EP0499699A1 - Hearing aid with at least two microphones - Google Patents

Hearing aid with at least two microphones Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0499699A1
EP0499699A1 EP91120568A EP91120568A EP0499699A1 EP 0499699 A1 EP0499699 A1 EP 0499699A1 EP 91120568 A EP91120568 A EP 91120568A EP 91120568 A EP91120568 A EP 91120568A EP 0499699 A1 EP0499699 A1 EP 0499699A1
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EP
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Prior art keywords
hearing aid
microphones
microphone
switch
sound
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Granted
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EP91120568A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP0499699B1 (en
Inventor
André Vonlanthen
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Sonova Holding AG
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Phonak AG
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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
    • H04R25/40Arrangements for obtaining a desired directivity characteristic
    • H04R25/405Arrangements for obtaining a desired directivity characteristic by combining a plurality of transducers
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H04ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04RLOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; DEAF-AID SETS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS
    • H04R2410/00Microphones
    • H04R2410/01Noise reduction using microphones having different directional characteristics

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a hearing aid with an electronic amplifier arranged in the housing with recording and playback devices for sound amplification.
  • Such devices serve people with poor hearing as hearing aids in that all noises are picked up via a microphone, electronically amplified and reproduced by means of a loudspeaker which, as an outlet opening, has a tubular structure reaching into the auditory canal of the wearer.
  • the hearing aid housing is shaped such that it resp. can be worn around the ear. It follows that it is a relatively small device in which only miniaturized components can be used. Both due to the small size and the positioning on the ear, volume controls and an M-T-O switch are conventionally attached to the hearing aid as control elements. Two operating modes can be selected with the M-T-O switch. Position “M” stands for microphone, position "T” for telephone (the signal is transmitted inductively); in position "O” the device is switched off.
  • mainly omni-directional microphones are used as the recording device. These normally use a small opening in the hearing aid housing as a sound entry opening. As a result of the omnidirectional microphone characteristic, all noises are recorded and amplified to the same extent in a spherical manner around this opening. In particular, in conversations between a hearing aid wearer and a person at a distance from it, all surrounding sound sources interfere with the understanding, since these are amplified as background noise in the same way as the speech source. This effect increases with increasing Hearing impairment and the resulting increased sound amplification increased. In order to do justice to these cases, a few hearing aids have microphones with directional (directional) characteristics. These microphones have two separate sound entry openings.
  • a club-shaped, directed sound recording area By appropriate arrangement of the two sound inlet openings, such a sound recording area can be directed such that it is in the head or.
  • Direction of view of the hearing aid wearer shows. This dampens noise sources behind and next to the hearing aid wearer, for example.
  • a hearing aid version is also already known in which the recording characteristic is switchable.
  • one of the two sound inlet openings is either covered or left open by means of a mechanically operable screen. If one of the two openings is covered with a directional microphone, an omnidirectional characteristic is achieved.
  • the screen which is very small, cannot be operated directly by the user when the hearing aid is worn, since there is no space for a correspondingly easy-to-use actuating element. Conventionally, this setting is therefore permanently preselected when fitting the hearing aid.
  • the object of the present invention was to enable the hearing aid wearer himself to change the recording characteristics of the hearing aid while wearing the hearing aid on the ear. without changing the dimensions of the hearing aid.
  • At least two microphones are provided as recording devices with sound entry openings arranged at a distance from one another in the hearing device and these can be connected to the amplifier either individually or in parallel, connected in each case by means of a switch.
  • a special embodiment of the invention provides that the microphones are omnidirectional microphones, each with a sound inlet opening.
  • a further preferred embodiment of the invention provides that the microphone used is at least one omnidirectional microphone with a sound entry opening and at least one directional microphone with at least two sound entry openings separated from one another, or that the microphones are directional microphones with at least two sound entry openings separated from one another.
  • only one microphone can be connected to the amplifier input by means of the switch.
  • At least one microphone is preferably connected directly to the amplifier input and at least one microphone can optionally be connected in parallel to the directly connected microphones by means of the switch.
  • the switch is an electro-mechanical switch attached to the hearing aid.
  • an electronic switch is used as the switch, which is operated by means of remote-controlled control electronics is controlled.
  • the recording characteristic can be electronically switched on or off. Switch off additional microphones with separate sound inlets. Since such microphones can be greatly miniaturized and electronic switches can at best be integrated into the existing amplifier circuit, practically no additional space in the hearing aid is required for this function.
  • the hearing aid wearer can change the recording characteristic himself at any time, which results in a considerable improvement in comfort.
  • a conventional hearing device essentially has a microphone 1 as a recording device, an amplifier 2 and a playback speaker 3, as shown in FIG. Under An additional control element for controlling the amplifier 2 is possibly provided, with which the degree of amplification can be changed within a certain range.
  • the microphone 1 normally has an omnidirectional recording characteristic.
  • a hearing aid design As shown schematically in section in FIG. 2. Inside the hearing aid housing 5 there is a directional microphone 6 with two separate sound inlet openings 7 and 8. The reproduction is carried out by means of a loudspeaker 9, the output opening 10 of which opens into a channel 11 to be inserted into the auditory canal.
  • a sliding diaphragm 12 with an opening 13 is attached to the hearing aid. In one end position of the diaphragm 12 (as shown in FIG. 2), the opening 13 lies just above the sound entry opening 8 of the microphone 6, which means that the microphone 6 has a directional, directional characteristic. In the other end position of the diaphragm 12, the sound inlet opening 8 is covered by it, and the microphone 6 has an omnidirectional characteristic.
  • the panel is very small and can only be operated with a suitable tool, i.e. be moved.
  • a preferred exemplary embodiment of the invention has two microphones 14 and 17 in the hearing device 5 (FIG. 3).
  • one microphone is a directional microphone with two sound inlet openings 15, 16 and the other microphone 17 is an omnidirectional microphone with a sound inlet channel 18.
  • the microphone 14 or the microphone 17 is optionally connected to the amplifier with an electronic switch, whereby each the corresponding recording characteristic is achieved. Any other combinations of microphones are also conceivable.
  • two omnidirectional Microphones are switched in such a way that in one switch position only one microphone is connected to the amplifier and an omnidirectional recording characteristic is thus achieved.
  • both microphones can be connected in parallel, whereby a directional characteristic can be achieved due to the different position of the two sound inlet openings. If necessary, both microphones are connected to their own preamplifiers, which can be set to the correct phase position.
  • the combination of two directional microphones is also conceivable, it being possible to amplify the directional effect by switching on the two microphones.
  • a remote-controlled control electronics is preferably used to control the electronic switches, which allows this function to be operated conveniently by means of a remote control operating device.
  • Such hearing aids are also known today.

Abstract

Hearing aid with at least two microphones with sound inlets disposed at a distance from one another as a recording device. Through optional activation of a single or at least two parallel-connected microphones, a change in the recording characteristic, for example from omnidirectional to directional, is achieved. This change can be performed by the user himself by means of an electronic switchover. <IMAGE>

Description

Die vorliegende Erfindung betrifft ein Hörgerät mit im Gehäuse angeordnetem elektronischen Verstärker mit Aufnahme- und Wiedergabeeinrichtungen zur Tonverstärkung. Solche Geräte dienen Personen mit schwacher Hörfähigkeit als Hörhilfen, indem alle Geräusche über ein Mikrofon aufgenommen, elektronisch verstärkt und mittels eines Lautsprechers, welcher als Austrittsöffnung eine in den Hörkanal des Trägers reichendes rohrförmiges Gebilde besitzt, wiedergegeben werden. Das Hörgerätegehäuse ist derart geformt, dass es am resp. um das Ohr getragen werden kann. Daraus folgt, dass es sich um ein verhältnismässig kleines Gerät handelt, in welchem nur miniaturisierte Bestandteile verwendet werden können. Sowohl durch die geringe Grösse wie auch durch die Positionierung am Ohr bedingt werden herkömmlicherweise als Bedienelemente eine Lautstärkeregulierung und ein M-T-O Schalter am Hörgerät angebracht. Mit dem M-T-O Schalter können zwei Betriebsarten gewählt werden. Stellung "M" steht für Mikrofon, Stellung "T" für Telefon (das Signal wird dabei induktiv übertragen); in Stellung "O" ist das Gerät ausgeschaltet.The present invention relates to a hearing aid with an electronic amplifier arranged in the housing with recording and playback devices for sound amplification. Such devices serve people with poor hearing as hearing aids in that all noises are picked up via a microphone, electronically amplified and reproduced by means of a loudspeaker which, as an outlet opening, has a tubular structure reaching into the auditory canal of the wearer. The hearing aid housing is shaped such that it resp. can be worn around the ear. It follows that it is a relatively small device in which only miniaturized components can be used. Both due to the small size and the positioning on the ear, volume controls and an M-T-O switch are conventionally attached to the hearing aid as control elements. Two operating modes can be selected with the M-T-O switch. Position "M" stands for microphone, position "T" for telephone (the signal is transmitted inductively); in position "O" the device is switched off.

Bekannterweise werden hauptsächlich omnidirketionale Mikrofone als Aufnahmeeinrichtung verwendet. Diese benutzen normalerweise eine kleine Öffnung im Hörgerätegehäuse als Schalleintrittsöffnung. Dabei werden infolge der omnidirektionalen Mikrofoncharakteristik alle Geräusche kugelförmig um diese Öffnung gleichstark aufgenommen und verstärkt. Insbesondere bei Gesprächen zwischen einem Hörgeräteträger und einer im Abstand dazu befindlichen Person stören alle rundherum befindlichen Schallquellen das Verständnis, da diese als Nebengeräusche ebenfalls gleich wie die Sprachquelle verstärkt werden. Dieser Effekt wird mit steigender Hörschwäche und der dadurch bedingten grösseren Tonverstärkung noch gesteigert. Um diesen Fällen gerecht zu werden besitzen vereinzelt Hörgeräte Mikrofone mit direktionaler (gerichteter) Charakteristik. Diese Mikrofone besitzen zwei voneinander getrennte Schalleintrittsöffnungen. Damit ergeben sich je nach Eintreffwinkel auf die Eintrittsöffnungsanordnung unterschiedliche Eintreffzeiten der Schallwellen, was einen keulenförmigen,gerichteten Schallaufnahmebereich zur Folge hat. Durch entsprechende Anordnung der beiden Schalleintrittsöffnungen kann ein solcher Schallaufnahmebereich derart gerichtet werden, dass er in Kopf- resp. Blickrichtung des Hörgeräteträgers zeigt. Damit werden beispielsweise Geräuschquellen hinter und neben dem Hörgeräteträger gedämpft.As is known, mainly omni-directional microphones are used as the recording device. These normally use a small opening in the hearing aid housing as a sound entry opening. As a result of the omnidirectional microphone characteristic, all noises are recorded and amplified to the same extent in a spherical manner around this opening. In particular, in conversations between a hearing aid wearer and a person at a distance from it, all surrounding sound sources interfere with the understanding, since these are amplified as background noise in the same way as the speech source. This effect increases with increasing Hearing impairment and the resulting increased sound amplification increased. In order to do justice to these cases, a few hearing aids have microphones with directional (directional) characteristics. These microphones have two separate sound entry openings. Depending on the angle of incidence on the inlet opening arrangement, this results in different arrival times of the sound waves, which results in a club-shaped, directed sound recording area. By appropriate arrangement of the two sound inlet openings, such a sound recording area can be directed such that it is in the head or. Direction of view of the hearing aid wearer shows. This dampens noise sources behind and next to the hearing aid wearer, for example.

Es ist ebenfalls bereits eine Hörgeräteausführung bekannt, bei welcher die Aufnahmecharakteristik umschaltbar vorgesehen ist. Bei dieser Lösung wird eine der beiden Schalleintrittsöffnungen mittels einer mechanisch bedienbaren Blende wahlweise abgedeckt oder offengelassen. Wird bei einem direktionalen Mikrofon eine der beiden Öffnungen abgedeckt, so wird eine omnidirektionale Charakteristik erreicht. Die Blende, welche sehr klein ausgeführt ist, kann im getragenen Zustand des Hörgerätes vom Benutzer nicht direkt bedient werden, da der Platz für ein entsprechend gut bedienbares Betätigungselement fehlt. Herkömmlicherweise wird diese Einstellung daher beim Anpassen des Hörgerätes fest vorgewählt.A hearing aid version is also already known in which the recording characteristic is switchable. In this solution, one of the two sound inlet openings is either covered or left open by means of a mechanically operable screen. If one of the two openings is covered with a directional microphone, an omnidirectional characteristic is achieved. The screen, which is very small, cannot be operated directly by the user when the hearing aid is worn, since there is no space for a correspondingly easy-to-use actuating element. Conventionally, this setting is therefore permanently preselected when fitting the hearing aid.

Die Aufgabe der vorliegenden Erfindung bestand darin, dem Hörgeräteträger selbst ein Ändern der Aufnahmecharakteristik des Hörgerätes während des Tragens des Hörgerätes am Ohr zu ermöglichen. ohne das Hörgerät in seinen Abmessungen zu verändern.The object of the present invention was to enable the hearing aid wearer himself to change the recording characteristics of the hearing aid while wearing the hearing aid on the ear. without changing the dimensions of the hearing aid.

Diese Aufgabe wird erfindungsgemäss dadurch gelöst, dass wenigstens zwei Mikrofone als Aufnahmeeinrichtung mit im Abstand zueinander angeordneten Schalleintrittsöffnungen im Hörgerät vorgesehen sind und diese wahlweise mittels eines Schalters jeweils einzeln oder parallel verbunden an den Verstärker anschliessbar sind.This object is achieved according to the invention in that at least two microphones are provided as recording devices with sound entry openings arranged at a distance from one another in the hearing device and these can be connected to the amplifier either individually or in parallel, connected in each case by means of a switch.

Eine besondere Ausführungsform der Erfindung sieht vor, dass die Mikrofone omnidirektionale Mikrofone mit jeweils einer Schalleintrittsöffnung sind.A special embodiment of the invention provides that the microphones are omnidirectional microphones, each with a sound inlet opening.

Eine weitere bevorzugte Ausführungsform der Erfindung sieht vor, dass als Mikrofon wenigstens ein omnidirektionales Mikrofone mit einer Schalleintrittsöffnung und wenigstens ein direktionales Mikrofon mit wenigstens zwei voneinander getrennten Schalleintrittssöffnungen verwendet werden, oder dass die Mikrofone direktionale Mikrofone mit jeweils wenigstens zwei voneinander getrennten Schalleintrittsöffnung sind.A further preferred embodiment of the invention provides that the microphone used is at least one omnidirectional microphone with a sound entry opening and at least one directional microphone with at least two sound entry openings separated from one another, or that the microphones are directional microphones with at least two sound entry openings separated from one another.

In einer weiteren Ausführungsform der Erfindung ist jeweils nur ein Mikrofon mittels des Schalters mit dem Verstärkereingang verbindbar.In a further embodiment of the invention, only one microphone can be connected to the amplifier input by means of the switch.

Vorzugsweise ist mindestens ein Mikrofon direkt an den Verstärkereingang angeschlossen und ist mindestens ein Mikrofon mittels des Schalters parallel zu den direkt angeschlossenen Mikrofonen wahlweise zugeschaltbar.At least one microphone is preferably connected directly to the amplifier input and at least one microphone can optionally be connected in parallel to the directly connected microphones by means of the switch.

In einer weiteren Ausführungsform der Erfindung ist der Schalter ein am Hörgerät angebrachter elektro-mechanischer Schalter.In a further embodiment of the invention, the switch is an electro-mechanical switch attached to the hearing aid.

In einer besonders bevorzugten Ausführungsform der Erfindung wird als Schalter ein elektronischer Schalter verwendet, welcher mittels einer fernbedienten Steuerelektronik gesteuert wird.In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, an electronic switch is used as the switch, which is operated by means of remote-controlled control electronics is controlled.

Durch die erfindungsgemässe Anordnung von mehr als einem Mikrofon lässt sich die Aufnahmecharakteristik elektronisch durch Zuschalten resp. Ausschalten weiterer Mikrofone mit getrennten Schalleintrittssöffnungen erreichen. Da solche Mikrofone stark miniaturisiert werden können und elektronische Schalter allenfalls in die vorhandenen Verstärkerschaltung integriert werden können, wird praktisch kein zusätzlicher Raum im Hörgerät für diese Funktion benötigt. Durch den Einsatz der erfindungsgemässen Anordnung in ferngesteuert bedienbaren Hörgeräten, welche eine Steuerelektronik mit Empfänger beinhalten, kann damit die Änderung der Aufnahmecharakteristik durch den Hörgeräteträger jederzeit selbst erfolgen, was eine erheblichen Komfortverbesserung zur Folge hat.Due to the arrangement of more than one microphone according to the invention, the recording characteristic can be electronically switched on or off. Switch off additional microphones with separate sound inlets. Since such microphones can be greatly miniaturized and electronic switches can at best be integrated into the existing amplifier circuit, practically no additional space in the hearing aid is required for this function. By using the arrangement according to the invention in hearing aids which can be operated remotely and which contain control electronics with a receiver, the hearing aid wearer can change the recording characteristic himself at any time, which results in a considerable improvement in comfort.

Ein Ausführungsbeispiel der Erfindung wird nachstehend anhand von Zeichnungen noch näher erläutert.An embodiment of the invention is explained in more detail below with reference to drawings.

Es zeigen

  • Fig. 1 das Blockschaltbild eines herkömmlichen Hörgerätes mit einem omnidirektionalen Mikrofon;
  • Fig. 2 den schematischen Schnitt durch ein herkömmliches Hörgerät mit mechanisch bedienter Blende vor einem direktionalen Mikrofon;
  • Fig. 3 den schematischen Schnitt durch ein erfindungsgemässes Hörgerät mit je einem direktionalen und einem omnidirektionalen Mikrofon.
Show it
  • 1 shows the block diagram of a conventional hearing aid with an omnidirectional microphone;
  • 2 shows the schematic section through a conventional hearing aid with a mechanically operated aperture in front of a directional microphone;
  • 3 shows the schematic section through a hearing device according to the invention, each with a directional and an omnidirectional microphone.

Ein herkömmliches Hörgerät weist im Wesentlichen ein Mikrofon 1 als Aufnahmeeinrichtung, einen Verstärker 2 und einen Wiedergabelautsprecher 3 auf, wie in Fig.1 gezeigt. Unter Umständen ist ein zusätzliches Bedienorgan zur Steuerung des verstärkers 2 vorgesehen, womit der Verstärkungsgrad in einem gewissen Bereich verändert werden kann. Das Mikrofon 1 weist dabei normalerweise eine omnidirektionale Aufnahmecharakteristik auf.A conventional hearing device essentially has a microphone 1 as a recording device, an amplifier 2 and a playback speaker 3, as shown in FIG. Under An additional control element for controlling the amplifier 2 is possibly provided, with which the degree of amplification can be changed within a certain range. The microphone 1 normally has an omnidirectional recording characteristic.

Um in gewissen Fällen eine gerichtete Aufnahmecharakteristik zu erzielen, existiert eine Hörgeräteausführung, wie schematisch in Fig. 2 im Schnitt dargestellt. Im Innern des Hörgerätegehäuses 5 befindet sich ein direktionales Mikrofon 6 mit zwei getrennten Schalleintrittsöffnungen 7 und 8. Die Wiedergabe erfolgt mittels eines Lautsprechers 9, dessen Ausgangsöffnung 10 in einen in den Gehörgang einzuführenden Kanal 11 mündet. Am Hörgerät ist eine verschiebbare Blende 12 mit einer Öffnung 13 angebracht. In der einen Endposition der Blende 12 (wie dargestellt in Fig. 2) liegt die Öffnung 13 gerade über der Schalleintrittsöffnung 8 des Mikrofons 6, womit das Mikrofon 6 eine direktionale, gerichtete Charakteristik aufweist. In der anderen Endposition der Blende 12 wird die Schalleintrittsöffnung 8 durch sie abgedeckt, und das Mikrofon 6 weist eine omnidirektionale Charakteristik auf. Die Blende ist sehr klein ausgeführt und kann praktisch nur mit einem geeigneten Werkzeug bedient, d.h. verschoben werden.In order to achieve a directional recording characteristic in certain cases, there is a hearing aid design, as shown schematically in section in FIG. 2. Inside the hearing aid housing 5 there is a directional microphone 6 with two separate sound inlet openings 7 and 8. The reproduction is carried out by means of a loudspeaker 9, the output opening 10 of which opens into a channel 11 to be inserted into the auditory canal. A sliding diaphragm 12 with an opening 13 is attached to the hearing aid. In one end position of the diaphragm 12 (as shown in FIG. 2), the opening 13 lies just above the sound entry opening 8 of the microphone 6, which means that the microphone 6 has a directional, directional characteristic. In the other end position of the diaphragm 12, the sound inlet opening 8 is covered by it, and the microphone 6 has an omnidirectional characteristic. The panel is very small and can only be operated with a suitable tool, i.e. be moved.

Ein bevorzugtes Ausführungsbeispiel der Erfindung weist zwei Mikrofone 14 und 17 im Hörgerät 5 auf (Fig. 3). Dabei ist beispielsweise das eine Mikrofon ein dirketionales Mikrofon mit zwei Schalleintrittsöffnungen 15,16 und das andere Mikrofon 17 ein omnidirektionales Mikrofon mit einem Schalleintrittskanal 18. Nun wird beispielsweise mit einem elektronischen Umschalter wahlweise das Mikrofon 14 oder das Mikrofon 17 mit dem Verstärker verbunden, wodurch jeweils die entsprechende Aufnahmecharakteristik erreicht wird. Denkbar sind auch beliebige andere Kombinationen von Mikrofonen. So können beispielsweise zwei omnidirektionale Mikrofone derart geschaltet werden, dass in einer Schalterstellung nur ein Mikrofon mit dem Verstärker verbunden ist und damit eine omnidirektionale Aufnahmecharakteristik erzielt wird. In einer zweiten Schalterstellung können beide Mikrofone parallel geschaltet werden, wodurch sich durch die unterschiedliche Lage der beiden Schalleintrittsöffnungen eine gerichtete Charakteristik erzielen lässt. Gegebenenfalls werden beiden Mikrofonen eigene Vorverstärker zugeschaltet, welche auf die korrekte Phasenlage eingestellt werden können.A preferred exemplary embodiment of the invention has two microphones 14 and 17 in the hearing device 5 (FIG. 3). In this case, for example, one microphone is a directional microphone with two sound inlet openings 15, 16 and the other microphone 17 is an omnidirectional microphone with a sound inlet channel 18. Now, for example, the microphone 14 or the microphone 17 is optionally connected to the amplifier with an electronic switch, whereby each the corresponding recording characteristic is achieved. Any other combinations of microphones are also conceivable. For example, two omnidirectional Microphones are switched in such a way that in one switch position only one microphone is connected to the amplifier and an omnidirectional recording characteristic is thus achieved. In a second switch position, both microphones can be connected in parallel, whereby a directional characteristic can be achieved due to the different position of the two sound inlet openings. If necessary, both microphones are connected to their own preamplifiers, which can be set to the correct phase position.

Ebenfalls denkbar ist die Kombination von zwei direktionalen Mikrofonen, wobei durch die Zuschaltung beider Mikrofone eine Verstärkung des Richteffektes erzielt werden kann.The combination of two directional microphones is also conceivable, it being possible to amplify the directional effect by switching on the two microphones.

Vorzugsweise wird zur Steuerung der elektronischen Schalter eine fernbediente Steuerelektronik verwendet, welche eine bequeme Bedienung dieser Funktion mittels eines Fernsteuerbediengerätes erlaubt. Derartige Hörgeräte sind heute ebenfalls bereits bekannt.A remote-controlled control electronics is preferably used to control the electronic switches, which allows this function to be operated conveniently by means of a remote control operating device. Such hearing aids are also known today.

Claims (8)

Hörgerät mit im Gehäuse angeordnetem elektronischen Verstärker mit Aufnahme- und Wiedergabeeinrichtungen zur Tonverstärkung, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass wenigstens zwei Mikrofone als Aufnahmeeinrichtung mit im Abstand zueinander angeordneten Schalleintrittsöffnungen im Hörgerät vorgesehen sind und diese wahlweise mittels eines Schalters jeweils einzeln oder parallel verbunden an den Verstärker anschliessbar sind.Hearing aid with an electronic amplifier arranged in the housing with recording and playback devices for sound amplification, characterized in that at least two microphones are provided as recording devices with sound entry openings arranged at a distance from one another in the hearing aid and these can be connected to the amplifier either individually or in parallel by means of a switch . Hörgerät nach Anspruch 1, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Mikrofone omnidirektionale Mikrofone mit jeweils einer Schalleintrittsöffnung sind.Hearing aid according to claim 1, characterized in that the microphones are omnidirectional microphones, each with a sound inlet opening. Hörgerät nach Anspruch 1, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass als Mikrofon wenigstens ein omnidirektionales Mikrofon mit einer Schalleintrittsöffnung und wenigstens ein direktionales Mikrofon mit wenigstens zwei voneinander getrennten Schalleintrittssöffnungen verwendet werden.Hearing aid according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one omnidirectional microphone with a sound inlet opening and at least one directional microphone with at least two separate sound inlet openings are used as the microphone. Hörgerät nach Anspruch 1, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Mikrofone direktionale Mikrofone mit jeweils wenigstens zwei voneinander getrennten Schalleintrittsöffnung sind.Hearing aid according to claim 1, characterized in that the microphones are directional microphones, each with at least two separate sound entry openings. Hörgerät nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 4, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass jeweils nur ein Mikrofon mittels des Schalters mit dem Verstärkereingang verbindbar ist.Hearing aid according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that in each case only one microphone can be connected to the amplifier input by means of the switch. Hörgerät nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 4, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass mindestens ein Mikrofon direkt an den Verstärkereingang angeschlossen ist und mindestens ein Mikrofon mittels des Schalters parallel zu den direkt angeschlossenen Mikrofonen wahlweise zuschaltbar ist.Hearing aid according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that at least one microphone is connected directly to the amplifier input and at least one microphone can be optionally switched in parallel to the directly connected microphones by means of the switch. Hörgerät nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 6, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass der Schalter ein am Hörgerät angebrachter elektro-mechanischer Schalter ist.Hearing aid according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the switch is an electro-mechanical switch attached to the hearing aid. Hörgerät nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 7, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass als Schalter ein elektronischer Schalter verwendet wird, welcher mittels einer fernbedienten Steuerelektronik im Hörgerät gesteuert wird.Hearing aid according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that an electronic switch is used as a switch, which is controlled by means of remote-controlled control electronics in the hearing aid.
EP91120568A 1991-02-20 1991-11-29 Hearing aid with at least two microphones Expired - Lifetime EP0499699B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
CH515/91A CH681411A5 (en) 1991-02-20 1991-02-20
CH515/91 1991-02-20

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EP0499699A1 true EP0499699A1 (en) 1992-08-26
EP0499699B1 EP0499699B1 (en) 1996-02-28

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Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP91120568A Expired - Lifetime EP0499699B1 (en) 1991-02-20 1991-11-29 Hearing aid with at least two microphones

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EP (1) EP0499699B1 (en)
AT (1) ATE134814T1 (en)
CH (1) CH681411A5 (en)
DE (1) DE59107476D1 (en)
DK (1) DK0499699T3 (en)
ES (1) ES2085405T3 (en)

Cited By (10)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5274111A (en) * 1992-04-07 1993-12-28 American Home Products Corporation Trifluoromethyl substituted 1H-pyrazoles and derivatives thereof
FR2711515A1 (en) * 1993-10-21 1995-05-05 Boucobza Fabien Hearing-aid device
EP0665246A2 (en) 1994-01-24 1995-08-02 Arizona Chemical Company Thermal polymerization of dicyclopentadiene
EP0847227A2 (en) * 1998-03-02 1998-06-10 Phonak Ag Hearing aid
DE19810043A1 (en) * 1998-03-09 1999-09-23 Siemens Audiologische Technik Hearing aid with a directional microphone system
WO2000065873A1 (en) * 1999-04-28 2000-11-02 Gennum Corporation Programmable multi-mode, multi-microphone system
WO2001076319A2 (en) * 2000-03-31 2001-10-11 Clarity, L.L.C. Method and apparatus for voice signal extraction
US6751325B1 (en) 1998-09-29 2004-06-15 Siemens Audiologische Technik Gmbh Hearing aid and method for processing microphone signals in a hearing aid
US7013014B2 (en) 2002-12-20 2006-03-14 Siemens Audiologische Technik Gmbh Hearing device system with behind-the-ear hearing aid devices fashioned side-specific
US7103191B1 (en) 1993-04-13 2006-09-05 Etymotic Research, Inc. Hearing aid having second order directional response

Families Citing this family (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE19635229C2 (en) * 1996-08-30 2001-04-26 Siemens Audiologische Technik Direction sensitive hearing aid
DE19852758C2 (en) * 1998-11-16 2001-05-23 Siemens Audiologische Technik Hearing aid portable behind the ear
DE19948907A1 (en) * 1999-10-11 2001-02-01 Siemens Audiologische Technik Signal processing in hearing aid
WO2002030156A1 (en) 2000-10-05 2002-04-11 Etymotic Research, Inc. Directional microphone assembly
US7832080B2 (en) 2007-10-11 2010-11-16 Etymotic Research, Inc. Directional microphone assembly

Citations (6)

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE1938435A1 (en) * 1969-07-29 1971-02-11 Schoeps Dr Ing Karl Hearing aid
US3875349A (en) * 1972-02-02 1975-04-01 Bommer Ag Hearing aid
US3975599A (en) * 1975-09-17 1976-08-17 United States Surgical Corporation Directional/non-directional hearing aid
FR2500248A1 (en) * 1981-02-13 1982-08-20 Rion Co AUXILIARY HEARING TYPE TO BE CARRIED BEHIND THE EAR
WO1990008448A1 (en) * 1989-01-11 1990-07-26 Tøpholm & Westermann APS Remote-controlled, programmable hearing aid system
EP0466676A2 (en) * 1990-07-13 1992-01-15 VIENNATONE Gesellschaft m.b.H. Hearing aid with a directive microphone having variable directivity

Patent Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE1938435A1 (en) * 1969-07-29 1971-02-11 Schoeps Dr Ing Karl Hearing aid
US3875349A (en) * 1972-02-02 1975-04-01 Bommer Ag Hearing aid
US3975599A (en) * 1975-09-17 1976-08-17 United States Surgical Corporation Directional/non-directional hearing aid
FR2500248A1 (en) * 1981-02-13 1982-08-20 Rion Co AUXILIARY HEARING TYPE TO BE CARRIED BEHIND THE EAR
WO1990008448A1 (en) * 1989-01-11 1990-07-26 Tøpholm & Westermann APS Remote-controlled, programmable hearing aid system
EP0466676A2 (en) * 1990-07-13 1992-01-15 VIENNATONE Gesellschaft m.b.H. Hearing aid with a directive microphone having variable directivity

Cited By (17)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5274111A (en) * 1992-04-07 1993-12-28 American Home Products Corporation Trifluoromethyl substituted 1H-pyrazoles and derivatives thereof
US7103191B1 (en) 1993-04-13 2006-09-05 Etymotic Research, Inc. Hearing aid having second order directional response
FR2711515A1 (en) * 1993-10-21 1995-05-05 Boucobza Fabien Hearing-aid device
EP0665246B2 (en) 1994-01-24 2004-04-28 Arizona Chemical Company Thermal polymerization of dicyclopentadiene
EP0665246A2 (en) 1994-01-24 1995-08-02 Arizona Chemical Company Thermal polymerization of dicyclopentadiene
EP0847227A3 (en) * 1998-03-02 1998-10-21 Phonak Ag Hearing aid
US6574343B1 (en) 1998-03-02 2003-06-03 Phonak Ag Hearing aid
WO1999045744A1 (en) * 1998-03-02 1999-09-10 Phonak Ag Hearing aid
EP0847227A2 (en) * 1998-03-02 1998-06-10 Phonak Ag Hearing aid
US7372973B2 (en) 1998-03-02 2008-05-13 Phonak Ag Hearing aid
DE19810043A1 (en) * 1998-03-09 1999-09-23 Siemens Audiologische Technik Hearing aid with a directional microphone system
US6424721B1 (en) 1998-03-09 2002-07-23 Siemens Audiologische Technik Gmbh Hearing aid with a directional microphone system as well as method for the operation thereof
US6751325B1 (en) 1998-09-29 2004-06-15 Siemens Audiologische Technik Gmbh Hearing aid and method for processing microphone signals in a hearing aid
WO2000065873A1 (en) * 1999-04-28 2000-11-02 Gennum Corporation Programmable multi-mode, multi-microphone system
WO2001076319A2 (en) * 2000-03-31 2001-10-11 Clarity, L.L.C. Method and apparatus for voice signal extraction
WO2001076319A3 (en) * 2000-03-31 2002-12-27 Clarity L L C Method and apparatus for voice signal extraction
US7013014B2 (en) 2002-12-20 2006-03-14 Siemens Audiologische Technik Gmbh Hearing device system with behind-the-ear hearing aid devices fashioned side-specific

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
ES2085405T3 (en) 1996-06-01
DK0499699T3 (en) 1996-03-18
CH681411A5 (en) 1993-03-15
EP0499699B1 (en) 1996-02-28
ATE134814T1 (en) 1996-03-15
DE59107476D1 (en) 1996-04-04

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