Ear system with adaptable structure

Abstract

An ear system having at least one main component which can be positioned in a person's ear canal, said main component having a core and an adaptable structure, the adaptable structure being arranged on the core in connection therewith and being configured for adaptation to a surface of the person's ear canal and / or eardrum in a location in which the main component can be properly positioned.

Description

[0001] Ear system with adjustable structure

[0002] The following solutions are known from the state of the art: - Eardrum lenses that are individualized for the patient's tympanic membrane during manufacturing.

[0003] Adjustments are made to, for example, the size, the shape (e.g., round vs. oval), the 3D shape of the solid structures (e.g., actuator), and also the actual (silicone lens) itself. The eardrum shape is adapted to the eardrum as ideally as possible. Ideally, it allows for the exchange of air and / or water vapor, e.g., by using a suitably semipermeable material and / or by implementing a macroscopically air-permeable design for the eardrum contact surface.

[0004] Ideally, it should have good adhesion, e.g. by adapting the eardrum contact shape as well as possible or by microstructuring the surface in contact with the eardrum.

[0005] The invention relates to an ear system according to claim 1. The dependent claims specify advantageous further developments of the ear system according to the invention.

[0006] Overall system

[0007] The present invention relates to a system (hereinafter also referred to as the overall system, even though the system may include further components in addition to those mentioned) whose central component is designed for placement in the ear canal: at least one main component that is positioned in a person's ear canal and remains in that position for an extended period of time. One possible embodiment of the main component can be positioned directly on the eardrum (hereinafter referred to as the eardrum component). An alternative embodiment of the main component can be positioned in the ear canal, but not on the eardrum, of a person (hereinafter referred to as the ear canal component).

[0008] The main component advantageously also has at least one adjustable structure which, in its intended position, provides support and / or positioning for the at least one main component against at least one fixed point and / or at least one surface of the ear canal and / or the eardrum of a person. Unless otherwise specified, in the context of this description, the phrase "in the ear canal" is always to be understood synonymously with the phrase "in the ear canal and / or on the eardrum".

[0009] Furthermore, other components can be part of the overall system.

[0010] Main component

[0011] The main component is advantageously worn in the ear canal for an extended period. There are several advantages to arranging components in a person's ear canal. For example, complete systems for compensating for hearing loss and / or for health monitoring can be implemented. A main component advantageously comprises two parts: at least one adaptable structure and at least one core. The core of a main component can include at least one further component, or at least one (further) component can form the core entirely. One embodiment of such a further component can, for example, be a functional element. Within the scope of the invention of the complete system, it is advantageous to provide at least one main component with a functional element. The functional element can thus be part of a main component.

[0012] The functional element can be, for example, a sound-receiving and / or sound-emitting component, which serves, for instance, to implement a hearing aid. Other possible functional elements whose placement in a person's ear canal is advantageous include, for example, modules for targeted drug delivery, power sources in the form of a rechargeable or primary battery, electrical or optical interfaces, (signal) processors for processing and / or sending and / or receiving information, components for transmitting energy, accelerometers, pressure sensors, or sensors for monitoring physiological parameters and / or the environment.

[0013] Since the at least one main component may be used in a potentially moist biological environment, it is advantageous if the electrical voltages applied to the at least one main component and / or parts thereof, which may advantageously be DC voltages, are less than 5 volts, preferably less than 4.3 volts, and particularly preferably less than 1.3 volts. Alternatively or additionally, it is also possible to encapsulate the at least one main component and / or parts thereof in a liquid-tight and / or electrically insulating manner, so that it does not come into contact with any liquid that may surround the at least one main component.

[0014] Encapsulation can also be suitable for improving the functionality and durability of the overall system and / or the first main component. It can protect against environmental influences such as moisture, earwax, and / or other contaminants found in the ear canal.

[0015] Furthermore, encapsulation can help stabilize sensitive materials or mechanisms within the device, such as electronic components. It prevents direct contact between these components and the biological elements of the ear canal, which could otherwise cause corrosion or damage from moisture and salts. Encapsulation also advantageously contributes to the device's comfort by smoothing any edges or protrusions that could irritate the sensitive skin in the ear canal, thus improving wearing comfort over extended periods.

[0016] Furthermore, the encapsulation material can be selected to contribute to the overall system performance. For example, the use of materials with specific acoustic properties can help control sound transmission through the device by either focusing or attenuating the sound waves.

[0017] A possible encapsulation can, for example, consist of or incorporate one or more of the following materials: silicone, polyurethane, thermoplastic elastomers (TPE), parylene, other polymers such as acrylic-based polymers, aluminum oxide, titanium dioxide, or silicon dioxide. Possible manufacturing processes for an encapsulation include injection molding, transfer molding, dip coating, brushing or spraying, vulcanization, spin deposition, atomic layer deposition, and physical or chemical vapor deposition.

[0018] The diameter of the main component should preferably be small enough to fit into the ear canal without causing irritation or discomfort. The diameter of a main component describes the component's extension in the direction of its smallest dimension. Advantageously, the main component has a diameter of < 14 mm, preferably < 12 mm, preferably < 10 mm, preferably < 8 mm, preferably < 6 mm and / or > 0.5 mm, preferably > 1 mm, preferably > 2 mm, preferably > 3 mm, preferably > 4 mm. The length of a main component can vary depending on the design and application. The length of a main component is the component's extension in the direction of its largest dimension. Advantageously, the main component has a length of < 25 mm, preferably < 20 mm, preferably < 15 mm, preferably < 10 mm, preferably < 5 mm and / or > 0.5 mm, preferably > 1 mm, preferably > 2 mm, preferably > 3 mm.

[0019] The weight of at least one main component is advantageously as low as possible, ideally in the milligram range < 2 g, preferably < 1 g, preferably < 500 mg, preferably < 250 mg, preferably < 100 mg and / or > 10 mg, preferably > 20 mg, preferably > 30 mg, preferably > 40 mg, preferably > 50 mg.

[0020] Advantageously, at least one main component is designed to be at least partially transparent to sound within a specific frequency spectrum. This allows a person to perceive sound sources in their environment naturally, even though they are wearing at least one main component in their ear.

[0021] However, it can also be advantageous to design at least one main component in such a way that it attenuates the sound energy of a specific frequency spectrum from sound sources in its environment as much as possible for the person. Preferably, the specific frequency spectrum is a hearing frequency range. The hearing frequency range within the meaning of this invention advantageously comprises a range of < 20 kHz, preferably < 16 kHz, preferably 14 kHz, preferably 12 kHz, preferably < 10 kHz, preferably < 8 kHz and / or > 10 Hz, preferably > 20 Hz, preferably > 40 Hz, preferably > 80 Hz.

[0022] In an advantageous embodiment, electrical energy and / or an information signal can be supplied wirelessly to the at least one main component. For this purpose, the at least one main component can advantageously have a wireless interface for transmitting energy and / or an information signal. The wireless interface should advantageously be easy to use for the user of the at least one main component. For wireless transmission, inductive energy transfer, capacitive energy transfer, and / or energy transfer using electromagnetic waves such as radio waves or light, or even energy transfer using ultrasound, are possible, for example. In this way, it is possible to avoid electrical contacts on the at least one main component that are susceptible to contamination and wear, and also to avoid physical contact with the at least one main component.

[0023] However, it is also possible to supply the energy and / or the information signal to at least one main component via a fixed or detachable cable connection. Such a fixed or detachable cable connection could, for example, be a plug connection or a contact connection.

[0024] Energy and / or an information signal can be transferred, for example, from a first main component to a second main component. Advantageously, the first main component is a tympanic membrane component and the second main component is an ear canal component, or vice versa. However, it is also possible to supply energy and / or an information signal from an external module to a main component, or vice versa.

[0025] The main component can advantageously be designed to remain continuously in the ear canal for an extended period of time, for example, more than one day, preferably more than one week, and most preferably more than one month. Advantageously, it is not removed by the patient.

[0026] tympanic membrane component

[0027] Placing a key component directly on the eardrum in the form of a tympanic membrane component offers possibilities for improved listening experiences and / or health monitoring. For example, the use of sound-receiving and / or sound-emitting components on the eardrum can enhance the sound experience of hearing aids.

[0028] Eardrum contact hearing aids advantageously use a functional element in the form of a vibratory element to transmit audio signals in the form of vibrations directly or indirectly to the eardrum. Advantageously, an eardrum component therefore has at least one vibratory element.

[0029] Preferably, the drumhead component has at least one drumhead contact form to contact the drumhead. The drumhead component therefore has at least one drumhead contact form and at least one further functional element, which is, for example, a vibratory element.

[0030] It is preferred that the eardrum component has a minimum diameter smaller than the minimum diameter of the eardrum and / or a maximum diameter smaller than the maximum diameter of the eardrum. In this way, by appropriately orienting the eardrum component, it can rest completely on the eardrum without touching its edge. Preferably, these dimensions can be individually adapted to the dimensions of the eardrum of the person in whom the eardrum component is to be worn. However, it is also possible to adapt these dimensions to the average dimensions of eardrums of people of a corresponding age group or other categorized group.Advantageously, for example, the largest diameter of the tympanic membrane component can be less than or equal to 12 mm, particularly preferably less than or equal to 10 mm, particularly preferably less than or equal to 9 mm, and particularly preferably less than or equal to 7 mm. Advantageously, the smallest diameter of the tympanic membrane component can also be greater than or equal to 3 mm, preferably greater than or equal to 5 mm.

[0031] Advantageously, the tympanic membrane component has at least one contact point. This at least one contact point is advantageously positioned in the center of the tympanic membrane component and / or as close as possible to the umbo when the tympanic membrane component is positioned in its intended position on a person's tympanic membrane.

[0032] At least one contact point can be advantageously positioned on the caudal / posterior side of the tympanic membrane component to counteract outward displacement of the tympanic membrane component.

[0033] Ear canal component

[0034] The placement of at least one main component in the ear canal in the form of an ear canal component offers various advantages with regard to the comfort, functionality and safety of an overall system in accordance with the invention.

[0035] An ear canal component can preferably be placed deep in the ear canal. For example, a proximal end of an ear canal component in its intended state can be located close to the eardrum at a distance of < 15 mm, preferably < 12.5 mm, preferably < 10 mm, preferably < 7.5 mm, preferably < 5 mm and / or > 1 mm, preferably > 2 mm, preferably > 3 mm, preferably > 4 mm, preferably > 5 mm, preferably > 6 mm, preferably > 7 mm.

[0036] Advantageously, a distal end of an ear canal component can be located proximal to a distal end of the ear canal, preferably at a distance of < 5 mm, preferably < 7.5 mm, preferably < 10 mm, preferably < 12.5 mm, preferably < 15 mm and / or > 0 mm, preferably > 2.5 mm, preferably > 5 mm, preferably > 7.5 mm, preferably > 10 mm, preferably > 15 mm.

[0037] Advantageously, the ear canal component is held in the ear canal and / or on the eardrum by an optional retention structure, which may be part of the ear canal component. In this case, the ear canal component has at least two subcomponents: a retention structure and a core, which is held in the ear canal and / or on the eardrum by the retention structure and may contain further components and / or parts such as functional elements.

[0038] The at least one retaining structure can be designed such that it partially rests against the ear canal wall and / or the eardrum when the ear canal component is positioned in a person's ear canal. In an advantageous embodiment, the ear canal component can be resiliently mounted relative to the ear canal and / or the eardrum by means of at least one spring element.

[0039] In one possible embodiment of the invention, the ear canal component has at least one contact point suitable for establishing a detachable mechanical and / or electrical and / or optical connection with at least one spring element.

[0040] In an alternative advantageous embodiment, at least one spring element can be mechanically fixed to the ear canal component. Advantageously, an ear canal component, in its intended position, can be in mechanical contact with at least a portion of the ear canal wall and is mechanically fixed or detachably connected to at least one spring element, such that, in the intended position of the ear canal component and spring element, a force exerted by the spring element is transmitted through the ear canal component to the ear canal wall.

[0041] Customizable structure

[0042] In the context of the invention, the at least one main component can have at least one adaptable structure. The adaptable structure can be detachably or permanently connected to the at least one main component.

[0043] Due to movement (e.g., sports, jaw movements), the main component may loosen from its original position in the ear canal. Positional instability (i.e., shifting or tilting along the ear canal) of the main component can impair the functionality of the overall system or reduce wearing comfort. In cases of severe positional instability, the main component may fall completely out of the ear canal, become damaged itself, or even cause injuries, for example, to the eardrum.

[0044] To solve this problem, preferably at least one main component is held in place for the duration of wear by means of at least one adjustable structure in the ear canal and / or directly on the eardrum. A key function of the adjustable structure is to position the at least one main component in a person's ear canal in a designated position or to stabilize its position there. For this purpose, the adjustable structure should be brought into contact with at least one fixed point and / or at least one surface of the ear canal.

[0045] The adaptability of the adjustable structure offers the advantage of allowing for individual customization to the user's ear canal. This adaptable structure ensures that at least one main component remains securely in place, thus minimizing the risk of displacement or accidental removal.

[0046] The adaptability of the adjustable structure to the contours of the individual ear canal also advantageously reduces the discomfort often associated with conventional, non-adjustable components. It reduces or prevents pressure points and irritation, allowing components to be worn in the ear canal for extended periods without causing the user discomfort.

[0047] In a further embodiment of the invention, the adaptability of the adjustable structure can improve the performance of the overall system. This is the case, for example, when an improved seal of the ear canal, achieved through the adaptability of the adjustable structure, reduces sound loss and / or improves acoustic isolation in the ear canal, which can impair the efficiency of overall systems such as hearing aids, in-ear monitors, or other technologies for sound reproduction or hearing assistance. However, good mechanical coupling of a main component to a wall in an ear canal can also improve the acoustic emission capability of an electroacoustic transducer, such as a vibratory element. Furthermore, the adaptability of the adjustable structure can improve handling for a user, such as inserting a main component into a person's ear canal.

[0048] The adaptability of the adaptable structure can be achieved in various ways. For example, an advantageous embodiment of the adaptability can be realized by enabling the adaptable structure to be transformed from a state of lower hardness to a state of higher hardness. This can be achieved, for instance, by applying a hardening process. For this purpose, the adaptable structure can either have a hardenable structure or consist entirely of a hardenable structure.

[0049] In some embodiments of the invention, it may be advantageous to first produce a state of lower hardness by applying a softening process.

[0050] A hardening and / or softening process can be achieved, for example, by supplying thermal, optical, electromagnetic, electrical, mechanical, and / or magnetic energy. Such energy can be supplied externally, for example, using an applicator. In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the hardening process can be carried out by the main element itself. In this case, for example, a functional element, configured as a heating element or a lighting element, can be incorporated into the main element.

[0051] Alternatively, a hardening process can be carried out by applying moisture or with the help of biocompatible chemicals.

[0052] Alternatively, a hardening and / or softening process can be achieved by extracting thermal energy. In one exemplary embodiment of the invention, the main component with the curable structure is heated before insertion into the ear canal to soften it. After insertion into the ear canal, the curable structure cools down, resulting in hardening.

[0053] In another optional embodiment, hardening is achieved by means of optical irradiation of the adaptable structure in a spectral range after the main component has been inserted into its intended position in a person's ear canal.

[0054] Advantageously, the main component incorporates a functional element suitable for monitoring the curing process. This can be achieved, for example, using a strain, force, temperature, or light sensor. In its reduced-hardness state, at least one main component with the adaptable structure is inserted into the ear canal of a person in its intended position. Advantageously, the adaptable structure, in its original form outside the ear canal, has a shape whose dimensions are greater than the dimensions of the ear canal at its intended position.

[0055] Advantageously, the remaining parts of the main component (the core) have a shape whose dimensions are smaller than the dimensions of the ear canal at its intended position. In this way, the adaptable structure is deformed in such a way that it is optimally adapted to the geometry of the ear canal.

[0056] Advantageously, the adaptable structure, when positioned as intended in a person's ear canal, is in direct contact with the ear canal, for example, with the ear canal wall and / or the eardrum. An advantageous embodiment of the invention can be realized in which the adaptable structure consists, firstly, of an adaptable element which, when positioned as intended in a person's ear canal, is not in direct contact with the ear canal. Additionally, in this embodiment, the adaptable structure has an additional contact structure which, due to its geometric or material properties, is better suited to be in contact with a person's ear canal.

[0057] In an advantageous embodiment, the adaptable structure has at least one bistable, multistable, and / or metastable structure. These structures have the ability to exist in several stable or semistable states, which can be advantageous for creating an element that can adapt to the individual shapes of an ear canal and reliably maintain this shape.

[0058] Bistable structures exhibit two stable states between which they can switch under certain stimuli (such as pressure, temperature, or magnetic fields). A bistable spring, for example, can assume a flattened and a curved state. Advantageously, an adaptable structure containing a bistable element is in a first, for example, flattened state before insertion into the ear canal and is then activated after insertion to switch to a second, for example, curved state that conforms to the contours of the ear canal. Multistable structures function similarly but offer more than two stable states. This complexity allows for finer adjustment of the adaptable structure's shape.

[0059] Metastable structures are those that are stable under certain conditions but can change when subjected to external forces. They can be designed to temporarily maintain a shape that adapts to the ear canal and can be adjusted or reset as needed.

[0060] It is advantageous to adapt the adjustable structure in the ear to the actual geometry of the ear canal. However, it can also be advantageous to adapt it to a model that replicates the geometry of the ear canal of the person in whom the main component is to be implanted as closely as possible. A model can be created, for example, by taking an optical or plastic impression of the ear canal and then manufacturing a corresponding model using additive or subtractive manufacturing based on the impression data.

[0061] It can be advantageous to dimension the size of the adjustable structure so that it is suitable for use in all or as many different ear canals as possible. Alternatively, it can be advantageous to use a small number of standard sizes and to make the adaptability of the adjustable structure fine-tuned based on the originally selected standard size.

[0062] The selection of suitable materials and manufacturing processes for an adaptable structure is crucial for achieving the desired properties and functions. Suitable materials include shape-memory polymers (SMPs), as they can change their shape at a specific temperature and return to their original shape at another. Certain polymers, such as thermosets, which harden irreversibly upon application of energy, are also suitable because they are soft when inserted into the ear canal, allowing them to conform to its shape and be stabilized through a hardening process.

[0063] Silicone-based materials offer an alternative, as some formulations can remain soft until activated by heat or a chemical catalyst, at which point they cure to a harder state. Photocurable resins, which harden upon exposure to specific wavelengths of light, are another option.

[0064] Advantageously, the adaptable structure comprises a material, or consists of a material, that exhibits increased deformation stability at acoustic frequencies compared to the static case. This means that the structure deforms less when a static or periodic force with a defined amplitude is applied, as the frequency increases.

[0065] Adaptability of an adaptable structure can be achieved, for example, by using a suitable material. However, it is also possible to achieve adaptability through appropriate structuring, such as microstructuring.

[0066] Advantageously, the adaptable structure has an auxetic structure. An auxetic structure contains or consists of at least one auxetic material. Auxetic materials are characterized by the property of becoming thicker when stretched perpendicular to the applied force. This behavior is due to their negative Poisson's ratio. When an auxetic structure is stretched or compressed, it changes its thickness and density in such a way that it adapts to the shape of the surrounding space—in this case, the ear canal. Another advantage of the auxetic structure is that it distributes the pressure exerted upon it evenly. This reduces the likelihood of localized pressure points and thus increases wearing comfort in the ear canal.

[0067] Advantageously, the adjustable structure is positioned between a vibratory element and the eardrum.

[0068] vibrating element

[0069] The function of the vibratory element can be both to cause a vibratory excitation of the eardrum and to support the finding of an equilibrium position of the eardrum component on the eardrum.

[0070] A vibratory element can also be understood as an element that converts an electrical and / or optical input signal into a mechanical vibration and / or that converts mechanical vibrations into electrical or optical signals.

[0071] Advantageously, the mechanical vibrations are sound vibrations. For the purposes of this application, sound vibrations are understood to be vibrations with frequencies perceptible to the human ear, i.e., vibrations between approximately 20 Hz and 20,000 Hz. These sound vibrations are also suitable for exciting sound waves in a medium, in particular air or perilymph.

[0072] Possible configurations of such a vibratory element, or parts thereof, include a balanced armature receiver, MEMS micro-speaker, piezoelectric, electromagnetic, electrodynamic, or electrostatic loudspeaker, or another type of actuator. Sound generation can be electrostatic, electrodynamic, electromagnetic, or piezoelectric. Advantageously, the vibratory element is designed as a planar transducer.

[0073] Flat transducer

[0074] A planar transducer can be understood as a transducer that extends further in a planar direction, preferably a plane, than in a thickness direction perpendicular to it. Advantageously, the maximum extent in the planar direction can be greater than or equal to 5 times the maximum extent in the thickness direction, preferably 7 times, preferably 10 times, preferably 20 times.

[0075] Preferably, the area of ​​the transducer, in which it extends planarly, covers the entire extent of the tympanic membrane contact shape, with the exception of those areas that serve to support the planar transducer and / or connect the planar transducer to the tympanic membrane contact shape. The extent of the tympanic membrane contact shape can be understood as a projection of the surface of the tympanic membrane contact shape onto the plane in which the transducer extends planarly.

[0076] Alternatively or additionally, a planar transducer can also be understood as a transducer that performs vibrations in the direction of a normal on the transducer's surface. In this case, the direction of the maximum amplitude of the vibrations of vibrating or oscillating components is preferably perpendicular to the surface on which the transducer extends.

[0077] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the planar transducer can have a membrane structure comprising at least one support layer and at least one piezoelectric layer arranged on the support layer. The support layer and the piezoelectric layer thus form a layered system in which the support layer and the piezoelectric layer are arranged parallel to each other. In this embodiment, mechanical vibrations of the membrane structure can be generated by applying a voltage, in particular an alternating voltage, to the piezoelectric layer. This utilizes the fact that the piezoelectric layer deforms when the voltage is applied, with the direction of the deformation depending on the sign of the applied voltage.A membrane structure can be understood here as a structure that essentially extends over a plane, meaning it has a significantly larger extent in two dimensions than in the dimension perpendicular to those two dimensions. The two dimensions in which the membrane structure primarily extends define the membrane surface and the surface of the transducer.

[0078] The membrane structure is particularly preferred for this purpose, implemented using thin-film technology. Thin films are advantageous because high fields are required to generate high energy densities, while the achievable voltages should be as low as possible due to the biological environment. The required energy densities can be achieved in a thin-film membrane.

[0079] In particular, the piezoelectric layers can be produced using thin-film technology according to the invention. For this purpose, piezoelectric material can be applied to the membrane structure of a piezoelectric layer to be produced, in a thickness corresponding to that of the piezoelectric layer. This application can be carried out using deposition techniques such as physical vapor deposition, chemical vapor deposition, sol-gel processes, and others.

[0080] Preferably, the piezoelectric layers have a thickness of < 20 pm, preferably < 10 pm, particularly preferably < 5 pm and / or > 0.2 pm, preferably > 1 pm, preferably > 1.5 pm, particularly preferably ≥ 2 pm. The electrode layers preferably have a thickness of < 0.5 pm, preferably < 0.2 pm, particularly preferably < 0.1 pm and / or > 0.02 pm, preferably > 0.05 pm and particularly preferably > 0.08 pm.

[0081] It is preferred that the membrane structure has a circular or oval circumference. In particular, it is advantageous if the circumference of the membrane structure corresponds to the circumference of the eardrum, so that the circumference of the membrane structure runs approximately parallel to the circumference of the eardrum when the transducer is positioned. An n-sided circumference of the membrane structure, with n preferably > 6, is also possible. To set the membrane structure into vibration and / or to tap a voltage from the piezoelectric layer, at least one first and at least one second electrode layer can be arranged on the membrane structure, with the at least one piezoelectric layer being arranged between the first and second electrode layers. The electrode layers preferably cover the piezoelectric layer and are arranged with parallel planes on or adjacent to the piezoelectric layer.Preferably, the first or second electrode layer is arranged between the substrate layer and the piezoelectric layer, such that the piezoelectric layer is positioned over one of the electrode layers on the substrate layer. Particularly preferably, the piezoelectric layer and the electrode layers completely cover each other.

[0082] Preferably, the planar transducer is connected at least partially at its edge to the edge of the eardrum contact form. The connection can be direct or via one or more additional components, although a direct connection is preferred. It is particularly preferred if the planar transducer is connected to the eardrum contact form along its entire circumference. Preferably, the planar transducer and the eardrum contact form can have the same circumferential shape, so that the diaphragm structure and the eardrum contact form can be connected to each other along their entire edge.

[0083] The invention will now be explained by way of example with reference to several figures. Identical reference numerals denote identical or corresponding features. The features described in the examples can also be implemented independently of the corresponding example and combined between different examples.

[0084] In the figures, the reference symbols indicate the following components:

[0085] 1: Main component

[0086] 2: Core

[0087] 3: Vibratory element 4: Adaptable structure

[0088] 5: Cable connection

[0089] 6: External Module

[0090] 7: Wireless interface

[0091] 8: Ear canal

[0092] 9: Ear canal wall

[0093] 10: Eardrum

[0094] 11: Tympanic membrane component

[0095] 12: Ear canal component

[0096] 13: Overall system

[0097] 14: Functional element

[0098] 15: Encapsulation

[0099] 16: Applicator

[0100] 17: Energy required to carry out a hardening process and / or softening process

[0101] 18: Curable structure

[0102] 19: Customizable element

[0103] 20: Contact structure

[0104] Fig. 1 shows a complete system 13 according to the invention, comprising a main component 1 designed as a tympanic membrane component 11. The tympanic membrane component 11 is intended to be positioned in the ear canal 8 of a person. The tympanic membrane component 11 has an adaptable structure 4 which, according to the invention, is in contact with the tympanic membrane 10. Furthermore, the tympanic membrane component 11 has a core 2 which contains a functional element 14 designed as a vibratory element 3.

[0105] Fig. 2 shows a complete system 13 according to the invention, comprising a main component 1 designed as an ear canal component 12. The ear canal component 12 is intended to be arranged in the ear canal 8 of a person. The ear canal component 1 has an adaptable structure 4a and an adaptable structure 4b, which, according to the invention, is in contact with the ear canal wall 9. Furthermore, the ear canal component 12 has a core 2 containing a functional element 14. The core is additionally surrounded by an encapsulation 15.

[0106] Fig. 3 shows a complete system 13 according to the invention, comprising a tympanic membrane component 11 and an ear canal component 12. The tympanic membrane component 11 and the ear canal component 12 are connected to each other by a cable connection 5. The tympanic membrane component 11 is intended to be positioned in the ear canal 8 on the tympanic membrane 10 of a person. The tympanic membrane component 11 has an adaptable structure 4b which, according to the invention, is in contact with the tympanic membrane 10. Furthermore, the ear canal component 12 is intended to be positioned in the ear canal 8 of a person and has an adaptable structure 4a which, according to the invention, is in contact with the ear canal wall 9.

[0107] Fig. 4 shows a complete system 13 according to the invention, comprising a main component 1. The main component 1 is intended to be arranged in the ear canal 8 of a person and has an adaptable structure 4 which, according to the invention, is in contact with the ear canal wall 9. Additionally, the complete system 13 has an external module 6 which can be connected to the main component 1 via a wireless interface 7.

[0108] Fig. 5 shows a complete system 13 according to the invention, comprising a main component 1. The main component 1 is intended to be positioned in the ear canal 8 of a person and has an adaptable structure 4 which, according to the invention, is in contact with the ear canal wall 9. The complete system 13 also includes an external module 6 which can be connected to the main component 1 via a wireless interface 7. The illustration also shows an applicator 16, which is suitable for supplying energy to the adaptable structure 4 to initiate a hardening and / or softening process 17.

[0109] Fig. 6 shows a complete system 13 according to the invention with a main component 1. The main component 1 is intended to be arranged in the ear canal 8 on the eardrum 10 of a person and has an adaptable structure 4 which, according to the invention, is in contact with the eardrum 10. In the embodiment shown, the main component 1 has an adaptable element 19 and a contact structure 20 which, according to the invention, is in contact with the eardrum 10.

Claims

Patent claims 1. Ear system comprising at least one principal component that can be arranged in a person's ear canal, the principal component comprising a core and an adaptable structure, the adaptable structure being arranged in conjunction with the core, and the adaptable structure being configured to conform to a surface of the ear canal and / or eardrum of the person at a location where the principal component can be intended to be arranged.

2. Ear system according to the preceding claim, wherein the adaptable structure is configured to adapt itself to the surface of the ear canal and / or the eardrum or by supplying energy at the time when the adaptation is to take place.

3. Ear system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the adaptable structure is curable by the application of light, heat, moisture, mechanical energy and / or biocompatible chemicals.

4. Ear system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the adaptable structure comprises one or more bistable, multistable and / or metastable structures.

5. Ear system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the adaptable structure exhibits auxetic behavior.

6. Ear system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the core comprises or is an actuator, a vibration generator and / or a displacement source and the adaptable structure mechanically arranged between the core and the eardrum and preferably in contact with the eardrum.

7. Ear system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the adaptable structure is arranged between the core and the ear canal wall of the person.

8. Ear system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the adaptable structure has a mechanism by which the extension of the adaptable structure in a resting state can be changed in at least one dimension.

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