HEARING AID, ANTENNA FOR A HEARING AID AND METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING A HEARING AID

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a hearing aid and a method for manufacturing such a hearing aid.

[0002] A hearing aid typically serves to output an audio signal to the user. This output is achieved via an output transducer, usually acoustically via sound waves through a receiver, also known as a loudspeaker. A special type of hearing aid is designed to assist users with hearing loss. For this purpose, the hearing aid has at least one acoustic input transducer, typically a microphone, and a control unit. The control unit is designed to process an input signal generated by the input transducer from ambient sound, thereby at least partially compensating for the user's hearing loss. Another possible variant involves the output transducer being designed to mechanically or electrically couple the audio signal into the user's ear (e.g., a cochlear implant).The general term "hearing aid" also includes devices such as so-called tinnitus maskers, headsets, headphones and the like.

[0003] A hearing aid typically consists of an earpiece that is inserted into the user's ear canal, sealing it off from the outside world. In other words, the earpiece is worn inside the ear. With certain designs, such as CIC devices (abbreviation for "completely in the canal"), the hearing aid itself is designed as an earpiece and has a housing that is worn inside the ear. Due to the generally very small size of hearing aids, especially the earpiece, whose size is limited by the ear canal, the space available for housing the various components of the hearing aid is severely restricted. This is particularly problematic if the hearing aid has an antenna for wireless signal transmission, for example, to another hearing aid or an accessory. Any space limitations also restrict the design freedom and transmission characteristics of the antenna.

[0004] Reference is made to EP 3 133 839 A1, US 2010 / 158295 A1, EP 2 725 655 A1, EP 3 185 583 A1, US 2019 / 166437 A1, US 2020 / 314566 A1, EP 3 038 382 A1.

[0005] Against this background, an object of the invention is to provide a hearing aid with an improved antenna, as well as such an antenna. The antenna should have the most advantageous transmission characteristics possible and make the best possible use of the available installation space in the hearing aid. Furthermore, a method for manufacturing such a hearing aid is to be provided.

[0006] The problem is solved according to the invention by a hearing aid with the features of claim 1 and by a method with the features of claim 12. Advantageous embodiments, further developments, and variants are the subject of the dependent claims. The descriptions relating to the hearing aid also apply mutatis mutandis to the method and vice versa.

[0007] The hearing aid consists of a housing and an antenna. The housing includes a shell, also known as the "shell." The shell is designed to be worn in the ear; that is, when the hearing aid is used as intended, the shell is inserted into the user's ear canal. Its precise position within the ear canal depends on the specific design of the hearing aid. The human ear canal generally has two curves: the outer curve is also called the first curve, and the inner curve, closer to the eardrum, is called the second curve. Depending on the hearing aid's design, it is positioned at different points along the ear canal during normal use, or even partially or completely outside the ear canal.

[0008] The housing also includes, in particular, a cover plate, also referred to as a "faceplate," which closes the housing shell. When used as intended, the cover plate protrudes from the ear canal and preferably incorporates an interface, such as one or more control elements, for operating the hearing aid. Furthermore, the cover plate is preferably removable, for example, by pivoting, to allow access to the inside of the hearing aid, such as for battery replacement. The cover plate is attached to the housing shell; together, they form the hearing aid housing.

[0009] The antenna is designed for signal transmission via a radio link. The specific design of the radio link is initially secondary; what is essential is that the antenna is capable of signal transmission. The radio link is, for example, a Bluetooth connection, Wi-Fi connection, RF connection, or similar; the antenna is then accordingly a Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, RF, or other antenna. The antenna is, in particular, bidirectional, meaning it functions as both a transmitting and a receiving antenna. The radio link exists, for example, with another hearing aid, such as another component of a binaural hearing aid system with two components, or with an additional device, such as a smartphone, a television, or a remote control. During operation, the antenna generally emits and / or receives electromagnetic radiation, specifically via a transmitting and receiving point on the antenna. The transmitting and receiving point is also referred to as the excitation point.The frequency range of the radiation depends on the specific design of the radio link for which the antenna is designed.

[0010] The housing shell has an inner surface. This inner surface faces inwards, into the interior of the housing, and encloses an interior space within the housing. This interior space contains one or more components of the hearing aid, in particular at least a microphone, a receiver, a battery, a control unit, or a combination thereof.

[0011] The antenna is embedded in the housing shell and runs along its inner surface. The antenna thus follows the inner contour of the housing shell. Preferably, the antenna rests against the inner surface of the housing shell, conforming to it as if by mold, preferably completely, i.e., not just partially. Suitablely, the antenna fits snugly against the inner surface of the housing shell. In particular, the antenna conforms optimally to the housing shell and follows its contour. Within the housing shell and along its inner surface, the antenna forms its own layer or structure.

[0012] The antenna's special design and arrangement allow for optimal use of installation space. The antenna does not obstruct the other components within the housing, but rather surrounds them. At the same time, the antenna's placement along the inside of the housing provides maximum surface area, allowing for a particularly large and powerful antenna. Furthermore, its unique arrangement allows for a high degree of design flexibility, enabling the implementation of a wide variety of antenna types. Additionally, the antenna is the outermost component within the housing, meaning that it completely surrounds all other components within the housing shell. The antenna thus acts as a barrier between the housing shell and the other components inside.The antenna is therefore easily accessible for signals from or to the outside, and the radio connection is minimally disturbed by the other components in the housing shell.

[0013] During manufacturing, the antenna is simply inserted into the housing shell. This is particularly easy and cost-effective. The antenna is not integrated into the housing shell, thus eliminating the need for a complex multi-component injection molding process or methods for integrating the antenna into the housing shell. In one possible embodiment, the insertion is reversible, meaning the antenna can also be removed from the housing shell and easily separated from it.

[0014] The antenna is a separate component that is inserted into the housing shell. Specifically, the antenna is manufactured separately from the housing shell; that is, the housing shell and the antenna are produced independently of each other and then assembled. For example, the housing shell is manufactured as an injection-molded part, independent of the antenna. The antenna is not monolithically manufactured or connected to the housing shell, but rather is fundamentally independent of it. This significantly simplifies manufacturing, as the antenna is produced separately as a simple component and then simply inserted into the housing shell as needed.

[0015] The housing shell is preferably a standard component for mass production. The housing shell is generally suitable for use in various ear canals and is therefore not a component individually manufactured for a single user. For example, the housing shell is a so-called "one-size-fits-all / most" component. Similarly, the antenna is preferably a standard component; the previous statements apply accordingly.

[0016] The hearing aid is primarily used to output an audio signal to a user. Output is achieved via an output transducer, preferably a receiver. Preferably, the hearing aid is designed to provide hearing assistance to a user with a hearing impairment and, for this purpose, comprises at least one acoustic input transducer, preferably a microphone, and a control unit. The control unit is designed to process an input signal generated from ambient sound by the input transducer and output it via the output transducer, thereby at least partially compensating for the user's hearing impairment. While the general term "hearing aid" also encompasses devices such as tinnitus maskers, headsets, headphones, and the like, the following discussion will, without limitation, refer to a hearing aid designed to provide hearing assistance to a user with a hearing impairment.

[0017] The hearing aid is preferably a CIC (completely-in-the-canal) or IIC (invisible-in-the-canal) device. The abbreviations CIC and IIC denote two particularly compact hearing aid designs. With a CIC device (CIC = "completely in the canal"), the hearing aid is inserted into the ear canal in such a way that the casing ends at the outer edge of the canal. This makes the hearing aid barely visible from the outside. An IIC device (IIC = "invisible-in-the-canal") is inserted even deeper into the ear canal than a CIC device, specifically into the area of ​​the second bend of the ear canal, i.e., behind the first bend, so that the hearing aid is no longer visible from the outside. In comparison to these two designs, an ITC device (ITC = "in the canal") is also inserted into the ear canal, but only at its beginning, and otherwise fills the outer ear, which offers significantly more space than the ear canal.Even more space is available with a BTE device (BTE = "behind the ear"), in which the housing is worn entirely outside the ear canal and behind the ear. Only a sound tube or a cable leading to a receiver inserted into the ear canal enters the ear canal. With CIC and IIC devices, two specific problems arise: first, the available space within the housing is significantly limited by the dimensions of the ear canal; second, signal transmission from the ear canal is considerably more difficult due to the surrounding head compared to transmission from outside the ear or from the outer ear. The special antenna described here is therefore particularly advantageous for CIC and IIC devices.

[0018] In a suitable embodiment, the antenna is designed as a flexible circuit board with a conductive trace structure. The flexible circuit board is also referred to as a "flex PCB" (PCB = printed circuit board). The flexible circuit board has a substrate layer that is sufficiently thin to be flexible. Preferably, the substrate layer is between 20 µm and 200 µm thick. Preferably, the circuit board is also flexible. In particular, the circuit board is also reversibly deformable. The conductive trace structure implements the electrical properties of the circuit board that are required for an antenna. The conductive trace structure is therefore also referred to as the antenna structure. The conductive trace structure is applied to or embedded in the substrate layer. The conductive trace structure consists in particular of a conductive material or a combination of conductive materials, e.g., generally a metal or specifically copper.A flexible circuit board is particularly suitable as an antenna because it can be manufactured easily and, in particular, flatly. It is then simply folded to fit the housing shell. Separate fastening means are not necessary and are omitted in one advantageous embodiment; in another embodiment, the circuit board is additionally secured, for example, to the housing and / or to a component within it. The circuit board is, for example, soldered, glued, or plugged in, or similarly. When inserted, the conductive traces preferably face outwards and are thus located between the substrate and the inner surface, providing optimal protection for the conductive traces. However, a reverse arrangement, in which the conductive traces face inwards, is also possible and generally suitable.

[0019] In another suitable embodiment, the antenna is a wire or a stamped part made of a conductive material. The wire is shaped appropriately to form an antenna. The wire is, in particular, a metal wire. The same applies to the stamped part, which is cut into a suitable shape to form an antenna. The stamped part is, for example, cut from a metal foil or metal-coated foil. The wire or the stamped part then replaces, in particular, the aforementioned conductor track structure and, in particular, does not require an additional support layer. The wire or the stamped part replicates the conductor track structure described above and is therefore identical to it in shape. Accordingly, the statements regarding the conductor track structure apply analogously to a wire or a stamped part.

[0020] For the realization of an antenna, the same shape is generally suitable for the conductor track structure, the wire, and the stamped part; the respective antennas differ primarily in their manufacturing process. In principle, a conductor track structure, a wire, and / or a stamped part can be combined in any way, so that different parts of the antenna are manufactured in different ways and have different designs.

[0021] The housing shell is fundamentally bowl-shaped, with a base that, when used as intended, extends into the ear canal and an opening that faces outwards and is closed, in particular, by the cover plate. To ensure a good fit in the ear canal, the housing shell tapers towards the base. A sound outlet, such as a hole, is located at the base, through which sound is emitted from the listener towards the eardrum. In this sense, the housing shell is roughly tunnel-like, with a tapered diameter. In cross-section, the housing shell is ring-shaped, although the cross-section is not necessarily circular; rather, "ring-shaped" is more generally understood as a closed loop. In any case, the housing shell, and therefore its inner surface, is curved or bent, thus exhibiting a curved shape.To follow the curved shape of the housing shell, the antenna is bent at least once, thus adapting to any bend or curvature on the inside. The antenna therefore doesn't just run along a small, possibly flat section of the housing shell, but is dimensioned to also accommodate any bend or curvature. Preferably, the antenna even completely encircles the interior and is therefore routed entirely around the inside.

[0022] In this case, the antenna is folded into a funnel shape to run along the housing shell. Starting from a flat state, the antenna is essentially rolled into a funnel and then inserted into the housing shell. The antenna is generally designed in a strip shape, preferably U-shaped, with two ends that are brought together when folded and may overlap. In particular, the antenna runs around the interior at most once, meaning it is not folded in multiple layers. Generally, the folded antenna has two openings that point approximately towards the ear canal. One opening points towards the opening of the housing shell, the other towards the base of the housing shell. Since the antenna follows the shape of the housing shell, when the hearing aid is inserted, it also roughly follows the inner wall of the ear canal.

[0023] In a suitable embodiment, the antenna is completely enclosed within the housing shell. The antenna therefore does not protrude from the housing and is not visible from the outside. The antenna is thus advantageously concealed.

[0024] In a practical configuration, the antenna is a dipole antenna with two arms, each forming an antenna pole. The antenna poles are used for transmitting and / or receiving signals. Both arms are made of an electrically conductive material.

[0025] In a first suitable embodiment, a capacitor is formed at the end of each arm. The antenna is then a dipole antenna with a capacitive load. The two capacitors are each formed, in particular, by a capacitor connected to the respective arm. Preferably, the antenna is a folded dipole. For this purpose, each arm is formed from two conductors running side by side. The two conductors are, in particular, approximately the same length (i.e., a maximum difference of 20%). One of the two conductors of the arm begins at the transmitting and receiving point of the antenna and terminates at the capacitor; the other of the two conductors begins at the capacitor and terminates at a corresponding conductor of the other arm. The other arm with a capacitor is configured analogously. Each capacitor is advantageously U-shaped, with a central leg from which two side legs extend.The two conductors of one arm are then connected to the central leg. The two side legs each run in the direction of the two conductors, specifically parallel to them, and on opposite sides of the two conductors, so that the two conductors lie between the side legs at their ends. The same applies analogously to the other arm.

[0026] In a second suitable embodiment, an inductor is formed at the end of each arm. The antenna is then a dipole antenna with an inductive load. Preferably, each arm is formed from a single conductor with a meandering shape, so that the respective arm simultaneously forms an inductor. The inductor suitably has 5 to 10 bends (also referred to as "turns"). The same applies analogously to the other arm. The two arms are galvanically isolated from each other and converge at a transmitting and receiving point of the antenna. This transmitting and receiving point also marks the point of minimum distance between the two conductors.

[0027] The arms each follow the particularly strip-shaped contour of the antenna, so that when inserted, the arms encompass the interior of the housing shell. The two arms and the two capacitors or inductors are preferably mirror-symmetrical to each other. However, a non-symmetrical configuration is also suitable; in this case, the antenna expediently includes a balancing element (also known as a balun).

[0028] In another suitable embodiment, the antenna is a loop antenna (also known as a frame antenna) with two arms that converge at the transmitting and receiving point on one side and are connected to a capacitor on the opposite side. This capacitor is formed, in particular, by a capacitor with two electrodes, each electrode being connected to one of the arms. The capacitor ensures a uniform current distribution within the antenna. In a particularly simple embodiment, the capacitor is formed simply by two opposing ends of the arms and a gap between them.In another embodiment, the capacitor is a single layer with two electrodes located together in one layer of the antenna, each having several interlocking fingers (also known as an "interdigital capacitor"). In yet another embodiment, the capacitor is a two-layer design with two electrodes arranged in different layers of the antenna. One of the electrodes is then advantageously connected to one of the arms by means of a via. Specifically, if the antenna is a circuit board or similar device, it has a top and a bottom surface, each forming a layer of the board. The via then extends through the substrate layer and connects the two layers.

[0029] Regardless of the antenna's design, it is advantageous for both arms to lie in the same plane or position. This is particularly easy to implement from a manufacturing perspective, especially with a circuit board or similar component. Also independent of the antenna's design, any capacitors or inductors used are either implemented as separate components inserted into the antenna or integrated into it during manufacturing, e.g., printed on.

[0030] As an alternative to an antenna that is entirely enclosed within the housing shell, an advantageous embodiment of the antenna has a first arm and a second arm, with only the first arm being located within the housing shell. The second arm, on the other hand, extends along a pull-out aid on the housing, for example, integrated into the pull-out aid, for removing the housing from the ear. The above descriptions apply accordingly to both arms, but especially to the first arm, particularly those concerning arms, capacitances, and inductances. The pull-out aid is, for example, a thread or handle, e.g., made of plastic, and extends outwards from the housing so that the user can grasp the pull-out handle when the hearing aid is inserted and then pull the entire hearing aid out of the ear canal.The extension aid thus acts as a kind of boom and is therefore particularly suitable for housing at least part of the antenna. For this purpose, the extension aid is advantageously rigid. The antenna, which has one arm along the extension aid, is typically an asymmetrical antenna in which the two arms are excited differentially, and therefore advantageously incorporates a balancing element to improve the transmission characteristics. The second arm is, for example, a simple wire, or is printed as a conductor track on the extension aid, or is otherwise applied to or integrated into the extension aid.

[0031] The antenna, with one arm extending along the extension aid, is configured either as a dipole or a monopole antenna. In a monopole configuration, the first arm is suitably designed as a ground plane, establishing a ground potential, thus making the antenna a monopole, with the second arm acting as an antenna pole. In this case, a balancing element is not necessary and is therefore expediently omitted. Since the ground plane is located within the housing shell, it also provides an advantageous shielding layer around the other components located within the housing shell, thus protecting these components from external interference. The ground plane is preferably designed with two ends that are connected when the antenna is inserted, resulting in a ring-shaped or tunnel-like ground plane.

[0032] An embodiment of the invention is explained in more detail below with reference to a drawing. The drawing schematically depicts: Fig. 1 a hearing aid, Fig. 2 a housing shell and antenna of the hearing aid made of Fig. 1 , Fig. 3 another view of the housing shell and antenna made of Fig. 2 Fig. 4 shows another view of the housing shell and antenna. Fig. 2 , Fig. 5 a variant of the antenna made of Fig. 2 , Fig. 6 the antenna made of Fig. 5 In its folded state, Fig. 7 shows another variant of the antenna made of Fig. 2 , Fig. 8 another variant of the antenna made of Fig. 2 , Fig. 9 a variant of an antenna capacitance made of Fig. 8 , Fig. 10 another variant of an antenna capacitance made of Fig. 8 , Fig. 11 the hearing aid from Fig. 1 with another variant of the antenna made of Fig. 2 , Fig. 12 an arm of the antenna made of Fig. 11 .

[0033] In Fig. 1 A hearing aid 2 is shown, which here is an example of a CIC device. However, the explanations given here also apply analogously to other types of hearing aids. The hearing aid 2 has a housing 4 and an antenna 6. Fig. 1 The antenna 6 is shown only in cross-section. The housing 4 has a housing shell 8, which is also referred to as the "shell". An exemplary embodiment of the housing shell 8 and the antenna 6 is shown. Fig. 1 is in the Fig. 2 - 4 The different perspective views also clearly show the special shape of the antenna 6. The housing shell 8 is designed to be worn in the ear; that is, when the hearing aid 2 is used as intended, the housing shell 8 is inserted into the user's ear canal.

[0034] The housing 4 also includes a cover plate 10, also referred to as a "faceplate," which closes the housing shell 8. When used as intended, the cover plate 10 protrudes from the ear canal and may contain an interface, such as one or more control elements 12, for operating the hearing aid 2. Furthermore, the cover plate 10 is removable, for example, by pivoting, to open the housing 4 and access the inside of the hearing aid 2, for example, to change a battery 14. The cover plate 10 is attached to the housing shell 8; together, they form the housing 4 of the hearing aid 2.

[0035] Antenna 6 is designed for signal transmission via a radio link not explicitly shown. The specific design of the radio link is initially irrelevant. Various embodiments of antenna 6 are described in the Fig. 5 - 8 , 11 und 12 The antenna 6 is shown here as bidirectional, i.e., it functions as both a transmitting and a receiving antenna. In operation, the antenna 6 generally emits and / or receives electromagnetic radiation, specifically via a transmitting and receiving point 16 of the antenna. The transmitting and receiving point 16 is also referred to as the excitation point.

[0036] The housing shell 8 has an inner surface 18. The inner surface 18 faces inwards, i.e., into the interior of the housing 4, and encloses an interior space 18 of the housing 4. This interior space 20 contains one or more components of the hearing aid 2, for example, at least a microphone 22, a receiver 24, a battery 14, and a control unit 26.

[0037] As from the Fig. 2 - 4 As can be seen, the antenna 6 is inserted into the housing shell 8 and runs along the inside 18. Fig. 2 - 4 These do not yet show the final state as in Fig. 1 , but rather the insertion of the antenna 6 into the housing shell 8. The antenna 6 follows an inner contour of the housing shell 8 and, when inserted, rests against the inner surface 18 of the housing shell 8. In this case, the antenna 6 fits snugly against the inside of the housing shell 8 and follows its contour. Furthermore, the antenna 6 forms its own layer or structure within the housing shell 8 and along the inner surface 18, surrounding the other components. The antenna 6 inside the housing 4 is also the outermost component, meaning that all other components within the housing shell 8 are also enclosed by the antenna 6. This is particularly evident in Fig. 1 The antenna 6 thus forms, so to speak, a separating layer between the housing shell 8 and other components within it. In the illustrated embodiments, the antenna 6 is also an independent component that is inserted into the housing shell 8. The antenna 6 is manufactured separately from the housing shell 8. The housing shell 8 is, in this case, a standard component for mass production and is therefore generally suitable for use in various ear canals; it is not a component manufactured individually for a single user.

[0038] Hearing aid 2 serves to output an audio signal to a hearing aid user. Output is achieved via an output transducer, in this case, the receiver 24. Hearing aid 2 shown here is specifically designed to provide hearing aids for users with a hearing impairment and therefore includes at least one acoustic input transducer, in this case, the microphone 22, and the control unit 26, which is designed to process an input signal generated from ambient sound by the input transducer and output it via the output transducer in order to at least partially compensate for the user's hearing impairment. The statements made here also apply to other devices such as tinnitus maskers, headsets, headphones, and the like. Hearing aid 2 shown here is specifically a CIC (Completely-in-the-Canal) device, but the statements apply analogously to an IIC (Integrated-in-the-Canal) device and other types of hearing aids.

[0039] In the various embodiments shown here, the antenna 6 is designed as a flexible circuit board with a conductive trace structure 28. The flexible circuit board is also referred to as a "flex PCB" (PCB = printed circuit board). The flexible circuit board has a substrate layer 30, which is sufficiently thin to be flexible; for example, the substrate layer 30 is between 20 µm and 200 µm thick. The circuit board is also flexible and reversibly deformable. The conductive trace structure 28 implements the electrical properties of the circuit board required for an antenna 6. The conductive trace structure 28 is therefore also referred to as the antenna structure. The conductive trace structure 28 is applied to or embedded in the substrate layer 30. Here, the conductive trace structure 28 consists of a conductive material or a combination of conductive materials.

[0040] In an alternative, not explicitly shown, the antenna 6 is a wire or a stamped part made of a conductive material. The wire is shaped appropriately to form an antenna 6. The same applies to the stamped part, which is cut into a suitable shape to form an antenna 6. The stamped part is, for example, cut from a metal foil or metal-coated foil. The wire or the stamped part then replaces the previously mentioned conductor track structure 28 and does not require an additional support layer. The wire or the stamped part replicates the described conductor track structure 28 and is therefore identical to it in shape. Accordingly, the statements regarding the conductor track structure 28 apply analogously to a wire or a stamped part.

[0041] For the realization of an antenna 6, the same shape is generally suitable for the conductor track structure 28, the wire, and the stamped part; the respective antennas 6 differ primarily in their manufacturing process. In principle, a conductor track structure 28, a wire, and / or a stamped part can be combined arbitrarily, so that different parts of the antenna 6 are manufactured in different ways and have different designs.

[0042] The housing shell 8 is fundamentally shell-shaped, with a base 32 which, when used as intended, extends into the ear canal and has an opening 34 that then faces outwards and is closed by the cover plate 10. To ensure a good fit to the ear canal, the housing shell 8 tapers towards the base 32. A sound outlet 36 is also located at the base 32, through which sound from the receiver 24 is emitted towards the eardrum. In this sense, the housing shell 8 is roughly tunnel-shaped, with a tapered diameter, as also seen in the Fig. 2 - 4 This is evident. In cross-section, the housing shell 8 is ring-shaped. Furthermore, the housing shell 8, and thus also its inner surface 18, is curved or bent, i.e., it has a curved profile. To follow this curved profile of the housing shell 8, the antenna 6 is bent at least once and thus adapted to a bend or curvature of the inner surface 18. The antenna 6 therefore does not only run along the housing shell 8 in a small and possibly flat section, but is dimensioned in such a way that it also covers a bend or curvature. In the embodiments shown here, the antenna 6 even completely encircles the interior 18 and is accordingly guided once completely around the inner surface 18, as is particularly well illustrated in the Fig. 2 - 4 is recognizable.

[0043] Furthermore, it is from the Fig. 2 - 4 It is evident that the antenna 6 is folded into a funnel shape here in order to run along the housing shell 8. The funnel shape of the antenna 6 is also evident in Fig. 6 recognizable in which antenna 6 from Fig. 5 shown in a folded state. Antenna 6 is shown, so to speak, starting from a flat state as in Fig. 5 , 7 , 8 , 12 to a funnel like in Fig. 6 rolled up and then inserted into the housing shell 8. As shown in the Fig. 5 , 7 , 8 and 12As can be seen, the antenna 6 is generally strip-shaped, in this case even U-shaped, with two ends which are brought together when folded and may then overlap. The antenna 6 runs at most once around the interior 18, meaning it is not folded in multiple layers. Generally, the folded antenna 6 then has two openings 38, which point approximately towards the ear canal. One opening 38 points towards the opening 34 of the housing shell 8, the other towards the base 32.

[0044] In the designs of the Fig. 1 - 8 The antenna 6 is completely enclosed within the housing shell 8. The antenna 6 therefore does not protrude from the housing 4 and is not visible from the outside.

[0045] In the designs of the Fig. 5 and 7Antenna 6 is a dipole antenna with two arms 40, each forming an antenna pole. The antenna poles are used for transmitting and / or receiving signals. Both arms 40 are made of an electrically conductive material.

[0046] In the design of the Fig. 5 Each arm 40 has a capacitance 42 at its end, formed by a metal surface connected to the respective arm 40, thus forming a capacitor. The antenna 6 shown here is a folded dipole. Each arm 40 consists of two conductors 44 running side by side. The two conductors 44 are approximately the same length (i.e., a maximum difference of 20%). One of the two conductors 44 of arm 40 begins at the transmitting and receiving point 16 and terminates at the capacitance 42. The other conductor 44 begins at the capacitance 42 and terminates at a corresponding conductor 44 of the other arm 40. The other arm 40 with capacitance 42 is configured analogously. Each capacitance 42 is specifically U-shaped, with a central leg 46 from which two side legs 48 extend. The two conductors 44 of an arm 40 are then connected to the middle leg 46.The two side arms 48 each extend in the direction of the two conductors 44, here even parallel to them, and on opposite sides of the two conductors 44, so that the two conductors 44 lie at their ends between the side arms 48. The same applies analogously to the other arm 40. Fig. 5 The conductors 44 and the capacitors 42 form a conductor track structure 28, which is applied to a carrier layer 30.

[0047] In the design of the Fig. 7 Each arm 40 has an inductor 50 at its end. In this case, each arm 40 is formed from a single conductor 44 with a meandering shape, so that each arm 40 simultaneously forms an inductor 50. In this case, the inductor 50 has eight bends. The same applies analogously to the other arm 40. The two arms 40 are also galvanically isolated from each other and converge at the transmitting and receiving point 16 of the antenna 6, which also marks the point of minimum distance between the two conductors 44. Fig. 7 The conductors 44, which are also inductors 50, form a conductor track structure 28, which is applied to a carrier layer 30.

[0048] In the Fig. 5 and 7The arms 40 each follow the strip-shaped contour of the antenna 6, so that when inserted, the arms 40 encompass the interior 18 of the housing shell 8. The two arms 40 and the two capacitors 42 or inductors 50 are also mirror-symmetrical to each other. However, a non-symmetrical configuration is also possible; in this case, the antenna 6 optionally includes a balancing element not explicitly shown.

[0049] In Fig. 8 Another embodiment is shown in which the antenna 6 is a loop antenna with two arms 40, which converge on a first side at the transmitting and receiving point 16 and which are connected on a second side, opposite the first side, to a capacitor 52. The capacitor 52 is formed by a capacitor with two electrodes 54, each of which is connected to one of the arms 40.

[0050] In Fig. 8 The capacity 52 is simply formed by two opposite ends of the arms 40 and an intermediate gap 56. Fig. 9 A variant of the capacitor 52 is shown, which here is designed as a single layer, with two electrodes 54 that lie together in one layer of the antenna 6 and each have several fingers 58, the fingers 58 of the two electrodes 54 interlocking. Fig. 10 Another variant of the capacitor 52 is shown, which here is designed in two layers, with two electrodes 54 arranged in different positions of the antenna 6. One of the electrodes 54 is then connected to one of the arms 40 by means of a via 60.

[0051] Regardless of the design of the antenna 6, both arms 40 of it lie together in the same plane or position in the illustrated embodiments. Also independent of the design of the antenna 6, any capacitors 42, 52 or inductors 50 used are either designed as separate components inserted into the antenna 6, or – as shown here – integrated into the antenna 6 during its manufacture, e.g., printed on it.

[0052] As an alternative to an antenna 6 which is arranged completely within the housing shell 8, the antenna 6 in an alternative embodiment, such as in the Fig. 11 und 12 The figure shows a first arm 62 and a second arm 64, with only the first arm 62 being arranged within the housing shell 8. The second arm 64, on the other hand, is formed along a pull-out aid 66 of the housing 4. For both arms 62, 64, but especially for the first arm 62, the explanations above regarding arms 40, capacitors 42, 52, and inductors 50 apply accordingly. The pull-out aid 66 is, for example, a thread or handle, e.g., made of plastic, and extends outwards and away from the housing 4, so that the user can grasp the pull-out handle 66 when inserted and then pull the entire hearing aid 2 out of the ear canal. The antenna 6 is then a non-symmetrical antenna 6. The second arm 64 is, for example, a simple wire or is printed as a conductor track onto the pull-out aid 66 or is otherwise applied to or integrated into the pull-out aid 66.

[0053] The antenna 6 with an arm 64 along the extension aid 66 is designed either as a dipole antenna or as a monopole antenna. In the Fig. 11 und 12 A configuration as a monopole antenna is shown; a configuration as a dipole antenna results, for example, from combination with the explanations regarding the Fig. 5 , 7 und 8 . In the Fig. 11 und 12 The first arm 62 is configured as a ground plane and establishes a ground potential, so that the antenna 6 is then a monopole antenna, with the second arm 64 as an antenna pole. In this case, no balancing element is necessary. Since the ground plane is located inside the housing shell 8, it also forms a shielding layer around the other components located inside the housing shell 8, thus shielding these components against external interference. As can be seen from the in Fig. 12As can be seen in the flat state of the ground plane shown, it has two ends 68 which are connected to each other when the antenna 6 is inserted, so that the ground plane is ring-shaped or tunnel-like. Reference symbol list

[0054] 2 Hearing aid 4 Housing 6 Antenna 8 Housing shell 10 Cover plate 12 Control element 14 Battery 16 Transmit and receive point 18 Inside 20 Interior 22 Microphone 24 Receiver 26 Control unit 28 Conductor structure 30 Carrier layer 32 Base 34 Opening (of the housing shell) 36 Sound outlet 38 Opening (of the antenna) 40 Arm 42 Capacitance 44 Conductor 46 Center leg 48 Side leg 50 Inductance 52 Capacitance 54 Electrode 56 Gap 58 Finger 60 Via 62 First arm 64 Second arm 66 Extraction aid 68 Ends (of the ground plane)

Claims

1. Hearing aid (2), which has a housing (4) and an antenna (6), - wherein the housing (6) has a housing shell (8), to be worn in the ear, - wherein the antenna (6) is designed for signal transmission via a radio connection, - wherein the housing shell (8) has an inner side (18), - wherein the antenna (6) is bent at least once to follow a bent profile of the housing shell (8), - wherein the antenna (6) is inserted into the housing shell (8) and extends along the inner side (18), the antenna (6) then following an inside profile of the housing shell (8), - wherein the antenna (6) is not integrated in the housing shell (8), - wherein the antenna (6) is an independent component, which is inserted into the housing shell (8), the antenna (6) thus being produced separately from the housing shell (8), characterized - in that the antenna (6) is folded into a funnel shape in order to extend along the housing shell (8).

2. Hearing aid (2) according to Claim 1, wherein the antenna (6) presses against the inner side (18) of the housing shell (8).

3. Hearing aid (2) according to either one of Claims 1 and 2, wherein it is a CIC device or an IIC device.

4. Hearing aid (2) according to any one of Claims 1 to 3, wherein the antenna (6) is designed as a flexible printed circuit board having a conductor track structure (28).

5. Hearing aid (2) according to any one of Claims 1 to 3, wherein the antenna (6) is a wire or a stamped part, produced from a conductive material.

6. Hearing aid (2) according to any one of Claims 1 to 5, wherein the housing shell (8) is formed like a shell, having a base, which extends when used as intended into the auditory canal, and having an opening, which then faces outward and is closed using a cover plate, wherein the folded antenna (6) has two openings, one opening facing in the direction of the opening of the housing shell (8) and the other opening facing in the direction of the base of the housing shell (8).

7. Hearing aid (2) according to any one of Claims 1 to 6, wherein the antenna (6) is arranged completely inside the housing shell (8).

8. Hearing aid (2) according to any one of Claims 1 to 7, wherein the antenna (6) is a dipole antenna, having two arms (40), at the end of each of which a capacitance (42) or an inductance (50) is formed.

9. Hearing aid (2) according to any one of Claims 1 to 7, wherein the antenna (6) is a frame antenna, having two arms (40), which run together on a first side to form a transmitting and receiving point (16) and which are connected on a second side, which is opposite to the first, to a capacitance (52).

10. Hearing aid (2) according to any one of Claims 1 to 6, wherein the antenna (6) has a first arm (62) and a second arm (64), wherein only the first arm (62) is arranged inside the housing shell (8), wherein the second arm (64) is formed along a pullout aid (66) of the housing (4), for pulling the housing (4) out of the ear.

11. Hearing aid (2) according to Claim 10, wherein the first arm (62) is formed as a ground surface and forms a ground potential, so that the antenna (6) is a monopole antenna, having the second arm (64) as an antenna pole.

12. Method for producing a hearing aid (2), - wherein the hearing aid (2) has a housing (4) and an antenna (6), - wherein the housing (4) has a housing shell (8) to be worn in the ear, - wherein the antenna (6) is designed for signal transmission via a radio connection, - wherein the housing shell (8) has an inner side (18), - wherein the antenna (6) is bent at least once to follow a bent profile of the housing shell (8), - wherein the antenna (6) is inserted into the housing shell (8) and then extends along the inner side (18), the antenna (6) then following an inside profile of the housing shell (8), - wherein the antenna (6) is not integrated in the housing shell (8), wherein the antenna (6) is an independent component, which is inserted into the housing shell (8), the antenna (6) thus being produced separately from the housing shell (8), characterized in that the antenna (6) is folded into a funnel shape in order to extend along the housing shell (8).