EP0310866A1 - Device for closing the apertures of hearing aids or earpieces for hearing aids - Google Patents

Device for closing the apertures of hearing aids or earpieces for hearing aids Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0310866A1
EP0310866A1 EP88115498A EP88115498A EP0310866A1 EP 0310866 A1 EP0310866 A1 EP 0310866A1 EP 88115498 A EP88115498 A EP 88115498A EP 88115498 A EP88115498 A EP 88115498A EP 0310866 A1 EP0310866 A1 EP 0310866A1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
cap
membrane
hearing aids
sound
ear
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
EP88115498A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
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EP0310866B1 (en
Inventor
Christof Härtl
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 AG
Siemens Audioligische Technik GmbH
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Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Siemens AG, Siemens Audioligische Technik GmbH filed Critical Siemens AG
Priority to AT88115498T priority Critical patent/ATE91839T1/en
Publication of EP0310866A1 publication Critical patent/EP0310866A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP0310866B1 publication Critical patent/EP0310866B1/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
    • H04R25/65—Housing parts, e.g. shells, tips or moulds, or their manufacture
    • H04R25/652—Ear tips; Ear moulds
    • H04R25/654—Ear wax retarders
    • 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
    • H04R2225/57—Aspects of electrical interconnection between hearing aid parts
    • 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
    • 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 device for closing openings on hearing aids or earmolds for hearing aids according to the preamble of claim 1.
  • DE-GM 84 36 783 and 85 04 765 also provide perforated caps, which can be attached to the sound outlet either directly from an in-the-ear hearing aid or an earmold of a behind-the-ear hearing aid that can be inserted into the ear ( eg attachable or screwable).
  • the perforated caps ensure unimpeded sound emission. Earwax, which is secreted in the ear canal, is largely kept away from the openings, since relatively long creepage distances are available due to the formation of niches, etc.
  • the object of the present invention is to provide a device of the type mentioned which is much easier to clean when contaminated with ear wax and which at the same time prevents moisture, in particular sweat, from the ear canal through the respective opening into the hearing aid can reach.
  • a microporous membrane made of non-stick material also prevents ear wax (due to the very small pores) and moisture, especially sweat (due to the membrane being made of non-stick material) from entering the hearing aid.
  • Non-stick material does not let sweat drops become flat, so that the drops cannot penetrate into the micropores. Because of the non-stick effect, the ear wax can be removed more easily than before, e.g. also with the help of ultrasound.
  • a membrane is used, as described in claim 6.
  • a membrane made from such a material has proven to be particularly suitable for the present purpose.
  • the in-the-ear hearing device comprises a housing 1 with a sound output connector 2 and a front cover 3.
  • a receiver 4 can be seen, which is connected on the output side to the sound output connector 2.
  • a battery compartment 5 (without an inserted battery) can be seen, which can be swiveled out of the hearing aid by means of the cover 6 on the end cover 3.
  • the number 7 indicates a microphone and the number 8 the amplifier electronics of the hearing aid.
  • the code number 11 denotes the sound entry opening in the end cover 3 for the microphone 7.
  • both the opening of the sound outlet connector 2 and the sound inlet opening 11 are covered with a device according to the present invention.
  • the device comprises, for example, a screw-on cap 12, while a snap-on cap 13 sits on the sound inlet opening 11.
  • Both caps 12 and 13 each include a microporous polytetrafluoroethylene membrane 14 available under the trade name GORE-TEX® for sealing the respective opening against wax and sweat, both of which are secreted in the ear canal.
  • the membrane 14 used in each case is, however, very well permeable to the respectively emerging or entering sound.
  • FIGS. 4 to 17 Various embodiments for the caps used in each case are shown in FIGS. 4 to 17, which will be explained in more detail below.
  • FIG. 2 shows an embodiment of a behind-the-ear hearing aid with a housing 14 ', which can be attached by means of a hook 15 behind the ear.
  • a knob 16 for adjusting the volume
  • a cover 17 for a battery drawer pivoted out of the housing.
  • the carrying hook 15 is connected to an ear fitting 19 via a sound tube 18.
  • a cap 12 according to the present invention is again seated on the sound output opening 20 of the earpiece 19.
  • an outsourced earpiece 21 is seated in a housing 22 which can be inserted into the ear canal.
  • the output of the outsourced earpiece 21 is connected to the sound outlet connection 23, the opening 24 of which is in turn covered by a cap 12 according to the present invention.
  • the electrical connecting lines between the outsourced earpiece 21 and the BTE or pocket device, not shown, are indicated in FIG. 3 by 25.
  • FIGS. 4 to 11 show a total of four different embodiments for caps 12 that can be screwed on to sound outlet connectors, one above the other in a cross section and in an end view.
  • Figures 12 and 13 show a corresponding arrangement of a cap 12, which is based on an undercut on the sound outlet connection, as it is e.g. are also described in the two German utility models DE-GM 84 36 783 and DE-GM 85 04 765, can be attached.
  • FIGS. 14 and 15 show a corresponding arrangement for a cap 13 for insertion into the sound entry opening 11 for the microphone 7 on the front cover 3 of a hearing aid.
  • FIGS. 16 and 17 finally show a corresponding arrangement in which a cap according to the invention can in turn be plugged into an undercut, this cap now protecting a sound outlet and a ventilation hole at the same time.
  • the cap is 12.1 in FIGS. 4 and 5, 12.2 in FIGS. 6 and 7, 12.3 in FIGS. 8 and 9, 12.4 in FIGS. 10 and 11 and 12, 13 in FIGS designated 12.5.
  • the cap of FIGS. 16 and 17 has the reference number 30.
  • caps 12.1 to 12.4 thus have an internal thread 31.
  • the caps in FIGS. 4 to 9 also include a single central opening 32 on the front side.
  • the caps in FIGS 13 to 13 comprise individual small holes 33.
  • the caps of FIGS. 12 and 13 do not comprise an internal thread, but rather a circumferential bead 34 which fits into the respective undercut on the sound outlet connector of the respective hearing aid or earpiece.
  • the sound outlet connector is indicated at 35 and the ventilation hole at 36.
  • the cap 30 comprises holes 37 and holes 38 for the opening of the sound outlet connector 35 and the ventilation hole 36.
  • the cap 30 is again provided with a circumferential bead 39 which fits into the indicated undercut 40.
  • the cap 13 of Figures 14 and 15 includes egg ne outer annular groove 41 which snaps into the opening edge 11 when the cap is inserted into the sound opening.
  • a microporous polytetrafluoroethylene membrane 14 which is available under the trade name GORE-TEX® is now used, as already mentioned above.
  • the individual membranes are again labeled 14.1 to 14.7.
  • the membrane 14.2 is placed on the end face of the cap 12.2 in the manner shown.
  • the membrane 14.4 or 14.5 is again inserted or fastened into the respective cap 12.4 or 12.5 in a manner similar to that in FIGS. 4 and 5.
  • the membrane 14 used in each case is well permeable to sound, but protects the hearing aid used in each case against the penetration of both ear wax and moisture, in particular sweat from the ear canal. Since sweat is kept away, sensitive components of the hearing aid are not at risk of being damaged by corrosion or the like. exposed.
  • the membrane material used is water-resistant to 0.65 bar and can therefore also be cleaned in an ultrasonic bath if required, without the need for sensitive electronic components Hearing aid, especially the handset, are damaged. It is no longer necessary to completely replace caps as before; the cerumen-soiled cap can therefore remain on the hearing aid.

Abstract

These openings are, in particular, openings for the entry of sound and/or exit of sound and/or ventilation. A microporous diaphragm (14) of anti-adhesive material can be inserted into the respective opening (2, 11). <IMAGE>

Description

Die Erfindung bezieht sich auf eine Vorrichtung zum Verschließen von Öffnungen an Hörgeräten oder Ohrpaßstücken für Hörgeräte gemäß Oberbegriff des Anspruchs 1.The invention relates to a device for closing openings on hearing aids or earmolds for hearing aids according to the preamble of claim 1.

Durch das DE-GM 19 51 165 ist bereits ein In-dem-Ohr-Hörgerät bekannt, bei dem auf dem Schallausgangsstutzen ein zylindrischer Körper aufsetzbar ist, der in seinem Inneren eine kammerartige Erweiterung einer Durchbohrung aufweist, in der eine Schicht aus porösem, schalldurchlässigem Material angeordnet ist. Der vom Hörer des Hörgerätes in die Durchbohrung gelangende Schall kann die Schicht aus porösem Material also gut passieren. Ohr­schmalz (Cerumen), das im Inneren des Gehörganges abgesondert wird, kann jedoch in umgekehrter Richtung aufgrund der porösen Schicht nicht in das Innere des Hörgerätes gelangen.From DE-GM 19 51 165 an in-the-ear hearing device is already known, in which a cylindrical body can be placed on the sound outlet, which has a chamber-like extension of a through-hole in its interior, in which a layer of porous, sound-permeable Material is arranged. The sound entering the through-hole from the receiver of the hearing aid can therefore pass through the layer of porous material well. Earwax (cerumen), which is secreted inside the ear canal, cannot reach the inside of the hearing aid in the opposite direction due to the porous layer.

Durch die DE-GM 84 36 783 und 85 04 765 sind darüber hinaus Lochkappen vorbekannt, die auf die Schallausgangsstutzen ent­weder direkt eines In-dem-Ohr-Hörgerätes oder eines in das Ohr einsetzbaren Ohrpaßstückes eines Hinter-dem-Ohr-Hörgerätes auf­bringbar sind (z.B. ansteckbar oder anschraubbar). Die Loch­kappen gewährleisten ungehinderten Schallaustritt. Ohrenschmalz, das im Gehörgang abgesondert wird, wird von den Öffnungen weit­gehend ferngehalten, da aufgrund von Einformung von Nischen etc. relativ lange Kriechwege vorhanden sind.DE-GM 84 36 783 and 85 04 765 also provide perforated caps, which can be attached to the sound outlet either directly from an in-the-ear hearing aid or an earmold of a behind-the-ear hearing aid that can be inserted into the ear ( eg attachable or screwable). The perforated caps ensure unimpeded sound emission. Earwax, which is secreted in the ear canal, is largely kept away from the openings, since relatively long creepage distances are available due to the formation of niches, etc.

Die im Stand der Technik angegebenen Lösungen zur Verhinderung des Einkriechens von Ohrenschmalz sind aber immer noch relativ ungünstig. Zumindest müssen die jeweiligen Schutzvorrichtungen relativ häufig ausgewechselt bzw. gereinigt werden. Ein wei­terer Nachteil ist, daß bei den bisher bekannten Lösungen kein Schutz gegen das Eindringen von Feuchtigkeit, insbesondere Schweiß, der im Inneren des Ohrkanals entsteht, in Richtung Hörer existiert. Die Fernhaltung von Schweiß ist insbesondere bei In-dem-Ohr-Hörgeräten von besonderer Wichtigkeit, weil der Weg von der Schallausgangsstelle bis zum Hörer relativ kurz ist und erfahrungsgemäß der sehr aggressive Schweiß den Hörer sehr schnell beschädigt. Aber auch bei Hinter-dem-Ohr-Hörgeräten ist ein solcher Schutz von Nöten, da trotz relativ langen Weges bis zum Hörer es dennoch immer wieder zu Hörerbeschädigungen kommt.However, the solutions given in the prior art for preventing ear wax creeping in are still relatively unfavorable. At least the respective protective devices have to be replaced or cleaned relatively frequently. Another disadvantage is that none of the previously known solutions Protection against the ingress of moisture, especially sweat, which arises inside the ear canal, exists towards the listener. Keeping sweat away is particularly important with in-the-ear hearing aids because the path from the sound output point to the listener is relatively short and experience shows that the very aggressive sweat damages the listener very quickly. But such protection is also necessary for behind-the-ear hearing aids, because despite the relatively long way to the listener, there is always damage to the listener.

Aufgabe vorliegender Erfindung ist es, eine Vorrichtung der eingangs genannten Art anzugeben, die bei Verschmutzung mit Ohrenschmalz sehr viel einfacher als bisher zu reinigen ist und die gleichzeitig verhindert, daß überhaupt Feuchtigkeit, insbe­sondere Schweiß, aus dem Gehörgang, durch die jeweilige Öffnung in das Hörgerät gelangen kann.The object of the present invention is to provide a device of the type mentioned which is much easier to clean when contaminated with ear wax and which at the same time prevents moisture, in particular sweat, from the ear canal through the respective opening into the hearing aid can reach.

Die Aufgabe wird erfindungsgemäß durch die kennzeichnenden Merkmale des Anspruchs 1 gelöst.The object is achieved by the characterizing features of claim 1.

Eine mikroporöse Membrane aus antihaftendem Material verhindert gleichermaßen das Eindringen von Ohrenschmalz (wegen der sehr kleinen Poren) und von Feuchtigkeit, insbesondere Schweiß (we­gen der Ausbildung der Membrane aus antihaftendem Material), in das Innere des Hörgerätes. Antihaftendes Material läßt nämlich Schweißtropfen nicht flach werden, so daß die Tropfen auch nicht in die Mikroporen eindringen können. Wegen der antihaf­tenden Wirkung läßt sich aber auch das angesetzte Ohrenschmalz leichter als bisher wieder entfernen, z.B. auch mit Hilfe von Ultraschall.A microporous membrane made of non-stick material also prevents ear wax (due to the very small pores) and moisture, especially sweat (due to the membrane being made of non-stick material) from entering the hearing aid. Non-stick material does not let sweat drops become flat, so that the drops cannot penetrate into the micropores. Because of the non-stick effect, the ear wax can be removed more easily than before, e.g. also with the help of ultrasound.

In bevorzugter Ausgestaltung wird eine Membrane eingesetzt, so wie sie im Anspruch 6 beschrieben ist. Eine Membrane aus einem solchen Stoff hat sich als besonders geeignet für den vorlie­genden Zweck erwiesen.In a preferred embodiment, a membrane is used, as described in claim 6. A membrane made from such a material has proven to be particularly suitable for the present purpose.

Weitere Vorteile und Einzelheiten der Erfindung ergeben sich aus der nachfolgenden Beschreibung von Ausführungsbeispielen anhand der Zeichnung und in Verbindung mit den weiteren Unter­ansprüchen.Further advantages and details of the invention emerge from the following description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the drawing and in conjunction with the further subclaims.

Es zeigen:

  • Figur 1 ein In-dem-Ohr-Hörgerät, bei dem die Erfindung einge­setzt wird,
  • Figur 2 ein Hinter-dem-Ohr-Hörgerät mit Ohrpaßstück, bei dem die Erfindung eingesetzt wird,
  • Figur 3 einen ausgelagerten Hörer für ein Hinter-dem-Ohr-(oder Taschen)Hörgerät, bei dem die Erfindung eingesetzt wird,
  • Figuren 4 bis 15 verschiedene Ausführungsformen der Erfindung,
  • Figuren 16, 17 eine Ausführungsform der Erfindung, bei der gleichzeitig eine Belüftungsöffnung abgedeckt wird.
Show it:
  • FIG. 1 shows an in-the-ear hearing device in which the invention is used,
  • FIG. 2 shows a behind-the-ear hearing device with an ear fitting, in which the invention is used,
  • FIG. 3 shows an outsourced earpiece for a behind-the-ear (or pocket) hearing aid in which the invention is used,
  • FIGS. 4 to 15 different embodiments of the invention,
  • Figures 16, 17 an embodiment of the invention, in which a ventilation opening is covered at the same time.

In der Figur 1 umfaßt das In-dem-Ohr-Hörgerät ein Gehäuse 1 mit Schallausgangsstutzen 2 und Stirndeckel 3. Im teilweise aufge­schnittenen Gehäuse 1 sind ein Hörer 4 zu sehen, der ausgangs­seitig mit dem Schallausgangsstutzen 2 verbunden ist. Ferner sind zu sehen ein Batteriefach 5 (ohne eingelegte Batterie), das mittels Deckel 6 an dem Stirndeckel 3 aus dem Hörgerät her­ausschwenkbar ist. Ferner sind mit der Kennziffer 7 ein Mikro­fon und mit der Kennziffer 8 die Verstärkerelektronik des Hör­gerätes angedeutet. Auf der Stirnfläche 3 befinden sich ein Drehknopf 9 für die Einstellung der Lautstärke und ein Anpas­sungssteller 10. Mit der Kennziffer 11 ist die Schalleintritts­öffnung im Stirndeckel 3 für das Mikrofon 7 bezeichnet. Im vor­liegenden Ausführungsbeispiel sind sowohl die Öffnung des Schallausgangsstutzens 2 als auch die Schalleintrittsöffnung 11 mit einer Vorrichtung gemäß der vorliegenden Erfindung abge­deckt. Die Vorrichtung umfaßt im Falle des Schallausgangs­stutzens 2 z.B. eine aufschraubbare Kappe 12, während auf der Schalleintrittsöffnung 11 eine Einschnappkappe 13 sitzt. Bei­de Kappen 12 und 13 umfassen je eine unter dem Handelsnamen GORE-TEX® erhältliche mikroporöse Polytetrafluoräthylen-Membra­ne 14 zur Abdichtung der jeweiligen Öffnung gegen Ohrenschmalz und Schweiß, die beide im Ohrkanal abgesondert werden. Die je­weils eingesetzte Membrane 14 ist jedoch für den jeweils aus­tretenden bzw. eintretenden Schall sehr gut durchlässig. Ver­schiedene Ausführungsformen für die jeweils eingesetzten Kap­pen sind in den Figuren 4 bis 17, die weiter unten noch näher erläutert werden, dargestellt. (Polytetrafluoräthylen-Membranen der Fa. W.L. Gore & Associates, Inc., Newark, Delaware, U.S.A., sind beispielsweise beschrieben in: Prospekt "GORE-TEX PTFE-­Membranen und Laminate", 1986, W.L. Gore & Co GmbH, D-8011 Putzbrunn oder in der EP-A-0 160 473).In FIG. 1, the in-the-ear hearing device comprises a housing 1 with a sound output connector 2 and a front cover 3. In the partially cut-open housing 1, a receiver 4 can be seen, which is connected on the output side to the sound output connector 2. Furthermore, a battery compartment 5 (without an inserted battery) can be seen, which can be swiveled out of the hearing aid by means of the cover 6 on the end cover 3. Furthermore, the number 7 indicates a microphone and the number 8 the amplifier electronics of the hearing aid. On the end face 3 there is a rotary knob 9 for adjusting the volume and an adjustment plate 10. The code number 11 denotes the sound entry opening in the end cover 3 for the microphone 7. In the present exemplary embodiment, both the opening of the sound outlet connector 2 and the sound inlet opening 11 are covered with a device according to the present invention. In the case of the sound outlet connector 2, the device comprises, for example, a screw-on cap 12, while a snap-on cap 13 sits on the sound inlet opening 11. Both caps 12 and 13 each include a microporous polytetrafluoroethylene membrane 14 available under the trade name GORE-TEX® for sealing the respective opening against wax and sweat, both of which are secreted in the ear canal. The membrane 14 used in each case is, however, very well permeable to the respectively emerging or entering sound. Various embodiments for the caps used in each case are shown in FIGS. 4 to 17, which will be explained in more detail below. (Polytetrafluoroethylene membranes from WL Gore & Associates, Inc., Newark, Delaware, USA, are described for example in: Prospectus "GORE-TEX PTFE Membranes and Laminates", 1986, WL Gore & Co GmbH, D-8011 Putzbrunn or in EP-A-0 160 473).

Die Figur 2 zeigt ein Ausführungsbeispiel eines Hinter-dem-Ohr-­Hörgerätes mit einem Gehäuse 14′, das mittels Traghaken 15 hin­ter dem Ohr befestigt werden kann. Am Gehäuse 14′ sind wieder ein Drehknopf 16 für die Lautstärkeeinstellung und ein Deckel 17 für eine aus dem Gehäuse herausschwenkbare Batterielade an­gedeutet. Der Traghaken 15 ist über einen Schallschlauch 18 mit einem Ohrpaßstück 19 verbunden. Auf der Schallausgangsöffnung 20 des Ohrpaßstückes 19 sitzt wieder eine Kappe 12 gemäß der vorliegenden Erfindung.Figure 2 shows an embodiment of a behind-the-ear hearing aid with a housing 14 ', which can be attached by means of a hook 15 behind the ear. On the housing 14 'are again a knob 16 for adjusting the volume and a cover 17 for a battery drawer pivoted out of the housing. The carrying hook 15 is connected to an ear fitting 19 via a sound tube 18. A cap 12 according to the present invention is again seated on the sound output opening 20 of the earpiece 19.

In der Figur 3 sitzt ein ausgelagerter Hörer 21 in einem Gehäu­se 22, das in den Ohrkanal einführbar ist. Der Ausgang des aus­gelagerten Hörers 21 ist mit dem Schallausgangsstutzen 23 ver­bunden, dessen Öffnung 24 wiederum mit einer Kappe 12 gemäß der vorliegenden Erfindung abgedeckt ist. Die elektrischen Verbin­dungsleitungen zwischen dem ausgelagerten Hörer 21 und dem nicht dargestellten HdO- oder Taschen-Gerät sind in der Figur 3 mit 25 angedeutet.In FIG. 3, an outsourced earpiece 21 is seated in a housing 22 which can be inserted into the ear canal. The output of the outsourced earpiece 21 is connected to the sound outlet connection 23, the opening 24 of which is in turn covered by a cap 12 according to the present invention. The electrical connecting lines between the outsourced earpiece 21 and the BTE or pocket device, not shown, are indicated in FIG. 3 by 25.

In den Figuren 4 bis 11 sind insgesamt vier verschiedene Aus­führungsformen für speziell auf Schallausgangsstutzen auf­schraubbare Kappen 12 jeweils übereinander in einem Querschnitt und in einer Stirnansicht dargestellt. Die Figuren 12 und 13 zeigen eine entsprechende Anordnung einer Kappe 12, die auf ei­ne Hinterschneidung am Schallausgangsstutzen, so wie sie z.B. auch in den beiden deutschen Gebrauchsmustern DE-GM 84 36 783 und DE-GM 85 04 765 beschrieben sind, aufsetzbar sind. Die Fi­guren 14 und 15 zeigen eine entsprechende Anordnung für eine Kappe 13 zum Einsetzen in die Schalleintrittsöffnung 11 für das Mikrofon 7 am Stirndeckel 3 eines Hörgerätes. Die Figuren 16 und 17 zeigen schließlich eine entsprechende Anordnung, bei der eine Kappe gemäß der Erfindung wiederum an eine Hinterschnei­dung ansteckbar ist, wobei diese Kappe jetzt einen Schallaus­gangsstutzen und eine Belüftungsbohrung gleichzeitig schützt.FIGS. 4 to 11 show a total of four different embodiments for caps 12 that can be screwed on to sound outlet connectors, one above the other in a cross section and in an end view. Figures 12 and 13 show a corresponding arrangement of a cap 12, which is based on an undercut on the sound outlet connection, as it is e.g. are also described in the two German utility models DE-GM 84 36 783 and DE-GM 85 04 765, can be attached. FIGS. 14 and 15 show a corresponding arrangement for a cap 13 for insertion into the sound entry opening 11 for the microphone 7 on the front cover 3 of a hearing aid. FIGS. 16 and 17 finally show a corresponding arrangement in which a cap according to the invention can in turn be plugged into an undercut, this cap now protecting a sound outlet and a ventilation hole at the same time.

Zur Unterscheidung der verschiedenen Ausführungsformen sind in den Figuren 4 und 5 die Kappe mit 12.1, in den Figuren 6 und 7 mit 12.2, in den Figuren 8 und 9 mit 12.3, in den Figuren 10 und 11 mit 12.4 und in den Figuren 12, 13 mit 12.5 bezeichnet. Die Kappe der Figuren 16 und 17 trägt die Kennziffer 30.To distinguish between the various embodiments, the cap is 12.1 in FIGS. 4 and 5, 12.2 in FIGS. 6 and 7, 12.3 in FIGS. 8 and 9, 12.4 in FIGS. 10 and 11 and 12, 13 in FIGS designated 12.5. The cap of FIGS. 16 and 17 has the reference number 30.

In den Figuren 4 bis 11 haben also sämtliche Kappen 12.1 bis 12.4 ein Innengewinde 31. Die Kappen der Figuren 4 bis 9 um­fassen ferner eine einzige stirnseitige zentrale Öffnung 32. Dasselbe gilt für die Kappen 13 der Figuren 14 und 15. Die Kappen der Figuren 10 bis 13 umfassen einzelne kleine Löcher 33. Die Kappen der Figuren 12 und 13 umfassen kein Innenge­winde, sondern einen umlaufenden Wulst 34, der in die jewei­lige Hinterschneidung am Lautausgangsstutzen des jeweiligen Hörgerätes oder Ohrpaßstückes paßt. In den Figuren 16 und 17 sind der Schallausgangsstutzen mit 35 und die Belüftungsboh­rung mit 36 angedeutet. Die Kappe 30 umfaßt Löcher 37 sowie Löcher 38 für die Öffnung des Schallausgangsstutzens 35 und die Belüftungsbohrung 36. Die Kappe 30 ist wieder mit einem umlau­fenden Wulst 39 versehen, der in die angedeutete Hinterschnei­dung 40 paßt. Die Kappe 13 der Figuren 14 und 15 beinhaltet ei­ ne äußere Ringnut 41, die beim Einsetzen der Kappe in die Schalleintrittsöffnung 11 in den Öffnungsrand einrastet.In FIGS. 4 to 11, all caps 12.1 to 12.4 thus have an internal thread 31. The caps in FIGS. 4 to 9 also include a single central opening 32 on the front side. The same applies to caps 13 in FIGS. 14 and 15. The caps in FIGS 13 to 13 comprise individual small holes 33. The caps of FIGS. 12 and 13 do not comprise an internal thread, but rather a circumferential bead 34 which fits into the respective undercut on the sound outlet connector of the respective hearing aid or earpiece. In FIGS. 16 and 17, the sound outlet connector is indicated at 35 and the ventilation hole at 36. The cap 30 comprises holes 37 and holes 38 for the opening of the sound outlet connector 35 and the ventilation hole 36. The cap 30 is again provided with a circumferential bead 39 which fits into the indicated undercut 40. The cap 13 of Figures 14 and 15 includes egg ne outer annular groove 41 which snaps into the opening edge 11 when the cap is inserted into the sound opening.

In sämtlichen Ausführungsbeispielen der Figuren 4 bis 17 ist nun - wie zuvor schon erwähnt - eine unter dem Handelsnamen GORE-TEX® erhältliche mikroporöse Polytetrafluoräthylen-Mem­brane 14 eingesetzt. In den verschiedenen Figuren sind die einzelnen Membranen wieder mit 14.1 bis 14.7 bezeichnet.In all of the exemplary embodiments in FIGS. 4 to 17, a microporous polytetrafluoroethylene membrane 14 which is available under the trade name GORE-TEX® is now used, as already mentioned above. In the various figures, the individual membranes are again labeled 14.1 to 14.7.

In den Figuren 4 und 5 ist dabei z.B. die Membrane 14.1 in der dargestellten Weise in den Innenraum der Kappe 12.1 eingelegt oder befestigt.In Figures 4 and 5, e.g. the membrane 14.1 inserted or fastened in the manner shown in the interior of the cap 12.1.

In den Figuren 6 und 7 ist die Membrane 14.2 auf die Stirnflä­che der Kappe 12.2 in der dargestellten Weise aufgesetzt.In FIGS. 6 and 7, the membrane 14.2 is placed on the end face of the cap 12.2 in the manner shown.

In den Figuren 8 und 9 ist die Membrane 14.3 z.B. in die Öff­nung 32 der Kappe 12.3, wie dargestellt, eingespritzt.In Figures 8 and 9 the membrane 14.3 is e.g. injected into the opening 32 of the cap 12.3, as shown.

In den Figuren 10 bis 13 ist die Membrane 14.4 bzw. 14.5 wie­derum ähnlich wie in den Figuren 4 und 5 in die jeweilige Kap­pe 12.4 bzw. 12.5 eingelegt bzw. befestigt.In FIGS. 10 to 13, the membrane 14.4 or 14.5 is again inserted or fastened into the respective cap 12.4 or 12.5 in a manner similar to that in FIGS. 4 and 5.

Dasselbe gilt auch für die Ausführungsbeispiele der Figuren 14 bis 17 mit den Membranen 14.6 bzw. 14.7.The same also applies to the exemplary embodiments in FIGS. 14 to 17 with the membranes 14.6 and 14.7.

Wie eingangs bereits geschildert, ist die jeweils eingesetzte Membrane 14 jeweils gut schalldurchlässig, schützt jedoch das jeweils eingesetzte Hörgerät gegen das Eindringen sowohl von Ohrschmalz als auch von Feuchtigkeit, insbesondere Schweiß aus dem Ohrkanal. Da der Schweiß ferngehalten wird, werden empfind­liche Bauteile des Hörgerätes nicht der Gefahr einer Beschädi­gung durch Korrosion od.dgl. ausgesetzt. Das eingesetzte Mem­branematerial ist erfahrungsgemäß bis 0,65 bar wasserdicht und kann somit bei Bedarf auch in einem Ultraschallbad gereinigt werden, ohne daß dabei empfindliche elektronische Bauteile des Hörgerätes, insbesondere der Hörer, beschädigt werden. Es ist also nicht mehr länger erforderlich, wie bisher Kappen komplett auszuwechseln; die cerumenverschmutzte Kappe kann also am Hör­gerät verbleiben. Es ist lediglich erforderlich, das Hörgerät oder das Ohrpaßstück, das ja durch die eingesetzte Membrane wasserdicht ausgebildet ist, teilweise in das Ultraschallbad einzutauchen und darin zu reinigen. Nach der Reinigung steht das jeweilige Gerät mit der immer noch aufgeschraubten Kappe wieder ohne weitere Manipulation optimal gereinigt funktions­fähig zur Verfügung.As already described at the beginning, the membrane 14 used in each case is well permeable to sound, but protects the hearing aid used in each case against the penetration of both ear wax and moisture, in particular sweat from the ear canal. Since sweat is kept away, sensitive components of the hearing aid are not at risk of being damaged by corrosion or the like. exposed. Experience has shown that the membrane material used is water-resistant to 0.65 bar and can therefore also be cleaned in an ultrasonic bath if required, without the need for sensitive electronic components Hearing aid, especially the handset, are damaged. It is no longer necessary to completely replace caps as before; the cerumen-soiled cap can therefore remain on the hearing aid. It is only necessary to partially immerse the hearing aid or the earmold, which is made watertight by the membrane used, in the ultrasonic bath and to clean it. After cleaning, the respective device with the cap still screwed on is available in a fully functional, functional condition without any further manipulation.

Claims (6)

1. Vorrichtung zum Verschließen von Öffnungen an Hörgeräten oder Ohrpaßstücken für Hörgeräte, insbesondere Öffnungen für den Schalleintritt und/oder Schallaustritt und/oder Belüftung, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß in die je­weilige Öffnung (2, 11, 20, 24, 35, 36) eine mikroporöse Mem­brane (14) aus antihaftendem Material einsetzbar ist.1. Device for closing openings on hearing aids or earmolds for hearing aids, in particular openings for sound entry and / or sound exit and / or ventilation, characterized in that one in the respective opening (2, 11, 20, 24, 35, 36) microporous membrane (14) made of non-stick material can be used. 2. Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 1, dadurch gekenn­zeichnet, daß die Membrane (14) mittels einer Kappe (12, 13, 30) in oder an der Öffnung im Sinne eines Verschlies­sens ansetzbar ist.2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the membrane (14) by means of a cap (12, 13, 30) in or at the opening in the sense of a closure can be attached. 3. Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 2, dadurch gekenn­zeichnet, daß die Membrane (14) integrierter Bestand­teil der Kappe ist.3. Apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that the membrane (14) is an integral part of the cap. 4. Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 2, dadurch gekenn­zeichnet, daß die Membrane in der Kappe wenigstens teilweise eingespritzt ist.4. The device according to claim 2, characterized in that the membrane is at least partially injected in the cap. 5. Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 2, dadurch gekenn­zeichnet, daß die Membrane vor Ansetzen der Kappe zwi­schen Öffnung und Kappe einlegbar ist.5. The device according to claim 2, characterized in that the membrane can be inserted between the opening and the cap before the cap is attached. 6. Vorrichtung nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 5, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß die Membrane aus Polytetra­fluoräthylen besteht.6. Device according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the membrane consists of polytetrafluoroethylene.
EP88115498A 1987-10-05 1988-09-21 Device for closing the apertures of hearing aids or earpieces for hearing aids Expired - Lifetime EP0310866B1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AT88115498T ATE91839T1 (en) 1987-10-05 1988-09-21 DEVICE FOR CLOSING OPENINGS ON HEARING AIDS OR EARPIECES FOR HEARING AIDS.

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE8713369U 1987-10-05
DE8713369U DE8713369U1 (en) 1987-10-05 1987-10-05

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EP0310866A1 true EP0310866A1 (en) 1989-04-12
EP0310866B1 EP0310866B1 (en) 1993-07-21

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EP (1) EP0310866B1 (en)
JP (1) JPH0157898U (en)
AT (1) ATE91839T1 (en)
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DE102010013447A1 (en) 2010-03-30 2011-06-09 Siemens Medical Instruments Pte. Ltd. Protection device for protecting e.g. microphone opening of hearing aid from cerumen, has casing connected with plate and comprising openings opening into intermediate space between plate and membrane
EP2408221A3 (en) * 2010-07-16 2012-05-23 Sonion Nederland B.V. Semi-permanent hearing aid
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US9380367B2 (en) 2010-08-20 2016-06-28 Sivantos Pte. Ltd. Microphone protective device
DE102010041656A1 (en) * 2010-09-29 2011-10-06 Siemens Medical Instruments Pte. Ltd. Microphone protecting device for use in housing of e.g. behind-the-ear apparatus, has membrane carrier including large aperture directed outwardly from hearing aid and small aperture directed to aid and connected with hearing aid housing
DE102017219470A1 (en) 2017-11-02 2019-05-02 Sivantos Pte. Ltd. hearing Aid

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
DK552888A (en) 1989-04-06
CA1296797C (en) 1992-03-03
AU607543B2 (en) 1991-03-07
DE8713369U1 (en) 1989-02-09
EP0310866B1 (en) 1993-07-21
ATE91839T1 (en) 1993-08-15
JPH0157898U (en) 1989-04-11
DE3882474D1 (en) 1993-08-26
AU2336788A (en) 1989-04-06
DK552888D0 (en) 1988-10-04
US4987597A (en) 1991-01-22

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