Method for removing contaminants from a hearing aid

Abstract

Method for removing impurities (28) from a hearing aid (4), - wherein a liquid cleaning compound (6) is applied to the contaminants (28) to be removed on the hearing aid (4), which at least in a hardened state adheres to the contaminants (28) in a material-to-material manner, - wherein the cleaning compound (6) is hardened, - wherein the hardened cleaning compound (6) is removed from the hearing aid (4) together with the impurities (28), and - wherein a peeling mask mass is used as the cleansing mass (6) for skin cleansing.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a method for removing contaminants from or on a hearing aid. The invention further relates to a cleaning compound and a hearing system comprising a hearing aid and a cleaning compound.

[0002] Hearing aids are portable hearing aids designed to provide hearing assistance to people with hearing loss or hard of hearing. To meet a wide range of individual needs, different types of hearing aids are available, such as behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aids, receiver-in-the-canal (RIC) hearing aids, and in-the-ear (ITE) hearing aids, such as in-the-ear (concha) hearing aids or in-the-canal (ITE) hearing aids (CIC: Completely-In-Channel), or invisible-in-the-Channel (IIC). The hearing aids listed here are worn on the outer ear or in the ear canal of the hearing aid user. Bone conduction, implantable, and vibrotactile hearing aids are also available on the market. These devices stimulate the impaired hearing either mechanically or electrically.

[0003] Such hearing aids generally have an input transducer, an amplifier, and an output transducer as their essential components. The input transducer is usually an acoustoelectrical transducer, such as a microphone, and / or an electromagnetic receiver, such as an induction coil or a (radio frequency, RF) antenna. The output transducer is usually implemented as an electroacoustic transducer, such as a miniature loudspeaker (earpiece), or as an electromechanical transducer, such as a bone conduction receiver. The amplifier is usually integrated into a signal processing unit. Power is typically supplied by a battery or rechargeable accumulator.

[0004] With a so-called binaural hearing aid, two such individual devices are worn by a user on different sides of the head, so that each individual device is assigned to a specific ear, with a communication connection between the individual devices. During operation, data, possibly even large amounts of data, are exchanged wirelessly between the hearing aid in the right and left ear. The exchanged data and information enable particularly effective adaptation of the individual devices to the respective acoustic environment. In particular, this provides the user with particularly authentic surround sound and improves speech understanding, even in noisy environments.

[0005] Hearing aids come into direct skin contact when worn and handled by a hearing aid user. This can lead to contaminants becoming embedded in the hearing aid. Contaminants, here and in the following, include, in particular, dirt (skin flakes, hair, dust, dirt, grime, etc.) or unwanted (material) deposits (e.g., earwax / cerumen) on a housing surface or in the area of housing openings (microphone / earpiece opening, housing gap) of the hearing aid. In addition to cosmetic effects such as a dirty appearance or an unhygienic feeling, contaminants can also affect the performance of the hearing aid. For example, blocked earpiece or microphone openings can lead to a poor sound experience or even to the device not functioning. Therefore, cleaning of the hearing aids is necessary, especially in some sensitive or critical areas.

[0006] One such critical area in ITE hearing aids, for example, is the area around the sound inputs and outputs, which are often protected by fine mesh (grille, mesh). These meshes are susceptible to dirt such as earwax, dander, or dust. Over time, the meshes become increasingly clogged, which can impair performance. In extreme cases, the hearing aid no longer functions as intended due to the contamination and requires maintenance.

[0007] Today, several parties can be involved in cleaning and maintaining a hearing aid. This includes the hearing aid user themselves and a hearing aid audiologist. The hearing aid manufacturer may also be involved in the service.

[0008] For example, the hearing aid user can use cleaning tools such as brushes, wax picks, or hooks to mechanically remove larger amounts of dirt from the hearing aid. They can also use cleaning agents to chemically remove dirt from the outer surface. Due to the fine mesh structure, it is typically not possible for a hearing aid user to manually or chemically clean the sound inputs and outputs of an ITE hearing aid.

[0009] The hearing aid professional can disassemble the hearing aid to clean hard-to-reach areas. For example, the microphone meshes / filters can be cleaned in an ultrasonic bath or with special vacuum cleaners. However, a hearing aid user often does not have the opportunity to visit a hearing aid professional for additional cleaning. Alternatively, the hearing aid can be sent to the hearing aid manufacturer for cleaning and service. However, both solutions require time and effort from the hearing aid user to return a functioning hearing aid.

[0010] DE 10 2013 109 359 A1 discloses a method for cleaning objects and protecting them from contamination, particularly metallic (piping) parts and components for the automotive industry. The method is characterized by applying a lacquer-like substance to the object, which is then dried or allowed to dry until a coherent film has formed. The film is then peeled off the object to remove contamination, particularly in particle form. So-called peel-off lacquers can be used for this purpose.

[0011] The invention is therefore based on the object of providing a particularly suitable method for removing contaminants from a hearing aid. In particular, the aim is to offer a hearing aid user a solution that allows them to clean their hearing aid without the assistance of a professional. The invention is further based on the object of providing a particularly suitable cleaning compound and a particularly suitable hearing system.

[0012] With regard to the method, the object is achieved according to the invention with the features of claim 1 and with regard to the cleaning compound with the features of claim 5 and with regard to the hearing system with the features of claim 6.

[0013] The advantages and features mentioned with regard to the method can also be applied to the cleaning compound and / or the hearing system and vice versa.

[0014] The method according to the invention is intended for the removal of contaminants on or from a hearing aid or a hearing aid housing and is suitable and designed for this purpose.

[0015] The hearing aid or hearing aid housing, for example, has an earpiece opening as a sound output, which, during use, is located at least partially within the ear canal of a hearing aid user. The hearing aid can be designed as an ITE hearing aid. The hearing aid is preferably designed as a hearing aid device. However, the method is also analogously applicable to other hearing aids worn on or in the ear of a hearing aid user, such as ITE headphones.

[0016] The method is particularly suitable for removing contaminants from hard-to-reach areas of the hearing aid, for example in the area of a housing opening, in particular in the area of a microphone or receiver opening or a housing gap.

[0017] According to the invention, a liquid cleaning compound is used to clean the hearing aid, i.e., to remove contaminants. A "liquid" cleaning compound also includes pasty or gel-like cleaning compounds. The cleaning compound is designed in such a way that, at least in its hardened state, it adheres firmly to the contaminants.

[0018] A "cured state" or "hardening" is understood here and below to mean, in particular, a change in the viscosity of the cleaning compound, during which the cleaning compound bonds firmly to the contaminants. In particular, the viscosity of the cleaning compound increases during hardening, so that the cleaning compound is applied with a comparatively low viscosity and subsequently hardens to a comparatively high viscosity. For example, a transition from liquid to solid, gel-like, or pasty occurs. Preferably, the cleaning compound has a kneadable, putty-like, or spatula-like consistency in its hardened state.

[0019] A “material bond” or a “material bond” between at least two interconnected parts is understood here and below in particular to mean that the interconnected parts are held together at their contact surfaces by material union or cross-linking (for example due to atomic or molecular bonding forces), possibly under the effect of an additive.

[0020] According to the process, the liquid cleaning compound is applied to the areas of the hearing aid that need to be cleaned, i.e., to the contaminants. The cleaning compound may be in a viscous state when applied to the hearing aid (e.g., microphone opening, gaps, etc.). The cleaning compound is then cured on the hearing aid, causing the cleaning compound to bond directly to the contaminants. After curing, the cleaning compound is peeled off in one piece, for example, and the contaminants are removed from the hearing aid along with the cleaning compound.

[0021] The particularly liquid or viscous state of the cleaning compound before hardening helps to reach difficult areas such as small holes or tiny gaps in the hearing aid casing. The composition of the cleaning compound is preferably designed to have a suitable viscosity to reach the areas to be cleaned. The viscosity of the liquid cleaning compound is therefore low enough on the one hand to allow the cleaning compound to flow into hard-to-reach crevices, but on the other hand the viscosity is high enough not to penetrate into the interior of the hearing aid casing. For example, the viscosity of the liquid cleaning compound is high enough that a grille with 0.05 mm (millimeter) openings is wetted, but the cleaning compound does not drip through the openings.

[0022] The material used in the cleaning compound has the ability to bind contaminants, especially skin oil, earwax, and other dirt, during the drying process. In other words, the contaminants adhere to the cleaning compound, at least while it is hardened. When the hardened cleaning compound is removed, the hearing aid is cleaned. The used cleaning compound can then be easily and efficiently disposed of along with the remaining contaminants.

[0023] In one possible embodiment, the liquid cleaning compound is applied to the contaminants as a continuous surface and, once cured, is removed in a continuous manner, i.e., in one piece or in one piece. This means that the cleaning compound remains continuous during curing and does not separate into individual areas. This allows for particularly easy application and removal, thus simplifying and user-friendly cleaning of the hearing aid.

[0024] In a preferred embodiment, the cleaning compound is air-dried at ambient or room temperature for curing. This means that the cleaning compound is designed to dry under normal room conditions. Thus, no additional curing agents (oven, UV system, etc.) are necessary, making cleaning particularly effortless for hearing aid users. For example, the cleaning compound is cured in air for a specific period of time, for example, between 10 minutes and 60 minutes.

[0025] An additional or further aspect of the invention provides that the liquid cleaning compound is applied to a grid which covers a microphone opening or a receiver opening of the hearing aid or the hearing aid housing.

[0026] In a particularly suitable application, the cleaning compound is used to remove contaminants from an ITE hearing aid, particularly for cleaning fine meshes in the area of the sound inputs (microphone openings) and sound outputs (receiver openings) of the hearing aid housing. Such meshes (grids, nets), for example, have mesh openings in the range of 0.05 mm (millimeters).

[0027] According to the invention, a peeling mask mass is used as a cleansing mass for skin cleansing.

[0028] Since the most common contaminants in an ITE hearing aid are hair, skin oils, and earwax, a cleaning compound from the cosmetics industry can be used as a cleaning compound. For example, a facial or peeling mask designed for cleaning very small skin pores (skin oils, earwax, etc.) can be used as a cleansing mask. Such cleaning compounds are based on activated charcoal, water, alcohol, and many other ingredients (e.g., Alcohol Denat., Polyvinyl Alcohol, Bambusa Arundinacea Stem Powder, Isopentyldiol, Charcoal Powder, Allantoin, Butyrospermum Parkii, Seedcake Extract, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Salicylic Acid, Tocopherol, Zinc PCA, Butylene Glycol, Gellan Gum, Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate, Sodium Gluconate, Sodium Hydroxide, Sodium Polystyrenesulfonate, Sodium Sulfate).The composition or ingredients of the cleaning compound are preferably adapted for use with an ITE hearing aid, since, for example, no direct skin contact for a longer period of time is intended, and no perfumes or fragrances are necessary.

[0029] The cleaning composition according to the invention is suitable and configured for carrying out the method described above.

[0030] The hearing system according to the invention comprises a hearing aid, in particular an ITE hearing aid, and a cleaning compound for cleaning the hearing aid or the hearing aid housing as needed. The hearing system is thus suitable and configured for carrying out the method described above.

[0031] An embodiment of the invention is explained in more detail below with reference to a drawing. In the drawings: Fig. 1 in a schematic and simplified representation of a hearing system with an ITE hearing aid and with a cleaning compound, Fig. 2 a contaminated earpiece of the ITE hearing aid, Fig. 3 the earpiece opening with an applied cleaning compound, Fig. 4 the earpiece opening with a partially removed cleaning compound, and Fig. 5 the earpiece opening after removal of the impurities using the cleaning compound.

[0032] Corresponding parts and sizes are always provided with the same reference symbols in all figures.

[0033] The Fig. 1 shows a hearing system 2 with a hearing aid 4 designed as an ITE hearing aid or ITE hearing aid and a cleaning compound 6. The hearing aid 4 comprises a housing shell 8 that is individually adapted to the ear canal of a hearing aid user and is closed by a lid-like housing faceplate 10. The device housing 12 formed by the housing shell 8 and the housing faceplate 10 accommodates a space in which the hearing aid components of the hearing aid 4 are arranged. The figures show, by way of example, a signal processing device 14 and a microphone (input transducer) 16, as well as a (hearing aid) battery 18 and a receiver (output transducer) 20.

[0034] The housing shell 8 and the housing front panel 10 can be designed as separate components. A one-piece, i.e., single-piece or monolithic, device housing 12 is also conceivable.

[0035] For acoustic coupling of the microphone 16 and the receiver 20, the device housing 12 has two hole-like housing openings 22, 24. To prevent contaminants from entering the interior of the device housing 12 on the one hand, and to allow sound signals to pass through on the other, the housing openings 22, 24 are each equipped with a fine-mesh or fine-pored grid (mesh, net) 26. The grid 26, designed, for example, as a rectangular grid, has, for example, grid openings of 0.05 mm × 0.05 mm. The housing opening 22 formed in the housing front panel 10 is also referred to below as the microphone opening 22 and couples the microphone 16 to the environment. The housing opening 24 formed in the housing shell 8 is correspondingly referred to as the receiver opening 26 and, during operation, couples the receiver 20, in particular to an ear canal of the hearing aid user.

[0036] The following is based on the Fig. 2 to 5, the removal of impurities 28 by means of the cleaning compound 6 is explained in more detail. Fig. 2 to Fig. 5 shows the earpiece opening 24 with a dirty or soiled grille 26. The impurities 28, which are provided with reference numerals only as an example, are formed, for example, by cerumen, hair and skin oil of the hearing aid user.

[0037] Fig. 2 shows the earpiece opening 24 in a contaminated state, such as may occur after prolonged use of the ITE hearing aid 4.

[0038] Due to the contaminants 28, the openings of the grille 26 are at least partially blocked, so that a good sound experience is not possible for the hearing aid user.

[0039] For cleaning or removing the contaminants 28 from the grille 26, the cleaning compound 4 is introduced into the earpiece opening 24 in a (viscous) liquid, viscous, or pasty state. The cleaning compound 4 is then cured in air at ambient or room temperature, whereby the contaminants 28 stick or adhere to the cleaning compound 4. After curing, the cleaning compound 4 is preferably peeled off or peeled off as a whole ( Fig. 4), whereby the contaminants 28 adhering to it are removed from the grid 26. In the Fig. 5, the earpiece opening 24 is shown in a cleaned state, in which the cleaning compound 4 has been removed together with the impurities 28.

[0040] The claimed invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiments described above. Rather, other variants of the invention can also be derived therefrom by those skilled in the art within the scope of the disclosed claims without departing from the subject matter of the claimed invention. In particular, all individual features described in connection with the various exemplary embodiments can also be combined in other ways within the scope of the disclosed claims without departing from the subject matter of the claimed invention. List of reference symbols 2 hearing system 4 Hearing aid 6 Cleaning compound 8 Housing shell 10 Housing front panel 12 device housings 14 Signal processing device 16 Microphone 18 Battery 20 listeners 22 Housing opening, microphone opening 24 Housing opening, earpiece opening 26 grids 28 Contamination

Claims

[1] Method for removing impurities (28) from a hearing aid (4), - wherein a liquid cleaning compound (6) is applied to the contaminants (28) to be removed on the hearing aid (4), which at least in a hardened state adheres to the contaminants (28) in a material-to-material manner, - wherein the cleaning compound (6) is hardened, - wherein the hardened cleaning compound (6) is removed from the hearing aid (4) together with the impurities (28), and - wherein a peeling mask mass is used as the cleansing mass (6) for skin cleansing. [2] Method according to claim 1, characterized by that the liquid cleaning compound (6) is applied to the contaminants as a continuous surface and is removed continuously in the hardened state. [3] Method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by that the cleaning compound (6) is air-dried at ambient temperature for hardening. [4] Method according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized by that the liquid cleaning compound (6) is applied to a grid (26) which covers a microphone opening (22) or an earpiece opening (24). [5] Cleaning compound (6) for carrying out a method according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the cleaning compound (6) is liquid in a non-cured state, and wherein the cleaning compound (6) adheres to the contaminants (28) in a material-to-material manner at least in a cured state. [6] Hearing system (2) comprising a hearing aid (4) and a cleaning compound (6) according to claim 5.

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