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EP0340594A1 - Hearing aid device with wireless remote control - Google Patents

Hearing aid device with wireless remote control Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0340594A1
EP0340594A1 EP89107384A EP89107384A EP0340594A1 EP 0340594 A1 EP0340594 A1 EP 0340594A1 EP 89107384 A EP89107384 A EP 89107384A EP 89107384 A EP89107384 A EP 89107384A EP 0340594 A1 EP0340594 A1 EP 0340594A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
hearing aid
signals
microphone
control
sound
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.)
Granted
Application number
EP89107384A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP0340594B1 (en
Inventor
Gerhard Dr. Steeger
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.)
Sivantos GmbH
Original Assignee
Siemens AG
Siemens Audioligische Technik GmbH
Siemens Corp
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 AG, Siemens Audioligische Technik GmbH, Siemens Corp filed Critical Siemens AG
Priority to AT89107384T priority Critical patent/ATE91057T1/en
Publication of EP0340594A1 publication Critical patent/EP0340594A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP0340594B1 publication Critical patent/EP0340594B1/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

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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
    • H04R25/60—Mounting or interconnection of hearing aid parts, e.g. inside tips, housings or to ossicles
    • H04R25/604—Mounting or interconnection of hearing aid parts, e.g. inside tips, housings or to ossicles of acoustic or vibrational transducers
    • H04R25/606—Mounting or interconnection of hearing aid parts, e.g. inside tips, housings or to ossicles of acoustic or vibrational transducers acting directly on the eardrum, the ossicles or the skull, e.g. mastoid, tooth, maxillary or mandibular bone, or mechanically stimulating the cochlea, e.g. at the oval window
    • 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
    • H04R25/55—Deaf-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
    • H04R25/558—Remote control, e.g. of amplification, frequency
    • 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
    • H04R2225/61—Aspects relating to mechanical or electronic switches or control elements, e.g. functioning
    • 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
    • H04R2225/67—Implantable hearing aids or parts thereof not covered by H04R25/606

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a hearing aid with wireless remote control according to the preamble of claim 1.
  • a hearing aid of this type is known from DE-OS 19 38 381. It is known that hearing aids should be as small as possible so that they can be worn inconspicuously. This has resulted in miniature hearing aids that are worn on the head, particularly those that can be inserted into the ear canal. In this type of device too, at least the volume, but possibly also a number of other functions essential for adapting to different listening situations, should be able to be changed in operation. This requires adjustment devices that are accessible while the device is in operation in contact with the carrier. In addition, the handling area should be clear when setting. This is achieved, for example, with a hearing aid according to DE-OS 19 38 381.
  • the components are distributed over two housings, one of which contains a transmitter that is wirelessly connected to the other, in which the actual hearing aid is located together with a receiver that is tuned to the transmitter.
  • the housing which contains both the hearing aid and the receiver, offers very little volume.
  • the so-called "in-the-ear devices" that are worn in the ear canal rarely have more than 100 mm3 of free space for the installation of a remote control receiver. Therefore, the aim was to get by with a receiver that does not require an additional sensor, antenna or the like.
  • a hearing aid device with remote control is already known from DE-OS 34 31 584, in which the microphone of the hearing aid is also used as the receiving element for the control signals.
  • About Carrying the control signals inaudible sound, especially ultrasound, is used.
  • the ultrasound transmitter is located in a control unit in which the control signals are generated via a keyboard and emitted via a loudspeaker, and in the hearing aid the derivation of the signals picked up by the microphone is split into two branches, one of which is inserted into the hearing aid and the other a filter blocking all signals except the ultrasound signals leads to the control part of the hearing aid.
  • the hearing aid is largely freed from the ballast of actuators and switches.
  • the main functions of the remote control are as follows: After pressing an operating button, the transmitter electronics recognizes this process and the control signal is coded and transmitted according to the desired function. The inverse process takes place in the receiver. The signal is received, decoded, recognized and the electronic control element is actuated.
  • the electromagnetic transmission, the infrared and the ultrasound transmission described above have already been proposed (DE-PS 24 07 726).
  • each of the transmission paths can be influenced by specific sources of interference.
  • electromagnetic transmission a variety of electromagnetic interference sources must be taken into account.
  • free choice of transmission frequencies is very limited by country-specific postal regulations and varies greatly from country to country.
  • infrared transmission direct sunlight on the receiver diode can cause problems and the receiver diode must be attached to an exposed location on the hearing aid.
  • the ultrasonic path can be disturbed by high-frequency sound sources, such as an ultrasonic cleaning bath.
  • Additional components are required for electromagnetic transmission and infrared transmission, while the existing microphone can be used for ultrasound transmission.
  • the invention has for its object to provide a hearing aid (especially in-the-ear hearing aids, implanted hearing aids for magnetic or mechanical excitation of the middle ear) with wireless remote control, which is improved with regard to the transmission of the control signals and enables a more inconspicuous use of the remote control.
  • a hearing aid especially in-the-ear hearing aids, implanted hearing aids for magnetic or mechanical excitation of the middle ear
  • sound outside the hearing range
  • this is caused by bone sound excitation on the skeleton, in particular the skull bone of the hearing aid wearer and not, as in the known designs, transmitted to the outer ear by airborne sound transmission.
  • a suitable design of the remote control transmitter ensures that the remote control is possible completely inconspicuously, namely by the hearing aid wearer holding the small control device in his hand and executing movements for transcutaneous contact of the control device contact area with his bone structure.
  • the hearing aid according to the invention works with sound waves, in particular in the ultrasound or also in the low-frequency range outside the hearing range, which are emitted by the vibrator of the remote control device in such a way that when the control device is hung up, e.g. stimulate the skull bones to vibrate on the scalp, over the rock or temporal bone. These vibrations are transmitted to the hearing aid inserted in the ear canal and to a sound transducer present in the hearing aid, which converts them into an electrical signal. The decoding of this signal gives the control signal for setting the hearing aid functions.
  • the control device 1 provided for remote control of the hearing aid devices shown in FIGS. 3 to 5 is a handy, small, battery-operated device in the embodiment according to FIGS. 1 and 2, the housing of which can be designed ergonomically.
  • the control unit has, for example, an operating panel 2 with sensor buttons 3.
  • the control unit contains a coding circuit 4, which generates a serial sequence of data and test bits in accordance with the programming or control command effected by touching the sensor buttons 3 and which repeatedly transmits to a modulator 6 at the transmission clock frequency determined by the frequency of a clock generator 5 until a timing circuit also fed by the clock generator 5 ends the transmission and switches the control unit back to the ready state.
  • the serial information received from the coding circuit 4 of the oscillation generated in a generator 7 is modulated and shifted into a carrier frequency range which can be transmitted inaudibly or at least not disturbingly acoustically to the human skeleton. An audible airborne sound emission into the room is excluded in any case.
  • the modulator 6 is an end amplifier 8, which raises the output signal to a power level sufficient for reprogramming the hearing aid, and a vibrator 9 with a contact surface 10, which is used for transcutaneous coupling of the programming or control signal emanating from the vibrator to the bony skeleton of the hearing aid wearer.
  • the selection of the operating function by means of the sensor buttons 3 can take place before the control device 1 is placed on the skin in order to carry out the remote control as inconspicuously as possible. While switching to the body surface, the actuation of switching elements is not absolutely necessary, but is still possible.
  • a simple variant consists in letting the transmitter work for a fixed time (e.g. 5 seconds) after removing the fingers from the control element or the sensor keys and then switching it off.
  • control device 1 remains active as long as the contact surface 10 of the vibrator 9 is in contact with the skin.
  • control device can be switched on and off by sensor strips on the contact surface 10 or by movable mounting of the vibrator 9 in connection with a microswitch.
  • This form of sequence control also minimizes the energy consumption of the control unit.
  • FIG. 2 shows an embodiment of the housing design of the control device 1 as a flat control device which is adapted to the shape of the hollow hand and has a non-slip coating on the back (facing the hand).
  • the control device hidden in the slightly curved hand, can be guided inconspicuously, for example, to the head.
  • the grip and the actuation of the control device with one hand favor a recessed grip 11.
  • a switch that can be actuated by a wheel 12 can be used, for example serve, which is indicated in Figure 2 under the thumb on the control device and strengthens the function (eg volume) when moving in the direction of the thumb tip, decreases the function when moving in the direction of the thumb root.
  • This switch or its actuating wheel 12 preferably assumes a neutral central position when the load is released. If this switch 12 is not required for a simple switchover function (eg microphone off, hearing coil for telephone operation on), it remains inoperative.
  • an in-the-ear hearing aid is used which has a housing shell 26 which is adapted to the ear canal and in which a microphone 27 for converting the speech sound signals into electrical signals is arranged such that the microphone 27 is decoupled from the housing 26 in relation to structure-borne noise excitation .
  • a second sound transducer 28 is provided in the housing 26 of the in-the-ear hearing device, but in such a way that the sound transducer 28 is coupled to the housing shell for the purpose of structure-borne sound excitation and can receive the signals transmitted by structure-borne sound for controlling and programming the hearing aid device and convert them into electrical control commands .
  • the receiver 29 of the hearing aid device is designated by 29, which receives the electrical signals emitted by the microphone 27 and amplified and reshaped in an amplifier circuit 30 (for example filtered and / or reduced in dynamics), converts them into sound vibrations and emits them in the direction of the eardrum 15.
  • Contact springs 32 are provided for contacting a circuit board of the amplifier circuit 30 with a battery 31.
  • the sound transducer 28 built into the hearing aid can be a microphone specially developed for the transmission frequencies and mechanically well coupled to the housing wall of the hearing aid, which microphone is present in addition to the normal microphone 27 which receives the speech signals.
  • the sound transducer provided for the speech signals is used, i.e. the microphone 33, at the same time as a sound transducer for the structure-borne sound signals for remote control of the hearing aid.
  • the remote control signals are separated from the speech signals by a frequency-selective circuit known per se, e.g. using high and low pass filters.
  • the sound transducer 33 is mounted in a plastic pocket 34, which causes a high attenuation in the listening area, but as low as possible at the carrier frequencies of the remote control signals.
  • the sound transducer 33 is supported by the plastic part 34 on the housing shell 26 and at the same time embedded in plastic.
  • the hearing aid With this hearing aid with a magnetically excitable middle ear implant formed by a permanent magnet 36, the hearing aid itself can be removed from the auditory canal 14 without intervention.
  • the permanent magnet 36 which e.g. is attached to the stirrup 18 of the ear by a screw or adhesive connection, serves an excitation coil 35 which is arranged in the housing shell 26 of the hearing aid and is connected to the amplifier circuit 30.
  • the excitation coil 35 is fed with the amplified electrical output signal of the circuit 30 and this signal is transmitted in the form of an alternating magnetic field to the small permanent magnet 36 attached to the stirrup 18.
  • the permanent magnet set in vibration transmits the speech sound signals to the inner ear.
  • the middle ear is opened and the anvil of the ear removed.
  • the fully implantable hearing aid according to FIG. 5 consists of a liquid-tight and gas-tight housing 40 of an amplifier part 41 made of tissue-compatible material, which is used for fixation, but especially for structure-borne sound transmission by means of a screw 50 or the like. is attached to the skull 42. Furthermore, a microphone 43 is implanted in the area of the auditory canal 14, which is the through the ear canal guided speech sound signals and in the form of electrical signals via an electrical line 44 to the input of the amplifier part 41.
  • a piezoelectric vibrator 45 is attached to the skull bone in such a way that the free end 46 of the vibrator 45 causes the stirrup 18 to vibrate as soon as it deforms under the influence of the electrical alternating voltage transmitted from the output of the amplifier part 41 via an electrical line 47.
  • the anvil and hammer are removed for the implantation of the vibrator 45.
  • the circuit board with integrated and discrete components of the amplifier part 41 is supplied from a connected battery 49.
  • the amplifier part 41 containing the battery 49 can also be fully implanted because of the low power consumption.
  • the amplifier part 41 is screwed to the cranial bone 42 and a structure-borne sound microphone 48 (structure-borne sound vibration sensor) is brought into mechanical contact, for example via a connecting web 51, with the screw 50.
  • a structure-borne sound microphone 48 structure-borne sound vibration sensor
  • the screw connection of the vibrator 45 can serve as a contact point for the structure-borne sound transmission, in which case the structure-borne sound vibrations either mechanically via a stiff wire, Connecting bridge or the like (between the screw connection of the vibrator 45 and the structure-borne sound microphone 48 of the amplifier part) or electrically, by screwing a microphone onto the screw connection of the vibrator 45.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Otolaryngology (AREA)
  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Acoustics & Sound (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Neurosurgery (AREA)
  • Signal Processing (AREA)
  • Computer Networks & Wireless Communication (AREA)
  • Selective Calling Equipment (AREA)
  • Prostheses (AREA)
  • Details Of Audible-Bandwidth Transducers (AREA)
  • Transmitters (AREA)

Abstract

To improve the transmission of the control signals and provide the possibility for a more inconspicuous application of the remote control, it is proposed to provide as transmitter of the control device (1) a vibrator (9) which radiates a remote control frequency outside the human range of hearing, that the sound of the transmitter can be transmitted by transcutaneous coupling of a contact area (10) of the control device via body sound excitation to the skeleton of the hearing aid wearer, and that in the hearing aid a sound transducer (28; 33; 48) is provided which converts the body-transmitted sound signals of the control device into electrical signals and is connected to the control elements of the hearing aid via an amplifier and a coding and detection unit. <IMAGE>

Description

Die Erfindung betrifft ein Hörhilfegerät mit drahtloser Fern­steuerung nach dem Oberbegriff des Patentanspruches 1.The invention relates to a hearing aid with wireless remote control according to the preamble of claim 1.

Ein Hörhilfegerät dieser Art ist aus der DE-OS 19 38 381 be­kannt. Bekanntlich sollen Hörgeräte möglichst klein sein, um sie unauffällig tragen zu können. Dies hat zu Miniaturhörge­räten geführt, die am Kopf getragen werden, insbesondere sol­che, die in den Gehörgang einführbar sind. Auch bei dieser Art von Geräten soll wenigstens die Lautstärke, möglichst aber auch eine Anzahl weiterer, zur Anpassung an verschiedene Hörsituati­onen wesentlicher Funktionen, betriebsmäßig veränderbar sein. Man braucht dazu Einstellvorrichtungen, die zugänglich sind, während das Gerät in Kontakt mit dem Träger in Funktion ist. Außerdem sollte der Handhabungsbereich beim Einstellen über­blickbar sein. Dies wird etwa bei einem Hörhilfegerät nach der DE-OS 19 38 381 erreicht. Dazu sind die Bauteile auf zwei Ge­häuse verteilt, von denen das eine einen Sender enthält, der drahtlos mit dem anderen verbunden ist, in welchem sich das eigentliche Hörgerät zusammen mit einem auf den Sender abge­stimmten Empfänger befindet. Das Gehäuse, das sowohl das Hör­gerät als auch den Empfänger enthält, bietet aber nur sehr we­nig Volumen. Speziell die sogenannten "Im-Ohr-Geräte", die im Gehörgang getragen werden, weisen selten mehr als 100 mm³ freien Raum für den Einbau eines Fernsteuerempfängers auf. Des­halb wurde angestrebt, mit einem Empfänger auszukommen, der oh­ne einen zusätzlichen Sensor, eine Antenne oder ähnliches aus­kommt.A hearing aid of this type is known from DE-OS 19 38 381. It is known that hearing aids should be as small as possible so that they can be worn inconspicuously. This has resulted in miniature hearing aids that are worn on the head, particularly those that can be inserted into the ear canal. In this type of device too, at least the volume, but possibly also a number of other functions essential for adapting to different listening situations, should be able to be changed in operation. This requires adjustment devices that are accessible while the device is in operation in contact with the carrier. In addition, the handling area should be clear when setting. This is achieved, for example, with a hearing aid according to DE-OS 19 38 381. For this purpose, the components are distributed over two housings, one of which contains a transmitter that is wirelessly connected to the other, in which the actual hearing aid is located together with a receiver that is tuned to the transmitter. However, the housing, which contains both the hearing aid and the receiver, offers very little volume. Especially the so-called "in-the-ear devices" that are worn in the ear canal rarely have more than 100 mm³ of free space for the installation of a remote control receiver. Therefore, the aim was to get by with a receiver that does not require an additional sensor, antenna or the like.

Aus der DE-OS 34 31 584 ist bereits ein Hörhilfegerät mit Fern­steuerung bekannt, bei dem als Empfangselement für die Steuer­signale das Mikrofon der Hörhilfe mit verwendet wird. Zur Über­ tragung der Steuersignale wird dabei unhörbarer Schall, insbe­sondere Ultraschall, verwendet. Der Ultraschall-Sender befindet sich in einem Steuergerät, bei dem über eine Tastatur die Steu­ersignale erzeugt und über einen Lautsprecher abgegeben werden und im Hörhilfegerät die Ableitung der vom Mikrofon aufgenom­menen Signale in zwei Äste aufgespalten wird, von denen der ei­ne ins Hörhilfegerät und der andere über ein alle Signale, au­ßer den Ultraschallsignalen, sperrendes Filter zum Steuerteil des Hörhilfegerätes führt.A hearing aid device with remote control is already known from DE-OS 34 31 584, in which the microphone of the hearing aid is also used as the receiving element for the control signals. About Carrying the control signals, inaudible sound, especially ultrasound, is used. The ultrasound transmitter is located in a control unit in which the control signals are generated via a keyboard and emitted via a loudspeaker, and in the hearing aid the derivation of the signals picked up by the microphone is split into two branches, one of which is inserted into the hearing aid and the other a filter blocking all signals except the ultrasound signals leads to the control part of the hearing aid.

Durch die Anwendung der Fernsteuerung wird das Hörgerät von dem Ballast von Stellern und Schaltern weitgehend befreit. In der Fernbedienung laufen im wesentlichen folgende Funktionen ab:
Nach der Betätigung einer Bedientaste erkennt die Senderelektro­nik diesen Vorgang und das Steuersignal wird entsprechend der gewünschten Funktion codiert und gesendet. Im Empfänger läuft der inverse Vorgang ab. Das Signal wird empfangen, decodiert, erkannt und das elektronische Stellelement wird betätigt. Für die Fernübertragung der Steuersignale wurden bereits die elek­tromagnetische Übertragung, die Infrarot- und die oben beschrie­bene Ultraschallübertragung vorgeschlagen (DE-PS 24 07 726).By using the remote control, the hearing aid is largely freed from the ballast of actuators and switches. The main functions of the remote control are as follows:
After pressing an operating button, the transmitter electronics recognizes this process and the control signal is coded and transmitted according to the desired function. The inverse process takes place in the receiver. The signal is received, decoded, recognized and the electronic control element is actuated. For the remote transmission of the control signals, the electromagnetic transmission, the infrared and the ultrasound transmission described above have already been proposed (DE-PS 24 07 726).

Vergleicht man diese Übertragungsarten bezüglich ihrer Eignung zur Fernbedienung für Hörgeräte, so zeigt sich, daß jede der Übertragungsstrecken von spezifischen Störquellen beeinflußt werden kann. Im Fall der elektromagnetischen Übertragung ist ei­ne Vielzahl elektromagnetischer Störquellen zu berücksichtigen. Zudem ist die freie Wahl von Sendefrequenzen durch länderspezi­fische postalische Bestimmungen sehr eingeschränkt und von Land zu Land stark unterschiedlich. Bei Infrarotübertragung kann di­rekte Sonneneinstrahlung auf die Empfängerdiode Probleme hervor­rufen und die Empfängerdiode muß an einer exponierten Stelle am Hörgerät angebracht werden. Die Ultraschallstrecke kann durch hochfrequente Schallquellen, wie z.B. ein Ultraschall-Reini­gungsbad, gestört werden. Für den Empfang der Steuersignale sind bei elektromagnetischer Übertragung und Infrarotübertra­gung zusätzliche Bauelemente erforderlich, während bei Ultra­schallübertragung das bereits vorhandene Mikrofon nutzbar ist. Es hat sich aber gezeigt, daß wegen der bekannten besonderen Ausbreitungsbedingungen des Ultraschalls die Hauptabstrahlrich­tung des Lautsprechers im Fernsteuersender recht genau in Rich­tung Ohrkanalöffnung zielen muß, um Im-Ohr-Hörgeräte ansteuern zu können. Hierzu ist der Sender relativ hoch zu heben oder zu­mindest weit vom Körper wegzuhalten. Für Personen mit geringem Raumvorstellungsvermögen ist das Zielen relativ schwierig, weil es ohne direkte Sichtkontrolle stattfinden muß. Außerdem ist eine derartige Handhabung bei vielen Patienten unbeliebt, weil sie befürchten, sie könnten damit die Aufmerksamkeit von Ge­sprächspartnern auf ihre Behinderung lenken. Diese Probleme können sich vergrößern, wenn noch tiefer im Gehörgang sitzende Hörhilfen realisiert werden. Es kann sich dabei um noch kleine­re Ohrkanal-Hörgeräte, vor allem aber auch um implantierte Hör­hilfen, handeln, wie sie verschiedentlich bereits beschrieben wurden (DE-OS 36 l7 118).A comparison of these types of transmission with regard to their suitability for remote control for hearing aids shows that each of the transmission paths can be influenced by specific sources of interference. In the case of electromagnetic transmission, a variety of electromagnetic interference sources must be taken into account. In addition, the free choice of transmission frequencies is very limited by country-specific postal regulations and varies greatly from country to country. With infrared transmission, direct sunlight on the receiver diode can cause problems and the receiver diode must be attached to an exposed location on the hearing aid. The ultrasonic path can be disturbed by high-frequency sound sources, such as an ultrasonic cleaning bath. For receiving the control signals Additional components are required for electromagnetic transmission and infrared transmission, while the existing microphone can be used for ultrasound transmission. However, it has been shown that because of the known special propagation conditions of ultrasound, the main emission direction of the loudspeaker in the remote control transmitter must be aimed very precisely in the direction of the ear canal opening in order to be able to control in-the-ear hearing aids. To do this, lift the transmitter relatively high or at least keep it far from the body. Aiming for people with limited spatial awareness is relatively difficult because it must take place without direct visual control. In addition, such handling is unpopular with many patients because they fear that it could draw the attention of the interlocutor to their disability. These problems can increase if hearing aids are placed even deeper in the ear canal. These can be even smaller ear canal hearing aids, but above all implanted hearing aids, as have already been described variously (DE-OS 36 l7 118).

Der Erfindung liegt die Aufgabe zugrunde, ein Hörhilfegerät (insbesondere Im-Ohr-Hörgeräte, implantierte Hörhilfegeräte zur magnetischen oder mechanischen Anregung des Mittelohres) mit drahtloser Fernsteuerung zu schaffen, das bezüglich der Über­tragung der Steuersignale verbessert ist und eine unauffälli­gere Anwendung der Fernsteuerung ermöglicht.The invention has for its object to provide a hearing aid (especially in-the-ear hearing aids, implanted hearing aids for magnetic or mechanical excitation of the middle ear) with wireless remote control, which is improved with regard to the transmission of the control signals and enables a more inconspicuous use of the remote control.

Erfindungsgemäß wird diese Aufgabe durch die im Patentanspruch 1 gekennzeichneten Merkmale gelöst. Vorteilhafte Ausgestaltungen der Erfindung sind in den Patentansprüchen 2 bis 15 gekennzeich­net.According to the invention, this object is achieved by the features characterized in claim 1. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are characterized in claims 2 to 15.

Auch nach der Erfindung wird Schall (außerhalb des Hörbereichs) als Übertragungsmedium verwendet, jedoch wird dieses durch Kno­chenschallanregung auf das Skelett, insbesondere den Schädel­ knochen des Hörhilfeträgers und nicht, wie bei den bekannten Ausführungen, durch Luftschallübertragung auf das Außenohr, übertragen. Durch eine geeignete Gestaltung des Fernsteuersen­ders wird erreicht, daß die Fernbedienung völlig unauffällig möglich ist, indem nämlich der Hörhilfeträger das kleine Steu­ergerät in der Hand hält und Bewegungen zur transkutanen Be­rührung der Steuergeräte-Kontaktfläche mit seinem Knochenbau ausführt. Diese Bewegungen können von den Gesprächspartnern des Horhilfeträgers lediglich als "Brille zurechtrücken", "über die Haare streichen", "Kopfaufstützen" oder ähnlich gedeutet werden.According to the invention, too, sound (outside the hearing range) is used as the transmission medium, but this is caused by bone sound excitation on the skeleton, in particular the skull bone of the hearing aid wearer and not, as in the known designs, transmitted to the outer ear by airborne sound transmission. A suitable design of the remote control transmitter ensures that the remote control is possible completely inconspicuously, namely by the hearing aid wearer holding the small control device in his hand and executing movements for transcutaneous contact of the control device contact area with his bone structure. These movements can only be interpreted by the hearing partner's conversation partners as "adjusting glasses", "stroking hair", "headrests" or similar.

Das erfindungsgemäße Hörhilfegerät arbeitet mit Schallwellen, insbesondere im Ultraschall- oder auch im niederfrequenten Be­reich außerhalb des Hörbereiches, die vom Vibrator des Fern­steuergerätes in der Weise abgegeben werden, daß sie beim Auf­legen des Steuergerätes z.B. auf die Kopfhaut, über dem Felsen- oder Schläfenbein, den Schädelknochen zu Schwingungen anregen. Diese Schwingungen übertragen sich auf die in den Ohrkanal ein­gesetzte Hörhilfe und einen in der Horhilfe vorhandenen Schall­wandler, der sie in ein elektrisches Signal umwandelt. Die De­codierung dieses Signals ergibt das Steuersignal zur Einstel­lung der Hörgerätefunktionen.The hearing aid according to the invention works with sound waves, in particular in the ultrasound or also in the low-frequency range outside the hearing range, which are emitted by the vibrator of the remote control device in such a way that when the control device is hung up, e.g. stimulate the skull bones to vibrate on the scalp, over the rock or temporal bone. These vibrations are transmitted to the hearing aid inserted in the ear canal and to a sound transducer present in the hearing aid, which converts them into an electrical signal. The decoding of this signal gives the control signal for setting the hearing aid functions.

Weitere Merkmale und Vorteile der Erfindung werden anhand der in der Zeichnung dargestellten Ausführungsbeispiele erläutert. Es zeigt:

  • FIG 1 ein Blockschaltbild eines erfindungsgemäßen Steuergerätes zur drahtlosen Fernsteuerung eines am Kopf zu tragenden Hörhil­fegerätes,
  • FIG 2 ein in der Hand zu haltendes Steuergerät nach FIG 1,
  • FIG 3 ein in einen Gehörgang eingesetztes Hörhilfegerat mit ei­nem Mikrofon für die Sprachschallsignale und einem weiteren Schallwandler zur Umwandlung der Körperschallsignale in elek­trische Steuersignale,
  • FIG 4 ein in einen Gehörgang eingesetztes Hörhilfegerät mit ei­nem gemeinsamen Wandler für die Nutz- und Steuersignale sowie einem in das Mittelohr implantierten Permanentmagneten,
  • FIG 5 ein voll implantiertes Hörhilfegerät mit einem Mikrofon für die Sprachschallsignale und einem Körperschallmikrofon.
Further features and advantages of the invention are explained on the basis of the exemplary embodiments shown in the drawing. It shows:
  • 1 shows a block diagram of a control device according to the invention for wireless remote control of a hearing aid device to be worn on the head,
  • 2 shows a control unit according to FIG. 1 to be held in the hand,
  • 3 shows a hearing aid inserted into an auditory canal with a microphone for the speech sound signals and another Sound converter for converting structure-borne sound signals into electrical control signals,
  • 4 shows a hearing aid inserted into an auditory canal with a common transducer for the useful and control signals and a permanent magnet implanted in the middle ear,
  • 5 shows a fully implanted hearing aid with a microphone for the speech sound signals and a structure-borne sound microphone.

Das zur Fernsteuerung der in den Figuren 3 bis 5 dargestellten Hörhilfegeräte vorgesehene Steuergerat 1 ist in der Ausführung nach den Figuren 1 und 2 ein handliches, kleines, batteriebe­triebenes Gerät, dessen Gehäuse ergonomisch günstig gestaltbar ist. Für das Auslösen der beim Hörhilfegerät ferngesteuert zu bewirkenden Funktionsänderungen (z.B. Einstellung der Lautstär­ke, Aus- und Einschalten des Hörhilfegerätes, Bedienung einer oder mehrerer Tonblendenschaltungen, Ein- oder Ausschalten ei­ner Schaltung zur automatischen Störgeräuschunterdrückung, Um­schalten des Hörhilfegerätes vom Mikrofon- auf Telefonspulen­betrieb usw.) weist das Steuergerät beispielsweise ein Bedien­tableau 2 mit Sensortasten 3 auf. Das Steuergerät enthalt eine Codierschaltung 4, die entsprechend dem durch Berühren der Sen­sortasten 3 bewirkten Programmier- oder Steuerbefehl eine seri­elle Folge von Daten- und Prüfbits generiert und mit der durch die Frequenz eines Taktgenerators 5 bestimmten Übertragungs­taktfrequenz ständig wiederholt an einen Modulator 6 absendet, so lange, bis eine ebenfalls vom Taktgenerator 5 gespeiste Zeitschaltung die Übertragung beendet und das Steuergerät in den Bereitschaftszustand zurückschaltet. Im Modulator 6 wird die von der Codierschaltung 4 erhaltene serielle Information der in einem Generator 7 erzeugten Schwingung aufmoduliert und in einen Trägerfrequenzbereich verschoben, der unhörbar bzw. zumindest nicht störend akustisch auf das Skelett des Menschen übertragbar ist. Eine hörbare Luftschallabstrahlung in den Raum ist in jedem Fall ausgeschlossen. Dem Modulator 6 ist ein End­ verstärker 8, der das Ausgangssignal auf ein Leistungsniveau anhebt, das zur Umprogrammierung des Hörgerätes ausreicht, und ein Vibrator 9 mit einer Kontaktfläche 10 nachgeordnet, welche zur transkutanen Ankoppelung des vom Vibrator ausgehenden Pro­grammier- oder Steuersignals an das knöcherne Skelett des Hör­hilfeträgers dient.The control device 1 provided for remote control of the hearing aid devices shown in FIGS. 3 to 5 is a handy, small, battery-operated device in the embodiment according to FIGS. 1 and 2, the housing of which can be designed ergonomically. For triggering the function changes to be effected remotely in the hearing aid device (for example setting the volume, switching the hearing aid device off and on, operating one or more tone diaphragm circuits, switching a circuit for automatic noise suppression on or off, switching the hearing aid device from microphone to telecoil operation, etc.) the control unit has, for example, an operating panel 2 with sensor buttons 3. The control unit contains a coding circuit 4, which generates a serial sequence of data and test bits in accordance with the programming or control command effected by touching the sensor buttons 3 and which repeatedly transmits to a modulator 6 at the transmission clock frequency determined by the frequency of a clock generator 5 until a timing circuit also fed by the clock generator 5 ends the transmission and switches the control unit back to the ready state. In the modulator 6, the serial information received from the coding circuit 4 of the oscillation generated in a generator 7 is modulated and shifted into a carrier frequency range which can be transmitted inaudibly or at least not disturbingly acoustically to the human skeleton. An audible airborne sound emission into the room is excluded in any case. The modulator 6 is an end amplifier 8, which raises the output signal to a power level sufficient for reprogramming the hearing aid, and a vibrator 9 with a contact surface 10, which is used for transcutaneous coupling of the programming or control signal emanating from the vibrator to the bony skeleton of the hearing aid wearer.

Erfindungsgemäß kann die Wahl der Bedienfunktion mittels der Sensortasten 3 vor dem Anlegen des Steuergeräts 1 an die Haut erfolgen, um die Fernsteuerung so unauffällig wie möglich durch­zuführen. Während des Anlegens an die Körperoberfläche ist das Betätigen von Schaltelementen nicht unbedingt erforderlich, aber weiterhin möglich. Eine einfache Variante besteht darin, den Sender nach Wegnahme der Finger vom Bedienelement bzw. den Sensortasten eine feste Zeit (z.B. 5 Sekunden) arbeiten zu las­sen und ihn dann abzuschalten.According to the invention, the selection of the operating function by means of the sensor buttons 3 can take place before the control device 1 is placed on the skin in order to carry out the remote control as inconspicuously as possible. While switching to the body surface, the actuation of switching elements is not absolutely necessary, but is still possible. A simple variant consists in letting the transmitter work for a fixed time (e.g. 5 seconds) after removing the fingers from the control element or the sensor keys and then switching it off.

Nach einer weiteren Variante bleibt das Steuergerät 1 so lange aktiv, wie die Kontaktfläche 10 des Vibrators 9 an der Haut an­liegt. Das Ein- und Ausschalten des Steuergerätes kann in die­sem Fall durch Sensorstreifen auf der Kontaktfläche 10 oder durch bewegliche Lagerung des Vibrators 9 in Verbindung mit einem Mikroschalter bewirkt werden.According to a further variant, the control device 1 remains active as long as the contact surface 10 of the vibrator 9 is in contact with the skin. In this case, the control device can be switched on and off by sensor strips on the contact surface 10 or by movable mounting of the vibrator 9 in connection with a microswitch.

Diese Form der Ablaufsteuerung minimiert außerdem den Energie­verbrauch des Steuergerätes.This form of sequence control also minimizes the energy consumption of the control unit.

Figur 2 zeigt eine Ausführungsform der Gehäusegestaltung des Steuergerätes 1 als flaches, der Form der hohlen Hand angepaß­tes und rückseitig (der Hand zugewandt) rutschfest beschichte­tes Steuergerät. In dieser Ausführungsform kann das Steuerge­rät, verborgen in der leicht gekrümmten Hand, unauffällig z.B. zum Kopf geführt werden. Den Halt und die Betätigung des Steuer­gerätes mit einer Hand begünstigt eine Gehäuse-Griffmulde 11. Zum Einregeln der über die Sensortasten 3 vorwählbaren Funktion kann beispielsweise ein über ein Rad 12 betätigbarer Schalter dienen, der in Figur 2 unter dem Daumen am Steuergerät ange­deutet ist und bei einer Bewegung in Richtung Daumenspitze die Funktion (z.B. Lautstärke) verstärkt, bei einer Bewegung in Richtung Daumenwurzel die Funktion vermindert. Vorzugsweise nimmt dieser Schalter bzw. sein Betätigungsrad 12 bei Entla­stung eine neutrale Mittellage ein. Wird dieser Schalter 12 für eine einfache Umschaltfunktion (z.B. Mikrofon aus, Hörspule für Telefonbetrieb ein) nicht benötigt, so bleibt er außer Funktion.FIG. 2 shows an embodiment of the housing design of the control device 1 as a flat control device which is adapted to the shape of the hollow hand and has a non-slip coating on the back (facing the hand). In this embodiment, the control device, hidden in the slightly curved hand, can be guided inconspicuously, for example, to the head. The grip and the actuation of the control device with one hand favor a recessed grip 11. To adjust the function that can be preselected via the sensor buttons 3, a switch that can be actuated by a wheel 12 can be used, for example serve, which is indicated in Figure 2 under the thumb on the control device and strengthens the function (eg volume) when moving in the direction of the thumb tip, decreases the function when moving in the direction of the thumb root. This switch or its actuating wheel 12 preferably assumes a neutral central position when the load is released. If this switch 12 is not required for a simple switchover function (eg microphone off, hearing coil for telephone operation on), it remains inoperative.

In Figur 3 sind das äußere Ohr 13 mit Gehörgang 14, das Mittel­ohr mit Trommelfell 15, Hammer 16, Amboß 17, Steigbügel 18, Paukenhöhle 19, ovales Fenster 20, rundes Fenster 21, eusta­chischer Röhre 22 und Innenohr mit Bogengängen 23, Schnecke 24 sowie Hörnerv 25 dargestellt. In den Gehörgang 14 ist ein Im-­Ohr-Hörgerät eingesetzt, das eine an den Gehörgang angepaßte Gehäuseschale 26 aufweist, in der ein Mikrofon 27 zur Umwand­lung der Sprachschallsignale in elektrische Signale derart angeordnet ist, daß das Mikrofon 27 vom Gehäuse 26 gegenüber Körperschallanregung abgekoppelt ist. Ferner ist im Gehäuse 26 des Im-Ohr-Hörgerätes ein zweiter Schallwandler 28 vorgesehen, jedoch derart, daß der Schallwandler 28 zur Körperschallanre­gung mit der Gehäuseschale gekoppelt ist und die zur Steuerung und Programmierung des Hörhilfegerätes durch Körperschall über­tragenen Signale aufnehmen und in elektrische Steuerbefehle um­wandeln kann. Mit 29 ist der Hörer des Hörhilfegerätes bezeich­net, der die vom Mikrofon 27 abgegebenen und in einer Verstär­kerschaltung 30 verstärkten und umgeformten (z.B. gefilterten und/oder in der Dynamik reduzierten) elektrischen Signale auf­nimmt, in Schallschwingungen umwandelt und in Richtung des Trom­melfells 15 abgibt. Zur Kontaktierung einer Schaltungsplatine der Verstärkerschaltung 30 mit einer Batterie 31 sind Kontakt­federn 32 vorgesehen. Der in die Hörhilfe eingebaute Schall­wandler 28 kann ein speziell für die Übertragungsfrequenzen entwickeltes und an die Gehäusewandung der Hörhilfe mechanisch gut angekoppeltes Mikrofon sein, das zusätzlich zum normalen, die Sprachsignale aufnehmenden Mikrofon 27 vorhanden ist.In Figure 3, the outer ear 13 with ear canal 14, the middle ear with eardrum 15, hammer 16, anvil 17, stirrup 18, tympanic cavity 19, oval window 20, round window 21, Eustachian tube 22 and inner ear with arches 23, snail 24 and Auditory nerve 25 shown. In the ear canal 14, an in-the-ear hearing aid is used which has a housing shell 26 which is adapted to the ear canal and in which a microphone 27 for converting the speech sound signals into electrical signals is arranged such that the microphone 27 is decoupled from the housing 26 in relation to structure-borne noise excitation . Furthermore, a second sound transducer 28 is provided in the housing 26 of the in-the-ear hearing device, but in such a way that the sound transducer 28 is coupled to the housing shell for the purpose of structure-borne sound excitation and can receive the signals transmitted by structure-borne sound for controlling and programming the hearing aid device and convert them into electrical control commands . The receiver 29 of the hearing aid device is designated by 29, which receives the electrical signals emitted by the microphone 27 and amplified and reshaped in an amplifier circuit 30 (for example filtered and / or reduced in dynamics), converts them into sound vibrations and emits them in the direction of the eardrum 15. Contact springs 32 are provided for contacting a circuit board of the amplifier circuit 30 with a battery 31. The sound transducer 28 built into the hearing aid can be a microphone specially developed for the transmission frequencies and mechanically well coupled to the housing wall of the hearing aid, which microphone is present in addition to the normal microphone 27 which receives the speech signals.

Bei der Ausführung nach Figur 4 dient der für die Sprachsignale vorgesehene Schallwandler, d.h. das mikrofon 33, gleichzeitig als Schallwandler für die Körperschallsignale zur Fernsteuerung des Hörhilfegerätes. Die Abtrennung der Fernsteuersignale von den Sprachsignalen erfolgt durch eine an sich bekannte frequenz­selektive Schaltung, z.B. mittels Hoch- und Tiefpaßfilter. In vorteilhafter Ausführung ist der Schallwandler 33 in einer Kunststofftasche 34 gelagert, die im Hörbereich eine hohe, bei den Trägerfrequenzen der Fernsteuersignale aber eine möglichst niedrige Dämpfung bewirkt. Gemäß Figur 4 ist der Schallwandler 33 durch das Kunststoff-Teil 34 auf der Gehäuseschale 26 abge­stützt und zugleich in Kunststoff eingebettet.In the embodiment according to Figure 4, the sound transducer provided for the speech signals is used, i.e. the microphone 33, at the same time as a sound transducer for the structure-borne sound signals for remote control of the hearing aid. The remote control signals are separated from the speech signals by a frequency-selective circuit known per se, e.g. using high and low pass filters. In an advantageous embodiment, the sound transducer 33 is mounted in a plastic pocket 34, which causes a high attenuation in the listening area, but as low as possible at the carrier frequencies of the remote control signals. According to Figure 4, the sound transducer 33 is supported by the plastic part 34 on the housing shell 26 and at the same time embedded in plastic.

Bei dieser Hörhilfe mit einem, von einem Permanentmagneten 36 gebildeten, magnetisch anregbaren Mittelohr-Implantat kann das Hörgerät selbst ohne Eingriff aus dem Gehörkanal l4 genommen werden. Zum Anregen des Permanentmagneten 36, der z.B. durch eine Schraub- oder Klebverbindung am Steigbügel 18 des Ohrs be­festigt ist, dient eine in der Gehäuseschale 26 des Hörhilfe­gerätes angeordnete Anregungsspule 35, die an die Verstärker­schaltung 30 angeschlossen ist. Die Anregungsspule 35 wird mit dem verstärkten elektrischen Ausgangssignal der Schaltung 30 gespeist und dieses Signal wird in Form eines magnetischen Wechselfeldes auf den am Steigbügel 18 befestigten kleinen Per­manentmagneten 36 übertragen. Der in Schwingungen versetzte Per­manentmagnet überträgt die Sprachschallsignale auf das Innen­ohr. Zum Anbringen des Permanentmagneten 36 wird das Mittelohr geöffnet und der Amboß des Ohres entfernt.With this hearing aid with a magnetically excitable middle ear implant formed by a permanent magnet 36, the hearing aid itself can be removed from the auditory canal 14 without intervention. For exciting the permanent magnet 36, which e.g. is attached to the stirrup 18 of the ear by a screw or adhesive connection, serves an excitation coil 35 which is arranged in the housing shell 26 of the hearing aid and is connected to the amplifier circuit 30. The excitation coil 35 is fed with the amplified electrical output signal of the circuit 30 and this signal is transmitted in the form of an alternating magnetic field to the small permanent magnet 36 attached to the stirrup 18. The permanent magnet set in vibration transmits the speech sound signals to the inner ear. To attach the permanent magnet 36, the middle ear is opened and the anvil of the ear removed.

Das voll implantierbare Hörhilfegerät nach Figur 5 besteht aus einem flüssigkeits- und gasdichten, aus gewebeverträglichem Ma­terial hergestellten Gehäuse 40 eines Verstärkerteils 41, wel­ches zur Fixierung, insbesondere aber zur Körperschallübertra­gung mittels einer Schraube 50 od.dgl. am Schädelknochen 42 be­festigt ist. Ferner ist ein im Bereich des Gehörganges 14 im­plantiertes Mikrofon 43 vorgesehen, das die durch den Gehörgang geführten Sprachschallsignale aufnimmt und in Form von elektri­schen Signalen über eine elektrische Leitung 44 dem Eingang des Verstärkerteils 41 zuführt. Schließlich ist ein piezoelektri­scher Vibrator 45 am Schädelknochen befestigt, derart, daß der Vibrator 45 mit seinem freien Ende 46 den Steigbügel 18 in Schwingung versetzt, sobald er sich unter dem Einfluß der vom Ausgang des Verstärkerteils 41 über eine elektrische Leitung 47 übertragenen elektrischen Wechselspannung verformt. Für die Implantation des Vibrators 45 werden Amboß und Hammer entfernt. Die Schaltungsplatine mit integrierten und diskreten Bauelemen­ten des Verstärkerteils 41 wird aus einer angeschlossenen Bat­terie 49 versorgt. Bei einem implantierbaren Hörhilfegerät mit mechanischem Vibrator 45 zur Steigbügelanregung kann wegen des geringen Stromverbrauchs auch der die Batterie 49 enthaltende Verstärkerteil 41 voll implantiert werden. Dann ist eine effek­tive Ankoppelung der Fernsteuersignale dadurch möglich, daß das Verstärkerteil 41 mit dem Schädelknochen 42 verschraubt wird und ein Körperschallmikrofon 48 (Körperschall-Schwingungsauf­nehmer) in mechanischen Kontakt, z.B. über einen Verbindungs­steg 51, mit der Schraube 50 gebracht wird.The fully implantable hearing aid according to FIG. 5 consists of a liquid-tight and gas-tight housing 40 of an amplifier part 41 made of tissue-compatible material, which is used for fixation, but especially for structure-borne sound transmission by means of a screw 50 or the like. is attached to the skull 42. Furthermore, a microphone 43 is implanted in the area of the auditory canal 14, which is the through the ear canal guided speech sound signals and in the form of electrical signals via an electrical line 44 to the input of the amplifier part 41. Finally, a piezoelectric vibrator 45 is attached to the skull bone in such a way that the free end 46 of the vibrator 45 causes the stirrup 18 to vibrate as soon as it deforms under the influence of the electrical alternating voltage transmitted from the output of the amplifier part 41 via an electrical line 47. The anvil and hammer are removed for the implantation of the vibrator 45. The circuit board with integrated and discrete components of the amplifier part 41 is supplied from a connected battery 49. In the case of an implantable hearing aid device with mechanical vibrator 45 for stirrup excitation, the amplifier part 41 containing the battery 49 can also be fully implanted because of the low power consumption. Then an effective coupling of the remote control signals is possible in that the amplifier part 41 is screwed to the cranial bone 42 and a structure-borne sound microphone 48 (structure-borne sound vibration sensor) is brought into mechanical contact, for example via a connecting web 51, with the screw 50.

Soll das Verstärkerteil 41 nicht voll implantiert werden oder ist eine Verschraubung aus anderen Gründen nicht möglich, kann als Kontaktstelle für die Körperschallübertragung die Ver­schraubung des Vibrators 45 (nahe dem Steigbügel 18) dienen, wobei dann die Körperschallschwingungen dem Verstärkerteil ent­weder mechanisch über einen steifen Draht, Verbindungssteg od.dgl. (zwischen der Verschraubung des Vibrators 45 und dem Körperschallmikrofon 48 des Verstärkerteils) oder elektrisch, indem an der Verschraubung des Vibrators 45 ein Mikrofon mit verschraubt wird, zugeführt werden.If the amplifier part 41 is not to be fully implanted or if a screw connection is not possible for other reasons, the screw connection of the vibrator 45 (near the stirrup 18) can serve as a contact point for the structure-borne sound transmission, in which case the structure-borne sound vibrations either mechanically via a stiff wire, Connecting bridge or the like (between the screw connection of the vibrator 45 and the structure-borne sound microphone 48 of the amplifier part) or electrically, by screwing a microphone onto the screw connection of the vibrator 45.

Claims (15)

1. Hörhilfegerät mit drahtloser Fernsteuerung wenigstens von Teilen seiner steuerbaren Funktionen, wobei in einem am Kopf tragbaren Gehäuse sowohl Elemente der Hörhilfe als auch solche zur Steuerung seiner Funktionen und ein Empfänger für Signale zur Fernsteuerung dieser Funktionen untergebracht sind und wo­bei die Fernsteuerung durch ein in der Hand zu haltendes Steuergerät erfolgt, das insbesondere ein Bedientableau, eine Erkennungs- und Codiereinheit und einen Sender enthält, da­durch gekennzeichnet, daß als Sender des Steuergerätes (1) ein Vibrator (9) vorgesehen ist, der ei­ne Fernsteuerfrequenz außerhalb des menschlichen Hörbereiches abstrahlt, daß der Schall des Senders durch transkutane An­koppelung einer Kontaktfläche (10) des Steuergerätes über Kör­perschallanregung auf das Skelett des Hörhilfeträgers übertrag­bar ist, und daß im Hörhilfegerät ein Schallwandler (28; 33; 48) vorgesehen ist, der die Körperschallsignale des Steuerge­rätes in elektrische Signale umwandelt und über einen Verstär­ker sowie eine Codier- und Erkennungseinheit mit den Steuer­organen des Hörhilfegerätes (elektronisches Potentiometer zur Lautstärkeeinstellung, Klangblenden, Wechselschalter für Hör­spule oder Mikrofon, Ein-/Ausschalter für Störgeräusch-Unter­drückungsschaltungen u.dgl.) verbunden ist.1. Hearing aid with wireless remote control of at least parts of its controllable functions, wherein both elements of the hearing aid and those for controlling its functions and a receiver for signals for remote control of these functions are accommodated in a housing that can be worn on the head, and wherein the remote control is carried out by a Hand-held control unit takes place, which contains in particular an operating panel, a detection and coding unit and a transmitter, characterized in that a vibrator (9) is provided as the transmitter of the control unit (1), which emits a remote control frequency outside the human hearing range that the sound of the transmitter can be transmitted to the skeleton of the hearing aid wearer by transcutaneous coupling of a contact surface (10) of the control device via structure-borne sound excitation, and that a sound transducer (28; 33; 48) is provided in the hearing aid device, which converts the structure-borne sound signals of the control device into electrical signals and about one Amplifier and a coding and recognition unit with the control elements of the hearing aid (electronic potentiometer for volume adjustment, sound screens, changeover switch for hearing coil or microphone, on / off switch for noise suppression circuits, etc.) is connected. 2. Hörhilfegerät nach Anspruch 1, dadurch ge­kennzeichnet, daß für den Empfang und die Wand­lung der Körperschall-Steuersignale als auch der Sprachschall­signale das Mikrofon (33) des Hörhilfegerätes vorgesehen ist, das in einer in den Gehörgang (14) eingesetzten Gehäuseschale (26) angeordnet ist, derart, daß das Mikrofon (33) gegenüber der Gehäuseschale (26) durch ein Kunststoff-Formteil (34) ab­gestützt ist, das auf störende akustische Einkoppelungen im Hörfrequenzbereich dämpfend wirkt, jedoch eine Brücke für die Körperschall-Signale zum Mikrofon bildet und daß dem Mikrofon (33) eine frequenzselektive Schaltung zur Trennung der Fern­steuersignale von den Sprachsignalen nachgeordnet ist.2. Hearing aid according to claim 1, characterized in that for receiving and converting the structure-borne sound control signals and the speech sound signals, the microphone (33) of the hearing aid is provided, which is arranged in a housing shell (26) inserted into the ear canal (14) is such that the microphone (33) is supported relative to the housing shell (26) by a plastic molded part (34) which has a damping effect on interfering acoustic couplings in the hearing frequency range, but forms a bridge for the structure-borne sound signals to the microphone and that the microphone (33) is a frequency-selective circuit for separating the remote control signals from the voice signals. 3. Hörhilfegerät nach Anspruch 1 und 2, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß die elektrischen Fernsteu­ersignale von der frequenzselektiven Schaltung den angeschlos­senen Steuerorganen zur Ausführung der Steuerbefehle zugeführt werden und daß die elektrischen Sprachsignale von der frequenz­selektiven Schaltung in eine Anregungsspule (35) eingespeist werden, welche ebenfalls in der Gehäuseschale (26) angeordnet ist, und daß die Anregungsspule (35) die Sprachsignale in Form eines magnetischen Wechselfeldes auf einen am Steigbügel (18) des Ohres befestigten Permanentmagneten (36) überträgt, der durch das Magnetfeld der Anregungsspule in Bewegung versetzt wird und die Sprachsignale auf das Innenohr überträgt.3. Hearing aid according to claim 1 and 2, characterized in that the electrical remote control signals from the frequency-selective circuit are supplied to the connected control elements for executing the control commands and that the electrical voice signals from the frequency-selective circuit are fed into an excitation coil (35), which are also in the housing shell (26) is arranged, and that the excitation coil (35) transmits the speech signals in the form of an alternating magnetic field to a permanent magnet (36) attached to the stirrup (18) of the ear, which is set in motion by the magnetic field of the excitation coil and which Transmits voice signals to the inner ear. 4. Hörhilfegerät nach Anspruch 2, dadurch ge­kennzeichnet, daß das Mikrofon (33) in Kunststoff, insbesondere geschäumten Kunststoff, eingebettet ist und diese Kunststoff-Einbettung (34) an der Gehäuseschale (26) flächig anliegt.4. Hearing aid according to claim 2, characterized in that the microphone (33) is embedded in plastic, in particular foamed plastic, and this plastic embedding (34) lies flat against the housing shell (26). 5. Hörhilfegerät nach Anspruch 2, dadurch ge­kennzeichnet, daß das Mikrofon (33) in einer Kunststofftasche (34) od. dgl. gelagert ist, die im Hörbereich eine hohe und im Bereich der Fernsteuerfrequenz eine niedrige Dämpfungscharakteristik aufweist.5. Hearing aid according to claim 2, characterized in that the microphone (33) in a plastic bag (34) od. The like. Which is high in the listening area and a low attenuation characteristic in the remote control frequency. 6. Hörhilfegerät nach Anspruch 1, dadurch ge­kennzeichnet, daß für den Empfang und die Wand­lung der Körperschallsteuersignale ein in den Gehörgang (14) einsetzbares Hörhilfegerät in einer Gehäuseschale (26) einen, neben dem Mikrofon (27) für die Sprachschallsignale vorge­sehenen weiteren, auf die Fernsteuerfrequenz des Steuergerä­tes (1) abgestimmten Schallwandler (28) in der Anordnung auf­ weist, daß das Mikrofon (27) für die Sprachschallsignale ge­dämpft und gegenüber der Gehäuseschale (26) entkoppelt und der Schallwandler (28) für die Körperschall-Steuersignale an die Gehäuseschale (26) angekoppelt ist.6. Hearing aid according to claim 1, characterized in that for the reception and conversion of the structure-borne sound control signals in the ear canal (14) insertable hearing aid in a housing shell (26) one, in addition to the microphone (27) for the speech sound signals provided further on the Remote control frequency of the control unit (1) coordinated sound transducer (28) in the arrangement indicates that the microphone (27) for the speech sound signals is attenuated and decoupled from the housing shell (26) and the sound transducer (28) for the structure-borne sound control signals is coupled to the housing shell (26). 7. Hörhilfegerät nach Anspruch 1, dadurch ge­kennzeichnet, daß ein flüssigkeits- und gasdich­tes Gehäuse (40) des Verstärkers (41) eines voll implantier­baren Hörhilfegerätes an einem Schädelknochen (42) befestig­bar ist, daß ein die durch den Gehörgang (14) geführten Sprach­schallsignale aufnehmendes Mikrofon (43) nahe dem Gehörgang implantiert und durch eine Leitung (44) elektrisch mit dem Verstärkerteil verbunden ist, daß ein piezoelektrischer Vi­brator (45) am Schädelknochen befestigbar ist und mit seinem freien Ende (46) den Steigbügel (18) des Ohres anregt, wenn ei­ne vom Verstärkerteil kommende und über eine elektrische Lei­tung (47) zugeführte elektrische Spannung anliegt, daß im Ge­häuse (40) des Verstärkerteils (41) eine frequenzselektive Schaltung zur Trennung der Fernsteuersignale von den Sprach­signalen als Schaltungsplatine mit integrierten und diskreten elektronischen Bauteilen od. dgl. sowie ein an die Wand des Ge­häuses (40) angekoppeltes Körperschallmikrofon (48), zur Um­wandlung der Fernsteuer-Schallsignale in elektrische Steuer­signale, vorgesehen sind.7. Hearing aid according to claim 1, characterized in that a liquid and gas-tight housing (40) of the amplifier (41) of a fully implantable hearing aid on a cranial bone (42) can be fastened that a through the auditory canal (14) receiving speech sound signals The microphone (43) is implanted near the ear canal and is electrically connected to the amplifier part by a line (44) such that a piezoelectric vibrator (45) can be attached to the skull bone and its free end (46) excites the stirrup (18) of the ear. when a voltage coming from the amplifier part and supplied via an electrical line (47) is present, that in the housing (40) of the amplifier part (41) a frequency-selective circuit for separating the remote control signals from the voice signals as a circuit board with integrated and discrete electronic components or the like and a structure-borne sound microphone (48) coupled to the wall of the housing (40), for conversion the remote control sound signals are provided in electrical control signals. 8. Hörhilfegerät nach Anspruch 7, dadurch ge­kennzeichnet, daß das Gehäuse (40) des Verstär­kerteils (41) durch eine Schraube (50), einen Stift od.dgl. am Schädelknochen (42) befestigbar ist und daß das Körperschall­mikrofon (48) mit dem Befestigungselement (50) mechanisch ver­bunden ist.8. Hearing aid according to claim 7, characterized in that the housing (40) of the amplifier part (41) by a screw (50), a pin or the like. can be fastened to the skull bone (42) and the structure-borne sound microphone (48) is mechanically connected to the fastening element (50). 9. Hörhilfegerät nach Anspruch 7, dadurch ge­kennzeichnet, daß das Körperschallmikrofon (48) an der Befestigungsstelle des piezoelektrischen Vibrators (45) an­geordnet und durch eine elektrische Leitung mit dem Verstärker­teil verbunden ist.9. Hearing aid according to claim 7, characterized in that the structure-borne sound microphone (48) the attachment point of the piezoelectric vibrator (45) and is connected to the amplifier part by an electrical line. 10. Hörhilfegerät nach Anspruch 7, dadurch ge­kennzeichnet, daß zur Übertragung der Körper­schallsteuersignale das Körperschallmikrofon (48) durch eine mechanische Verbindung, einen Draht, Steg od.dgl. an die Befe­stigungsstelle des piezoelektrischen Vibrators (45) angekoppelt ist.10. Hearing aid according to claim 7, characterized in that for the transmission of the structure-borne sound control signals, the structure-borne sound microphone (48) by a mechanical connection, a wire, bridge or the like. is coupled to the attachment point of the piezoelectric vibrator (45). 11. Hörhilfegerät nach Anspruch 1, dadurch ge­kennzeichnet, daß das Steuergerät (1) ein fla­ches, der Form der hohlen Hand angepaßtes Gehäuse aufweist.11. Hearing aid according to claim 1, characterized in that the control device (1) has a flat, the shape of the hollow hand adapted housing. 12. Hörhilfegerät nach Anspruch 1, dadurch ge­kennzeichnet, daß das Gehäuse des Steuergerätes (1) auf der dem Bedientableau (2) abgewandten Rückseite eine rutschfeste Beschichtung, Oberfläche od dgl. aufweist.12. Hearing aid according to claim 1, characterized in that the housing of the control device (1) on the control panel (2) facing away from the back has a non-slip coating, surface or the like. 13. Hörhilfegerät nach Anspruch 1, dadurch ge­kennzeichnet, daß das Gehäuse des Steuergerätes (1) die an die Haut über einem oberflächennahen Knochen an zu­legende Kontaktfläche (10) des Vibrators (9) aufweist.13. Hearing aid according to claim 1, characterized in that the housing of the control device (1) has the contact surface (10) of the vibrator (9) to be applied to the skin via a bone near the surface. 14. Hörhilfegerät nach Anspruch 1, dadurch ge­kennzeichnet, daß das Steuergerät (1) durch Ta­sten (3) des Bedienfeldes (2), durch Sensoren an der Kontakt­fläche des Vibrators, durch eine bewegliche Lagerung der Kon­taktfläche od.dgl. ein- und/oder ausschaltbar ist.14. Hearing aid according to claim 1, characterized in that the control device (1) by buttons (3) of the control panel (2), by sensors on the contact surface of the vibrator, or the like by a movable mounting of the contact surface. is on and / or off. 15. Hörhilfegerät nach Anspruch 1, dadurch ge­kennzeichnet, daß im Steuergerät (1) eine Codier­schaltung (4) vorgesehen ist, die entsprechend dem durch das Bedientableau (2) ausgelösten Programmierbefehl eine serielle Folge von Daten- und Prüfbits generiert und mit der durch die Frequenz eines Taktgenerators (5) bestimmten Fernsteuerfrequenz ständig wiederholt an einen Modulator (6) sendet, bis eine ebenfalls am Taktgenerator gespeiste Zeitschaltung die Übertra­gung beendet und das Steuergerät in einen Bereitschaftszustand zurückschaltet.15. Hearing aid according to claim 1, characterized in that a coding circuit (4) is provided in the control device (1), which according to the by the Control panel (2) triggered programming command generates a serial sequence of data and test bits and with the remote control frequency determined by the frequency of a clock generator (5) constantly sends repeatedly to a modulator (6) until a timing circuit also fed to the clock generator ends the transmission and that Control unit switches back to a ready state.
EP89107384A 1988-05-06 1989-04-24 Hearing aid device with wireless remote control Expired - Lifetime EP0340594B1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AT89107384T ATE91057T1 (en) 1988-05-06 1989-04-24 HEARING AID WITH WIRELESS REMOTE CONTROL.

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE3815598 1988-05-06
DE3815598 1988-05-06

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0340594A1 true EP0340594A1 (en) 1989-11-08
EP0340594B1 EP0340594B1 (en) 1993-06-23

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EP89107384A Expired - Lifetime EP0340594B1 (en) 1988-05-06 1989-04-24 Hearing aid device with wireless remote control

Country Status (5)

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US (1) US5012520A (en)
EP (1) EP0340594B1 (en)
JP (1) JPH01318500A (en)
AT (1) ATE91057T1 (en)
DE (2) DE8816422U1 (en)

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Also Published As

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US5012520A (en) 1991-04-30
JPH01318500A (en) 1989-12-22
DE8816422U1 (en) 1989-08-10
ATE91057T1 (en) 1993-07-15
DE58904772D1 (en) 1993-07-29
EP0340594B1 (en) 1993-06-23

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