Listening support device, in particular a hearing aid, and a compressible case for application therewith

Abstract

A listening support device, such as in particular a hearing aid, includes a part (6) worn in the ear, wherein the part worn in the ear includes an electro-acoustic converter (61) and optionally also includes a microphone (62). The part worn in the ear includes a device housing (6) which is inserted releasably in a compressible case (30) which at least partially encircles the device housing laterally. The compressible case (30) is provided with at least one continuous channel (31,32,33) which provides for an open communication between a proximal side directed toward an outlet of the auditory canal and an opposite, distal side thereof.

Claims

1. A listening support device comprising: a part worn in the ear which is adapted to be received positioned at least substantially wholly in an auditory canal of a user, wherein the part worn in the ear comprises: a device housing with an electro-acoustic converter; and a compressible case which releasably receives the device housing, the case comprising, between a sound emitting side of the converter and a sound emitting opening in a wall of the case, an at least substantially open sound transmission channel provided with a cerumen barrier, the cerumen barrier comprising at least one barrier body behind the sound emitting opening which extends transversely in the sound transmission channel and therein leaves at least a free space laterally along sides of the at least one barrier body within a cross-section of the sound transmission channel, wherein the at least one barrier body comprises an at least substantially solid body which is formed integrally with the case at least close to the sound emitting opening, and is rod shaped or disc shaped.

2. The listening support device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the case at least almost wholly encircles the device housing laterally, and that the case is provided with at least one continuous channel which provides for an open communication between a proximal side directed toward an outlet of the auditory canal and an opposite, distal side thereof.

3. The listening support device as claimed in claim 2, wherein transversely of the auditory canal the at least one continuous channel comprises an overall cross-section amounting to between 5 and 50% of a local cross-section of the auditory canal.

4. The listening support device as claimed in claim 2, wherein the at least one continuous channel comprises a number of, or three, longitudinal cavities in the case, which are placed at regular distances from each other in a peripheral direction.

5. The listening support device as claimed in claim 4, wherein the case, at least in non-tensioned state, has a round cross-section with a diameter of between 6 millimeters and 10 millimeters, and the cavities comprise at least substantially cylindrical passages, each having a diameter of about 15% of the diameter of the case.

6. A hearing aid comprising the listening support device as claimed in claim 1.

7. A case as in the listening support device as claimed in claim 1.

8. The listening support device as claimed claim 1, wherein the case at least almost wholly encircles the device housing laterally, and the case is provided with at least one continuous channel which provides for an open communication between a proximal side directed toward an outlet of the auditory canal and an opposite, distal side thereof.

9. A listening support device comprising: a part worn in the ear, and adapted to be received positioned at least substantially wholly in an auditory canal of a user, the part worn in the ear comprising: at least a microphone; and at least one electro-acoustic converter, the at least one electro-acoustic converter comprising an electro-acoustic membrane with a first vibration direction, the first vibration direction is aimed in a direction towards the auditory canal, wherein the microphone comprises an electro-acoustic membrane with a second vibration direction, wherein the first vibration direction is oriented at an angle relative to the second vibration direction, wherein the part worn in the ear further comprises: a compressible case which releasably receives a device housing, the case comprising, between a sound emitting side of the electro-acoustic converter and a sound emitting opening in a wall of the case, an at least substantially open sound transmission channel provided with a cerumen barrier, the cerumen barrier comprising at least one barrier body behind the sound emitting opening which extends transversely in a sound transmission channel and therein leaves at least a free space laterally along sides of the at least one barrier body within a cross-section of the sound transmission channel, wherein the at least one barrier body comprises an at least substantially solid body which is formed integrally with the case at least close to the sound emitting opening, and is rod shaped or disc shaped.

10. A listening support device comprising: a part worn in the ear, adapted to be received positioned at least substantially wholly in an auditory canal of a user, the part worn in the ear comprising: at least a microphone; and at least one electro-acoustic converter, the at least one electro-acoustic converter comprising a first electro-acoustic membrane and a second electro-acoustic membrane, and the first electro-acoustic membrane and the second electro-acoustic membrane are placed opposite each other with a mutually opposing vibration direction, the vibration direction being aimed towards the auditory canal, wherein the part worn in the ear further comprises: a compressible case which releasably receives a device housing, the case comprising, between a sound emitting side of the electro-acoustic converter and a sound emitting opening in a wall of the case, an at least substantially open sound transmission channel provided with a cerumen barrier, the cerumen barrier comprising at least one barrier body behind the sound emitting opening which extends transversely in a sound transmission channel and therein leaves at least a free space laterally along sides of the at least one barrier body within a cross-section of the sound transmission channel, wherein the at least one barrier body comprises an at least substantially solid body which is formed integrally with the case at least close to the sound emitting opening, and is rod shaped or disc shaped.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES

(1) FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a listening support device according to the invention;

(2) FIG. 2 shows a cross-section of the connecting cable along the line A-A in FIG. 1; and

(3) FIGS. 3A-F show cross-sections and perspective views of an exemplary embodiment of a compressible case according to the invention which can be applied with the listening support device of FIG. 1.

(4) The figures are otherwise purely schematic and not drawn to scale. For the sake of clarity some dimensions in particular may be exaggerated to a greater or lesser extent. Corresponding parts are designated in the figures with the same reference numeral.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

(5) The device shown in FIG. 1 comprises a device housing 6 intended and adapted to be received wholly inside an auditory canal of a user. An outer casing of device housing 6 is for this purpose modelled to the natural anatomy of the auditory canal or, as in this case, is inserted into a compressible case of soft elastic material, normally referred to as a soft-tip. A material commonly used for this purpose is silicone rubber or other suitable, bio-compatible elastomer which shapes itself comfortably to the natural anatomy of the auditory canal. For the sake of clarity the compressible case is shown separately in FIGS. 3A-3F. FIGS. 3A-3B show the compressible case in different perspective views. FIGS. 3C-D show the compressible case in respectively front view and side view. FIGS. 3E-F show the compressible case in cross-section, respectively along lines E-E and F-F.

(6) Case 30 comprises a number of cylindrical passages (cavities) 31, 32, 23 which thereby provide a number of open air channels through which a free airflow is ensured between a distal and a proximal side of the device in the ear. Case 30 comprises a cavity 35 with a uniform internal dimension d.sub.int, into which the form-retaining device housing 6 with loudspeakers 61 is inserted, but is supplied with three external dimensions d.sub.ext, i.e. a diameter of respectively 6, 8 and 10 millimeters, which will usually suffice for most users. The size of channels 31, 32, 33 is adapted hereto in the sense that the total air passage will amount to a maximum of about 15% of the overall cross-section of the case. This example has in this respect three such cylindrical cavities 31 . . . 33, each with a diameter of about 1.0, 1.2 or 1.4 millimeters at an external dimension d.sub.ext of respectively 6, 8 and 10 millimeters of the case itself.

(7) On a distal side the device housing comprises an emitting opening 61 of an electro-acoustic converter lying therebehind for the purpose of emitting sound generated thereby almost directly to an eardrum of the user. Provided in line therewith in case 30 is a corresponding emitting opening 36. Situated between emitting opening 61 of the device housing and emitting opening 36 of case 30 is a sound emitting channel which provides free passage for sound generated by the converter.

(8) Provided between the two emitting openings 61, 36 for the purpose of preventing entry of cerumen are cerumen barrier means in the form of a disc-like or rod-like barrier body 37 which extends close to the sound emitting opening 36 in a transverse direction in the emitting channel but which leaves space 38 clear along the sides in order to nevertheless allow the sound to pass through relatively undisturbed. In this embodiment barrier body 37 is formed integrally with case 30 from the same material as the case.

(9) On a proximal side the device housing comprises a microphone behind an opening 62 in an outer casing, whereby ambient sound which has penetrated the auditory canal can be captured. The microphone is able to convert the captured sound to a representative electronic audio signal, and is for this reason also referred to as primary transducer or converter, opposite the electro-acoustic converter 61 or loudspeaker which functions as secondary transducer.

(10) In order to prevent feedback between converter 61 and microphone 62, which could be perceived as irritating, the two components are placed at an angle relative to each other, in this embodiment even at a right angle, in respect of a natural vibration direction of the electro-acoustic membranes which are present in these components and which are ultimately responsible for the desired conversion. Vibrations are thus not transmitted, or only to a limited extent, from the one membrane to the other. In this embodiment a converter 61 in dual form is moreover applied, with two membranes in opposed orientation to each other so that internally directed, parasitic vibrations thereof will already at least partially quench each other. For a similar effect two single convertors can also be applied back-to-back.

(11) The output signal of the microphone is generated to a signal processing device (DSP) 71 which amplifies and/or processes the signal before transmitting it to loudspeaker 61. In the present invention the signal processing device 71 is housed together with an electric power source in the form of an optionally rechargeable battery 72 in a second device housing 7 which is worn wholly outside the auditory canal, behind or on the ear. The second device housing moreover provides space for a control switch 73 with which the device can be activated or deactivated, and in some cases adjusted according to the wishes of the user. It is optionally also possible to dispense with a physical control switch, and use can in that case be made of for instance a fixed setting, which can optionally be adjusted or programmed outside the ear, or the device can be adjusted by means of specific sound pulse patterns.

(12) The two parts of the device are mutually connected by means of a multi-core connecting cable 5 which is further shown in cross-section in FIG. 2. The connecting cable has an insulating outer sheath 10 of a suitable plastic and has a diameter of several tenths of a millimeter to several millimeters, in this case about 1.0 millimeter. In respect of the outer sheath in this embodiment a polyether-polyamide block co-polymer has been selected as high-grade bio-compatible plastic, which is commercially available under the name PEBAX. It is instead however also possible, if desired, to apply another, less complex plastic such as polyethylene, polypropylene.

(13) Situated inside the sheath is a first connecting core 1 and a second connecting core 2. The first connecting core 1 is coupled to an output of microphone 62 and connects it electronically to a corresponding input of the signal processing device 71. The second connecting core 2 connects a pole of battery 72, usually the positive pole, to a corresponding power supply connection of microphone 62. The second connecting core can optionally also be connected instead to a voltage regulator, which ordinarily forms part of the signal processing device 71. Both connecting cores comprise a core of braided silver, gold or copper wire for the purpose of a low electronic impedance in combination with a high mechanical flexibility. Situated therearound is an insulating sheath 11 of plastic.

(14) In order to shield the microphone signal from external electromagnetic interference, both the first and the second connecting cores in cable 5 are paired with a shielding core 51, 52 which during use is subject to a fixed supply potential. Such a further core 51, 52 can for this purpose be wound with respectively first core 1 and second core 2 or, as in this embodiment, be arranged co-axially therearound. This latter provides an optimal protection against disruptive outside influences which could otherwise have an adverse effect on the signal-to-noise ratio of the signal. In this embodiment both further cores 51, 52 are earthed and thereby also serve as carrier of a reference potential for microphone 62 and the signal processing device 71.

(15) In addition to the first and second connecting cores 1, 2, the multi-core cable 5 also comprises for the purpose of connection of microphone 62 a first further connecting core and a second further connecting core 3, 4, with which loudspeakers 61 are coupled to the signal processing device 71. Other than the first set of cores 1, 2, this latter set 3, 4 is not paired with a shielding core so as to not reduce the flexibility of the cable unnecessarily, with a view to the eventual wearer comfort of the device. Taken into account here is an optional signal amplification from the signal processing device 71, which makes the signal-to-noise ratio of the output signal less susceptible to interference, while crosstalk from or to the first set of cores is already suppressed by the co-axial sheath 51, 52 present therearound.

(16) Finally received in the cable is a strengthening wire 8 having a shorter free length between the two device housings 6, 7 than that of the shortest of the other cores 1, 2, 3, 4, 51, 52 in cable 5. This strengthening wire is connected on either side to a fixed housing part of the relevant device housing 6, 7 and thereby provides a pull relief for electronic cores 1, 2, 3, 4, 51, 52. In this embodiment use is made for strengthening wire 8 of braided or wound aramid fibres because of their excellent tensile strength. Other materials with tensile strength can also be applied instead, such as for instance a metal wire or another plastic.

(17) Cable 5 can be connected to the relevant part of the device on one of the two or both outer ends by means of a soldered connection, or be coupled thereto via a detachable microplug construction. In this embodiment use is made of a fixed solder connection in respect of the part 6 worn in the ear, while such a micro-connector 75 is used on the part worn outside the ear.

(18) Although the invention has been further elucidated with reference to this one embodiment, it will be apparent that the invention is by no means limited thereto. On the contrary, many other variations and embodiments are possible within the scope of the invention for the person with ordinary skill in the art. If desired, a detachable micro-connector can also be applied on the part worn in the ear, wherein use is then advantageously made of a multi-layer thin-film connector of alternate conductive metal layers and insulating polymer intermediate layers.

(19) In addition to the part worn in the ear, the described exemplary embodiment also comprises a part worn outside or behind the ear in which further electronics are accommodated. In at least a number of its aspects the invention can however also be applied to a listening support device which is fully integrated into a part worn in the ear and further lacks a part physically connected thereto outside the ear.

(20) In the shown example the microphone and the electro-acoustic converter are placed transversely of each other in respect of a vibration direction of acoustic membranes provided therein. Particularly when the converter comprises acoustic membranes operating in opposite directions, it can already also be advantageously applied in line with a vibration direction of the microphone.