Method for manufacturing a personalized fitted hearing instrument and hearing instrument system

Abstract

A method for manufacturing an individually adapted hearing instrument is described. According to the method, a model of at least the concha and the ear canal of a user of the hearing instrument is created or provided, and a receiver model for the hearing instrument is created on the basis of the model, wherein the receiver model has a first region designed to be introduced into the ear canal as specified and a second region connected to the first region, which is designed to be arranged in the concha. Furthermore, the dimensions of a receiving cavity of a charging device for the hearing instrument are provided, wherein a boss having a charging contact device is arranged in the receiving cavity. Furthermore, a corresponding contact device is provided for contact with the charging contact device when the hearing instrument is arranged in the receiving cavity as specified, the corresponding contact device being arranged in a subregion of the second region of the receiver model, which subregion faces a section of the pinna surrounding the concha, and the hearing instrument is manufactured on the basis of the receiver model.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a method for manufacturing a personalized hearing device. Furthermore, this invention also relates to a hearing device system having such a hearing device. Background Technology

[0002] Hearing devices are typically used to output sound signals to the ear of the wearer. The output is achieved via an output transducer, usually through a speaker (also called a "receiver"), in an acoustically airborne manner. Such hearing devices are commonly used as so-called hearing aids (or simply hearing devices). For this purpose, hearing devices typically include an acoustic input transducer (especially a microphone) and a signal processor. The signal processor is configured to process the input signal (also called a microphone signal) generated from ambient sound by the input transducer using at least one signal processing algorithm, typically stored in a user-specific manner, so that the hearing loss of the hearing device wearer is at least partially compensated. Especially in the case of hearing aids, the output transducer, in addition to a speaker, may alternatively be a so-called bone conduction receiver or cochlear implant, configured to mechanically or electrically couple sound signals into the wearer's auditory system. Furthermore, there are hearing devices designed to protect or improve the hearing of users with normal hearing, for example, to achieve better speech comprehension in complex hearing scenarios. Such devices are also known as "personal sound amplification products" (PSAPs). The term "hearing devices" also includes, in particular, devices such as so-called tinnitus maskers, headphones, and headsets.

[0003] Typical structural forms of hearing devices, especially hearing aids, are behind-the-ear (“BTE”) and in-the-ear (“IdO” or “ITE”) hearing devices. These names refer to the intended wearing position. Therefore, BTE hearing devices have a (main) housing worn behind the ear. Different models can be distinguished by having a speaker housed within this housing—the sound output to the ear is typically achieved via a sound tube worn in the ear canal—and models with an external speaker housed in the ear canal. In contrast, in-the-ear hearing devices have a housing worn in the ear or even entirely within the ear canal.

[0004] For in-ear hearing devices, one implementation uses a soft cover ("dot") to position and secure the device in the ear canal. In this implementation, aside from selecting a suitably sized soft cover, no personalized fit is required or provided. Another implementation of in-ear hearing devices features a custom-made earphone in which at least most, and typically all, of the hearing device's components are housed. Therefore, the earphone constitutes a housing customized for the user.

[0005] To improve user comfort, and especially to avoid the need for nearly daily battery changes in relatively small in-ear hearing devices, rechargeable batteries (“rechargeable batteries”) are increasingly being used. Charging of these rechargeable batteries is achieved using a charging device, typically constructed as a box into which the entire hearing device is inserted. While wireless charging methods are known and partially used in hearing devices, electrical contacts for transmitting charging energy offer advantages because they generally result in less energy loss, and the electronic components of the hearing device can typically be constructed more simply. Since in-ear hearing devices, in particular, are designed to be as inconspicuous as possible, it would be aesthetically unappealing to place the charging contacts, which are usually metallic and therefore shiny and relatively conspicuous, on a surface facing outwards from the ear. On the other hand, the side facing outwards from the ear typically provides ample mounting space with a flat surface, which is usually also enclosed by a cover, also called a “panel.” This flat surface is suitable for arranging the charging contacts. This, in particular, avoids adapting the shape of the charging socket in the charging device to the personalized shape of the earphone, allowing the charging device to be manufactured as a mass-produced product without considering the personalized shape of the corresponding hearing device. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to enable the manufacture of improved hearing devices.

[0007] The technical problem described above is solved according to the present invention by a method for manufacturing a personalized hearing device (1), wherein, according to the method,

[0008] - Create or provide a model of at least the concha and external auditory canal of a user of a hearing device;

[0009] - Based on the model, create an earphone model for the hearing device, wherein the earphone model has a first region and a second region connected to the first region, the first region being designed to be introduced into at least the external auditory canal as specified, and the second region being designed to be disposed in the concha.

[0010] - Provides the dimensions of a receiving cavity for a charging device used in hearing instruments, wherein a boss with charging contact devices is arranged within the receiving cavity.

[0011] - When the hearing device is arranged as specified in the receiving cavity, a corresponding contact device is provided for contacting the charging contact device. This corresponding contact device is arranged in a sub-region of the second area of ​​the earphone model, the sub-region facing the section of the auricle surrounding the concha cavity.

[0012] - The hearing device is manufactured based on the headphone model.

[0013] The aforementioned technical problem is also solved according to the present invention by a hearing device system having at least one hearing device with a custom-made earphone, the hearing device being manufactured in particular according to the aforementioned method, the hearing device system having a charging device having a receiving cavity for the hearing device, wherein a boss having a charging contact device is arranged in the receiving cavity, the charging contact device being for a corresponding contact device of the hearing device, wherein the charging device is manufactured as a mass-produced product, and wherein the hearing device is custom-fitted, wherein the corresponding contact device is arranged in a sub-region of the earphone, the sub-region being an area surrounding the concha cavity facing the user's auricle.

[0014] Advantageous and inventive embodiments and improvements of the present invention are set forth in the following description.

[0015] The method according to the invention is used to manufacture personalized hearing devices. Here, according to the method, a virtual model of at least the concha and external auditory canal of the user of the hearing device (i.e., the person using the hearing device) is first created or provided. This model is created, for example, based on a physical impression of the ear and subsequent scanning or multiple scanning. An earphone model for the hearing device is created based on this model. This earphone model here has a first region and a second region connected to the first region, the first region being designed to be introduced into at least the external auditory canal as specified, and the second region being designed to be arranged in the concha. Therefore, these two regions are created specifically based on the model. Furthermore, the dimensions of a receiving cavity for a charging device of the hearing device are provided (at least). Here, a boss (particularly protruding from the bottom of the receiving cavity) having charging contact devices (particularly arranged on the free end side and thus facing or extending into the receiving cavity) is arranged in the receiving cavity. Preferably, the dimensions are provided as part of the virtual model of at least the receiving cavity, i.e., the virtual model of the receiving cavity. Subsequently, a corresponding contact device is arranged in a sub-region of the second area of ​​the earphone model, which faces the section of the auricle surrounding the concha cavity. This corresponding contact device is configured to contact the charging contact device when the hearing device is positioned in the receiving cavity as specified. Therefore, the corresponding contact device is specifically part of the earphone model. The hearing device is then manufactured based on the earphone model.

[0016] A virtual model is specifically understood as a three-dimensional model that can be used in CAD or CAM programs. For example, this three-dimensional model may consist of point clouds, meshes, etc. Corresponding virtual models are known in the prior art.

[0017] According to a preferred embodiment, the position of the corresponding contact device in a sub-region of the second region (of the earphone model) is selected such that, when the hearing device is arranged as specified on the charging contact device, there is no collision or conflict between the hearing device and the wall of the receiving cavity of the charging device. Avoiding collision or conflict with the cavity wall allows the corresponding contact device and the charging contact device to fit securely, and in particular, avoids generating forces that would cause undesirable displacement of the corresponding contact device relative to the charging contact device.

[0018] Preferably, the corresponding contact device is positioned in a sub-region of the second region such that it is not visible (especially from the outside of the ear) when the hearing device is positioned in the ear as intended. This achieves a particularly inconspicuous appearance. This sub-region is also referred to below as the "lower side" of the second region or the "lower side" of the earphone.

[0019] Because the corresponding contact device faces the concha cavity, and also (especially relative to the side of the ear where the user's head is located) at least generally faces the same direction as the pin-shaped or boss-shaped protrusion of the earphone, which forms a second area and is pushed into the external auditory canal in the intended wearing position, this protrusion is usually more susceptible to contamination, such as earwax and skin oils, at least at the (free) end, during the wearing position. Due to the aforementioned arrangement of the corresponding contact device, this protrusion also faces the bottom of the receiving cavity (i.e., the same as the corresponding contact device) when the hearing device is positioned in the receiving cavity as specified, so it is not directly visible when the hearing device is viewed from the outside.

[0020] Preferably, the corresponding contact device is designed to be magnetically held on the charging contact device. In other words, the charging contact device and the corresponding contact device are magnetically attracted and generate an effective holding force between them when they are in contact as specified. According to a suitable variation of the method, in this case, the position of the corresponding contact device in a sub-region of the second region is selected such that the magnetic holding force between the corresponding contact device and the charging contact device is sufficient to hold the hearing device based on the headphone model on the boss.

[0021] Suitablely, in selecting the position of the corresponding contact device, the positions of the electrical and electronic components within the earphone, pre-designed by the earphone model, are considered. In particular, the mass of the corresponding components and their influence on the center of gravity of the hearing device are determined and considered. For example, the position of the corresponding contact device is selected such that the center of gravity of the hearing device is arranged at least approximately along the longitudinal axis, and especially the vertical axis, extending through the boss of the charging contact device. Thus, a relatively small magnetic holding force is sufficient to hold the hearing device "smoothly" on the boss. Minor deviations of the center of gravity from the vertical axis (e.g., not exceeding 2 or 3 mm) can be compensated for by the magnitude of the magnetic holding force.

[0022] Preferably, the receiving cavity (preferably the entire charging device) of the charging device is manufactured in batches. Therefore, the individual headphone models are not particularly considered when manufacturing the receiving cavity. Nevertheless, the receiving cavity is constructed based on a statistically predetermined envelope (the theoretical shell, encompassing the external dimensions of various hearing devices) of the hearing instruments. That is, the headphone shape, especially its external dimensions, is tested, and the receiving cavity is designed and constructed such that the headphone can fit into the receiving cavity. Optionally, the maximum size of the tested headphone shape or at least the average value is used for this purpose. The receiving cavity is preferably designed to be as small as possible (e.g., based on the average value) to keep the charging device as compact as possible.

[0023] According to a suitable variation of the method, concentric devices for the positive and negative charging contacts are used as the charging contact device and the corresponding contact device, respectively. This achieves a compact, generally point-like shape for the corresponding contact device. The outer diameter of the corresponding contact device is, for example, 1 to 3 mm, and especially not exceeding 2 mm.

[0024] According to another suitable variation of the method, a visual modeling interface is used, displaying the positioning of the earphone model when the hearing device is positioned correctly on the charging contact device. This allows for visual inspection (especially by designers or earphone fitting experts) of collisions with the wall of the receiving cavity. If necessary (i.e., when a collision occurs), the position of the corresponding contact device in a sub-region of the second area of ​​the earphone model is changed, positioning the earphone model on the boss in a different manner, thereby avoiding collisions. Optionally, this process is performed iteratively. For example, by setting or moving the corresponding contact device, and then re-displaying the earphone model and positioning it on the boss.

[0025] As an improvement to the above method, the conflict can optionally be displayed visually (especially with color highlighting). This allows designers or experts to easily identify collisions.

[0026] Alternatively, and particularly as an alternative to the aforementioned display and, especially, the positioning or adaptation performed manually by designers or experts, machine learning systems, such as neural networks, decision trees, etc., may be used to perform the positioning of the corresponding contact devices and the checking for collision conflicts.

[0027] The hearing device system according to the invention has at least one hearing device, preferably the aforementioned hearing device, which has a personalized (preferably according to the above description) earphone. Furthermore, the hearing device system has a charging device, particularly the aforementioned charging device, which has a receiving cavity for the hearing device, wherein a boss with charging contact devices (particularly arranged on the free end side) is arranged in the receiving cavity, the charging contact devices being for corresponding contact devices of the hearing device. The charging device is manufactured as a mass-produced product. The hearing device (particularly at least its earphone) is personalized, wherein the corresponding contact devices are arranged in a sub-region of the earphone, which faces the section of the auricle surrounding the concha cavity.

[0028] Hearing device systems, in particular, possess the same features as those described above or features obtained from the corresponding method steps, as well as the advantages derived therefrom.

[0029] The conjunction “and / or” is understood in particular here and hereafter as the features connected by the conjunction can constitute together or interchangeably. Attached Figure Description

[0030] The embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The drawings illustrate, and exemplarily, the following:

[0031] Figure 1 A stereoscopic view shows a personalized hearing device worn in the ear;

[0032] Figure 2 A virtual model of a variant of the hearing device is shown in the view from below;

[0033] Figure 3 A virtual model of a charging device showing a virtual model of another variant of a hearing device in a stereoscopic view;

[0034] Figure 4 In accordance with Figure 3 Another variation of the virtual model of the hearing device is shown in the view;

[0035] Figure 5 A virtual model of a portion of the charging device and a virtual model of another variant of the hearing device are shown in a stereoscopic view;

[0036] Figure 6 In accordance with Figure 3 The view shows a virtual model of a charging device with a lid and a virtual model of a hearing device;

[0037] Figure 7 The schematic block diagram illustrates a method for manufacturing hearing devices.

[0038] In all the accompanying drawings, the corresponding parts are always given the same reference numerals. Detailed Implementation

[0039] Figure 1 The diagram schematically illustrates a hearing device worn in the ear of a person using the device. This hearing device is hereinafter referred to as "in-ear device 1". The in-ear device 1 has a housing 2, which comprises an earphone 4, individually fitted to the external auditory canal and concha of a person (or: the user). The earphone 4 surrounds an internal space, which is sealed by a cover 6, which is part of the housing 2. At least a microphone 8, a signal processor 10, and a speaker 12 are arranged within the internal space as electronic components. The microphone 8 is used to receive ambient sound. The signal processor 10 is configured to perform user-specific signal processing (e.g., frequency-dependent filtering and / or amplification) on the sound acquired by the microphone 8. The speaker 12 is processed by the signal processor 10 during intended operation, and the output signal is converted into airborne sound and output to the person's auditory system. For power supply, the in-ear device 1 has a secondary battery 14 (i.e., a rechargeable battery). The secondary battery is coupled to a charging electronics 16, which controls the power supply to the signal processor 10 and the charging process of the secondary battery 14. In order to input charging energy, the in-ear device 1 also has a corresponding contact device 18, which is configured and set for electrical contact with the charging contact device 20 of the charging device 22 (see [link]). Figure 3 ).

[0040] Contact device 18 has two contacts of opposite polarities, arranged concentrically. One contact is centrally located and configured as a pin or circular surface, while the other contact surrounds it in a ring. Charging contact device 20 is complementary in configuration, wherein when the central contact of contact device 18 is circular, the central contact is configured as a pin, specifically a spring-loaded pin with elastic support (and vice versa). Contact device 18 and charging contact device 20 are also equipped with a magnetic material, causing them to attract each other. This generates a magnetic holding force, achieving the electrical contact required for the charging process.

[0041] Since the contacts are typically brass, copper, or gold in color and have a glossy finish, the contact device 18 is positioned on the lower side 24 of the earphone 4, which faces the auricle (body surface or auricular wall) that defines the concha cavity in the intended wearing state. Thus, the contact device 18 is not visible to others in the intended wearing state of the in-ear device 1.

[0042] However, a disadvantage is that everyone's ear shape varies considerably, resulting in a lack of uniformity in the available surfaces for personalized earphones 4. Therefore, charging devices are typically manufactured with inserts adapted to hearing devices to hold the personalized hearing devices in a prescribed position during charging. This invention particularly aims to avoid personalized insert fitting. To this end, the following utilizes… Figure 7 as well as Figures 2 to 6The manufacturing method of the in-ear device 1 is described in detail.

[0043] In the first method step S1, a virtual model of the concha and external auditory canal is first provided or optionally created. For example, the ear of the user of the in-ear device 1 to be manufactured is detected by scanning method, and the model is created therefrom. In the second method step S2, a virtual "imprint" is created from this model, which in turn constitutes a virtual earphone model 30 for the earphone 4 (see, for example, [link to relevant documentation]). Figure 2 In the described embodiment, the earphone model 30 is constructed from a mesh model, but it can also be constructed from other CAD models known in the prior art. The earphone model 30 is then virtually trimmed, specifically removing areas irrelevant to its use as earphone 4. The export and trimming of the earphone model 30 can, for example, be performed by an expert on a computer with a corresponding input interface. Such a computer, as an interface, has at least one display screen on which the earphone model 30 is visually displayed. Furthermore, the computer has an input interface, such as a graphics tablet, which allows the expert to modify the earphone model 30. In the third method step S3, the earphone model 30 is adapted such that it has a first region 32 and a second region 34, the first region 32 being positioned for insertion into the external auditory canal, and the second region 34 being located in the concha cavity in a predetermined wearing state.

[0044] In the fourth method step S4, at least the dimensions of the receiving cavity 40 (width B, height H, and length L) are defined, but the receiving cavity 40 itself or at least the charging base 42 that defines the receiving cavity 40 on the bottom side is actually defined (see Figure 5 The headphone model 30 is loaded into the design or adaptation program, where experts also work on it. The charging dock 42 and the housing 40 (and the charging device 22) are mass-produced and not specifically adapted to the personalized headphones 4. Instead, the dimensions of the housing 40 and the charging dock 42 are based on a large amount of (experimentally tested) data on ear and headphone geometry.

[0045] A boss 44 is formed in the charging base 42, and a charging contact device 20 is arranged at the end of the boss that extends into the receiving cavity 40. Therefore, the in-ear device 1, in a predetermined charging state, rests on the boss 44 with the lower side 24 of its earphone 4 positioned thereon. When fitting the earphone model 30, the contact device 18 is now positioned on the lower side 24 of the second region 34 in the fifth method step S5. The earphone model 30 is then (virtually) placed on the mating boss 44. Figures 3 to 5As shown, the charging dock 42 has a recessed area and a flat area. The recessed area is configured as a first region 32 for accommodating the earphone model 30 (and thus also the earphone 4). After the earphone model 30 is (virtually) positioned on the boss 44 such that the contact device 18 contacts the charging contact device 20 as intended, a collision is checked between the earphone model 30 and the charging dock 42. If a collision exists, the position of the contact device 18 is moved in the second region such that when it contacts the charging contact device 20 as intended, the earphone model 30 has a changed rotational and / or translational orientation in the charging dock 42. This iterative process is repeated as necessary until no more collisions exist.

[0046] Optionally, the center of gravity of the in-ear device 1 formed based on the earphone model 30 should also be considered. The center of gravity should be at least approximately (e.g., with a deviation of no more than 2 mm or 3 mm) aligned with the axis of the boss 44 extending through the charging contact device 20 (in the specified charging state), so that the torque generated by excessive eccentricity of the center of gravity will not overcome the magnetic holding force and thus cause loss of electrical contact. Optionally, for this purpose, some electronic components, such as the signal processor 10 and / or the charging electronics 16, may be moved within the earphone 4.

[0047] Figures 3 to 5 Variations of the headphone model 30 in the charging dock 42, each with different anatomical structures, are shown.

[0048] The width B of the receiving cavity 40 is approximately 40 to 50 mm (i.e., ±5 mm), the height is approximately 30 to 35 mm (i.e., ±3 mm), and the length L is approximately 35 to 37.5 mm (i.e., ±2.5 mm), suitable for two receiving cavities 40 arranged side by side. That is, the total length L of the charging device 20 with two receiving cavities arranged side by side is approximately 70 to 75 mm (i.e., ±5 mm).

[0049] In the final sixth method step S6, the earphone 4 is manufactured based on the adapted earphone model 30, and the contact device 18 and other components are installed into the earphone 4 accordingly. Finally, the earphone 4 is sealed with the cover plate 6.

[0050] The subject matter of this invention is not limited to the embodiments described above. Rather, those skilled in the art can deduce other embodiments of the invention from the above description.

[0051] List of reference numerals

[0052] 1 In-ear device

[0053] 2 shells

[0054] 4 headphones

[0055] 6 cover plates

[0056] 8 microphones

[0057] 10 signal processors

[0058] 12 speakers

[0059] 14 Secondary batteries

[0060] 16 Rechargeable Electronic Devices

[0061] 18-contact device

[0062] 20 charging contact devices

[0063] 22 charging devices

[0064] 24 lower side

[0065] 30 headphone models

[0066] 32 areas

[0067] 34 areas

[0068] 40-cavity

[0069] 42 charging dock

[0070] 44 bosses

[0071] S1-S6 Method Steps

[0072] B width

[0073] H height

[0074] L length

Claims

1. A method for manufacturing a personalized hearing device (1), wherein, According to the method described above - Create or provide a model of at least the concha and external auditory canal of the user of the hearing device (1); - Based on the model, create an earphone model (30) for the hearing device (1), wherein the earphone model (30) has a first region (32) and a second region (34) connected to the first region (32), the first region being designed to be introduced into at least the external auditory canal as specified, and the second region being designed to be disposed in the concha cavity. - Provides the dimensions of a receiving cavity (44) for a charging device (22) for a hearing device (1), wherein a boss (44) having a charging contact device (20) is arranged within the receiving cavity (44). - When the hearing device (1) is arranged in the receiving cavity (44) as specified, a corresponding contact device (18) is provided for contacting the charging contact device (20), the corresponding contact device being arranged in a sub-region of the second region of the earphone model (30), the sub-region being oriented toward the section of the auricle surrounding the concha cavity, and - The hearing device (1) is manufactured based on the headphone model (30).

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The position of the corresponding contact device (18) in the sub-region of the second region is selected such that when the hearing device (1) is arranged on the charging contact device (20) as specified, there is no collision or conflict between the hearing device (1) and the wall panel of the receiving cavity (44) of the charging device (22).

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The corresponding contact device (18) is designed to be magnetically held on the charging contact device (20), wherein the position of the corresponding contact device (18) in a sub-region of the second region is selected such that the magnetic holding force between the corresponding contact device (18) and the charging contact device (20) is sufficient to hold the hearing device (1) constructed based on the headphone model (30) on the boss (44).

4. The method according to claim 3, wherein, In order to select the position of the corresponding contact device (18), the positions of the electrical and electronic components (8, 10, 12, 16) in the earphone (4) of the hearing device (1) preset by the earphone model (30) are considered.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, Especially when mass-producing the receiving cavity (44) of the charging device (22) without considering personalized headphone models.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, The position of the corresponding contact device (18) in the sub-region of the second region is selected such that when the hearing device (1) is positioned in the ear as specified, the corresponding contact device (18) is not visible.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein, A concentric device with positive and negative charging contacts is used as the charging contact device (20) and the corresponding contact device (18).

8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein, A visual modeling interface is used to display the positioning of the headphone model (30) when the hearing device (1) is arranged on the charging contact device (20) in a prescribed manner, so as to visually check for collisions with the wall of the receiving cavity (44), wherein the position of the corresponding contact device (18) in a sub-region of the second region of the headphone model (30) is changed if necessary.

9. A hearing device system comprising at least one hearing device (1) equipped with a custom-made earphone (4), said hearing device being manufactured particularly according to the method of any one of claims 1 to 8, said hearing device system comprising a charging device (22) having a receiving cavity (44) for said hearing device (1), wherein, A boss (44) with a charging contact device (20) is arranged in the receiving cavity (44), the charging contact device being for a corresponding corresponding contact device (18) of the hearing device (1), wherein the charging device (22) is manufactured as a mass-produced product, and wherein the hearing device (1) is individually adapted, wherein the corresponding contact device (18) is arranged in a sub-region of the earphone (4), the sub-region being the section surrounding the concha cavity facing the user's auricle.

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