EP2362684A1 - Device for a HDO hearing aid and HDO hearing aid - Google Patents

Abstract

The device has a slide (3) which has a holding body (31) and two axle stubs (321), where the holding body serves for receiving a loudspeaker (21). The axle stubs lie opposite to each other and have a distance from each other. The distance corresponds a behind-the-ear hearing aid (1) in the area about the diameter of the housing (11), in which an inlet opening (111) is provided. The inlet opening is assigned to a microphone of the behind-the-ear hearing aid.

Description

The invention relates to a device for the transmission of audio signals for an HDO (behind-the-ear) hearing aid and an HDO hearing aid with such a device.

Hearing aids are often used in the embodiment in which they can be worn by users behind the ear. Such hearing aids are referred to as HDO hearing aids.

As stated below in FIG. 1 is shown have HDO hearing aids 1, a housing 11 in which, inter alia, an input transducer or a microphone 12, an amplifier 13, an output transducer or a loudspeaker 14 and a current source 15 are provided. The housing 11 has an inlet opening 111 through which sound waves can reach the microphone 12. Furthermore, the housing 11 has an outlet opening 112, are emitted through the sound waves generated by the speaker 14 via a sound tube 140 to the ear of the user. For this purpose, the sound tube 140 is connected to an ear canal disposed in the ear canal.

If the user does not want to hear sounds from the environment, but audio signals that are emitted by an electronic device 2, such as a music store or mobile phone, so he has three options.

The user can remove the earmold from the ear and instead use speaker capsules 21 of the electronic device 2. As a result, the volume at the electronic device 2 is selected such that the audio signals output from the speaker capsules 21 can be optimally perceived. In this way, therefore, various manipulations are required, which are mostly undesirable. In particular, when the user is on the road, he must expect that quickly from the operation of the electronic device must be changed again to the operation of the hearing aid. In traffic or shopping is expected to be addressed by third parties. In this case, therefore, must be quickly changed to the hearing aid. Furthermore, the problem results that the user when wearing the speaker capsules noises from the environment, such as traffic noise or the response by third parties, no longer perceives, which is undesirable for various reasons. On the one hand, it is important for safety reasons that the user can detect traffic noise. In particular, for social reasons, it is also desirable that the contact by third parties is not hindered. Furthermore, the adjustment of the volume of the electronic device is associated with a corresponding effort. The former possibility therefore has significant disadvantages.

A second possibility for transmitting audio signals from a conventional electronic device to the user's ear is to transmit signals to the hearing aid via a cable or via radio waves, eg according to the Bluetooth method. In FIG. 1 it is shown that in the hearing aid 1, for example, a Bluetooth module is integrated, which can exchange data with the electronic device.

In the EP2026609A1 It is described that such a module, a so-called audio shoe, can also be attached peripherally to the hearing device so that the audio signals are transmitted from the audio shoe to the hearing aid by means of electrical contacts.

This possibility also has various disadvantages. Typically, in turn, a switchover from the first signal source, namely the environment, to the second signal source, the electronic device 2. When listening to audio signals from the electronic device 2, the user is again acoustically separated from the environment. Farther require the hearing aids 1 in the realization of this second option corresponding modules, such as the Bluetooth module or the audio shoe. The special features to be considered in the design of the housing of the hearing aid, so that an audio shoe can be attached, are in the EP2026609A1 described. It should also be noted that these peripheral devices, including the electronic device 2, must again be operated and adjusted correctly. It should also be noted that additional modules, such as the audio shoe, require energy and therefore burden the power source. Furthermore, this solution is of course implemented only in specially designed hearing aids. Other HDO hearing aids can not usually be retrofitted or only with great effort. It is important that Bluetooth modules emit low levels of radiation, which the user generally wants to do without.

In the third option, the electronic device is inductively coupled to the hearing aid by means of coupling coils. Also in this transmission system additional electronic modules are required, which burden the power supply unit of the hearing aid. However, it is particularly disadvantageous that foreign signals are recorded by the coupling coil provided in the hearing device, which signals are superimposed on the audio signals of the electronic device. In particular, in the field of heavy electrical machines, such as in public transport, therefore strong interference may occur sporadically, which are extremely unpleasant for the user.

The present invention is therefore based on the object to provide a device for a hearing aid, by means of the audio signals from an electronic device can be advantageously transmitted to the ear of a hearing impaired person. Furthermore, a hearing aid with such a device is to be specified.

By means of the new device, the above-described disadvantages of known solutions are to be avoided.

In particular, a quick and convenient change from the first signal source, namely the environment, to the second signal source, namely the electronic device, be possible, which allows the hearing-impaired person or the user to use the electronic device anywhere.

It should be avoided that the user is isolated from the environment during operation of the electronic device.

Furthermore, an increased power consumption of the hearing aid should be avoided during operation of the electronic device.

In addition, adjustments to the devices should be avoided as much as possible.

Furthermore, the device should be compatible with conventional HDO hearing aids.

This object is achieved with a device and a hearing device with such a device, which have the features specified in claim 1 or claim 13. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are specified in further claims.

The device is used to transmit audio signals from an electronic device via an HDO hearing aid to the ear of a hearing impaired person.

According to the invention, the device comprises a rider, which has a holding body serving to receive a loudspeaker capsule and two limbs formed thereon, which are opposite one another and spaced from each other, which corresponds approximately to the diameter of the housing of the hearing aid in the area in which a microphone the hearing device associated input port is provided.

The rider, preferably made of metal or plastic, with the loudspeaker capsule inserted therein can therefore be placed on a conventional HDO hearing aid in a matter of seconds, whereby the input opening associated with the microphone of the HDO hearing device is at least partially covered. Thereby, audio signals are supplied to the microphone, which are output from the speaker capsule, which is connected to an electronic device, such as a mobile phone or a music storage. At the same time, however, even ambient noise to the microphone, so the user is not completely isolated from the environment and can still perceive significant noise.

Instead of loudspeaker capsules which are inserted into the ear, loudspeaker capsules are therefore provided with a rider according to the invention. The user can wear the HDO hearing aid with the earmold inserted into the ear canal unchanged and pair it with his electronic device with a single handle. Due to the design of the device as a rider this can be placed with a hand movement and without looking at the HDO hearing aid. If the user wants to hear short-term noises from the environment, he / she will in turn release the rider (s) from the HDO hearing aid in one go. The user can therefore select one of the two reception paths within seconds to either listen to music or to communicate with the environment. Although environmental sounds can still be perceived, in many situations the user will want to switch from one reception path entirely to the other reception path. That is, he will not want to have a conversation while listening to music. On the other hand, the device according to the invention offers him the possibility of perceiving incentives on the basis of which the user wishes to switch the reception path.

Due to this advantageous handling, the user will be able to use the electronic device as well as a non-disabled person, if not even more advantageously. It should be noted that the tabs according to the invention can typically be placed on the HDO hearing aid more quickly than conventional loudspeaker capsules can be inserted into the ear. In addition, the user has the custom earmold, which can be worn comfortably for an unlimited period of time.

Since no additional electronic modules, such as Bluetooth modules are required, results compared to these devices also reduced power consumption.

An adjustment of the HDO hearing aid is usually not required because its output level is typically controlled. If necessary, the user will adjust the signal intensity on the electronic device, which is easily possible.

By covering the input opening associated with the microphone, noises from the environment are damped, but not completely suppressed. This has the advantage that while listening to audio signals from the electronic device, the user can continue to perceive sounds from the environment, such as the response by a person, the ringing of the doorbell or traffic noise and thus move safely and carefree in traffic and people can. Furthermore, the tab can be moved to more or less close or open the entrance opening. With this simple measure, the user can create an ideal reception situation for him from ambient noise and audio signals from the electronic device.

In preferred embodiments, it is provided that the tab, preferably the holding body, with a fixed or releasably mounted sealing element, for example, a sealing lip made of rubber, is provided by means of which not the rider covered part of the entrance opening can be completely covered. The user can therefore put on the sealing element optionally, if he wants to enjoy the output of the electronic device audio signals, such as a music concert, absolutely undisturbed.

In a preferred embodiment, the two legs of the rider are designed elastically, so that the rider can be clamped to the housing of the HDO hearing aid.

In a further preferred embodiment, at least one of the two legs is each provided with at least one elastic element which projects into the space lying between the legs. By means of the elastic elements, the housing can therefore be kept elastic between the legs. In addition, a mechanical decoupling of the rider from the HDO hearing aid. Mechanical vibrations, caused for example by the connecting cable connecting the speaker capsules to the electronic device, are therefore not transmitted to the HDO hearing aid.

The legs preferably have mounting openings on the sides facing each other, into which the elastic elements can be inserted. For example, holes are provided, are used in the cylindrical elastic elements. Alternatively, the legs may also be connected to e.g. Dovetailed grooves are provided, are inserted into the correspondingly shaped elastic elements.

In preferred embodiments, the mutually facing sides of the two legs are aligned parallel to each other or at least approximately parallel to the main axis of the rider and inclined relative to each other. The inclination is chosen according to the shape of the housing of the HDO hearing aid, so that the rider can be placed on the HDO hearing aid and moved so far until the legs rest against the housing of the HDO hearing aid.

Thus, the rider has the smallest possible dimensions, the outer sides of the two legs are at least approximately conical and taper after the end. The riders differ in their dimensions, subject to the thighs, only insignificantly from the conventional speaker capsules.

The rider can be made of only one part or of two or more parts, e.g. can be connected to one another by a screw cap or a snap closure. If several parts are provided, they can be made easier. Further, in this case, the speaker capsule can be mounted particularly easily by inserting and connecting the parts. The connection cable is preferably led to the outside via a strain relief, which prevents the connection contacts from being loaded.

The preferably pot-shaped or ring-shaped designed holding body has a receiving space, which has on one side a serving the insertion of the speaker capsule receiving opening and on the opposite side, between the two legs, a discharge opening, can emerge through the output from the speaker capsule sound waves ,

The loudspeaker capsule can be fastened in a fixed or detachable manner within the holder body in various ways. For example, the speaker capsules are sealed. Alternatively, flanges and / or latching elements can be provided in the holding body, by means of which the loudspeaker capsule is held firmly or detachably.

Fig. 1

in schematische Darstellung ein bekanntes HDO-Hörgerät 1 sowie ein der Abgabe von Audiosignalen dienendes elektronisches Gerät 2, welches über ein Anschlusskabel 22 mit Lautsprecherkapseln 21 verbunden ist, die ins Ohr eingesetzt werden können;

Fig. 2a

ein HDO-Hörgerät 1 mit einer erfindungsgemässen Vorrichtung, die einen Reiter 3 umfasst, von der Seite gesehen;

Fig. 2b

das HDO-Hörgerät 1 von Figur 2a von unten gesehen;

Fig. 3

den Reiter 3 von Figur 2a während der Montage einer Lautsprecherkapsel 21;

Fig. 4

den Reiter 3 von Figur 2a nach der Montage der Lautsprecherkapsel 21; und

Fig. 5

den vorzugsweise ausgestalteten Reiter 3 von Figur 2a von unten gesehen; und

Fig. 6

den Montagevorgang des Reiters 3 von Figur 5, der auf das Gehäuse 11 aufgesetzt und soweit gegen das HDO-Hörgerät 1 verschoben wird, bis die Schenkel 321, 322 bzw. die vorzugsweise vorgesehenen elastischen Elemente 4 an das Gehäuse 11 andrücken.

The invention will be explained in more detail with reference to drawings. Showing:

Fig. 1

a schematic representation of a known HDO hearing aid 1 and a serving of audio signals serving electronic device 2, which is connected via a connecting cable 22 with speaker capsules 21, which can be inserted into the ear;

Fig. 2a

an HDO hearing aid 1 with a device according to the invention, which comprises a rider 3, seen from the side;

Fig. 2b

the HDO hearing aid 1 of FIG. 2a seen from below;

Fig. 3

the rider 3 of FIG. 2a during assembly of a loudspeaker capsule 21;

Fig. 4

the rider 3 of FIG. 2a after mounting the speaker capsule 21; and

Fig. 5

the preferably designed tab 3 of FIG. 2a seen from below; and

Fig. 6

the assembly process of the rider 3 of FIG. 5 which is placed on the housing 11 and pushed so far against the HDO hearing aid 1 until the legs 321, 322 and the preferably provided elastic elements 4 press against the housing 11.

FIG. 1 shows the well-known HDO hearing aid 1 described above and an electronic device 2, such as a CD player, a mobile phone, or a music storage, such as an iPod, which is connected via a connecting cable 22 with speaker capsules 21. Furthermore, the HDO hearing device has a radio module 16, for example a Bluetooth module, by means of which audio signals transmitted by the electronic device 2 can be received.

The FIGS. 2a and 2b show a schematic representation of an HDO hearing aid 1, on which a device according to the invention, namely a rider 3 is placed, in which a speaker capsule 21 has been integrated. As mentioned, that can HDO hearing aid 1 conventionally configured and include only the mandatory elements. The tab 3 has a holding body 31, into which a loudspeaker capsule 21 can be inserted, as well as two limbs 321, 322 integrally formed on the holding body 31, which bear against one side of the HDO hearing device 1. In the legs 321, 322 each have a mounting opening 3211, 3221 is provided, in which an elastic element 4 is held. The two legs 321, 322 therefore press on the elastic elements 4 from two sides against the housing 11 of the HDO hearing device 1, so that the rider 3 sits on the HDO hearing aid 1 and is held in a non-positive manner.

In preferred embodiments, provision is made for the legs 321, 322 to engage in the walls of the housing 11 in a form-fitting manner, for example by cams or grooves. When placing the rider 3, the legs 321, 322 therefore engage in recesses provided on the housing 11. It is therefore an increased effort required to release the tab 3 again. The effort is measured so that the rider 3 can not solve automatically, but only with little manual force.

FIG. 3 shows the rider 3 of FIG. 2a during assembly of a loudspeaker capsule 21. It is shown that the two legs 321, 322 are integrally formed on the holding body 31. The holding body 31 is configured as a ring or flange ring and has a receiving space 310 which has at the top a receiving opening 310A provided for inserting the loudspeaker capsule 21 and an outlet opening 310B at the bottom between the legs 321, 322 through which sound waves can exit.

The upper sides of the legs 321, 322 partially cover the outlet opening 310B, so that flange or shoulder pieces 311 are formed, on which the loudspeaker capsule 21 is supported. Within the holding body 31 are holding elements 312, such as cams or Ring segments, provided by means of which the speaker capsule 21 can be held positively, but preferably releasably. The loudspeaker capsule 21 can therefore be pressed into the holding body 31 by slight pressure.

FIG. 4 shows the tab 3 with the inserted speaker capsule 21. It can be seen that between the legs 321, 322, a channel is formed, through which the housing 11 of the HDO hearing aid 1 can be accommodated, after which the elastic elements 4 press against the housing 11 and stick to it. It is shown that the mutually facing sides 3210, 3220 of the legs 321, 322 are aligned at least approximately parallel to the main axis x of the rider 3. However, it is possible to adapt the legs 321, 322 or their inner sides 3210, 3220 to the shape of the housing 11.

Further, a fixedly or releasably connected to the holding body 31 sealing element 35 is shown, by means of which the microphone 12 associated input port 111 can be completely covered after placing the rider 3. This sealing element 35 is preferably provided optionally, so that it can be optionally used by the user.

FIG. 5 shows the preferably designed tab 3 of FIG. 2a seen from below. It can be seen that the mutually facing sides 3210, 3220 of the legs 321, 322, which are aligned parallel to the axis x of the rider 3, are inclined relative to one another in such a way that they extend at least approximately parallel to the walls of the housing 11.

FIG. 6 shows the assembly process of the rider 3 of FIG. 5 which can be placed on the housing 11 and displaced so far against the HDO hearing aid 1 until the legs 321, 322 and the preferably provided elastic elements 4 press against the housing 11. Typically, this is done Movement from the front so that it can be carried out in seconds or even reflexively.

Claims (14)

Device for transmitting audio signals from an electronic device (2) via an HDO hearing aid (1) to the ear of a hearing impaired person, characterized in that a rider (3) is provided, which supports a holding body (FIG. 21) for receiving a loudspeaker capsule (21). 31) and two legs (321, 322) formed thereon, which are opposite to each other and spaced apart from one another, which corresponds approximately to the diameter of the housing (11) of the HDO hearing aid (1) in the area in which a microphone (12) of the HDO hearing aid (1) associated with the input port (111) is provided. Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the two legs (321, 322) are designed to be elastic. Device according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that at least one of the two legs (321, 322) is provided with at least one elastic element (4) which projects into the space between the legs (321, 322). Apparatus according to claim 3, characterized in that the preferably made of rubber elastic element (4) on the associated leg (321; 322) is held non-positively or positively. Apparatus according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that the two legs (321, 322) each have at least one of the receptacle of an elastic element (4) serving mounting opening (3211, 3221). Device according to one of claims 1-5, characterized in that the mutually facing sides (3210, 3220) of the two legs (321, 322) are aligned parallel to each other or aligned at least approximately parallel to the main axis (x) of the rider (3) and inclined to each other. Device according to one of claims 1 - 6, characterized in that the outer sides of the two legs (321, 322) extend at least approximately conical. Device according to one of claims 1-7, characterized in that the tab (3) consists of only one part or that the tab (3) consists of several parts, which are connectable to each other by a screw cap or a snap closure. Device according to one of claims 1-8, characterized in that the preferably pot or ring-shaped designed holding body (31) has a receiving space (310) having on one side a the insertion of the loudspeaker capsule (21) serving receiving opening (310A) and on the opposite side, between the two legs (321, 322), an exit opening (310B) through which sound waves emitted from the loudspeaker capsule (21) can exit. Apparatus according to claim 9, characterized in that the loudspeaker capsule (21) within the holding body (31) is encapsulated or that the holding body (31) with flanges or locking elements (311, 312) is provided, by means of which the loudspeaker capsule (21) fixed or is kept detachable. Device according to one of claims 1 - 10, characterized in that the tab (3) is made of metal or plastic. Device according to one of claims 1 - 10, characterized in that on the underside of the holding body (31) a sealing element (35) is fixedly or detachably mounted, by means of which the microphone (12) of the HDO hearing aid (1) associated with the input opening ( 111) of the housing (11) can be locked. HDO hearing aid (1) with a device according to one of claims 1 - 12, characterized in that the tab (3) with the speaker capsule (21) inserted therein is placed on the housing (11) of the HDO hearing aid (1) in that the legs (321, 322) rest on two opposite sides of the housing (11) and the loudspeaker capsule (21) above an input opening (111) of the housing (11) assigned to a microphone (12) of the HDO hearing device (1). is held. HDO hearing aid (1) according to claim 13, characterized in that the housing (11) in the region of the inlet opening (111) has a continuously changing diameter, so that the two to the main axis (x) of the rider (3) against each other inclined leg (321, 322) are slidable from one side against the housing (11) until it or at least one of the legs (321, 322) held resilient element (4) rests against the housing.

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