EP0984663A2 - Transducer arrangement for partially or completely implanted hearing -aid - Google Patents

Transducer arrangement for partially or completely implanted hearing -aid Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0984663A2
EP0984663A2 EP98121495A EP98121495A EP0984663A2 EP 0984663 A2 EP0984663 A2 EP 0984663A2 EP 98121495 A EP98121495 A EP 98121495A EP 98121495 A EP98121495 A EP 98121495A EP 0984663 A2 EP0984663 A2 EP 0984663A2
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
housing
arrangement according
coupling element
transducer
converter arrangement
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Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Granted
Application number
EP98121495A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP0984663B1 (en
EP0984663A3 (en
Inventor
Hans Dr.-Ing. Leysieffer
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Implex AG Hearing Technology
Original Assignee
Phonak AG
Implex GmbH
Implex Spezialhorgerate GmbH
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    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04R—LOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; DEAF-AID SETS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS
    • H04R25/00—Deaf-aid sets, i.e. electro-acoustic or electro-mechanical hearing aids; Electric tinnitus maskers providing an auditory perception
    • H04R25/60—Mounting or interconnection of hearing aid parts, e.g. inside tips, housings or to ossicles
    • H04R25/604—Mounting or interconnection of hearing aid parts, e.g. inside tips, housings or to ossicles of acoustic or vibrational transducers
    • H04R25/606—Mounting or interconnection of hearing aid parts, e.g. inside tips, housings or to ossicles of acoustic or vibrational transducers acting directly on the eardrum, the ossicles or the skull, e.g. mastoid, tooth, maxillary or mandibular bone, or mechanically stimulating the cochlea, e.g. at the oval window
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04R—LOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; DEAF-AID SETS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS
    • H04R2225/00—Details of deaf aids covered by H04R25/00, not provided for in any of its subgroups
    • H04R2225/67—Implantable hearing aids or parts thereof not covered by H04R25/606
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04R—LOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; DEAF-AID SETS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS
    • H04R25/00—Deaf-aid sets, i.e. electro-acoustic or electro-mechanical hearing aids; Electric tinnitus maskers providing an auditory perception
    • H04R25/55—Deaf-aid sets, i.e. electro-acoustic or electro-mechanical hearing aids; Electric tinnitus maskers providing an auditory perception using an external connection, either wireless or wired
    • H04R25/558—Remote control, e.g. of amplification, frequency

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a converter arrangement for partially or fully implantable Hearing aids for direct mechanical excitation of the middle or Inner ear, provided with one at the implantation site with reference to the skull fixable housing and a movable with respect to the housing, mechanically rigid coupling element, with an electromechanical in the housing Transducer is housed with which the coupling element vibrate lets that after implantation of the transducer assembly on Middle ear ossicles or directly to the inner ear.
  • Such a converter arrangement is known from EP 0 499 940. It is suggested that run a wall of the housing as a vibratable membrane, the with a piezoelectric ceramic disc attached on the inside represents electromechanically active heteromorph composite element. Although one hearing aid transducer arrangement constructed in this way can be easily implanted can and can generally achieve good results, but has shown that the coupling element driven via the piezoelectric ceramic disc with low to be transmitted to the middle ear ossicle or directly to the inner ear Frequencies deflections causes an adequate volume level may be insufficient for moderate and major hearing loss. This applies in particular to the low electrical values specified for an implant Tensions.
  • the solution according to the invention has the advantage that the transducer arrangement accordingly simple and easy like the piezoelectric transducer EP 0 499 940 can be implanted because the transducer housing is related can be fixed on the bone structure of the skull. At the same time, however, because of Use of the electromagnetic converter principle also for low frequencies particularly favorable frequency response of the transducer can be achieved in the listening area, so that an adequate listening impression with sufficient volume level with the in the case of an implant necessarily enables low electrical voltages becomes.
  • a wall of the housing can be designed as an oscillatable membrane be on the inside of which the vibratable component is attached and with whose outside the coupling element is connected.
  • the housing is useful as a hermetically sealed and biocompatible housing executed. It is advantageously cylindrical and has a peripheral wall and two circular end walls running essentially parallel to one another on one of which forms the vibratable membrane, while the others can be integrally connected to the peripheral wall of the housing.
  • Both the vibratable component and the coupling element are preferred essentially in the center of the housing end face forming the vibratable membrane attached.
  • the inside of the membrane is preferably a component that forms the oscillatable component Permanent magnet connected while an electromagnetic coil in the Housing is firmly attached to set the permanent magnet in vibration.
  • the permanent magnet is advantageously designed as a magnetic pin, and the Coil is a ring coil with a central opening into which the magnetic pin is immersed. In this way, a converter arrangement with a particularly small size received moving mass, the changes in the applied to the solenoid electrical signal can follow quickly and faithfully.
  • the invention also relates to a fully or partially implantable hearing aid is provided with a transducer arrangement of the type disclosed herein.
  • Fig. 1 is an implantable transducer assembly 10 of a hearing aid for direct mechanical excitation of the middle or inner ear.
  • For sound recording 2 serves as a microphone 58, preferably is also implantable.
  • the converter arrangement 10 is with a hermetically sealed, biocompatible, cylindrical housing 14, preferably made of Metal, for example titanium, niobium, tantalum, iridium or their alloys.
  • the housing 14 is filled with inert gas 16.
  • a pin-shaped permanent magnet 30 attached, which in a central opening of the Immersed coil 32 and is slidable therein.
  • the coil 32 is not shown in FIG shown firmly connected to the housing 14, for example with this glued.
  • an electrically insulating, hermetically sealed Implementation 26 used in the end wall 12 . Lead wires 34 of the coil 32 are with the outside connected out of the housing 14 electrical connections 36.
  • the coupling element 20 can in particular be used as a coupling rod trained and for example over a thin wire or hollow wire bracket or a bracket made of a carbon fiber reinforced composite material with the Ossicular chain connected. Suitable arrangements of this type are in the older one DE patent application 197 38 587.7 explained in more detail.
  • Fig. 2 shows an implanted hearing aid designated 51, which with a Transducer arrangement 10 of the type explained above is equipped.
  • the hearing aid 51 also has an accumulator unit 53, a charging / receiving coil 54 and an electronics module 55.
  • Components 53, 54 and 55 are in one hermetically sealed housing 56 which is implanted in the mastoid 57 and is fixed with respect to the skull.
  • To the electronics module 55 are the Transducer assembly 10 and microphone 58 via lines 59 and 60, respectively connected.
  • the coupling element 20 is coupled to the ossicle chain 62.
  • To a portable charging unit 63 includes a charging transmitter coil 64, which for transcutaneously charging the accumulator unit 53 with the charge receiving coil 54 can be coupled inductively.
  • a remote control unit is indicated at 65.
  • On such hearing aid is known for example from US Pat. No. 5,277,694 and therefore requires it no further description.

Abstract

The transducer arrangement has an electromechanical transducer (30,32) in the form of an electromagnet arrangement. This has a fixed part (32) relative to the housing (14) and a vibrating part (30) connected to a coupling element (20), so that the vibrations are transferred to the coupling element.

Description

Die vorliegende Erfindung betrifft eine Wandleranordnung für teil- oder vollimplantierbare Hörgeräte zur direkten mechanischen Anregung des Mittel- oder Innenohres, versehen mit einem am Implantationsort mit Bezug auf den Schädel fixierbaren Gehäuse und einem mit Bezug auf das Gehäuse beweglichen, mechanisch steifen Koppelelement, wobei in dem Gehäuse ein elektromechanischer Wandler untergebracht ist, mit dem sich das Koppelelement in Schwingungen versetzen läßt, die nach erfolgter Implantation der Wandleranordnung auf ein Mittelohr-Ossikel oder direkt auf das Innenohr übertragen werden.The present invention relates to a converter arrangement for partially or fully implantable Hearing aids for direct mechanical excitation of the middle or Inner ear, provided with one at the implantation site with reference to the skull fixable housing and a movable with respect to the housing, mechanically rigid coupling element, with an electromechanical in the housing Transducer is housed with which the coupling element vibrate lets that after implantation of the transducer assembly on Middle ear ossicles or directly to the inner ear.

Eine derartige Wandleranordnung ist aus EP 0 499 940 bekannt. Hierbei wird vorgeschlagen, eine Wand des Gehäuses als schwingfähige Membran auszuführen, die mit einer auf der Innenseite aufgebrachten piezoelektrischen Keramikscheibe ein elektromechanisch aktives Heteromorph-Verbundelement darstellt. Obschon eine derart aufgebaute Hörgeräte-Wandleranordnung problemlos implantiert werden kann und sich damit allgemein gute Ergebnisse erzielen lassen, hat sich jedoch gezeigt, daß das über die piezoelektrisch Keramikscheibe angetriebene Koppelelement bei niedrigen auf das Mittelohr-Ossikel oder direkt auf das Innenohr zu übertragenden Frequenzen Auslenkungen bewirkt, die für einen adäquaten Lautstärkepegel bei mittleren und größeren Hörverlusten unzureichend sein können. Dies gilt insbesondere bei den für ein Implantat vorgegebenen, geringen elektrischen Spannungen.Such a converter arrangement is known from EP 0 499 940. It is suggested that run a wall of the housing as a vibratable membrane, the with a piezoelectric ceramic disc attached on the inside represents electromechanically active heteromorph composite element. Although one hearing aid transducer arrangement constructed in this way can be easily implanted can and can generally achieve good results, but has shown that the coupling element driven via the piezoelectric ceramic disc with low to be transmitted to the middle ear ossicle or directly to the inner ear Frequencies deflections causes an adequate volume level may be insufficient for moderate and major hearing loss. This applies in particular to the low electrical values specified for an implant Tensions.

Aus US 5 624 376 ist ein auf dem elektromagnetischen Prinzip beruhender Wandler für teil- oder vollimplantierbare Hörgeräte bekannt, bei welchem ein Dauermagnet zusammen mit zwei zugeordneten Polstücken in einem zylindrischen Gehäuse lose aufgehängt ist, während eine mit dem Dauermagneten zusammenwirkende Induktionsspule in einem von den Polstücken begrenzten zylindrischen Luftspalt sitzt und mit einer Gehäusewand fest verbunden ist. Bei Beaufschlagung der Spule mit Wechselspannung wird die aus dem Dauermagneten und den Polstücken bestehende Masse in Schwingungen versetzt. Diese Masse ist mit dem Gehäuse mechanisch gekoppelt, und das Gehäuse ist seinerseits zur Anbringung an einer schwingfähigen Struktur des Ohres ausgelegt. Wird die Masse in Schwingungen versetzt, soll dies Trägheitsschwingungen des Gehäuses bewirken, um so die schwingfähigen Struktur des Ohres zu stimulieren. Die bei dieser Anordnung vorgesehene Lagerung des Gehäuses samt Wandler an einer schwingfähigen Struktur des Ohres, insbesondere auf der Ossikelkette, bringt besondere chirurgische Probleme mit sich.From US 5 624 376 is a transducer based on the electromagnetic principle known for partially or fully implantable hearing aids, in which a permanent magnet together with two associated pole pieces in a cylindrical Housing is suspended loosely, while one interacting with the permanent magnet Induction coil in a cylindrical, delimited by the pole pieces Air gap sits and is firmly connected to a housing wall. When applied the coil with alternating voltage is the permanent magnet and the Pole existing mass vibrated. This mass is with the Housing mechanically coupled, and the housing is in turn for attachment a vibrating structure of the ear. The mass will vibrate offset, this should cause inertial vibrations of the housing, so the stimulate vibratory structure of the ear. The one envisaged in this arrangement Storage of the housing together with the converter on a vibratable structure of the ear, especially on the ossicular chain, brings special surgical Problems with themselves.

In Fredrickson et al.

Figure 00020001
Ongoing investigations into an implantable electromagnetic hearing aid for moderate to severe sensorineural hearing loss", Otolaryngolic Clinics of North America, Vol. 28, Nr. 1, Febr. 1995, ist ein implantierbarer Mittelohrwandler erwähnt, bei dem es sich um einen elektromagnetischen Motor handelt, der in einem hermetisch dichten Gehäuse aus rostfreiem Stahl untergebracht ist und der eine biokompatible Sondenspitze antreibt. Die Sondenspitze greift in eine mittels Laserstrahl ausgebildete Öffnung des Incus. Es ist weder erkennbar, wie der elektromagnetische Motor aufgebaut ist, noch wie Schwingungen von dem elektromagnetischen Motor auf die Sondenspitze übertragen werden.In Fredrickson et al.
Figure 00020001
Ongoing investigations into an implantable electromagnetic hearing aid for moderate to severe sensorineural hearing loss ", Otolaryngolic Clinics of North America, Vol. 28, No. 1, Feb. 1995, mentions an implantable middle ear transducer, which is an electromagnetic motor , which is housed in a hermetically sealed housing made of stainless steel and which drives a biocompatible probe tip be transferred to the probe tip.

Es ist Aufgabe der vorliegenden Erfindung, eine Hörgeräte-Wandleranordnung der eingangs genannten Art zu schaffen, die auch relativ niederfrequente Schwingungen zur Übertragung auf ein mit der Wandleranordnung direkt mechanisch gekoppeltes Mittelohr-Ossikel oder direkt auf das Innenohr mit ausreichender Amplitude erzeugen kann, die gleichwohl mit relativ geringer Energie auskommt und die sich chirurgisch problemlos implantieren läßt.It is an object of the present invention to provide a hearing aid transducer arrangement to create the type mentioned, which also relatively low-frequency vibrations for transmission to a directly mechanically coupled to the transducer arrangement Middle ear ossicle or directly on the inner ear with sufficient amplitude can generate, which still manages with relatively low energy and which can be easily surgically implanted.

Diese Aufgabe wird bei einer Hörgeräte-Wandleranordnung der eingangs genannten Art erfindungsgemäß dadurch gelöst, daß der elektromechanische Wandler als Elelctromagnetanordnung ausgebildet ist, die ein mit Bezug auf das Gehäuse fixiertes Bauteil sowie ein schwingfähiges Bauteil aufweist, welches mit dem Koppelelement derart in Verbindung steht, daß Schwingungen des schwingfähigen Bauteils auf das Koppelelement übertragen werden.This object is achieved in a hearing aid converter arrangement of the type mentioned at the beginning Art solved according to the invention in that the electromechanical transducer as Electromagnetic arrangement is formed, the one with respect to the housing has fixed component and a vibratable component, which with the coupling element is connected in such a way that vibrations of the vibratable Component are transferred to the coupling element.

Die erfindungsgemäße Lösung hat den Vorteil, daß die Wandleranordnung entsprechend einfach und problemlos wie der piezoelektrische Wandler gemäß EP 0 499 940 implantiert werden kann, weil sich das Wandlergehäuse mit Bezug auf die Knochenstruktur des Schädels fixieren läßt. Zugleich kann aber wegen der Nutzung des elektromagnetischen Wandlerprinzips ein auch für niedrige Frequenzen des Hörbereichs besonders günstiger Frequenzgang des Wandlers erreicht werden, so daß ein adäquater Höreindruck bei ausreichendem Lautstärkepegel mit den bei einem Implantat notwendigerweise geringen elektrischen Spannungen ermöglicht wird.The solution according to the invention has the advantage that the transducer arrangement accordingly simple and easy like the piezoelectric transducer EP 0 499 940 can be implanted because the transducer housing is related can be fixed on the bone structure of the skull. At the same time, however, because of Use of the electromagnetic converter principle also for low frequencies particularly favorable frequency response of the transducer can be achieved in the listening area, so that an adequate listening impression with sufficient volume level with the in the case of an implant necessarily enables low electrical voltages becomes.

Vorteilhafte Ausgestaltungen der Erfindung ergeben sich aus den Unteransprüchen.Advantageous refinements of the invention result from the subclaims.

Insbesondere kann eine Wand des Gehäuses als schwingfähige Membran ausgeführt sein, an deren Innenseite das schwingfähige Bauteil befestigt ist und mit deren Außenseite das Koppelelement verbunden ist.In particular, a wall of the housing can be designed as an oscillatable membrane be on the inside of which the vibratable component is attached and with whose outside the coupling element is connected.

Das Gehäuse ist zweckmäßig als hermetisch dichtes und biokompatibles Gehäuse ausgeführt. Es ist vorteilhaft zylindrisch ausgebildet, und weist eine Umfangswand sowie zwei im wesentlichen parallel zueinander verlaufende, kreisförmige Stirnwände auf von denen die eine die schwingfähige Membran bildet, während die andere mit der Umfangswand des Gehäuses einstückig verbunden sein kann.The housing is useful as a hermetically sealed and biocompatible housing executed. It is advantageously cylindrical and has a peripheral wall and two circular end walls running essentially parallel to one another on one of which forms the vibratable membrane, while the others can be integrally connected to the peripheral wall of the housing.

Vorzugsweise sind sowohl das schwingfähige Bauteil als auch das Koppelelement im wesentlichen im Zentrum der die schwingfähige Membran bildenden Gehäusestirnfläche befestigt.Both the vibratable component and the coupling element are preferred essentially in the center of the housing end face forming the vibratable membrane attached.

Mit der Innenseite der Membran ist bevorzugt ein das schwingfähige Bauteil bildender Dauermagnet verbunden, während eine elektromagnetische Spule in dem Gehäuse fest angebracht ist, um den Dauermagneten in Schwingungen zu versetzen. Dabei ist vorteilhaft der Dauermagnet als Magnetstift ausgebildet, und die Spule ist eine Ringspule mit einer Mittelöffnung, in welche der Magnetstift eintaucht. Auf diese Weise wird eine Wandleranordnung mit besonders kleiner bewegter Masse erhalten, die Änderungen des an die Magnetspule angelegten elektrischen Signals rasch und getreu folgen kann. Grundsätzlich ist es aber auch möglich, die Magnetspule an der schwingfähigen Membran zu befestigen und den Magneten mit Bezug auf das Gehäuse zu fixieren.The inside of the membrane is preferably a component that forms the oscillatable component Permanent magnet connected while an electromagnetic coil in the Housing is firmly attached to set the permanent magnet in vibration. The permanent magnet is advantageously designed as a magnetic pin, and the Coil is a ring coil with a central opening into which the magnetic pin is immersed. In this way, a converter arrangement with a particularly small size received moving mass, the changes in the applied to the solenoid electrical signal can follow quickly and faithfully. Basically, it is also possible to attach the solenoid to the vibratable membrane and the Fix magnets with respect to the housing.

Gegenstand der Erfindung ist ferner ein voll- oder teilimplantierbares Hörgerät, das mit einer Wandleranordnung der vorliegend offenbarten Art versehen ist.The invention also relates to a fully or partially implantable hearing aid is provided with a transducer arrangement of the type disclosed herein.

Bevorzugte Ausführungsformen der vorliegenden Erfindung werden nachstehend unter Bezugnahme auf die beigefügten Zeichnungen beschrieben. Dabei zeigen:

Fig. 1
eine schematische Schnittansicht eines erfindungsgemäßen Wandlers in einer ersten Ausführungsform; und
Fig. 2
einen schematischen Schnitt durch ein menschliches Ohr mit einem implantierten Hörgerät, das mit einem Wandler gemäß Fig. 1 ausgestattet ist.
Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Show:
Fig. 1
a schematic sectional view of a transducer according to the invention in a first embodiment; and
Fig. 2
a schematic section through a human ear with an implanted hearing aid, which is equipped with a transducer according to FIG. 1.

In Fig. 1 ist eine implantierbare Wandleranordnung 10 eines Hörgeräts zur direkten mechanischen Anregung des Mittel- oder Innenohrs dargestellt. Zur Schallaufnahme dient gemäß Fig. 2 ein als Mikrofon 58 ausgebildeter Aufnehmer, der vorzugsweise ebenfalls implantierbar ist. Die Wandleranordnung 10 ist mit einem hermetisch dichten, biokompatiblen, zylindrischen Gehäuse 14, vorzugsweise aus Metall, beispielsweise Titan, Niob, Tantal, Iridium oder deren Legierungen, versehen. Das Gehäuse 14 ist mit Inertgas 16 gefüllt. Das Gehäuse 14 weist eine Umfangswand 11 und zwei zu der Umfangswand 11 senkrecht verlaufende, kreisförmige Stirnwände 12 und 18 auf Die eine Stirnwand des Gehäuses 14 ist als dünne, schwingfähige Membran 18 ausgebildet, an deren Außenseite, vorzugsweise im Zentrum der Außenseite, ein mechanisch steifes Koppelelement 20 zur mechanischen Schwingungsankopplung an ein Mittelohr-Ossikel oder direkt an das Innenohr angebracht, zum Beispiel angeschweißt oder angeklebt, ist. Die andere Stirnseite 12 ist mit der Umfangswand 11 des Gehäuses einstückig verbundenIn Fig. 1 is an implantable transducer assembly 10 of a hearing aid for direct mechanical excitation of the middle or inner ear. For sound recording 2 serves as a microphone 58, preferably is also implantable. The converter arrangement 10 is with a hermetically sealed, biocompatible, cylindrical housing 14, preferably made of Metal, for example titanium, niobium, tantalum, iridium or their alloys. The housing 14 is filled with inert gas 16. The housing 14 has one Circumferential wall 11 and two circular, perpendicular to the circumferential wall 11 End walls 12 and 18 on one end wall of the housing 14 is as thin, oscillatable membrane 18 formed on the outside, preferably in the center of the outside, a mechanically rigid coupling element 20 for mechanical vibration coupling to a middle ear ossicle or directly to the Inner ear attached, for example welded or glued. The other End face 12 is integrally connected to the peripheral wall 11 of the housing

An der Innenseite der Membran 18 ist mittig, zum Beispiel mittels einer Klebeverbindung, ein stiftförmiger Dauermagnet 30 befestigt, der in eine Mittelöffnung der Ringspule 32 eintaucht und darin verschiebbar ist. Die Spule 32 ist in nicht näher dargestellter Weise mit dem Gehäuse 14 fest verbunden, beispielsweise mit diesem verklebt. In die Stirnwand 12 ist eine elektrisch isolierende, hermetisch dichte Durchführung 26 eingesetzt. Anschlußdrähte 34 der Spule 32 sind mit nach außen aus dem Gehäuse 14 herausgeführten elektrischen Anschlüssen 36 verbunden.On the inside of the membrane 18 is centered, for example by means of an adhesive connection, a pin-shaped permanent magnet 30 attached, which in a central opening of the Immersed coil 32 and is slidable therein. The coil 32 is not shown in FIG shown firmly connected to the housing 14, for example with this glued. In the end wall 12 is an electrically insulating, hermetically sealed Implementation 26 used. Lead wires 34 of the coil 32 are with the outside connected out of the housing 14 electrical connections 36.

Eine Erregung der Spule 32 durch Anlegen einer Wechselspannung an die Anschlüsse 36 bewirkt eine Verschiebung des Dauermagneten 30 relativ zu der gehäusefesten Spule 32 und damit eine Auslenkung der Membran 18. Diese Auslenkung wird über das Koppelelement 20 auf ein Mittelohr-Ossikel bzw. direkt auf des Innenohr übertragen. Das Koppelelement 20 kann insbesondere als Koppelstange ausgebildet und beispielsweise über einen dünnen Draht- oder Hohldrahtbügel oder einen Bügel aus einem kohlefaserverstärkten Verbundwerkstoff mit der Ossikelkette verbunden sein. Geeignete Anordnungen dieser Art sind in der älteren DE-Patentanmeldung 197 38 587.7 näher erläutert. Excitation of the coil 32 by applying an AC voltage to the Connections 36 cause the permanent magnet 30 to move relative to that housing-fixed coil 32 and thus a deflection of the membrane 18. This deflection is or directly on the middle ear ossicle via the coupling element 20 of the inner ear. The coupling element 20 can in particular be used as a coupling rod trained and for example over a thin wire or hollow wire bracket or a bracket made of a carbon fiber reinforced composite material with the Ossicular chain connected. Suitable arrangements of this type are in the older one DE patent application 197 38 587.7 explained in more detail.

Fig. 2 zeigt ein insgesamt mit 51 bezeichnetes implantiertes Hörgerät, das mit einer Wandleranordnung 10 der vorstehend erläuterten Art ausgestattet ist.Fig. 2 shows an implanted hearing aid designated 51, which with a Transducer arrangement 10 of the type explained above is equipped.

Das Hörgerät 51 weist ferner eine Akkumulatoreinheit 53, eine Ladeempfangsspule 54 und ein Elektronikmodul 55 auf. Die Komponenten 53, 54 und 55 sind in einem hermetisch dichten Gehäuse 56 untergebracht, das im Mastoid 57 implantiert und mit Bezug auf den Schädel fixiert ist. An das Elektronikmodul 55 sind die Wandleranordnung 10 und das Mikrofon 58 über Leitungen 59 beziehungsweise 60 angeschlossen. Das Koppelelement 20 ist mit der Ossikelkette 62 gekoppelt. Zu einer tragbaren Ladeeinheit 63 gehört eine Ladesendespule 64, die zum transkutanen Laden der Akkumulatoreinheit 53 mit der Ladeempfangsspule 54 induktiv gekoppelt werden kann. Eine Fernsteuereinheit ist bei 65 angedeutet. Ein solches Hörgerät ist beispielsweise aus US-PS 5,277,694 bekannt und bedarf daher keiner näheren Beschreibung.The hearing aid 51 also has an accumulator unit 53, a charging / receiving coil 54 and an electronics module 55. Components 53, 54 and 55 are in one hermetically sealed housing 56 which is implanted in the mastoid 57 and is fixed with respect to the skull. To the electronics module 55 are the Transducer assembly 10 and microphone 58 via lines 59 and 60, respectively connected. The coupling element 20 is coupled to the ossicle chain 62. To a portable charging unit 63 includes a charging transmitter coil 64, which for transcutaneously charging the accumulator unit 53 with the charge receiving coil 54 can be coupled inductively. A remote control unit is indicated at 65. On such hearing aid is known for example from US Pat. No. 5,277,694 and therefore requires it no further description.

Claims (11)

Wandleranordnung für teil- oder vollimplantierbare Hörgeräte zur direkten mechanischen Anregung des Mittel- oder Innenohres, versehen mit einem am Implantationsort mit Bezug auf den Schädel fixierbaren Gehäuse (14) und einem mit Bezug auf das Gehäuse beweglichen, mechanisch steifen Koppelelement (20), wobei in dem Gehäuse ein elektromechanischer Wandler (30, 32) untergebracht ist, mit dem sich das Koppelelement in Schwingungen versetzen läßt, die nach erfolgter Implantation der Wandleranordnung auf ein Mittelohr-Ossikel oder direkt auf das Innenohr übertragen werden, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß der elektromechanische Wandler als Elektromagnetanordnung (30, 32) ausgebildet ist, die ein mit Bezug auf das Gehäuse fixiertes Bauteil (32) sowie ein schwingfähiges Bauteil (30) aufweist, welches mit dem Koppelelement (20) derart in Verbindung steht, daß Schwingungen des schwingfähigen Bauteils auf das Koppelelement übertragen werden.Transducer arrangement for partially or fully implantable hearing aids for direct mechanical excitation of the middle or inner ear, provided with a housing (14) which can be fixed at the implantation location with respect to the skull and a mechanically rigid coupling element (20) which is movable with respect to the housing, wherein in the housing is an electromechanical transducer (30, 32) is housed, with which the coupling element can be set in vibrations, which are transmitted after implantation of the transducer arrangement on a middle ear ossicle or directly on the inner ear, characterized in that the electromechanical transducer as Electromagnet arrangement (30, 32) is formed, which has a component (32) fixed with respect to the housing and an oscillatable component (30) which is connected to the coupling element (20) in such a way that vibrations of the oscillatable component on the coupling element be transmitted. Wandleranordnung nach Anspruch 1, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß eine Wand des Gehäuses (14) als schwingfähige Membran (18) ausgeführt ist, an deren Innenseite das schwingfähige Bauteil (30) befestigt ist und mit deren Außenseite das Koppelelement (20) verbunden ist.Converter arrangement according to claim 1, characterized in that a Wall of the housing (14) is designed as an oscillatable membrane (18) whose inside the vibratable component (30) is attached and with their Outside the coupling element (20) is connected. Wandleranordnung nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß das Gehäuse (14) als hermetisch dichtes und biokompatibles Gehäuse ausgeführt ist.Converter arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized characterized in that the housing (14) is hermetically sealed and biocompatible Housing is executed. Wandleranordnung nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß das Gehäuse (14) zylindrisch ausgebildet ist und eine Umfangswand (11) sowie zwei im wesentlichen parallel zueinander verlaufende, kreisförmige Stirnwände (12, 18) aufweist.Converter arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized characterized in that the housing (14) is cylindrical and a Peripheral wall (11) and two substantially parallel to each other, has circular end walls (12, 18). Wandleranordnung nach Anspruch 4, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß die eine Stirnwand des Gehäuses (14) die schwingfähige Membran (18) bildet.Converter arrangement according to claim 4, characterized in that the one End wall of the housing (14) forms the oscillatable membrane (18). Wandleranordnung nach Anspruch 5, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß die andere Stirnwand (12) des Gehäuses (14) mit der Umfangswand (11) des Gehäuses einstückig verbunden ist. Converter arrangement according to claim 5, characterized in that the other end wall (12) of the housing (14) with the peripheral wall (11) of the Housing is integrally connected. Wandleranordnung nach einem der Ansprüche 4 bis 6, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß das schwingfähige Bauteil (30) im wesentlichen im Zentrum der die schwingfähige Membran (18) bildenden Gehäusestirnfläche befestigt ist.Converter arrangement according to one of claims 4 to 6, characterized in that that the vibratable member (30) substantially in the center of the vibrating membrane (18) forming the housing face is attached. Wandleranordnung nach einem der Ansprüche 4 bis 7, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß das Koppelelement (20) im wesentlichen im Zentrum der die schwingfähige Membran (18) bildenden Gehäusestirnfläche befestigt ist.Converter arrangement according to one of claims 4 to 7, characterized in that the coupling element (20) essentially in the center of the vibrating membrane (18) forming the housing face is attached. Wandleranordnung nach einem der Ansprüche 2 bis 8, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß mit der Innenseite der Membran (18) ein das schwingfähige Bauteil bildender Dauermagnet (30) verbunden ist, und eine elektromagnetische Spule (32) in dem Gehäuse (14) fest angebracht ist, um den Dauermagneten in Schwingungen zu versetzen.Converter arrangement according to one of claims 2 to 8, characterized in that with the inside of the membrane (18) a vibratable component forming permanent magnet (30) is connected, and an electromagnetic Coil (32) in the housing (14) is fixed to the permanent magnet to vibrate. Wandleranordnung nach Anspruch 9, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß der Dauermagnet (30) als Magnetstift ausgebildet ist und die Spule (32) eine Ringspule mit einer Mittelöffnung (33) ist, in welche der Magnetstift eintaucht.Transducer arrangement according to claim 9, characterized in that the permanent magnet (30) is designed as a magnetic pin and the coil (32) is a ring coil with a central opening (33) into which the magnetic pin is immersed. Voll- oder teilimplantierbares Hörgerät mit einer Wandleranordnung (10) nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche.Fully or partially implantable hearing aid with a transducer arrangement (10) according to one of the preceding claims.
EP98121495A 1998-09-03 1998-11-12 Transducer arrangement for partially or completely implanted hearing aids Expired - Lifetime EP0984663B1 (en)

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DE19840212 1998-09-03
DE19840212A DE19840212C2 (en) 1998-09-03 1998-09-03 Transducer arrangement for partially or fully implantable hearing aids

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EP0984663A2 true EP0984663A2 (en) 2000-03-08
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US6547715B1 (en) 1999-07-08 2003-04-15 Phonak Ag Arrangement for mechanical coupling of a driver to a coupling site of the ossicular chain
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CA2274211C (en) 2002-07-09
DK0984663T3 (en) 2011-02-14
DE19840212C2 (en) 2001-08-02
CA2274211A1 (en) 2000-03-03
AU2250899A (en) 2000-03-16
AU760815B2 (en) 2003-05-22
EP0984663B1 (en) 2010-10-27
DE19840212A1 (en) 2000-03-23
EP0984663A3 (en) 2006-05-17
DE59814473D1 (en) 2010-12-09
US6162169A (en) 2000-12-19

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