WO2010027328A1 - Insect repellant hearing aid - Google Patents

Insect repellant hearing aid Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2010027328A1
WO2010027328A1 PCT/SG2008/000336 SG2008000336W WO2010027328A1 WO 2010027328 A1 WO2010027328 A1 WO 2010027328A1 SG 2008000336 W SG2008000336 W SG 2008000336W WO 2010027328 A1 WO2010027328 A1 WO 2010027328A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
hearing aid
loudspeaker
housing
signal processing
processing circuit
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/SG2008/000336
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Meng Kiang Lim
Cher Huat Lim
Chow Lan Yap
Original Assignee
Siemens Medical Instruments Pte Ltd
Priority date (The priority date 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 date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Siemens Medical Instruments Pte Ltd filed Critical Siemens Medical Instruments Pte Ltd
Priority to PCT/SG2008/000336 priority Critical patent/WO2010027328A1/en
Publication of WO2010027328A1 publication Critical patent/WO2010027328A1/en

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Classifications

    • 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
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A01AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
    • A01MCATCHING, TRAPPING OR SCARING OF ANIMALS; APPARATUS FOR THE DESTRUCTION OF NOXIOUS ANIMALS OR NOXIOUS PLANTS
    • A01M29/00Scaring or repelling devices, e.g. bird-scaring apparatus
    • A01M29/16Scaring or repelling devices, e.g. bird-scaring apparatus using sound waves
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H04ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04RLOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; DEAF-AID SETS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS
    • H04R2225/00Details of deaf aids covered by H04R25/00, not provided for in any of its subgroups
    • H04R2225/61Aspects relating to mechanical or electronic switches or control elements, e.g. functioning
    • 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
    • H04R25/55Deaf-aid sets, i.e. electro-acoustic or electro-mechanical hearing aids; Electric tinnitus maskers providing an auditory perception using an external connection, either wireless or wired
    • H04R25/556External connectors, e.g. plugs or modules
    • 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
    • H04R25/55Deaf-aid sets, i.e. electro-acoustic or electro-mechanical hearing aids; Electric tinnitus maskers providing an auditory perception using an external connection, either wireless or wired
    • H04R25/558Remote control, e.g. of amplification, frequency
    • 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
    • H04R25/603Mounting or interconnection of hearing aid parts, e.g. inside tips, housings or to ossicles of mechanical or electronic switches or control elements
    • 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
    • H04R25/607Mounting or interconnection of hearing aid parts, e.g. inside tips, housings or to ossicles of earhooks

Definitions

  • Embodiments relate to a hearing aid.
  • a hearing aid is usually fitted in or behind the ear of the user to amplify the sound for the user.
  • Some popular types of hearing aids include behind-the-ear (BTE) aids, in the ear (ITE) aids, in the canal (ITC) aids, completely in the canal
  • the hearing aid usually includes a hearing aid housing, within which a microphone for collecting sound waves, a signal processing circuit (also referred to as speech processing circuit) for processing the collected sound waves, and a loudspeaker (which may also be referred to as a receiver in the field of hearing aids) may be housed.
  • a hearing aid housing within which a microphone for collecting sound waves, a signal processing circuit (also referred to as speech processing circuit) for processing the collected sound waves, and a loudspeaker (which may also be referred to as a receiver in the field of hearing aids) may be housed.
  • a volume control to control the volume of the hearing aid.
  • hearing aids are usually not configured to be used to prevent an animal or insect from coming into contact with the user, a hearing aid user might be subjected to potential contact with the animal or insect generally in the outdoors.
  • a hearing aid which is able to prevent the animal or insect from coming into contact with the user in the outdoors, thereby rendering it suitable for active and adventurous type of hearing aid users.
  • the hearing aid may include a signal processing circuit, the signal processing circuit having a first output port and a second output port; a first loudspeaker being coupled with the signal processing circuit via the first output port; and a second loudspeaker being coupled with the signal processing circuit via the second output port; wherein the first loudspeaker and the second loudspeaker are configured to operate at different operating frequency ranges .
  • the signal processing circuit may be used to process, such as filter and/or amplify, an electrical signal, e.g. received from a microphone.
  • the first loudspeaker also referred to as the first receiver or transducer, may be configured to output sound waves to be emitted into the ear (e.g. into the pinna or the ear canal) of the user of the hearing aid.
  • the second loudspeaker also referred to as the second receiver or transducer, may be configured to output sound waves to be emitted towards an animal or insect in a vicinity of a user of the hearing aid, preventing the animal or insect from approaching the user of the hearing aid.
  • the hearing aid may include two or more second loudspeakers coupled with the signal processing circuit via the second output port if there is a need to increase the frequency gain, the number of second loudspeakers depending on user requirements.
  • the first loudspeaker may be coupled with the signal processing circuit via at least one wire and the second loudspeaker may be coupled with the signal processing circuit via at least one wire.
  • the first loudspeaker may be coupled with the signal processing circuit via a single wire or more than one wires depending on requirements.
  • the second loudspeaker may be coupled with the signal processing circuit via a single wire or more than one wires depending on requirements.
  • the hearing aid may further include a microphone, the microphone being coupled with the signal processing circuit.
  • the microphone may be coupled with the signal processing circuit via at least one wire.
  • the microphone may be coupled with the signal processing circuit via any suitable connection such as a radio connection, if appropriate.
  • the microphone may be an omnidirectional microphone, also referred to as a spherical microphone, which may be configured to record in all directions. Embodiments may provide for directional information even when using an omnidirectional microphone in an easy and relatively inexpensive manner.
  • the microphone may also be a directional microphone or a voice microphone, but not so limited.
  • the signal processing circuit may be an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) or any other type of processing circuit such as e.g. hard-wired logic or programmable logic such as e.g. a programmable processor, e.g. a microprocessor.
  • ASIC application-specific integrated circuit
  • programmable logic such as e.g. a programmable processor, e.g. a microprocessor.
  • the first loudspeaker may be configured to operate at a human audible frequency range as the sound is meant to be directed into the ear of the user of the hearing aid.
  • the human audible frequency range may be in the range from about 100 HZ to about 10 KHz. Therefore, in an embodiment, the first loudspeaker may be configured to operate at an operating frequency range in the range from about 100 HZ to about 10 KHz.
  • the second loudspeaker may be configured to operate at a frequency range beyond the human audible frequency range (also referred to as the high frequency range) , and this frequency range may vary with the targeted animal or insect such that the sound produced with this frequency range may serve as a deterrent to the animal or insect from approaching the user of the hearing aid.
  • the second loudspeaker may be configured to operate at an operating frequency range of at least 10 KHz.
  • the operating frequency range may be in the range from about 16 kHz to about 18 kHz, e.g. in the range from about 16.5 kHz to about 17.5 kHz, e.g. about 17 kHz.
  • the hearing aid may further include a first hearing aid housing.
  • the first hearing aid housing may be made of plastic or any suitable material.
  • the signal processing circuit may be positioned in the first hearing aid housing.
  • the first loudspeaker may be positioned in the first hearing aid housing or in the ear canal of a user of the hearing aid.
  • the hearing aid may further include a second hearing aid housing such that the second hearing aid housing is configured to be attached to the first hearing aid housing.
  • the second hearing aid housing may be any suitable add-on accessory for the hearing aid.
  • the second hearing aid housing is a so-called audio shoe.
  • the second hearing aid housing may be made of the same material as the first hearing aid housing.
  • the second hearing aid housing may be made of plastic or any other suitable material.
  • the second loudspeaker may be positioned in the first hearing aid housing or in the second hearing aid housing.
  • the second loudspeaker may be positioned such that it is facing away from the ear canal of a user of the hearing aid in case the hearing aid is worn by the user.
  • the second loudspeaker is facing towards the direction of the animal or insect so that a high frequency sound emitted by the second loudspeaker can serve to try to deter the animal or insect from coming into contact with the user of the hearing aid.
  • the microphone may be mounted on or positioned in the first hearing aid housing.
  • the hearing aid may further include a controller configured to turn on or turn off the second loudspeaker.
  • the controller may be positioned in the first hearing aid housing and/or in a housing isolated from the first hearing aid housing.
  • the controller which may be positioned in the first hearing aid housing may include a push button such that the second loudspeaker may be activated upon depressing the push button.
  • the controller which may be positioned in the housing isolated from the hearing aid housing may include a remote control unit which may serve a similar purpose as the push button on the first hearing aid housing.
  • the controller may be in communication with the second loudspeaker via wireless means or any suitable communication means .
  • the hearing aid may further include an ear hook coupled with the first hearing aid housing, the ear hook serves to fix the hearing aid behind the ear of the hearing aid user.
  • Any other type of fixing member to fix the hearing aid behind the ear may be provided in an alternative embodiment .
  • the hearing aid may further include a sound tube coupled with the first hearing aid housing or with the ear hook.
  • the sound tube may be made of a flexible material, such as plastic.
  • the hearing aid may further include an earmold coupled with the sound tube.
  • the earmold may be custom made to suit an individual user of the hearing aid.
  • the hearing aid may further include an ear dome coupled with the sound tube.
  • the hearing aid may further include a printed circuit board (PCB) , wherein the printed circuit board may be positioned in the first hearing aid housing.
  • PCB printed circuit board
  • the signal processing circuit may be mounted on the printed circuit board.
  • other circuits or elements which may be provided or desired to be in a hearing aid, may be provided on the printed circuit board as well.
  • the hearing aid may further include a volume controller positioned on the first hearing aid housing.
  • the volume controller may be used to adjust the respective volumes of the first loudspeaker and/or the second loudspeaker.
  • the volume controller may have a ring shape or any suitable shape.
  • the volume controller may also be positioned on the controller.
  • the hearing aid may be selected from a group consisting of a behind-the-ear hearing aid, an in the ear hearing aid, an in the canal hearing aid and a completely in the canal hearing aid.
  • the behind-the-ear hearing aid may include two variations, namely the receiver positioned in a hearing aid housing and the receiver positioned outside of the hearing aid housing (which may also be referred to as a receiver-in-canal (RIC) ) .
  • the first variation may include a hearing aid housing, an ear hook coupled to the hearing aid housing, a sound tube coupled to the ear hook, and an earmold coupled to the sound tube.
  • the second variation (also referred to as an open fitting) may include a hearing aid housing, a sound tube (or referred to as a life tube) coupled to the hearing aid housing and an ear dome coupled to the sound tube.
  • like reference characters generally refer to the same parts throughout the different views. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead generally being placed upon illustrating the principles of the invention. In the following description, various embodiments of the invention are described with reference to the following drawings, in which:
  • Figure 1 shows a hearing aid (without a hearing aid housing) according to an embodiment
  • Figure 2 shows a hearing aid including a first hearing aid housing according to an embodiment
  • Figure 3 shows a hearing aid including a second hearing aid housing according to an embodiment
  • Figure 4 shows a hearing aid including a first hearing aid housing according to an embodiment
  • Figure 5 shows a hearing aid including a first hearing aid housing according to an embodiment.
  • Fig.l shows a hearing aid 102 (without a hearing aid housing) according to an embodiment.
  • the hearing aid 102 may include a signal processing circuit 104, the signal processing circuit 104 having a first output port 106 and a second output port 108.
  • the hearing aid 102 may further include a first loudspeaker 110 being coupled with the signal processing circuit 104 via the first output port 106; and a second loudspeaker 112 being coupled with the signal processing circuit 104 via the second output port 108.
  • the first loudspeaker 110 and the second loudspeaker 112 are configured to operate at different operating frequency ranges.
  • the first loudspeaker 110 may be coupled with the signal processing circuit 104 via two wires 114 and the second loudspeaker 112 may be coupled with the signal processing circuit 104 via two wires 116.
  • the hearing aid 102 may further include a microphone 118, the microphone 118 being coupled with the signal processing circuit 104.
  • the microphone 118 may be coupled with the signal processing circuit 104 via three wires 120.
  • the signal processing circuit 104 may be an application-specific integrated circuit or any other type of processing circuit such as e.g. hard-wired logic or programmable logic such as e.g. a programmable processor, e.g. a microprocessor (e.g. a Complex Instruction Set
  • CISC Complex Computer
  • RISC Reduced Instruction Set Computer
  • the first loudspeaker 110 may be configured to operate at a human audible frequency range.
  • the first loudspeaker 110 may be configured to operate at an operating frequency range from about 100 HZ to about 10 KHz.
  • the second loudspeaker 112 may be configured to operate at a frequency range beyond the human audible frequency range.
  • the second loudspeaker 112 may be configured to operate at an operating frequency range of at least about 10 KHz.
  • the operating frequency range may be in the range from about 16 kHz to about 18 kHz, e.g. in the range from about 16.5 kHz to about 17.5 kHz, e.g. about 17 kHz.
  • the microphone 118 may be an omnidirectional microphone, a directional microphone or a voice microphone.
  • Fig.2 shows a hearing aid 102 including a first hearing aid housing 122 according to an embodiment.
  • Fig.2 shows a behind-the-ear hearing aid.
  • the hearing aid 102 includes a signal processing circuit 104, a first loudspeaker 110, a second loudspeaker 112, a microphone 118, a first hearing aid housing 122, an ear hook 124, a controller 126 and a printed circuit board 128.
  • the ear hook 124 is coupled with the first hearing aid housing 122, the ear hook 124 may serve to fix the hearing aid 102 behind the ear of the hearing aid user.
  • the signal processing circuit 104 and the first loudspeaker 110 may be positioned in the first hearing aid housing 122.
  • the second loudspeaker 112 may be positioned in the first hearing aid housing 122 such that it is facing away from the ear canal, towards a targeted animal or insect for example a mosquito 138 as shown in Fig. 2.
  • the microphone 118 may be mounted on or positioned in the first hearing aid housing 122.
  • the signal processing circuit 104, the first loudspeaker 110, the second loudspeaker 112 and the microphone 118 are as previously shown in Fig.l.
  • the controller 126 may be configured to turn on or turn off the second loudspeaker 112.
  • the controller 126 may include a push button 130, positioned in the first hearing aid housing 122 above the second loudspeaker 112.
  • the controller 126 may also include a remote controller 132, positioned in a housing 133 remote from the first hearing aid housing 122.
  • the push button 130 positioned in the first hearing aid housing 122 can also be positioned at any suitable position on the first hearing aid housing 122.
  • the remote controller 132 may serve a similar purpose as the push button 130 on the first hearing aid housing 122 and may communicate with the second loudspeaker 112 via wireless means or any suitable means.
  • the printed circuit board 128 may be positioned in the first hearing aid housing 122 and the signal processing circuit 104 may be mounted on the printed circuit board 128.
  • the printed circuit board 128 may include any suitable shape, for example an L-shape as shown in Fig. 2 and be positioned adjacent to the first loudspeaker 110.
  • the printed circuit board 128 may also include a rectangle shape or any other outline profile and be positioned adjacent to the first loudspeaker 110.
  • the frequency of the second loudspeaker 112 may be tuned to about 17 KHz in order to ward off the mosquito 138.
  • the frequency may be tuned according to user requirements .
  • Fig.3 shows a hearing aid 102 including a second hearing aid housing 134 according to an embodiment.
  • the second hearing aid housing 134 may be configured to be attached to the first hearing aid housing 122 as shown in Fig.2.
  • the second hearing aid housing 134 may be an add-on accessory and as an example, the second hearing aid housing 134 may be a so-called audio shoe.
  • An audio shoe may be a small device attached to a hearing aid, for example a BTE hearing aid, used to connect a FM receiver or other similar device.
  • the second loudspeaker 112 may be positioned in the second hearing aid housing 134 and the second loudspeaker 112 is positioned such that it is facing away from the ear canal.
  • Fig.4 shows a hearing aid 102 including a first hearing aid housing 122 according to an embodiment.
  • Fig.4 shows an in-the-ear (ITE) hearing aid or an in-the-canal
  • the hearing aid 102 may include a signal processing circuit 104, a first loudspeaker 110, a second loudspeaker 112, a microphone 118, a first hearing aid housing 122, a controller 126, a printed circuit board 128 and a volume controller 136.
  • the signal processing circuit 104 and the first loudspeaker 110 may be positioned in the first hearing aid housing 122.
  • the first loudspeaker 110 may be positioned such that it is facing towards the ear canal or configured to deliver sound to the hearing aid user.
  • the second loudspeaker 112 may be positioned in the first hearing aid housing 122 such that it is facing away from the ear canal, towards a targeted animal or insect for example a mosquito 138 as shown in Fig.2.
  • the microphone 118 may be mounted on or positioned in the first hearing aid housing 122.
  • the signal processing circuit 104, the first loudspeaker 110, the second loudspeaker 112 and the microphone 118 are as previously shown in Fig.l.
  • the microphone 118 as shown in Fig.4 may be further provided with a protector to protect the microphone 118 from any damage.
  • the controller 126 may be configured to turn on or turn off the second loudspeaker 112.
  • the controller 126 may include a push button 130, positioned in the first hearing aid housing 122 adjacent to the second loudspeaker 112.
  • the controller 126 may also include a remote control unit 132, positioned in a housing 133 remote from the first hearing aid housing 122.
  • the push button 130 positioned in the first hearing aid housing 122 can also be positioned at any suitable position on the first hearing aid housing 122.
  • the remote control unit 132 may serve a similar purpose as the push button 130 on the first hearing aid housing 122 and may communicate with the second loudspeaker 112 via wireless means or any suitable means.
  • the printed circuit board 128 may be positioned in the first hearing aid housing 122 and the signal processing circuit 104 may be mounted on the printed circuit board 128.
  • the volume controller 136 may be positioned on the first hearing aid housing 122 to adjust the respective volumes of the first loudspeaker 110 or the second loudspeaker 112.
  • the volume controller 136 may have a ring shape.
  • the frequency of the second loudspeaker 112 may be tuned to about 17 KHz in order to ward off the mosquito 138.
  • the frequency may be tuned according to user requirements.
  • Fig.5 shows a hearing aid 102 including a first hearing aid housing 122 according to an embodiment.
  • Fig.5 shows a completely in-the-canal (CIC) hearing aid.
  • the hearing aid 102 may include a signal processing circuit 104, a first loudspeaker 110, a second loudspeaker 112, a microphone 118, a first hearing aid housing 122, a controller 126 and a printed circuit board 128.
  • the signal processing circuit 104 and the first loudspeaker 110 may be positioned in the first hearing aid housing 122.
  • the second loudspeaker 112 may be positioned in the first hearing aid housing 122 such that it is facing away from the ear canal, towards a targeted animal or insect for example a mosquito 138 as shown in Fig.2.
  • the microphone 118 may be mounted on or positioned in the first hearing aid housing 122.
  • the signal processing circuit 104, the first loudspeaker 110, the second loudspeaker 112 and the microphone 118 are as previously shown in Fig.l.
  • the controller 126 may be configured to turn on or turn off the second loudspeaker 112.
  • the controller 126 may include a push button 130, positioned in the first hearing aid housing 122 adjacent to the second loudspeaker 112.
  • the controller 126 may include a remote controller 132, positioned in a housing 133 remote from the first hearing aid housing 122.
  • the remote controller 132 may communicate with the second loudspeaker 112 via wireless means or any suitable means.
  • a volume controller 136 or means for controlling the volume of the first loudspeaker 110 and/or the second loudspeaker 112 may be positioned on the controller 126.
  • the printed circuit board 128 may be positioned in the first hearing aid housing 122 and the signal processing circuit 104 may be mounted on the printed circuit board 128.
  • the frequency of the second loudspeaker 112 may be tuned to about 17 KHz in order to ward off the mosquito 138.
  • the frequency may be tuned according to user requirements.

Abstract

In an embodiment, a hearing aid is provided. The hearing aid may include a signal processing circuit, the signal processing circuit having a first output port and a second output port; a first loudspeaker being coupled with the signal processing circuit via the first output port; and a second loudspeaker being coupled with the signal processing circuit via the second output port, wherein the first loudspeaker and the second loudspeaker are configured to operate at different operating frequency ranges.

Description

DESCRIPTION INSECT REPELLANT HEARING AID
Embodiments relate to a hearing aid.
A hearing aid is usually fitted in or behind the ear of the user to amplify the sound for the user. Some popular types of hearing aids include behind-the-ear (BTE) aids, in the ear (ITE) aids, in the canal (ITC) aids, completely in the canal
(CIC) aids, etc.
The hearing aid usually includes a hearing aid housing, within which a microphone for collecting sound waves, a signal processing circuit (also referred to as speech processing circuit) for processing the collected sound waves, and a loudspeaker (which may also be referred to as a receiver in the field of hearing aids) may be housed. To control the volume of the hearing aid, the hearing aid usually includes a volume control.
As hearing aids are usually not configured to be used to prevent an animal or insect from coming into contact with the user, a hearing aid user might be subjected to potential contact with the animal or insect generally in the outdoors.
In various embodiments, a hearing aid is provided, which is able to prevent the animal or insect from coming into contact with the user in the outdoors, thereby rendering it suitable for active and adventurous type of hearing aid users.
An embodiment relates to a hearing aid. The hearing aid may include a signal processing circuit, the signal processing circuit having a first output port and a second output port; a first loudspeaker being coupled with the signal processing circuit via the first output port; and a second loudspeaker being coupled with the signal processing circuit via the second output port; wherein the first loudspeaker and the second loudspeaker are configured to operate at different operating frequency ranges .
In an embodiment, the signal processing circuit (e.g. also referred to as speech processing circuit) may be used to process, such as filter and/or amplify, an electrical signal, e.g. received from a microphone.
In an embodiment, the first loudspeaker, also referred to as the first receiver or transducer, may be configured to output sound waves to be emitted into the ear (e.g. into the pinna or the ear canal) of the user of the hearing aid.
In an embodiment, the second loudspeaker, also referred to as the second receiver or transducer, may be configured to output sound waves to be emitted towards an animal or insect in a vicinity of a user of the hearing aid, preventing the animal or insect from approaching the user of the hearing aid.
In an embodiment, the hearing aid may include two or more second loudspeakers coupled with the signal processing circuit via the second output port if there is a need to increase the frequency gain, the number of second loudspeakers depending on user requirements.
In an embodiment, the first loudspeaker may be coupled with the signal processing circuit via at least one wire and the second loudspeaker may be coupled with the signal processing circuit via at least one wire. The first loudspeaker may be coupled with the signal processing circuit via a single wire or more than one wires depending on requirements. Similarly, the second loudspeaker may be coupled with the signal processing circuit via a single wire or more than one wires depending on requirements.
In an embodiment, the hearing aid may further include a microphone, the microphone being coupled with the signal processing circuit. The microphone may be coupled with the signal processing circuit via at least one wire. In an alternative example, the microphone may be coupled with the signal processing circuit via any suitable connection such as a radio connection, if appropriate. The microphone may be an omnidirectional microphone, also referred to as a spherical microphone, which may be configured to record in all directions. Embodiments may provide for directional information even when using an omnidirectional microphone in an easy and relatively inexpensive manner. The microphone may also be a directional microphone or a voice microphone, but not so limited.
In an embodiment, the signal processing circuit may be an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) or any other type of processing circuit such as e.g. hard-wired logic or programmable logic such as e.g. a programmable processor, e.g. a microprocessor.
In an embodiment, the first loudspeaker may be configured to operate at a human audible frequency range as the sound is meant to be directed into the ear of the user of the hearing aid. As an example, the human audible frequency range may be in the range from about 100 HZ to about 10 KHz. Therefore, in an embodiment, the first loudspeaker may be configured to operate at an operating frequency range in the range from about 100 HZ to about 10 KHz.
In an embodiment, the second loudspeaker may be configured to operate at a frequency range beyond the human audible frequency range (also referred to as the high frequency range) , and this frequency range may vary with the targeted animal or insect such that the sound produced with this frequency range may serve as a deterrent to the animal or insect from approaching the user of the hearing aid. As an example, the second loudspeaker may be configured to operate at an operating frequency range of at least 10 KHz. As a further example, if the targeted animal or insect is a mosquito, the operating frequency range may be in the range from about 16 kHz to about 18 kHz, e.g. in the range from about 16.5 kHz to about 17.5 kHz, e.g. about 17 kHz.
In an embodiment, the hearing aid may further include a first hearing aid housing. The first hearing aid housing may be made of plastic or any suitable material.
In an embodiment, the signal processing circuit may be positioned in the first hearing aid housing.
In an embodiment, the first loudspeaker may be positioned in the first hearing aid housing or in the ear canal of a user of the hearing aid.
In an embodiment, the hearing aid may further include a second hearing aid housing such that the second hearing aid housing is configured to be attached to the first hearing aid housing. The second hearing aid housing may be any suitable add-on accessory for the hearing aid. As an example, the second hearing aid housing is a so-called audio shoe. The second hearing aid housing may be made of the same material as the first hearing aid housing. In an embodiment, the second hearing aid housing may be made of plastic or any other suitable material.
In an embodiment, the second loudspeaker may be positioned in the first hearing aid housing or in the second hearing aid housing. The second loudspeaker may be positioned such that it is facing away from the ear canal of a user of the hearing aid in case the hearing aid is worn by the user. In an embodiment, the second loudspeaker is facing towards the direction of the animal or insect so that a high frequency sound emitted by the second loudspeaker can serve to try to deter the animal or insect from coming into contact with the user of the hearing aid. In an embodiment, the microphone may be mounted on or positioned in the first hearing aid housing.
In an embodiment, the hearing aid may further include a controller configured to turn on or turn off the second loudspeaker. The controller may be positioned in the first hearing aid housing and/or in a housing isolated from the first hearing aid housing. The controller which may be positioned in the first hearing aid housing may include a push button such that the second loudspeaker may be activated upon depressing the push button. The controller which may be positioned in the housing isolated from the hearing aid housing may include a remote control unit which may serve a similar purpose as the push button on the first hearing aid housing. As an example, if the controller is positioned in the housing isolated from the first hearing aid housing, the controller may be in communication with the second loudspeaker via wireless means or any suitable communication means .
In an embodiment, the hearing aid may further include an ear hook coupled with the first hearing aid housing, the ear hook serves to fix the hearing aid behind the ear of the hearing aid user. Any other type of fixing member to fix the hearing aid behind the ear may be provided in an alternative embodiment .
In an embodiment, the hearing aid may further include a sound tube coupled with the first hearing aid housing or with the ear hook. The sound tube may be made of a flexible material, such as plastic.
In an embodiment, the hearing aid may further include an earmold coupled with the sound tube. The earmold may be custom made to suit an individual user of the hearing aid.
In an embodiment, the hearing aid may further include an ear dome coupled with the sound tube. In an embodiment, the hearing aid may further include a printed circuit board (PCB) , wherein the printed circuit board may be positioned in the first hearing aid housing.
In an embodiment, the signal processing circuit may be mounted on the printed circuit board. In another embodiment, other circuits or elements, which may be provided or desired to be in a hearing aid, may be provided on the printed circuit board as well.
In an embodiment, the hearing aid may further include a volume controller positioned on the first hearing aid housing. The volume controller may be used to adjust the respective volumes of the first loudspeaker and/or the second loudspeaker. The volume controller may have a ring shape or any suitable shape. The volume controller may also be positioned on the controller.
In an embodiment, the hearing aid may be selected from a group consisting of a behind-the-ear hearing aid, an in the ear hearing aid, an in the canal hearing aid and a completely in the canal hearing aid.
In an embodiment, the behind-the-ear hearing aid may include two variations, namely the receiver positioned in a hearing aid housing and the receiver positioned outside of the hearing aid housing (which may also be referred to as a receiver-in-canal (RIC) ) . For the variation involving the receiver positioned in the hearing aid housing, there may be two further variations. The first variation may include a hearing aid housing, an ear hook coupled to the hearing aid housing, a sound tube coupled to the ear hook, and an earmold coupled to the sound tube. The second variation (also referred to as an open fitting) may include a hearing aid housing, a sound tube (or referred to as a life tube) coupled to the hearing aid housing and an ear dome coupled to the sound tube. In the drawings, like reference characters generally refer to the same parts throughout the different views. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead generally being placed upon illustrating the principles of the invention. In the following description, various embodiments of the invention are described with reference to the following drawings, in which:
Figure 1 shows a hearing aid (without a hearing aid housing) according to an embodiment;
Figure 2 shows a hearing aid including a first hearing aid housing according to an embodiment;
Figure 3 shows a hearing aid including a second hearing aid housing according to an embodiment;
Figure 4 shows a hearing aid including a first hearing aid housing according to an embodiment; and
Figure 5 shows a hearing aid including a first hearing aid housing according to an embodiment.
Fig.l shows a hearing aid 102 (without a hearing aid housing) according to an embodiment. The hearing aid 102 may include a signal processing circuit 104, the signal processing circuit 104 having a first output port 106 and a second output port 108. The hearing aid 102 may further include a first loudspeaker 110 being coupled with the signal processing circuit 104 via the first output port 106; and a second loudspeaker 112 being coupled with the signal processing circuit 104 via the second output port 108. The first loudspeaker 110 and the second loudspeaker 112 are configured to operate at different operating frequency ranges.
In an embodiment, the first loudspeaker 110 may be coupled with the signal processing circuit 104 via two wires 114 and the second loudspeaker 112 may be coupled with the signal processing circuit 104 via two wires 116.
The hearing aid 102 may further include a microphone 118, the microphone 118 being coupled with the signal processing circuit 104. The microphone 118 may be coupled with the signal processing circuit 104 via three wires 120.
In an embodiment, the signal processing circuit 104 may be an application-specific integrated circuit or any other type of processing circuit such as e.g. hard-wired logic or programmable logic such as e.g. a programmable processor, e.g. a microprocessor (e.g. a Complex Instruction Set
Computer (CISC) microprocessor or a Reduced Instruction Set Computer (RISC) microprocessor) .
In an embodiment, the first loudspeaker 110 may be configured to operate at a human audible frequency range. For example, the first loudspeaker 110 may be configured to operate at an operating frequency range from about 100 HZ to about 10 KHz.
In an embodiment, the second loudspeaker 112 may be configured to operate at a frequency range beyond the human audible frequency range. For example, the second loudspeaker 112 may be configured to operate at an operating frequency range of at least about 10 KHz. As an example, if the targeted animal or insect is a mosquito, the operating frequency range may be in the range from about 16 kHz to about 18 kHz, e.g. in the range from about 16.5 kHz to about 17.5 kHz, e.g. about 17 kHz.
In an embodiment, the microphone 118 may be an omnidirectional microphone, a directional microphone or a voice microphone.
Fig.2 shows a hearing aid 102 including a first hearing aid housing 122 according to an embodiment. In particular, Fig.2 shows a behind-the-ear hearing aid. The hearing aid 102 includes a signal processing circuit 104, a first loudspeaker 110, a second loudspeaker 112, a microphone 118, a first hearing aid housing 122, an ear hook 124, a controller 126 and a printed circuit board 128.
The ear hook 124 is coupled with the first hearing aid housing 122, the ear hook 124 may serve to fix the hearing aid 102 behind the ear of the hearing aid user. The signal processing circuit 104 and the first loudspeaker 110 may be positioned in the first hearing aid housing 122. The second loudspeaker 112 may be positioned in the first hearing aid housing 122 such that it is facing away from the ear canal, towards a targeted animal or insect for example a mosquito 138 as shown in Fig. 2. The microphone 118 may be mounted on or positioned in the first hearing aid housing 122. The signal processing circuit 104, the first loudspeaker 110, the second loudspeaker 112 and the microphone 118 are as previously shown in Fig.l.
The controller 126 may be configured to turn on or turn off the second loudspeaker 112. The controller 126 may include a push button 130, positioned in the first hearing aid housing 122 above the second loudspeaker 112. In addition, the controller 126 may also include a remote controller 132, positioned in a housing 133 remote from the first hearing aid housing 122. In an embodiment, the push button 130 positioned in the first hearing aid housing 122 can also be positioned at any suitable position on the first hearing aid housing 122. The remote controller 132 may serve a similar purpose as the push button 130 on the first hearing aid housing 122 and may communicate with the second loudspeaker 112 via wireless means or any suitable means.
The printed circuit board 128 may be positioned in the first hearing aid housing 122 and the signal processing circuit 104 may be mounted on the printed circuit board 128. The printed circuit board 128 may include any suitable shape, for example an L-shape as shown in Fig. 2 and be positioned adjacent to the first loudspeaker 110. In an example, the printed circuit board 128 may also include a rectangle shape or any other outline profile and be positioned adjacent to the first loudspeaker 110.
In Fig.2, the frequency of the second loudspeaker 112 may be tuned to about 17 KHz in order to ward off the mosquito 138. The frequency may be tuned according to user requirements .
Fig.3 shows a hearing aid 102 including a second hearing aid housing 134 according to an embodiment. The second hearing aid housing 134 may be configured to be attached to the first hearing aid housing 122 as shown in Fig.2. The second hearing aid housing 134 may be an add-on accessory and as an example, the second hearing aid housing 134 may be a so-called audio shoe. An audio shoe may be a small device attached to a hearing aid, for example a BTE hearing aid, used to connect a FM receiver or other similar device.
The second loudspeaker 112 may be positioned in the second hearing aid housing 134 and the second loudspeaker 112 is positioned such that it is facing away from the ear canal.
Fig.4 shows a hearing aid 102 including a first hearing aid housing 122 according to an embodiment. In particular, Fig.4 shows an in-the-ear (ITE) hearing aid or an in-the-canal
(ITC) hearing aid. The hearing aid 102 may include a signal processing circuit 104, a first loudspeaker 110, a second loudspeaker 112, a microphone 118, a first hearing aid housing 122, a controller 126, a printed circuit board 128 and a volume controller 136.
The signal processing circuit 104 and the first loudspeaker 110 may be positioned in the first hearing aid housing 122. The first loudspeaker 110 may be positioned such that it is facing towards the ear canal or configured to deliver sound to the hearing aid user. The second loudspeaker 112 may be positioned in the first hearing aid housing 122 such that it is facing away from the ear canal, towards a targeted animal or insect for example a mosquito 138 as shown in Fig.2. The microphone 118 may be mounted on or positioned in the first hearing aid housing 122. The signal processing circuit 104, the first loudspeaker 110, the second loudspeaker 112 and the microphone 118 are as previously shown in Fig.l. The microphone 118 as shown in Fig.4 may be further provided with a protector to protect the microphone 118 from any damage.
The controller 126 may be configured to turn on or turn off the second loudspeaker 112. The controller 126 may include a push button 130, positioned in the first hearing aid housing 122 adjacent to the second loudspeaker 112. In addition, the controller 126 may also include a remote control unit 132, positioned in a housing 133 remote from the first hearing aid housing 122. In an embodiment, the push button 130 positioned in the first hearing aid housing 122 can also be positioned at any suitable position on the first hearing aid housing 122. The remote control unit 132 may serve a similar purpose as the push button 130 on the first hearing aid housing 122 and may communicate with the second loudspeaker 112 via wireless means or any suitable means.
The printed circuit board 128 may be positioned in the first hearing aid housing 122 and the signal processing circuit 104 may be mounted on the printed circuit board 128.
The volume controller 136 may be positioned on the first hearing aid housing 122 to adjust the respective volumes of the first loudspeaker 110 or the second loudspeaker 112. The volume controller 136 may have a ring shape.
In Fig.4, the frequency of the second loudspeaker 112 may be tuned to about 17 KHz in order to ward off the mosquito 138. The frequency may be tuned according to user requirements.
Fig.5 shows a hearing aid 102 including a first hearing aid housing 122 according to an embodiment. By way of example, Fig.5 shows a completely in-the-canal (CIC) hearing aid. The hearing aid 102 may include a signal processing circuit 104, a first loudspeaker 110, a second loudspeaker 112, a microphone 118, a first hearing aid housing 122, a controller 126 and a printed circuit board 128.
The signal processing circuit 104 and the first loudspeaker 110 may be positioned in the first hearing aid housing 122. The second loudspeaker 112 may be positioned in the first hearing aid housing 122 such that it is facing away from the ear canal, towards a targeted animal or insect for example a mosquito 138 as shown in Fig.2. The microphone 118 may be mounted on or positioned in the first hearing aid housing 122. The signal processing circuit 104, the first loudspeaker 110, the second loudspeaker 112 and the microphone 118 are as previously shown in Fig.l.
The controller 126 may be configured to turn on or turn off the second loudspeaker 112. The controller 126 may include a push button 130, positioned in the first hearing aid housing 122 adjacent to the second loudspeaker 112. In addition, the controller 126 may include a remote controller 132, positioned in a housing 133 remote from the first hearing aid housing 122. The remote controller 132 may communicate with the second loudspeaker 112 via wireless means or any suitable means. A volume controller 136 or means for controlling the volume of the first loudspeaker 110 and/or the second loudspeaker 112 may be positioned on the controller 126.
The printed circuit board 128 may be positioned in the first hearing aid housing 122 and the signal processing circuit 104 may be mounted on the printed circuit board 128.
In Fig. 5, the frequency of the second loudspeaker 112 may be tuned to about 17 KHz in order to ward off the mosquito 138. The frequency may be tuned according to user requirements. While the invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to specific embodiments, it should be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and detail may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. The scope of the invention is thus indicated by the appended claims and all changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are therefore intended to be embraced.

Claims

1. A hearing aid, comprising : a signal processing circuit, the signal processing circuit having a first output port and a second output port; a first loudspeaker being coupled with the signal processing circuit via the first output port; and a second loudspeaker being coupled with the signal processing circuit via the second output port; wherein the first loudspeaker and the second loudspeaker are configured to operate at different operating frequency ranges .
2. The hearing aid of claim 1, wherein the first loudspeaker is coupled with the signal processing circuit via at least one wire.
3. The hearing aid of claim 1 or 2, wherein the second loudspeaker is coupled with the signal processing circuit via at least one wire.
4. The hearing aid of any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising: a microphone, the microphone being coupled with the signal processing circuit.
5. The hearing aid of claim 4, wherein the microphone is coupled with the signal processing circuit via at least one wire.
6. The hearing aid of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the signal processing circuit is an application- specific integrated circuit.
7. The hearing aid of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the first loudspeaker is configured to operate at a human audible frequency range.
8. The hearing aid of claim 7, wherein the first loudspeaker is configured to operate at an operating frequency range from 100 HZ to 10 KHz.
9. The hearing aid of any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the second loudspeaker is configured to operate at a frequency range beyond the human audible frequency range.
10. The hearing aid of claim 9, wherein the second loudspeaker is configured to operate at an operating frequency range of at least 10 KHz.
11. The hearing aid of any one of claims 4 to 10, wherein the microphone is an omnidirectional microphone, a directional microphone or a voice microphone.
12. The hearing aid of any one of claims 1 to 11, further comprising: a first hearing aid housing.
13. The hearing aid of claim 12, wherein the signal processing circuit is positioned in the first hearing aid housing.
14. The hearing aid of claim 12 or 13, wherein the first loudspeaker is positioned in the first hearing aid housing or in the ear canal.
15. The hearing aid of any one of claims 12 to 14, further comprising: a second hearing aid housing such that the second hearing aid housing is configured to be attached to the first hearing aid housing.
16. The hearing aid of claim 15, wherein the second hearing aid housing is an audio shoe.
17. The hearing aid of claim 15 or 16, wherein the second loudspeaker is positioned in the first hearing aid housing or in the second hearing aid housing.
18. The hearing aid of claim 17, wherein the second loudspeaker is positioned such that it is facing away from the ear canal.
19. The hearing aid of any one of claims 12 to 18, wherein the microphone is mounted on the first hearing aid housing.
20. The hearing aid of any one of claims 12 to 19, further comprising: a controller configured to turn on or turn off the second loudspeaker.
21. The hearing aid of claim 20, wherein the controller is positioned in the first hearing aid housing or in a housing isolated from the first hearing aid housing.
22. The hearing aid of any one of claims 12 to 21, further comprising: an ear hook coupled with the first hearing aid housing.
23. The hearing aid of any one of claims 12 to 22, further comprising: a sound tube coupled with the first hearing aid housing or with the ear hook.
24. The hearing aid of claim 23, wherein the sound tube is made of plastic.
25. The hearing aid of claim 23 or 24, further comprising: an earmold coupled with the sound tube.
26. The hearing aid of claim 23 or 24, further comprising: an ear dome coupled with the sound tube.
27. The hearing aid of any one of claims 12 to 26, further comprising: a printed circuit board, wherein the printed circuit board is positioned in the first hearing aid housing.
28. The hearing aid of claim 27, wherein the signal processing circuit is mounted on the printed circuit board.
29. The hearing aid of any one of claims 12 to 28, further comprising: a volume controller positioned on the first hearing aid housing.
30. The hearing aid of any one of claims 1 to 29, wherein the hearing aid is selected from a group consisting of a behind-the-ear hearing aid, an in the ear hearing aid, an in the canal hearing aid and a completely in the canal hearing aid.
PCT/SG2008/000336 2008-09-08 2008-09-08 Insect repellant hearing aid WO2010027328A1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PCT/SG2008/000336 WO2010027328A1 (en) 2008-09-08 2008-09-08 Insect repellant hearing aid

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PCT/SG2008/000336 WO2010027328A1 (en) 2008-09-08 2008-09-08 Insect repellant hearing aid

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2010027328A1 true WO2010027328A1 (en) 2010-03-11

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Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
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Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3886492A (en) * 1971-10-07 1975-05-27 John Joseph Szmigielski Sonic insect repeller
US4548082A (en) * 1984-08-28 1985-10-22 Central Institute For The Deaf Hearing aids, signal supplying apparatus, systems for compensating hearing deficiencies, and methods
EP0806885A1 (en) * 1996-05-06 1997-11-12 Phonak Ag Holding device for accessories mountable on a hearing aid
US20060133630A1 (en) * 2004-12-22 2006-06-22 Ultimate Ears, Llc In-ear monitor with hybrid dual diaphragm and single armature design

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3886492A (en) * 1971-10-07 1975-05-27 John Joseph Szmigielski Sonic insect repeller
US4548082A (en) * 1984-08-28 1985-10-22 Central Institute For The Deaf Hearing aids, signal supplying apparatus, systems for compensating hearing deficiencies, and methods
EP0806885A1 (en) * 1996-05-06 1997-11-12 Phonak Ag Holding device for accessories mountable on a hearing aid
US20060133630A1 (en) * 2004-12-22 2006-06-22 Ultimate Ears, Llc In-ear monitor with hybrid dual diaphragm and single armature design

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