[go: up one dir, main page]

EP0173371B1 - Hearing-aid device - Google Patents

Hearing-aid device Download PDF

Info

Publication number
EP0173371B1
EP0173371B1 EP85201204A EP85201204A EP0173371B1 EP 0173371 B1 EP0173371 B1 EP 0173371B1 EP 85201204 A EP85201204 A EP 85201204A EP 85201204 A EP85201204 A EP 85201204A EP 0173371 B1 EP0173371 B1 EP 0173371B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
hearing aid
coupling piece
housing
sealing plug
hearing
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Lifetime
Application number
EP85201204A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP0173371A1 (en
Inventor
Heinz Hardt
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Viennatone GmbH
Original Assignee
Viennatone GmbH
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
Family has litigation
First worldwide family litigation filed litigation Critical https://patents.darts-ip.com/?family=3536221&utm_source=google_patent&utm_medium=platform_link&utm_campaign=public_patent_search&patent=EP0173371(B1) "Global patent litigation dataset” by Darts-ip is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Application filed by Viennatone GmbH filed Critical Viennatone GmbH
Publication of EP0173371A1 publication Critical patent/EP0173371A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP0173371B1 publication Critical patent/EP0173371B1/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04R—LOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; DEAF-AID SETS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS
    • H04R25/00—Deaf-aid sets, i.e. electro-acoustic or electro-mechanical hearing aids; Electric tinnitus maskers providing an auditory perception
    • H04R25/65—Housing parts, e.g. shells, tips or moulds, or their manufacture
    • H04R25/652—Ear tips; Ear moulds
    • H04R25/656—Non-customized, universal ear tips, i.e. ear tips which are not specifically adapted to the size or shape of the ear or ear canal
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04R—LOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; DEAF-AID SETS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS
    • H04R25/00—Deaf-aid sets, i.e. electro-acoustic or electro-mechanical hearing aids; Electric tinnitus maskers providing an auditory perception
    • H04R25/65—Housing parts, e.g. shells, tips or moulds, or their manufacture
    • H04R25/652—Ear tips; Ear moulds
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04R—LOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; DEAF-AID SETS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS
    • H04R2225/00—Details of deaf aids covered by H04R25/00, not provided for in any of its subgroups
    • H04R2225/025—In the ear hearing aids [ITE] hearing aids
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04R—LOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; DEAF-AID SETS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS
    • H04R25/00—Deaf-aid sets, i.e. electro-acoustic or electro-mechanical hearing aids; Electric tinnitus maskers providing an auditory perception
    • H04R25/65—Housing parts, e.g. shells, tips or moulds, or their manufacture
    • H04R25/658—Manufacture of housing parts

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a hearing aid for essentially complete insertion into the external auditory canal (auditory canal device) with a housing on which an outwardly projecting cylindrical coupling element, which carries a sealing plug and has a sound outlet opening on its free end face, is held, amplifier, receiver, Microphone and battery.
  • Such a hearing aid was e.g. known from U.S. Patent No. 3,783,201.
  • the sealing plug is practically machined from a piece of solid material and is provided with a continuous bore serving as a formwork channel, and a front-end recess which widens it and serves to receive the coupling piece.
  • circumferential ribs are attached to the outer surface of the sealing plug.
  • the aim of the invention is to avoid these disadvantages and to propose a hearing aid of the type mentioned at the outset in which, on the one hand, a high degree of wearing comfort is achieved and pressure points in particular are reliably avoided and nevertheless an optimal sealing of the auditory canal is ensured.
  • the sealing plug is formed from a cylindrical inner part seated on the coupling piece and an outer part which is turned back around the inner part in the region of the end remote from the housing, the sealing plug being made of a material with an A-Shore hardness of not is made more than 70 °.
  • the proposed measures also make it very easy to manufacture the sealing plugs, which fit practically every ear. At most, these can be made in different sizes, but they can always be used with the same coupling pieces.
  • the coupling piece is arranged in the central axis of the device or is pivoted from the central axis to form a right or left hearing device, whereby an even better fit and greater wearing comfort of the hearing device can be achieved.
  • a particularly preferred embodiment of a hearing aid according to the invention is characterized in that the shape of the housing corresponds approximately to a circular sector, the boundary lines of which form an angle a of approximately 85 ° to 110 ° to one another.
  • a coupling piece 2 is inserted at the lower end into a thin-walled plastic or metal housing 1 receiving the hearing aid elements.
  • the connection can be made by soldering, riveting, gluing or the like.
  • the coupling piece 2 can also be produced in one piece with the housing.
  • the sound outlet of the receiver 3 installed in the housing 1 is connected to the coupling piece 2 by a hose 4 drawn into it or in another suitable manner.
  • Other internals known per se, such as microphone, amplifier, etc. are not shown for the sake of clarity.
  • the coupling piece 2 can have approximately the conical snap shape shown in FIG. 1 or also be cylindrical, fine grooves causing an increase in friction (FIG. 1a).
  • Another possible embodiment of the coupling piece is shown in Fig.lb in the form of a hollow threaded pin.
  • the housing 1 In order to fit into as many ears as possible, the housing 1 should have a section parallel to its large surface approximately in the shape of a circular sector, the boundaries of which form an angle a with respect to one another, which is advantageously between approximately 85 ° and 110 ° .
  • the housing is covered on its upper side by a closure plate 5, which in turn carries a volume plate 6 and a battery cover 7.
  • a sealing plug 11 according to FIG. 2 is fastened on the coupling piece 2, as shown in FIG is shown.
  • the inner part 8 should be as thick-walled as possible in order to ensure sufficient stability and a good fit on the coupling piece 2.
  • the inner wall 9 must be designed according to the shape of the coupling piece 2 in order to enable a coherent but detachable connection.
  • the outer part 10 of the mushroom-shaped sealing plug 11 should be thin-walled in order to fit tightly against the wall of the ear canal. The necessary different sizes of the sealing plug 11 to adapt to different auditory canals differ essentially only by the outer diameter D.
  • the hearing aid according to the invention is shown in a side view in FIG.
  • the shape of the housing corresponds approximately to a circular sector.
  • the coupling piece 2 will preferably lie in the axis of the hearing aid in order to obtain a symmetrical structure. However, it could also be pivoted slightly to the side (2a). This inevitably leads to a "right” or "left” hearing aid.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Manufacturing & Machinery (AREA)
  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Neurosurgery (AREA)
  • Otolaryngology (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Acoustics & Sound (AREA)
  • Signal Processing (AREA)
  • Headphones And Earphones (AREA)

Description

Die Erfindung bezieht sich auf ein Hörgerät zum im wesentlichen vollständigen Einsetzen in den äußeren Gehörgang (Gehörganggerät) mit einem Gehäuse, an dem ein nach außen vorragendes zylindrisches, einen Dichtungsstöpsel tragendes und an seiner freien Stirnseite eine Schallaustrittsöffnung aufweisenden Kupplungsstück gehalten ist, Verstärker, Hörer, Mikrofon und Batterie.The invention relates to a hearing aid for essentially complete insertion into the external auditory canal (auditory canal device) with a housing on which an outwardly projecting cylindrical coupling element, which carries a sealing plug and has a sound outlet opening on its free end face, is held, amplifier, receiver, Microphone and battery.

Ein solches Hörgerät wurde z.B. durch die US-PS 3 783 201 bekannt. Bei disem bekannten Gerät ist der Dichtungsstöpsel praktisch aus einem Stück Vollmaterial herausgearbeitet und mit einer durchgehenden, als Schalleitungskanal dienenden Bohrung, sowie einer diese erweiternde stirnseitigen Ausnehmung versehen, die zur Aufnahme des Kupplungsstückes dient. Zur Erzielung eines festen Haltes in Ohr und zur Abdichtung des Gehörganges sind an der äußeren Mantelfläche des Dichtungsstöpsels umlaufende Rippen angebracht.Such a hearing aid was e.g. known from U.S. Patent No. 3,783,201. In this known device, the sealing plug is practically machined from a piece of solid material and is provided with a continuous bore serving as a formwork channel, and a front-end recess which widens it and serves to receive the coupling piece. To achieve a firm hold in the ear and to seal the ear canal, circumferential ribs are attached to the outer surface of the sealing plug.

Dadurch ergibt sich allerdings der Nachteil, daß es im Bereich dieser Rippen zu einer entsprechend hohen Flächenpressung im Gehörgang kommt, was zu entsprechenden Irritierungen des Trägers führt. Auf Grund der doch erheblichen Festigkeit des Dichtungsstöpsels ist es im bekannten Falle auch notwendig, diesen zumindest näherungsweise ähnlich dem Gehörgang zu formen, wodurch sich eine entsprechend aufwendige Herstellung ergibt.However, this results in the disadvantage that there is a correspondingly high surface pressure in the ear canal in the area of these ribs, which leads to corresponding irritation of the wearer. Due to the considerable strength of the sealing plug, it is also necessary in the known case to shape it at least approximately similar to the ear canal, which results in a correspondingly complex production.

Weiter wurde durch die US-PS 4 375 016 ein Hörgerät vorgeschlagen, bei dem der Dichtungsstöpsel außen glatt und im wesentlichen als Hohlkörper ausgebildet ist. Damit werden zwar ein Teil der oben erwähnten Probleme vermieden, doch ergibt sich aufgrund der doch sehr erheblichen Wandstärke des Dichtungsstöpsels der Nachteil, daß sich dieser nicht im für eine gute Abdichtung des Gehörganges erforderlichen Ausmaß an die sehr komplizierte Gestalt des Gehörganges anpassen kann, so daß nur eine mäßige Abdichtung erzielbar ist und daher entsprechende Verluste in Kauf genommen werden müssen. Außerdem kann es auch bei dieser Lösung aufgrund der Festigkeit des Dichtungsstöpsels zu sehr unangenehmen Druckstellen im Gehörgang des Trägers kommen.Furthermore, a hearing device was proposed by US Pat. No. 4,375,016, in which the sealing plug is smooth on the outside and essentially designed as a hollow body. This avoids some of the problems mentioned above, but because of the very considerable wall thickness of the sealing plug there is the disadvantage that it cannot adapt to the very complicated shape of the ear canal to the extent required for a good seal of the ear canal only a moderate seal can be achieved and therefore corresponding losses have to be accepted. In addition, this solution can also cause very uncomfortable pressure points in the wearer's ear canal due to the strength of the sealing plug.

Ziel der Erfindung ist es, diese Nachteile zu vermeiden und ein Hörgerät der eingangs erwähnten Art vorzuschlagen, bei dem einerseits ein hoher Tragekomfort gegeben und insbesondere Druckstellen sicher vermieden sind und trotzdem eine optimale Abdichtung des Gehörganges sichergestellt ist.The aim of the invention is to avoid these disadvantages and to propose a hearing aid of the type mentioned at the outset in which, on the one hand, a high degree of wearing comfort is achieved and pressure points in particular are reliably avoided and nevertheless an optimal sealing of the auditory canal is ensured.

Erfindungsgemäß wird dies dadurch erreicht, daß der Dichtungsstöpsel aus einem zylinderförmigen, auf dem Kupplungsstück aufsitzenden Innenteil und einen im Bereich des vom Gehäuse abgekehrten Endes um den Innenteil zurückgestülpten Außenteil gebildet ist, wobei der Dichtungsstöpsel aus einem Material mit einer A-Shore-Härte von nicht mehr als 70° hergestellt ist.This is achieved according to the invention in that the sealing plug is formed from a cylindrical inner part seated on the coupling piece and an outer part which is turned back around the inner part in the region of the end remote from the housing, the sealing plug being made of a material with an A-Shore hardness of not is made more than 70 °.

Durch diese Maßnahmen ergibt sich ein sehr weicher und flexibler Dichtungsstöpsel, bei dem Druckstellen im Gehörgang sicher vermieden sind. Anderseits ist durch die Formgebung ein sehr weitgehendes Abdichten des Gehörganges sichergestellt.These measures result in a very soft and flexible sealing plug, in which pressure points in the ear canal are reliably avoided. On the other hand, the shape ensures a very extensive sealing of the ear canal.

Außerdem wird durch die vorgeschlagenen Maßnahmen auch eine sehr einfache Herstellung der Dichtungsstöpsel ermöglicht, die praktisch für fast jedes Ohr passen. Allenfalls können diese in verschiedenen Größen hergestellt werden, wobei diese aber immer mit den gleichen Kupplungsstücken verwendet werden können.In addition, the proposed measures also make it very easy to manufacture the sealing plugs, which fit practically every ear. At most, these can be made in different sizes, but they can always be used with the same coupling pieces.

Weiter kann vorgesehen sein, daß das Kupplungsstück in der Mittelachse des Gerätes angeordnet ist oder zur Bildung eines rechten oder linken Hörgerätes aus der Mittelachse verschwenkt ist, wodurch eine noch bessere Paßform und ein höherer Tragekomfort des Hörgerätes erzielbar ist.It can further be provided that the coupling piece is arranged in the central axis of the device or is pivoted from the central axis to form a right or left hearing device, whereby an even better fit and greater wearing comfort of the hearing device can be achieved.

Eine besonders bevorzugte Ausführungsform eines erfindungsgemäßen Hörgerätes zeichnet sich dadurch aus, daß die Form des Gehäuses etwa einem Kreissektor entspricht, dessen Begrenzungslinien zueinander einen Winkel a von etwa 85° bis 110° einschließen.A particularly preferred embodiment of a hearing aid according to the invention is characterized in that the shape of the housing corresponds approximately to a circular sector, the boundary lines of which form an angle a of approximately 85 ° to 110 ° to one another.

Ein derartiges Hörgerät paßt erfahrungsgemäß in den Großteil der menschlichen Ohren.Experience has shown that such a hearing aid fits into the majority of human ears.

Im folgenden wird die Erfindung anhand eines Ausführungsbeispieles näher erläutert. In den Zeichnungen zeigen:

  • Figur 1 eine Seitenansicht eines erfindungsgemäß ausgebildeten Hörgerätes, teilweise im Schnitt;
  • Figuren 1a und 1b vergrößerte Detailansichten des Kupplungsstückes;
  • Figur 1 c eine Seitenansicht des Hörgerätes und
  • Figur 2 eine vergrößerte Querschnittsdarstellung eines erfindungsgemäß ausgebildeten Dichtungsstöpsels.
The invention is explained in more detail below using an exemplary embodiment. The drawings show:
  • Figure 1 is a side view of a hearing aid designed according to the invention, partly in section;
  • Figures 1a and 1b enlarged detailed views of the coupling piece;
  • Figure 1 c is a side view of the hearing aid and
  • Figure 2 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a sealing plug designed according to the invention.

In ein möglichst dünnwandiges die Gehörgeräteelemente aufnehmendes Kunststoff- oder Metallgehäuse 1 ist am unteren Ende ein Kupplungsstück 2 eingesetzt. Die Verbindung kann durch Löten, Nieten, Kleben oder dergleichen erfolgen. Bei geeigneter Technologie kann das Kupplunggstück 2 auch einstückig mit dem Gehäuse hergestellt werden. Der Schallaustritt des im Gehäuse 1 eingebauten Hörers 3 ist mit dem Kupplungsstück 2 durch einen in dieses eingezogenen Schlauch 4 oder auf andere geiegnete Weise verbunden. Andere an sich bekannte Einbauten, wie Mikrofon, Verstärker usw. sind der Übersicht halber nicht dargestellt. Das Kupplungsstück 2 kann etwa die in Figur 1 gezeigte konische Schnappform aufweisen bzw, auch zylindrisch ausgebildet sein, wobei feine Rillen eine Erhöhung der Reibung bewirken (Fig.1a). Eine weitere mögliche Ausführung des Kupplungsstückes ist in Fig.lb in Form eines hohlen Gewindezapfens dargestellt.A coupling piece 2 is inserted at the lower end into a thin-walled plastic or metal housing 1 receiving the hearing aid elements. The connection can be made by soldering, riveting, gluing or the like. With suitable technology, the coupling piece 2 can also be produced in one piece with the housing. The sound outlet of the receiver 3 installed in the housing 1 is connected to the coupling piece 2 by a hose 4 drawn into it or in another suitable manner. Other internals known per se, such as microphone, amplifier, etc. are not shown for the sake of clarity. The coupling piece 2 can have approximately the conical snap shape shown in FIG. 1 or also be cylindrical, fine grooves causing an increase in friction (FIG. 1a). Another possible embodiment of the coupling piece is shown in Fig.lb in the form of a hollow threaded pin.

Um in möglichst viele Ohren zu passen, sollte das Gehäuse 1 im Schnitt parallel zu seiner großen Fläche etwa die Form eines Kreissektors aufweisen, dessen Begrenzungen zueinander einen Winkel a einschließen, der in vorteilhafter Weise zwischen etwa 85° und 110° liegt. An seiner Oberseite ist das Gehäuse wie üblich durch eine Verschlußplatte 5 abgedeckt, die ihrerseits einen Lautstärketeller 6 und einen Batteriedeckel 7 trägt.In order to fit into as many ears as possible, the housing 1 should have a section parallel to its large surface approximately in the shape of a circular sector, the boundaries of which form an angle a with respect to one another, which is advantageously between approximately 85 ° and 110 ° . As usual, the housing is covered on its upper side by a closure plate 5, which in turn carries a volume plate 6 and a battery cover 7.

Auf dem Kupplungsstück 2 wird ein Dichtungsstöpsel 11 gemäß Fig.2 befestigt, wie dies in Fig.1 dargestellt ist. Der Innenteil 8 soll möglichst dickwandig sein, um ausreichende Stabilität und guten Sitz am Kupplungsstück 2 zu gewährleisten. Die Innenwand 9 muß entsprechend der Form des Kupplungsstückes 2 ausgeführt sein, um eine schlüssige aber lösbare Verbindung zu ermöglichen. Der Au-Benteil 10 des pilzförmigen Dichtungsstöpsels 11 soll hingegen dünnwandig sein, um sich dicht an die Wand des Gehörganges anzulegen. Die nötigen verschiedenen Größen des Dichtungsstöpsels 11 zur Anpassung an verschiedene Gehörgänge unterscheiden sich im wesentlichen nur durch den Außendurchmesser D.A sealing plug 11 according to FIG. 2 is fastened on the coupling piece 2, as shown in FIG is shown. The inner part 8 should be as thick-walled as possible in order to ensure sufficient stability and a good fit on the coupling piece 2. The inner wall 9 must be designed according to the shape of the coupling piece 2 in order to enable a coherent but detachable connection. By contrast, the outer part 10 of the mushroom-shaped sealing plug 11 should be thin-walled in order to fit tightly against the wall of the ear canal. The necessary different sizes of the sealing plug 11 to adapt to different auditory canals differ essentially only by the outer diameter D.

In Fig.lc ist das erfindungsgemäße Hörgerät in Seitenansicht dargestellt. Die Form des Gehäuses entspricht etwa einem Kreissektor. Das Kupplungsstück 2 wird vorzugsweise in der Achse des Hörgerätes liegen, um einen symetrischen Aufbau zu erhalten. Er könnte jedoch auch etwas seitlich verschwenkt sein (2a). Damit kommt man zwängsläufig auf ein "rechtes" bzw. "linkes" Hörgerät.The hearing aid according to the invention is shown in a side view in FIG. The shape of the housing corresponds approximately to a circular sector. The coupling piece 2 will preferably lie in the axis of the hearing aid in order to obtain a symmetrical structure. However, it could also be pivoted slightly to the side (2a). This inevitably leads to a "right" or "left" hearing aid.

Claims (3)

1. Hearing aid for substantially complete insertion into the auditory canal (auditory canal aid), with a housing on which there is held an outwardly projecting, cylindrical coupling piece carrying a sealing plug and having a sound outlet opening at its free end, amplifier, speaker, microphone and battery, characterized in that the sealing plug (11) is formed as a cylindrical inner part (8) fitting on the coupling piece and an outer part (10) turned back around the inner part (8) in the region of the end remote from the housing (1), wherein the sealing part is formed from a material with a Shore-A hardness of not more than 70°.
2. Hearing aid according to claim 1, characterized in that the coupling piece (2) is arranged in the central axis of the aid or is pivoted out of the central axis (2a) to form a right or left hearing aid.
3. Hearing aid according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the shape of the housing (1) corresponds approximately to a sector of a circle, whose bounding lines include an angle a of approximately 85° to 110°.
EP85201204A 1984-08-06 1985-07-18 Hearing-aid device Expired - Lifetime EP0173371B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AT0254784A AT380762B (en) 1984-08-06 1984-08-06 HOERGERAET
AT2547/84 1984-08-06

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0173371A1 EP0173371A1 (en) 1986-03-05
EP0173371B1 true EP0173371B1 (en) 1990-02-28

Family

ID=3536221

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP85201204A Expired - Lifetime EP0173371B1 (en) 1984-08-06 1985-07-18 Hearing-aid device

Country Status (6)

Country Link
US (1) US4607720A (en)
EP (1) EP0173371B1 (en)
JP (1) JPS6157200A (en)
AT (1) AT380762B (en)
DE (1) DE3576268D1 (en)
DK (1) DK355885A (en)

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US11218819B2 (en) 2018-02-05 2022-01-04 Paul Gregor Junke Universal adapter for hearing aids and earphones

Families Citing this family (50)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4880076A (en) 1986-12-05 1989-11-14 Minnesota Mining And Manufacturing Company Hearing aid ear piece having disposable compressible polymeric foam sleeve
US5002151A (en) * 1986-12-05 1991-03-26 Minnesota Mining And Manufacturing Company Ear piece having disposable, compressible polymeric foam sleeve
US6671381B1 (en) * 1993-11-23 2003-12-30 Gabriele Lux-Wellenhof Sleeve for hearing aids, and a method and apparatus for testing hearing
US5449865A (en) * 1994-01-28 1995-09-12 Minnesota Mining And Manufacturing Company Ear tips having molded-in recesses for attachment to a stethoscope
CN1215316A (en) * 1996-04-10 1999-04-28 美国3M公司 Ear tips having a plurality of ear contacting surfaces
ITFO970022A3 (en) * 1997-09-16 1999-03-16 Otosan Di Gianardi Massimilian SAFETY ACCESSORY FOR FABRIC AND WAX CONES USED IN CLEANING THE EAR CABLE
US6432247B1 (en) 1997-12-18 2002-08-13 Softear Technologies, L.L.C. Method of manufacturing a soft hearing aid
EP1060639B1 (en) 1997-12-18 2006-03-08 Softear Technologies, L.L.C. Compliant hearing aid and method of manufacture
US6473512B1 (en) 1997-12-18 2002-10-29 Softear Technologies, L.L.C. Apparatus and method for a custom soft-solid hearing aid
US6022311A (en) * 1997-12-18 2000-02-08 General Hearing Instrument, Inc. Apparatus and method for a custom soft-solid hearing aid
US6438244B1 (en) 1997-12-18 2002-08-20 Softear Technologies Hearing aid construction with electronic components encapsulated in soft polymeric body
US6254526B1 (en) 1997-12-18 2001-07-03 Softear Technologies, L.L.C. Hearing aid having hard mounting plate and soft body bonded thereto
US6728383B1 (en) 1997-12-18 2004-04-27 Softear Technologies, L.L.C. Method of compensating for hearing loss
US6695943B2 (en) 1997-12-18 2004-02-24 Softear Technologies, L.L.C. Method of manufacturing a soft hearing aid
US6434248B1 (en) 1997-12-18 2002-08-13 Softear Technologies, L.L.C. Soft hearing aid moulding apparatus
US6228020B1 (en) 1997-12-18 2001-05-08 Softear Technologies, L.L.C. Compliant hearing aid
US20080063231A1 (en) * 1998-05-26 2008-03-13 Softear Technologies, L.L.C. Method of manufacturing a soft hearing aid
US7217335B2 (en) * 1998-05-26 2007-05-15 Softear Technologies, L.L.C. Method of manufacturing a soft hearing aid
US7664282B2 (en) * 1998-11-25 2010-02-16 Insound Medical, Inc. Sealing retainer for extended wear hearing devices
US6940988B1 (en) 1998-11-25 2005-09-06 Insound Medical, Inc. Semi-permanent canal hearing device
US6129174A (en) * 1998-12-30 2000-10-10 Decibel Instruments, Inc. Minimal contact replaceable acoustic coupler
GB9907050D0 (en) 1999-03-26 1999-05-19 Sonomax Sft Inc System for fitting a hearing device in the ear
US20070071265A1 (en) * 1999-05-05 2007-03-29 Leedom Marvin A Disposable modular hearing aid
US7403629B1 (en) 1999-05-05 2008-07-22 Sarnoff Corporation Disposable modular hearing aid
US7113611B2 (en) * 1999-05-05 2006-09-26 Sarnoff Corporation Disposable modular hearing aid
AU4520401A (en) * 1999-12-09 2001-06-18 Sonionmicrotronic Nederland B.V. Miniature microphone
CA2429702A1 (en) * 2000-03-13 2001-09-20 Michael H. Tardugno Disposable modular hearing aid
US6937735B2 (en) * 2001-04-18 2005-08-30 SonionMicrotronic Néderland B.V. Microphone for a listening device having a reduced humidity coefficient
US7136496B2 (en) * 2001-04-18 2006-11-14 Sonion Nederland B.V. Electret assembly for a microphone having a backplate with improved charge stability
US7062058B2 (en) * 2001-04-18 2006-06-13 Sonion Nederland B.V. Cylindrical microphone having an electret assembly in the end cover
US7239714B2 (en) 2001-10-09 2007-07-03 Sonion Nederland B.V. Microphone having a flexible printed circuit board for mounting components
US6860362B2 (en) * 2002-03-20 2005-03-01 Siemens Hearing Instruments, Inc. Hearing aid instrument flexible attachment
US8280082B2 (en) * 2002-10-08 2012-10-02 Sonion Nederland B.V. Electret assembly for a microphone having a backplate with improved charge stability
WO2004078064A2 (en) * 2003-02-28 2004-09-16 Softear Technologies, L.L.C. A soft hearing aid with stainless steel wire
US8457336B2 (en) * 2004-02-05 2013-06-04 Insound Medical, Inc. Contamination resistant ports for hearing devices
US20070003081A1 (en) * 2005-06-30 2007-01-04 Insound Medical, Inc. Moisture resistant microphone
US20070284182A1 (en) * 2006-06-12 2007-12-13 Chia-Chun Mu Waterproof earplug with sound-transmitting effect
US20080170709A1 (en) * 2007-01-16 2008-07-17 Microsonic, Inc. Sound transmitting device
DE102007037024A1 (en) * 2007-08-06 2009-02-26 Siemens Medical Instruments Pte. Ltd. Hearing device with elastically mounted handset
US9071914B2 (en) * 2007-08-14 2015-06-30 Insound Medical, Inc. Combined microphone and receiver assembly for extended wear canal hearing devices
US7931027B2 (en) * 2007-10-15 2011-04-26 Widex A/S Earplug with engagement means
US8280093B2 (en) * 2008-09-05 2012-10-02 Apple Inc. Deformable ear tip for earphone and method therefor
US8348010B2 (en) * 2007-10-19 2013-01-08 Apple Inc. Invertible ear tips for an ear piece
US8548186B2 (en) 2010-07-09 2013-10-01 Shure Acquisition Holdings, Inc. Earphone assembly
US8538061B2 (en) 2010-07-09 2013-09-17 Shure Acquisition Holdings, Inc. Earphone driver and method of manufacture
US8549733B2 (en) 2010-07-09 2013-10-08 Shure Acquisition Holdings, Inc. Method of forming a transducer assembly
US8682016B2 (en) 2011-11-23 2014-03-25 Insound Medical, Inc. Canal hearing devices and batteries for use with same
US8761423B2 (en) 2011-11-23 2014-06-24 Insound Medical, Inc. Canal hearing devices and batteries for use with same
US10129620B2 (en) * 2016-01-25 2018-11-13 Bragi GmbH Multilayer approach to hydrophobic and oleophobic system and method
USD831620S1 (en) * 2017-05-26 2018-10-23 Head-Direct (Kunshan) Company Limited Earphone

Family Cites Families (14)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2266788A (en) * 1937-11-19 1941-12-23 John B Nelson Hearing aid device
US3209082A (en) * 1957-05-27 1965-09-28 Beltone Electronics Corp Hearing aid
DE2057611A1 (en) * 1970-11-24 1972-06-08 Wolfgang Dreve Hearing aid, especially for the hard of hearing
US3783201A (en) * 1970-12-02 1974-01-01 Beltone Electronics Corp Miniature hearing aid structure
US3882848A (en) * 1974-01-24 1975-05-13 American Electromedics Corp Test probe for an impedance audiometer
US4055233A (en) * 1975-12-22 1977-10-25 Electronic Engineering Co. Of California Ear coupler
JPS5330316A (en) * 1976-09-01 1978-03-22 Koken Kk Sealed sound receiver
DE2825233A1 (en) * 1977-06-21 1979-01-04 Georges Ducommun HOERGERAET
US4314553A (en) * 1979-08-08 1982-02-09 Bilsom Ab Earplug and earplug set
IT8030644V0 (en) * 1980-02-13 1980-02-13 Drago Dino PERSONALIZED AND IMPROVED INTRAURICULAR HEARING DEVICE OR HEARING SYSTEM.
US4375016A (en) * 1980-04-28 1983-02-22 Qualitone Hearing Aids Inc. Vented ear tip for hearing aid and adapter coupler therefore
US4584437A (en) * 1982-01-27 1986-04-22 Vittorio Giannetti Hearing aids of the type intended to be fitted in the external auditory meatus of the user
US4471490A (en) * 1983-02-16 1984-09-11 Gaspare Bellafiore Hearing aid
US4532649A (en) * 1983-07-03 1985-07-30 Gaspare Bellafiore Hearing aid

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US11218819B2 (en) 2018-02-05 2022-01-04 Paul Gregor Junke Universal adapter for hearing aids and earphones

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
DK355885D0 (en) 1985-08-05
US4607720A (en) 1986-08-26
ATA254784A (en) 1985-11-15
AT380762B (en) 1986-07-10
EP0173371A1 (en) 1986-03-05
DE3576268D1 (en) 1990-04-05
JPS6157200A (en) 1986-03-24
DK355885A (en) 1986-02-07

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
EP0173371B1 (en) Hearing-aid device
DE69529659T2 (en) Hearing aid device
DE19829637C2 (en) Medical implant
DE68918327T3 (en) Programming interface for hearing aids.
DE4019250C2 (en)
DE2912161C2 (en) Skin electrode
DE2950331C2 (en)
EP0842590A1 (en) Hearing aid
DE102020119125B4 (en) Earpieces and headphones
DE4327634C1 (en) Behind-the-ear hearing aid
DE102010007609A1 (en) Handset hose with strain relief and hearing aid
EP1563712A1 (en) Set and method for producing a hearing aid and hearing aid produced according to this method
DE3516290C2 (en)
DE7934987U1 (en) IN-EAR HEARING DEVICE FOR HEALTHY HEALTH
DE3505099C2 (en)
DE1287137B (en) Device for hearing impaired wear in the ear
DE3227673A1 (en) PLUG FOR KLEINHOERER
DE60221107T2 (en) METHOD FOR PRODUCING A HEARING AIDS SUPPORT AND A HELPING PART
EP1443802B1 (en) Behind-the-ear hearing aid
DE102005009377B3 (en) Hearing aid, has two housings respectively accommodating microphone and amplifier, and loudspeaker, where mechanical connection between housings is realized by bayonet-fastener typical groove
DE1960963A1 (en) Hearing aid for the hearing impaired
WO2022022940A1 (en) Earphone
DE60203540T2 (en) HEARING AID DEVICE
DE8611816U1 (en) Adaptation device for hearing aids to be worn in the ear canal
EP1360871A1 (en) Hearing device which can be built into the sidepiece of an eye glass

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
PUAI Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): CH DE FR GB IT LI

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 19860829

17Q First examination report despatched

Effective date: 19880601

GRAA (expected) grant

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009210

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: B1

Designated state(s): CH DE FR GB IT LI

ITF It: translation for a ep patent filed
GBT Gb: translation of ep patent filed (gb section 77(6)(a)/1977)
REF Corresponds to:

Ref document number: 3576268

Country of ref document: DE

Date of ref document: 19900405

ET Fr: translation filed
PLBI Opposition filed

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009260

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: GB

Payment date: 19900709

Year of fee payment: 6

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: FR

Payment date: 19900719

Year of fee payment: 6

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: CH

Payment date: 19900730

Year of fee payment: 6

ITTA It: last paid annual fee
26 Opposition filed

Opponent name: N.V. PHILIPS' GLOEILAMPENFABRIEKEN

Effective date: 19900621

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: DE

Payment date: 19900830

Year of fee payment: 6

PLBI Opposition filed

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009260

26 Opposition filed

Opponent name: SIEMENS AG GRPA 4 ERL S

Effective date: 19901025

Opponent name: N.V. PHILIPS' GLOEILAMPENFABRIEKEN

Effective date: 19900621

RDAG Patent revoked

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009271

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: PATENT REVOKED

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: PL

27W Patent revoked

Effective date: 19910510

GBPR Gb: patent revoked under art. 102 of the ep convention designating the uk as contracting state