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EP2091269A2 - Water resistant hearing aid - Google Patents

Water resistant hearing aid Download PDF

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Publication number
EP2091269A2
EP2091269A2 EP09150491A EP09150491A EP2091269A2 EP 2091269 A2 EP2091269 A2 EP 2091269A2 EP 09150491 A EP09150491 A EP 09150491A EP 09150491 A EP09150491 A EP 09150491A EP 2091269 A2 EP2091269 A2 EP 2091269A2
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
hearing aid
transducer
electric
liquids
aid according
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Granted
Application number
EP09150491A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP2091269B2 (en
EP2091269A3 (en
EP2091269B1 (en
Inventor
Jürgen Reithinger
Christian Weistenhöfer
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
Siemens Medical Instruments Pte Ltd
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Filing date
Publication date
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Application filed by Siemens Medical Instruments Pte Ltd filed Critical Siemens Medical Instruments Pte Ltd
Publication of EP2091269A2 publication Critical patent/EP2091269A2/en
Publication of EP2091269A3 publication Critical patent/EP2091269A3/en
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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
    • H04R25/60—Mounting or interconnection of hearing aid parts, e.g. inside tips, housings or to ossicles
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04R—LOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; DEAF-AID SETS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS
    • H04R15/00—Magnetostrictive transducers
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04R—LOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; DEAF-AID SETS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS
    • H04R17/00—Piezoelectric transducers; Electrostrictive transducers
    • H04R17/005—Piezoelectric transducers; Electrostrictive transducers using a piezoelectric polymer
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04R—LOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; DEAF-AID SETS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS
    • H04R17/00—Piezoelectric transducers; Electrostrictive transducers
    • H04R17/02—Microphones
    • H04R17/025—Microphones using a piezoelectric polymer
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04R—LOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; DEAF-AID SETS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS
    • H04R2217/00—Details of magnetostrictive, piezoelectric, or electrostrictive transducers covered by H04R15/00 or H04R17/00 but not provided for in any of their subgroups
    • H04R2217/01—Non-planar magnetostrictive, piezoelectric or electrostrictive benders
    • 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
    • H04R25/604—Mounting or interconnection of hearing aid parts, e.g. inside tips, housings or to ossicles of acoustic or vibrational transducers
    • 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
    • H04R25/609—Mounting or interconnection of hearing aid parts, e.g. inside tips, housings or to ossicles of circuitry
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04R—LOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; DEAF-AID SETS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS
    • H04R25/00—Deaf-aid sets, i.e. electro-acoustic or electro-mechanical hearing aids; Electric tinnitus maskers providing an auditory perception
    • H04R25/65—Housing parts, e.g. shells, tips or moulds, or their manufacture

Definitions

  • Hearing aids are used to compensate for decreases in hearing in patients.
  • Hearing aids consist of one or more microphones, an electronic circuit which has at least one analogue or digital amplifier, and one or more loudspeakers and a power source for supplying these components.
  • Hearing aids are constantly exposed to the effects of liquids and dirt in practical use. These factors can be caused by a number of factors including sweating of the patient and earwax, environmental factors such as dust or the influence of water during swimming or other water sports, or when the patient accidentally drops the hearing aid into a vessel filled with water or other liquids.
  • hearing aids are designed so far waterproof, so that water ingress can not take place.
  • the disadvantage of this is, for example, that in the microphone and the speaker complex membrane arrangements are required to seal these areas and thereby to allow the sound wave transmission from / to outside the hearing aid.
  • a hearing aid comprising: at least a first electro-acoustic transducer for receiving sound waves and conversion into electrical signals, a by coating and / or A liquid-sealed electronic circuit for processing the electrical signals, at least one second electroacoustic transducer for converting electrical signals supplied to the circuit into sound waves and an electrical energy source sealed by coating and / or pouring against liquids.
  • the electro-acoustic transducers are constructed of materials which convert a change in shape into an electric and / or magnetic field and / or an electric current flow and / or an electrical voltage (and / or vice versa) and the insensitive to liquids, in particular water, salt water and light acids, are.
  • the hearing aid i. the at least two transducers (e.g., microphone and speaker), the electronic circuitry which provides signal processing and signal amplification, and the power source (e.g., battery or accumulator) are each insusceptible to water, and the case does not matter.
  • the housing does not have to be made waterproof, corresponding expensive measures can be advantageously eliminated.
  • electroacoustic transducers are: single or multilayer piezoelectret films and / or piezoelectric transducers, for example flexural vibrators or thickness oscillators.
  • the one or more electroacoustic transducer (s) acting as a microphone may alternatively be in the form of a hot wire microphone (s). While hot-wire microphones may fail while immersed in liquids, they will not be damaged and will be operational once the fluid has drained.
  • FIG. 1 1 schematically shows the block diagram of a hearing aid 100 with a first electroacoustic transducer or microphone 110 for receiving an acoustic input signal (sound waves) and conversion into an electrical signal, a signal processing unit 120 and a second electroacoustic transducer 130 for converting one of the Signal processing unit 120 output electrical signal into an acoustic output signal.
  • a programmable control unit 140 can optionally be provided, which controls the signal processing unit 120 and contains sequence programs as well as setting parameters for the signal processing unit 120. These programs and parameters serve to adapt the behavior of the signal processing unit 120 (and thus the behavior of the hearing device 100) to different hearing impairments as well as to different hearing situations.
  • signal processing unit 120 and control unit 140 can be combined in a common electronics - not shown.
  • An electrical energy source 150 is used to supply electrical energy.
  • the electronic circuit (s) 120, 140 and the power source 150 are protected by coating and / or potting against the action of liquids.
  • liquids that have entered the hearing aid 100 such as water, can not damage these components 120, 140, 150, since the fluids are retained by the coating and / or potting compound and can not wet the components 120, 140, 150.
  • Open circuit traces connecting the electronic circuitry (s) 120, 140 and the power source 150 are also preferably protected by coating and / or potting against exposure to liquids.
  • an accumulator as the energy source 150 is particularly advantageous when combined with wireless charging devices (not shown) well known in the art.
  • wireless charging devices not shown
  • high-energy batteries whose lifespan should then correspond approximately to the total lifetime of the hearing device 100.
  • a water-resistant embodiment is preferred, i. a structure that can not be damaged due to its construction and / or the materials used by contact with liquids, so that a seal can be omitted.
  • materials which convert a change in shape into an electrical and / or magnetic field and / or an electrical current flow and / or an electrical voltage (and / or vice versa) and which are insensitive to liquids are preferred.
  • Fig. 2 schematically shows a first embodiment of an electroacoustic transducer.
  • a piezoelectret film 220 is applied to a housing portion 210.
  • Piezoelectret films are electrically polarized plastic films (electrets) that contain many flat bubbles 230 in their interior. At the interfaces of these bubbles are polarized charges, so that many small capacitors arise.
  • the compliance of the air (or other gas) in the bubbles is substantially less than the compliance of the film, so that the film is stretchable and compressible in thickness.
  • a voltage can then be tapped off in response to an acoustic signal 250 on the surfaces of the film by means of electrodes 240.
  • a voltage applied to the electrodes 240 causes the thickness of the film to change, so that an acoustic signal can be generated when appropriately controlled.
  • an electroacoustic transducer according to Fig. 2 can advantageously be dispensed with a complicated mechanism and a suitable design on a back volume.
  • an electroacoustic transducer constructed from piezoelectric foil is suitable both as a microphone 110 and as a receiver 130.
  • a film converter does not provide components that can be attacked by (non or weakly corrosive) liquids, so that, after suitable coating of the electrodes, a water-resistant electroacoustic transducer 110, 130 is present, which is not affected by contact with liquids and also can not be damaged and therefore does not have to be sealed. Rather, it is possible, the converter with water or similar. to rinse, and the converter works normally after drying. Even when wet such a converter works, but it can lead to frequency distortion and efficiency losses. Even against mechanical stresses such a transducer is largely insensitive.
  • electroacoustic transducers 110, 130 and classical piezoelectric transducers can be used, the Although they are also water resistant, but have the disadvantage that they work less efficiently and at the same time have a higher sensitivity to mechanical stress and structure-borne noise. Examples of such piezoelectric transducers are bending vibrators and thickness oscillators.
  • Microphone 110 constructed using piezoelectret film also has the advantage, in addition to the insensitivity to water already described in detail, that it is insensitive to structure-borne noise. Compared to conventional microphones may have a larger area may be provided to achieve sufficient acoustic sensitivity.
  • piezoelectric bending oscillators are used as microphone 110, it may be advantageous to provide two spaced microphones of this type in order to be able to compensate for the impact of structure-borne noise on the microphones and to isolate the airborne sound as the signal of interest.
  • a hot wire microphone is used as the microphone 110.
  • Hot-wire microphones do not detect air vibrations but air flow over one or more heated wires by measuring the resistance change of the wire or wires resulting from the cooling effect of the more or less strong air flow, the magnitude of the air flow in turn being dependent on the incoming sound waves , Also, such a microphone in principle well suited for use in conjunction with a hearing aid. The over other types of microphone higher energy consumption (especially for heating the wire or the wires) does not matter if the hearing aid is powered by a wirelessly rechargeable battery, because it can then be conveniently charged, for example, at night.
  • Hot-wire microphones also suffer no damage from contact with water, but fail as long as the contact with water stops. Once the water has drained, the hot-wire microphone will work normally again. Therefore, hot-wire microphones can also be cleaned well.
  • the housing (not shown) of a microphone 110 preferably has two openings, in order to achieve that the microphone 110 is easily rinsed through and easily dries again after - desirable or undesirable - liquid contact.
  • a microphone with such a housing has a directional characteristic, which can be advantageously exploited by appropriate design of the housing for the preferably detection of acoustic signals from a preferred direction.
  • Fig. 3 shows a schematic representation of an embodiment of an electroacoustic transducer based on a piezoelectric foil for use as a handset 130 of a hearing aid.
  • the transducer comprises a piezoelectric film which has substantially the shape of a hollow cylinder segment and which is held in this form either by a housing (not shown) or by its own mechanical properties.
  • Terminals 320 are used to feed electrical signals, which are then converted by the film listener into acoustic signals.
  • Such a handset is primarily for use in the ear canal of the hearing aid wearer.

Landscapes

  • Acoustics & Sound (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Neurosurgery (AREA)
  • Otolaryngology (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Signal Processing (AREA)
  • Piezo-Electric Transducers For Audible Bands (AREA)
  • Details Of Audible-Bandwidth Transducers (AREA)
  • Other Liquid Machine Or Engine Such As Wave Power Use (AREA)
  • Pens And Brushes (AREA)
  • Dental Preparations (AREA)

Abstract

The device (100) has an electric acoustics converter (110) receiving an acoustics wave and converting into an electric signal. Another electro acoustics converter (130) converts the signal into the wave. Electronic circuits (120, 140) and an electric energy source (150) i.e. battery, are sealed against fluid by plating and sealing. The electric acoustics converters e.g. flexural resonator, are designed from a material, which changes deformation into electric and/or magnetic field and/or electric current and/or electric voltage, and is insensitive against the fluid. The electro acoustics converters are selected from piezoelectric converters such as flexural resonator and thick oscillator.

Description

Hörgeräte dienen dazu, Verminderungen des Hörvermögens bei Patienten auszugleichen. Hörgeräte bestehen aus einem oder mehreren Mikrofonen, einer elektronischen Schaltung, die zumindest einen analogen oder digitalen Verstärker aufweist, und einem oder mehreren Lautsprecher sowie einer Energiequelle zur Versorgung dieser Komponenten.Hearing aids are used to compensate for decreases in hearing in patients. Hearing aids consist of one or more microphones, an electronic circuit which has at least one analogue or digital amplifier, and one or more loudspeakers and a power source for supplying these components.

Hörgeräte sind im praktischen Einsatz ständig den Einflüssen von Flüssigkeiten und Verschmutzungen ausgesetzt. Diese Einflüsse können verschiedene Ursachen haben: einerseits Schwitzen des Patienten und Ohrenschmalzbildung, andererseits Umgebungseinflüsse wie Staub oder die Einwirkung von Wasser etwa beim Schwimmen oder anderen Wassersportarten, oder wenn dem Patienten das Hörgerät aus Unachtsamkeit in ein mit Wasser oder anderen Flüssigkeiten gefülltes Gefäß fällt.Hearing aids are constantly exposed to the effects of liquids and dirt in practical use. These factors can be caused by a number of factors including sweating of the patient and earwax, environmental factors such as dust or the influence of water during swimming or other water sports, or when the patient accidentally drops the hearing aid into a vessel filled with water or other liquids.

Um Beschädigungen oder Zerstörung des Hörgeräts durch Wassereintritt und damit häufig verbundene elektrische Kurzschlüsse zu vermeiden, werden Hörgeräte bislang wasserdicht gestaltet, so daß ein Wassereintritt nicht stattfinden kann. Nachteilig daran ist beispielsweise, daß im Bereich des Mikrofons und des Lautsprechers aufwendige Membranenanordnungen erforderlich sind, um diese Bereiche abzudichten und dabei die Schallwellenübertragung von/nach außerhalb des Hörgeräts zu ermöglichen.In order to avoid damage or destruction of the hearing aid by water ingress and thus often associated electrical short circuits, hearing aids are designed so far waterproof, so that water ingress can not take place. The disadvantage of this is, for example, that in the microphone and the speaker complex membrane arrangements are required to seal these areas and thereby to allow the sound wave transmission from / to outside the hearing aid.

Es ist daher eine Aufgabe der vorliegenden Erfindung, ein Hörgerät anzugeben, bei welchem auf eine wasserdichte Konstruktion verzichtet werden kann.It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a hearing aid in which it is possible to dispense with a watertight construction.

Diese Aufgabe wird erfindungsgemäß gelöst durch ein Hörgerät, welches folgendes aufweist: zumindest einen ersten elektroakustischen Wandler zum Empfang von Schallwellen und Umwandlung in elektrische Signale, eine durch Beschichten und/oder Vergießen gegen Flüssigkeiten abgedichtete elektronische Schaltung zur Verarbeitung der elektrischen Signale, zumindest einen zweiten elektroakustischen Wandler zur Umwandlung von der Schaltung gelieferter elektrischer Signale in Schallwellen und eine durch Beschichten und/oder Vergießen gegen Flüssigkeiten abgedichtete elektrische Energiequelle.This object is achieved by a hearing aid, comprising: at least a first electro-acoustic transducer for receiving sound waves and conversion into electrical signals, a by coating and / or A liquid-sealed electronic circuit for processing the electrical signals, at least one second electroacoustic transducer for converting electrical signals supplied to the circuit into sound waves and an electrical energy source sealed by coating and / or pouring against liquids.

Dabei werden die elektroakustischen Wandler aus Materialien aufgebaut, welche eine Formänderung in ein elektrisches und/oder magnetisches Feld und/oder einen elektrischen Stromfluß und/oder eine elektrische Spannung umsetzen (und/oder umgekehrt) und die unempfindlich gegenüber Flüssigkeiten, insbesondere Wasser, Salzwasser und leichten Säuren, sind.In this case, the electro-acoustic transducers are constructed of materials which convert a change in shape into an electric and / or magnetic field and / or an electric current flow and / or an electrical voltage (and / or vice versa) and the insensitive to liquids, in particular water, salt water and light acids, are.

Auf diese Weise sind alle Komponenten des Hörgeräts, d.h. die zumindest zwei Wandler (z.B. Mikrofon und Lautsprecher), die elektronische Schaltung, welche der Signalverarbeitung und Signalverstärkung dient und die Energiequelle (z.B. Batterie oder Akkumulator) jeweils für sich gegen Wassereinfluß unempfindlich, und auf das Gehäuse kommt es insoweit nicht an. Insbesondere muß das Gehäuse nicht wasserdicht ausgeführt werden, entsprechende aufwendige Maßnahmen können vorteilhaft entfallen.In this way, all components of the hearing aid, i. the at least two transducers (e.g., microphone and speaker), the electronic circuitry which provides signal processing and signal amplification, and the power source (e.g., battery or accumulator) are each insusceptible to water, and the case does not matter. In particular, the housing does not have to be made waterproof, corresponding expensive measures can be advantageously eliminated.

In einem Ausführungsbeispiel wird vorgesehen, das Gehäuse so zu gestalten, daß in das Innere des Gehäuses gelangte Flüssigkeiten, insbesondere Wasser, abfließen können. Damit ist einerseits sichergestellt, daß unbeabsichtigt ins Gehäuseinnere gelangte Flüssigkeiten abfließen können, und andererseits wird ermöglicht, das Hörgerät mit Wasser oder anderen Flüssigkeiten zu spülen und auf diese Weise zu reinigen.In one embodiment, it is provided to make the housing so that in the interior of the housing reached liquids, especially water, can flow. This ensures on the one hand that accidentally leaked into the housing interior liquids can flow, and on the other hand makes it possible to rinse the hearing aid with water or other liquids and clean in this way.

Besonders geeignet für den Aufbau der elektroakustischen Wandler sind: ein- oder mehrlagige Piezoelektretfolien und/oder piezoelektrische Wandler, beispielsweise Biegeschwinger oder Dickenschwinger.Particularly suitable for the construction of the electroacoustic transducers are: single or multilayer piezoelectret films and / or piezoelectric transducers, for example flexural vibrators or thickness oscillators.

Der oder die als Mikrofon fungierende(n) elektroakustische(n) Wandler kann/können alternativ als Hitzdrahtmikrofon(e) ausgebildet sein. Hitzdrahtmikrofone versagen zwar möglicherweise, solange sie in Flüssigkeiten eingetaucht sind, nehmen aber dadurch keinen Schaden und sind wieder funktionsbereit, sobald die Flüssigkeit abgelaufen ist.The one or more electroacoustic transducer (s) acting as a microphone may alternatively be in the form of a hot wire microphone (s). While hot-wire microphones may fail while immersed in liquids, they will not be damaged and will be operational once the fluid has drained.

Im folgenden werden Ausführungsbeispiele der vorliegenden Erfindung anhand von 3 Figuren näher erläutert. Es zeigen:

  • Fig. 1 schematisch das Blockschaltbild eines Hörgerätes;
  • Fig. 2 schematisch eine Ausführungsform eines elektroakustischen Wandlers zum Einsatz in Zusammenhang mit einem Hörgerät; und
  • Fig. 3 eine weitere Ausführungsform eines elektroakustischen Wandlers zum Einsatz in Zusammenhang mit einem Hörgerät.
In the following embodiments of the present invention will be explained in more detail with reference to 3 figures. Show it:
  • Fig. 1 schematically the block diagram of a hearing aid;
  • Fig. 2 schematically an embodiment of an electroacoustic transducer for use in conjunction with a hearing aid; and
  • Fig. 3 a further embodiment of an electroacoustic transducer for use in connection with a hearing aid.

Figur 1 zeigt in schematischer Darstellung das Blockschaltbild eines Hörgerätes 100 mit einem ersten elektroakustischen Wandler bzw. Mikrofon 110 zum Empfangen eines akustischen Eingangssignals (Schallwellen) und Umwandlung in ein elektrisches Signal, einer Signalverarbeitungseinheit 120 und einem zweiten elektroakustischen Wandler bzw. Hörer 130 zur Umwandlung eines von der Signalverarbeitungseinheit 120 ausgegebenen elektrischen Signals in ein akustisches Ausgangssignal. FIG. 1 1 schematically shows the block diagram of a hearing aid 100 with a first electroacoustic transducer or microphone 110 for receiving an acoustic input signal (sound waves) and conversion into an electrical signal, a signal processing unit 120 and a second electroacoustic transducer 130 for converting one of the Signal processing unit 120 output electrical signal into an acoustic output signal.

Eine programmierbare Steuereinheit 140 kann optional vorgesehen sein, welche die Signalverarbeitungseinheit 120 steuert und Ablaufprogramme sowie Einstellparameter für die Signalverarbeitungseinheit 120 enthält. Diese Programme und Parameter dienen dazu, das Verhalten der Signalverarbeitungseinheit 120 (und somit das Verhalten des Hörgeräts 100) an unterschiedliche Hörschäden sowie an verschiedene Hörsituationen anzupassen. Natürlich können Signalverarbeitungseinheit 120 und Steuereinheit 140 in einer gemeinsamen Elektronik zusammengefaßt werden - nicht dargestellt.A programmable control unit 140 can optionally be provided, which controls the signal processing unit 120 and contains sequence programs as well as setting parameters for the signal processing unit 120. These programs and parameters serve to adapt the behavior of the signal processing unit 120 (and thus the behavior of the hearing device 100) to different hearing impairments as well as to different hearing situations. Of course, signal processing unit 120 and control unit 140 can be combined in a common electronics - not shown.

Eine elektrische Energiequelle 150 dient der Versorgung mit elektrischer Energie.An electrical energy source 150 is used to supply electrical energy.

Gemäß der vorliegenden Erfindung sind die elektronische(n) Schaltung(en) 120, 140 und die Energiequelle 150 durch Beschichten und/oder Vergießen gegen die Einwirkung von Flüssigkeiten geschützt. Somit können in das Hörgerät 100 eingedrungene Flüssigkeiten wie etwa Wasser diese Komponenten 120, 140, 150 nicht schädigen, da die Flüssigkeiten von der Beschichtung und/oder der Vergußmasse zurückgehalten werden und die Komponenten 120, 140, 150 nicht benetzen können. Offenliegende Leiterbahnen, welche die elektronische(n) Schaltung(en) 120, 140 und die Energiequelle 150 miteinander verbinden, werden vorzugsweise ebenfalls durch Beschichten und/oder Vergießen gegen die Einwirkung von Flüssigkeiten geschützt.According to the present invention, the electronic circuit (s) 120, 140 and the power source 150 are protected by coating and / or potting against the action of liquids. Thus, liquids that have entered the hearing aid 100, such as water, can not damage these components 120, 140, 150, since the fluids are retained by the coating and / or potting compound and can not wet the components 120, 140, 150. Open circuit traces connecting the electronic circuitry (s) 120, 140 and the power source 150 are also preferably protected by coating and / or potting against exposure to liquids.

Im Zusammenhang mit einem solchem Aufbau ist der Einsatz eines Akkumulators als Energiequelle 150 besonders vorteilhaft, wenn dieser mit in der Technik wohlbekannten Drahtlosladevorrichtungen (nicht dargestellt) kombiniert wird. Alternativ können auch hochergiebige Batterien eingesetzt werden, deren Lebensdauer dann inetwa der Gesamtlebensdauer des Hörgeräts 100 entsprechen sollte.In the context of such a construction, the use of an accumulator as the energy source 150 is particularly advantageous when combined with wireless charging devices (not shown) well known in the art. Alternatively, it is also possible to use high-energy batteries, whose lifespan should then correspond approximately to the total lifetime of the hearing device 100.

Für die elektroakustischen Wandler 110, 130 wird eine wasserresistente Ausführung bevorzugt, d.h. ein Aufbau, der aufgrund seiner Bauweise und/oder der verwendeten Materialien durch Kontakt mit Flüssigkeiten nicht beschädigt werden kann, so daß eine Abdichtung entfallen kann. Dazu können bevorzugt Materialien verwendet werden, welche eine Formänderung in ein elektrisches und/oder magnetisches Feld und/oder einen elektrischen Stromfluß und/oder eine elektrische Spannung umsetzen (und/oder umgekehrt) und die unempfindlich gegenüber Flüssigkeiten sind.For the electroacoustic transducers 110, 130, a water-resistant embodiment is preferred, i. a structure that can not be damaged due to its construction and / or the materials used by contact with liquids, so that a seal can be omitted. For this purpose, it is possible with preference to use materials which convert a change in shape into an electrical and / or magnetic field and / or an electrical current flow and / or an electrical voltage (and / or vice versa) and which are insensitive to liquids.

Fig. 2 zeigt schematisch eine erste Ausgestaltung für einen elektroakustischen Wandler. Eine Piezoelektretfolie 220 ist auf einem Gehäuseabschnitt 210 aufgebracht. Piezoelektretfolien sind elektrisch polarisierte Kunststoffolien (Elektrete), die in ihrem Inneren viele flache Blasen 230 enthalten. An den Grenzflächen dieser Blasen befinden sich polarisierte Ladungen, so daß viele kleine Kondensatoren entstehen. Die Nachgiebigkeit der Luft (oder eines anderen Gases) in den Blasen ist wesentlich geringer als die Nachgiebigkeit der Folie, so daß die Folie hinsichtlich ihrer Dicke dehn- und stauchbar ist. Als Sensor bzw. Mikrofon eingesetzt kann dann ansprechend auf ein akustisches Signal 250 an den Flächen der Folie mittels Elektroden 240 eine Spannung abgegriffen werden. Umgekehrt führt eine an den Elektroden 240 angelegte Spannung dazu, daß sich die Dicke der Folie verändert, so daß bei entsprechender Ansteuerung ein akustisches Signal erzeugt werden kann. Bei einem elektroakustischen Wandler gemäß Fig. 2 kann vorteilhaft auf eine komplizierte Mechanik und bei geeigneter Ausgestaltung auch auf ein Rückvolumen verzichtet werden. Fig. 2 schematically shows a first embodiment of an electroacoustic transducer. A piezoelectret film 220 is applied to a housing portion 210. Piezoelectret films are electrically polarized plastic films (electrets) that contain many flat bubbles 230 in their interior. At the interfaces of these bubbles are polarized charges, so that many small capacitors arise. The compliance of the air (or other gas) in the bubbles is substantially less than the compliance of the film, so that the film is stretchable and compressible in thickness. When used as a sensor or microphone, a voltage can then be tapped off in response to an acoustic signal 250 on the surfaces of the film by means of electrodes 240. Conversely, a voltage applied to the electrodes 240 causes the thickness of the film to change, so that an acoustic signal can be generated when appropriately controlled. In an electroacoustic transducer according to Fig. 2 can advantageously be dispensed with a complicated mechanism and a suitable design on a back volume.

Prinzipiell eignet sich also ein aus Piezoelektretfolie aufgebauter elektroakustischer Wandler sowohl als Mikrofon 110 als auch als Hörer 130. Mit Ausnahme der Elektroden 240 bietet ein solcher Folienwandler keine von (nicht oder schwach ätzenden) Flüssigkeiten angreifbaren Bestandteile, so daß nach geeigneter Beschichtung der Elektroden ein wasserresistenter elektroakustischer Wandler 110, 130 vorliegt, der durch Kontakt mit Flüssigkeiten nicht beeinträchtigt wird und auch nicht beschädigt werden kann und daher nicht abgedichtet werden muß. Vielmehr ist es möglich, den Wandler mit Wasser o.ä. zu spülen, und der Wandler funktioniert nach dem Trocknen wieder normal. Auch im nassen Zustand funktioniert ein solcher Wandler, allerdings kann es zu Frequenzverzerrungen und Wirkungsgradverlusten kommen. Auch gegen mechanische Beanspruchungen ist ein solcher Wandler weitgehend unempfindlich.In principle, therefore, an electroacoustic transducer constructed from piezoelectric foil is suitable both as a microphone 110 and as a receiver 130. With the exception of the electrodes 240, such a film converter does not provide components that can be attacked by (non or weakly corrosive) liquids, so that, after suitable coating of the electrodes, a water-resistant electroacoustic transducer 110, 130 is present, which is not affected by contact with liquids and also can not be damaged and therefore does not have to be sealed. Rather, it is possible, the converter with water or similar. to rinse, and the converter works normally after drying. Even when wet such a converter works, but it can lead to frequency distortion and efficiency losses. Even against mechanical stresses such a transducer is largely insensitive.

Alternativ können als elektroakustische Wandler 110, 130 auch klassische piezoelektrische Wandler eingesetzt werden, die zwar ebenfalls wasserresistent sind, allerdings den Nachteil haben, daß sie weniger effizient arbeiten und gleichzeitig eine höhere Empfindlichkeit gegenüber mechanischer Beanspruchung und Körperschall aufweisen. Beispiele für solche piezoelektrischen Wandler sind Biegeschwinger und Dickeschwinger.Alternatively, as electroacoustic transducers 110, 130 and classical piezoelectric transducers can be used, the Although they are also water resistant, but have the disadvantage that they work less efficiently and at the same time have a higher sensitivity to mechanical stress and structure-borne noise. Examples of such piezoelectric transducers are bending vibrators and thickness oscillators.

Ein gemäß Fig. 2 unter Verwendung von Piezoelektretfolie aufgebautes Mikrofon 110 hat neben der bereits ausführlich erläuterten Wasserunempfindlichkeit auch den Vorteil, daß es unempfindlich gegen Körperschall ist. Gegenüber herkömmlichen Mikrofonen muß ggf. eine größere Fläche bereitgestellt werden, um eine ausreichende akustische Empfindlichkeit zu erreichen.One according to Fig. 2 Microphone 110 constructed using piezoelectret film also has the advantage, in addition to the insensitivity to water already described in detail, that it is insensitive to structure-borne noise. Compared to conventional microphones may have a larger area may be provided to achieve sufficient acoustic sensitivity.

Werden gemäß einem alternativen Ausführungsbeispiel piezoelektrische Biegeschwinger als Mikrofon 110 eingesetzt, kann es in vorteilhaft sein, zwei beabstandete Mikrofone dieser Art vorzusehen, um die Einwirkung von Körperschall auf die Mikrofone kompensieren zu können und den Luftschall als das interessierende Signal zu isolieren.According to an alternative embodiment, if piezoelectric bending oscillators are used as microphone 110, it may be advantageous to provide two spaced microphones of this type in order to be able to compensate for the impact of structure-borne noise on the microphones and to isolate the airborne sound as the signal of interest.

In einem weiteren alternativen Ausführungsbeispiel wird ein Hitzdrahtmikrofon als Mikrofon 110 verwendet. Hitzdrahtmikrofone detektieren nicht die Luftschwingungen, sondern den Luftfluß über einen oder mehrere erhitzte Drähte, indem die Widerstandsänderung des Drahtes oder der Drähte gemessen wird, die aus der Kühlwirkung des mehr oder weniger starken Luftstromes resultiert, wobei die Stärke des Luftstroms wiederum von den eintreffenden Schallwellen abhängt. Auch ein solches Mikrofon in prinzipiell gut für den Einsatz im Zusammenhang mit einem Hörgerät geeignet. Der gegenüber anderen Mikrofonarten höhere Energieverbrauch (insbesondere für das Erhitzen des Drahtes bzw. der Drähte) spielt keine Rolle, sofern das Hörgerät durch einen drahtlos wiederaufladbaren Akku versorgt wird, weil dieser dann bequem beispielsweise nachts aufgeladen werden kann.In a further alternative embodiment, a hot wire microphone is used as the microphone 110. Hot-wire microphones do not detect air vibrations but air flow over one or more heated wires by measuring the resistance change of the wire or wires resulting from the cooling effect of the more or less strong air flow, the magnitude of the air flow in turn being dependent on the incoming sound waves , Also, such a microphone in principle well suited for use in conjunction with a hearing aid. The over other types of microphone higher energy consumption (especially for heating the wire or the wires) does not matter if the hearing aid is powered by a wirelessly rechargeable battery, because it can then be conveniently charged, for example, at night.

Hitzdrahtmikrofone erleiden ebenfalls keine Beschädigung durch Wasserkontakt, fallen allerdings aus, solange der Kontakt mit Wasser anhält. Sobald das Wasser abgelaufen ist, funktioniert das Hitzdrahtmikrofon wieder normal. Daher können Hitzdrahtmikrofone auch gut gereinigt werden.Hot-wire microphones also suffer no damage from contact with water, but fail as long as the contact with water stops. Once the water has drained, the hot-wire microphone will work normally again. Therefore, hot-wire microphones can also be cleaned well.

Das Gehäuse (nicht dargestellt) eines Mikrofons 110 weist vorzugsweise zwei Öffnungen auf, um zu erreichen, daß das Mikrofon 110 problemlos durchspülbar ist und insbesondere nach - erwünschtem oder unerwünschtem - Flüssigkeitskontakt leicht wieder trocknet. Ein Mikrofon mit einem solchen Gehäuse weist eine Richtcharakteristik auf, die durch entsprechende Gestaltung des Gehäuses vorteilhaft für die vorzugsweise Erfassung von akustischen Signalen aus einer Vorzugsrichtung ausgenutzt werden kann.The housing (not shown) of a microphone 110 preferably has two openings, in order to achieve that the microphone 110 is easily rinsed through and easily dries again after - desirable or undesirable - liquid contact. A microphone with such a housing has a directional characteristic, which can be advantageously exploited by appropriate design of the housing for the preferably detection of acoustic signals from a preferred direction.

Fig. 3 zeigt eine schematische Darstellung einer Ausgestaltung eines elektroakustischen Wandlers auf Basis einer Piezoelektretfolie zur Verwendung als Hörer 130 eines Hörgeräts. Der Wandler weist eine Piezoelektretfolie auf, die im wesentlichen die Form eines Hohlzylindersegments besitzt und die entweder durch ein Gehäuse (nicht dargestellt) oder durch die eigenen mechanischen Eigenschaften in dieser Form gehalten wird. Anschlüsse 320 dienen zur Einspeisung elektrischer Signale, die dann durch den Folienhörer in akustische Signale gewandelt werden. Ein solcher Hörer eignet sich in erster Linie zum Einsatz im Ohrkanal des Hörgeräteträgers. Fig. 3 shows a schematic representation of an embodiment of an electroacoustic transducer based on a piezoelectric foil for use as a handset 130 of a hearing aid. The transducer comprises a piezoelectric film which has substantially the shape of a hollow cylinder segment and which is held in this form either by a housing (not shown) or by its own mechanical properties. Terminals 320 are used to feed electrical signals, which are then converted by the film listener into acoustic signals. Such a handset is primarily for use in the ear canal of the hearing aid wearer.

Mit den vorgenannten Maßnahmen und Komponenten ist es ohne weiteres möglich, ein Hörgerät zu konstruieren, dessen Gehäuse (nicht dargestellt) nicht wasserdicht ausgeführt sein muß. Vielmehr kann ein offenes Gehäuse gestaltet werden, womit das Hörgerät als ganzes leichter, kostengünstiger und insbesondere auch leicht zu reinigen ist. Zudem ist bei offener Gestaltung ein Druckausgleich unproblematisch, der bei geschlossenen und abgedichteten Systemen ein erhebliches Problem darstellt.With the above measures and components, it is readily possible to construct a hearing aid whose housing (not shown) need not be waterproof. Rather, an open housing can be designed, with which the hearing aid as a whole is lighter, cheaper and, in particular, easy to clean. In addition, with open design pressure equalization is unproblematic, which is a significant problem in closed and sealed systems.

Claims (6)

Hörgerät (100) umfassend zumindest einen ersten elektroakustischen Wandler (110) zum Empfang von Schallwellen und Umwandlung in elektrische Signale, eine durch Beschichten und/oder Vergießen gegen Flüssigkeiten abgedichtete elektronische Schaltung (120, 140) zur Verarbeitung der elektrischen Signale, zumindest einen zweiten elektroakustischen Wandler (130) zur Umwandlung von der Schaltung gelieferter elektrischer Signale in Schallwellen und eine durch Beschichten und/oder Vergießen gegen Flüssigkeiten abgedichtete elektrische Energiequelle (150), wobei - der erste elektroakustische Wandler (110) aus einem Material aufgebaut ist, welches eine Formänderung in ein elektrisches und/oder magnetisches Feld und/oder einen elektrischen Stromfluß und/oder eine elektrische Spannung umsetzt und unempfindlich gegenüber Flüssigkeiten, insbesondere Wasser, Salzwasser und leichten Säuren, ist; und - der zweite elektroakustische Wandler (130) aus einem Material aufgebaut ist, welches ein elektrisches und/oder magnetisches Feld und/oder einen elektrischen Stromfluß und/oder eine elektrische Spannung in eine Formänderung umsetzt und unempfindlich gegenüber Flüssigkeiten, insbesondere Wasser, Salzwasser und leichten Säuren, ist. Hearing aid (100) comprising at least one first electroacoustic transducer (110) for receiving sound waves and conversion into electrical signals, an electronic circuit (120, 140) sealed by coating and / or casting against liquids for processing the electrical signals, at least one second electroacoustic A transducer (130) for converting electrical signals supplied to the circuit into sound waves and an electrical energy source (150) sealed by coating and / or pouring against liquids, wherein - The first electroacoustic transducer (110) is constructed of a material which converts a change in shape into an electric and / or magnetic field and / or an electric current flow and / or an electrical voltage and insensitive to liquids, in particular water, salt water and light acids , is; and - The second electro-acoustic transducer (130) is constructed of a material which converts an electric and / or magnetic field and / or an electric current flow and / or an electrical voltage into a change in shape and insensitive to liquids, in particular water, salt water and light acids , is. Hörgerät nach Anspruch 1, bei dem zumindest ein elektroakustischer Wandler (110, 130) eine oder mehrere Lagen Piezoelektretfolie aufweist.Hearing aid according to claim 1, wherein at least one electro-acoustic transducer (110, 130) comprises one or more layers of piezoelectric foil. Hörgerät nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, bei dem zumindest ein elektroakustischer Wandler (110, 130) ein piezoelektrischer Wandler, insbesondere ein Biegeschwinger oder ein Dickenschwinger, ist.Hearing aid according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one electro-acoustic transducer (110, 130) is a piezoelectric transducer, in particular a bending oscillator or a thickness oscillator. Hörgerät nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, bei dem der erste elektroakustische Wandler (110) ein Hitzdrahtmikrofon aufweist anstelle des Materials, welches eine Formänderung in ein elektrisches und/oder magnetisches Feld und/oder einen elektrischen Stromfluß und/oder eine elektrische Spannung umsetzt.Hearing aid according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first electroacoustic transducer (110) comprises a hot wire microphone instead of the material, which is a change in shape in an electric and / or magnetic field and / or an electric current flow and / or an electrical voltage converts. Hörgerät nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, welches zusätzlich ein Gehäuse aufweist, welches zumindest eine, vorzugsweise zwei, Öffnungen aufweist, die so dimensioniert sind, daß Flüssigkeiten, insbesondere Wasser, die ins Innere des Gehäuses gelangt sind, abfließen können.Hearing aid according to one of the preceding claims, which additionally comprises a housing which has at least one, preferably two, openings which are dimensioned so that liquids, in particular water, which have reached the interior of the housing, can flow away. Hörgerät nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, dessen zweiter elektroakustischer Wandler (130) ein annähernd zu einem Hohlzylinder oder Hohlzylindersegment geformtes Wandlermaterial aufweist.Hearing aid according to one of the preceding claims, whose second electroacoustic transducer (130) has a transducer material formed approximately to a hollow cylinder or hollow cylinder segment.
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ATE524025T1 (en) 2011-09-15
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US8144907B2 (en) 2012-03-27
EP2091269B2 (en) 2014-11-05
DE102008009284B4 (en) 2009-10-22
DK2091269T3 (en) 2011-12-12
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EP2091269A3 (en) 2011-01-26
EP2091269B1 (en) 2011-09-07

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