Hearing aid

Abstract

The invention relates to a hearing aid (2) with a radio communication device (20) having an antenna (24) with two feed points (26) connected to a control unit (22). The antenna (24) has a first loop (28) extending between the two feed points (26) and a second loop (30) extending between the two feed points (26).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a hearing aid with a radio communication device. The radio communication device comprises an antenna with two feed points.

[0002] People suffering from hearing loss typically use a hearing aid. This device typically uses a microphone, i.e., an electromechanical transducer, to convert ambient sound into an electrical (audio / sound) signal, thereby capturing the electrical signal. The captured electrical signals are processed by an amplifier circuit and then fed into the person's ear canal via another electromechanical transducer in the form of a receiver. The captured sound signals are usually also processed, for which a signal processor in the amplifier circuit is used. The amplification is adjusted to suit any hearing loss of the hearing aid wearer.

[0003] In certain situations, however, it is preferable to use the earpiece to output a different audio signal, which is transmitted wirelessly to the hearing aid, for example. The audio signal is provided by another device, such as a television. This allows the user to directly perceive the audio signal corresponding to a film being played on the television without being bothered by ambient noise. This option for reproducing audio signals is also possible with other hearing aid versions, including the hearing aid. In this case, the hearing aid is designed, for example, as wireless headphones or a headset.

[0004] Furthermore, it is possible to transmit control commands to the hearing aid device using the radio communication device. If this device is configured as a hearing aid, the user can select specific settings so that playback settings are adapted to the specific situation the hearing aid user finds themselves in. This does not require direct manual operation of the hearing aid, allowing it to be designed to be comparatively compact.

[0005] To avoid unwanted interference with the environment, the radio communication device must operate within certain standardized frequency ranges. This also allows the use of existing components for the hearing aid or the other device communicating with the hearing aid. Examples of such standards include the Bluetooth standard, the Wi-Fi standard, or the UWB ("Ultra Wide Band") standard. Different frequencies are used for each of these standards.

[0006] Due to the comparatively small size of each energy storage device, the amount of energy provided by a hearing aid is limited. To keep the energy consumption for operating the radio communication device low, the resonant frequency of an antenna of the radio communication device must be essentially the same as the frequency used. If different standards are to be supported by the hearing aid, it is therefore necessary to provide two radio communication devices with different resonant frequencies for the respective antennas, which increases weight, manufacturing costs, and the required installation space.

[0007] The invention is based on the object of providing a particularly suitable hearing aid, wherein in particular a weight, manufacturing costs and / or a size are reduced.

[0008] According to the invention, this object is achieved by the features of claim 1. Advantageous further developments and refinements are the subject of the respective subclaims.

[0009] For example, the hearing aid is a pair of headphones or includes headphones. Alternatively, the hearing aid is a headset, true wireless headphone, hearable device, or personal sound amplifier. However, the hearing aid is particularly preferably a hearing aid. The hearing aid serves to support a person suffering from a hearing impairment. In other words, the hearing aid is a medical device used to compensate for, for example, partial hearing loss. The hearing aid is, for example, a receiver-in-the-canal (RIC) hearing aid, an in-the-ear hearing aid, an in-the-canal (ITC) hearing aid, or a completely in-canal (CIC) hearing aid, a pair of glasses, a pocket hearing aid, a bone conduction hearing aid, or an implant.In another alternative, the hearing aid is a behind-the-ear hearing aid that is worn behind one ear.

[0010] The hearing aid is intended and configured to be worn on the human body. In other words, the hearing aid preferably comprises a holding device by means of which it can be attached to the human body. If the hearing aid is a hearing aid device, the hearing aid is intended and configured to be arranged, for example, behind the ear or within an ear canal. In particular, the hearing aid is wireless and intended and configured to be inserted at least partially into an ear canal. Particularly preferably, the hearing aid comprises an energy storage device by means of which an energy supply is provided.

[0011] The hearing aid preferably comprises a microphone used to capture sound. In particular, ambient sound, or at least a portion thereof, is captured during operation by means of the microphone. The microphone is, in particular, an electromechanical sound transducer. The microphone has, for example, only a single microphone unit or several microphone units that interact with one another. Each of the microphone units expediently has a membrane that is set into vibration by sound waves, wherein the vibrations are converted into an electrical signal by means of a corresponding recording device, such as a magnet that is moved in a coil. Thus, it is possible to capture an audio signal based on the sound impinging on the microphone unit using the respective microphone unit. The microphone units are, in particular, designed to be unidirectional.The microphone is expediently arranged at least partially within a housing of the hearing aid and is thus at least partially protected.

[0012] The hearing aid expediently has a receiver for outputting an output signal. The output signal is in particular an electrical signal. The receiver is an electromechanical sound transducer, preferably a loudspeaker. Depending on the design of the hearing aid, in its intended state the receiver is at least partially arranged within the ear canal of a wearer of the hearing aid, i.e. a person, or is at least acoustically connected to this. The wearer is also referred to below as the user, hearing aid wearer or operator. The hearing aid mainly serves, in particular, to output the output signal via the receiver, whereby speaking sound is created. In other words, the main function of the hearing aid is to output the output signal. The output signal is in particular generated at least partially as a function of the sound picked up by the microphone.Alternatively, the output signal is generated based on a transmitted data signal (audio signal), or the data signal is used for this purpose. In other words, the output signal is generated specifically based on a streaming process, or it is a playback of a specific sample.

[0013] The hearing aid expediently comprises a signal processor, which suitably forms a signal processing unit or is at least a component thereof. At the very least, however, the hearing aid expediently comprises a corresponding signal processing unit. The signal processor is, for example, a digital signal processor (DSP) or implemented using analog components. The signal processor is used, in particular, to adapt the (audio) signal generated / transmitted by means of any microphone, preferably depending on any hearing loss of a wearer of the hearing aid. Expediently, an A / D converter is arranged between the microphone and the signal processing unit, for example the signal processor, provided the signal processor is designed as a digital signal processor. The signal processor is set, in particular, depending on a set of parameters.The parameter set specifies amplification in different frequency ranges, so that the audio signal generated / transmitted by the microphone is processed according to specific specifications, particularly depending on the hearing loss of the hearing aid wearer. Particularly preferably, the hearing aid additionally comprises an amplifier, or the amplifier is at least partially formed by the signal processor. For example, the amplifier is connected upstream or downstream of the signal processor in terms of signal technology.

[0014] The hearing aid further comprises a radio communication device, which is conveniently connected to the signal processing unit and / or the receiver. The radio communication device serves, in particular, to receive the audio signal / data signal to be transmitted and / or control parameters / settings for the signal processing unit or another control device of the hearing aid. Alternatively, or in combination with this, the radio communication device serves, in particular, to transmit data from the hearing aid to another device.

[0015] The radio communication device comprises an antenna having two feed points. The antenna is expediently suitable, in particular provided and configured, to emit electromagnetic waves when an electrical voltage is applied to the two feed points, expediently an alternating voltage, and / or a specific electrical current is conducted via these. The two feed points are connected to a control unit. In this case, it is preferably possible to apply an electrical voltage to the two feed points by means of the control unit and / or to conduct a specific electrical current via these. In this case, the control unit is designed in particular as a so-called transmitter. Alternatively or in combination, it is possible to detect an electrical voltage present at the two feed points by means of the control unit. In this case, the control unit is designed in particular as a receiver.Particularly preferably, the control unit can act both as a transmitter and as a receiver and is thus designed as a transceiver.

[0016] The antenna has a first loop extending between the two feed points, which is formed in particular by an electrical conductor. Thus, the antenna is designed in the manner of a dipole, in particular a folded dipole. For example, the first loop is formed by a wire or a ribbon. Furthermore, the antenna has a second loop extending between the two feed points. The second loop is also formed in particular by an electrical conductor, for example, a ribbon or a wire. The antenna is expediently a loop antenna, preferably a so-called "balanced feed antenna."

[0017] Since the two loops extend between the two feed points, they are electrically connected to each other and electrically connected in parallel. The two loops are advantageously made of one piece. For example, they are created using a bent sheet metal or the like, such as a stamped and bent part. Alternatively, they are formed using a printed circuit board, preferably a flexible printed circuit board. This allows for a comparatively space-saving arrangement in the hearing aid.

[0018] The two loops expediently have different lengths. This makes it possible to use the antenna to create two different resonant frequencies, one of which is not a (whole-number) multiple of the other. Rather, it is possible to make the two resonant frequencies essentially free. As a result, it is possible to operate the radio communication device at different operating frequencies, each of which corresponds to one of the resonant frequencies or is only relatively close to it. Consequently, energy consumption is comparatively low, and it is possible to use an operating frequency adapted to a specific standard in each case. This does not require two radio communication devices; instead, only a single control unit is present, by means of which the correspondingly adapted antenna is controlled. This reduces manufacturing costs and weight.Furthermore, since only the radio communication device is required, and the antenna has two loops that can be arranged relatively flexibly, space requirements are reduced. This makes it possible to design the hearing aid with a comparatively small size.

[0019] In particular, the antenna is designed as a so-called differential antenna. For example, the antenna comprises additional loops. However, it is particularly preferred that the antenna be formed solely by the two loops, thus further reducing space requirements and weight. The two loops are advantageously formed by a common flexible circuit board, simplifying assembly. This also reliably prevents unintentional connection (short-circuiting) of the two loops between the two feed points.

[0020] For example, a circular structure is created using the two loops. However, the two loops are particularly preferably designed to be substantially C-shaped, at least when unfolded. The first loop expediently surrounds the second loop. The length of the first loop is particularly increased compared to the second loop, which is why the latter has a lower resonant frequency. Due to the surrounding, space requirements are reduced. Material requirements are also reduced if the two loops are formed by a common component, such as a flexible printed circuit board.

[0021] The length of the first loop is expediently between 0.5 times and 1.25 times a first operating wavelength. The first operating wavelength corresponds to a first operating frequency, wherein the first operating wavelength is equal to the quotient of the phase velocity of the electromagnetic waves and the first operating frequency. Due to the first loop, the antenna has a first resonant frequency which is equal to the quotient of the phase velocity of the electromagnetic waves and the length of the first loop. Due to the aforementioned choice of the length of the first loop, the first resonant frequency essentially corresponds to the first operating frequency, namely exactly when the length of the first loop is equal to the first operating wavelength.Due to the existing tolerance, namely the choice of length between 0.5 and 1.25 times the first operating wavelength, it is possible that the first resonant frequency is (slightly) shifted with respect to the first operating frequency. Even with this slight shift, however, the energy required to operate the antenna is comparatively low. However, the flexibility in choosing the length increases the design freedom for the antenna, allowing the available space to be used comparatively efficiently. This also makes it possible to optimize the antenna for other requirements, thus simplifying the design / construction of the antenna.

[0022] The first operating frequency is in particular greater than 1 GHz and suitably less than 5 GHz. Suitably, the first operating frequency is between 1.5 GHz and 3 GHz. Preferably, the first operating frequency is between 2.4 GHz and 2.5 GHz. Consequently, the first operating wavelength is substantially 12.5 cm. Consequently, the space requirement for the first loop is not excessively increased. However, it is possible to design the radio communication device according to a Bluetooth standard or the "Bluetooth Low Energy" standard. In particular, the radio communication device operates according to this standard when the first operating frequency is selected.

[0023] Alternatively, or in combination with this, the length of the second loop is between 0.5 times and 1.25 times a third operating wavelength corresponding to a third operating frequency of the antenna. In particular, the third operating frequency is greater than any first operating frequency. Such a length of the second loop results in a third resonant frequency of the antenna that essentially corresponds to the third operating frequency. This enables comparatively energy-efficient operation of the radio communication device at the third operating frequency. By selecting a length between 0.5 times and 1.25 times the third operating wavelength, the length of the second loop can be changed to a certain extent. This makes it possible to adapt the length of the second loop to other requirements, which would not be the case with a rigid specification of the length of the second loop.This increases flexibility.

[0024] The third operating frequency is expediently greater than 3 GHz or 5 GHz, and in particular less than 20 GHz. The third operating frequency is suitably between 7 GHz and 9 GHz. The third operating frequency is preferably between 7.75 GHz and 8.25 GHz. This results in a third operating wavelength of approximately 3.8 cm, so that the space requirement of the second loop is comparatively small. Such a selection of the third operating frequency makes it possible to operate the radio communication device according to the UWB standard ("ultra wide band").

[0025] Particularly preferably, the length of the first and second loops is selected such that a second resonant frequency of the antenna is between 5 GHz and 6 GHz. The second resonant frequency expediently corresponds to a second operating frequency or is slightly shifted relative to it, in particular by less than 0.5 GHz, 0.2 GHz, or 0.1 GHz and / or less than 10%, 5%, or 1%. Consequently, it is possible to operate the radio communication device using the second operating frequency, which corresponds to a WLAN standard.

[0026] The length of the two loops is preferably determined using an optimization algorithm or analytically. The length of the first loop is preferably between 0.5 and 1.25 times the first operating wavelength, and the length of the second loop is between 0.5 and 1.25 times the third operating wavelength. Due to the possibility of varying the length of each loop within the respective limits, it is possible to select the second resonant frequency between 5 GHz and 6 GHz.

[0027] In other words, an optimization problem is formed in which the limits applicable to the first operating wavelength and the third operating wavelength are present for the two parameters, namely the length of the respective loops, and wherein the second resonant frequency is optimized such that it lies between 5 GHz and 6 GHz. The optimization is carried out heuristically or analytically, for example. Due to such a configuration, it is thus possible to operate the radio communication device at three different operating frequencies, always using the same antenna with the two loops. If the first operating frequency is between 2.4 GHz and 2.5 GHz, the second operating frequency between 5 GHz and 6 GHz, and the third operating frequency between 7.75 GHz and 8.25 GHz, the radio communication device thus satisfies the Bluetooth, WLAN, and UWB standards.This makes it possible to use the hearing aid relatively flexibly, with only a single control unit and a single antenna.

[0028] The control unit is particularly designed to operate the antenna at one of the operating frequencies. For example, it is possible to operate the control unit at all available operating frequencies, for example the first operating frequency, the second operating frequency, and the third operating frequency. In this case, the antenna is expediently operated temporarily at one of the different operating frequencies, particularly depending on current requirements. A switching unit or the like is expediently provided, by means of which the respectively desired operating frequency is selected. Alternatively, the control unit is, for example, only intended for operation with a smaller number of operating frequencies, for example two or just one.For example, the control unit stores a fixed set of operating frequencies that can / should be used, and is conveniently programmed accordingly. As a result, the wireless communication device can be used with a relatively large number of hearing aids without requiring hardware modification or adjustment, and the wireless communication device can perform different tasks. This results in volume savings, which reduces manufacturing costs.

[0029] An embodiment of the invention is explained in more detail below with reference to a drawing. In the drawings: Fig. 1 schematically shows a hearing aid with a radio communication device, Fig. 2 schematically shows the radio communication device having an antenna, and Fig. 3 shows a detail of the hearing aid in a side view, Fig. 4 shows a resonance curve of the antenna, and Fig. 5, 6 schematically show different uses of the radio communication device.

[0030] Corresponding parts are provided with the same reference numerals in all figures.

[0031] In Figure 1A hearing aid 2 is shown schematically in the form of a hearing aid device, which is intended and configured to be worn behind the ear of a wearer (user, hearing aid wearer, user). In other words, it is a behind-the-ear hearing aid device. The hearing aid 2 comprises a housing 4 made of a plastic. Arranged within the housing 4 is a microphone 6 with two microphone units 8, each in the form of an electromechanical sound transducer, which are configured to be omnidirectional. By changing a time offset between the acoustic signals detected by the omnidirectional microphone units 8, it is possible to change a directional characteristic of the microphone 6, thus creating a directional microphone.

[0032] The two microphone units 8 are signal-coupled to a signal processing unit 10, which comprises an amplifier circuit (not shown in detail) and a signal processor. The signal processing unit 10 is further formed by circuit elements, such as electrical and / or electronic components. The signal processor is a digital signal processor (DSP) and is signal-coupled to the microphone units 8 via an A / D converter (not shown in detail).

[0033] A receiver 12 is signal-coupled to the signal processing unit 10. By means of the receiver 12, which is an electromechanical sound transducer, an (electrical) signal provided by the signal processing unit 10 is converted into output sound, i.e., into sound waves, during operation. These are introduced into a sound tube 14, one end of which is attached to the housing 4. The other end of the sound tube 14 is enclosed by a dome 16, which, in its intended state, is arranged in an ear canal (not shown in detail here) of the wearer of the hearing aid 2. The signal processing unit 10 is powered by a battery 18 arranged in the housing 4. Part of the electrical energy from the signal processing unit 10 is conducted to the microphone 6 and the receiver 12.

[0034] The hearing aid 2 further comprises a radio communication device 20, which is connected to the signal processing unit 10 for signal transmission and is operated by the latter. Electrical energy is also supplied via the signal processing unit 10. The radio communication device 20 serves to receive control commands, which are used to change the functionality of the signal processing unit 10. Thus, the control commands make it possible to change the amplification of certain frequencies so that the signal output via the receiver 12 is adapted to the wearer's hearing loss.

[0035] It is also possible to receive updates or the like for the signal processing unit 10 via the radio communication device 20. Furthermore, the radio communication device 20 serves to output operating states, for example, to another device coupled to it, such as a smartphone, so that the user can access them via the smartphone.

[0036] In a further alternative, the radio communication device 20 serves to communicate with another, particularly identically constructed, hearing aid, which together form a hearing aid system, wherein each of the hearing aids 2 is assigned to one of the wearer's ears. Thus, the hearing aid system is designed binaurally. It is possible to adapt the sound output by each of the receivers 12 to each other, thus creating a spatial impression for the user.

[0037] Alternatively, or in combination with this, the radio communication device 20 serves to receive an electrical signal containing audio information. The electrical signal is processed, for example, by the signal processing unit 10 or at least transmitted to the earpiece 12, so that the output sound thus emitted corresponds to the signal received by the radio communication device 20. In this case, the signal provided by the microphone 8 is not transmitted to the earpiece 12, for example, or they are superimposed. This makes it possible, in particular, to present the audio information to the hearing aid user without background noise.

[0038] Different use cases require communication according to different standards: a Bluetooth standard, a Wi-Fi standard, and a UWB standard. Each of these standards uses radio waves at different frequencies to avoid or at least reduce interference. For example, the Bluetooth standard uses radio waves with a first operating frequency between 2.4 GHz and 2.5 GHz. The Wi-Fi standard uses a second operating frequency between 5 GHz and 6 GHz. If the UWB standard is used, a third operating frequency between 7.75 GHz and 8.25 GHz is used.

[0039] To implement the different standards, the radio communication device 20, which is located in Figure 2As shown schematically, it has a control unit 22 formed by several electrical and / or electronic components (not shown in detail). An antenna 24 having two feed points 26 is operated by the control unit 22. These are electrically connected to the control unit 22, and by means of the control unit 22, it is possible to apply an electrical alternating voltage at the respective operating frequency to the feed points 26 / to detect the electrical voltage present at the feed points 26.

[0040] The antenna 24 has a first loop 28 and a second loop 30, each formed by an electrical, substantially C-shaped conductor, and each of which is guided at its end against the two feed points 26. In other words, the feed points 26 define the ends of each of the loops 28, 30, and the two loops 28, 30 are electrically connected to each other at their ends. The two loops 28, 30 are made of the same material and are integral with each other, thus facilitating assembly.

[0041] In Figure 3 The hearing aid 2 is shown in a side view, with the housing 4 omitted. The first loop 28 surrounds the second loop 30 circumferentially, and the two loops 28, 30 are bent at the edges according to the outer contour of the housing 4 and in Figure 3 only shown in part.

[0042] The first loop 28 has a length of approximately 12.5 cm, whereas the second loop 30 has a length of approximately 3.8 cm. To accommodate the first loop 28 within the housing 4, it has several protrusions and is thus at least partially meander-shaped. The length of the first loop 28 is between 0.5 and 1.25 times the first operating wavelength corresponding to the first operating frequency. The operating wavelength is the quotient of the phase velocity of the electromagnetic waves and the respective operating frequency.

[0043] Due to the length of the first loop 28, a first resonance frequency 32 of the antenna 24 results, as shown in the graph of the Figure 4shown. Here, the attenuation of the antenna 24 is shown over the respective frequency. When the antenna 24 is operated at the first resonant frequency 32, the respective electromagnetic waves are received / transmitted only with the first loop 28, thereby reducing energy consumption. The second loop 30 is hardly used in this regard, even if it is electrically connected to the feed points 26. Due to the choice of the length of the first loop 28, the first resonant frequency 32 is essentially equal to the first operating frequency, so that the radio communication device 20 can be operated at the first operating frequency in a comparatively energy-efficient manner.

[0044] The length of the second loop 30 is between 0.5 and 1.25 times a third operating wavelength corresponding to the third operating frequency. This results in a third resonant frequency 34 at which the transmission and reception of the electromagnetic waves occurs essentially solely via the second loop 30. The third resonant frequency 34 is essentially equal to the third operating frequency.

[0045] The antenna 24 also has a second resonant frequency 36. At this frequency, the respective electromagnetic waves are transmitted and received, in particular by forming standing waves in the conductors of the antenna 24, by means of the two loops 28, 30. Thus, the two loops 28, 30 are used for transmitting and receiving the electromagnetic waves. The second resonant frequency 36 lies between the first resonant frequency 32 and the third resonant frequency 34, and the second resonant frequency 36 is predetermined based on the length of the first and second loops 28, 30. The lengths of the first and second loops 28, 30 are selected within the respective limits predetermined by the associated operating frequency such that the second resonant frequency 36 of the antenna 24 lies between 5 GHz and 6 GHz and essentially corresponds to the second operating frequency.

[0046] In summary, the antenna 24 has three resonant frequencies 32, 34, 36, each of which essentially corresponds to one of the operating frequencies of the radio communication device 20. Thus, communication via the radio communication device 20 is comparatively energy-efficient and complies with the specifications of the respective standard.

[0047] In Figure 5The radio communication device 20 is shown as a block diagram. The control unit 22 has three standard blocks 38, by means of which the electrical signals generated according to one of the standards, i.e., the Bluetooth, WLAN, or UWB standard, are generated and / or evaluated, each of which has the frequency assigned to the respective standard. A switching unit 40 is also provided, via which the standard blocks 38 are connected to the antenna 24, namely to the two feed points 26. Depending on the setting of the switching unit 40, only one of the standard blocks 38 is electrically connected to the antenna 24 in such a way that the reception / feeding of the signals is enabled. Thus, the switching unit 40 is used to select the standard according to which the radio communication device 20 is to be used, in particular for a specific period of time.In this variant, the hearing aid 4 thus meets all three standards, which are used depending on the operating mode, for example.

[0048] In Figure 6 A modification of the radio communication device 20 is shown, wherein only a single standard block 38 is present, which is connected to the antenna 24. In this variant, the standard and thus the operating frequency to be used is stored in the respective standard block 38, for example, by programming. This is then used continuously during operation of the hearing aid 2. In this way, it is possible to use the radio communication device 20 with a variety of different hearing aids 2 without requiring any hardware adaptation, and wherein the hearing aids 2 have different functionalities.

[0049] In a modification of the Figure 5In the variant shown, only two standard blocks 38 are present, so that the radio communication device 20 complies with two different standards. These are also specified, for example, by programming. Regardless of the specific number of standard blocks 38 and / or the presence of the switching unit 40, the control unit 22 is always designed to operate the antenna 24 at at least one or more of the operating frequencies.

[0050] The invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiment described above. Rather, other variants of the invention can also be derived therefrom by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention. In particular, all individual features described in connection with the exemplary embodiment can also be combined with one another in other ways without departing from the scope of the invention. List of reference symbols

[0051] 2Hearing aid 4Housing 6Microphone 8Microphone unit 10Signal processing unit 12Receiver 14Sound tube 16Dome 18Battery 20Radio communication device 22Control unit 24Antenna 26Feed point 28First loop 30Second loop 32First resonant frequency 34Third resonant frequency 36Second resonant frequency 38Standard block 40Switching unit

Claims

1. Hearing aid (2) with a radio communication device (20) which has an antenna (24) with two feed points (26) which are connected to a control unit (22), wherein the antenna (24) has a first loop (28) extending between the two feed points (26) and a second loop (30) extending between the two feed points (26).

2. Hearing aid (2) according to claim 1, characterized by that the first loop (28) surrounds the second loop (30) circumferentially.

3. Hearing aid (2) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by that the length of the first loop (28) is between 0.5 times and 1.25 times a first operating wavelength corresponding to a first operating frequency.

4. Hearing aid (2) according to claim 3, characterized by that the first operating frequency is between 1.5 GHz and 3 GHz.

5. Hearing aid (2) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by thatthe length of the second loop (30) is between 0.5 times and 1.25 times a third operating wavelength corresponding to a third operating frequency.

6. Hearing aid (2) according to claim 5, characterized by that the third operating frequency is between 7 GHz and 9 GHz.

7. Hearing aid (2) according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized by that the length of the first and second loops (28, 30) is selected such that a second resonance frequency (36) of the antenna (24) results between 5 GHz and 6 GHz.

8. Hearing aid (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the control unit (22) is designed to operate the antenna (24) at one of the operating frequencies.

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