a hearing aid, it is designed and configured to be placed, for example, behind the ear or within an ear canal.
  • the hearing aid is wireless and designed and configured to be inserted, at least partially, into an ear canal.
  • the hearing aid includes, for example, a microphone that serves to capture sound. Specifically, when in operation, the microphone captures ambient sound, or at least a portion of it.
  • the microphone is, in particular, an electromechanical sound transducer.
  • the microphone may consist of a single microphone unit or several microphone units that interact with each other. Each microphone unit preferably has a diaphragm that is set into vibration by sound waves. These vibrations are then converted into an electrical signal by a suitable recording device, such as a magnet moving within a coil. Thus, it is possible to use the respective microphone unit to detect a To capture an audio signal based on sound waves striking the microphone unit.
  • the microphone units are specifically designed to be omnidirectional.
  • the hearing aid includes a receiver for outputting a signal.
  • This signal is, in particular, an electrical signal.
  • the receiver is advantageously an electromechanical transducer, preferably a loudspeaker.
  • the receiver when in its intended state, is at least partially positioned within the ear canal of the hearing aid user, i.e., a person, or at least acoustically connected to it.
  • the hearing aid primarily serves to output the signal via the receiver, thereby generating a corresponding sound.
  • the main function of the hearing aid is preferably to output the signal.
  • This signal is, in particular, generated at least partially based on the sound captured by the microphone.
  • the hearing aid expediently includes a signal processor, which suitably forms a signal processing unit or is at least a component thereof. At a minimum, however, the hearing aid expediently includes a corresponding signal processing unit.
  • the signal processor is, for example, a digital signal processor (DSP) or implemented using analog components.
  • DSP digital signal processor
  • the signal processor is used, in particular, to adjust the (audio) signal generated by the microphone, preferably depending on any hearing loss of the hearing aid wearer.
  • An analog-to-digital converter (ADC) is expediently arranged between the microphone and the signal processing unit, for example, the signal processor, provided the signal processor is designed as a digital signal processor.
  • the signal processor is configured, in particular, according to a set of parameters.
  • the parameter set specifies amplification in different frequency ranges so that the signal generated by the microphone is processed according to certain specifications, particularly depending on the hearing loss of the hearing aid wearer.
  • the hearing aid most preferably also includes an amplifier, or the amplifier is at least partially integrated by the signal processor. formed.
  • the amplifier is connected upstream or downstream of the signal processor in terms of signal technology.
  • the hearing aid has a mounting frame, also referred to as a carrier, electronics frame, or simply "frame.”
  • This frame stabilizes other components of the hearing aid, particularly electronic components.
  • the microphone, signal processor, signal processing unit, and analog-to-digital converter are held by the mounting frame and are preferably mounted to it.
  • the mounting frame provides mechanical stabilization for a module of the hearing aid, by means of which all or at least a large portion of the hearing aid's functionalities are provided.
  • the mounting frame is preferably made of plastic.
  • the hearing aid has a housing that forms its outer casing.
  • the housing is preferably made of plastic, and its thickness is advantageously relatively small.
  • the housing thickness is between 0.5 mm and 3 mm.
  • the housing encloses the mounting frame, so that the frame is not visible when the device is mounted.
  • the shape and/or color of the housing is advantageously adapted to the individual user of the hearing aid, i.e., the specific person/wearer.
  • the housing comprises an upper and a lower shell, i.e., two shells. Specifically, the housing is formed by these two shells.
  • the upper shell advantageously forms the top vertical boundary of the hearing aid when the hearing aid is worn as intended. It is possible that a portion of the lower shell also forms the top vertical boundary of the housing, although this boundary area is smaller compared to the area formed by the upper shell.
  • the lower shell preferably forms a larger bottom vertical boundary of the housing compared to the upper shell.
  • the upper vertical boundary of the housing is formed entirely by the upper housing shell, and the lower vertical boundary of the housing is formed entirely by the lower housing shell. Furthermore, it is possible that the upper and lower housing shells also form lateral boundaries of the hearing aid, particularly if the housing has a curved design.
  • the two housing shells are joined together, forming a circumferential edge. This edge defines the transition between the two housing shells, particularly on the outer surface of the housing.
  • the two housing shells overlap, forming a labyrinth seal.
  • the labyrinth seal is advantageously formed in the area of the edge, and the two housing shells preferably interlock.
  • the housing shells are suitably designed so that they are flush with each other on the outer surface. This prevents the accumulation of foreign particles and eliminates any risk of injury to the wearer.
  • the overlap, and thus the labyrinth seal extends along the entire edge.
  • the housing shells overlap only along a portion of the edge, and along the remaining portion, they abut each other, for example, if no other component of the hearing aid is located in this area, or only relatively robust/insensitive components.
  • the labyrinth seal Due to the labyrinth seal, the contact area between the two housing halves is enlarged, thus increasing the creepage distance for any moisture or liquid that might penetrate between them.
  • the labyrinth seal results in the two housing halves contacting each other with a larger surface area, and they partially interlock.
  • the cross-section of the two housing halves in the overlap area is suitably L-shaped for this purpose.
  • the support frame has an outwardly directed projection that engages with the labyrinth seal.
  • the projection is directed towards the housing halves.
  • the projection is elongated and preferably runs parallel to the edge.
  • the projection extends along the support frame.
  • the projection is circumferential, so that it expediently runs along the entire edge.
  • the projection is recessed, so that it is segmented and has separate sections.
  • the labyrinth seal features an area where the two housing shells abut each other. Furthermore, it has an area where one housing shell rests against the protrusion. There is also another area where the other housing shell rests against the protrusion. This increases the total contact area between the two components at the edge, thus increasing the creepage distance. Consequently, the thickness of the housing shells, and therefore the size of the labyrinth seal, can be made comparatively thin while still providing a relatively large creepage distance.
  • the protrusion further reduces the ingress of moisture/liquid, thus increasing reliability. Since the thickness of the housing shell can be reduced, the required installation space is also reduced. Moreover, no additional components are required to provide the seal, thus reducing both material costs and the number of assembly steps. Therefore, manufacturing costs are reduced.
  • one or both of the housing shells are attached to the support frame, preferably detachably.
  • at least one of the housing shells is clipped to the support frame.
  • the labyrinth seal is particularly preferably designed to be circumferential, so that the housing shells always overlap at the edge.
  • the projection is preferably designed with interruptions and is present, for example, only at the positions of comparatively sensitive additional components. This facilitates assembly.
  • the housing shells must have a corresponding recess around the perimeter of the labyrinth seal to accommodate the projection, so that the robustness of the housing shells is not unduly reduced.
  • the housing shells have an increased thickness in the area where the projection is absent, and the labyrinth seal is widened accordingly.
  • a first gap is formed between the projection and the lower housing shell, and a second gap is formed between the projection and the upper housing shell.
  • These gaps are specifically designed to allow the two housing shells to be joined despite manufacturing tolerances.
  • the thickness of the two gaps is equal.
  • the thickness of the first gap is increased. If moisture/liquid penetrates the labyrinth seal to the projection, i.e., passes between the two housing shells in the overlap area, it is thus channeled into the first gap and therefore to the lower housing shell. This is further facilitated by gravity, as the lower housing shell, and consequently the first gap, is located vertically below the second gap in the intended state.
  • the area within the housing that comes into contact with moisture/liquid, if any, is reduced.
  • the hearing aid's electronics such as the signal processor
  • the electronics or other sensitive components of the hearing aid are located in the upper housing shell when assembled, and in particular... by means of these. Due to the design of the gap, the moisture/liquid is thus kept away from them.
  • a first contact surface is formed between the projection and the lower housing shell, and a second contact surface is formed between the projection and the upper housing shell.
  • the first contact surface has a thickness determined by the first gap.
  • the second contact surface has a thickness equal to the extent of the second gap.
  • the second contact surface has several subsurfaces separated from each other by a folded edge that extends at least partially through the second contact surface.
  • the folded edge is at least partially removed from an edge of the second contact surface. Due to the folded edge, an angle is formed between the two subsurfaces associated with it. Preferably, this angle is greater than 90° or 110°. This reduces the space required and simplifies assembly.
  • the folded edge is suitably straight, thus simplifying the design.
  • the first contact surface also has such creases.
  • the second contact surface has at least one more crease, and thus one more subsurface, than the first contact surface.
  • the first contact surface is flat, and the second contact surface has exactly that one crease, so that the second contact surface is divided into exactly the two subsurfaces.
  • the area of the second contact surface is larger compared to the area of the first contact surface. Consequently, the creepage distance is also increased there, which is why Moisture/liquid is prevented from entering the area surrounded by the upper housing shell. Furthermore, any moisture/liquid that does penetrate is forced to change direction at the hinge, thus further increasing resistance.
  • the effectiveness of the labyrinth seal is improved in the area of the second contact surface compared to the first. Therefore, any moisture/liquid entering through the labyrinth seal between the two housing shells is guided along the first contact surface. Consequently, this design also prevents moisture/liquid from the vertically superior areas of the hearing aid, or at least from the area of the hearing aid surrounded by the upper housing shell.
  • capillary channels run between the upper housing shell and the mounting frame.
  • Each capillary channel locally increases the distance between the upper housing shell and the mounting frame, thus retaining any moisture or liquid that may penetrate the housing.
  • capillary action draws any liquid or moisture present in the housing into the capillary channels—that is, into the locally increased distance between the upper housing shell and the mounting frame—and holds it there.
  • the distance between the upper housing shell and the mounting frame is between 0.02 mm and 0.08 mm, preferably 0.05 mm. This results in a comparatively small hearing aid.
  • the capillary channels are arranged in the area of openings or penetrations in the cell housing.
  • at least one of the capillary channels surrounds an opening.
  • an opening for a switch such as a toggle switch or a push button, is surrounded by a corresponding capillary channel.
  • one or more such capillary channels may be present between the lower housing shell and the support frame.
  • this area may be free of such capillary channels, or they may simply surround any openings or perforations in the lower housing shell. Due to the absence of capillary channels, any moisture/liquid present inside the housing is not prevented from accumulating in the lower area of the housing, where it can collect due to gravity. This prevents uncontrolled movement of the moisture/liquid and thus also avoids interaction with comparatively sensitive components of the hearing aid, such as electronics, which are preferably surrounded by the upper housing shell.
  • the capillary channels are integrated into the support frame, opening towards the upper housing shell. This integration allows for a comparatively delicate upper housing shell, reducing both size and weight. Mechanical integrity remains unaffected.
  • the cross-section of the capillary channels may differ from one another and/or be rectangular.
  • a semicircular cross-section is particularly preferred. This simplifies manufacturing and improves moisture/liquid absorption.
  • the capillary channels have a depth between 0.02 mm and 0.08 mm, preferably 0.05 mm. This design avoids excessively large space requirements. Furthermore, it allows for comparatively effective capillary action while still permitting relatively high manufacturing tolerances.
  • the capillary channels open at the labyrinth seal. This directs any incoming liquid to the labyrinth seal, where it can diffuse back out, for example, if the hearing aid warms up or is no longer used in a humid environment. Therefore, it is not necessary to manually remove any moisture or liquid that may have entered the device. The fluid doesn't need to be removed; instead, this occurs during operation, thus reducing maintenance.
  • both ends of each capillary channel terminate at the labyrinth seal.
  • the remaining end of one, some, or all capillary channels terminates at another seal, which surrounds an opening in the housing shell.
  • a switch is located within this opening, used to operate the hearing aid. This allows for fluid/moisture to escape without requiring additional components.
  • the seal is made of rubber and/or is flexible, ensuring that the sealing effect is not compromised even when the switch is activated.
  • the individual components of the hearing aid are powered by a battery.
  • a battery This is, for example, a secondary battery, meaning it is rechargeable. Alternatively, it may be designed to be non-rechargeable, thus reducing manufacturing costs.
  • the hearing aid has a battery holder to hold the battery.
  • the battery holder has a recess that accommodates the battery. This recess is, for example, cup-shaped.
  • the battery holder is mounted on the support frame, so moving the battery holder relative to the support frame also moves the battery.
  • the housing has a chamber within which the battery holder and the battery are located when in operation. This chamber contains contacts that are electrically connected to the battery. Moving the battery holder relative to the support frame thus removes the battery from the housing chamber, allowing it to be replaced, for example.
  • the battery holder is advantageously made of the same material as the support frame, which simplifies its manufacture.
  • the battery holder is mounted on the support frame so that it can slide longitudinally.
  • a particularly preferred option is for the battery holder to pivot on the support frame. This allows the battery holder, and consequently the battery it holds, to pivot out of the housing's chamber relative to the support frame.
  • the chamber is conveniently formed by the lower housing shell, meaning the battery is located within the area enclosed by this shell. This results in a relatively low center of gravity for the hearing aid, simplifying its use.
  • the battery holder forms at least part of the outer shell of the hearing aid when the battery is located inside the chamber. This simplifies the design. It is also advantageous for this area of the battery holder to be flush with other components of the housing, particularly the lower housing shell, when the battery is inside the chamber. This prevents the accumulation of foreign particles and reduces the risk of injury.
  • an additional capillary channel runs between the battery holder and the housing, particularly between the battery holder and the lower housing shell.
  • This additional capillary channel has, for example, a semicircular cross-section and/or a depth between 0.02 mm and 0.08 mm.
  • the additional capillary channel is suitably integrated into the battery holder in such a way that the mechanical integrity of the housing is not compromised.
  • the battery holder is essentially cylindrical, with the capillary channel being curved and, in particular, integrated into one of the two end faces.
  • such an additional capillary channel is integrated into each end face, and/or it is advantageously offset from the center of the end face to an edge, thus reducing the distance to the edge.
  • the additional capillary channel is located in the outer third of the respective end face.
  • FIG. 1 A schematic representation of a hearing aid 2 is shown, designed and configured to be worn behind the ear of a wearer (user). In other words, it is a behind-the-ear hearing aid.
  • the hearing aid 2 comprises a housing 4 made of plastic. Inside the housing 4 is a microphone 6 with two microphone units 8, each in the form of an electromechanical transducer, which are omnidirectional. By changing the time delay between the acoustic signals detected by the omnidirectional microphone units 8, it is possible to change the directional characteristic of the microphone 6, thus creating a directional microphone.
  • the two microphone units 8 are interconnected by a signal processing unit 10, which comprises an amplifier circuit (not shown) and a signal processor.
  • the signal processing unit 10 is further formed by circuit elements such as electrical and/or electronic components.
  • the signal processor is a digital signal processor (DSP) and is connected to the microphone units 8 via an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) (not shown).
  • DSP digital signal processor
  • ADC analog-to-digital converter
  • a receiver 12 is signal-connected to the signal processing unit 10.
  • the receiver 12 which is an electromechanical transducer, converts an (electrical) signal provided by the signal processing unit 10 into an output sound, i.e., sound waves. These are directed into a sound tube 14, one end of which is attached to the housing 4. The other end of the sound tube 14 is enclosed by a dome 16, which, in its intended state, is positioned in the ear canal of the hearing aid 2 wearer (not shown in detail here).
  • the signal processing unit 10 is powered by a battery 18 located in the housing 4. A portion of the electrical energy is then supplied by the signal processing unit 10 to the microphone 6 and the receiver 12.
  • the hearing aid 2 is shown in different side views, with the housing 4 depicted transparently.
  • the housing 4 has an upper housing shell 20 and a lower housing shell 22, both made of the same material, namely plastic.
  • the shape of the housing 4 is defined by the shape of the two housing shells 20 and 22, which are joined at a circumferential edge 24. In other words, the two housing shells 20 and 22 abut each other at the edge 24.
  • the edge 24 is visible from outside the housing 4.
  • the signal processing unit 10, the receiver 12, the microphone 6, and any other components are securely attached to the support frame 26.
  • An opening 28 is provided in the upper housing shell 20, which, when the hearing aid 2 is worn as intended, forms at least part of the vertically upper and partially the lateral end of the housing 4.
  • a switch 30 is positioned within this opening. The user input can be made via the switch 30, which changes the signal processing unit 10. Therefore, the switch 30 serves to select the operating mode of the hearing aid 2.
  • the switch 30 is mounted on and attached to the support frame 26.
  • the switch 30 is designed as a toggle switch and is surrounded within the housing 4 by a rubber seal 32.
  • a battery holder 32 is pivotally mounted on the support frame 26 by means of a hinge 34.
  • the battery holder 32 is essentially cylindrical and has a receptacle for the battery 18, which, when the battery holder 32 is folded, lies within a chamber 36 formed by the lower housing shell 22. In this state, the battery holder 32 forms part of the outer shell of the hearing aid 2, being flush with the lower housing shell 22. By pivoting the battery holder 32, it is possible to remove the battery 18 from the chamber 36 of the housing 4.
  • a module is created by means of the support frame 26 and the components attached to it in a captive manner.
  • This module is enclosed by the two housing shells 20 and 22 that form the housing 4.
  • the support frame 26 is inserted into the lower housing shell 22 and clipped to it.
  • the upper housing shell 20 is then placed on top, so that they abut the lower housing shell 22, forming the edge 24, thus closing the housing 4.
  • the switch 30 is then passed through the opening 28.
  • the upper housing shell 20 is also clipped to the support frame 26 and, if necessary, to the lower housing shell 22.
  • FIG. 4 In a sectional view perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the housing 4, the hearing aid 2 is shown in part.
  • the switch 30 is inserted into the opening 28 with a clearance fit, such that the switch 30 is not obstructed with respect to the The support frame 26, and thus also the housing 4, can be tilted. Any moisture/liquid penetrating through the opening 28 is retained by means of the seal 32, which rests against the inside of the upper housing shell 20.
  • the seal 32 is supported or attached to the support frame 26.
  • the signal processing unit 10 namely a printed circuit board 38 of this unit, which is equipped with comparatively sensitive electrical and/or electronic components.
  • the seal 32 is located between the printed circuit board 38 and the switch 30.
  • the printed circuit board 38 is held by the support frame 26.
  • the upper housing shell 20 and the lower housing shell 22 overlap continuously along the edge 24, forming a labyrinth seal 40.
  • the lower housing shell 22 has a step 42 against which the upper housing shell 20 rests, resulting in an L-shaped cross-section of the overlap.
  • the lead of 44 is in Figure 5 The diagram is shown enlarged.
  • a first contact surface 46 is formed between the lower housing shell 22 and the projection 44. This first contact surface 46 is straight.
  • a second contact surface 48 is formed between the upper housing shell 20 and the projection 44.
  • the second contact surface 48 has a bend 50 running parallel to the edge 24, along which the second contact surface (bearing surface 48) is divided into two sub-surfaces 52. These sub-surfaces are arranged at an angle to each other and merge into one another at the bend 50. The angle is 135°.
  • the cross-section of the projection 44 is shaped like a right-angled trapezoid.
  • the second contact surface 48 therefore has the bend 50, whereas the first contact surface 46 is flat and thus not divided into sub-surfaces 50.
  • a first gap 54 is defined by the first contact surface 46, and a second gap 56 by the second contact surface 48.
  • the thickness of the first gap 54 is increased compared to the thickness of the second gap 56.
  • the first contact surface 46 has a greater thickness perpendicular to its direction of extension than the second contact surface 48.
  • the projection 44 which engages in the labyrinth seal 40, extends the creepage distance for moisture/liquid penetrating from the outside over the edge 24. If the moisture/liquid reaches the projection 44, it is primarily drawn downwards in a vertical direction, i.e., into the lower housing shell 22, by gravity through the enlarged first gap 54. Entry into the upper gap 56, i.e., along the second contact surface 48, occurs only due to capillary action. However, since the kink 50 is present, a change of direction is required for further penetration, thus increasing resistance. Furthermore, the increased area of the second contact surface 48 lengthens the distance to this surface, preventing the penetrating moisture/liquid from entering the upper housing half 20.
  • the projection 44 runs parallel to the edge 24, but is partially recessed, forming gaps 58. In this area, the housing shells 20, 22 are thickened, so that the labyrinth seal 40 is also enlarged there.
  • FIG. 6 In another sectional view perpendicular to the dimensions of the housing 4, the hearing aid 2 is shown in part.
  • the upper housing shell 22 is shown, which is placed on the lower housing shell 22 at the edge 24, forming the labyrinth seal 40.
  • one of the gaps 58 is present, so that the projection 44 is not visible.
  • Several capillary channels 60 are present between the upper housing shell 20 and the support frame 26, one of which is located in Figure 6
  • the capillary channel 60 shown, like the remaining ones, is integrated into the support frame 26, so that a local An increase in the distance between the support frame 26 and the upper housing shell 20 is present.
  • each capillary channel 60 is semicircular, with a depth of each capillary channel 60, i.e., its radius, of 0.05 mm, so that in the area of the capillary channels 60, the distance between the support frame 26 and the upper housing shell 20 is equal to 0.1 mm.
  • the capillary channels 60 run as in Figures 2 and 3 As shown, the support frame 26 is divided into different areas in the region of the upper housing shell 20 by means of the capillary channels 60, between the labyrinth seal 40, i.e., up to the edge 24, and the seal 32. In other words, the capillary channels 60 open at the labyrinth seal 40.
  • the capillary channels 60, or a portion thereof, run perpendicular to the edge 24. Further openings or penetrations in the upper housing shell 20, not shown in detail, are surrounded by additional capillary channels 60. These capillary channels 60 extend partially into the lower housing shell 22.
  • moisture/liquid enters the housing 4 via the labyrinth seal 40, the opening 28, and/or the other openings/perforations not shown, it is drawn into the capillary channels 60 by capillary action. This keeps the moisture/liquid contained within the area separated by the respective capillary channel 60, preventing uncontrolled spread. Consequently, the moisture/liquid is protected from the signal processing unit 10 and other sensitive components of the hearing aid 2. It is also possible for the moisture/liquid to drain to the outside via the labyrinth seal 40.
  • FIG. 7 The battery holder 32 is shown in perspective, with the battery 18 omitted.
  • An outwardly projecting ridge 64 is formed on an outer surface 62 of the battery holder 32, which is also visible when the battery 18 is located in the chamber 36. This ridge is the only component that is not flush with the housing 4 when the battery 18 is in the chamber 36.
  • the bulge 64 facilitates access for a person, allowing the battery holder 32 to pivot around the hinge 34.
  • the outer surface 62 is perpendicular to the two end faces of the cylindrical battery holder 32, into which a further capillary channel 66 is provided in the edge region, i.e., offset from the outer surface 62. In other words, each end face has one of the further capillary channels 66.
  • the further capillary channels 66 also have a semicircular cross-section, with a depth of 0.05 m. If moisture/liquid penetrates the chamber 36 between the battery holder 32 and the lower housing shell 22, it is retained by means of the further capillary channels 66, which run between the battery holder 32 and the housing 4.
  • the invention is not limited to the embodiment described above. Rather, other variants of the invention can also be derived by those skilled in the art without departing from the subject matter of the invention, which is defined by claim 1.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Neurosurgery (AREA)
  • Otolaryngology (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Acoustics & Sound (AREA)
  • Signal Processing (AREA)
  • Manufacturing & Machinery (AREA)
  • Casings For Electric Apparatus (AREA)

Claims (5)

  1. Appareil auditif (2), en particulier aide auditive, comprenant un cadre porteur (26) qui est entouré d'un boîtier (4), lequel possède une coque de boîtier supérieure (20) et une coque de boîtier inférieure (22) qui sont assemblées au niveau d'un bord périphérique (24) et se chevauchent en formant une garniture d'étanchéité à labyrinthe (40), l'enveloppe extérieure de l'appareil auditif (2) étant formée au moyen du boîtier (4), un microphone (6), un processeur de signal, une unité de traitement de signal (10) et un convertisseur A/N étant maintenus sur le cadre porteur (26), le cadre porteur (26) possédant une saillie (44) dirigée vers l'extérieur, laquelle s'engage dans la garniture d'étanchéité à labyrinthe (40), plusieurs canaux capillaires (60) s'étendant entre la coque de boîtier supérieure (20) et le cadre porteur (26), les canaux capillaires (60) étant intégrés dans le cadre porteur (26) et les canaux capillaires (60) débouchant au niveau de la garniture d'étanchéité à labyrinthe (40).
  2. Appareil auditif (2) selon la revendication 1,
    caractérisé en ce
    qu'un premier interstice (54) est formé entre la saillie (44) et la coque de boîtier inférieure (22) et un deuxième interstice (56) est formé entre la saillie (44) et la coque de boîtier supérieure (20), l'épaisseur du premier interstice (54) étant augmentée.
  3. Appareil auditif (2) selon la revendication 1 ou 2,
    caractérisé en ce
    qu'une première surface d'appui (46) est formée entre la saillie (44) et la coque de boîtier inférieure (22) et une deuxième surface d'appui (48) est formée entre la saillie (44) et la coque de boîtier supérieure (20), la deuxième surface d'appui (48) étant divisée en sous-surfaces (50) au moyen d'au moins un bord plié (50), davantage que la première surface d'appui (46).
  4. Appareil auditif (2) selon l'une des revendications 1 à 3,
    caractérisé en ce
    que les canaux capillaires (60) présentent une profondeur comprise entre 0,02 mm et 0,08 mm.
  5. Appareil auditif (2) selon l'une des revendications 1 à 4,
    caractérisé en ce
    qu'un porte-pile (32) est monté sur le cadre porteur (26) de telle sorte qu'une pile (18) maintenue dans le porte-pile (32) peut être amenée hors d'une chambre (36) du boîtier (4), un canal capillaire supplémentaire (66) s'étendant entre le porte-pile (32) et le boîtier (4).
EP23185087.6A 2022-07-19 2023-07-12 Dispositif auditif Active EP4311271B1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE102022207352.5A DE102022207352A1 (de) 2022-07-19 2022-07-19 Hörgerät

Publications (3)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP4311271A1 EP4311271A1 (fr) 2024-01-24
EP4311271C0 EP4311271C0 (fr) 2025-12-10
EP4311271B1 true EP4311271B1 (fr) 2025-12-10

Family

ID=87280942

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP23185087.6A Active EP4311271B1 (fr) 2022-07-19 2023-07-12 Dispositif auditif

Country Status (4)

Country Link
US (1) US12513477B2 (fr)
EP (1) EP4311271B1 (fr)
CN (1) CN117425119A (fr)
DE (1) DE102022207352A1 (fr)

Families Citing this family (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20250380095A1 (en) * 2024-06-07 2025-12-11 Oticon A/S Hearing aid

Family Cites Families (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2493734A (en) * 1945-05-23 1950-01-03 Sonotone Corp Magnetic insert earphone insertable in the ear of the user
US4870688A (en) * 1986-05-27 1989-09-26 Barry Voroba Mass production auditory canal hearing aid
DE3927797A1 (de) * 1989-08-23 1991-02-28 Toepholm & Westermann Im-ohr-hoergeraet mit schall-ausgleichskanal
JP2974957B2 (ja) * 1996-02-02 1999-11-10 リオン株式会社 耳かけ形補聴器
WO2000045617A2 (fr) * 1999-01-27 2000-08-03 Auric Hörsysteme Gmbh & Co. Kg Appareil de correction auditive
DE102007047335A1 (de) * 2007-10-04 2009-04-09 Siemens Medical Instruments Pte. Ltd. Hörgerät
DE102012214489A1 (de) * 2012-08-14 2013-06-13 Siemens Medical Instruments Pte. Ltd. Mobilgerät mit einem zwischen einem Innenkörper und einer Außenschale gebildeten Spalt und einem Schutz vor einem Eindringen einer Flüssigkeit in den Spalt
DE102015204393A1 (de) * 2015-03-11 2016-09-29 Sivantos Pte. Ltd. Hörgerät

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
US12513477B2 (en) 2025-12-30
EP4311271A1 (fr) 2024-01-24
DE102022207352A1 (de) 2024-01-25
EP4311271C0 (fr) 2025-12-10
US20240031749A1 (en) 2024-01-25
CN117425119A (zh) 2024-01-19

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