Adaptable Connection Module of a Modular Hearing Aid

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

p-0002This application claims the priority, under 35 U.S.C. § 119, of German application DE 10 2007 055 549.2, filed Nov. 21, 2007; the prior application is herewith incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Invention

p-0003The present invention relates to a connection module for a modular hearing aid and to a method for adaptation of a modular hearing aid to an ear of a patient. In this case, in particular, the length of a line for carrying electrical or acoustic signals to an earpiece is adapted.

p-0004U.S. Pat. No. 4,727,582 describes a behind-the-ear hearing aid in which an electroacoustic transducer which can be worn in the auditory channel is connected via a line to the appliance, which is worn behind the ear. A part of variable length of the line is arranged in a cavity in the device.

p-0005One disadvantage of this conventional hearing aid is that a cavity must be provided in the housing of the device itself which is worn behind the ear, in order to accommodate a variable component of the line to the electroacoustic transducer. This makes the hearing aid larger and more expensive. A further disadvantage is that moisture or dirt can enter the hearing aid via the cavity for holding the line. A further disadvantage is that, in the event of a defect on the line, the entire hearing aid must be transported to a repair service provider, and must be repaired there.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

p-0006It is accordingly an object of the invention to provide an adaptable connection module of a modular hearing aid that overcomes the above-mentioned disadvantages of the prior art devices of this general type, which allows easier adaptation and easier repair of the hearing aid.

p-0007With the foregoing and other objects in view there is provided, in accordance with the invention, a connection module for a modular hearing aid. The connection module contains an interface for mechanical and electrical coupling or acoustic coupling of the connection module to a main module configured for producing electrical signals or acoustic signals. A line is provided for passing the acoustic signal or the electrical signal to an earpiece configured for at least partial insertion into an auditory channel of a patient. An adaptation device is provided for adapting a length of a part of the line projecting out of the connection module.

p-0008The present invention is based on the idea of providing an adaptation device for adaptation of the length of a part of a line, which projects out of the connection module, to an earpiece, in or on a connection module for a modular hearing aid. The adaptation device is preferably configured for reversible adjustability of the length and preferably for adaptation of the length without use of any tools (screwdrivers, wrenches, etc.). The adaptation device has, for example, a fixing device for clamping or fixing, in some other way, the length of that part of the line which projects out of the connection module.

p-0009A part of the line which does not project out of the connection module can be arranged in a cavity in the connection module, for example in a spiral or coil shape, or in the form of a helix. By way of example, the cavity is formed between two housing parts of the connection module. These housing parts can be mechanically connected to one another by a latching screw connection or by some other connection which, for example, can be detached without using any tools. If the earpiece has an electroacoustic transducer, the line contains wires or braids for carrying electrical signals to the electroacoustic transducer. If sound signals are already produced in a main module which can be connected to the connection module, the line contains a sound conductor, for example an air channel.

p-0010One advantage of the invention is that the effective length of a line to an earpiece can be adjusted, and the modularity at the same time allows repair with little effort. Furthermore, the main module need no longer have any openings or cavities through which, for example, moisture or dirt could enter. The reliability of the entire hearing aid is thus considerably improved. A further advantage is that, even after replacement of the main module (for example as a result of a defect), there is no need to readjust the length of the line to the earpiece.

p-0011Other features which are considered as characteristic for the invention are set forth in the appended claims.

p-0012Although the invention is illustrated and described herein as embodied in an adaptable connection module of a modular hearing aid, it is nevertheless not intended to be limited to the details shown, since various modifications and structural changes may be made therein without departing from the spirit of the invention and within the scope and range of equivalents of the claims.

p-0013The construction and method of operation of the invention, however, together with additional objects and advantages thereof will be best understood from the following description of specific embodiments when read in connection with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

p-0014<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> is a diagrammatic illustration of a modular hearing aid;

p-0015<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref> is a diagrammatic, partially cut-away illustration of a connection module;

p-0016<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref> is a diagrammatic, sectional illustration of the connection module;

p-0017<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref> is a diagrammatic, partially cut-away illustration of the connection module;

p-0018<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref> is a diagrammatic, sectional illustration of the connection module; and

p-0019<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref> is a flowchart of a method for adaptation of a modular hearing aid.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

p-0020Referring now to the figures of the drawing in detail and first, particularly, to <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> thereof, there is shown a schematic illustration of a modular hearing aid. The modular hearing aid contains a main module <b>10</b> as well as a connection module <b>20</b> and an earpiece <b>50</b>, which are connected to one another via a line <b>40</b>. By way of example, the main module <b>10</b> contains one or more microphones, a corresponding number of amplifiers, digital or analog signal preprocessing, control elements, a battery, a rechargeable battery or some other energy source, an interface for programming, etc. Furthermore, the main module <b>10</b> contains an interface for mechanical and electrical or acoustic coupling of the main module <b>10</b> to the connection module <b>20</b>. By way of example, the interface contains one or more latching, screw or bayonet connections for mechanical coupling. By way of example, the interface contains one or more electrical contacts for electrical coupling. By way of example, the interface contains an opening, to which an air channel or some other sound conductor can be acoustically coupled, for acoustic coupling.

p-0021The connection module <b>20</b> contains an interface which corresponds to the interface of the main module <b>10</b>, with corresponding devices for mechanical and electrical or acoustic coupling. Furthermore, the connection module <b>20</b> contains a line <b>40</b> for carrying electrical or acoustic signals to the earpiece <b>50</b>. A first end of the line <b>40</b> is coupled to the interface of the connection module <b>20</b>. A part of the line <b>40</b>, which is adjacent to the first end and has a variable length, is arranged in the connection module <b>20</b>. A second end of the line <b>40</b> is detachably or firmly connected to the earpiece <b>50</b>. The line <b>40</b> has wires or braids, or other electrical conductors for carrying an electrical signal to the earpiece <b>50</b>. Alternatively or additionally, the line <b>40</b> has an air channel or some other device for carrying acoustic signals.

p-0022The earpiece <b>50</b> is configured for partial or complete insertion into an auditory channel of a patient. It is individually matched to the shape of the auditory channel or of the entry to the auditory channel of a patient, or has a shape and size which are suitable for a multiplicity of patients. An individually matched earpiece is also referred to as a matched earpiece or an otoplastic. If the interface between the main module <b>10</b> and the connection module <b>20</b> on the one hand and the line <b>40</b> on the other hand is configured in order to transmit electrical signals from the main module <b>10</b> to the earpiece <b>50</b>, the earpiece <b>50</b> contains an electroacoustic transducer for conversion of electrical signals to acoustic signals or sound. If the line <b>40</b> is configured for transmission of acoustic signals to the earpiece <b>50</b>, the earpiece <b>50</b> may have a device for matching the acoustic impedance of the line <b>40</b> to the acoustic impedance of the auditory channel.

p-0023<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 2 to 5</figref> show schematic illustrations of various variants of the connection module <b>20</b> which can be coupled to a corresponding main module <b>10</b>, in each case as described above with reference to <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>. Devices for mechanical coupling of the connection module <b>20</b> to the main module <b>10</b> are not illustrated in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 2 to 5</figref>. The line <b>40</b> which is connected to the connection module <b>20</b>, and the earpiece <b>50</b> which is connected to the line <b>40</b>, are not illustrated in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 2 to 5</figref>, respectively.

p-0024<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref> shows a connection module <b>20</b> with a first housing part <b>21</b> and a second housing part <b>31</b>. A line holder <b>22</b> and contacts <b>24</b> are arranged on the first housing part <b>21</b>. The line holder <b>22</b> holds or is mechanically connected to the first end of the line <b>40</b>. The contacts <b>24</b> form the electrical part of the interface of the connection module <b>20</b> to the main module <b>10</b>. By way of example, the contacts <b>24</b> are in the form of pins or tongues. Connection wires <b>25</b> or other electrically conductive components connect the contacts <b>24</b> to the line <b>40</b>. The second housing part <b>31</b> is shown in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref> as being (partially) transparent, so that the line holder <b>22</b>, the connection wires <b>25</b> and the part of the line <b>40</b> which is arranged in the connection module <b>20</b> can be seen.

p-0025A fixing device <b>32</b> or a “locking gate” is arranged on a side of the second housing part <b>31</b> facing away from the first housing part <b>21</b>. The fixing device <b>32</b> contains, for example, a clamping device for clamping fixing of the length of that part of the line <b>40</b> which projects out of the connection module <b>20</b>, or another mechanism for fixing this length. The clamping or other fixing of the length of that part of the line <b>40</b> which projects out of the connection module <b>20</b> is achieved, for example, by rotation or linear movement, or else just by pushing on and connection of the second housing part <b>31</b> to the first housing part <b>21</b>. By way of example, the second housing part <b>31</b> has grooves in order to make it easier to grip it. Alternatively, the fixing device <b>32</b> contains a component which can be moved with respect to the second housing part <b>31</b> and may have corresponding grooves.

p-0026Between the first housing part <b>21</b> and the second housing part <b>31</b>, the connection module <b>20</b> has a cavity <b>23</b> in which the line holder <b>22</b> is arranged. That part of the line <b>40</b> which is arranged in the connection module <b>20</b> is arranged in a spiral shape in the cavity <b>23</b>.

p-0027<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref> shows a schematic illustration of the connection module <b>20</b> with the first housing part <b>21</b> and the second housing part, which is not illustrated in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref>. The line holder <b>22</b> and the contacts <b>24</b> are firmly connected to or arranged on the first housing part <b>21</b>, and the contacts <b>24</b> form an electrical part of an interface between the connection module <b>20</b> and the main module <b>10</b>, which is not illustrated in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref>. The contacts <b>24</b> are connected by the connection wires <b>25</b> to an end of the line <b>40</b> which is held by the line holder <b>22</b>. The first housing part <b>21</b> is also firmly connected to supports <b>27</b>, clamping jaws <b>26</b> arranged thereon, and a plate or wall <b>28</b>, or is formed integrally with them. The support <b>27</b> and the wall <b>28</b> are arranged together in the form of a trough, with <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref> illustrating the view of the open side of the trough. The line holder <b>22</b>, the connection wires <b>25</b> and that part of the line <b>40</b> which is arranged in the connection module <b>20</b> and is in the form of a spiral are arranged in the trough which is formed by the support <b>27</b> and the wall <b>28</b>. The line holder <b>22</b> is firmly connected to the wall <b>28</b>, or is formed integrally with it.

p-0028The clamping jaws <b>26</b> are elastically connected to those ends of the support <b>27</b> which face away from the interface to the main module <b>10</b>, or are formed integrally with them. The clamping jaws <b>26</b> and a second housing part, which is not illustrated in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref>, are, for example, configured such that the two clamping jaws are compressed and the line <b>40</b> arranged between them is clamped by fitting or locking the second housing part to the first housing part, which is illustrated in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref>. The clamping effect can be enhanced by grooves on one or both clamping jaws <b>26</b>.

p-0029<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref> shows a schematic illustration of the connection module <b>20</b> which differs from the connection module <b>20</b> described above with reference to <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref> in that it is configured to transmit an acoustic or sound signal from a main module to an earpiece. A piece of tubing <b>29</b> projects out of the first housing part <b>21</b> and forms an acoustic part of an interface to a main module <b>10</b>. The piece of tubing <b>29</b> is extended into the cavity <b>23</b> of the connection module <b>20</b>, where it forms the line holder <b>22</b>. A fixing device for fixing the length of that part of the line <b>40</b> which projects out of the connection module <b>20</b> can be configured, for example, according to one of the variants described above with reference to <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 2 and 3</figref>.

p-0030<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref> shows a schematic illustration of the connection module <b>20</b> with the first housing part <b>21</b> and the second housing part, which is not illustrated in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref>. The first housing part <b>21</b> has an interface, which is not illustrated in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref>, for mechanical and electrical or acoustic coupling of the connection module <b>20</b> to a main module. A wall <b>28</b> is firmly connected to the first housing part <b>21</b>, or is formed integrally, and partially surrounds a cavity <b>23</b> within the connection module <b>20</b>. Clamping jaws <b>26</b> are elastically connected to the wall <b>28</b>. In a similar manner to that described above with reference to <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref>, the clamping jaws <b>26</b> can be compressed by fitting or locking the second housing part, which is not illustrated in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref>, to the first housing part <b>21</b>, in order in this way to clamp the line <b>40</b> that is located between them.

p-0031The line <b>40</b> and the interface, which is not illustrated in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref>, to the main module can be configured to transmit electrical and/or acoustic signals to an earpiece. That part of the line <b>40</b> which is arranged in the connection module <b>20</b> is arranged in a spiral shape, approximately on a plane in the cavity <b>23</b>, which plane is at right angles to a direction in which the connection module <b>20</b> can be connected to a main module <b>10</b>.

p-0032Various features of the variants of a connection module <b>20</b> as described above can be combined with one another. For example, the clamping device which has been described above with reference to <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref> can also be used for a connection module which, as described above with reference to <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref>, is configured for transmission of acoustic or sound signals from a main module to an earpiece. Instead of a spiral arrangement of a part of the line <b>40</b> on a plane parallel to or at right angles to a coupling direction, it is also possible to choose a helical arrangement, or an arrangement in the form of a coil or screw.

p-0033In the connection modules which have been described above with reference to <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 2 and 4</figref>, the majority of the surface which is open for coupling to a main module is formed by the second housing part <b>31</b>. Alternatively, the majority of the outer surface of the connection module <b>20</b> may be part of the first housing part <b>21</b>, and/or may be firmly connected to the interface to the main module. In this case, for example, only the fixing device <b>32</b> and/or the area of the housing which is represented by grooves in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref> is removable or can be moved in order to fix the length of that part of the line <b>40</b> which projects out of the connection module <b>20</b>.

p-0034Clamping fixing of the length of that part of the line <b>40</b> which projects out of the connection module <b>20</b> provides the capability to reversibly adjust this length. Alternatively, other mechanisms can also be provided for reversible or irreversible adjustment of the length. In a corresponding manner, the housing parts <b>21</b>, <b>31</b> may be configured for repeated connection and disconnection or else be connected only once. A fixing device and a connection mechanism between the housing parts <b>21</b>, <b>31</b>, which can be operated without using any tools, are advantageous, although it is also possible to use connection mechanisms which require tools to be used for connection and/or for disconnection.

p-0035<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref> shows a schematic illustration of a flowchart of a method for adaptation of a modular hearing aid which contains a main module, a connection module, an earpiece and a line, which projects at least partially out of the connection module, for carrying an acoustic or electrical signal to the earpiece. By way of example, the method can be applied to a modular hearing aid and in particular to a connection module as has been described above with reference to <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1 to 5</figref>. The reference symbols as used above, and as used in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1 to 5</figref>, will be used in the following text just to simplify understanding.

p-0036In a first step <b>91</b>, the length of that part of the line <b>40</b> which projects out of the connection module <b>20</b> is matched to an ear of the patient. In a second step <b>92</b>, the length is fixed, for example by clamping the line <b>40</b>. In a third step <b>93</b>, the connection module <b>20</b> is coupled to a main module <b>10</b>. This coupling includes both a mechanical and an electrical and/or an acoustic coupling.

p-0037Carrying out the third step <b>93</b> after the first step <b>91</b> and the second step <b>92</b> has the advantage that the connection module <b>20</b> can be handled more easily without the main module <b>10</b> and that the main module <b>10</b> need not yet be present in this case. Alternatively, the connection module <b>20</b> and the main module <b>10</b> may be coupled even before the first step <b>91</b> or before the second step <b>92</b>.