A hearing aid
By using interchangeable magnet modules and magnetically fixed battery cover in the hearing aid, the problem of magnetic field strength safety and locking mechanism wear when the hearing aid sound processor is attached to the user's head, achieving higher safety and stability.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202011300525.9
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Patents(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2019-11-18
- Filing Date
- 2020-11-18
- Publication Date
- 2025-05-09
- Estimated Expiration
- 2040-11-18
AI Technical Summary
When the sound processor of existing hearing aids is attached to the user's head, it is difficult to maintain a safe magnetic field strength while preventing the patient from being damaged by the magnetic field strength. At the same time, the locking mechanism is prone to wear after multiple uses, resulting in a dynamic gap.
The sound processor is attached to the user's head by using an interchangeable magnet module and the battery cover is secured by magnetic force to prevent the battery system from being active. The magnet module design allows for changing the magnetic field strength to ensure user safety while achieving a stable connection of the insert through the design of elastic ribs and grooves.
It realizes the use of sound processors while keeping them safely attached to the user's head, preventing damage to the magnetic field strength, and solving the problem of activity gap caused by wear of the locking mechanism, improving the safety and stability of the hearing aids.
Smart Images

Figure CN112822619B_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The present invention relates to a hearing aid, in particular to a sound processor for a hearing device configured to be attached to a user's head. The present invention particularly relates to a concept for attaching a sound processor to a user's head via interchangeable magnets. Background Art
[0002] In order to attach the sound processor of a hearing aid to the user's head via a magnet solution, different magnetic field strengths need to be provided. Patients using hearing devices may have different skin thicknesses. Therefore, the magnetic field strength required to attach the sound processor to the patient's head is a compromise between keeping the sound processor on the head and keeping the patient safe. Using too strong a magnetic field strength may affect blood flow or harm the patient.
[0003] Therefore, there is a need for a solution that protects the patient from injury due to magnetic field strength while keeping the sound processor securely attached to the user's head.
[0004] Furthermore, when the hearing aid is used (eg when the battery of the hearing aid is changed), the locking mechanism is used many times and thus wears out, which results in a noticeable play (play) in the locking mechanism. Summary of the invention
[0005] Locking the battery cover with magnets prevents activities in the battery system. The battery cover can always be closed without any activities.
[0006] According to one aspect, a hearing aid is provided for placement on a user's head. The hearing aid comprises a first portion, the first portion comprising an acoustic input transducer adapted to convert ambient sound picked up at the user's ear into an electrical signal, a signal processor adapted to process the electrical signal into a processed electrical signal according to the user's specifications, and an output transducer adapted to convert the processed electrical signal into a transmission signal. In addition, the hearing aid comprises a second portion magnetically connectable to the first portion, the second portion comprising a receiver adapted to receive the transmission signal and convert the transmission signal into an output signal perceivable as sound by the user.
[0007] The first part of the hearing aid comprises a socket adapted to receive an insert, wherein the insert comprises at least one protrusion configured to engage with a recess of the first part by rotating the insert relative to the first part. By rotating the insert relative to the first part of the hearing aid, the insert is fixed by the protrusion engaging with the recess of the first part.
[0008] According to another aspect, the output transducer includes a transmitting coil configured to inductively transmit the transmission signal to a receiving coil in the receiver of the second portion, the receptacle being disposed in the first portion such that the transmitting coil surrounds the insert.
[0009] According to a further aspect, the insert has a cylindrical shape, and the receptacle of the first portion has a cylindrical shape corresponding to the cylindrical shape of the insert.
[0010] By ensuring that the shape of the insert corresponds to the shape of the first part, it is ensured that the insert fits perfectly in the receptacle of the first part.
[0011] According to another aspect, the insert comprises a flat plate extending radially beyond the cylindrical surface of the insert on the first axial end face, wherein the flat plate is arranged flush with the head contact surface of the first portion.
[0012] According to yet another aspect, the insert and the first portion comprise protrusions and recesses to form a bayonet connection.
[0013] According to another aspect, at least one protrusion of the insert is provided on the second axial end face of the insert and projects axially away from the insert to form a bayonet claw.
[0014] According to a further aspect, more than one protrusion is provided on the insert, the protrusions being equidistantly spaced from each other in the circumferential direction.
[0015] According to another aspect, the insert and the first part may be connected by means of an external / internal thread which is screwed together.
[0016] According to a further aspect, the connection between the insert and the first part comprises at least one groove extending axially along the outer peripheral surface of the insert or the first part. The first part or the insert comprises at least one resilient rib disposed on said outer peripheral surface, the at least one resilient rib being configured to engage with the at least one groove when the insert is located in the receptacle of the first part, wherein the resilient rib is adapted to be pushed out of the groove when the insert is rotated. The resilient rib may be adapted to be pushed out of the groove when the insert is rotated to a second position different from the first position (where the resilient rib is disposed in the groove).
[0017] According to another aspect, the rotation of the insert is locked by inserting the elastic rib into one of the at least one groove.
[0018] According to a further aspect, the insert is introduced into the receptacle from the head side of the first part.
[0019] According to a further aspect, the insert is a magnet module comprising a magnet carrier, preferably made of plastic, a sealing ring and a magnet.
[0020] By using the insert as magnet module, the magnet module becomes an interchangeable part. By using a sealing ring, it is ensured that no dust can enter the magnet module from the skin side of the hearing aid.
[0021] According to yet another aspect, the magnet is cylindrical.
[0022] According to another aspect, the outer shape of the magnet is equal to the inner shape of the magnet holder, wherein the magnet is glued into the magnet holder.
[0023] The magnet is guided in the hearing aid by using a magnet outer shape that is identical to the inner shape of the magnet carrier. Furthermore, the magnet is also fixed in the hearing aid by gluing the magnet to the magnet carrier.
[0024] According to a further aspect, the magnet is solid or has an inner bore extending in the axial direction of the cylinder, wherein the diameter of the inner bore is selected to set the overall magnetic field strength.
[0025] Varying the diameter of the inner bore of the magnet enables the overall magnetic field strength of the insert to be varied, thereby ensuring the safety of the hearing aid user. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0026] Various aspects of the present invention will be best understood from the detailed description below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. For clarity, the drawings are schematic and simplified, and only the details necessary for understanding the present invention are given, while other details are omitted. Throughout the specification, the same reference numerals are used for the same or corresponding parts. The various features of each aspect may be combined with any or all features of the other aspects. These and other aspects, features and / or technical effects will be apparent from and illustrated in conjunction with the following figures, in which:
[0027] Figure 1A is a top view of a first part of a hearing aid according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0028] Figure 1B is a bottom view of a first portion of a hearing aid with an installed insert according to an embodiment;
[0029] Figure 1C is a perspective view of a first part of a hearing aid according to an embodiment;
[0030] Figure 2 is a perspective view of an insert including a magnet having a first size according to an embodiment;
[0031] Figure 3A is a bottom view of a first portion of a hearing aid having a socket and an uninserted insert according to an embodiment;
[0032] Figure 3B is a bottom view of a first portion of a hearing aid with an inserted insert according to an embodiment, wherein the insert is not locked;
[0033] Figure 3C is a bottom view of a first part of a hearing aid according to an embodiment with an inserted insert, wherein the insert is locked to the first part by means of a repair tool;
[0034] Figures 4A-4F is a cross-sectional view of inserts having different magnet sizes;
[0035] Figures 5A-5F An embodiment of an insert having different magnets with varying inner diameters is shown;
[0036] Fig. 6A A view showing a socket of a first part of a hearing aid according to an embodiment;
[0037] Figure 6B is a perspective view of an insert according to an embodiment;
[0038] Figure 7 shows a first portion of a hearing aid according to another embodiment of the present invention with its battery cover closed;
[0039] Figure 8 A first portion of a hearing aid according to another embodiment is shown with its battery cover opened and the battery cover is shown;
[0040] Fig. 9 A first portion of a hearing aid is shown, shown in cross-section in the area of a battery cover;
[0041] Fig.10 An exploded view of a first part of a hearing aid with a battery cover is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0042] The detailed description proposed below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings serves as a description of a variety of different configurations. The detailed description includes specific details for providing a thorough understanding of a number of different concepts. However, it is apparent to those skilled in the art that these concepts can be implemented without these specific details. Several aspects of the apparatus and method are described by a number of different blocks, functional units, modules, components, circuits, steps, processes, algorithms, etc. (collectively referred to as "elements"). Depending on the specific application, design limitations or other reasons, these elements can be implemented using electronic hardware, computer programs or any combination thereof.
[0043] The electronic hardware may include microprocessors, microcontrollers, digital signal processors (DSPs), field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), programmable logic devices (PLDs), gating logic, discrete hardware circuits, and other appropriate hardware configured to perform a number of different functions described in this specification. Computer programs should be broadly interpreted as instructions, instruction sets, codes, code segments, program codes, programs, subroutines, software modules, applications, software applications, software packages, routines, subroutines, objects, executables, execution threads, programs, functions, etc., whether referred to as software, firmware, middleware, microcode, hardware description language, or other names.
[0044] Hearing devices may include hearing aids that are adapted to improve or enhance a user's hearing ability by receiving acoustic signals from the user's environment, generating corresponding audio signals, possibly modifying the audio signals, and providing the possibly modified audio signals as audible signals to at least one ear of the user. "Hearing devices" may also refer to devices such as earphones or headphones that are adapted to electronically receive audio signals, possibly modify the audio signals, and provide the possibly modified audio signals as audible signals to at least one ear of the user. The audible signals may be provided in the form of acoustic signals radiated into the user's outer ear, acoustic signals transmitted to the user's inner ear as mechanical vibrations through the bone structure of the user's head and / or through parts of the middle ear, and electrical signals transmitted directly or indirectly to the user's cochlear nerve and / or auditory cortex.
[0045] The hearing device is adapted to be worn in any known manner. This may include: i) arranging the unit of the hearing device behind the ear (with a tube directing airborne acoustic signals into the ear canal or with a receiver / speaker arranged close to or in the ear canal), such as a behind-the-ear hearing aid; and / or ii) arranging the hearing device in whole or in part in the pinna and / or ear canal of the user, such as an in-the-ear hearing aid or an in-the-canal / deep-in-the-canal hearing aid; or iii) arranging the unit of the hearing device to be connected to a fixing device implanted in the skull, such as a bone-anchored hearing aid or a cochlear implant; or iv) arranging the unit of the hearing device as a whole or in part implanted unit, such as a bone-anchored hearing aid or a cochlear implant.
[0046] "Hearing system" refers to a system comprising one or two hearing devices. "Binaural hearing system" refers to a system comprising two hearing devices, wherein the hearing devices are adapted to provide audible signals to both ears of a user in a coordinated manner. A hearing system or binaural hearing system may also include an auxiliary device in communication with at least one hearing device, the auxiliary device affecting the operation of the hearing device and / or benefiting from the function of the hearing device. A wired or wireless communication link is established between at least one hearing device and the auxiliary device so that information (such as control and status signals, possibly audio signals) can be exchanged therebetween. The auxiliary device may include at least one of the following: a remote control, a remote microphone, an audio gateway device, a mobile phone, a broadcast system, a car audio system, a music player, or a combination thereof. The audio gateway device is adapted to receive a plurality of audio signals, such as from an entertainment device such as a TV or a music player, from a telephone device such as a mobile phone, or from a computer such as a PC. The audio gateway device is also adapted to select and / or combine appropriate signals in the received audio signals (or signal combinations) to be transmitted to at least one hearing device. The remote control is adapted to control the function and operation of at least one hearing device. The functionality of the remote control may be implemented in a smartphone or another electronic device, which smartphone / electronic device may be running an application for controlling the functionality of at least one hearing device.
[0047] Generally, a hearing device comprises i) an input unit such as a microphone for receiving acoustic signals from the user's surroundings and providing a corresponding input audio signal; and / or ii) a receiving unit for electronically receiving the input audio signal. The hearing device also comprises a signal processing unit for processing the input audio signal and an output unit for providing an audible signal to the user based on the processed audio signal.
[0048] The input unit may include multiple input microphones, for example for providing direction-dependent audio signal processing. The aforementioned directional microphone system is suitable for enhancing a target sound source among multiple sound sources in the user's environment. On the one hand, the directional system is suitable for detecting (such as adaptively detecting) from which direction a specific part of the microphone signal originates. This can be achieved using conventionally known methods. The signal processing unit may include an amplifier suitable for applying a frequency-dependent gain to the input audio signal. The signal processing unit may also be suitable for providing other suitable functions such as compression, noise reduction, etc. The output unit may include an output transducer such as a speaker / receiver for providing an air-transmitted acoustic signal to the skull percutaneously or transcutaneously, or a vibrator for providing a structure-borne or liquid-borne acoustic signal. In some hearing devices, the output unit may include one or more output electrodes for providing an electrical signal, for example in a cochlear implant.
[0049] Reference now Figure 1A , which shows a top view of a first part 1 of a hearing aid according to an aspect of the present invention. The shown shape of the first part 1 of the hearing aid is only an example, and other shapes are possible. In an embodiment, the first part 1 has a flat drop shape, which has a round upper part and a thinner tapered lower part. The two parts are seamlessly integrated with each other. In addition, a top cover is provided in the middle of the round upper part, which, for example, covers the circuit of the first part. In addition, the top cover is configured to be flush with the remaining body of the upper part of the first part 1. The first part 1 of the hearing aid, which is, for example, a sound processor, is attached to the head of a user of the hearing aid. The first part includes an acoustic input transducer (not shown), which converts sound into an electrical signal. The sound is picked up at the user's ear. In addition, the first part 1 includes a signal processor (not shown), which processes the electrical signal into a processed signal according to the user's specifications. In addition, the first part 1 includes an output transducer (not shown), which converts the processed electrical signal into a transmission signal. The transmission signal is then transmitted to the second part of the hearing aid (not shown). The second part (such as the internal processor of the hearing aid) is implanted in the user's head, wherein the second part comprises a receiver that receives the transmission signal from the first part 1 of the hearing aid. In addition, the second part converts the received transmission signal into an output signal, which can be perceived by the user as sound.
[0050] The output transducer of the first part 1 comprises a transmitting coil configured to inductively transmit a transmission signal to a receiving coil in a receiver of the second part.
[0051] Figure 1B A bottom view of the first part 1 of the hearing aid according to an embodiment is shown, wherein the insert 2 is mounted into the receptacle 11 (e.g., available space) of the first part 1. The receptacle 11 is arranged in the first part 1 of the hearing aid so that the transmitting coil of the first part surrounds the insert 2. The illustrated surface of the first part 1 faces the head (skin) of the user. In other words, the insert 2 is introduced into the receptacle 11 from the head side of the first part 1. Figure 1C is a perspective view of a first part 1 of a hearing aid according to an embodiment.
[0052] Figure 2 1 shows a perspective view of an insert 2 according to an embodiment. The insert 2 has a cylindrical shape and includes three protrusions 21 (hereinafter collectively referred to as protrusions 21). Each protrusion 21 is configured to engage with a recess 12 (see FIG. 1 ) of the first part 1 of the hearing aid by rotating the insert 2 relative to the first part 1. Fig. 6A ) engagement. In addition, a protrusion 21 is provided on the (upper) axial end face of the insert 2 and protrudes axially away from the insert 2. In addition, one or more protrusions 21 may be provided on the insert 2, wherein the protrusions 21 are equally spaced from each other in the circumferential direction. In addition, each protrusion 21 may form a bayonet claw. In an embodiment, the insert 2 is a magnet module consisting of a magnet bracket 22 (preferably made of plastic), a sealing ring 27 (such as an O-ring) and a magnet 23. The sealing ring 27 inhibits dust from entering the skin side of the first part 1. The outer shape of the magnet 23 is equal to the inner shape of the magnet bracket 22. In addition, the magnet 23 is glued to the magnet bracket 22. Using the inner shape of the magnet bracket 22 (which is equal to the outer shape of the magnet 23) enables guiding and fixing the magnet 23 in the magnet bracket 22. In addition, gluing the magnet 23 to the magnet bracket 22 can even enhance safety. In addition, the insert 2 of this embodiment includes two grooves 24a, 24b extending axially along the outer peripheral surface of the insert 2. Furthermore, the insert 2 comprises a flat sheet 25 at the other (lower) axial end face. The flat sheet 25 extends radially beyond the cylindrical surface of the insert 2. The flat sheet 25 is thereby configured to be flush with the head contact surface of the first part 1 of the hearing aid. The cylindrical wall and the flat sheet 25 together form the cup shape of the insert 2. Furthermore, the flat sheet 25 has a notch 26 at its outer edge. The notch enables the insert 2 to be locked in the receptacle 11 using the repair tool 3.
[0053] Figure 3A 1 shows a bottom view of a first part 1 of a hearing aid according to an embodiment, which has a socket 11 and an uninserted insert 2. The insert 2 is inserted into the socket 11 from the head side of the first part 1. After insertion, the insert 2 first remains unlocked in the first part 1 of the hearing aid ( Figure 3B ). In this position, the groove 24a engages with the elastic rib 13, and the elastic rib 13 will be combined Fig. 6AGive a description.
[0054] Thereafter, by using the repair tool 3, the insert 2 is rotated (eg by inserting the repair tool into the notch) and thus fixed into the first part 1 of the hearing aid ( Figure 3C ). After the rotation, the other groove 24b is engaged with the elastic rib 13.
[0055] In order to change the total magnetic field strength of the insert 2, the shape of the magnets 23 assembled in the magnet bracket 22 can be varied. According to an embodiment, the magnets 23 are designed as rings, except for the strongest (largest) magnets, which are disks (solid magnets) that fill the entire space of the insertion hole 11 of the magnet bracket 22 to provide the maximum possible magnetic field strength. The larger the inner diameter of the ring (such as the hole in the magnet), the smaller the residual magnetic field strength. Figures 4A-4F , a cross-sectional view of six examples of inserts 2 with different magnet sizes is shown, wherein Figure 4A A solid magnet (a magnet with the largest magnetic field strength) is shown. Figures 4A-4F In the order of the total magnetic field strength decreases, because the inner diameter of the ring increases. In this embodiment, each magnet 23 can be cylindrical.
[0056] However, other magnet sizes may be selected, wherein a solid magnet remains with the maximum possible magnetic field strength. Other possible magnet sizes may be obtained by adjusting the inner diameter of the magnet 23, wherein the inner diameter does not interfere with the assembly in any way, so that the process of assembling such a new magnet remains the same.
[0057] Figures 5A-5F An embodiment of an insert 2 with different magnets 23 of varying inner diameter is shown, wherein the strength of the magnets decreases as the inner diameter increases. Figures 5A-5F Shows Figures 4A-4F Another view of an example of Insert 2.
[0058] Fig. 6A A view of a socket 11 of a first part 1 of a hearing aid according to an embodiment is shown. The first part 1 of the hearing aid comprises the socket 11, wherein the socket 11 has a cylindrical shape corresponding to the cylindrical shape of the insert 2. This enables easy insertion of the insert 2 into the socket 11 of the first part 1 and ensures that the resulting surfaces are flush. Furthermore, the shape and size of the socket 11 substantially corresponds to the shape and size of the transmitting coil of the first part 1.
[0059] Figure 6B 2 is a perspective view of the inserting member 2 according to the embodiment. In the following, an example in which the inserting member 2 is assembled into the first part 1 is described.
[0060] According to an embodiment, the insert 2 is slid into the first part 1 using the elastic rib 13 (such as a snap) in the first part 1 as a guide. In other words, the insert 2 is inserted into the socket 11 while the groove 24a engages with the elastic rib 13. The insert 2 is inserted until the flat piece 25 is located on the edge of the socket 11, i.e. flush with the head contact surface 14 of the first part 1. By rotating the insert 2 relative to the first part 1, the notch 12 of the first part 1 engages with the protrusion 21, thereby forming a bayonet connection. After the bayonet connection is established, the elastic rib 13 assumes its initial position again by entering the second groove 24b. In order to enable the insert 2 to be rotated relative to the first part 1, the elastic rib 13 is elastic, i.e. it is arranged so that it can be retracted radially. The rotation of the insert 2 is thus locked by inserting (pushing out) the elastic rib into the other groove 24b.
[0061] Since the rotation requires a certain torque to push out the elastic rib 13, Figure 3C The maintenance tool 3 can be used to facilitate the rotation of the insert 2. When the groove 24b is designed with radially extending side walls, an irreversible locking of the rotational position of the insert 2 can be provided. Figure 6B In the groove 24b shown in FIG. 1 , the side walls of the grooves 24a, 24b are inclined, which enables releasable locking.
[0062] As an alternative, the insert 2 and the first part 1 can also be connected by means of an external / internal thread which is screwed together. In this case, the locking function can also be used.
[0063] In the reverse arrangement, the connection between the insert 2 and the first part 1 may include at least one groove extending axially along the outer peripheral surface of the insert 2 or the first part 1. The first part 1 or the insert 2 may include at least one elastic rib 13 arranged on the outer peripheral surface. In addition, the at least one elastic rib 13 is configured to engage with at least one groove 24a, 24b when the insert 2 is located in the socket 11 of the first part 1. In addition, the elastic rib 13 is suitable for being pushed out of the grooves 24a, 24b when the insert 2 is rotated toward the final position of the insert 2. In other words, the insert 2 and / or the first part 1 may have complementary elastic ribs, grooves, protrusions and / or recesses. In short, the same functions described above can be obtained by this reverse arrangement.
[0064] Regarding battery replacement, the present embodiment comprises a magnetic fixation of the battery cover, closing the battery compartment. To this end, a hearing aid comprising a first part 1 (such as a sound processor) with or without a socket 11 can be used. The sound processor 1 has a battery socket 9 and a battery cover 4 for closing the socket, wherein at least one of the sound processor 1 and the battery cover 4 is provided with at least one magnet 5, 6 to fix the battery cover 4 in a closed position.
[0065] The sound processor 1 has a recess for receiving a magnet therein, which recess is closed by a magnet cap 7 .
[0066] Additionally, the battery cover 4 may be magnetically attracted and adapted to slide over the battery receptacle 9 and be held in a closed position by the magnetic force of magnets in the sound processor 1 .
[0067] Furthermore, the battery cover 4 has a recess for receiving a magnet 6, which is arranged opposite to the magnet 5 when the battery cover 4 is in the closed position.
[0068] The magnets 5, 6 may be located in either one of the battery cover 4 and the sound processor 1, with the other having a magnetically attractable portion.
[0069] Figure 7 A first part 1 of a hearing aid according to another embodiment of the present invention is shown with its battery cover 4 closed. Figure 8 , a first part 1 of a hearing aid is shown with its battery cover 4 opened. The battery cover 4 is designed so that it forms a smooth surface with the rest of the first part 1. The first part 1 includes a battery receptacle 9, which has a curved shape and converges closer to the radial outer end. A recess is provided in front of the battery receptacle, which is configured to receive a magnet 5 or a magnetically attractable part (such as a metal sheet). The central axis of the recess extends substantially perpendicular to the main axis of the battery compartment. The recess including the magnet 5 can be closed by a magnet cap 7 made of non-magnetic material such as plastic. The battery cover 4 may also include a magnet 6, which can be attracted by the magnet 5. The magnet 6 can be a magnet itself or belong to a ferromagnetic material.
[0070] If the first part 1 does not include the magnet 5, only the battery cover 4 may include the magnet 6. However, it is also possible that each of the first part 1 and the battery cover 4 includes a magnet. In addition, in another embodiment, the battery cover 4 includes a magnetically attractable portion, and the first part 1 includes the magnet 5.
[0071] Fig. 9 The first part 1 of the hearing aid is shown in cross section in the area of the battery cover. The battery cover 4 is attracted by magnetic force and slides over the battery receptacle 9 to close the battery receptacle. When the battery receptacle 9 is closed, the magnet 6 is positioned opposite the magnet 5 of the first part 1, with the magnet cap 7 located therebetween. The battery cover 4 is held in the closed position by the magnetic force of the magnet 5 in the first part 1.
[0072] Fig.10 An exploded view of the first part 1 of the hearing aid with the battery cover 4 is shown, which shows the sequence in which the magnet 5 , the magnet cap 7 and the battery cover 4 with the magnet 6 appear.
[0073] The structural features of the apparatus described above, described in detail in the “Detailed Description of the Invention” and defined in the claims may be combined with the steps of the method of the present invention when appropriately replaced by corresponding processes.
[0074] Unless expressly stated, the singular forms "one", "the" used herein include the plural form (i.e., have the meaning of "at least one"). It should be further understood that the terms "having", "including" and / or "comprising" used in the specification indicate the presence of the described features, integers, steps, operations, elements and / or parts, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, parts and / or combinations thereof. It should be understood that, unless expressly stated, when an element is referred to as being "connected" or "coupled" to another element, it may be directly connected or coupled to the other element, or there may be an intermediate intervening element. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more listed related items. Unless expressly stated, the steps of any method disclosed herein do not have to be performed in the exact order disclosed.
[0075] It should be appreciated that reference to "an embodiment" or "embodiment" or "aspect" or features that "may" be included in this specification means that the specific features, structures or characteristics described in conjunction with the embodiment are included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. In addition, the specific features, structures or characteristics may be appropriately combined in one or more embodiments of the present invention. The foregoing description is provided to enable those skilled in the art to implement the various aspects described herein. Various modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be applied to other aspects.
[0076] The claims are not limited to the various aspects shown herein, but rather have the full scope consistent with the claim language wherein, unless expressly stated otherwise, elements referred to in the singular do not mean "one and only one" but rather "one or more." Unless expressly stated otherwise, the term "some" means one or more.
[0077] Therefore, the scope of the present invention should be judged based on the following claims.
Claims
1. A hearing aid intended to be placed on the user's head, comprising: The first part includes: an acoustic input transducer adapted to convert ambient sound picked up at the user's ear into an electrical signal; a signal processor adapted to process the electrical signal into a processed electrical signal according to a user's specifications; and an output transducer adapted to convert the processed electrical signal into a transmission signal and inductively transmit the transmission signal, the output transducer comprising a transmitting coil configured to inductively transmit the transmission signal; and a second portion that is magnetically connectable to the first portion, wherein the second portion is configured to be implanted in a user's head, and the second portion comprises: a receiver including a receiving coil adapted to inductively receive the transmission signal and convert the transmission signal into an output signal perceptible as sound by a user; and wherein the first part further comprises a socket adapted to receive an insert, the socket being arranged in the first part so that the transmitting coil surrounds the insert, the insert and the first part having complementary protrusions and recesses, the protrusions and the recesses being configured to engage with each other by rotating the insert relative to the first part, the insert being a magnet module comprising a magnet bracket; The connection between the insert and the first part includes at least one groove extending axially along the outer peripheral surface of the insert or the first part, wherein the first part or the insert includes at least one elastic rib arranged on the outer peripheral surface, wherein the at least one elastic rib is configured to engage with the at least one groove when the insert is located in the socket of the first part, and wherein the elastic rib is suitable for being pushed out of the groove when the insert is rotated.
2. The hearing aid of claim 1, wherein the insert has a cylindrical shape, and wherein the receptacle of the first portion has a cylindrical shape corresponding to the cylindrical shape of the insert.
3. The hearing aid of claim 2, wherein the insert comprises a flat plate extending radially beyond the cylindrical surface of the insert on the first axial end face, wherein the flat plate is configured to be flush with the head contact surface of the first portion.
4. The hearing aid of claim 1, wherein the insert comprises a recess, and the first portion comprises a protrusion, and wherein the recesses and protrusions of the insert and the first portion are configured to form a bayonet connection.
5. The hearing aid of claim 1, wherein the insert comprises at least one protrusion configured to engage with a corresponding notch of the first portion by rotating the insert relative to the first portion.
6. The hearing aid according to claim 5, wherein the at least one protrusion of the insert is provided on the second axial end surface of the insert and protrudes axially away from the insert to form a bayonet claw.
7. The hearing aid according to claim 6, wherein more than one protrusion is provided on the insert, the more than one protrusion being equidistantly spaced from each other in the circumferential direction.
8. The hearing aid of claim 1, wherein the rotation of the insert is locked by inserting an elastic rib into at least one groove.
9. The hearing aid of claim 1, wherein the first part comprises a head side facing toward the user's skin in use, wherein the insert is introduced into the receptacle from the head side of the first part.
10. The hearing aid of claim 9, wherein the magnet is cylindrical.
11. The hearing aid of claim 9, wherein the outer shape of the magnet is equal to the inner shape of the magnet holder, and wherein the magnet is glued into the magnet holder.
12. A hearing aid according to any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein the magnet is solid or has an inner hole extending in the axial direction of the cylinder, wherein the diameter of the inner hole is selected to set the total magnetic field strength.
Citation Information
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