3D printing customized back-of-ear hearing aid

Abstract

The utility model relates to the technical field of hearing aids, and particularly discloses a 3D printing customized ear back type hearing aid, which comprises a customized shell matched with the characteristics of the ear of a user, a bearing body matched with the inner cavity of the customized shell is fixedly arranged in the customized shell, and a gap is reserved between the bearing body and the inner wall of the customized shell. A flexible PCB and a microphone module, a control module and a power management module which are connected with the flexible PCB are arranged in a gap between the bearing body and one side, far away from the back of the ear, of the customized shell, the flexible PCB is connected with a receiver, the receiver is located outside the customized shell and is provided with an earplug, and the earplug is connected with the control module and the power management module. And the receiver, the flexible PCB and the microphone module jointly form a group hearing system for compensating hearing loss. According to the utility model, the utilization rate of the internal space of the hearing aid is improved, the hearing aid is ensured to have excellent structural strength, the miniaturization and light weight processes of the hearing aid are successfully promoted, and the wearing comfort and the use experience of a user are effectively improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model belongs to the field of hearing aid technology, specifically relating to a 3D-printed custom behind-the-ear hearing aid. Background Technology

[0002] Hearing aids, as hearing assistive devices, are essentially sound amplifiers. Their core function is to effectively amplify weak or difficult-to-perceive sound signals in the environment, thereby enabling these people to make full use of their residual hearing, clearly perceive and understand external sound information, and greatly improve their quality of life and social interaction ability.

[0003] Hearing aids mainly consist of a microphone, amplifier, receiver, power supply, and housing. Based on the manufacturing method of the housing, hearing aids are divided into two main categories: non-customized hearing aids and customized hearing aids. Non-customized hearing aids typically use a standardized housing design with a relatively fixed shape and size, making it difficult to personalize them according to each user's unique ear characteristics. While this design simplifies the production and cost control process, in practical application, because it cannot closely fit the contours of each user's ear canal and concha, it can easily create localized pressure and gaps, leading to a series of problems such as discomfort, easy dislodgement, and poor sound insulation. In contrast, customized hearing aids are precisely manufactured and personalized according to the user's ear characteristics, ensuring optimal fit and comfort, significantly improving the user's wearing experience. Customized hearing aids not only effectively avoid the problems associated with non-customized hearing aids but also allow for fine-tuning based on the user's hearing loss and daily needs, achieving the best auditory effect, thus becoming a better choice for people with hearing impairments.

[0004] However, the PCB (Printed Circuit Board) in a hearing aid is a key component, undertaking important functions such as sound signal acquisition, amplification, and filtering. Its size often significantly impacts the overall size and portability of the hearing aid. Although PCB designs have become increasingly miniaturized and integrated with technological advancements, some high-end customized or special-needs hearing aids are often designed with a certain degree of curvature because their shape needs to closely conform to the user's ear characteristics. However, traditional PCBs, due to their rigidity, cannot effectively utilize the limited and irregularly shaped space inside the hearing aid, thus limiting miniaturization and lightweight design to some extent. This can not only lead to a bulky hearing aid with insufficient structural strength but may also affect the user's wearing comfort and experience.

[0005] Therefore, we propose a 3D-printed custom behind-the-ear hearing aid to solve the above-mentioned technical problems. Utility Model Content

[0006] In order to solve the technical problems existing in the prior art, this utility model proposes a 3D printed custom behind-the-ear hearing aid.

[0007] The technical solution adopted in this utility model is as follows:

[0008] A 3D-printed custom behind-the-ear hearing aid includes a custom shell adapted to the user's ear characteristics. Inside the custom shell, a carrier body matching the inner cavity of the shell is fixedly installed. A gap exists between the carrier body and the inner wall of the shell. A flexible PCB board, a microphone module, a control module, and a power management module connected to the flexible PCB board are disposed in the gap between the carrier body and the shell on the side furthest from the ear. A receiver is connected to the flexible PCB board, located outside the shell, and fitted with an earplug. The receiver, the flexible PCB board, and the microphone module together constitute a hearing aid system to compensate for hearing loss.

[0009] In a further technical solution, the customized shell is made using 3D printing technology and titanium alloy material.

[0010] In a further technical solution, the carrier is integrally molded from one of the following materials: magnesium-aluminum alloy, thermoplastic plastic, medical-grade nylon, silicone, or resin.

[0011] In a further technical solution, the flexible PCB board is made of polyimide or polyethylene terephthalate.

[0012] In a further technical solution, the microphone module includes a directional microphone and an omnidirectional microphone. Both the directional microphone and the omnidirectional microphone are directly attached to a flexible PCB board. The customized housing has sound-receiving slots at the corresponding positions of the directional microphone and the omnidirectional microphone.

[0013] In a further technical solution, the control module includes a control chip and a contact switch. Both the control chip and the contact switch are directly mounted on a flexible PCB board. The carrier has an accommodating space for the control chip. The customized housing has a button that mates with the contact switch at the corresponding position of the contact switch.

[0014] In a further technical solution, the power management module includes a rechargeable battery, a charging management module, and charging contacts. The carrier has an accommodating space for the rechargeable battery. The rechargeable battery is connected to the flexible PCB board via a quick-connect interface. The charging management module is mounted on the flexible PCB board. The charging contacts are mounted on a custom housing and connected to the flexible PCB board.

[0015] In a further technical solution, the receiver is connected to an RIC module, the end of the RIC module is provided with a plug, the flexible PCB board is connected to a socket, the customized housing has an opening at the corresponding position of the socket, and the plug extends into the opening and connects to the socket.

[0016] In a further technical solution, the customized housing includes a first housing and a second housing that cooperate with each other. Both the first housing and the second housing are provided with multiple pin holes, and both sides of the carrier are provided with multiple pins corresponding to the positions of the pin holes.

[0017] In a further technical solution, the flexible PCB board also integrates one or more of the following: a sound amplification module, a noise reduction module, an auxiliary indication module, and a Bluetooth communication and debugging module.

[0018] In summary, due to the adoption of the above technical solution, the beneficial effects of this utility model are:

[0019] 1. By introducing flexible PCB technology, this utility model effectively optimizes the internal space layout of hearing aids, makes full use of the limited and irregularly shaped space inside the hearing aid, and ensures that the hearing aid has excellent structural strength. It successfully promotes the miniaturization and lightweighting of hearing aids, and effectively improves the user's wearing comfort and user experience.

[0020] 2. The material selection for the customized shell, carrier, and flexible PCB board of this utility model, through material innovation, not only enables a high degree of customization to ensure the best fit and wearing comfort, but also greatly improves the overall durability of the hearing aid, significantly improves biocompatibility, and significantly enhances the user experience.

[0021] 3. The functional modules in this utility model are directly attached to the flexible PCB board, reducing the need for wire connections. This not only improves the connection reliability and stability of the microphone module, but also effectively avoids the messiness of the internal structure, making the structure more compact and streamlined. This lays a solid foundation for the miniaturization and lightweight manufacturing of hearing aids.

[0022] 4. This utility model enables high-end customization based on hearing aids, meeting various special needs and bringing more functional and appearance options to hearing aids, thereby significantly improving the performance, appearance and user experience of hearing aids. Attached Figure Description

[0023] This utility model will be described by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0024] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of this utility model;

[0025] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of this utility model from another perspective;

[0026] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the flexible PCB board of this utility model;

[0027] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the carrier of this utility model.

[0028] Reference numerals: 1-Custom housing, 101-First housing, 102-Second housing, 2-Carrier, 3-Flexible PCB board, 4-Receiver, 5-Earplug, 6-Directional microphone, 7-Omnidirectional microphone, 8-Receive slot, 9-Control chip, 10-Contact switch, 11-Button, 12-Rechargeable battery, 13-Charging contact, 14-RIC module, 15-Plug, 16-Socket, 17-Pin, 18-Pin hole. Detailed Implementation

[0029] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of the present utility model.

[0030] See Figures 1-4 This utility model provides a 3D-printed custom behind-the-ear hearing aid, including a custom shell 1 adapted to the user's ear characteristics. A carrier 2 matching the inner cavity of the custom shell 1 is fixedly installed inside the custom shell 1. A gap is left between the carrier 2 and the inner wall of the custom shell 1. A flexible PCB board 3 and a microphone module, control module and power management module connected to the flexible PCB board 3 are installed in the gap between the carrier 2 and the custom shell 1 on the side away from the back of the ear. A receiver 4 is connected to the flexible PCB board 3. The receiver 4 is located outside the custom shell 1 and is fitted with an earplug 5. The receiver 4, the flexible PCB board 3 and the microphone module together constitute a hearing aid system to compensate for hearing loss.

[0031] This 3D-printed custom behind-the-ear hearing aid features a personalized custom shell 1 that is highly adaptable to the user's ear characteristics, ensuring optimal fit and wearing comfort, thus significantly enhancing the user experience. Specifically, by installing a carrier 2 inside the custom shell 1 that matches its internal cavity, a stable support is provided for the shell 1, enhancing the overall structural strength of the hearing aid. Furthermore, by employing flexible PCB technology, the flexible PCB board 3 is tightly fitted into the arc-shaped gap formed between the custom shell 1 and the carrier 2, greatly improving space utilization. Key components such as a microphone module, control module, and power management module are integrated on the flexible PCB board 3. The power management module provides a stable and continuous power supply to the hearing aid, ensuring its continuous and stable operation. The microphone module captures sound signals from the surrounding environment and converts them into electrical signals, which are then transmitted to the control module for in-depth processing, thereby improving sound quality. The signals processed by the control module are ultimately sent to receiver 4, which converts these electrical signals into clear sound signals, enabling users to fully utilize their residual hearing and clearly perceive and understand external sound information. This design not only enhances the user's hearing experience but also improves their quality of life and social interaction abilities. Compared to traditional customized hearing aids, this invention, by introducing flexible PCB technology, effectively optimizes the internal space layout of the hearing aid, making full use of the limited and irregularly shaped space inside the hearing aid while ensuring excellent structural strength. This successfully promotes the miniaturization and lightweighting of hearing aids, effectively improving user comfort and experience.

[0032] In one specific embodiment, the custom shell 1 is made using 3D printing technology and is made of titanium alloy material.

[0033] Utilizing 3D printing technology, a custom-made shell 1 can be precisely printed based on the user's three-dimensional ear scan data, perfectly matching the user's ear characteristics. This personalized fit not only ensures optimal fit and wearing comfort, reducing the risk of dislodgement during daily use, but also effectively reduces external noise interference, improving the hearing aid's sound isolation. Furthermore, titanium alloy, an ideal material for manufacturing medical devices, provides the custom-made shell 1 with excellent structural strength, capable of withstanding various external impacts encountered during daily use. Simultaneously, the lightweight nature of titanium alloy significantly reduces the overall weight of the hearing aid, further enhancing user comfort. More importantly, the custom-made shell 1 made of titanium alloy has excellent biocompatibility, is safe and harmless to the human body, and is unlikely to cause allergic reactions. This makes it an ideal choice for various skin types and sensitive individuals, ensuring higher safety and reliability. Moreover, the custom-made shell 1 made of titanium alloy has excellent corrosion resistance, maintaining its performance and appearance integrity in humid or sweaty environments, thereby extending the product's lifespan and reducing maintenance costs. Most importantly, titanium alloy, as a recyclable material, not only meets environmental protection requirements but also embodies the concept of sustainable development, contributing to environmental protection. Furthermore, the materials for the customized shell 1 are not limited to titanium alloy; some specially treated medical-grade lightweight, high-strength plastics from existing technologies can also be used. The most suitable material can be flexibly selected based on the user's individual needs, budget constraints, and specific application scenarios to ensure that the final product meets functional requirements while also considering comfort, safety, and economy.

[0034] In one specific embodiment, the carrier 2 is integrally molded from thermoplastic plastic.

[0035] Through precise mold design and advanced molding processes, a carrier 2 can be manufactured that perfectly matches the inner cavity of the customized shell 1. Compared to the traditional separate assembly method used in hearing aids, this demonstrates excellent structural stability and improves service life. The choice of thermoplastic plastic is not only due to its ease of processing and cost-effectiveness, but also because its low density and high strength characteristics make the resulting carrier 2 both lightweight and robust. This design not only effectively reduces the overall weight of the hearing aid and significantly improves user comfort, but also ensures that the carrier 2 can withstand various external impacts during daily use, maintaining structural integrity and stability. Furthermore, it is worth noting that the material selection for the carrier 2 is not limited to thermoplastic plastics; materials such as magnesium-aluminum alloy, medical-grade nylon, silicone, or high-performance resins can also be considered according to specific needs, providing more diverse design possibilities.

[0036] In one specific embodiment, the flexible PCB board 3 is made of polyimide.

[0037] The flexible PCB board 3 uses polyimide as the substrate, but polyethylene terephthalate can also be used. This achieves a thinner and more flexible circuit board, allowing it to fit closely to the customized shell 1 and carrier 2, thereby optimizing the space layout, improving space utilization, and ensuring the hearing aid has excellent structural strength. This design significantly enhances design flexibility and provides a better solution for the miniaturization and lightweight design of hearing aids. At the same time, it significantly improves device performance and user experience, enhancing product quality.

[0038] In one specific implementation, see Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3 The microphone module includes a directional microphone 6 and an omnidirectional microphone 7. Both the directional microphone 6 and the omnidirectional microphone 7 are directly attached to the flexible PCB board 3. The custom housing 1 has sound-receiving slots 8 at the corresponding positions of the directional microphone 6 and the omnidirectional microphone 7.

[0039] The directional microphone 6 and omnidirectional microphone 7 are directly surface-mounted onto the flexible PCB board 3, reducing the need for wiring connections. This not only improves the reliability and stability of the microphone module's connection but also effectively avoids a cluttered internal structure, resulting in a more compact and streamlined design. This installation method lays a solid foundation for the miniaturization and lightweight manufacturing of hearing aids. Meanwhile, the precisely positioned sound pickup slots 8 on the custom-designed housing 1, working in conjunction with the directional and omnidirectional microphones 7, significantly improve the efficiency and accuracy of sound capture, ensuring clear and pure sound quality. Even in noisy environments, speech can be effectively recognized, providing users with excellent hearing.

[0040] In one specific implementation, see Figures 1-4 The control module includes a control chip 9 and a contact switch 10. Both the control chip 9 and the contact switch are directly attached to the flexible PCB board 3. The carrier 2 has an accommodating space for the control chip 9. The customized housing 1 has a button 11 that cooperates with the contact switch 10 at the corresponding position of the contact switch 10.

[0041] The control chip 9 and the contact switch of the control module, like those of the microphone module, are directly surface-mounted onto the flexible PCB board 3, reducing connection lines and making the integration of the control module and the flexible PCB board 3 more compact, effectively improving connection reliability and stability. The carrier 2 has an accommodating space for the control chip 9, improving space utilization and supporting the miniaturization design of the hearing aid. Meanwhile, the customized housing 1 has a button 11 flexibly positioned at the corresponding position of the contact switch 10. This button 11 closely cooperates with the contact switch 10, achieving intuitive and convenient user operation. This also brings a single-button design to the user experience. Specifically, by pre-setting a pressing control program within the control chip 9, users can achieve different function controls by providing different pressing methods. Compared to the multiple control components of traditional hearing aids, such as volume adjustment wheels and tuners, this design not only effectively reduces operational complexity but also creates favorable conditions for simplifying the size of the hearing aid.

[0042] In one specific implementation, see Figures 1-4 The power management module includes a rechargeable battery 12, a charging management module, and charging contacts 13. The carrier 2 has an accommodating space for the rechargeable battery 12. The rechargeable battery 12 is connected to the flexible PCB board 3 through a quick-connect interface. The charging management module is installed on the flexible PCB board 3. The charging contacts 13 are installed on the custom housing 1 and connected to the flexible PCB board 3.

[0043] The carrier 2 is specially designed with a space to accommodate the rechargeable battery 12, supporting the miniaturization of the hearing aid. The rechargeable battery 12 is detachably connected to the flexible PCB board 3 via a quick-connect interface. Compared to traditional enameled wire connections, this improvement significantly enhances the stability and reliability of the connection, ensuring a continuous and stable power supply to the hearing aid. The charging management module is directly mounted on the flexible PCB board 3, responsible for monitoring and managing the battery charging process, ensuring the safe and efficient use of the battery. Meanwhile, the customized housing 1 features carefully designed charging contacts 13, which are tightly connected to the flexible PCB board 3, providing convenient access points for external chargers and facilitating use.

[0044] In one specific implementation, see Figures 1-3 The receiver 4 is connected to an RIC module 14, and the end of the RIC module 14 is provided with a plug 15. The flexible PCB board 3 is connected to a socket 16. The custom housing 1 has an opening at the corresponding position of the socket 16, and the plug 15 extends into the opening and connects to the socket 16.

[0045] The receiver 4 is detachably connected to the socket 16 on the flexible PCB board 3 via the plug 15 at the end of the RIC module 14. This design not only ensures stable signal transmission but also facilitates quick connection and disconnection between the receiver 4 and the custom housing 1, greatly simplifying cleaning and maintenance for users. More importantly, this design gives users the flexibility to replace different components plugged into the socket 16. These components can be customized according to specific needs to achieve diverse functional expansions or performance optimizations, providing users with a more convenient and efficient user experience.

[0046] In one specific implementation, see Figure 1 and Figure 2 The customized outer shell 1 includes a first shell 101 and a second shell 102 that cooperate with each other. Both the first shell 101 and the second shell 102 are provided with a plurality of pin holes 18. Both sides of the carrier 2 are provided with a plurality of pins 17 corresponding to the positions of the pin holes 18.

[0047] Through the tight fit between the pin 17 and the pin hole 18, the first housing 101 and the second housing 102 can be firmly fixed to the carrier 2, forming a stable and robust overall structure. This design not only simplifies the assembly process of the hearing aid but also makes the disassembly of the custom shell 1 simple and quick. Users can more easily complete related operations during maintenance, thereby reducing maintenance costs and time costs. In addition, this design provides users with more customization options. Users can choose to replace the custom shell 1 with different materials, colors, or functions according to their personal preferences or hearing needs, without having to replace the entire hearing aid system. This significantly improves the performance, appearance, and user experience of the hearing aid.

[0048] In one specific embodiment, the flexible PCB board 3 also integrates one or more of the following: a sound amplification module, a noise reduction module, an auxiliary indication module, and a Bluetooth communication and debugging module.

[0049] This design embodies the high-end customization of hearing aids, meeting various special needs and providing more functional options. By integrating these key functional modules onto a flexible PCB board 3, the performance of the hearing aid is improved. Specifically, the fusion of the sound amplification module and the noise reduction module makes sound signal processing faster and more accurate, effectively improving the sound quality of the hearing aid, especially maintaining speech clarity even in complex environmental noise. The addition of auxiliary indicator modules, such as volume indicators and battery level displays, provides users with intuitive operational feedback, further enhancing the convenience and comfort of use, thereby optimizing the overall user experience. The integration of Bluetooth communication and adjustment modules enables the hearing aid to wirelessly connect to Bluetooth-enabled devices, facilitating remote adjustment, setting personalized hearing plans, and even directly adjusting volume and switching programs via smartphones and other devices, greatly improving the flexibility and intelligence of use. It is worth mentioning that these solutions are just some examples of many possibilities; this design framework reserves ample space for future functional expansion and personalized customization.

[0050] It is worth mentioning that the control chip 9, charging management module, RIC module 14, sound amplification module, noise reduction module, auxiliary indication module and Bluetooth communication and debugging module, which are not specifically mentioned in the above embodiments, are all existing technologies and can be fully implemented by those skilled in the art, so they will not be described in detail here.

[0051] The above description is merely an embodiment of this utility model and does not limit the patent scope of this utility model. Any equivalent structural or procedural transformations made based on the content of this utility model specification and drawings, or direct or indirect applications in other related technical fields, are similarly included within the patent protection scope of this utility model.

Claims

1. A 3D-printed custom behind-the-ear hearing aid, characterized in that, The system includes a custom-designed housing (1) adapted to the user's ear features. Inside the custom-designed housing (1) is a carrier (2) that matches the inner cavity of the custom-designed housing (1). There is a gap between the carrier (2) and the inner wall of the custom-designed housing (1). In the gap between the carrier (2) and the custom-designed housing (1) on the side away from the back of the ear, there is a flexible PCB board (3) and a microphone module, a control module and a power management module connected to the flexible PCB board (3). A receiver (4) is connected to the flexible PCB board (3). The receiver (4) is located outside the custom-designed housing (1) and is fitted with an earplug (5). The receiver (4), the flexible PCB board (3) and the microphone module together constitute a hearing compensation system for hearing loss.

2. The 3D-printed custom behind-the-ear hearing aid according to claim 1, characterized in that, The custom shell (1) is made of titanium alloy using 3D printing technology.

3. A 3D-printed custom behind-the-ear hearing aid according to claim 1, characterized in that, The carrier (2) is integrally molded from one of the following materials: magnesium-aluminum alloy, thermoplastic plastic, medical-grade nylon, silicone or resin.

4. A 3D-printed custom behind-the-ear hearing aid according to claim 1, characterized in that, The flexible PCB board (3) is made of polyimide or polyethylene terephthalate.

5. A 3D-printed custom behind-the-ear hearing aid according to claim 1, characterized in that, The microphone module includes a directional microphone (6) and an omnidirectional microphone (7). Both the directional microphone (6) and the omnidirectional microphone (7) are directly attached to the flexible PCB board (3). The custom housing (1) has sound-receiving slots (8) at the corresponding positions of the directional microphone (6) and the omnidirectional microphone (7).

6. A 3D-printed custom behind-the-ear hearing aid according to claim 1, characterized in that, The control module includes a control chip (9) and a contact switch (10). The control chip (9) and the contact switch are directly attached to the flexible PCB board (3). The carrier (2) has an accommodating space for the control chip (9). The custom shell (1) has a button (11) that cooperates with the contact switch (10) at the corresponding position of the contact switch (10).

7. A 3D-printed custom behind-the-ear hearing aid according to claim 1, characterized in that, The power management module includes a rechargeable battery (12), a charging management module, and charging contacts (13). The carrier (2) has an accommodating space for the rechargeable battery (12). The rechargeable battery (12) is connected to the flexible PCB board (3) through a quick-connect interface. The charging management module is installed on the flexible PCB board (3). The charging contacts (13) are installed on the custom housing (1) and connected to the flexible PCB board (3).

8. A 3D-printed custom behind-the-ear hearing aid according to claim 1, characterized in that, The receiver (4) is connected to an RIC module (14), and the end of the RIC module (14) is provided with a plug (15). The flexible PCB board (3) is connected to a socket (16). The custom housing (1) has an opening at the corresponding position of the socket (16). The plug (15) extends into the opening and connects to the socket (16).

9. A 3D-printed custom behind-the-ear hearing aid according to claim 1, characterized in that, The customized outer shell (1) includes a first shell (101) and a second shell (102) that cooperate with each other. Both the first shell (101) and the second shell (102) are provided with a plurality of pin holes (18). Both sides of the carrier (2) are provided with a plurality of pins (17) corresponding to the positions of the pin holes (18).

10. A 3D-printed custom behind-the-ear hearing aid according to claim 1, characterized in that, The flexible PCB board (3) also integrates one or more of the following modules: sound amplification module, noise reduction module, auxiliary indication module, and Bluetooth communication and debugging module.

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