EP3742759A1 - Hearing aid and method for operating same - Google Patents

Abstract

A hearing aid (6) is specified, in particular a RIC hearing aid, which has a receiver unit (8) with a receiver (4) and a control unit (10), the control unit (10) having two control lines (12a, 12b) the receiver unit (8) is connected to control the receiver (4). In addition, a further component (14), in particular a controllable ventilation element, is arranged in the receiver unit (8), which is also controlled via the control lines via a control signal emitted by the control unit.

Description

The invention relates to a hearing aid receiver unit and a method for operating a hearing aid.

In the present case, hearing aids are preferably, but not exclusively, hearing aid devices. Such hearing aids, hereinafter referred to as hearing aids, are portable hearing devices that are used to supply the hearing impaired. In order to meet the numerous individual needs, different types of hearing aids such as behind-the-ear hearing aids (BTE), hearing aids with an external receiver (RIC: receiver in the canal) and in-the-ear hearing aids (ITE), e.g. also concha hearing aids or canal hearing aids (ITE, CIC) provided. The hearing aids listed as examples are worn on the outer ear or in the auditory canal. In addition, bone conduction hearing aids, implantable or vibrotactile hearing aids are also available on the market. The damaged hearing is stimulated either mechanically or electrically.

In principle, hearing aids have an input converter, an amplifier and an output converter as essential components. The input transducer is usually a sound receiver, e.g. B. a microphone, and / or an electromagnetic receiver, e.g. B. an induction coil. The output transducer is usually an electroacoustic transducer, e.g. B. miniature speakers, or as an electromechanical converter, e.g. B. bone conduction receiver realized. The amplifier is usually integrated in a signal processing unit. This basic structure is in FIG 1 shown using the example of a behind-the-ear hearing aid. One or more microphones 2 for recording are in a hearing aid housing 1 to be worn behind the ear of the sound from the environment. A signal processing unit 3, which is also integrated in the hearing aid housing 1, processes the microphone signals and amplifies them. The output signal of the signal processing unit 3 is transmitted to a loudspeaker or earpiece 4, which outputs an acoustic signal. If necessary, the sound is transmitted to the eardrum of the device wearer via a sound tube that is fixed in the ear canal with an otoplastic. The hearing aid, and in particular that of the signal processing unit 3, is supplied with energy by a battery 5 which is also integrated in the hearing aid housing 1.

Adapting hearing aids to different hearing impairments due to different levels of performance and to differing customer requirements, as well as customer demands for small and very small sizes, forces hearing aid manufacturers to offer a wide range of hearing aids with a different range of functions for different performance levels. This leads to a large number of differently sized hearing aids that can be individually adapted to hearing damage and customer requirements.

The aforementioned RIC hearing aids are multi-part hearing aids in which the listener is arranged in its own receiver unit and the signal processing is arranged in a separate unit. The two units are electrically connected to each other via signal lines to control the receiver.

Starting from this, the invention is based on the object of specifying a hearing aid, in particular an RIC hearing aid with an extended function, and a method for operating a hearing aid.

• eine Receivereinheit mit einem Hörer sowie
• eine Steuereinheit, wobei die Steuereinheit über zwei Ansteuerleitungen zur Übertragung eines Steuersignals zum Ansteuern des Hörers mit der Receivereinheit verbunden ist,
• zusätzlich eine weitere Komponente in der Receivereinheit, die ebenfalls über die beiden Ansteuerleitungen mit der Receivereinheit verbunden ist und über die beiden Ansteuerleitungen angesteuert wird.

The object is achieved according to the invention by a hearing aid which has

• a receiver unit with a handset as well
• a control unit, the control unit being connected to the receiver unit via two control lines for transmitting a control signal for controlling the receiver,
• an additional component in the receiver unit, which is also connected to the receiver unit via the two control lines and is controlled via the two control lines.

It is of particular importance that a further component is arranged in the receiver unit and that both units are controlled jointly via the control lines. The control lines are typically electrical supply wires that are provided with an insulating jacket. The common use of the control lines for both components means that the connection effort, in particular the wiring effort, is low. At the same time, the additional (electrical) component increases the functional scope of the receiver unit.

Various operating modes are set via the control unit by means of different control of the components.

The hearing aid is specifically a multi-part hearing aid in which the receiver unit is an independent unit with its own housing, which is arranged at a distance from a further unit which also has its own housing. This further unit is also referred to below as the base unit. The two units are connected to one another via the control lines, which are routed, for example, in a common hose. The actual signal processing unit, a microphone and the mentioned control unit are typically arranged in this base unit. The control unit is, for example, part of the signal processing unit. The control lines are typically connected to the base unit via a contact connector, specifically a connector. A contact connection element for making electrical contact with the control lines is therefore arranged in the base unit. For this purpose, a base with electrical contacts is often formed on a printed circuit board.

The hearing aid is preferably, but not necessarily, a hearing aid in which the signal processing unit is designed to specifically compensate for a person's hearing impairment, for example by means of a hearing impairment adapted, frequency-dependent amplification of a sound signal picked up by the microphone.

The control unit preferably has an amplifier output stage or is designed as such. Both the receiver and the other components are supplied with electrical power via the control lines via this common amplifier output stage. The amplifier output stage is regularly used to amplify an electrical signal which is transmitted to the listener, in which the electrical signal is converted into an acoustic sound signal. Typically, no further components for amplifying the signal are arranged between the receiver and the amplifier output stage. The amplifier output stage is preferably designed to provide an electrical power of at least 1 mW, preferably of at least 10 mW and, for example, of up to 20 mW or up to 30 mW. The receiver and / or the further component are therefore supplied with such power and are also consumed by them.

This configuration therefore has the particular advantage that the power provided by the amplifier output stage is available both for the listener and for the further component.

In particular, the hearing aid is designed as a receiver-in-the-canal hearing aid (RIC hearing aid). Alternatively, the hearing aid is generally designed as a device that can be worn in or on the ear and produces a sound stimulus, for example as (in-ear) headphones, headset or the like.

The RIC hearing aid is understood to mean a hearing aid that is designed so that when it is used, the receiver unit with the receiver is specifically arranged in an auditory canal of the user, while preferably all other components, for example the control unit, a signal processing unit and a microphone for recording a sound to be amplified are arranged outside of the ear canal in a separate device unit, for example behind an ear of the user. The receiver unit and the device unit that is separate from it with the control unit are in this case connected to one another preferably by means of a hose in which the two control lines for controlling the receiver arranged in the ear canal of the user are arranged.

The further component is preferably designed as a controllable ventilation element. The design of the further component as a controllable ventilation element is based on the idea that the coupling to the auditory canal is often designed as an open adaptation. An open adaptation is understood here to mean that the receiver unit is not seated in the ear canal in a sealing manner. This is particularly useful for mild and moderate hearing losses, since an occlusion - i.e. a tight closure - of the ear canal is perceived by the user and is usually perceived as annoying.

In contrast to low frequencies, where no amplification is usually required and therefore direct sound is sufficient, this is absent with non-acoustic input signals. In this respect, the sound of such non-acoustic input signals is perceived as thin and high-frequency. This affects the quality, which is particularly important when listening to music. The non-acoustic input signals are generally understood to mean electromagnetic input signals from the hearing aid that are not picked up by the microphone. These include, for example, signals that are received (wirelessly) by a corresponding receiving unit, for example from a telecoil arranged in the hearing aid. The telecoil is preferably used for a wireless connection of the hearing aid with e.g. a mobile phone of the user for phone calls and / or, for example, a wireless connection to an audio system in a church or a theater. Furthermore, the non-acoustic input signal is also understood to mean wireless reception (WLS reception) by means of wireless short-range communication.

In the latter case, in particular, that the acoustic output signal of the hearing aid is based on a non-acoustic input signal, it is advantageous to close the auditory canal to improve the quality of the sound, which is achieved with the controllable ventilation element. Furthermore, the Closure of the auditory canal has also proven to be advantageous in the event that the acoustic output signal is based on an acoustic input signal (input signal which was picked up and converted by a microphone). In particular, when a so-called cocktail party situation is present, closing the ear canal is an advantage for the user. The cocktail party situation is understood here to be a (listening) situation for the user in which there are several acoustic signal sources in his environment. The acoustic signal sources are understood to mean, for example, talking people or a loudspeaker playing music.

Due to the various simultaneously active acoustic signal sources, such a situation is unpleasant, especially for a hearing impaired person. The hearing aid, and in particular a directional effect of the microphone of the hearing aid, enables the user to "concentrate" on an acoustic signal source, for example on a single conversation partner. If the auditory canal is also closed, an improved damping of a direct sound of the other, in this case disruptive, acoustic signal sources is achieved.

The ventilation element, which is a valve, for example, is therefore activated via the activation line and, in particular, switched between two states (open-closed). The operating modes that can be set by the control unit are therefore, for example, an open adaptation on the one hand (valve open) and a closed adaptation (valve closed) on the other hand.

However, other configurations of the further component are also conceivable. The further component is therefore not limited to being designed as a controllable ventilation element.

The further component has in particular the valve mentioned above or is formed by this. Furthermore, the further component preferably has an in particular magnetic switching unit. The switching unit is between two switching states by means of the control signal transmitted via the control lines switchable. In particular, there are two stable switching states, so that the further component remains stable in the other switching state after a switching signal. Switching takes place in particular in an electromagnetic way. In particular, the electric current that is provided via the control signal generates a magnetic field which acts on the magnetic switching unit and causes it to be switched. In particular, a mechanical adjusting movement of an adjusting element or a closure element takes place here.

The receiver unit is preferably connected to the control unit exclusively via the two control lines - possibly via a further line, which is referred to below as the selection line.

In conventional RIC devices, the receiver unit and thus the receiver are typically only connected via two control lines. In some embodiment variants, a further line is provided, which is connected to a ground potential, for example. As a result of the configuration selected here, no change in connection wiring, at least on the part of the control unit, is necessary compared to previous types.

The control signal is in particular a pulsed control signal. The control unit is therefore designed to generate and feed in such a pulsed control signal and such a control signal is transmitted during operation. The receiver on the one hand and the other component on the other hand are controlled via pulse modulation. The two components are therefore preferably controlled via the modulation of the control signal.

The pulse modulation is, for example, a pulse width modulation.

Pulse density modulation is preferably used. In this case, the sequence of pulses of the same width at a high frequency changes according to the underlying low-frequency, eg acoustic, signal. The number of pulses per unit of time (density) therefore varies. Listeners are often controlled via a pulse-density-modulated signal. Since a listener is sluggish due to its construction and shows a low-pass effect, it automatically averages out the underlying low-frequency signal from the sequence of pulses.

In particular, a lower frequency and thus a longer pulse duration in the case of a pulse-density-modulated signal is used to control the further component than is used to control the receiver. The listener is controlled with a frequency in the MHz range (pulse duration less than 1 μs).

A frequency of preferably less than 1 kHz and in particular less than 0.1 kHz is used to control the other components. The pulse duration corresponding to this is therefore, for example, preferably greater than 1 ms, for example 5 ms and in particular greater 10 ms or in the range of 10 ms (5 ms to 20 ms). A quasi-static signal is therefore used to control the other components.

This refinement is based on the consideration that, on the one hand, the function of the receiver is ensured by the activation with the higher frequencies. At the same time, the further component is so slow that the higher frequencies do not influence the further component and do not change its state.

Furthermore, the low frequencies are selected in such a way that, on the one hand, the listener and his function are not or hardly influenced by them. In particular, a membrane of the listener will remain in its state and will not emit an acoustic signal. In return, however, the further component reacts to these low frequencies or long pulse durations.

Particularly in the example preferred here of switching a (magnetic) switching element between two states, the long pulse durations are the result of 10 ms, for example, a sufficiently high (magnetic) effect so that switching can take place.

In a preferred development, at least one of the two components, selected from the earpiece and the further component, is preceded by a filter which filters out the (higher-frequency or lower-frequency) signal provided for the other component. In particular, a high-pass filter and / or the further component is preceded by a low-pass filter. The filters are in particular arranged directly upstream of the respective component in a branch of the control line, so that the filter only influences the control signal for the respective component. The filter or filters are therefore arranged in particular in the receiver unit.

Alternatively or additionally, a switching device is arranged in the receiver unit, which is designed to connect the receiver and / or the further component. In a first variant, it is also possible to control the other components, especially toggling, while the receiver is in operation. According to a second variant, the switching device is designed in such a way that either the receiver or the further component is activated.

The switching device is set up, in particular, to electrically connect the receiver to the control unit in a first operating mode or to electrically connect the further component to the control unit in a second operating mode.

The switching device preferably has two switching elements. The switching elements are used to electrically connect either the receiver or the further component to the control unit. A switching element is thus arranged at each end of one of the two control lines in order to electrically connect either the receiver or the further component, preferably connected in parallel to the receiver, to the control unit via the control lines depending on the selected operating mode.

In general - regardless of the switching device - one of the two control lines serves as a forward conductor, while the other control line serves as a return conductor to the control unit.

With the two switching elements, a simple optional connection of either the receiver or the other component to the control unit is achieved. In addition, further control lines for the further component can be dispensed with, since the control lines, which are usually used to control the receiver, are also used to control the further component.

In order to control the switching elements of the switching device, the switching device is preferably connected to the control unit via a further line, which is referred to below as the already mentioned selection line. An existing ground connection or ground line is preferably used as the reference potential, which ground line preferably also serves as a ground line for other components. The ground line connects the receiver unit to a ground potential of the base unit. A separate ground line is therefore not explicitly required for the switching device. The switching device is thus effectively connected to the control unit, in particular with just one control line.

The selection line is preferably also arranged in the hose already mentioned, which connects the control unit to the receiver unit and in which the two control lines are also arranged. This enables the two switching elements to be controlled, while - as already mentioned above - a number of lines for controlling the receiver and the other components is reduced in comparison with a separate control. The separate control is understood here to mean that both the receiver and the additional component each have two separate control lines, so that four control lines lead from the control unit to the receiver unit, while according to the embodiment according to the invention, only two or a maximum of three control lines (two control lines, one Selection line) are provided. In addition, the embodiment according to the invention is only two or three Lines are advantageous in that a number of electrical contacts, particularly in the case of RIC hearing aids, is limited within the receiver unit and within the control unit.

The receiver unit is therefore preferably connected to the control unit exclusively via the two control lines and possibly additionally via the selection line.

As an alternative to using a selection line, the desired operating mode and switching state are extracted from the control signal by filtering it. The switching device is therefore designed for corresponding filtering of the signal and control of the switching elements.

In all of the design variants, there is preferably no active component for signal evaluation in the receiver unit. In addition to the receiver and the further component, only passive components are preferably arranged in the receiver unit

The control unit, in particular the amplifier output stage already mentioned above, preferably has a plurality of semiconductor switches which are connected in the manner of an H-bridge. This amplifier output stage generally forms a control element for controlling the receiver unit and is preferably also referred to as a driver unit. With such a control element configured as an H-bridge, it is possible to generate a control signal which has a high current value and can thus provide the required high power.

Furthermore, the control element designed as an H-bridge is designed to allow the electrical current to flow in two different directions through the receiver or the further component. Such a polarity reversal of the current is also referred to as a polarity reversal capability and such an operation of the H-bridge as "push-pull operation". Both the driver capability and the polarity reversal capability of the control element designed as an H-bridge are characteristic of such control elements which are used, for example, in RIC hearing aids.

The control element, which is interconnected and thus designed as an H-bridge, is preferably integrated on a chip. Such a configuration has proven to be advantageous because of the small structural dimensions of printed circuit boards, which are particularly advantageous for hearing aids.

The control unit is expediently set up in such a way that the further component is controlled with the same control signal as the receiver. The further component is thus controlled by means of the control element of the control unit, which is designed as an H-bridge, with the control signal generated by the latter. In other words, the control unit and especially the control signal, which is actually provided for the listener, is used to control the further component, with the exception of any amplitude and / or frequency conversion. Particularly against the background of an embodiment of the further component as a controllable ventilation element, which requires a high current, an advantage in the control is achieved.

This refinement is based - regardless of the special embodiment variant - on the idea that this means that the control unit is advantageously used to control the further component. The control unit, which usually controls the receiver and has the output stage, has proven to be advantageous with regard to the provision of high current pulses for the control of the ventilation element. Multiple use of the control unit is therefore achieved without arranging additional components in the hearing aid. In this context, the additional components are specifically understood to mean components that would only be necessary for control, that is to say for providing a control signal for the ventilation element. This configuration is also advantageous, for example, as in-the-ear hearing aids (ITE hearing aids).

The object is also achieved according to the invention by a receiver unit for a hearing aid described above. The receiver unit has an earpiece for connection to a control unit of a hearing aid. Preferably the receiver unit is the receiver unit already listed above in the context of the description of the hearing aid.

The object is also achieved according to the invention by a method for operating a hearing aid which has a receiver unit with a receiver and a control unit, the receiver being controlled by the control unit. Another component is also arranged in the receiver unit. This is also controlled via the common control lines and the control signal transmitted via these from the control unit.

As described above, the receiver and the further component are preferably controlled by means of a modulated, pulsed control signal or, alternatively, via a switching device in order to operate the hearing aid in different operating modes. The control signal is provided in particular by the amplifier output stage, which therefore provides both the required power for the listener and for the other component.

The further component is preferably the controllable ventilation element which is controlled by the control unit with the control signal. The control signal is generated by a current pulse of sufficient duration. The controllable ventilation element is opened or closed depending on the direction of the current.

The advantages and preferred embodiments listed with regard to the hearing aid are to be transferred accordingly to the receiver unit and the method for operating the hearing aid and vice versa.

Fig.1

ein prinzipieller Aufbau eines Hörgerätes nach dem Stand der Technik,

Fig. 2

ein skizzierter Schaltplan eines Hörgerätes gemäß einer ersten Variante sowie

Fig 3

ein skizzierter Schaltplan eines Hörgerätes gemäß einer zweiten Variante.

An exemplary embodiment of the invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the figures. These show in partially simplified representations:

Fig.1

a basic structure of a hearing aid according to the state of the art,

Fig. 2

a sketched circuit diagram of a hearing aid according to a first variant and

Fig 3

a sketched circuit diagram of a hearing aid according to a second variant.

In Fig. 2 as Fig. 3 each shows a sketched circuit diagram of a hearing aid 6 according to the invention, which is designed in particular as an RIC device. The hearing aid 6 has a receiver unit 8 with an earpiece 4. The hearing aid 6 also has a base unit with a control unit 10 arranged therein. The receiver unit 8 and the control unit 10 are housed in two separate units, not shown here, each with its own housing.

In the exemplary embodiment, the control unit 10 is connected to the receiver unit 8 and specifically to the receiver 4 via two control lines 12a, 12b. The control lines 12a, 12b are used to control the receiver 4 by the control unit 10. The control lines 12a, 12b are typically routed in a common hose from the base unit to the receiver unit 8.

The receiver unit 8 also has a further component 14, which in the exemplary embodiment is designed as a controllable ventilation element. In the exemplary embodiments, the further component 14 is designed as a (magnetic) valve, which can be switched between two states (open / closed). For this purpose, the valve has a corresponding switching unit 15.

Both the earpiece 4 and the further component 14 are controlled during operation via the control lines 12a, 12b. The earpiece 4 and the further component 14 are connected in parallel to one another in the exemplary embodiment. Starting from a distribution node at the end of a respective control line 12a, 12b, branches 13 each lead to a respective connection of the receiver 4 or the further component 14.

The control unit 10 has a control element which, in the exemplary embodiment, is designed as an (amplifier) output stage 22. The output stage 22 has several semiconductor switches 24, in the exemplary embodiment four semiconductor switches 24, which are connected in the manner of an H-bridge. The output stage 22 serves to provide the control signal for the receiver 4 and for the further component 14. The control signal is transmitted via the control lines 12a, 12b. The power required to operate these components is therefore provided via the common output stage 22 both for the receiver 4 and for the further component 14.

Both the earpiece 4 and the further component 14 are therefore controlled and operated via the control signal. The configuration of the output stage 22 as an H-bridge enables the direction of current to be reversed and thus push-pull control. The reversal of the current direction serves in particular to open and close the further component 14, which is designed as a controllable ventilation element. The electric current is provided by the battery 5. In particular, in the exemplary embodiment, depending on the direction of the current, a magnetic control element of the switching unit 15 and thus of the magnetic valve is each moved from a (stable) end position, e.g. open, to another (stable) end position, e.g. transferred closed.

Different variants are available for controlling the receiver unit 8:
According to a first variant, which is in the Fig. 2 is shown, the receiver unit 8 has a switching device 16. This is set up to electrically connect the receiver 4 to the control unit 10 during operation in a first operating mode and to electrically connect the further component 14 to the control unit 10 in a second operating mode. In other words, depending on an operating mode (either the first operating mode or the second operating mode), the earpiece 4 or the further component 14 is electrically connected to the control unit 10 by means of the control lines 12a, 12b.

In the preferred embodiment of the further component 14 as a ventilation element that can be switched between two states, only a short interruption in the control of the earpiece 4 is required, since the control signal only has to be applied to the further component for the duration of the switchover.

In order to switch between the earphone 4 and the further component 14, the switching device 16 has two switching elements 18 in the exemplary embodiment. The switching elements 18 are each arranged at one end of the control lines 12a, 12b at the respective distribution node, from which the branches 13 branch off.

To control the switching elements 18, the switching device 16 is connected to the control unit 10 via a selection line 20 in the exemplary embodiment. In addition, the receiver unit 8 has an in Fig. 2 Schamatically shown ground connection 21 connected to a ground potential of the control unit as a reference potential. The ground connection 21 is, in particular, just like the control lines 12a, 12b and the selection line 20, an electrical wire. The individual wires are typically led from the base unit to the receiver unit 8 within a tube. By means of the selection line 20, a switching signal generated, for example, by the control unit 10, is transmitted via the selection line 20 to the switching elements 18 of the switching device 16 during operation.

In the case of the Fig. 2 In particular, no further electrical components are provided in addition to the components shown.

In the Fig. 3 another variant is shown. In this case, both the earpiece 4 and the further component 14 are permanently connected to the control unit 10 via the control lines 12a, 12b. There is therefore preferably no switching device provided here. The selection of the operating mode, that is to say whether the receiver and / or the further component 14 is activated, takes place exclusively via the control signal itself. The control signal is embodied in such a way that it either only acts on the receiver 4 (for example a signal with a high frequency) or only acts on the further component 14 (for example (quasi) static signal).

The control signal is preferably designed as a pulsed, modulated control signal. In particular, it is designed as a pulse-density-modulated control signal. The control unit 10 is designed to be suitable for generating such a control signal.

To control the earpiece 4, a signal with a high frequency (short pulse duration of the individual pulses) and to control the component 14 a signal with a significantly lower frequency (high pulse duration of the individual pulses) or a static or quasi-static signal is provided:
During operation, a high-frequency control signal for the operation of the earpiece 4 is regularly provided, which converts this high-frequency control signal into a desired acoustic sound signal, in particular by a corresponding vibration excitation of a membrane. To control the further component, the control signal signal is provided via the control lines 12a, 12b with a significantly lower frequency and thus with a long pulse duration for a certain period of time. A high pulse duration is understood to mean, in particular, a pulse duration of, for example, greater than 5 ms. The pulse duration is dimensioned in particular in such a way that it is sufficient for switching over the further component 14.

This switches between the two states (open / closed) of the further component 14. After the switchover, the higher-frequency control signal for controlling the earpiece 4 is provided again.

This refinement is based on the consideration that the further component 14 is so slow that the further component 14 does not change its state in the case of a signal with a higher frequency.

Conversely, the membrane of the receiver 4 remains in its state with a high pulse duration of, for example, more than 5 ms or more than 10 ms and does not emit an acoustic signal. Such high pulse durations are required for switching over the further component 14.

In the Fig. 3 In a preferred development, filter elements 25a, b are additionally provided, each of which is arranged at the input of the receiver 4 and / or the further component 14. The signal components not provided for the respective component 4, 14 are filtered out via these filter elements 25a, b. The filter element 25a upstream of the further component 14 is a low pass and the filter element 25b upstream of the receiver 4 is configured as a high pass. Suitable cut-off frequencies of these pass filters act as a sort of separating filter for the two components to be controlled. The crossover frequency is preferably in the range from 50Hz to 200Hz.

The upstream filter elements 25 therefore filter the selective effect of the signal on the listener 4 or the further component 14.

The advantage of the embodiments described here consists in the multiple use of existing components (control lines 12a, 12b, possibly using an existing ground line as a reference voltage for the selection line 20, control unit 10). At the same time, an expanded function of the receiver unit 8 is achieved. In particular, it is achieved that - in comparison to a separate control of the receiver 4 and the further component 14 with two lines each - fewer lines are necessary for control of the receiver unit 8.

The invention is not restricted to the exemplary embodiments described above. Rather, other variants of the invention can also be derived from this by the person skilled in the art without departing from the subject matter of the invention. In particular, all of the individual features described in connection with the exemplary embodiment can also be combined with one another in other ways without departing from the subject matter of the invention.

List of reference symbols

1

Hearing aid housing

2

microphone

3

Signal processing unit

4th

Listener

5

battery

6

Hearing aid

8th

Receiver unit

10

Control unit

12

Control line

13

Branch

14th

further component

15th

Switching unit

16

Switching device

18th

Switching elements

20th

Selection management

21st

Ground connection

22nd

Controls

24

Semiconductor switch

25a, b

Filter elements

Claims (15)

Hearing aid (6) having: - A receiver unit (8) with a receiver (4) and - A control unit (10), the control unit (10) being connected to the receiver unit (8) via two control lines (12a, 12b) for transmitting a control signal, in which
In addition, a further component (14) is arranged in the receiver unit (8) and is also connected to the receiver unit via the two control lines (12a, 12b). Hearing aid (6) according to the preceding claim, wherein the control unit (10) has an amplifier output stage (22) via which the earphone (4) and the further component (14) are supplied with power. Hearing aid (6) according to the preceding claim,
it is designed as a RIC hearing aid. Hearing aid (6) according to one of the preceding claims,
wherein the further component (14) is designed as a controllable ventilation element. Hearing aid (6) according to one of the preceding claims,
wherein the further component (14) has an in particular magnetic switching unit (15) which is switched between two switching states by means of the control signal. Hearing aid (6) according to one of the preceding claims,
wherein the control unit (10) is connected to the receiver unit (8) exclusively via the two control lines (12a, 12b) or via an additional selection line (20) and ground connection (21). Hearing aid (6) according to one of the preceding claims,
wherein the control unit (10) is set up to transmit a pulsed control signal via the control lines (12a, 12b) and to control the receiver (4) and the further component (14) via pulse modulation. Hearing aid (6) according to the preceding claim,
a pulse-density-modulated control signal being used for control. Hearing aid (6) according to one of the two preceding claims,
wherein the control unit (10) is designed such that a frequency is used to control the further component (14) which is lower than a frequency used to control the receiver (4). Hearing aid (6) according to the preceding claim,
wherein the control unit (10) is designed in such a way that a frequency of less than 1 kHz is set to control the further component (14), Hearing aid (6) according to one of the preceding claims,
at least one of the components selected from the handset (4) and the further component (25) being preceded by a filter element (25a, 25b) which filters out the control signal provided for the respective other component, preferably the handset (4) having a high-pass filter and the further component (14) is preceded by a low-pass filter. Hearing aid (6) according to one of the preceding claims,
wherein a switching device (16) is arranged in the receiver unit and is designed to connect the receiver (4) and / or the further component (14). Hearing aid (6) according to the preceding claim,
wherein the switching device (16) has two switching elements (18) for electrically connecting either the receiver (4) or the further component (14) to the control unit (10). Hearing aid (6) according to the preceding claim,
the switching device (16) being connected to the control unit (10) via a selection line (20) for controlling the switching elements (18) of the switching device (16). Method for operating a hearing aid (6) which has - A receiver unit (8) with a receiver (4) and - A control unit (10), the control unit (10) being connected to the receiver unit (8) via two control lines (12a, 12b) for transmission of a control signal, and the receiver (4) being controlled by the control unit (10) by means of the control signal becomes, in which
In addition, another component (14) is arranged in the receiver unit (8), which is also controlled via the two control lines (12a, 12b) and the control signal from the control unit (10).

Images