EP0400630A2 - Implantable hearing aid - Google Patents

Implantable hearing aid Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0400630A2
EP0400630A2 EP90110307A EP90110307A EP0400630A2 EP 0400630 A2 EP0400630 A2 EP 0400630A2 EP 90110307 A EP90110307 A EP 90110307A EP 90110307 A EP90110307 A EP 90110307A EP 0400630 A2 EP0400630 A2 EP 0400630A2
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
hearing aid
aid according
housing
transducer
tube
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
EP90110307A
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German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP0400630A3 (en
EP0400630B1 (en
Inventor
Günter Hortmann
Hans Dr.-Ing. Leysieffer
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.)
Sonova Holding AG
Original Assignee
HORTMANN GmbH
Implex Spezialhorgerate GmbH
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Publication of EP0400630A2 publication Critical patent/EP0400630A2/en
Publication of EP0400630A3 publication Critical patent/EP0400630A3/en
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Publication of EP0400630B1 publication Critical patent/EP0400630B1/en
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    • HELECTRICITY
    • H04ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04RLOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; DEAF-AID SETS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS
    • H04R25/00Deaf-aid sets, i.e. electro-acoustic or electro-mechanical hearing aids; Electric tinnitus maskers providing an auditory perception
    • H04R25/60Mounting or interconnection of hearing aid parts, e.g. inside tips, housings or to ossicles
    • H04R25/604Mounting or interconnection of hearing aid parts, e.g. inside tips, housings or to ossicles of acoustic or vibrational transducers
    • H04R25/606Mounting or interconnection of hearing aid parts, e.g. inside tips, housings or to ossicles of acoustic or vibrational transducers acting directly on the eardrum, the ossicles or the skull, e.g. mastoid, tooth, maxillary or mandibular bone, or mechanically stimulating the cochlea, e.g. at the oval window

Definitions

  • the invention relates to an implantable hearing aid for stimulating the inner ear.
  • the assemblies forming the hearing aid including a tritium battery, are inserted hermetically encapsulated in the external auditory canal or implanted in the mastoid, and the hearing aid is connected directly to the auditory nerve on the output side via an electrical line connected.
  • acoustic vibrations that are generated by the hearing aid implanted in the mastoid are transmitted via the mastoid bone process into the middle ear, taking advantage of the fact that it has cavities that pass through the atrial window with the middle ear Connect.
  • a microphone, an amplifier, a battery, a volume control and an excitation coil for a magnet are accommodated in a housing to be inserted into the external auditory canal, which is attached to one of the ossicles.
  • a hearing aid is also known (GB-PS 1 440 724), in which a microphone, an amplifier and a battery are arranged in a housing which is plug-like inserted into a base which is implanted in the temporal bone behind the ear cup. The output signal of the amplifier goes to an excitation coil implanted in the middle ear of a magnet attached to the stirrup.
  • a hearing aid is known (US Pat. No. 4,532,930), in which an electrical stimulation of the inner ear takes place directly via an implantable electrode arrangement with the aid of signals provided by appropriate signal processing electronics.
  • the signal processing electronics are housed in a relatively large-volume housing, the external in a separate Bag is carried.
  • the signal processing electronics are connected via a connecting cable to a transmitting antenna which is arranged in the area of the ear concerned.
  • the invention has for its object to provide an implantable hearing aid for stimulating the inner ear, which has a high sound quality and allows a relatively simple and risk-free use.
  • the hearing aid has a hydromechanical coupling element connected on the input side to an electromechanical transducer for transmitting the mechanical vibrations generated by the transducer to the inner ear.
  • the hydromechanical coupling element can simply have a liquid-filled hose connected to the electromechanical transducer, the end of which extends from the transducer in the implanted state and extends into the fluid-filled inner ear spaces.
  • the electromechanical transducer is advantageously hermetically encapsulated for implantation in the tympanic cavity or in the mastoid.
  • the tube is advantageously filled with a lymph-like liquid and closed at the end remote from the transducer with a thin membrane. He can by means of a wire coil pushed on or by one or more wires embedded in the hose wall according to the respective anatomical conditions are permanently shaped.
  • the electromechanical transducer can be integrated in a housing of implantable signal processing electronics and based on the electrodynamic, electromagnetic or, preferably, piezoelectric principle.
  • the transducer can have a piezoelectric flexural oscillator which is seated on a carrier membrane which is clamped in the housing accommodating the transducer.
  • the bending oscillator can consist of a single-layer piezoelectric disk or have a bimorph structure symmetrical to the support membrane, and it advantageously has a diameter which corresponds to at least 0.8 times and preferably at least 0.9 times the inside diameter of the associated housing.
  • a large ratio of the transducer disc diameter to the inner tube diameter results in a rapid transformation which, even with small electrical transducer outputs, can result in high outlet pressures at the end of the tube lying away from the transducer.
  • a microphone supplying the electromechanical transducer via signal processing electronics with input signals is connected to an acoustic coupling element for sound absorption from the tympanic cavity, thereby fully utilizing the natural directional characteristic of the outer ear.
  • the acoustic coupling element can simply be designed as a switching line hose connected to the microphone, the end of which facing away from the microphone projects into the tympanic cavity in the implanted state and is expediently closed with a membrane.
  • the hearing aid shown in FIG. 1 has a hermetically sealed housing 12 which can be implanted in the vicinity of the ear 10 in question, in particular in the mastoid 11, in which, as schematically indicated, a microphone 13, signal processing electronics 14 and a power supply, for example a Secondary cell arrangement 15 (ie one or more rechargeable batteries) are accommodated.
  • the microphone 13 is connected to the tympanic cavity 17 via an acoustic coupling element in the form of a sound line hose 16.
  • the end of the switching line tube 16 facing away from the microphone 13 extends into the tympanic cavity 17 in the implanted state, and it is closed there by means of a thin membrane 18.
  • An electromechanical transducer 21 is connected to the output of the signal processing electronics 14 via a transducer feed line 20 and is mechanically fixed in a hermetically sealed manner in the tympanic cavity behind the eardrum 22.
  • the converter 21 is in turn connected to a hydromechanical coupling element 23. Mechanical vibrations are transmitted from the transducer 21 to the inner ear 24 via the coupling element 23.
  • the coupling element 23 extends through a bore in the stirrup foot plate 25.
  • sound signals pass through the outer ear 26, the auditory canal 27 and the eardrum 22 to the tympanic cavity 17. They are picked up there by the sound conduit hose 16 behind the eardrum 22 and passed on to the microphone 13 seated in the housing 12.
  • the microphone 13 converts the sound into electrical microphone signals. These signals are converted into suitable output signals in the signal processing electronics 14 and are increasingly fed to the electromechanical converter 21 via the converter feed line 20.
  • the converter 21 converts the electrical output signals into mechanical vibrations. The mechanical vibrations are transmitted to the fluid-filled inner ear spaces via the hydromechanical coupling element 23.
  • the hearing aid is completely implanted.
  • the wearer is not affected by the device under normal everyday conditions. For example swimming is easily possible.
  • the natural directional characteristic of the outer ear 26 is fully utilized and is not impaired by mechanical elements in the outer auditory canal 27.
  • the natural transmission via the ossicular chain 28 remains unaffected. This minimizes the risk for the patient.
  • An external control signal transmitter 30 can be provided for selectively setting one or more characteristic values of the signal processing electronics 14, to whose output a transmission coil 31 is connected.
  • a reception coil 32 is accommodated in the housing 12.
  • high-frequency inductive data transmission between the external control signal generator 30 and the implanted signal processing electronics 14 can take place via the coils 31 and 32 if necessary.
  • the high-frequency link provided for the inductive data transmission can also expediently be used to transmit energy for charging the implanted secondary cell arrangement 15.
  • a light-bound infrared path can also be provided for transcutaneous data transmission between the control signal generator 30 and the signal processing electronics 14.
  • the converter 21 has a two-part, hermetically sealed housing 34.
  • a preferably circular piezoelectric bending oscillator 35 is accommodated in the housing 34 and sits on a carrier membrane 36.
  • the support membrane 36 which is preferably made of brass or aluminum, is clamped approximately centrally at its edge in the housing 34.
  • the illustrated flexural vibrator 35 has a bimorph structure symmetrical to the support membrane 36, the two layers of which are designated 37 and 38.
  • the layers 37, 38 can be electrically connected in parallel or in series. The two or, in the case of electrical parallel connection, three electrode surfaces of the layers 37, 38 are contacted and connected to the transducer feed line 20 through housing bushings.
  • the bending oscillator 35 consists of a single-layer piezoelectric Disc exists.
  • the bending vibrator 35 expediently has a diameter which corresponds to at least 0.8 times and preferably at least 0.9 times the inside diameter of the housing 34.
  • the carrier membrane 36 divides the interior of the housing 34 into two chambers 39 and 40.
  • One chamber 39 is filled with a liquid 41, the density and composition of which at least approximately correspond to the perilymph (the liquid in the inner ear).
  • a connection piece 42 is guided through a wall of the housing 34, via which pressure fluctuations generated by the transducer vibration are directed to a hose 43 forming the hydromechanical coupling element 23.
  • the tube 43 is filled with the same liquid as the chamber 39, and its end remote from the transducer 21 is closed by means of a thin membrane 44.
  • the tube 43 can expediently consist of biocompatible silicone, and it advantageously has an outer diameter of 0.3 to 1.0 mm, preferably approximately 0.6 mm, and a wall thickness of 0.05 to 0.3 mm, preferably approximately 0. 1 mm.
  • the converter housing 34 is circular or approximately circular, and it expediently has a diameter of 5 to 10 mm, preferably about 8 mm.
  • the housing 34 can advantageously consist of a biocompatible ceramic, for example Al2O3, or of titanium.
  • the other chamber 40 of the housing 34 is filled with an inert gas, preferably argon.
  • the wire helix makes it possible to achieve a constant formation of bending radii to adapt to the respective anatomical conditions.
  • one or more wires, preferably platinum wires, can also be embedded in the wall of the hose 43.
  • the essential effect of the arrangement illustrated in FIG. 2 is based, on the one hand, on the principle of a pressure chamber, by means of which a rapid transformation occurs with a large ratio of converter disk diameter to hose inside diameter, which enables high output pressures on the hose membrane 44 in the case of small electrical converter powers.
  • the filling of the tube 43 with a lymph-like liquid allows an optimal mechanical impedance adaptation to the inner ear. This prevents annoying reflections.
  • the electromechanical converter 21 is also integrated in the housing 12 of the signal processing electronics 14.
  • the liquid-filled chamber 39 is connected to the hydromechanical coupling element 23 in the form of the liquid-filled hose 43, analogously to FIG. 2.
  • the microphone 13 and the power supply for example a secondary cell arrangement 15, are also accommodated in the housing 12.
  • the sound is fed to the microphone 13 from the tympanic cavity 17 via the formwork tube 16.
  • the latter is connected to the housing 12 via a connecting piece 46 and terminated at its free end by means of the thin membrane 18.
  • the microphone 13 is suspended in the housing 12 so that it is isolated in terms of vibration. As indicated in FIG. 3, the microphone 13, the signal processing electronics 14 and the energy supply 15 are seated in a third chamber 48, which is separated from the gas-filled chamber 40 by means of a partition 47. At least some of these modules can also be accommodated in the chamber 40 if necessary .
  • a primary cell arrangement can also be provided for the energy supply, which is accommodated in a housing which is separate from the housing 12 of the signal processing electronics 14 and is connected to the signal processing electronics 14 via a separable connection.
  • the primary cell arrangement one or more batteries
  • the primary cell arrangement can be replaced if necessary, without a simultaneous exchange of the housing 12 or an intervention in this housing being necessary.
  • the microphone 13 receiving the sound from the tympanic cavity 17 in a separate housing which is fixed directly in the tympanic cavity 17 during the implantation.
  • the microphone 13 picks up the sound from the tympanic cavity via a nozzle which is guided through the housing and is sealed off with a thin membrane for sealing.

Abstract

An implantable hearing aid for exciting the inner ear with a hydromechanical coupling element, connected to an electromechanical transducer at the input end, for transmitting the mechanical vibrations generated by the transducer to the inner ear. <IMAGE>

Description

Die Erfindung betrifft ein implantierbares Hörgerät zur Anregung des Innenohres.The invention relates to an implantable hearing aid for stimulating the inner ear.

Bei einem bekannten Hörgerät zur Anregung des Innenohres (DE-OS 28 25 233) wer­den die das Hörgerät bildenden Baugruppen einschließlich einer Tritiumbatterie hermetisch gekapselt in den äußeren Gehörgang eingesetzt oder im Mastoid implantiert, und das Hörgerät wird ausgangsseitig über eine elektrische Leitung direkt mit dem Hörnerv verbunden. Bei einer abgewandelten Ausführungsform des bekannten Gerätes werden akustische Schwingungen, die von dem im Mastoid implantierten Hörgerät erzeugt werden, über den Prozessus mastoideus-Knochen in das Mittelohr unter Ausnutzung des Umstandes übertragen, daß dieser kochen Hohlräume aufweist, die über das Vorhoffenster mit dem Mittelohr in Verbindung stehen.In a known hearing aid for stimulating the inner ear (DE-OS 28 25 233), the assemblies forming the hearing aid, including a tritium battery, are inserted hermetically encapsulated in the external auditory canal or implanted in the mastoid, and the hearing aid is connected directly to the auditory nerve on the output side via an electrical line connected. In a modified embodiment of the known device, acoustic vibrations that are generated by the hearing aid implanted in the mastoid are transmitted via the mastoid bone process into the middle ear, taking advantage of the fact that it has cavities that pass through the atrial window with the middle ear Connect.

Bei einem anderen bekannten Hörgerät (EP 0 242 038 A2) sind in einem in den äuße­ren Gehörgang einzuschiebenden Gehäuse ein Mikrophon, ein Verstärker, eine Batte­rie, ein Lautstärkeregler und eine Anregungsspule für einen Magneten untergebracht, der an einem der Hörknöchelchen befestigt wird. Es ist ferner ein Hörgerät bekannt (GB-PS 1 440 724), bei dem ein Mikrophon, ein Verstärker und eine Batterie in einem Gehäuse angeordnet sind, das steckerartig in einen Sockel eingesteckt wird, der ins Schläfenbein hinter der Ohrmuschel implantiert ist. Das Ausgangssignal des Verstärkers geht an eine im Mittelohr implantierte Erregerspule eines auf dem Steigbügel befestig­ten Magneten.In another known hearing aid (EP 0 242 038 A2), a microphone, an amplifier, a battery, a volume control and an excitation coil for a magnet are accommodated in a housing to be inserted into the external auditory canal, which is attached to one of the ossicles. A hearing aid is also known (GB-PS 1 440 724), in which a microphone, an amplifier and a battery are arranged in a housing which is plug-like inserted into a base which is implanted in the temporal bone behind the ear cup. The output signal of the amplifier goes to an excitation coil implanted in the middle ear of a magnet attached to the stirrup.

Desweiteren ist ein Hörgerät bekannt (US-PS 4 532 930), bei dem über eine im­plantierbare Elektrodenanordnung eine unmittelbare elektrische Reizung des In­nenohres mit Hilfe von Signalen erfolgt, die von einer zweckentsprechenden Signalver­arbeitungselektronik bereitgestellt werden. Die Signalverarbeitungselektronik ist dabei in einem relativ großvolumigen Gehäuse untergebracht, das extern in einer separaten Tasche mitgeführt wird. Die Signalverarbeitungselektronik ist über ein Verbindungska­bel an eine Sendeantenne angeschlossen, die im Bereich des betreffenden Ohres ange­ordnet wird.Furthermore, a hearing aid is known (US Pat. No. 4,532,930), in which an electrical stimulation of the inner ear takes place directly via an implantable electrode arrangement with the aid of signals provided by appropriate signal processing electronics. The signal processing electronics are housed in a relatively large-volume housing, the external in a separate Bag is carried. The signal processing electronics are connected via a connecting cable to a transmitting antenna which is arranged in the area of the ear concerned.

Bei den bekannten Hörgeräten läßt die erzielbare Klangqualität häufig zu wünschen üb­rig. Es kann zu Anpassungsproblemen kommen, und die Anregung über einen an einem Hörknöchelchen befestigten Magneten macht einen mit Risiken verbundenen Eingriff in die Kette der Gehörknöchelchen erforderlich.In the known hearing aids, the achievable sound quality often leaves something to be desired. Adjustment problems can arise, and excitation via a magnet attached to an ossicle requires risky intervention in the ossicular chain.

Der Erfindung liegt die Aufgabe zugrunde, ein implantierbares Hörgerät zur Anregung des Innenohres zu schaffen, das eine hohe Klangqualität hat sowie einen relativ einfa­chen und risikolosen Einsatz erlaubt.The invention has for its object to provide an implantable hearing aid for stimulating the inner ear, which has a high sound quality and allows a relatively simple and risk-free use.

Diese Aufgabe wird erfindungsgemäß dadurch gelöst, daß das Hörgerät ein ein­gangsseitig an einen elektromechanischen Wandler angeschlossenes hydromechanisches Koppelelement zum Übertragen der von dem Wandler erzeugten mechanischen Schwingungen zum Innenohr auweist.This object is achieved in that the hearing aid has a hydromechanical coupling element connected on the input side to an electromechanical transducer for transmitting the mechanical vibrations generated by the transducer to the inner ear.

Bei dem Hörgerät nach der Erfindung werden mechanische Schwingungen, die von dem elektromechanischen Wandler erzeugt werden, über das hydromechanische Koppelele­ment - unter Umgehung der Schallübertragung der Gehörknöchelchen im Innenohr - in Form von Druckschwankungen auf die flüssigkeitsgefüllten Innenohrräume übertragen. Es läßt sich dadurch auf verhältnismäßig einfache Weise eine besonders wirkungsvolle Innenohranregung mit hoher Klangqualität erzielen.In the hearing aid according to the invention, mechanical vibrations that are generated by the electromechanical transducer are transmitted in the form of pressure fluctuations to the liquid-filled inner ear spaces via the hydromechanical coupling element — bypassing the sound transmission of the ossicles in the inner ear. This enables a particularly effective inner ear excitation with high sound quality to be achieved in a relatively simple manner.

Das hydromechanische Koppelelement kann in weiterer Ausgestaltung der Erfindung einfach einen an den elektromechanischen Wandler angeschlossenen, flüs­sigkeitsgefüllten Schlauch auiweisen, dessen von dem Wandler abliegendes Ende im implantierten Zustand in die flüssigkeitsgefüllten Innenohrräume reicht.In a further embodiment of the invention, the hydromechanical coupling element can simply have a liquid-filled hose connected to the electromechanical transducer, the end of which extends from the transducer in the implanted state and extends into the fluid-filled inner ear spaces.

Vorteilhaft ist der elektromechanische Wandler hermetisch gekapselt zur Implantation in der Paukenhöhle oder im Mastoid, ausgebildet. Der Schlauch ist zwecks optimaler mechanischer Impedanzanpassung vorteilhaft mit einer lymphähnlichen Flüssigkeit ge­füllt und an dem von dem Wandler abliegenden Ende mit einer dünnen Membran ver­schlossen. Er kann mittels einer aufgeschobenen Drahtwendel oder durch einen oder mehrere in die Schlauchwandung eingelassene Drähte entsprechend den jeweiligen anatomischen Gegebenheiten dauerhaft geformt werden. Der elektromechani­sche Wandler kann in ein Gehäuse einer implantierbaren Signalverarbeitungselektronik integriert sein und auf dem elektrodynamischen, elektromagnetischen oder, vorzugs­weise, piezoelektrischen Prinzip beruhen. Insbesondere kann der Wandler einen piezo­elektrischen Biegeschwinger aufweisen, der auf einer Trägermembran sitzt, die in dem den Wandler aufnehmenden Gehäuse eingespannt ist. Der Biegeschwinger kann aus ei­ner einlagigen piezoelektrischen Scheibe bestehen oder eine zur Trägermembran symmetrische Bimorphstruktur aufweisen, und er hat vorteilhaft einen Durchmesser, der mindestens dem 0,8-fachen und vorzugsweise mindestens dem 0,9-fachen des Innen­durchmessers des zugehörigen Gehäuses entspricht. Durch ein großes Verhältnis von Wandlerscheibendurchmesser zu Schlauchinnendurchmesser wird dabei eine Schnelle­transformation erzielt, die schon bei kleinen elektrischen Wandlerleistungen hohe Aus­gangsdrücke an dem vom Wandler abliegenden Schlauchende entstehen läßt.The electromechanical transducer is advantageously hermetically encapsulated for implantation in the tympanic cavity or in the mastoid. For optimal mechanical impedance matching, the tube is advantageously filled with a lymph-like liquid and closed at the end remote from the transducer with a thin membrane. He can by means of a wire coil pushed on or by one or more wires embedded in the hose wall according to the respective anatomical conditions are permanently shaped. The electromechanical transducer can be integrated in a housing of implantable signal processing electronics and based on the electrodynamic, electromagnetic or, preferably, piezoelectric principle. In particular, the transducer can have a piezoelectric flexural oscillator which is seated on a carrier membrane which is clamped in the housing accommodating the transducer. The bending oscillator can consist of a single-layer piezoelectric disk or have a bimorph structure symmetrical to the support membrane, and it advantageously has a diameter which corresponds to at least 0.8 times and preferably at least 0.9 times the inside diameter of the associated housing. A large ratio of the transducer disc diameter to the inner tube diameter results in a rapid transformation which, even with small electrical transducer outputs, can result in high outlet pressures at the end of the tube lying away from the transducer.

In weiterer Ausgestaltung der Erfindung ist ein den elektromechanischen Wandler über eine Signalverarbeitungselektronik mit Eingangssignalen versorgendes Mikrophon mit einem akustischen Koppelelement zur Schallaufnahme aus der Paukenhöhle verbunden, wodurch die natürliche Richtcharakteristik des Außenohres voll ausgenutzt wird. Das akustische Koppelelement kann einfach als an das Mikrophon angeschlossener Schallei­tungsschlauch ausgebildet sein, dessen vom Mikrophon abgewendetes Ende im implan­tierten Zustand in die Paukenhöhle hineinragt und zweckmäßig mit einer Membran ver­schlossen ist.In a further embodiment of the invention, a microphone supplying the electromechanical transducer via signal processing electronics with input signals is connected to an acoustic coupling element for sound absorption from the tympanic cavity, thereby fully utilizing the natural directional characteristic of the outer ear. The acoustic coupling element can simply be designed as a switching line hose connected to the microphone, the end of which facing away from the microphone projects into the tympanic cavity in the implanted state and is expediently closed with a membrane.

Bevorzugte Ausführungsbeispiele der Erfindung sind nachstehend unter Bezugnahme auf die Zeichnungen näher erläutert. Es zeigen:

  • Fig. 1 einen schematischen Schnitt durch ein menschliches Ohr mit implan­tiertem Hörgerät, sowie gleichfalls schematisch einen externen Steuer­signalgeber,
  • Fig. 2 in größerem Maßstab einen schematischen Schnitt durch einen elek­tromechanischen Wandler mit zugehörigem hydromechanischem Koppelelement zur Übertragung von Wandlerschwingungen auf das Innenohr, und
  • Fig. 3 in größerem Maßstab einen Schnitt durch das Gehäuse der Signalver­arbeitungselektronik in welchem zugleich der elektromechanische Wandler untergebracht ist.
Preferred exemplary embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail below with reference to the drawings. Show it:
  • 1 shows a schematic section through a human ear with an implanted hearing aid, and likewise schematically an external control signal transmitter,
  • Fig. 2 on a larger scale a schematic section through an electromechanical transducer with associated hydromechanical coupling element for transmitting transducer vibrations to the inner ear, and
  • Fig. 3 on a larger scale a section through the housing of the signal processing electronics in which the electromechanical transducer is housed.

Das in Fig. 1 dargestellte Hörgerät weist ein in der näheren Umgebung des betreffenden Ohres 10, insbesondere im Mastoid 11 implantierbares, hermetisch dichtes Gehäuse 12 auf, in welchem, wie schematisch angedeutet, ein Mikrophon 13, eine Signalverarbei­tungselektronik 14 und eine Energieversorgung, beispielsweise eine Sekundärzellenan­ordnung 15 (d.h. ein oder mehrere wiederaufladbare Akkumulatoren) untergebracht sind. Das Mikrophon 13 steht über ein akustisches Koppelelement in Form eines Schalleitungsschlauchs 16 mit der Paukenhöhle 17 in Verbindung. Das von dem Mikro­phon 13 abgewendete Ende des Schalleitungsschlauchs 16 reicht dabei im implantierten Zustand in die Paukenhöhle 17, und es ist dort mittels einer dünnen Membran 18 ver­schlossen.The hearing aid shown in FIG. 1 has a hermetically sealed housing 12 which can be implanted in the vicinity of the ear 10 in question, in particular in the mastoid 11, in which, as schematically indicated, a microphone 13, signal processing electronics 14 and a power supply, for example a Secondary cell arrangement 15 (ie one or more rechargeable batteries) are accommodated. The microphone 13 is connected to the tympanic cavity 17 via an acoustic coupling element in the form of a sound line hose 16. The end of the switching line tube 16 facing away from the microphone 13 extends into the tympanic cavity 17 in the implanted state, and it is closed there by means of a thin membrane 18.

An den Ausgang der Signalverarbeitungselektronik 14 ist über eine Wandlerzuleitung 20 ein elektromechanischer Wandler 21 angeschlossen, der hermetisch gekapselt in der Paukenhöhle hinter dem Trommelfell 22 mechanisch fest fixiert ist. Der Wandler 21 ist seinerseits mit einem hydromechanischen Koppelelement 23 verbunden. Über das Kop­pelelement 23 werden von dem Wandler 21 mechanische Schwingungen zum Innenohr 24 übertragen. Bei dem in Fig. 1 veranschaulichten Ausführungsbeispiel erstreckt sich dazu das Koppelelement 23 durch eine Bohrung in der Steigbügelfußplatte 25 hindurch.An electromechanical transducer 21 is connected to the output of the signal processing electronics 14 via a transducer feed line 20 and is mechanically fixed in a hermetically sealed manner in the tympanic cavity behind the eardrum 22. The converter 21 is in turn connected to a hydromechanical coupling element 23. Mechanical vibrations are transmitted from the transducer 21 to the inner ear 24 via the coupling element 23. In the exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, the coupling element 23 extends through a bore in the stirrup foot plate 25.

Bei der Ausführungsform gemäß Fig. 1 gelangen Schallsignale über das Außenohr 26, den Gehörgang 27 und das Trommelfell 22 zur Paukenhöhle 17. Sie werden dort von dem Schalleitungsschlauch 16 hinter dem Trommelfell 22 aufgenommen und an das in dem Gehäuse 12 sitzende Mikrophon 13 weitergeleitet. Das Mikrophon 13 wandelt den Schall in elektrische Mikrophonsignale um. Diese Signale werden in der Signalverarbei­tungselektronik 14 in geeignete Ausgangssignale umgesetzt und verstärkt über die Wandlerzuleitung 20 an den elektromechanischen Wandler 21 geführt. Der Wandler 21 setzt die elektrischen Ausgangssignale in mechanische Schwingungen um. Die mechani­schen Schwingungen werden über das hydromechanische Koppelelement 23 auf die flüs­sigkeitsgefüllten Innenohrräume übertragen.In the embodiment according to FIG. 1, sound signals pass through the outer ear 26, the auditory canal 27 and the eardrum 22 to the tympanic cavity 17. They are picked up there by the sound conduit hose 16 behind the eardrum 22 and passed on to the microphone 13 seated in the housing 12. The microphone 13 converts the sound into electrical microphone signals. These signals are converted into suitable output signals in the signal processing electronics 14 and are increasingly fed to the electromechanical converter 21 via the converter feed line 20. The converter 21 converts the electrical output signals into mechanical vibrations. The mechanical vibrations are transmitted to the fluid-filled inner ear spaces via the hydromechanical coupling element 23.

Die Fig. 1 läßt erkennen, daß das Hörgerät vollständig implantiert ist. Der Träger wird durch das Gerät unter normalen Alltagsbedingungen nicht beeinträchtigt. Zum Beispiel ist Schwimmen ohne weiteres möglich. Die natürliche Richtcharakteristik des Außen­ohrs 26 wird voll ausgenutzt und nicht durch mechanische Elemente im äußeren Gehör­gang 27 beeinträchtigt. Nach der Signalverstärkung in der Signalverarbeitungselektronik 14 erfolgt keine Wandlung im Luftschall, wodurch eine hohe Klangqualität möglich wird. Etwaige Rückkopplungsprobleme lassen sich relativ einfach beherrschen. Die na­türliche Übertragung über die Gehörknöchelchenkette 28 bleibt unbeeinflußt. Damit ist das Risiko für den Patienten minimiert.1 shows that the hearing aid is completely implanted. The wearer is not affected by the device under normal everyday conditions. For example swimming is easily possible. The natural directional characteristic of the outer ear 26 is fully utilized and is not impaired by mechanical elements in the outer auditory canal 27. After the signal amplification in the signal processing electronics 14, there is no conversion in airborne sound, as a result of which a high sound quality is possible. Any feedback problems are relatively easy to manage. The natural transmission via the ossicular chain 28 remains unaffected. This minimizes the risk for the patient.

Zum wahlweisen Einstellen eines oder mehrerer Kennwerte der Signalverarbei­tungselektronik 14 kann ein externer Steuersignalgeber 30 vorgesehen sein, an dessen Ausgang eine Sendespule 31 angeschlossen ist. In dem Gehäuse 12 ist in einem solchen Fall eine Empfangsspule 32 untergebracht. Auf diese Weise kann im Bedarfsfall über die Spulen 31 und 32 eine hochfrequente induktive Datenübertragung zwischen dem ex­ternen Steuersignalgeber 30 und der implantierten Signalverarbeitungselektronik 14 er­folgen. Zweckmäßig kann die für die induktive Datenübertragung vorgesehene Hoch­frequenzstrecke auch genutzt werden, um Energie zum Aufladen der implantierten Se­kundärzellenanordnung 15 zu übertragen. Stattdessen kann für eine transkutane Daten­übertragung zwischen dem Steuersignalgeber 30 und der Signalverarbeitungselektronik 14 auch eine lichtgebundene Infrarotstrecke vorgesehen sein.An external control signal transmitter 30 can be provided for selectively setting one or more characteristic values of the signal processing electronics 14, to whose output a transmission coil 31 is connected. In such a case, a reception coil 32 is accommodated in the housing 12. In this way, high-frequency inductive data transmission between the external control signal generator 30 and the implanted signal processing electronics 14 can take place via the coils 31 and 32 if necessary. The high-frequency link provided for the inductive data transmission can also expediently be used to transmit energy for charging the implanted secondary cell arrangement 15. Instead, a light-bound infrared path can also be provided for transcutaneous data transmission between the control signal generator 30 and the signal processing electronics 14.

Ein Ausführungsbeispiel des elektromechanischen Wandlers 21 und des hydro­mechanischen Koppelelements 23 ist in größerem Maßstab in Fig. 2 dargestellt. Der Wandler 21 weist ein zweiteiliges, hermetisch dichtes Gehäuse 34 auf. In dem Gehäuse 34 ist ein vorzugsweise kreisförmiger piezoelektrischer Biegeschwinger 35 unterge­bracht, der auf einer Trägermembran 36 sitzt. Die vorzugsweise aus Messing oder Alu­minium bestehende Trägermembran 36 ist an ihrem Rand in dem Gehäuse 34 etwa mit­tig eingespannt. Der veranschaulichte Biegeschwinger 35 hat eine zu der Trägermem­bran 36 symmetrische Bimorphstruktur, deren beide Lagen mit 37 und 38 bezeichnet sind. Die Lagen 37, 38 können elektrisch parallel oder hintereinander geschaltet sein. Dabei werden die zwei oder bei elektrischer Parallelschaltung drei Elektrodenflächen der Lagen 37,38 kontaktiert und durch Gehäusedurchführungen an die Wandlerzulei­tung 20 angeschlossen.An embodiment of the electromechanical transducer 21 and the hydromechanical coupling element 23 is shown on a larger scale in FIG. 2. The converter 21 has a two-part, hermetically sealed housing 34. A preferably circular piezoelectric bending oscillator 35 is accommodated in the housing 34 and sits on a carrier membrane 36. The support membrane 36, which is preferably made of brass or aluminum, is clamped approximately centrally at its edge in the housing 34. The illustrated flexural vibrator 35 has a bimorph structure symmetrical to the support membrane 36, the two layers of which are designated 37 and 38. The layers 37, 38 can be electrically connected in parallel or in series. The two or, in the case of electrical parallel connection, three electrode surfaces of the layers 37, 38 are contacted and connected to the transducer feed line 20 through housing bushings.

Es versteht sich, daß gegebenenfalls auch die eine der beiden Lagen 37,38 weggelassen werden kann, so daß der Biegeschwinger 35 aus einer einlagigen piezoelektrischen Scheibe besteht. Der Biegeschwinger 35 hat zweckmäßig einen Durchmesser, der min­destens dem 0,8-fachen und vorzugsweise mindestens dem 0,9-fachen des Innendurch­messers des Gehäuses 34 entspricht. Die Trägermembran 36 unterteilt den Innenraum des Gehäuses 34 in zwei Kammern 39 und 40. Die eine Kammer 39 ist mit einer Flüs­sigkeit 41 gefüllt, deren Dichte und Zusammensetzung mindestens näherungsweise der Perilymphe (der Flüssigkeit im Innenohr) entsprechen. Durch eine Wandung des Ge­häuses 34 ist ein Anschlußstutzen 42 geführt, über den durch die Wandlerschwingung erzeugte Druckschwankungen auf einen das hydromechanische Koppelelement 23 bil­denden Schlauch 43 geleitet werden. Der Schlauch 43 ist mit der gleichen Flüssigkeit wie die Kammer 39 gefüllt, und sein von dem Wandler 21 abliegendes Ende ist mittels einer dünnen Membran 44 verschlossen. Der Schlauch 43 kann zweckmäßig aus bio­kompatiblem Silikon bestehen, und er hat vorteilhaft einen Außendurchmesser von 0,3 bis 1,0 mm, vorzugsweise etwa 0,6 mm, sowie eine Wandstärke von 0,05 bis 0,3 mm, vor­zugsweise etwa 0,1 mm. Das Wandlergehäuse 34 ist kreisförmig oder annähernd kreis­förmig ausgebildet, und es hat zweckmäßig einen Durchmesser von 5 bis 10 mm, vor­zugsweise etwa 8 mm. Das Gehäuse 34 kann ebenso wie das Gehäuse 12 vorteilhaft aus einer biokompatiblen Keramik, z.B. Al₂O₃, oder aus Titan bestehen. Die andere Kam­mer 40 des Gehäuses 34 ist mit einem Edelgas, vorzugsweise Argon, gefüllt. Um den Schlauch 43 ist ein dünner Draht 45 aus biokompatiblem Werkstoff, vorzugsweise Pla­tin, gewendelt. Die Drahtwendel erlaubt es, eine beständige Formung von Biegeradien zur Anpassung an die jeweiligen anatomischen Gegebenheiten zu erreichen. An Stelle der Drahtwendel können auch ein oder mehrere Drähte, vorzugsweise Platindrähte, in die Wandung des Schlauchs 43 eingelassen sein.It goes without saying that one of the two layers 37, 38 can optionally also be omitted, so that the bending oscillator 35 consists of a single-layer piezoelectric Disc exists. The bending vibrator 35 expediently has a diameter which corresponds to at least 0.8 times and preferably at least 0.9 times the inside diameter of the housing 34. The carrier membrane 36 divides the interior of the housing 34 into two chambers 39 and 40. One chamber 39 is filled with a liquid 41, the density and composition of which at least approximately correspond to the perilymph (the liquid in the inner ear). A connection piece 42 is guided through a wall of the housing 34, via which pressure fluctuations generated by the transducer vibration are directed to a hose 43 forming the hydromechanical coupling element 23. The tube 43 is filled with the same liquid as the chamber 39, and its end remote from the transducer 21 is closed by means of a thin membrane 44. The tube 43 can expediently consist of biocompatible silicone, and it advantageously has an outer diameter of 0.3 to 1.0 mm, preferably approximately 0.6 mm, and a wall thickness of 0.05 to 0.3 mm, preferably approximately 0. 1 mm. The converter housing 34 is circular or approximately circular, and it expediently has a diameter of 5 to 10 mm, preferably about 8 mm. Like the housing 12, the housing 34 can advantageously consist of a biocompatible ceramic, for example Al₂O₃, or of titanium. The other chamber 40 of the housing 34 is filled with an inert gas, preferably argon. A thin wire 45 made of biocompatible material, preferably platinum, is wound around the tube 43. The wire helix makes it possible to achieve a constant formation of bending radii to adapt to the respective anatomical conditions. Instead of the wire helix, one or more wires, preferably platinum wires, can also be embedded in the wall of the hose 43.

Die wesentliche Wirkung der in Fig. 2 veranschaulichten Anordnung beruht einerseits auf dem Prinzip einer Druckkammer, durch das erreicht wird, daß bei großem Verhält­nis von Wandlerscheibendurchmesser zu Schlauchinnendurchmesser eine Schnelletrans­formation entsteht, die bei Kleinen elektrischen Wandlerleistungen hohe Ausgangs­drücke an der Schlauchmembran 44 ermöglicht. Andererseits erlaubt die Füllung des Schlauchs 43 mit einer lymphähnlichen Flüssigkeit eine optimale mechanische Impe­danzanpassung an das Innenohr. Dadurch werden störende Reflexionen vermieden.The essential effect of the arrangement illustrated in FIG. 2 is based, on the one hand, on the principle of a pressure chamber, by means of which a rapid transformation occurs with a large ratio of converter disk diameter to hose inside diameter, which enables high output pressures on the hose membrane 44 in the case of small electrical converter powers. On the other hand, the filling of the tube 43 with a lymph-like liquid allows an optimal mechanical impedance adaptation to the inner ear. This prevents annoying reflections.

Bei der abgewandelten Ausführungsform gemäß Fig. 3 ist der elektromechanische Wandler 21 mit in das Gehäuse 12 der Signalverarbeitungselektronik 14 integriert. Die von der Trägermembran 36 des Biegeschwingers 35 begrenzte, in diesem Fall gleichfalls in dem Gehäuse 12 ausgebildete, flüssigkeitsgefüllte Kammer 39 ist analog der Fig. 2 mit dem hydromechanischen Koppelelement 23 in Form des flüssigkeitsgefüllten Schlauches 43 verbunden. Entsprechend der Ausführungsform der Fig. 1 sind in dem Gehäuse 12 ferner das Mikrophon 13 und die Energieversorgung, beispielsweise eine Sekundärzellenanordnung 15, untergebracht. Der Schall wird dem Mikrophon 13 aus der Paukenhöhle 17 über den Schalleitungsschlauch 16 zugeführt. Letzterer ist mit dem Gehäuse 12 über einen Anschlußstutzen 46 verbunden und an seinem freien Ende mit­tels der dünnen Membran 18 abgeschlossen. Um Rückkopplungen zu vermeiden, ist das Mikrophon 13 in dem Gehäuse 12 schwingungstechnisch isoliert aufgehängt. Wie in Fig. 3 angedeutet ist, sitzen das Mikrophon 13, die Signalverarbeitungselektronik 14 und die Energieversorgung 15 in einer von der gasgefüllten Kammer 40 mittels einer Trennwand 47 abgeteilten dritten Kammer 48. Gegebenenfalls können mindestens einzelne dieser Baugruppen aber auch in der Kammer 40 untergebracht sein.In the modified embodiment according to FIG. 3, the electromechanical converter 21 is also integrated in the housing 12 of the signal processing electronics 14. The bounded by the support membrane 36 of the bending vibrator 35, in this case also In the housing 12, the liquid-filled chamber 39 is connected to the hydromechanical coupling element 23 in the form of the liquid-filled hose 43, analogously to FIG. 2. According to the embodiment of FIG. 1, the microphone 13 and the power supply, for example a secondary cell arrangement 15, are also accommodated in the housing 12. The sound is fed to the microphone 13 from the tympanic cavity 17 via the formwork tube 16. The latter is connected to the housing 12 via a connecting piece 46 and terminated at its free end by means of the thin membrane 18. In order to avoid feedback, the microphone 13 is suspended in the housing 12 so that it is isolated in terms of vibration. As indicated in FIG. 3, the microphone 13, the signal processing electronics 14 and the energy supply 15 are seated in a third chamber 48, which is separated from the gas-filled chamber 40 by means of a partition 47. At least some of these modules can also be accommodated in the chamber 40 if necessary .

Zur Energieversorgung kann auch eine Primärzellenanordnung vorgesehen sein, die in einem von dem Gehäuse 12 der Signalverarbeitungselektronik 14 getrennten Gehäuse untergebracht und über eine trennbare Verbindung an die Signal­verarbeitungselektronik 14 angeschlossen ist. Dadurch kann im Bedarfsfall die Primär­zellenanordnung (eine oder mehrere Batterien) ausgetauscht werden, ohne daß ein gleichzeitiger Austausch des Gehäuses 12 bzw. ein Eingriff in dieses Gehäuse notwendig wird.A primary cell arrangement can also be provided for the energy supply, which is accommodated in a housing which is separate from the housing 12 of the signal processing electronics 14 and is connected to the signal processing electronics 14 via a separable connection. As a result, the primary cell arrangement (one or more batteries) can be replaced if necessary, without a simultaneous exchange of the housing 12 or an intervention in this housing being necessary.

Es ist ferner möglich, das Schall aus der Paukenhöhle 17 aufnehmende Mikrophon 13 in einem gesonderten Gehäuse unterzubringen, das bei der Implantation unmittelbar in der Paukenhöhle 17 fixiert wird. Das Mikrophon 13 nimmt dabei den Schall aus der Paukenhöhle über einen durch das Gehäuse geführten Stutzen auf, der zur Abdichtung mit einer dünnen Membran abgeschlossen ist.It is also possible to accommodate the microphone 13 receiving the sound from the tympanic cavity 17 in a separate housing which is fixed directly in the tympanic cavity 17 during the implantation. The microphone 13 picks up the sound from the tympanic cavity via a nozzle which is guided through the housing and is sealed off with a thin membrane for sealing.

Claims (25)

1. Implantierbares Hörgerät zur Anregung des Innenohres, gekennzeichnet durch ein eingangsseitig an einen elektromechanischen Wandler (21) angeschlossenes hydro­mechanisches Koppelelement (23) zum Übertragen der von dem Wandler er­zeugten mechanischen Schwingungen zum Innenohr.1. Implantable hearing aid for excitation of the inner ear, characterized by a hydromechanical coupling element (23) connected on the input side to an electromechanical transducer (21) for transmitting the mechanical vibrations generated by the transducer to the inner ear. 2. Hörgerät nach Anspruch 1, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß das hydromechanische Koppelelement (23) einen an den elektromechanischen Wandler (21) angeschlos­senen, flüssigkeitsgefüllten Schlauch (43) aufweist, dessen von dem Wandler ablie­gendes Ende im implantierten Zustand in die flüssigkeitsgefüllten Innenohrräume reicht.2. Hearing aid according to claim 1, characterized in that the hydromechanical coupling element (23) has a liquid-filled tube (43) connected to the electromechanical transducer (21), the end of which extends from the transducer in the implanted state and extends into the fluid-filled inner ear spaces. 3. Hörgerät nach Anspruch 1 oder 2, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß der elektromechanische Wandler (21) hermetisch gekapselt zur Implantation in der Paukenhöhle oder im Mastoid ausgebildet ist.3. Hearing aid according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the electromechanical transducer (21) is hermetically encapsulated for implantation in the tympanic cavity or in the mastoid. 4. Hörgerät nach Anspruch 2, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß der flüssigkeitsgefüllte Schlauch (43) an dem von dem elektromechanischen Wandler (21) abliegenden Ende verschlossen ist.4. Hearing aid according to claim 2, characterized in that the liquid-filled tube (43) is closed at the end remote from the electromechanical transducer (21). 5. Hörgerät nach Anspruch 4, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß das Schlauchende mit ei­ner dünnen Membran (44) abgeschlossen ist.5. Hearing aid according to claim 4, characterized in that the tube end is closed with a thin membrane (44). 6. Hörgerät nach Anspruch 4 oder 5, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß der Schlauch (43) mit einer lymphähnlichen Flüssigkeit gefüllt ist.6. Hearing aid according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that the tube (43) is filled with a lymph-like liquid. 7. Hörgerät nach einem der Ansprüche 2 bis 6, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß der flüs­sigkeitsgefüllte Schlauch (43) einen Außendurchmesser von 0,3 bis 1,0 mm, vor­zugsweise etwa 0,6 mm und eine Wandstärke von 0,05 bis 0,3 mm, vorzugsweise etwa 0,1 mm hat.7. Hearing aid according to one of claims 2 to 6, characterized in that the liquid-filled tube (43) has an outer diameter of 0.3 to 1.0 mm, preferably about 0.6 mm and a wall thickness of 0.05 to 0.3 mm, preferably about 0.1 mm. 8. Hörgerät nach einem der Ansprüche 2 bis 7, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß der Schlauch (43) mit einem biokompatiblen Draht (45), vorzugsweise Platindraht, um­wendelt ist.8. Hearing aid according to one of claims 2 to 7, characterized in that the tube (43) with a biocompatible wire (45), preferably platinum wire, is wrapped. 9. Hörgerät nach einem der Ansprüche 2 bis 8, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß ein oder mehrere Drähte, vorzugsweise Platindrähte, in die Wandung des Schlauchs (43) eingelassen sind.9. Hearing aid according to one of claims 2 to 8, characterized in that one or more wires, preferably platinum wires, are embedded in the wall of the tube (43). 10. Hörgerät nach einem der Ansprüche 3 bis 9, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß der elek­tromechanische Wandler (21) in einem kreisförmigen oder annähernd kreisförmi­gen Wandlergehäuse (34) untergebracht ist, das einen Durchmesser von 5 bis 10 mm, vorzugsweise etwa 8 mm, hat.10. Hearing aid according to one of claims 3 to 9, characterized in that the electromechanical transducer (21) is housed in a circular or approximately circular transducer housing (34) which has a diameter of 5 to 10 mm, preferably about 8 mm. 11. Hörgerät nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß der elektromechanische Wandler (21) in ein Gehäuse (12) einer implantierbaren Signalverarbeitungselektronik (14) integriert ist.11. Hearing aid according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the electromechanical transducer (21) is integrated in a housing (12) of implantable signal processing electronics (14). 12. Hörgerät nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß der Wandler (21) auf dem elektrodynamischen, elektromagnetischen oder, vor­zugsweise, piezoelektrischen Prinzip beruht.12. Hearing aid according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the transducer (21) is based on the electrodynamic, electromagnetic or, preferably, piezoelectric principle. 13. Hörgerät nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß der elektromechanische Wandler (21) einen, vorzugsweise kreisförmigen, piezo­elektrischen Biegeschwinger (35) aufweist, der auf einer Trägermembran (36) sitzt, die in dem den Wandler aufnehmenden Gehäuse (12,34) eingespannt ist.13. Hearing aid according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the electromechanical transducer (21) has a, preferably circular, piezoelectric bending oscillator (35) which sits on a carrier membrane (36) which in the housing (12, receiving the transducer) 34) is clamped. 14. Hörgerät nach Anspruch 13, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß der Biegeschwinger (35) aus einer einlagigen piezoelektrischen Scheibe besteht.14. Hearing aid according to claim 13, characterized in that the bending oscillator (35) consists of a single-layer piezoelectric disc. 15. Hörgerät nach Anspruch 13, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß der Biegeschwinger (35) eine zu der Trägermembran (36) symmetrische Bimorphstruktur hat, deren beide Lagen (37,38) elektrisch parallel oder hintereinander geschaltet sind.15. Hearing aid according to claim 13, characterized in that the bending oscillator (35) has a bimorph structure which is symmetrical with respect to the carrier membrane (36), the two layers (37, 38) of which are electrically connected in parallel or in series. 16. Hörgerät nach einem der Ansprüche 13 bis 15, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß der Biegeschwinger (35,) einen Durchmesser hat, der mindestens dem 0,8-fachen und vorzugsweise mindestens dem 0,9-fachen des Innendurchmessers des zugehörigen Gehäuses (12,34) entspricht.16. Hearing aid according to one of claims 13 to 15, characterized in that the bending vibrator (35,) has a diameter which is at least 0.8 times and preferably at least 0.9 times the inner diameter of the associated housing (12, 34) corresponds. 17. Hörgerät nach einem der Ansprüche 13 bis 16, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß die Trägermembran (36) den Innenraum des Gehäuses (12,34) in zwei Kammern (39, 40) unterteilt.17. Hearing aid according to one of claims 13 to 16, characterized in that the carrier membrane (36) divides the interior of the housing (12, 34) into two chambers (39, 40). 18. Hörgerät nach Anspruch 17, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß die eine der beiden Kammern (39) mit dem hydromechanischen Koppelelement (23) verbunden ist.18. Hearing aid according to claim 17, characterized in that one of the two chambers (39) is connected to the hydromechanical coupling element (23). 19. Hörgerät nach Anspruch 18, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß die eine Kammer (39) des Gehäuses (12, 34) mit einer Flüssigkeit gefüllt ist, deren Dichte und Zusam­mensetzung mindestens näherungsweise derjenigen der Perilymphe entspricht.19. Hearing aid according to claim 18, characterized in that the one chamber (39) of the housing (12, 34) is filled with a liquid whose density and composition corresponds at least approximately to that of the perilymph. 20. Hörgerät nach Anspruch 18 oder 19, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß die andere Kammer (40) des Gehäuses (12,34) mit einem Edelgas, vorzugsweise Argon, gefüllt ist.20. Hearing aid according to claim 18 or 19, characterized in that the other chamber (40) of the housing (12, 34) is filled with an inert gas, preferably argon. 21. Hörgerät nach einem der Ansprüche 18 bis 20, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß in der anderen oder einer dritten Kammer (48) des Gehäuses eine Signalver­arbeitungselektronik (14) und/oder ein Mikrophon (13) und/oder eine Ener­gieversorgung (15,15′) untergebracht sind.21. Hearing aid according to one of claims 18 to 20, characterized in that in the other or a third chamber (48) of the housing a signal processing electronics (14) and / or a microphone (13) and / or an energy supply (15, 15 ' ) are accommodated. 22. Hörgerät nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß das hydromechanische Koppelelement (23) im implantierten Zustand durch eine Bohrung in der Steigbügelplatte oder eine Bohrung in der Nähe des runden Fen­sters hindurch in das Innenohr hineinreicht.22. Hearing aid according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the hydromechanical coupling element (23) in the implanted state extends through a hole in the stirrup plate or a hole in the vicinity of the round window into the inner ear. 23. Hörgerät nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß ein den elektromechanischen Wandler (21) über eine Signalverarbeitungselektronik (14) mit Eingangssignalen versorgendes Mikrophon (13) mit einem akustischen Koppelelement (16) zur Schallaufnahme aus der Paukenhöhle verbunden ist.23. Hearing aid according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the microphone (13) which supplies the electromechanical transducer (21) via signal processing electronics (14) with input signals is connected to an acoustic coupling element (16) for picking up sound from the tympanic cavity. 24. Hörgerät nach Anspruch 23, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß als akustisches Koppel­element ein an das Mikrophon (13) angeschlossener Schalleitungsschlauch (16) vorgesehen ist, dessen vom Mikrophon abgewendetes Ende im implantierten Zu­stand in die Paukenhöhle hineinragt.24. Hearing aid according to claim 23, characterized in that as an acoustic coupling element to the microphone (13) connected to the sound line hose (16) is provided, the end of which is turned away from the microphone and projects into the tympanic cavity in the implanted state. 25. Hörgerät nach Anspruch 24, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß der Schalleitungs­schlauch (16) an dem vom Mikrophon (13) abgewendeten Ende mit einer Membran (18) verschlossen ist.25. Hearing aid according to claim 24, characterized in that the formwork tube (16) is closed at the end facing away from the microphone (13) with a membrane (18).
EP90110307A 1989-06-02 1990-05-30 Implantable hearing aid Expired - Lifetime EP0400630B1 (en)

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DE3918086A DE3918086C1 (en) 1989-06-02 1989-06-02
DE3918086 1989-06-02

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US5814095A (en) * 1996-09-18 1998-09-29 Implex Gmbh Spezialhorgerate Implantable microphone and implantable hearing aids utilizing same
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US5411467A (en) 1995-05-02
DK0400630T3 (en) 1995-09-18
EP0400630B1 (en) 1995-08-02

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