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EP0466676A2 - Hearing aid with a directive microphone having variable directivity - Google Patents

Hearing aid with a directive microphone having variable directivity Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0466676A2
EP0466676A2 EP91890130A EP91890130A EP0466676A2 EP 0466676 A2 EP0466676 A2 EP 0466676A2 EP 91890130 A EP91890130 A EP 91890130A EP 91890130 A EP91890130 A EP 91890130A EP 0466676 A2 EP0466676 A2 EP 0466676A2
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
microphone
hearing aid
directional
aid according
hearing
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
EP91890130A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP0466676A3 (en
EP0466676B1 (en
Inventor
Zlatan Dipl.-Ing. Dr. Ribic
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Viennatone GmbH
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Viennatone GmbH
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Publication of EP0466676A3 publication Critical patent/EP0466676A3/en
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    • 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
    • H04R25/40—Arrangements for obtaining a desired directivity characteristic
    • H04R25/407—Circuits for combining signals of a plurality of transducers
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04R—LOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; DEAF-AID SETS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS
    • H04R1/00—Details of transducers, loudspeakers or microphones
    • H04R1/20—Arrangements for obtaining desired frequency or directional characteristics
    • H04R1/32—Arrangements for obtaining desired frequency or directional characteristics for obtaining desired directional characteristic only
    • H04R1/34—Arrangements for obtaining desired frequency or directional characteristics for obtaining desired directional characteristic only by using a single transducer with sound reflecting, diffracting, directing or guiding means
    • H04R1/38—Arrangements for obtaining desired frequency or directional characteristics for obtaining desired directional characteristic only by using a single transducer with sound reflecting, diffracting, directing or guiding means in which sound waves act upon both sides of a diaphragm and incorporating acoustic phase-shifting means, e.g. pressure-gradient microphone
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04R—LOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; DEAF-AID SETS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS
    • H04R19/00—Electrostatic transducers
    • H04R19/01—Electrostatic transducers characterised by the use of electrets
    • H04R19/016—Electrostatic transducers characterised by the use of electrets for microphones

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a hearing aid for the hearing impaired with a directional microphone whose directional characteristic can be changed.
  • One type is the so-called pressure microphone, which converts air pressure into electrical voltage, the other the so-called gradient microphone, the gradient of the air pressure serving as the source variable.
  • the pressure microphone picks up the sound regardless of the direction of incidence, as long as its dimensions are small in relation to the wavelength.
  • the pressure microphone therefore has a so-called omnidirectional characteristic.
  • the gradient microphone picks up the sound at two points, whereby the pressure difference is perceived at these points. It is typical of this type of microphone that the directional characteristic looks like the number 8 in one plane. This type of directivity is therefore also referred to as the "figure of eight". Since the gradient of the pressure is frequency-dependent, gradient microphones transmit low frequencies weaker than high frequencies, with a slope of + 6dB / octave. It is possible and known to install acoustic attenuators and delay elements in one of the two sound inputs, which creates intermediate stages from figure eight to almost spherical characteristics (e.g. cardiac or cardioid characteristics). If a sound inlet opening is closed at all with a pressure gradient microphone, this acts like a normal pressure microphone with omnidirectional characteristics.
  • acoustic attenuators and delay elements in one of the two sound inputs, which creates intermediate stages from figure eight to almost spherical characteristics (e.g. cardiac or cardioid characteristics). If a sound inlet opening is closed at
  • hearing aids today are equipped either with a normal pressure microphone or with a directional microphone (gradient microphone).
  • Directional microphones are ideal for a noisy environment, but you have to put up with low-frequency suppression and easily audible self-noise in a quiet environment.
  • Printing microphones on the other hand, can achieve good results in a quiet environment, but not in a noisy environment, which is why it also has trials given to compensate for their disadvantages by combining both types of microphone.
  • a hearing aid in which the closing of a speech opening can be carried out manually with a kind of mechanical valve. Apart from the constructive difficulties with this type of switching of the directional characteristic, it is not always easy for the hearing impaired to recognize which characteristic would be optimal for him in a certain acoustic situation.
  • the object of the invention is to provide a hearing aid which avoids the disadvantages of conventional devices described above, the directional characteristic being controlled automatically as a function of the input signal or output signal in such a way that all possible characteristics between ball and figure eight would be adjustable.
  • a hearing device of the type mentioned at the outset in that the directional microphone is an electric microphone and the change in the directional characteristic takes place electrically and continuously.
  • the microphone has a directional characteristic (e.g. heart-shaped).
  • the microphone becomes a pressure capsule, i.e. linear and with spherical characteristics.
  • the directional microphone is formed by two printing systems, the speaking openings of which are arranged spatially separated, the output voltage of one microphone being inverted and added to the output voltage of the other microphone via a controllable attenuator, thus simulating the function of a gradient microphone becomes.
  • the low-frequency suppression acts like loud signals like an ASP ("Automatic Signal Processing") and thus improves speech intelligibility.
  • ASP Automatic Signal Processing
  • the directional characteristic suppresses the noise from undesired directions. In a quiet environment, the reproduction is rich in bass, pleasant sound and the microphone picks up sound from all directions.
  • controllable attenuator is manually adjustable. This enables user intervention.
  • controllable attenuator is designed as a current- or voltage-controlled attenuator
  • the input or output signal of the hearing aid is used as the manipulated variable
  • the two individual microphones are replaced by a double-membrane system in a housing.
  • a normal pressure capsule has a membrane that is connected to the outside air on one side and to a closed chamber on the other side. The deflection of the diaphragm is therefore only dependent on the current pressure of the outside air.
  • a gradient capsule practically consists of only one diaphragm connected to the outside air on both sides and is to be regarded as a system with two inputs. Each side of the diaphragm corresponds to an inlet, the diaphragm deflection being controlled by the pressure difference between the two inlets.
  • a gradient effect can also be achieved artificially with two pressure capsules. If the two pressure capsules are spatially separated, they take up the pressure at two points, namely where the entrances of the capsules are arranged. The two electrical signals from the capsules represent the two pressure variables.
  • Fig. 1 is a circuit diagram of the hearing aid according to the invention and Fig. 2 is a sectional view illustrating the structure of a further preferred embodiment of the invention.
  • Fig. 1 shows an arrangement with two pressure capsules. Mi1 1 and Mi2 2.
  • an inverter 3 it is possible to reverse the phase of a signal and to add both signals in a summing amplifier 4.
  • this procedure only the difference between the two signals is transmitted to the output 5 of the circuit and a typical gradient effect is thereby achieved.
  • the attenuator 6 can be, for example, a voltage-controlled attenuator VCA, which receives its control signal via a control amplifier and rectifier 7 directly from one of the two microphones ("input-controlled”) or - as indicated by dashed lines - from the output (output stage) of the hearing aid ("output controlled”).
  • VCA voltage-controlled attenuator
  • FIG. 2 A much more elegant option is the two-membrane system according to the invention, as shown schematically in FIG. 2.
  • these are two interconnected pressure capsules in a housing 10, with separate inputs and outputs.
  • the rear volumes 11, 12 are connected to one another by holes 13, 14 in the counter electrodes E1 and E2 15, 16 and an acoustic resistor 17 between them.
  • I1 is the mouth 18 of the (forward facing) main system M1.
  • the mouth 12 of the second system can be arranged 19 on the opposite narrow side, consist of a hole with a socket in the cover 20, or also consist of a deflection 21, inside of which e.g. known means for sound attenuation and / or delay 22 can be arranged.
  • "P" is a substrate 23 which is used for contacting on the outside and on which FET amplifiers for both systems can also be arranged,
  • Such a capsule shows the same properties as the system described above with two pressure capsules.
  • the advantage, however, is that the system is smaller and cheaper.
  • Double-membrane condenser microphones with electrically changeable directional characteristics are already known from the literature (e.g. "Taschenbuch der technical Akustik", Springer Verlag, 1975). However, these are “normal” condenser microphones with an external, adjustable and switchable polarization voltage. However, such a circuit would not be feasible with the "electret” microphones used in hearing aids, since the amount and polarity of the bias can not be influenced from the outside.

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  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Otolaryngology (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Acoustics & Sound (AREA)
  • Signal Processing (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Neurosurgery (AREA)
  • Circuit For Audible Band Transducer (AREA)

Abstract

A hearing aid for persons hard of hearing, with a directional microphone, the directional characteristic of which can be changed and is automatically controlled as a function of the input or output signal in such a manner that all possible microphone characteristics are adjustable, is implemented in that the directional microphone (10) is an electret microphone and the directional characteristic is changed electrically and continuously. <IMAGE>

Description

Die Erfindung betrifft ein Hörgerät für Schwerhörige mit einem Richtmikrofon, dessen Richtcharakteristik veränderbar ist.The invention relates to a hearing aid for the hearing impaired with a directional microphone whose directional characteristic can be changed.

Praktisch alle heutigen Hörgeräte sind mit einer von zwei möglichen Mikrofon-Typen ausgestattet.Practically all hearing aids today are equipped with one of two possible microphone types.

Ein Typ ist das sogenannte Druckmikrofon, das Luftdruck in elektrische Spannung umwandelt, der andere das sogenannte Gradientenmikrofon, wobei der Gradient des Luftdrucks als Quellengröße dient.One type is the so-called pressure microphone, which converts air pressure into electrical voltage, the other the so-called gradient microphone, the gradient of the air pressure serving as the source variable.

Da der Luftdruck in einem Punkt kein Vektor, sondern eine skalare Größe ist, nimmt das Druckmikrofon den Schall unabhängig von der Einfallsrichtung auf, solange seine Abmessungen im Verhältnis zur Wellenlänge klein sind. Das Druckmikrofon hat also eine sogenannte Kugelcharakteristik.Since the air pressure at one point is not a vector but a scalar variable, the pressure microphone picks up the sound regardless of the direction of incidence, as long as its dimensions are small in relation to the wavelength. The pressure microphone therefore has a so-called omnidirectional characteristic.

Im Gegensatz dazu nimmt das Gradientenmikrofon den Schall an zwei Punkten auf, wobei der Druckunterschied an diesen Punkten wahrgenommen wird. Typisch für diese Art von Mikrofon ist, daß in einer Ebene die Richtcharakteristik wie die Ziffer 8 aussieht. Diese Art der Richtwirkung wird daher auch als "Achtercharakteristik" bezeichnet. Da der Gradient des Druckes frequenzabhängig ist, übertragen Gradientenmikrofone niedrige Frequenzen schwächer als hohe Frequenzen, und zwar mit einer Steilheit von +6dB/Oktave. Es ist möglich und bekannt, akustische Dämpfungs- und Verzögerungsglieder in einen der beiden Schalleingänge einzubauen, wodurch Zwischenstufen von Achter- bis nahezu Kugelcharakteristik (z.B. Herz- oder Nierencharakteristik) enstehen. Wird bei einem Druckgradientenmikrofon eine Schalleingangsöffnung überhaupt verschlossen, so wirkt dieses wie ein normales Druckmikrofon mit Kugelcharakteristik.In contrast, the gradient microphone picks up the sound at two points, whereby the pressure difference is perceived at these points. It is typical of this type of microphone that the directional characteristic looks like the number 8 in one plane. This type of directivity is therefore also referred to as the "figure of eight". Since the gradient of the pressure is frequency-dependent, gradient microphones transmit low frequencies weaker than high frequencies, with a slope of + 6dB / octave. It is possible and known to install acoustic attenuators and delay elements in one of the two sound inputs, which creates intermediate stages from figure eight to almost spherical characteristics (e.g. cardiac or cardioid characteristics). If a sound inlet opening is closed at all with a pressure gradient microphone, this acts like a normal pressure microphone with omnidirectional characteristics.

In der Regel sind Hörgeräte heute entweder mit einem normalen Druckmikrofon oder mit einem Richtmikrofon (Gradientenmikiofon) ausgestattet. Richtmikrofone sind für lärmerfüllte Umgebung ideal, man muß dabei aber Tiefton-Unterdrückung und gut hörbares Eigenrauschen in leiser Umgebung nachteilig in Kauf nehmen. Mit Druckmikrofonen wiederum lassen sich in leiser Umgebung gute Ergebnisse erzielen, in lärmerfüllter Umgebung hingegen nicht.Es hat deshalb auch Versuche gegeben, durch Kombination beider Mikrofontypen deren Nachteile zu kompensieren.As a rule, hearing aids today are equipped either with a normal pressure microphone or with a directional microphone (gradient microphone). Directional microphones are ideal for a noisy environment, but you have to put up with low-frequency suppression and easily audible self-noise in a quiet environment. Printing microphones, on the other hand, can achieve good results in a quiet environment, but not in a noisy environment, which is why it also has trials given to compensate for their disadvantages by combining both types of microphone.

Es ist ein Hörgerät berannt, bei dem mit einer Art mechanischem Ventil der Verschluß einer Einspracheöffnung manuell durchgeführt werden kann. Abgesehen von den konstruktiven Schwierigkeiten bei dieser Art der Umschaltung der Richtcharakteristik, ist es aber für den Schwerhörigen nicht immer leicht zu erkennen, welche Charakteristik in einer bestimmten akustischen Situation nun für ihn optimal wäre.A hearing aid is known in which the closing of a speech opening can be carried out manually with a kind of mechanical valve. Apart from the constructive difficulties with this type of switching of the directional characteristic, it is not always easy for the hearing impaired to recognize which characteristic would be optimal for him in a certain acoustic situation.

Aufgabe der Erfindung ist es, ein Hörgerät zu schaffen, welches die oben beschriebenen Nachteile herkömmlicher Geräte vermeidet, wobei die Richtcharakteristik automatisch in Abhängigkeit vom Eingangssignal oder Ausgangssignal so gesteuert wird, daß alle möglichen Charakteristiken zwischen Kugel und Achter einstellbar würden.The object of the invention is to provide a hearing aid which avoids the disadvantages of conventional devices described above, the directional characteristic being controlled automatically as a function of the input signal or output signal in such a way that all possible characteristics between ball and figure eight would be adjustable.

Diese Aufgabe wird bei einem Hörgerät der eingangs angeführten Art erfindungsgemäß dadurch gelöst, daß das Richtmikrofon ein Elektromikrofon ist und die Veränderung der Richtcharakteristik auf elektrischem Weg und kontinuierlich erfolgt.This object is achieved according to the invention in a hearing device of the type mentioned at the outset in that the directional microphone is an electric microphone and the change in the directional characteristic takes place electrically and continuously.

Dies hat den vorteilhaften Effekt, daß in lauter Umgebung tiefe Frequenzen unterdrückt werden und das Mikrofon eine Richtcharakteristik (z.B. herzförmig) aufweist. In leiser Umgebung hingegen wird das Mikrofon zu einer Druckkapsel, d.h. linear und mit Kugelcharakteristik.This has the advantageous effect that low frequencies are suppressed in a noisy environment and the microphone has a directional characteristic (e.g. heart-shaped). In a quiet environment, however, the microphone becomes a pressure capsule, i.e. linear and with spherical characteristics.

Nach einem weiteren Merkmal der Erfindung ist vorgesehen, daß das Richtmikrofon durch zwei Drucksysteme gebildet wird, deren Einspracheöffnungen räumlich getrennt angeordnet sind, wobei die Ausgangsspannung des einen Mikrofons invertiert und über einen regelbaren Abschwächer zur Ausgangsspannung des anderen Mikrofons addiert und so die Funktion eines Gradientenmikrofons nachgebildet wird.According to a further feature of the invention, it is provided that the directional microphone is formed by two printing systems, the speaking openings of which are arranged spatially separated, the output voltage of one microphone being inverted and added to the output voltage of the other microphone via a controllable attenuator, thus simulating the function of a gradient microphone becomes.

Die Tieftonunterdrückung wirkt dabei bei lauten Signalen wie eine ASP ("Automatic Signal Processing") und verbessert somit die Sprachverständlichkeit. Zusätzlich unterdrückt die Richtcharakteristik den Störschall aus unerwünschten Richtungen. In leiser Umgebung wird die Wiedergabe tieftonreich, von angenehmem Klang und das Mikrofon nimmt Schall aus allen Richtungen auf.The low-frequency suppression acts like loud signals like an ASP ("Automatic Signal Processing") and thus improves speech intelligibility. In addition, the directional characteristic suppresses the noise from undesired directions. In a quiet environment, the reproduction is rich in bass, pleasant sound and the microphone picks up sound from all directions.

Nach einem anderen Merkmal der Erfindung ist vorgesehen, daß der regelbare Abschwächer manuell verstellbar ist. Dies ermöglicht ein Eingreifen durch den Benutzer.According to another feature of the invention it is provided that the controllable attenuator is manually adjustable. This enables user intervention.

Erfindungsgemäß ist weiters vorgesehen, daß der regelbare Abschwächer als strom- oder spannungsgesteuerter Attenuator ausgebildet ist, als dessen Stellgröße das Eingangsoder das Ausgangssignal des Hörgerätes herangezogen wird und daß die beiden Einzelmikrofone durch ein Doppelmembran-System in einem Gehäuse ersetzt sind.According to the invention, it is further provided that the controllable attenuator is designed as a current- or voltage-controlled attenuator, the input or output signal of the hearing aid is used as the manipulated variable, and that the two individual microphones are replaced by a double-membrane system in a housing.

Eine normale Druckkapsel hat eine Membran, die auf einer Seite mit der Außenluft und auf der anderen Seite mit einer geschlossenen Kammer verbunden ist. Somit ist die Auslenkung der Membrane lediglich abhängig vom momentanen Druck der Außenluft.Eine Gradientenkapsel besteht praktisch nur aus einer beiderseits mit der Außenluft verbundenen Membrane und ist als System mit zwei Eingängen zu betrachten. Jede Membranseite entspricht einem Eingang, wobei die Membranauslenkung vom Druckunterschied zwischen den beiden Eingängen gesteuert wird.A normal pressure capsule has a membrane that is connected to the outside air on one side and to a closed chamber on the other side. The deflection of the diaphragm is therefore only dependent on the current pressure of the outside air. A gradient capsule practically consists of only one diaphragm connected to the outside air on both sides and is to be regarded as a system with two inputs. Each side of the diaphragm corresponds to an inlet, the diaphragm deflection being controlled by the pressure difference between the two inlets.

Eine Gradientenwirkung kann man auch künstlich mit zwei Druckkapseln erzielen. Wenn die beiden Druckkapseln räumlich getrennt sind, nehmen sie den Druck an zwei Punkten auf und zwar dort, wo die Eingänge der Kapseln angeordnet sind. Die beiden elektrischen Signale aus den Kapseln sind eine Abbildung der beiden Druckgrößen.A gradient effect can also be achieved artificially with two pressure capsules. If the two pressure capsules are spatially separated, they take up the pressure at two points, namely where the entrances of the capsules are arranged. The two electrical signals from the capsules represent the two pressure variables.

Die Erfindung wird nun anhand eines bevorzugten Ausführungsbeispiels unter Bezugnahme auf die beigeschlossenen Zeichnungen näher erläutert.The invention will now be explained in more detail using a preferred embodiment with reference to the accompanying drawings.

In den Zeichnungen zeigt:In the drawings:

Fig. 1 ein Schaltbild des erfindungsgemäßen Hörgerätes und Fig. 2 eine Schnittansicht, welche den Aufbau einer weiteren bevorzugten Ausführungsform der Erfindung veranschaulicht.Fig. 1 is a circuit diagram of the hearing aid according to the invention and Fig. 2 is a sectional view illustrating the structure of a further preferred embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 1 zeigt eine Anordnung mit zwei Druckkapseln. Mi1 1 und Mi2 2. Mit Hilfe eines Inverters 3 ist es möglich, die Phase eines Signals umzudrehen und beide Signale in einem Summierverstärker 4 zu addieren. Durch dieses Vorgehen wird nur die Differenz der beiden Signale an den Ausgang 5 der Schaltung übertragen und dadurch eine typische Gradientenwirkung erreicht. Wird das Mikrofonsignal von Mi2 mittels eines Attenuators 6 kontinuierlich abgeschwächt, so ändert sich die übertragung in Richtung der Kapsel Mi1, also hin zur Kugelcharakteristik. Der Abschwächer 6 kann z.B. ein spannungsgesteuerter (voltage controlled) Attenuator VCA sein, der sein Steuersignal über einen Regelverstärker und -Gleichrichter 7 direkt aus einem der beiden Mikrofone erhält ("eingangsgesteuert") oder - wie strichliert angedeutet - vom Ausgang (Endstufe) des Hörgeräts ("ausgangsgesteuert").Fig. 1 shows an arrangement with two pressure capsules. Mi1 1 and Mi2 2. With the help of an inverter 3, it is possible to reverse the phase of a signal and to add both signals in a summing amplifier 4. With this procedure, only the difference between the two signals is transmitted to the output 5 of the circuit and a typical gradient effect is thereby achieved. Is the microphone signal from Mi2 using a Attenuators 6 continuously weakened, so the transmission changes in the direction of the capsule Mi1, that is, towards the spherical characteristic. The attenuator 6 can be, for example, a voltage-controlled attenuator VCA, which receives its control signal via a control amplifier and rectifier 7 directly from one of the two microphones ("input-controlled") or - as indicated by dashed lines - from the output (output stage) of the hearing aid ("output controlled").

Aus Platz- und Kostengründen ist es aber nicht sehr attraktiv, in ein Hörgerät zwei mechanisch getrennte Mikrofonkapseln einzubauen.For space and cost reasons, it is not very attractive to install two mechanically separate microphone capsules in a hearing aid.

Eine wesentlich elegantere Möglichkeit ist das erfindungsgemäße Zweimembransystem, wie in Fig. 2 schematisch dargestellt. Es handelt sich im Prinzip um zwei miteinander verbundene Druckkapseln in einem Gehäuse 10, mit getrennten Ein- und Ausgängen. Die hinteren Volumina 11,12 sind durch Löcher 13,14 in den Gegenelektroden E1 und E2 15,16 und einen akustischen Widerstand 17 zwischen denselben miteinander verbunden. I1 ist die Einspracheöffnung 18 des (nach vorn gerichteten) Hauptsystems M1. Die Einsprachöffnung 12 des zweiten Systems kann an der gegenüberliegenden Schmalseite angeordnet sein 19, aus einem Loch mit Stutzen im Deckel 20, oder aber auch aus einer Umlenkung 21 bestehen, in deren Inneren z.B. bekannte Mittel zur Schalldämpfung und/oder -Verzögerung 22 angeordnet sein können. "P" ist ein Substrat 23, das zur Kontaktierung an der Außenseite dient und auf dem auch FET-Verstärker für beide Systeme angeordnet sein können,A much more elegant option is the two-membrane system according to the invention, as shown schematically in FIG. 2. In principle, these are two interconnected pressure capsules in a housing 10, with separate inputs and outputs. The rear volumes 11, 12 are connected to one another by holes 13, 14 in the counter electrodes E1 and E2 15, 16 and an acoustic resistor 17 between them. I1 is the mouth 18 of the (forward facing) main system M1. The mouth 12 of the second system can be arranged 19 on the opposite narrow side, consist of a hole with a socket in the cover 20, or also consist of a deflection 21, inside of which e.g. known means for sound attenuation and / or delay 22 can be arranged. "P" is a substrate 23 which is used for contacting on the outside and on which FET amplifiers for both systems can also be arranged,

Eine solche Kapsel zeigt die gleichen Eigenschaften wie das vorangehend beschriebene System mit zwei Druckkapseln. Der Vorteil besteht jedoch darin, daß das System kleiner und billiger ist.Such a capsule shows the same properties as the system described above with two pressure capsules. The advantage, however, is that the system is smaller and cheaper.

Doppelmembran-Kondensatormikrofone mit elektrisch veränderbarer Richtcharakteristik sind bereits aus der Literatur bekannt (z.B. "Taschenbuch der technischen Akustik", Springer Verlag, 1975). Es handelt sich dabei jedoch um "normale" Kondensatormikrofone mit externer, verstell- und umschaltbarer Polarisationsspannung. Eine solche Schaltung wäre jedoch mit den in Hörgeräten verwendeten "Elektret"-Mikrofonen nicht realisierbar, da bei diesen die Höhe und Polarität der Vorspannung von außen nicht beeinflußt werden kann.Double-membrane condenser microphones with electrically changeable directional characteristics are already known from the literature (e.g. "Taschenbuch der technical Akustik", Springer Verlag, 1975). However, these are "normal" condenser microphones with an external, adjustable and switchable polarization voltage. However, such a circuit would not be feasible with the "electret" microphones used in hearing aids, since the amount and polarity of the bias can not be influenced from the outside.

Claims (6)

Hörgerät für Schwerhörige mit einem Richtmikrofon, dessen Richtcharakteristik veränderbar ist, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß das Richtmikrofon (10) ein Elektretmikrofon ist und die Veränderung der Richtcharakteristik auf elektrischem Weg und kontinuierlich erfolgt.Hearing aid for the hearing impaired with a directional microphone, the directional characteristic of which can be changed, characterized in that the directional microphone (10) is an electret microphone and the directional characteristic is changed electrically and continuously. Hörgerät nach Anspruch 1, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß das Richtmikrofon (10) durch zwei Drucksysteme gebildet wird, deren Einspracheöffnungen (18,19) räumlich getrennt angeordnet sind, wobei die Ausgangsspannung des einen Mikrofons invertiert und über einen regelbaren Abschwächer (6) zur Ausgangsspannung des anderen Mikrofons addiert und so die Funktion eines Gradientenmikrofons nachgebildet wird.Hearing aid according to claim 1, characterized in that the directional microphone (10) is formed by two pressure systems, the speaking openings (18, 19) of which are arranged spatially separated, the output voltage of the one microphone being inverted and via a controllable attenuator (6) to the output voltage of the other microphones added and thus the function of a gradient microphone is simulated. Hörgerät nach Anspruch 1 oder 2, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß der regelbare Abschwächer (6) manuell verstellbar ist.Hearing aid according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the controllable attenuator (6) is manually adjustable. Hörgerät nach Anspruch 1 oder 2, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß der regelbare Abschwächer (6) als strom- oder spannungsgesteuerter Attenuator ausgebildet ist, als dessen Stellgröße das Eingangs- oder das Ausgangssignal des Hörgerätes herangezogen wird.Hearing aid according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the controllable attenuator (6) is designed as a current- or voltage-controlled attenuator, the input or output signal of the hearing aid being used as the manipulated variable. Hörgerät nach Anspruch 1 oder 2, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß die beiden Einzelmikrofone (1,2) durch ein Doppelmembran-System in einem Gehäuse ersetzt sind.Hearing aid according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the two individual microphones (1, 2) are replaced by a double membrane system in a housing. Hörgerät nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 5, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß in einer der beiden Schallzuführungen (I1,I2) in an sich bekannter Weise Mittel (22) zur Dämpfung und/oder Verzögerung des Schalls angeordnet sind, um eine zusätzliche Beeinflussung der Richtcharakteristik zu erzielen.Hearing aid according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that means (22) for damping and / or delaying the sound are arranged in one of the two sound feeds (I1, I2) in a manner known per se in order to additionally influence the directional characteristic achieve.
EP91890130A 1990-07-13 1991-06-25 Hearing aid with a directive microphone having variable directivity Expired - Lifetime EP0466676B1 (en)

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AT1500/90 1990-07-13
AT0150090A AT407815B (en) 1990-07-13 1990-07-13 HEARING AID

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EP0499699A1 (en) * 1991-02-20 1992-08-26 Phonak Ag Hearing aid with at least two microphones
EP0605666A1 (en) * 1992-03-25 1994-07-13 Motorola, Inc. Mechanical-vibration-cancelling piezo ceramic microphone
EP0605666A4 (en) * 1992-03-25 1995-04-05 Motorola Inc Mechanical-vibration-cancelling piezo ceramic microphone.
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US6101258A (en) * 1993-04-13 2000-08-08 Etymotic Research, Inc. Hearing aid having plural microphones and a microphone switching system
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US7372973B2 (en) 1998-03-02 2008-05-13 Phonak Ag Hearing aid
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DE19822021A1 (en) * 1998-05-15 1999-12-02 Siemens Audiologische Technik Hearing aid with automatic microphone tuning
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DE19849739C2 (en) * 1998-10-28 2001-05-31 Siemens Audiologische Technik Adaptive method for correcting the microphones of a directional microphone system in a hearing aid and hearing aid
DE19856798A1 (en) * 1998-12-09 1999-12-16 Siemens Audiologische Technik Hearing aid with multiple channel gain control for frequency selective correction of hearing deficiencies
WO2001001732A1 (en) * 1999-06-24 2001-01-04 Tøpholm & Westermann APS Hearing aid with controllable directional characteristics
AU766876B2 (en) * 1999-06-24 2003-10-23 Widex A/S A method for controlling the directionality of the sound receiving characteristic of a hearing aid and a hearing aid for carrying out the method
WO2001001731A1 (en) * 1999-06-24 2001-01-04 Widex A/S A method for controlling the directionality of the sound receiving characteristic of a hearing aid and a hearing aid for carrying out the method
DE19948907A1 (en) * 1999-10-11 2001-02-01 Siemens Audiologische Technik Signal processing in hearing aid
EP1102517A2 (en) * 1999-11-15 2001-05-23 Siemens Audiologische Technik GmbH Electroacoustic transducer for hearing aids
DE19954880C1 (en) * 1999-11-15 2001-01-25 Siemens Audiologische Technik Electro-magnetic converter for sound production in hearing aid
EP1102517A3 (en) * 1999-11-15 2008-03-05 Siemens Audiologische Technik GmbH Electroacoustic transducer for hearing aids
US6930957B2 (en) 2000-08-11 2005-08-16 Phonak Ag Method for directional location and locating system
US6704422B1 (en) 2000-10-26 2004-03-09 Widex A/S Method for controlling the directionality of the sound receiving characteristic of a hearing aid a hearing aid for carrying out the method
DE10310579B4 (en) * 2003-03-11 2005-06-16 Siemens Audiologische Technik Gmbh Automatic microphone adjustment for a directional microphone system with at least three microphones
DE10310579A1 (en) * 2003-03-11 2004-09-23 Siemens Audiologische Technik Gmbh Automatic microphone compensation method for directional microphone system for hearing aid, using successive amplitude equalization of omnidirectional microphone signals and directional microphone signals
EP1467593A3 (en) * 2003-04-09 2009-12-16 Siemens Audiologische Technik GmbH Directional microphone
EP1467593A2 (en) * 2003-04-09 2004-10-13 Siemens Audiologische Technik GmbH Directional microphone
EP1499160A3 (en) * 2003-07-16 2007-10-03 Siemens Audiologische Technik GmbH Directional hearing aid
EP2364036A3 (en) * 2006-11-22 2011-09-28 Funai Electric Advanced Applied Technology Research Institute Inc. Voice input device, its manufacturing method and information processing system
EP2101513A1 (en) * 2006-11-22 2009-09-16 Funai Electric Advanced Applied Technology Research Institute Inc. Voice input device, its manufacturing method and information processing system
EP2101513A4 (en) * 2006-11-22 2011-09-28 Funai Eaa Tech Res Inst Inc Voice input device, its manufacturing method and information processing system
CN101543089B (en) * 2006-11-22 2013-07-03 株式会社船井电机新应用技术研究所 Voice input device, method of manufacturing the same, and information processing system
US8731693B2 (en) 2006-11-22 2014-05-20 Funai Electric Advanced Applied Technology Research Institute Inc. Voice input device, method of producing the same, and information processing system
US7832080B2 (en) 2007-10-11 2010-11-16 Etymotic Research, Inc. Directional microphone assembly
EP2280558A1 (en) * 2008-05-20 2011-02-02 Funai Electric Advanced Applied Technology Research Institute Inc. Integrated circuit device, sound inputting device and information processing system
CN102037738A (en) * 2008-05-20 2011-04-27 株式会社船井电机新应用技术研究所 Voice input device, method of manufacturing the same, and information processing system
EP2280558A4 (en) * 2008-05-20 2011-09-28 Funai Eaa Tech Res Inst Inc Integrated circuit device, sound inputting device and information processing system
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Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
CA2046416C (en) 1997-12-02
CA2046416A1 (en) 1992-01-14
DK0466676T3 (en) 1995-05-22
DE59104846D1 (en) 1995-04-13
ATA150090A (en) 1992-08-15
EP0466676A3 (en) 1992-07-29
US5214709A (en) 1993-05-25
EP0466676B1 (en) 1995-03-08
AT407815B (en) 2001-06-25

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