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EP0591791B1 - Programmable hearing-aid - Google Patents

Programmable hearing-aid Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0591791B1
EP0591791B1 EP93115464A EP93115464A EP0591791B1 EP 0591791 B1 EP0591791 B1 EP 0591791B1 EP 93115464 A EP93115464 A EP 93115464A EP 93115464 A EP93115464 A EP 93115464A EP 0591791 B1 EP0591791 B1 EP 0591791B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
switch
socket
hearing aid
aid apparatus
programming
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.)
Expired - Lifetime
Application number
EP93115464A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP0591791A1 (en
Inventor
Hans-Joachim Weiss
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 GmbH
Original Assignee
Siemens Audioligische Technik GmbH
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 Siemens Audioligische Technik GmbH filed Critical Siemens Audioligische Technik GmbH
Publication of EP0591791A1 publication Critical patent/EP0591791A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP0591791B1 publication Critical patent/EP0591791B1/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04R—LOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; DEAF-AID SETS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS
    • H04R25/00—Deaf-aid sets, i.e. electro-acoustic or electro-mechanical hearing aids; Electric tinnitus maskers providing an auditory perception
    • H04R25/55—Deaf-aid sets, i.e. electro-acoustic or electro-mechanical hearing aids; Electric tinnitus maskers providing an auditory perception using an external connection, either wireless or wired
    • H04R25/556—External connectors, e.g. plugs or modules
    • 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
    • H04R25/50—Customised settings for obtaining desired overall acoustical characteristics
    • H04R25/502—Customised settings for obtaining desired overall acoustical characteristics using analog signal processing
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H2300/00—Orthogonal indexing scheme relating to electric switches, relays, selectors or emergency protective devices covered by H01H
    • H01H2300/004—Application hearing aid
    • 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
    • H04R2225/61—Aspects relating to mechanical or electronic switches or control elements, e.g. functioning
    • 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
    • H04R25/603—Mounting or interconnection of hearing aid parts, e.g. inside tips, housings or to ossicles of mechanical or electronic switches or control elements
    • 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 invention relates to a programmable hearing aid with functional parts arranged in a housing, such as a power source, microphone, amplifier unit, receiver, and with a programming circuit which can be connected to an external data generation device, in particular an external programming unit, with electrical contacts for supplying setting data via a socket on the housing is, wherein the external data generation device can be contacted with the socket of the hearing aid device by a plug part.
  • a programmable hearing aid with functional parts arranged in a housing, such as a power source, microphone, amplifier unit, receiver, and with a programming circuit which can be connected to an external data generation device, in particular an external programming unit, with electrical contacts for supplying setting data via a socket on the housing is, wherein the external data generation device can be contacted with the socket of the hearing aid device by a plug part.
  • an electrical hearing aid of this type which has a socket part with electrical sockets or the like with a circuit board.
  • the programming circuit is conductively connected and can be connected to the external data generation device by means of suitable electrical plug pins of a plug part.
  • a plug part of the external data generation device can be inserted into the socket part provided with the plug contacts or sliding contacts, such that the plug of the external device which can be inserted into the battery compartment when the battery is removed can be contacted with electrical connections of the programmable circuit of the hearing aid.
  • a volume control on the housing of the known hearing aid a so-called MTO switch (for switching the hearing aid on to microphone operation, for switching over to telephone operation / induction coil operation and to switch off the hearing aid / O position) and a control switch concealed under a flap for adjusting the sound panels or the like. intended.
  • a hearing aid is known from EP-A-0 064 042, in which the parameters of a number of different environmental situations are stored in a memory.
  • a switch e.g. the first group of parameters is called up and, via a control unit, controls a signal processor connected between the microphone and the handset, which then sets a transmission function intended for an intended environment. All programmed transmission functions can be called up in succession by the hearing device wearer via a so-called situation switch until the transmission function suitable for the hearing device wearer is found.
  • automatic adjustment is also provided if the user e.g. comes from a noisy environment to a quiet environment or vice versa.
  • the hearing aid is connected to an external programming unit via an electrical line.
  • a hearing aid with a receiving part for receiving wirelessly transmitted signals is known, the hearing aid being provided with externally accessible contact elements, such that the receiving part has at least one receiver electrode and contact elements which are in contact with the contact elements of the Hearing aid can be brought into engagement in order to keep the receiver electronics in electrical connection with the circuit of the hearing aid.
  • the contact elements of the hearing aid are designed as sockets and the contact elements of the receiver part as plug pins. Additional switch elements are provided on the housing of the hearing aid for switching the hearing aid on and off and for volume control.
  • the programming contacts are optionally used as an audio input.
  • an electronic switch is provided, which is controlled by a memory module. The switch is switched on or off by transferring special data signals to the memory chip.
  • the housing-side socket (programming socket) has, in addition to the contacts for connecting the data generation device, at least one switch contact for receiving a switch element which can be inserted into the socket instead of the plug part of the data generation device.
  • a switch element for switching the device on / off, an MTO switch, a volume control or a sound control switch can be inserted into the programming socket, which is free in the programming process.
  • the socket available for transmitting setting data from a programming device to the hearing aid and / or for retrieving program data from the hearing aid after data transmission has ended and thus while the hearing aid is in use can be used for space-saving arrangement of one or more switch elements.
  • the switch elements instead of a separate arrangement of the switch elements on the hearing device housing, in addition to the socket that is free during use of the hearing device, at least one of the switch elements, for example an on / off switch, an MTO switch, a volume control, a sound control panel or the like, can be used in the socket can be used.
  • the switch element can simply be removed from the socket.
  • programming contacts of the socket can be used for the switch connection and the socket connection has, in addition to the programming contacts, additional switch contacts.
  • a push-button or toggle switch can be inserted into the socket in particular as a switch element.
  • the invention enables this situation switch to be attached to the socket.
  • FIG. 1 shows a hearing aid device which is known per se and is to be worn behind the ear and has a housing 1 which is composed, for example, of shells. At one end of the housing 1 there is a compartment 11 for a power source, for example a battery 2. For this purpose, the battery compartment 11 contains a battery drawer 12 to be opened and a handle 13. At the other end of the housing there is a carrying hook 14, one of which is not drawn tubing leads to an ear olive that is inserted into the ear canal when the hearing aid is worn.
  • a carrying hook 14 one of which is not drawn tubing leads to an ear olive that is inserted into the ear canal when the hearing aid is worn.
  • a wheel 15 for adjusting the volume On the convexly curved back of the device there is a wheel 15 for adjusting the volume and a switch 16 for the switch position T, in which the hearing aid is connected, for example, to a telephone coil, a switch position O for switching off the device and a switch position M for switching on the device or the device microphone.
  • the most important components or functional parts of the hearing aid are, in a manner known per se, the microphone 3, an amplifier unit 4 with a programmable circuit, a receiver 5 and control elements 17, e.g. for setting the aperture.
  • the BTE device also has a socket part 6 which is electrically connected to its programming circuit and has electrical programming contacts 7.
  • the hearing aid is connected to an audiometer (not shown) for supplying the setting data, in which its programming plug 9 is electrically coupled with its electrical plug pins to the socket part.
  • the socket 6 can be closed by a flap 19 which is hinged to the housing 1 by means of a hinge 20.
  • FIG. 2 shows a socket 6 installed in a hearing aid according to the invention for programming it, with its electrical connections 18 and programming contacts 7 and an additional switch contact 8.
  • This socket is e.g. for programming the hearing aid can be coupled with a programming plug 9 of a programming cable 21 of an external programming unit.
  • the socket can also be used to connect an audio adapter for an audio connection.
  • the socket 6 is further provided for receiving a switch element 10, for example a key switch according to FIG. 3.
  • a switch element 10 for example a key switch according to FIG. 3.
  • the existing programming socket 6 is used as a base element for a switch element 10, in that the switch element 10 can be inserted into the socket.
  • the switch element 10 can be used as an on / off switch, be designed as an MTO switch, as a situation switch, as a tone control, as a volume control or as a multi-function switch.
  • the key switch 10 shown, which can be inserted into the socket 6 and removable from the socket 6, consists, for example, of a switch housing 22, with a switch plate 23 with contact pins 24, a switch spring 25, an actuating element 26 and a contact bridge 27.

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)
  • Computer Networks & Wireless Communication (AREA)
  • Headphones And Earphones (AREA)

Description

Die Erfindung betrifft ein programmierbares Hörhilfegerät mit in einem Gehäuse angeordneten Funktionsteilen, wie Stromquelle, Mikrofon, Verstärkereinheit, Hörer, sowie mit einer Programmierschaltung, die zur Versorgung mit Einstelldaten über eine gehäuseseitige Buchse mit elektrischen Kontakten an ein externes Datenerzeugungsgerät, insbesondere eine externe Programmiereinheit, anschließbar ist, wobei das externe Datenerzeugungsgerät mit der Buchse des Hörhilfegerätes durch ein Steckerteil kontaktierbar ist.The invention relates to a programmable hearing aid with functional parts arranged in a housing, such as a power source, microphone, amplifier unit, receiver, and with a programming circuit which can be connected to an external data generation device, in particular an external programming unit, with electrical contacts for supplying setting data via a socket on the housing is, wherein the external data generation device can be contacted with the socket of the hearing aid device by a plug part.

Aus der DE-U-88 00 629 ist ein elektrisches Hörhilfegerät dieser Art bekannt, das ein Buchsenteil mit elektrischen Steckbuchsen aufweist, die mit einer Schaltungsplatine od.dgl. der Programmierschaltung leitend verbunden und durch passende elektrische Steckstifte eines Steckerteils an das externe Datenerzeugungsgerät anschließbar sind. Zur Einstellung der Übertragungsfunktionen des Hörgerätes ist ein Stekkerteil des externen Datenerzeugungsgerätes in das mit den Steckbuchsen- oder Schleifkontakten versehene Buchsenteil einsetzbar, derart, daß der bei herausgenommener Batterie in das Batteriefach einsetzbare Stecker des externen Gerätes mit elektrischen Anschlüssen der programmierbaren Schaltung des Hörgerätes kontaktierbar ist. Am Gehäuse des bekannten Hörgerätes sind neben dieser Programmierbuchse noch ein Lautstärkeregler, ein sogenannter MTO-Schalter (zum Einschalten des Hörgerätes auf Mikrofonbetrieb, zum Umschalten auf Telefonbetrieb/Induktionsspulenbetrieb und zum Abschalten des Hörhilfegerätes/O-Stellung) sowie unter einer Klappe verdeckt angeordnete Stellerschalter zum Einstellen der Tonblenden od.dgl. vorgesehen.From DE-U-88 00 629 an electrical hearing aid of this type is known which has a socket part with electrical sockets or the like with a circuit board. the programming circuit is conductively connected and can be connected to the external data generation device by means of suitable electrical plug pins of a plug part. To set the transmission functions of the hearing aid, a plug part of the external data generation device can be inserted into the socket part provided with the plug contacts or sliding contacts, such that the plug of the external device which can be inserted into the battery compartment when the battery is removed can be contacted with electrical connections of the programmable circuit of the hearing aid. In addition to this programming socket, there is also a volume control on the housing of the known hearing aid, a so-called MTO switch (for switching the hearing aid on to microphone operation, for switching over to telephone operation / induction coil operation and to switch off the hearing aid / O position) and a control switch concealed under a flap for adjusting the sound panels or the like. intended.

Aus der EP-A-0 064 042 ist ein Hörgerät bekannt, bei dem in einem Speicher die Parameter mehrerer verschiedener Umgebungssituationen abgespeichert sind. Durch Betätigen eines Schalters wird z.B. die erste Gruppe von Parametern abgerufen und steuert über eine Steuereinheit einen zwischen Mikrofon und Hörer eingeschalteten Signalprozessor, der dann eine die erste für eine vorgesehene Umgebung bestimmte Übertragungsfunktion einstellt. Über einen sogenannten Situationsumschalter können durch den Hörgeräteträger alle programmierten Übertragungsfunktionen nacheinander abgerufen werden, bis die dem Hörgeräteträger passende Übertragungsfunktion gefunden ist. Andererseits ist auch eine automatische Anpassung vorgesehen, wenn der Benutzer z.B. von einer geräuschvollen Umgebung in eine ruhige Umgebung kommt oder umgekehrt. Zur Programmierung des Speichers des Hörgerätes wird das Hörgerät über eine elektrische Leitung an eine externe Programmiereinheit angeschlossen.A hearing aid is known from EP-A-0 064 042, in which the parameters of a number of different environmental situations are stored in a memory. By pressing a switch, e.g. the first group of parameters is called up and, via a control unit, controls a signal processor connected between the microphone and the handset, which then sets a transmission function intended for an intended environment. All programmed transmission functions can be called up in succession by the hearing device wearer via a so-called situation switch until the transmission function suitable for the hearing device wearer is found. On the other hand, automatic adjustment is also provided if the user e.g. comes from a noisy environment to a quiet environment or vice versa. To program the memory of the hearing aid, the hearing aid is connected to an external programming unit via an electrical line.

Aus der DE-A-30 32 311 ist ein Hörgerät mit Empfangsteil zum Empfang von drahtlos gesendeten Signalen bekannt, wobei das Hörgerät mit von außen zugänglichen Kontaktelementen versehen ist, derart, daß das Empfangsteil mindestens eine Empfängerelektrode und Kontaktelemente aufweist, die mit den Kontaktelementen des Hörgerätes in Eingriff bringbar sind, um die Empfängerelektronik mit der Schaltung des Hörgerätes in elektrischer Verbindung zu halten. Dabei sind die Kontaktelemente des Hörgerätes als Buchsen und die Kontaktelemente des Empfängerteiles als Steckerstifte ausgebildet. Zum Ein- und Ausschalten des Hörgerätes sowie zur Lautstärkeregelung sind am Gehäuse des Hörgerätes zusätzliche Schalterelemente vorgesehen.From DE-A-30 32 311 a hearing aid with a receiving part for receiving wirelessly transmitted signals is known, the hearing aid being provided with externally accessible contact elements, such that the receiving part has at least one receiver electrode and contact elements which are in contact with the contact elements of the Hearing aid can be brought into engagement in order to keep the receiver electronics in electrical connection with the circuit of the hearing aid. The contact elements of the hearing aid are designed as sockets and the contact elements of the receiver part as plug pins. Additional switch elements are provided on the housing of the hearing aid for switching the hearing aid on and off and for volume control.

Bei dem aus der DE-A-40 31 132 bekannten programmierbaren Hörgerät werden die Programmierkontakte wahlweise als Audio-Eingang genutzt. Dazu ist ein elektronischer Schalter vorgesehen, welcher durch einen Speicherbaustein gesteuert wird. Durch Übertragen von speziellen Datensignalen an den Speicherbaustein wird der Schalter ein- bzw. ausgeschaltet.In the programmable hearing aid known from DE-A-40 31 132, the programming contacts are optionally used as an audio input. For this purpose, an electronic switch is provided, which is controlled by a memory module. The switch is switched on or off by transferring special data signals to the memory chip.

Bei am Kopf zu tragenden Hörhilfegeräten, insbesondere HdO-Geräten, aber im besonderen bei sehr kleinen im Ohr bzw. im Gehörgang zu tragenden Hörgeräten, steht nur wenig Platz für die Anordnung der Bedien- und Schalterelemente usw. zur Verfügung. Deshalb ist es Aufgabe der Erfindung, ein Hörgerät der eingangs genannten Art zu schaffen, das sich durch eine platzsparende Anordnung der Schalterelemente auszeichnet.In the case of hearing aids to be worn on the head, in particular BTE devices, but in particular in the case of very small hearing aids to be worn in the ear or in the ear canal, there is only little space available for the arrangement of the operating and switch elements, etc. It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a hearing aid of the type mentioned at the outset which is distinguished by a space-saving arrangement of the switch elements.

Diese Aufgabe wird erfindungsgemäß dadurch gelöst, daß die gehäuseseitige Buchse (Programmierbuchse) neben den Kontakten zum Anschluß des Datenerzeugungsgerätes wenigstens einen Schalterkontakt für die Aufnahme eines anstelle des Steckerteils des Datenerzeugungsgerätes in die Buchse einsetzbaren Schalterelementes aufweist.This object is achieved in that the housing-side socket (programming socket) has, in addition to the contacts for connecting the data generation device, at least one switch contact for receiving a switch element which can be inserted into the socket instead of the plug part of the data generation device.

In vorteilhafter Ausgestaltung der Erfindung ist in die außer im Programmiervorgang freie Programmierbuchse ein Schalterelement zum Ein-/Aus-Schalten des Gerätes, ein MTO-Schalter, ein Lautstärkesteller oder ein Tonblenden-Stellerschalter einsetzbar.In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, a switch element for switching the device on / off, an MTO switch, a volume control or a sound control switch can be inserted into the programming socket, which is free in the programming process.

Gemäß der Erfindung kann die zum Übertragen von Einstelldaten von einer Programmiereinrichtung zum Hörgerät und/oder zum Abrufen von Programmdaten aus dem Hörgerät vorhandene Buchse nach Beendigung der Datenübertragung und damit während des Gebrauchs des Hörgerätes, zur platzsparenden Anordnung eines oder mehrerer Schalterelemente genutzt werden. Anstelle einer getrennten Anordnung der Schalterelemente am Hörgerätegehäuse, neben der während des Gebrauchs des Hörgerätes freien Buchse, kann wenigstens eines der Schalterelemente, z.B. ein Ein-/Aus-Schalter, ein MTO-Schalter, ein Lautstärkesteller, ein Tonblendensteller od.dgl., in die Buchse eingesetzt werden. Wird die Buchse zum Programmieren des Hörgerätes benötigt, läßt sich das Schalterelement einfach aus der Buchse nehmen. Dabei sind zum Schalteranschluß gegebenenfalls Programmierkontakte der Buchse nutzbar und der Buchsenanschluß weist neben den Programmierkontakten zusätzlich Schalterkontakte auf. Mit der Verwendung der vorhandenen Programmierbuchse als Sockel für ein Schalterelement kann wenigstens ein zusätzlicher Einzelschalter eingespart werden.According to the invention, the socket available for transmitting setting data from a programming device to the hearing aid and / or for retrieving program data from the hearing aid after data transmission has ended and thus while the hearing aid is in use, can be used for space-saving arrangement of one or more switch elements. Instead of a separate arrangement of the switch elements on the hearing device housing, in addition to the socket that is free during use of the hearing device, at least one of the switch elements, for example an on / off switch, an MTO switch, a volume control, a sound control panel or the like, can be used in the socket can be used. If the socket is required for programming the hearing aid, the switch element can simply be removed from the socket. In this case, programming contacts of the socket can be used for the switch connection and the socket connection has, in addition to the programming contacts, additional switch contacts. By using the existing programming socket as a base for a switch element, at least one additional individual switch can be saved.

In vorteilhafter Ausführung und zur einfachen Betätigung ist insbesondere als Schalterelement ein Tast- oder Kippschalter in die Buchse einsetzbar.In an advantageous embodiment and for simple actuation, a push-button or toggle switch can be inserted into the socket in particular as a switch element.

Bei Hörhilfegeräten, die zur Anpassung der Übertragungsfunktionen an verschiedene Umgebungssituationen, z.B. geräuschvolle Umgebung, Straßenlärm, ruhige Umgebung usw., einen zusätzlichen, vom Hörgeräteträger bedienbaren Situationsumschalter benötigen, ermöglicht die Erfindung die Anbringung dieses Situationsumschalters an der Buchse.For hearing aids that are used to adapt the transmission functions to different environmental situations, e.g. noisy environment, street noise, quiet surroundings, etc., need an additional situation switch that can be operated by the hearing aid wearer, the invention enables this situation switch to be attached to the socket.

Weitere Vorteile und Einzelheiten der Erfindung ergeben sich aus der nachfolgenden Beschreibung von Ausführungsbeispielen anhand der Zeichnungen und in Verbindung mit den Ansprüchen.Further advantages and details of the invention emerge from the following description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the drawings and in conjunction with the claims.

Es zeigen:

  • Figur 1 ein hinter dem Ohr tragbares programmierbares Hörhilfegerät, das gemäß dem Stand der Technik am Gehäuse eine Programmierbuchse sowie Schalterelemente aufweist,
  • Figur 2 in Explosionsdarstellung eine Buchse und einen zugehörigen Steckeranschluß eines Programmierkabels oder eines Audio-Anschlusses,
  • Figur 3 im Schnitt ein gemäß der Erfindung in die Programmierbuchse eines Hörhilfegerätes einsteckbares Schalterelement, z.B. in Form eines Tastschalters, und
  • Figur 4 eine Draufsicht auf die Programmier- und Schalterkontakte einer Buchse gemäß Figur 2.
Show it:
  • FIG. 1 shows a programmable hearing aid that can be worn behind the ear and that has a programming socket and switch elements on the housing in accordance with the prior art,
  • FIG. 2 shows an exploded view of a socket and an associated plug connection of a programming cable or an audio connection,
  • 3 shows in section a switch element which can be inserted into the programming socket of a hearing aid device, for example in the form of a push-button switch, and
  • FIG. 4 shows a plan view of the programming and switch contacts of a socket according to FIG. 2.

In der Figur 1 ist ein an sich bekanntes, hinter dem Ohr zu tragendes Hörhilfegerät dargestellt mit einem Gehäuse 1, das beispielsweise aus Schalen zusammengesetzt ist. Am einen Ende des Gehäuses 1 befindet sich ein Fach 11 für eine Stromquelle, z.B. eine Batterie 2. Das Batteriefach 11 enthält dazu eine zu öffnende Batterielade 12 und eine Handhabe 13. Am anderen Ende des Gehäuses ist ein Traghaken 14 vorgesehen, von dem eine nicht gezeichnete Schlauchleitung zu einer Ohrolive führt, die in den Ohrkanal eingeführt wird, wenn das Hörhilfegerät getragen wird. An der konvex nach außen gewölbten Rückseite des Gerätes befindet sich ein Rädchen 15 zur Einstellung der Lautstärke sowie ein Schalter 16 für die Schalterstellung T, in der das Hörgerät z.B. an eine Telefonspule angeschlossen wird, eine Schalterstellung O für die Ausschaltung des Gerätes und eine Schalterstellung M für die Einschaltung des Gerätes bzw. des Gerätemikrofons.FIG. 1 shows a hearing aid device which is known per se and is to be worn behind the ear and has a housing 1 which is composed, for example, of shells. At one end of the housing 1 there is a compartment 11 for a power source, for example a battery 2. For this purpose, the battery compartment 11 contains a battery drawer 12 to be opened and a handle 13. At the other end of the housing there is a carrying hook 14, one of which is not drawn tubing leads to an ear olive that is inserted into the ear canal when the hearing aid is worn. On the convexly curved back of the device there is a wheel 15 for adjusting the volume and a switch 16 for the switch position T, in which the hearing aid is connected, for example, to a telephone coil, a switch position O for switching off the device and a switch position M for switching on the device or the device microphone.

Die wesentlichsten Bestand- bzw. Funktionsteile des Hörhilfegerätes sind in an sich bekannter Weise das Mikrofon 3, eine Verstärkereinheit 4 mit programmierbarer Schaltung, ein Hörer 5 sowie Stellelemente 17, z.B. zur Tonblendeneinstellung. Das HdO-Gerät weist ferner ein mit seiner Programmierschaltung elektrisch verbundenes Buchsenteil 6 mit elektrischen Programmierkontakten 7 auf. Das Hörhilfegerät wird zur Versorgung mit den Einstelldaten an ein nicht gezeichnetes Audiometer angeschlossen, in dem dessen Programmierstecker 9 mit seinen elektrischen Steckstiften mit dem Buchsenteil elektrisch gekoppelt wird. Nach Beendigung des Programmiervorganges und nach Abnahme des Steckerteils 9 ist die Buchse 6 durch eine Klappe 19 verschließbar, welche mittels eines Scharniers 20 am Gehäuse 1 angelenkt ist.The most important components or functional parts of the hearing aid are, in a manner known per se, the microphone 3, an amplifier unit 4 with a programmable circuit, a receiver 5 and control elements 17, e.g. for setting the aperture. The BTE device also has a socket part 6 which is electrically connected to its programming circuit and has electrical programming contacts 7. The hearing aid is connected to an audiometer (not shown) for supplying the setting data, in which its programming plug 9 is electrically coupled with its electrical plug pins to the socket part. After completion of the programming process and after removal of the plug part 9, the socket 6 can be closed by a flap 19 which is hinged to the housing 1 by means of a hinge 20.

In Figur 2 ist eine in ein erfindungsgemäßes Hörgerät zu dessen Programmierung eingebaute Buchse 6 mit ihren elektrischen Anschlüssen 18 und Programmierkontakten 7 sowie einem zusätzlichen Schalterkontakt 8 dargestellt. Diese Buchse ist z.B. zur Programmierung des Hörgerätes mit einem Programmierstecker 9 eines Programmierkabels 21 einer externen Programmiereinheit kuppelbar. Andererseits ist die Buchse auch zum Anschluß eines Audio-Adapters für einen Audio-Anschluß verwendbar.FIG. 2 shows a socket 6 installed in a hearing aid according to the invention for programming it, with its electrical connections 18 and programming contacts 7 and an additional switch contact 8. This socket is e.g. for programming the hearing aid can be coupled with a programming plug 9 of a programming cable 21 of an external programming unit. On the other hand, the socket can also be used to connect an audio adapter for an audio connection.

Nach der Erfindung ist die Buchse 6 ferner zur Aufnahme eines Schalterelementes 10, z.B. eines Tastschalters gemäß Figur 3, vorgesehen. Ist das Hörgerät mit den Funktionsdaten programmiert, so wird die vorhandene Programmierbuchse 6 als Sockelelement für ein Schalterelement 10 verwendet, indem in die Buchse das Schalterelement 10 einsetzbar ist. Das Schalterelement 10 kann als Ein-/AusSchalter, als MTO-Schalter, als Situationsumschalter, als Tonblendensteller, als Lautstärkesteller oder auch als Mehrfunktionsschalter ausgebildet sein. Der gezeichnete, in die Buchse 6 einsetzbare sowie aus der Buchse 6 abnehmbare Tastschalter 10 besteht beispielsweise aus einem Schaltergehäuse 22, mit einer Schalterplatine 23 mit Kontaktstiften 24, einer Schalterfeder 25, einem Betätigungselement 26 und einer Kontaktbrücke 27.According to the invention, the socket 6 is further provided for receiving a switch element 10, for example a key switch according to FIG. 3. If the hearing aid is programmed with the functional data, the existing programming socket 6 is used as a base element for a switch element 10, in that the switch element 10 can be inserted into the socket. The switch element 10 can be used as an on / off switch, be designed as an MTO switch, as a situation switch, as a tone control, as a volume control or as a multi-function switch. The key switch 10 shown, which can be inserted into the socket 6 and removable from the socket 6, consists, for example, of a switch housing 22, with a switch plate 23 with contact pins 24, a switch spring 25, an actuating element 26 and a contact bridge 27.

Claims (8)

  1. Programmable hearing aid apparatus having function parts such as a current source (2), a microphone (3), an amplifier unit (4) and an earphone (5) arranged in a housing (1), and having a programming circuit which, for the supplying of setting data, can be connected by means of electrical contacts (7) to an external data generating apparatus, in particular an external programming unit, by way of socket (6) at the housing side, wherein the external data generating apparatus can be placed in contact with the socket (6) of the hearing aid apparatus by means of a plug part (9), characterised in that the socket (6) on the housing side has, in addition to the contacts (7) for connecting the data generating apparatus, at least a switch contact (8) for receiving a switch element (10) which can be inserted in the socket (6) in place of the plug part (9) of the data generating apparatus.
  2. Hearing aid apparatus according to claim 1, characterised in that a switch element (10) for switching the hearing apparatus on/off, a switch for switching the hearing aid apparatus to microphone mode, for switching over to telephone mode/induction coil mode and for disconnecting the hearing aid apparatus, a sound level adjustment switch or a tone control switch, can be inserted in the socket (6), which is free except during the programming operation.
  3. Hearing aid apparatus according to claim 1, characterised in that at least a situation changeover switch for setting transmission functions of the hearing apparatus can be inserted in the socket (6).
  4. Hearing aid apparatus according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterised in that the switch element (10) which can be inserted in the socket (6) is formed as a momentary-contact switch.
  5. Hearing aid apparatus according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterised in that the switch element (10) which can be inserted in the socket (6) is formed as a toggle switch.
  6. Hearing aid apparatus according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterised in that the switch element (10) which can be inserted in the socket (6) is formed as a rotary switch or potentiometer.
  7. Hearing aid apparatus according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterised in that the socket (6) is formed as a base for the insertable switch element (10).
  8. Hearing aid apparatus according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterised in that the socket (6) has at least a sliding-action contact for a potentiometer switch.
EP93115464A 1992-10-07 1993-09-24 Programmable hearing-aid Expired - Lifetime EP0591791B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE4233813 1992-10-07
DE4233813A DE4233813C1 (en) 1992-10-07 1992-10-07 PROGRAMMABLE HIGH AID DEVICE

Publications (2)

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EP0591791A1 EP0591791A1 (en) 1994-04-13
EP0591791B1 true EP0591791B1 (en) 1997-12-03

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US (1) US5404407A (en)
EP (1) EP0591791B1 (en)
DE (2) DE4233813C1 (en)

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Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
EP0591791A1 (en) 1994-04-13
US5404407A (en) 1995-04-04
DE4233813C1 (en) 1993-11-04
DE59307777D1 (en) 1998-01-15

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