A HEARING AID WITH HIDDEN USE FEATURE

Abstract

The present invention relates to a hearing aid (1) which is inserted to body by surgery in order to enable patients with very advanced and total sensorineural hearing loss to detect sounds, stimulate cochlea or any point on the auditory pathway electrically according to the audio information received from external environment, can also be used without its external part, and parts of which can be replaced without being completely removed from the body in case of a malfunction.

Claims

1. A hearing aid (1) comprising at least one first unit (2) which is inserted to the implant bed (outer surface of the temporal bone squamous part) inside the ear; has at least one receiving antenna (3) that receives audio data, at least one internal magnet (4); at least one first hermetic box (5) that receives audio data from the receiving antenna (3) and keeps these in the form of combined audio data and at least one grounding electrode (6) that is located on the first hermetic box (5), at least one energy supplying assembly and at least one wireless connection assembly; at least one connection element (7) which is connected to the first hermetic box (5) from one end thereof; at least one second unit (8) which is inserted to the mastoidectomy cavity inside the ear; creates the internal part together with the first unit (2) and the connection element (7); has at least one second hermetic box (9) that has components to distribute combined audio data into separate channels and a connection surface, at least one electrode array (10) wherein the conductors exiting the second hermetic box (9) exist together, at least one electrode contact surface (11) that are conductors composing the electrode array (10), and at least one connector (12) that provides the connection between the first hermetic box (5) and the second hermetic box (9), contacts the connection element (7) from one end thereof and to the connection surface on the second hermetic box (9) from the other end thereof, at least one transmitting antenna (13) which is in interaction to transmit audio data to the receiving antenna (6) in the first unit (4); at least one external magnet (14) which provides connection with the internal magnet (4) in the first unit (2), is located outside the body; at least one power button (15) which is used for controlling the power required for operation, triggered by the user; at least one connection button (16) which is used for controlling the wireless connection; characterized by the connector (12) which is located in a position close to the second hermetic box (9), such that it will be within the mastoidectomy cavity and have a detachable structure, in a condition where it is sufficient to leave the electrode array (10) inside the inner ear for troubleshooting in case of any failure.

2. A hearing aid (1) according to claim 1; characterized by the connector (12) which has a detachable structure and is located between the first and second hermetic box (5, 9).

3. A hearing aid (1) according to claim 1; characterized by the connector (12) wherein connection of the connection element (7)—which is electrical wires—to the second hermetic box (9) has a contact surface.

4. A hearing aid (1) according to claim 1, characterized by the connector (12) which is located on the second hermetic box (9) and has a detachable structure.

5. A hearing aid (1) according to claim 1, characterized by the connector (12) which has a structure detachable to the connection element (7) extending out from the second hermetic box (9) such that it will remain within the mastoidectomy cavity.

6. A hearing aid (1) according to claim 1, characterized by the connector (12) which is located on the outward facing surface of the second hermetic box (9) within the mastoidectomy cavity and contains a connection hole in the middle of the connector (12) contact surfaces.

7. A hearing aid (1) according to claim 6; characterized by the connector (12) which brings the connector contact surfaces on the second hermetic box (9) into correct alignment with connector connection surfaces upon a connection piece (17) passes through the connection holes.

8. A hearing aid (1) according to claim 7; characterized by the connector (12) which is fixed to the wall of the second hermetic box (9) upon the connection piece (17) is tightened.

9. A hearing aid (1) according to claim 7; characterized by the connector (12) surfaces of which have grooves and protrusions so as to interlock when the connection piece (17) is tightened and provide sealing like gasket.

10. A hearing aid (1) according to claim 7; characterized by the contact surface of the connector (12) and the connection surfaces of the second hermetic box (9) connector (12), that will contact each other upon the connection piece (17) is tightened, which are in the form of spring.

11. A hearing aid (1) according to claim 10; characterized by the circular-arc shaped contact surfaces which are in the form of continuation of the conductors of the connection element (7) between the two hermetic boxes (5, 9) on the connector (12) surface and the conductors entering the second hermetic box (9) in within the mastoidectomy cavity on the other connector (12) surface, and manufactured from a biocompatible electrically conductive material.

12. A hearing aid (1) according to claim 1, characterized by the first unit (2) which transfers the audio data—processed but not channelled—and the energy to the second hermetic box (9) within the mastoidectomy cavity over the connector (12) by the connection element (7) between the first hermetic box (5) and the second hermetic box (9).

13. A hearing aid (1) according to claim 1, characterized by the first unit (2) which can receive the audio data by means of the wireless connection assembly it comprises from a microphone located outside the ear and/or from a separate smart device via wireless transfer when hidden use is requested and/or from an external part comprising one transmitting antenna (13), the external magnet (14) elements when the external part is in integrated wireless connection.

14. A hearing aid (1) according to claim 13; characterized by the first unit (2) which performs the transfer by induction between the internal and the external magnet (4, 14) and/or another wireless transfer method, in the event that it receives the audio data from an external part being inserted to the ear, comprising one transmitting antenna (13), the external magnet (14) elements.

15. A hearing aid (1) according to claim 1, characterized by the first unit (2) which comprises at least one rechargeable energy source and/or at least one assembly that can perform energy harvesting, as an energy supplying assembly.

16. A hearing aid (1) according to claim 1, characterized by the first unit (2) wherein the energy source is an energy storage such as battery or supercapacitor.

17. A hearing aid (1) according to claim 1, characterized by the first unit (2) wherein the assembly performing energy harvesting is a piezoelectric, thermoelectric, electromagnetic or similar energy generator.

18. A hearing aid (1) according to claim 1, characterized by the external part wherein the transmitting antenna (13), the external magnet (14) and preferably the power button (15) and the connection button (16) are included, which transfers the necessary energy to the first unit (2) and the second unit (8) by induction from an energy source it has while it is inserted to ear.

19. A hearing aid (1) according to claim 1, characterized by the grounding electrode (6) conductors of which are located in the connection element (7) between the connector (12) and the two hermetic boxes (5, 9).

20. A hearing aid (1) according to claim 1, characterized by the connection element (7) wherein the first hermetic box (5) is located at one end thereof whereas the connector (12) connected to the second hermetic box (9) is located at the other end thereof.

21. A hearing aid (1) according to claim 1, characterized by the connection element (7) which is a cable suitable for energy and data transfer.

22. A hearing aid (1) according to claim 1; characterized by the connection element (7) which enables connection of the connector (12) to the second hermetic box (9) over the connection element (7) by protruding outwards from the second hermetic box (9).

23. A hearing aid (1) according to claim 1, characterized by the second hermetic box (9) which creates stimulation signals to reach the suitable conductors in the electrode array (10) by using the audio data received from the first unit (2) and distributes the combined audio data into channels.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0026] “A Hearing Aid Suitable for Hidden Use” realized to fulfil the objective of the present invention is shown in the figures attached, in which:

[0027] FIG. 1 is a view of the internal and external part in the inventive hearing aid.

[0028] FIG. 2 is a detailed view of the second unit in the inventive hearing aid.

[0029] FIG. 3 is a detailed view of the connector included in the inventive hearing aid.

[0030] The components illustrated in the figures are individually numbered, where the numbers refer to the following: [0031] 1. Hearing aid [0032] 2. First unit [0033] 3. Receiving antenna [0034] 4. Internal magnet [0035] 5. First hermetic box [0036] 6. Grounding electrode [0037] 7. Connection element (cable) [0038] 8. Second unit [0039] 9. Second hermetic box [0040] 9a. Electrode housing [0041] 9b. Upper part [0042] 9c. Lower part [0043] 9d. Elastomer [0044] 10. Electrode array [0045] 11. Electrode contact surface [0046] 12. Connector [0047] 12a. Upper contact electrode [0048] 12b. Lower contact electrode [0049] 13. Transmitting antenna [0050] 14. External magnet [0051] 15. Power button [0052] 16. Connection button [0053] 17. Connection piece

[0054] The inventive hearing aid suitable for hidden use (1) comprises: [0055] at least one first unit (2) which is inserted to the implant bed (outer surface of the temporal bone squamous part) inside the ear; has at least one receiving antenna (3) that receives audio data, at least one internal magnet (4); at least one first hermetic box (5) that receives audio data from the receiving antenna (3) and keeps these in the form of combined audio data and at least one grounding electrode (6) that is located on the first hermetic box (5), at least one energy supplying assembly and at least one wireless connection assembly; [0056] at least one connection element (7) which is connected to the first hermetic box (5) from one end thereof; [0057] at least one second unit (8) which is inserted to the mastoidectomy cavity inside the ear, creates the internal part together with the first unit (2) and the connection element (7); has at least one second hermetic box (9) that has components to distribute combined audio data into separate channels and a connection surface, at least one electrode array (10) wherein the conductors exiting the second hermetic box (9) exist together, at least one electrode contact surface (11) that are conductors composing the electrode array (10), and at least one connector (12) that provides the connection between the first hermetic box (5) and the second hermetic box (9), contacts the connection element (7) from one end thereof and to the connection surface on the second hermetic box (9) from the other end thereof; [0058] at least one transmitting antenna (13) which is in interaction to transmit audio data to the receiving antenna (6) in the first unit (4); [0059] at least one external magnet (14) which provides connection with the internal magnet (4) in the first unit (2), is located outside the body; [0060] at least one power button (15) which is used for controlling the power required for operation, triggered by the user; and [0061] at least one connection button (16) which is used for controlling the wireless connection.

[0062] In the inventive hearing aid (1), the connector (12) is located in a position close to the second hermetic box (9), such that it will be within the mastoidectomy cavity and have a detachable structure, in case of any failure has a condition that it is sufficient to leave the undamaged electrode array (10) inside the inner ear. Thereby, a subcutaneous hearing aid (1) which enables hidden use by means of integrated energy supply and remote data transfer for certain periods of time is obtained by enabling to remove the connection element (7) by the connector (12) easily, together with the first unit (2) in the inner air bed where the first hermetic box (5) is located.

[0063] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the connector (12) has a detachable structure and it is located between the first and second hermetic box (5, 9). Thereby, a hearing aid (1) wherein all of the first unit (2) in the implant bed which is the part with the highest risk of failure by impact and a pre-determined amount of the connection element (7) located between the two boxes (5, 9) can be changed through a simple surgical operation without removing the second unit (9) and the electrode array (10) within the mastoidectomy cavity, is obtained.

[0064] In the inventive hearing aid (1), the connector (12) connection of the connection element (7)—which is preferably electrical wires- to the second hermetic box (9) has a contact surface. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the connector (12) is located on the second hermetic box (9) and has a detachable structure. In another preferred embodiment, the connector (12) has a structure detachable to the connection element (7) extending out from the second hermetic box (9) such that it will remain within the mastoidectomy cavity. Thereby, length (7) of the connection element (7) desired to be changed can be adjusted by adjusting the position of the connector (12) within the mastoidectomy cavity such that it will be on the second hermetic box (9) or at a desired distance from the second hermetic box (9).

[0065] In a preferred embodiment of the inventive hearing aid (1), the connector (12) is located on the outward facing surface of the second hermetic box (9) within the mastoidectomy cavity and contains a connection hole in the middle of the connector (12) contact surfaces. The connector (12) brings the connector contact surfaces on the second hermetic box (9) into correct alignment with connector connection surfaces upon a connection piece (17) passes through the connection holes. The connector (12) is fixed to the wall of the second hermetic box (9) upon the connection piece (17) is tightened. The connection piece (17) does not disrupt the sealing because it does not pass the material on the wall of the second hermetic box (9) entirely. In a preferred embodiment, the connection piece (17) is a screw and the connection hole is a screw hole.

[0066] In a preferred embodiment, the connector (12) comprises at least one upper contact electrode (12a) which is continuation of the connection element (7) and at least one lower contact electrode (12b) which is independent of the upper contact electrode (12a) but in contact with the upper contact electrode (12a). The lower contact electrode (12b) fits into an electrode housing (9a) located on the second hermetic box (9). A plurality of conducting wires are located between the lower contact electrode (12b) and the electrode array (10). By tightening the connector (12) with a screw, the upper contact electrode (12a) and the lower contact electrode (12b) are fixed on the second hermetic box (9) over the electrode housing (9a).

[0067] The second hermetic box (9) wherein the connector (12) is fixed consists of two parts, namely an upper part (9b) and a lower part (9c). Besides, there are two elastomers (9d) such that they will be between the upper part (9b) and the lower part (9c) and on the lower part of the lower part (9c). Thereby, the long-term durability of the second hermetic box (9) is increased.

[0068] In a preferred embodiment of the inventive hearing aid (1), the head part of the connector (17) is wide enough to cover the surfaces of the connector (12). The connector (12) surfaces have grooves and protrusions so as to interlock when the connection piece (17) is tightened and provide sealing like a gasket. The coating material which is located on the surface of the connector (12) and shapes the connector (12) is preferably same as the connection element (7) material. In a preferred embodiment, the connector (12) and the connection element (7) are produced together. The coating material of the connector connection surface on the second hermetic box (9) wall is same as the coating material enclosing the second hermetic box (9) and the electrode array (10) and they are preferably produced together.

[0069] In the inventive hearing aid (1), the contact surface of the connector (12) and the connection surfaces of the second hermetic box (9) that will contact each other upon the connection piece (17) is tightened are in the form of spring. The circular-arc shaped contact surfaces are preferably in the form of continuation of the conductors of the connection element (7) between the two hermetic boxes (5, 9) on the connector (12) surface and the conductors entering the second hermetic box (9) in within the mastoidectomy cavity on the other connector (12) surface, and manufactured from a biocompatible electrically conductive material. Due to the fact that the contacting surfaces are in the form of spring, it is enabled to combine the contact surface of the connector (12) and the connection surface of the second hermetic box (9) with each other at a desired angle. The contact surface of the connector (12) which is in the form of continuation of the conductors entering the second hermetic box (9) can be separated only by removing the connection piece (17) from the wall of the second hermetic box (9). Thereby, the contacting surfaces can be brought into a desired angle

[0070] In the inventive hearing aid (1), the first unit (2) inserted to the implant bed inside the ear, the second unit (8) inserted to the mastoidectomy cavity inside the ear and the connection element (7) enabling to interconnect the first unit (2) and the second unit (8) by lying between the first unit (2) and the second unit (8) compose the internal part of the hearing aid (1). The transmitting antenna (13), the external magnet (14), the power button (15) and the connection button (16) compose the external part of the hearing aid (1).

[0071] In the inventive hearing aid (1), the first unit (2) comprises the receiving antenna (3), the internal magnet (4), the first hermetic box (5), the grounding electrode (6) and also the energy supplying assembly and the wireless connection assembly. The first unit (2) transfers the audio data—processed but not channelled—and the energy to the second hermetic box (9) within the mastoidectomy cavity over the connector (12) by the connection element (7) between the first hermetic box (5) and the second hermetic box (9).

[0072] In the inventive hearing aid (1), the first unit (2) can receive the audio data by means of the wireless connection assembly it comprises from a microphone located outside the ear and/or from a separate smart device via wireless transfer when hidden use is requested and/or from an external part comprising one transmitting antenna (13), the external magnet (14) elements when the external part is in integrated wireless connection. One or more wireless communication protocol and hardware commonly used in smart devices such as bluetooth are selected for wireless transmission in the hearing aid (1). The first unit (2) performs the transfer by induction between the internal and the external magnet (4, 14) and/or another wireless transfer method, in the event that it receives the audio data from an external part being inserted to the ear, comprising one transmitting antenna (13), the external magnet (14) elements. In order to improve the quality of the stimulation in the device sending the audio data transmitted to the internal unit (2), one or more of the digital sound processing techniques are used. In the hearing aid (1), it is possible to select the source of sound by means of a smart device whereto the internal unit (2) is connected wirelessly and interventions such as adjusting sound volume and feature are performed.

[0073] In the inventive hearing aid (1), the first unit (2) comprises at least one rechargeable energy source and/or at least one assembly that can perform energy harvesting, as an energy supplying assembly. The energy source in the first unit (2) is an energy storage such as battery or supercapacitor. In the first unit (2), the assembly performing energy harvesting is a piezoelectric, thermoelectric, electromagnetic or similar energy generator. In the inventive hearing aid (1), the external part wherein the transmitting antenna (13), the external magnet (14) and preferably the power button (15) and the connection button (16) are included transfers the necessary energy to the first unit (2) and the second unit (8) by induction from an energy source it has while it is inserted to ear. The energy necessary for the first unit (2) and the second unit (8) can be provided by the energy transferred from the external part; the energy supplying assembly located in the first unit (2) is charged—if it is rechargeable—in case of need. If the inventive hearing aid (1) operates when the external part is not inserted, the energy necessary is provided from the energy supplying assembly. In the inventive hearing aid (1), the first unit (2) enables the user to follow up the charging status, the energy source and to make the necessary settings by establishing connection with a smart device wirelessly.

[0074] In the inventive hearing aid (1), conductors of the grounding electrode (6) included in the first unit (2) are located in the connection element (7) between the connector (12) and the two hermetic boxes (5, 9).

[0075] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the first hermetic box (5) is located at one end of the connection element (7) whereas the connector (12) connected to the second hermetic box (9) is located at the other end thereof. The connector element (7) is a cable suitable for energy and data transfer. In another preferred embodiment, the connection element (7) enables connection of the connector (12) to the second hermetic box (9) over the connection element (7) by protruding outwards from the second hermetic box (9). Thereby, in case of predicting the part of the connection element (7) which may break down, the connector (12) is inserted at the end of the connection element (7) up to the amount desired to be replaced.

[0076] In the inventive hearing aid (1), the second unit (8) within the mastoidectomy cavity consists of the second hermetic box (9), the electrode array (10), the electrode contact surface (11) and the connector (12). Data and energy transfer between the second unit (8) and the first unit (2) is carried out by means of the connection element (7) which is a cable. The second hermetic box (9) included in the second unit (8) creates the stimulation signals to reach the suitable conductors in the electrode array (10) by using the audio data received from the first unit (2) and distributes combined audio data into channels. Thickness of the first unit (2) and number of components are reduced due to the fact that the second hermetic box (9) separates the audio data into channels and creates the stimulation signals by using its structure. Besides, it is enabled to use thicker conductors by reducing the number of the conductors in the connection element (7) located between the second hermetic box (9) and the first hermetic box (5).

[0077] The electrode array (10) included in the second unit (8) is generated such that separate conductors, each of which will reach a different electrode contact surface (11), exist together separately after exiting the second hermetic box (9).

[0078] The inventive hearing aid (1) is implanted into the ear by means of known surgical techniques. The connector (12) located in the internal part is removed from its package in a sterile and unmounted form and it is implanted without being disassembled. However, after the electrode array (10) is inserted to the cochlea, the second unit (8) is laid into its place such that it will entirely remain inside the mastoidectomy cavity. In the event of any malfunction in the hearing aid (1), since the connector (12) connection is in the second hermetic box (9) within the mastoidectomy cavity, a replacement can be made without removing the second hermetic box (9) and the electrode array (10) if the failure results from the connection element (7) between the first unit (2), the two hermetic boxes (5, 9) or the contact surface of the connector (12) following thereof. The connection piece (17), which can be a screw, in the connector (12) is unscrewed without dislocating the second hermetic box (9) and the electrode array (10) and the contact surface of the movable connector following the connection element (7) is disconnected from the connection surfaces of the second hermetic box (9). The first unit (2), the connection element (7) and the following connector (12) in the implant bed to be replaced are taken out and replaced with a new one. Connection holes of the contact surface of the connector (12) and the connection surface of the second hermetic box (9) are brought into the same alignment and connection of the connector (12) is realized by tightening the connection piece (17) to the wall of the second hermetic box (9). Upon realizing connection of the connector (12), sealing is provided by using liquid silicone that solidifies with ultraviolet light upon or a similar isolation method.

[0079] In order that the inventive hearing aid (1) can match with a smart device, the external part must be attached and the wireless connection must be powered on and also the required software or application must be available in the smart device. After the smart device and the hearing aid (1) find each other, the connection is approved by pressing the power button (15) and the connection button (16) located on the external part accordingly. Priority order of the smart devices or sound sources matching with the hearing aid (1) can be changed from any approved smart device, the device settings can be made or priority orders of the sound sources can be changed. If the approved smart device has internet connection, settings of the inventive hearing aid (1) can be made or its information can be accessed by remote access in case of approval.

[0080] In order that the inventive hearing aid (1) can operate, the outer part must be attached and the power button (15) located on thereof must be pressed. Upon the inventive hearing aid (1) is switched on, the wireless connection is activated and it automatically connects to the smart device it matches according to the priority order. The hearing aid (1) continues to search for a wireless connection unless the wireless connection is deactivated if no matched smart device can be found while the outer part is attached. The first unit (2) and the second unit (8) included in the internal part primarily use the audio data received from the microphone. It is possible to change the active sound source from the smart device connected even when the outer part is attached. If there is a smart device connected by wireless connection, the active sound source becomes the connected smart device when the external part is removed. It continues to operate on its own even when the outer part is removed and it becomes selectable by the smart device connected as an alternative sound source, in configurations comprising integrated wireless connection system. However the external part closes if it is not selected as a sound source for a certain period of time. Pressing the power button (15) while the external part is removed only affects the external part.

[0081] The inventive hearing aid (1) continues to work like a conventional cochlear implant by pressing the power button (15) when the wireless connection is activated and the external part is attached or disconnecting the wireless connection in the event of issuing a command for deactivating the wireless connection by means of an application in the connected smart device. The connection button (16) on the external part attached is pressed when reactivation of the wireless connection is desired in the hearing aid (1). In this case, even if a wireless connection cannot be established, the search continues continuously. If the external part is removed while the hearing aid (1) is operating by the audio data received from the external part such that the wireless connection is switched off, the wireless connection is automatically switched on and if a connection can be established with a previously matched smart device, it starts operating in hidden status. However the hearing aid (1) switches off if wireless connection cannot be established for a certain period of time or there is not enough energy in the energy supplying mechanism in the internal part.

[0082] The hearing aid (1) switches off at the stage wherein command for switching off the wireless connection is issued from the application in the smart device connected by the inventive hearing aid (1) while operating in hidden use. Similarly, in applications wherein the external part comprises integrated wireless connection system and performs remote audio data transmission, the hearing aid (1) switches off when the connection button (16) is pressed. However, if the active sound source is another device while the external part is not attached, the connection button (16) in the external part has no function. The hearing aid (1) switches off in the event of pressing the power button (15) while it is operating such that the external part is attached. Because the hearing aid (1) also stops searching for wireless connection when it is switched off, the wireless connection cannot be activated without attaching the external part. However, the hearing aid (1) preferably comprises at least one magnetic contact located on the first unit (2), in order to activate the wireless connection without the external part. The said magnetic contact can be a reed switch or similar assembly.

[0083] The inventive hearing aid (1) switches off in the event that the energy supplying assembly cannot provide the necessary energy while it operates in hidden use mode. However, at the stage wherein the external part is attached and operates by the audio data being received from the microphone in the external part and energy of the external part is run out, when there is also enough energy in the energy supplying assembly included in the internal part, the inventive hearing aid (1) starts operating in hidden mode in the case that it is already connected to the smart device. In the same case if the hearing aid (1) remains as the switched-off wireless connection, the wireless connection switches on automatically and starts operating in hidden mode if it can establish connection with a previously matched smart device. But the hearing aid (1) switches off in the event that it cannot establish wireless connection for a certain period of time or there is not enough energy in the energy supplying assembly in the internal part. The hearing aid (1) tries to connect other sound sources according to the priority order in case of disconnection from the sound source being connected while operating in the hidden mode however it switches off if no connection is established for a certain period of time.

[0084] Within these basic concepts; it is possible to develop various embodiments of the inventive hearing aid (1); the invention cannot be limited to examples disclosed herein and it is essentially according to claims.