EP0480097B1 - Hearing-aid with data memory - Google Patents

Hearing-aid with data memory Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0480097B1
EP0480097B1 EP90119638A EP90119638A EP0480097B1 EP 0480097 B1 EP0480097 B1 EP 0480097B1 EP 90119638 A EP90119638 A EP 90119638A EP 90119638 A EP90119638 A EP 90119638A EP 0480097 B1 EP0480097 B1 EP 0480097B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
hearing aid
hearing
output
identification device
data
Prior art date
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.)
Expired - Lifetime
Application number
EP90119638A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP0480097A1 (en
Inventor
Raimund Dipl.-Ing. Martin
Jürgen Dipl.-Ing. Wagner (FH)
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Sivantos GmbH
Original Assignee
Siemens Audioligische Technik GmbH
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Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Siemens Audioligische Technik GmbH filed Critical Siemens Audioligische Technik GmbH
Priority to AT90119638T priority Critical patent/ATE116091T1/en
Priority to DK90119638.6T priority patent/DK0480097T3/en
Priority to DE59008091T priority patent/DE59008091D1/en
Priority to EP90119638A priority patent/EP0480097B1/en
Priority to US07/769,731 priority patent/US5210803A/en
Priority to JP3290747A priority patent/JPH04265100A/en
Publication of EP0480097A1 publication Critical patent/EP0480097A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP0480097B1 publication Critical patent/EP0480097B1/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

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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
    • H04R25/50—Customised settings for obtaining desired overall acoustical characteristics
    • H04R25/505—Customised settings for obtaining desired overall acoustical characteristics using digital signal processing

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a hearing aid with a microphone, an amplifier, a handset and a device for identifying the hearing aid, which comprises a data memory in which at least one hearing aid feature is stored, the hearing aid feature being used to adapt the hearing aid to the respective hearing aid feature Hearing damage to the hearing aid wearer required hearing aid features of the respective hearing aid can be determined.
  • Known hearing aids of the type mentioned are individually adapted with their transmission properties to the respective residual hearing of a user of the hearing aid. This requires a large variety of types of hearing devices. Even hearing aids with identical housings can differ significantly in their electrical design (electrical data) from one another due to different performance data of these built-in parts of the hearing aid due to different built-in parts, such as a microphone, receiver and / or electrical amplifier circuit. A representation of detailed distinguishing features (transmission properties) of the respective hearing device type on the housing of the hearing device for the precise identification of the hearing device is not possible due to a lack of sufficient space on the respective hearing device, in particular on an in-the-ear hearing device.
  • a hearing aid is known from CH-A-671 131, the data memory of which still contains storage spaces for only one type of information which can be output to a programming device by wire. This is intended to ensure that the audio channels of hearing aids of different types can be set quickly one after the other by means of a single programming device.
  • the wired output requires at least one space-consuming plug contact on the hearing aid.
  • a hearing aid of the type mentioned at the outset with a data memory as a component of a calibration device is known.
  • the calibration device has stored data on individual characteristics of the individual hearing aid.
  • a programming system is programmed with this data.
  • An external programming device and an input and output unit are provided in the hearing aid.
  • hearing aid features / hearing aid data Knowledge of detailed transmission properties (hearing aid features / hearing aid data) is necessary for correct adaptation of the hearing aid to the residual hearing ability of the hearing-impaired user.
  • People, e.g. Audiologists who adapt hearing aids to hearing damage must therefore first of all look for the relevant hearing aid features in a time-consuming manner on the basis of the type and manufacturer identification arranged on the housing of the hearing aid in separate data lists. Such lists must always be kept up to date, which takes additional time. Occasionally, the data lists available at the audiologist are already out of date. Consequently, time-consuming measurements must then be carried out on the hearing aid in order to precisely determine hearing aid features.
  • the invention has for its object to facilitate the determination of detailed hearing aid features in hearing aids of the type mentioned without the need for external programming systems which are preprogrammed for the identification of hearing aids. Furthermore, the number of hearing aid features that can be ascertained on the hearing aid should be able to be increased without taking up much more space.
  • At least one data store is part of it an identification device for a hearing aid and for storing at least one feature of the hearing aid.
  • the identification device of the hearing device has at least one output means, via which hearing device features stored in the data memory can be output wirelessly for the precise identification of the hearing device.
  • Such features that uniquely characterize the hearing aid and / or its properties can be entered into the data memory in large numbers in the form of, for example, electronic data. This large number of stored features can be called up from the data storage device of the hearing aid without the need to use up-to-date data lists or appropriately programmed external programming systems. It is also not necessary to open the housing of the hearing device and / or to disassemble the hearing device.
  • Programmable hearing aids in particular, regularly already have a data memory which, with sufficient storage capacity, can advantageously also be used or designed according to the invention.
  • the space required for the storage and output of features characterizing the respective hearing aid requires considerably less space than conventional data on the hearing aid housing, for example in writing. Nevertheless, significantly more features / parameters of the hearing aid can be identified, which are always up to date, that is to say corresponding to the respective hearing aid.
  • the respective output means of the hearing device for the wireless output of the stored data and clearly identifying the respective hearing device can be designed in a wide variety of ways.
  • a display device for the visible display (optical output) of the hearing aid data can be implemented on a hearing aid that offers sufficient space for this, in particular on a BTE hearing aid.
  • the display device can be designed as a small display, for example an LCD display (liquid crystal display).
  • the display can be in consecutive times Characters.
  • the characters can also be output as successive words and / or numbers.
  • the output means can also be designed as an interface to an external visual display device with a display device.
  • the data for identifying features of the hearing aid can also be output wirelessly, in particular inductively or acoustically, via the output means in another way.
  • the output can take place inductively via the hearing aid's regular telephone coil.
  • the stored data can be output as sound signals via the receiver of the hearing aid.
  • the handset or the telephone coil that is usually present in the hearing aid is also used in these variants as an interface (output means) for wireless data output.
  • the display device of the external data display device forms an external identification device that is wirelessly connected to the hearing device.
  • the hearing aid can be coupled to an external identification device with an induction or an acoustic coupler for wireless forwarding of the output data. If the data memory of the identification device of the hearing aid has sufficient capacity, it is also possible to output the sound signal for the data output as a speech signal that is understandable to humans.
  • the data output via the output means for features of the hearing aid is triggered by a control signal.
  • This control signal can be triggered by a transmitter.
  • the control signal can also be used in conjunction with wireless remote control via ultrasound to be triggered. Since hearing aid features are also output wirelessly, features / parameters of the hearing aid are easily identifiable completely free of wire connections and / or space-consuming plug connections on the hearing aid.
  • the hearing aid 1 shows a programmable, remotely controllable hearing aid 1 with a separate remote control transmitter 2.
  • the hearing aid 1 comprises a microphone 3, a low-pass filter 4 for hearing sound signals, a preamplifier 5, a programmable electronic resistor 6, a power amplifier 7 and a receiver 8.
  • the hearing aid 1 further comprises a remote control part, consisting of a limiter stage 9, which e.g. can be designed as a Schmitt trigger with an upstream high-pass filter (not shown) and an evaluation circuit 10 and a data decoder 11.
  • the remote control transmitter 2 outputs and outputs sound signals triggered and coded via an output sound converter 12 with the aid of a button control 13, e.g. Ultrasonic remote control signals, which are received by the microphone 3 of the hearing aid, decoded in the data decoder 11 and assigned to a remotely controllable or programmable component.
  • a button control 13 e.g. Ultrasonic remote control signals
  • the hearing device according to FIG. 1 corresponds in principle to a hearing device known from EP-A-0 175 909 and described in detail.
  • the hearing aid 1 has a data memory 14 which forms part of an identification device.
  • Features of the hearing aid are input into the data memory 14 in storable form as digital data. The entry can be made during the manufacture of the hearing aid or at another time.
  • the stored data can contain, for example, the name of the manufacturer, the type designation, device version, device series and / or technical data, such as amplification, frequency response, limit threshold and / or output level, etc.
  • the stored data are associated with the hearing aid 1 Output means can be output.
  • the already existing receiver 8 of the hearing device 1 is advantageously also used in this special exemplary embodiment. As a result, there is no longer any need for separate dispensing means, nor is the space required for this.
  • the receiver 8 and the memory 14 are consequently used as an internal component 27 of the identification device.
  • this identification device also includes an external component 15.
  • the external component 15 of the identification device receives wirelessly, via a microphone 16 acting as an acoustic coupler, the sound signals output by the receiver 8 as coded sound signals - symbolized by the arrow 17 - of the hearing aid 1, stored in the memory 14 as digital data.
  • the digitally stored data from the memory 14 are fed as a serial data stream via a line 18 to a modulator 19.
  • the modulator 19, which can be designed as a component of an integrated circuit, comprises, for example, a low-frequency generator (not shown) which is modulated in a manner known per se with the serial data stream from the memory 14. Suitable modulation methods include Pulse duration modulation and frequency shift keying (FSK modulation).
  • the modulated LF signal (audio frequency signal) is fed to a summing circuit 20 present in the actual hearing aid amplifier part 5 to 7, amplified in the power amplifier 7 and finally output via the receiver 8 as a coded sound signal (arrow 17).
  • the encoded sound signal is then picked up by the microphone 16 and fed via a line 21 to a demodulator 22 as a modulated audio frequency signal. After demodulation, a data stream corresponding to the data stream of the line is created 18 in the hearing aid 1. This data stream is fed via line 23 to an evaluation and display device 24 for displaying the stored features of the hearing aid 1.
  • the external component 15 of the identification device, in particular the evaluation and display device 24, can be designed, for example, as a component of a digital programming device for hearing aids.
  • a coded control signal is generated in the remote control transmitter 2 by actuating an assigned key of the key control 13.
  • the output of hearing aid features from the data memory 14 is triggered with this control signal.
  • the control signal is preferably emitted by the output sound transducer 12 as an ultrasound signal, which is symbolized by the arrow 26.
  • the coded control signal is fed to the remote control part 9 to 11 in a manner known per se (EP-A-0 175 909) via an input means of the hearing aid 1, in the special exemplary embodiment via the microphone 3, and decoded in the decoder 11.
  • the control signal can be activated via e.g. Multi-pole data line 25 are fed to the data memory 14.
  • the data memory 14 then outputs stored features as a serial data stream via the line 18.
  • the control signal can be coded differently.
  • a first encoding can be used to trigger the output of a single feature.
  • a second coding can be used to trigger the output of a group of features and a further coding can be used to trigger the output of all features. This makes it possible to only use certain characteristics, such as characteristics to transmit properties of the hearing aid, which is particularly advantageous for quick yet detailed identification.
  • FIG. 2 An advantageous variant of a hearing device 28 according to the invention shown in FIG. 2 differs from the hearing device 1 by an identification device 29 which is completely assigned to the hearing device 28.
  • the identification device 29 has the data memory 14 described for FIG. 1, which is connected to a display device 31 via an auxiliary memory 30.
  • the auxiliary memory 30 is used to process the data output from the data memory 14 in a form that can be displayed by the display device 31.
  • the two memories 14 and 30 can be part of an integrated circuit.
  • the display device 31 can be designed as a very small display, for example as an LCD display 32, as shown in FIG. 3 on a BTE hearing aid housing 33.
  • the LCD display 32 shows an arbitrarily selected type designation, for example as a feature that can be output according to the invention via the output means - here LCD display 32 - and stored in the data memory 14 of the hearing device 28.
  • the LCD display 32 is arranged between a setting wheel 34 and a switch 35.
  • Other arrangements of the display for example hidden under a flap of the housing 33, are also possible.
  • the LCD display can be arranged instead of previously labeled areas / rooms.
  • the large manufacturing effort (printing stamp, tools, etc.) required for labeling is also eliminated, especially with regard to multi-lingual labeling, which had to be carried out differently on the hearing aid due to the lack of space depending on the language area (country) supplied.
  • the output by means of a display can be designed so that it can be switched over to different languages without great manufacturing expenditure or space requirements.
  • the hearing aid according to FIG. 1 can, in particular because of the use of input and output means already present on the hearing aid for identifying the hearing aid according to the invention, be designed such that conventional hearing aids, e.g. to an ITE hearing aid housing 36 according to FIG. 4, no difference can be determined externally.
  • an embodiment of the invention provides that, in particular, the hearing aid according to FIG. 1 has a conventional identification of the hearing aid identification, as described in Figure 4 is represented by an inscription 37. This can e.g. can be achieved by the inscription "electronic identification system".

Abstract

In a hearing aid having a microphone (3), an amplifier (5, 7), an earphone (8) and having at least one data memory (14, 30), it should be possible to determine detailed hearing aid features more easily, particularly in a large number. For this purpose, the data memory (14) forms a part of an identication device (15, 27; 29) and stores at least one hearing aid feature which can be output for identifying the hearing aid (1; 28) via an output means (8; 31; 32) of the identification device, which is associated with the hearing aid.

Description

Siemens Audiologische Technik GmbHSiemens Audiological Technology GmbH

Die Erfindung bezieht sich auf ein Hörgerät mit einem Mikrofon, einem Verstärker, einem Hörer und einer Einrichtung zur Identifizierung des Hörgerätes, die einen Datenspeicher umfaßt, in dem wenigstens ein Hörgerätmerkmal gespeichert ist, wobei anhand des gespeicherten Hörgerätmerkmals die zur Anpassung des Hörgerätes an den jeweiligen Gehörschaden des Hörgeräteträgers erforderlichen Hörgerätmerkmale des jeweiligen Hörgerätes feststellbar sind.The invention relates to a hearing aid with a microphone, an amplifier, a handset and a device for identifying the hearing aid, which comprises a data memory in which at least one hearing aid feature is stored, the hearing aid feature being used to adapt the hearing aid to the respective hearing aid feature Hearing damage to the hearing aid wearer required hearing aid features of the respective hearing aid can be determined.

Bekannte Hörgeräte der eingangs genannten Art sind mit ihren Übertragungseigenschaften individuell an das jeweilige Resthörvermögen eines Benutzers des Hörgerätes angepaßt. Dazu ist eine große Typenvielfalt von Högeräten erforderlich. Selbst Hörgeräte mit baugleichem Gehäuse können sich durch unterschiedliche Einbauteile, wie Mikrofon, Hörer und/oder elektrische Verstärkerschaltung, aufgrund unterschiedlicher Leistungsdaten dieser Einbauteile des Hörgerätes in ihrer elektrischen Bauart (elektrische Daten) erheblich voneinander unterscheiden. Eine Darstellung detaillierter Unterscheidungsmerkmale (Übertragungseigenschaften) des Jeweiligen Hörgerättypes am Gehäuse des Hörgerätes zur genauen Identifizierung des Hörgerätes ist schon mangels ausreichendem Platz an dem jeweiligen Hörgerät, insbesondere an einem In-dem-Ohr-Hörgerät, nicht möglich.Known hearing aids of the type mentioned are individually adapted with their transmission properties to the respective residual hearing of a user of the hearing aid. This requires a large variety of types of hearing devices. Even hearing aids with identical housings can differ significantly in their electrical design (electrical data) from one another due to different performance data of these built-in parts of the hearing aid due to different built-in parts, such as a microphone, receiver and / or electrical amplifier circuit. A representation of detailed distinguishing features (transmission properties) of the respective hearing device type on the housing of the hearing device for the precise identification of the hearing device is not possible due to a lack of sufficient space on the respective hearing device, in particular on an in-the-ear hearing device.

Aus der CH-A-671 131 ist ein Hörgerät bekannt, dessen Datenspeicher noch Speicherplätze für nur eine Typinformation enthält, die drahtgebunden an ein Programmiergerät ausgebbar ist. Dadurch soll erreicht werden, daß die Audiokanäle von Hörgeräten unterschiedlichen Typs mittels einer einzigen Programmiereinrichtung schnell nacheinander einzustellen sind. Die drahtgebundene Ausgabe erfordert aber mindestens einen platzgreifenden Steckkontakt an dem Hörgerät.A hearing aid is known from CH-A-671 131, the data memory of which still contains storage spaces for only one type of information which can be output to a programming device by wire. This is intended to ensure that the audio channels of hearing aids of different types can be set quickly one after the other by means of a single programming device. The wired output, however, requires at least one space-consuming plug contact on the hearing aid.

Aus der EP-A-0 341 995 ist ein Hörgerät der eingangs genannten Art mit einem Datenspeicher als Bestandteil einer Kalibrierungseinrichtung bekannt. Die Kalibrierungseinrichtung hat Daten über einzelne Charakteristiken des individuellen Hörgerätes gespeichert. Ein Programmiersystem wird mit diesen Daten programmiert. Es ist eine externe Programmiereinrichtung und eine Ein- und Ausgabeeinheit im Hörgerät vorgesehen.From EP-A-0 341 995 a hearing aid of the type mentioned at the outset with a data memory as a component of a calibration device is known. The calibration device has stored data on individual characteristics of the individual hearing aid. A programming system is programmed with this data. An external programming device and an input and output unit are provided in the hearing aid.

Für eine korrekte Anpassung des Hörgerätes an das Resthörvermögen des hörgeschädigten Benutzers ist die Kenntnis detaillierter Übertragungseigenschaften (Hörgerätmerkmale/Hörgerätdaten) erforderlich. Personen, z.B. Audiologen, die Hörgeräte an Hörschäden anpassen, müssen daher zunächst in zeitraubender Weise anhand der an dem Gehäuse des Hörgerätes angeordneten Typen- und Herstellerkennzeichnung in gesonderten Datenlisten die relevanten Hörgerätmerkmale heraussuchen. Solche Listen müssen stets auf dem neuesten Stand gehalten werden, was mit zusätzlichem Zeitaufwand verbunden ist. Gelegentlich sind die beim Audiologen vorhandenen Datenlisten schon veraltet. Folglich müssen dann zur genauen Feststellung von Hörgerätmerkmalen zeitaufwendige Messungen am Hörgerät durchgeführt werden.Knowledge of detailed transmission properties (hearing aid features / hearing aid data) is necessary for correct adaptation of the hearing aid to the residual hearing ability of the hearing-impaired user. People, e.g. Audiologists who adapt hearing aids to hearing damage must therefore first of all look for the relevant hearing aid features in a time-consuming manner on the basis of the type and manufacturer identification arranged on the housing of the hearing aid in separate data lists. Such lists must always be kept up to date, which takes additional time. Occasionally, the data lists available at the audiologist are already out of date. Consequently, time-consuming measurements must then be carried out on the hearing aid in order to precisely determine hearing aid features.

Der Erfindung liegt die Aufgabe zugrunde, bei Hörgeräten der eingangs genannten Art die Feststellung detaillierter Hörgerätmerkmale zu erleichtern, ohne daß es externer Programmiersysteme bedarf, die zur Identifikation von Hörgeräten vorprogrammiert sind. Des weiteren soll die Anzahl der am Hörgerät feststellbaren Hörgerätmerkmale ohne wesentlich größeren Platzbedarf erhöht werden können.The invention has for its object to facilitate the determination of detailed hearing aid features in hearing aids of the type mentioned without the need for external programming systems which are preprogrammed for the identification of hearing aids. Furthermore, the number of hearing aid features that can be ascertained on the hearing aid should be able to be increased without taking up much more space.

Diese Aufgabe wird durch die im Anspruch 1 genannten Merkmale gelöst. Danach ist wenigstens ein Datenspeicher als Bestandteil einer Identifizierungseinrichtung für ein Hörgerät und zur Speicherung von wenigstens einem Merkmal des Hörgerätes vorgesehen. Die Identifizierungseinrichtung des Hörgerätes weist wenigstens ein Ausgabemittel auf, über welches im Datenspeicher gespeicherte Hörgerätmerkmale zu der genauen Identifizierung des Hörgerätes drahtlos ausgebbar sind. Solche Merkmale, die das Hörgerät und/oder dessen Eigenschaften in eindeutiger Weise kennzeichnen, können in großer Anzahl in Form von z.B. elektronischen Daten in den Datenspeicher eingegeben werden. Diese große Anzahl von gespeicherten Merkmalen ist aus dem Datenspeicher des Hörgerätes abrufbar, ohne daß dazu auf den neuesten Stand zu haltende Datenlisten oder entsprechend programmierte externe Programmiersysteme zu Hilfe genommen werden müssen. Es ist auch nicht erforderlich, das Gehäuse des Hörgerätes zu öffnen und/oder das Hörgerät zu zerlegen. Vor allem programmierbare Hörgeräte weisen regelmäßig bereits einen Datenspeicher auf, der bei ausreichender Speicherkapazität vorteilhaft auch erfindungsgemäß verwendet bzw. ausgebildet werden kann. Der Platzbedarf für die Speicherung und Ausgabe von das jeweilige Hörgerät kennzeichnenden Merkmalen erfordert erheblich geringeren Platzbedarf als herkömmliche Datenangaben auf dem Hörgerätegehäuse, z.B. in Schriftform. Dennoch sind erheblich mehr Merkmale/Parameter des Hörgerätes identifizierbar, die stets auf dem neuesten, d.h. dem jeweiligen Hörgerät entsprechenden Stand sind.This object is achieved by the features mentioned in claim 1. Thereafter, at least one data store is part of it an identification device for a hearing aid and for storing at least one feature of the hearing aid. The identification device of the hearing device has at least one output means, via which hearing device features stored in the data memory can be output wirelessly for the precise identification of the hearing device. Such features that uniquely characterize the hearing aid and / or its properties can be entered into the data memory in large numbers in the form of, for example, electronic data. This large number of stored features can be called up from the data storage device of the hearing aid without the need to use up-to-date data lists or appropriately programmed external programming systems. It is also not necessary to open the housing of the hearing device and / or to disassemble the hearing device. Programmable hearing aids, in particular, regularly already have a data memory which, with sufficient storage capacity, can advantageously also be used or designed according to the invention. The space required for the storage and output of features characterizing the respective hearing aid requires considerably less space than conventional data on the hearing aid housing, for example in writing. Nevertheless, significantly more features / parameters of the hearing aid can be identified, which are always up to date, that is to say corresponding to the respective hearing aid.

Das jeweilige Ausgabemittel des Hörgerätes für die drahtlose Ausgabe der gespeicherten und das jeweilige Hörgerät eindeutig kennzeichnenden Daten kann in unterschiedlichster Weise ausgebildet sein. So ist in Ausbildung der Erfindung an einem dafür ausreichend Platz bietenden Hörgerät, insbesondere an einem HdO-Hörgerät, als Ausgabemittel eine Anzeigeeinrichtung zur sichtbaren Darstellung (optische Ausgabe) der Hörgerätdaten realisierbar. Die Anzeigeeinrichtung kann als ein kleines Display, z.B. LCD-Anzeige (Flüssigkristall-Anzeige), ausgebildet sein. Die Darstellung kann in zeitlich aufeinanderfolgenden Schriftzeichen erfolgen. Die Schriftzeichen können auch als aufeinanderfolgende Wörter und/oder Zahlen ausgegeben werden.The respective output means of the hearing device for the wireless output of the stored data and clearly identifying the respective hearing device can be designed in a wide variety of ways. In an embodiment of the invention, a display device for the visible display (optical output) of the hearing aid data can be implemented on a hearing aid that offers sufficient space for this, in particular on a BTE hearing aid. The display device can be designed as a small display, for example an LCD display (liquid crystal display). The display can be in consecutive times Characters. The characters can also be output as successive words and / or numbers.

Des weiteren kann das Ausgabemittel auch als Schnittstelle zu einem externen Datensichtgerät mit Anzeigeeinrichtung ausgebildet sein. In derartiger Ausbildung können die Daten zu kennzeichnenden Merkmalen des Hörgerätes auch in anderer Weise drahtlos, insbesondere induktiv oder akustisch über das Ausgabemittel ausgegeben werden. Nach einer Variante der Erfindung kann die Ausgabe induktiv über die regelmäßig vorhandene Telefonspule des Hörgerätes erfolgen. Nach einer anderen Variante können die gespeicherten Daten als Schallsignale über den Hörer des Hörgerätes ausgegeben werden. Der in dem Hörgerät üblicherweise vorhandene Hörer bzw. die üblicherweise vorhandene Telefonspule wird bei diesen Varianten als Schnittstelle (Ausgabemittel) für eine drahtlose Datenausgabe mitverwendet. Die Anzeigeeinrichtung des externen Datensichtgerätes bildet eine mit dem Hörgerät drahtlos verbundene externe Identifizierungseinrichtung. Durch die drahtlose Ausgabe von Hörgerätmerkmalen über den Hörer bzw. über die Telefonspule wird in vorteilhafter Weise ein gesondertes Ausgabemittel (z.B. Stecker) zur Identifizierung des Hörgerätes anhand der dazu gespeicherten Daten entbehrlich, was den Platzbedarf weiter vermindert. Das Hörgerät kann zur drahtlosen Weiterleitung der ausgegebenen Daten an eine externe Identifizierungseinrichtung mit einem Induktions- bzw. einem Akustikkoppler gekoppelt werden. Bei ausreichender Kapazität des Datenspeichers der Identifizierungseinrichtung des Hörgerätes ist es auch möglich, das Schallsignal für die Datenausgabe als ein für Menschen verständliches Sprachsignal auszugeben.Furthermore, the output means can also be designed as an interface to an external visual display device with a display device. In such an embodiment, the data for identifying features of the hearing aid can also be output wirelessly, in particular inductively or acoustically, via the output means in another way. According to a variant of the invention, the output can take place inductively via the hearing aid's regular telephone coil. According to another variant, the stored data can be output as sound signals via the receiver of the hearing aid. The handset or the telephone coil that is usually present in the hearing aid is also used in these variants as an interface (output means) for wireless data output. The display device of the external data display device forms an external identification device that is wirelessly connected to the hearing device. Due to the wireless output of hearing aid features via the handset or via the telephone coil, a separate output means (e.g. plug) for identifying the hearing aid based on the data stored for this purpose is advantageously unnecessary, which further reduces the space requirement. The hearing aid can be coupled to an external identification device with an induction or an acoustic coupler for wireless forwarding of the output data. If the data memory of the identification device of the hearing aid has sufficient capacity, it is also possible to output the sound signal for the data output as a speech signal that is understandable to humans.

Die Datenausgabe über das Ausgabemittel zu Merkmalen des Hörgerätes wird durch ein Steuersignal ausgelöst. Dieses Steuersignal ist durch einen Sender auslösbar. Das Steuersignal kann auch in Verbindung mit einer drahtlosen Fernsteuerung über Ultraschall ausgelöst werden. Da auch die Ausgabe von Hörgerätmerkmalen drahtlos erfolgt, sind Merkmale/Parameter des Hörgerätes völlig frei von Drahtverbindungen und/oder platzgreifenden Steckverbindungen am Hörgerät leicht identifizierbar.The data output via the output means for features of the hearing aid is triggered by a control signal. This control signal can be triggered by a transmitter. The control signal can also be used in conjunction with wireless remote control via ultrasound to be triggered. Since hearing aid features are also output wirelessly, features / parameters of the hearing aid are easily identifiable completely free of wire connections and / or space-consuming plug connections on the hearing aid.

Weitere Vorteile und Einzelheiten der Erfindung ergeben sich aus der nachfolgenden Beschreibung von Ausführungsbeispielen anhand der Zeichnungen und in Verbindung mit den Ansprüchen.Further advantages and details of the invention emerge from the following description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the drawings and in conjunction with the claims.

Es zeigen:

  • Figur 1 ein prinzipielles Blockschaltbild eines erfindungsgemäßen Hörgerätes mit internen und externen Bestandteilen einer Identifizierungseinrichtung;
  • Figur 2 ein prinzipielles Blockschaltbild eines erfindungsgemäßen Hörgerätes mit interner Identifizierungseinrichtung;
  • Figur 3 ein Hörgerät gemäß Figur 2 in einer HdO-Bauform (hinter dem Ohr zu tragendes Hörgerät) mit einer LCD-Anzeige und
  • Figur 4 ein erfindungsgemäßes Hörgerät in einer IdO-Bauform (im Ohr zu tragendes Hörgerät).
Show it:
  • Figure 1 is a basic block diagram of a hearing aid according to the invention with internal and external components of an identification device;
  • FIG. 2 shows a basic block diagram of a hearing device according to the invention with an internal identification device;
  • 3 shows a hearing aid according to FIG. 2 in a BTE design (hearing aid to be worn behind the ear) with an LCD display and
  • Figure 4 shows a hearing aid according to the invention in an ITE design (hearing aid to be worn in the ear).

In der Figur 1 ist ein programmierbares, fernsteuerbares Hörgerät 1 mit einem separaten Fernsteuersender 2 dargestellt. Das Hörgerät 1 umfaßt ein Mikrofon 3, ein Tiefpaßfilter 4 für Hörschallsignale, einen Vorverstärker 5, einen programmierbaren elektronischen Widerstand 6, einen Endverstärker 7 und einen Hörer 8. Das Hörgerät 1 umfaßt des weiteren einen Fernsteuerteil, bestehend aus einer Begrenzerstufe 9, die z.B. als Schmitt-Trigger mit einem vorgeschalteten Hochpaßfilter (nicht dargestellt) ausgebildet sein kann sowie eine Auswerteschaltung 10 und einen Datendekoder 11.1 shows a programmable, remotely controllable hearing aid 1 with a separate remote control transmitter 2. The hearing aid 1 comprises a microphone 3, a low-pass filter 4 for hearing sound signals, a preamplifier 5, a programmable electronic resistor 6, a power amplifier 7 and a receiver 8. The hearing aid 1 further comprises a remote control part, consisting of a limiter stage 9, which e.g. can be designed as a Schmitt trigger with an upstream high-pass filter (not shown) and an evaluation circuit 10 and a data decoder 11.

Der Fernsteuersender 2 gibt über einen Ausgangsschallwandler 12 mit Hilfe einer Tastensteuerung 13 ausgelöste und kodierte Schallsignale, z.B. Ultraschallfernsteuersignale, ab, die vom Mikrofon 3 des Hörgerätes empfangen, im Datendekoder 11 dekodiert und einem fernsteuerbaren bzw. programmierbaren Bauteil zugeordnet werden. Insoweit entspricht das Hörgerät gemäß Figur 1 prinzipiell einem aus der EP-A-0 175 909 bekannten und detailliert beschriebenen Hörgerät.The remote control transmitter 2 outputs and outputs sound signals triggered and coded via an output sound converter 12 with the aid of a button control 13, e.g. Ultrasonic remote control signals, which are received by the microphone 3 of the hearing aid, decoded in the data decoder 11 and assigned to a remotely controllable or programmable component. In this respect, the hearing device according to FIG. 1 corresponds in principle to a hearing device known from EP-A-0 175 909 and described in detail.

Das erfindungsgemäße Hörgerät 1 weist einen Datenspeicher 14 auf, der einen Bestandteil einer Identifizierungseinrichtung bildet. In den Datenspeicher 14 werden Merkmale des Hörgerätes in speicherbarer Form als digitale Daten eingegeben. Die Eingabe kann schon bei der Herstellung des Hörgerätes oder zu einem anderen Zeitpunkt vorgenommen werden. Die gespeicherten Daten können beispielsweise den Namen des Herstellers, die Typenbezeichnung, Geräteversion, Gerätebaureihe und/oder technische Daten, wie Verstärkung, Frequenzgang, Begrenzungsschwelle und/oder Ausgangspegel usw. enthalten, also Daten, die bisher vor allem aus separaten Datenlisten entnehmbar waren. Die gespeicherten Daten sind über ein dem Hörgerät 1 zugeordnetes Ausgabemittel ausgebbar. Dazu ist in diesem speziellen Ausführungsbeispiel der ohnehin vorhandene Hörer 8 des Hörgerätes 1 vorteilhaft mitverwendet. Dadurch entfällt sowohl ein gesondertes Ausgabemittel als auch der dafür erforderliche Platzbedarf. Der Hörer 8 und der Speicher 14 werden folglich als interner Bestandteil 27 der Identifizierungseinrichtung verwendet.The hearing aid 1 according to the invention has a data memory 14 which forms part of an identification device. Features of the hearing aid are input into the data memory 14 in storable form as digital data. The entry can be made during the manufacture of the hearing aid or at another time. The stored data can contain, for example, the name of the manufacturer, the type designation, device version, device series and / or technical data, such as amplification, frequency response, limit threshold and / or output level, etc. The stored data are associated with the hearing aid 1 Output means can be output. For this purpose, the already existing receiver 8 of the hearing device 1 is advantageously also used in this special exemplary embodiment. As a result, there is no longer any need for separate dispensing means, nor is the space required for this. The receiver 8 and the memory 14 are consequently used as an internal component 27 of the identification device.

Zu dieser Identifizierungseinrichtung gehört gemäß Ausführungsbeispiel nach Figur 1 auch ein externer Bestandteil 15. Der externe Bestandteil 15 der Identifizierungseinrichtung empfängt über ein als Akustikkoppler wirkendes Mikrofon 16 drahtlos die vom Hörer 8 als kodierte Schallsignale - symbolisiert durch den Pfeil 17 - ausgegebenen Merkmale des Hörgerätes 1, die in dem Speicher 14 als digitale Daten gespeichert sind.According to the exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 1, this identification device also includes an external component 15. The external component 15 of the identification device receives wirelessly, via a microphone 16 acting as an acoustic coupler, the sound signals output by the receiver 8 as coded sound signals - symbolized by the arrow 17 - of the hearing aid 1, stored in the memory 14 as digital data.

Im Hörgerät 1 werden die digital gespeicherten Daten des Speichers 14 als serieller Datenstrom über eine Leitung 18 einem Modulator 19 zugeführt. Der Modulator 19, der als Bestandteil einer integrierten Schaltung ausgebildet sein kann, umfaßt beispielsweise einen Niederfrequenzgenerator (nicht dargestellt), der in an sich bekannter Weise mit dem seriellen Datenstrom aus dem Speicher 14 moduliert wird. Als Modulationsverfahren eignen sich u.a. Pulsdauermodulation und Frequenzumtastung (FSK-Modulation). Das modulierte NF-Signal (Tonfrequenzsignal) wird einer im eigentlichen Hörgeräteverstärkerteil 5 bis 7 vorhandenen Summierschaltung 20 zugeführt, im Endverstärker 7 verstärkt und schließlich über den Hörer 8 als kodiertes Schallsignal (Pfeil 17) abgegeben.In the hearing aid 1, the digitally stored data from the memory 14 are fed as a serial data stream via a line 18 to a modulator 19. The modulator 19, which can be designed as a component of an integrated circuit, comprises, for example, a low-frequency generator (not shown) which is modulated in a manner known per se with the serial data stream from the memory 14. Suitable modulation methods include Pulse duration modulation and frequency shift keying (FSK modulation). The modulated LF signal (audio frequency signal) is fed to a summing circuit 20 present in the actual hearing aid amplifier part 5 to 7, amplified in the power amplifier 7 and finally output via the receiver 8 as a coded sound signal (arrow 17).

Das kodierte Schallsignal wird sodann vom Mikrofon 16 aufgenommen und über eine Leitung 21 als moduliertes Tonfrequenzsignal einem Demodulator 22 zugeführt. Nach der Demodulation entsteht ein Datenstrom entsprechend dem Datenstrom der Leitung 18 im Hörgerät 1. Dieser Datenstrom wird über eine Leitung 23 einer Auswerte- und Anzeigeeinrichtung 24 zur Darstellung der gespeicherten Merkmale des Hörgerätes 1 zugeführt. Der externe Bestandteil 15 der Identifizierungseinrichtung, insbesondere die Auswerte- und Anzeigeeinrichtung 24, kann beispielsweise als Bestandteil eines digitalen Programmiergerätes für Hörgeräte ausgebildet sein.The encoded sound signal is then picked up by the microphone 16 and fed via a line 21 to a demodulator 22 as a modulated audio frequency signal. After demodulation, a data stream corresponding to the data stream of the line is created 18 in the hearing aid 1. This data stream is fed via line 23 to an evaluation and display device 24 for displaying the stored features of the hearing aid 1. The external component 15 of the identification device, in particular the evaluation and display device 24, can be designed, for example, as a component of a digital programming device for hearing aids.

Nach einer vorteilhaften Variante der Erfindung wird in dem Fernsteuersender 2 durch Betätigung einer zugeordneten Taste der Tastensteuerung 13 ein kodiertes Steuersignal erzeugt. Mit diesem Steuersignal wird die Ausgabe von Hörgerätmerkmalen aus dem Datenspeicher 14 ausgelöst. Das Steuersignal wird vom Ausgangsschallwandler 12 vorzugsweise als Ultraschallsignal abgegeben, was durch den Pfeil 26 symbolisiert ist. Das kodierte Steuersignal wird über ein Eingabemittel des Hörgerätes 1, im speziellen Ausführungsbeispiel über das Mikrofon 3, dem Fernsteuerteil 9 bis 11 in an sich bekannter Weise (EP-A-0 175 909) zugeführt und in dem Dekoder 11 dekodiert. Zum Auslösen der Ausgabe eines Merkmales des Hörgerätes 1 kann das Steuersignal über die z.B. mehrpolig ausgebildete Datenleitung 25 dem Datenspeicher 14 zugeführt werden. Der Datenspeicher 14 gibt sodann gespeicherte Merkmale als seriellen Datenstrom über die Leitung 18 aus. Durch die Mitverwendung des vorhandenen Hörgerätemikrofones 3 und des vorhandenen Fernsteuerteiles 9 bis 11 entfällt in vorteilhafter Weise ein gesondertes Eingabe-und Dekodiermittel für das Steuersignal zum Auslösen der Ausgabe von Merkmalen des Hörgerätes 1.According to an advantageous variant of the invention, a coded control signal is generated in the remote control transmitter 2 by actuating an assigned key of the key control 13. The output of hearing aid features from the data memory 14 is triggered with this control signal. The control signal is preferably emitted by the output sound transducer 12 as an ultrasound signal, which is symbolized by the arrow 26. The coded control signal is fed to the remote control part 9 to 11 in a manner known per se (EP-A-0 175 909) via an input means of the hearing aid 1, in the special exemplary embodiment via the microphone 3, and decoded in the decoder 11. To trigger the output of a feature of the hearing aid 1, the control signal can be activated via e.g. Multi-pole data line 25 are fed to the data memory 14. The data memory 14 then outputs stored features as a serial data stream via the line 18. By using the existing hearing aid microphone 3 and the existing remote control part 9 to 11, there is advantageously no need for separate input and decoding means for the control signal to trigger the output of features of the hearing aid 1.

Das Steuersignal kann unterschiedlich kodiert sein. Eine erste Kodierung kann zum Auslösen der Ausgabe eines einzelnen Merkmales verwendet werden. Eine zweite Kodierung kann zum Auslösen der Ausgabe einer Gruppe von Merkmalen und eine weitere Kodierung zum Auslösen der Ausgabe aller Merkmale verwendet werden. Dadurch ist es möglich, nur bestimmte Merkmale, z.B. Merkmale zu Übertragungseigenschaften des Hörgerätes, auszugeben, was vor allem zur schnellen und dennoch detaillierten Identifizierung vorteilhaft ist.The control signal can be coded differently. A first encoding can be used to trigger the output of a single feature. A second coding can be used to trigger the output of a group of features and a further coding can be used to trigger the output of all features. This makes it possible to only use certain characteristics, such as characteristics to transmit properties of the hearing aid, which is particularly advantageous for quick yet detailed identification.

Eine in Figur 2 dargestellte vorteilhafte Variante eines erfindungsgemäßen Hörgerätes 28 unterscheidet sich von dem Hörgerät 1 durch eine Identifizierungseinrichtung 29, die vollständig dem Hörgerät 28 zugeordnet ist. Die Identifizierungseinrichtung 29 weist den zu Figur 1 beschriebenen Datenspeicher 14 auf, der über einen Hilfsspeicher 30 mit einer Anzeigeeinrichtung 31 verbunden ist. Der Hilfsspeicher 30 dient zur Aufbereitung der aus dem Datenspeicher 14 ausgegebenen Daten in eine für die Anzeigeeinrichtung 31 sichtbar darstellbare Form. Insbesondere die beiden Speicher 14 und 30 können Bestandteil einer integrierten Schaltung sein.An advantageous variant of a hearing device 28 according to the invention shown in FIG. 2 differs from the hearing device 1 by an identification device 29 which is completely assigned to the hearing device 28. The identification device 29 has the data memory 14 described for FIG. 1, which is connected to a display device 31 via an auxiliary memory 30. The auxiliary memory 30 is used to process the data output from the data memory 14 in a form that can be displayed by the display device 31. In particular, the two memories 14 and 30 can be part of an integrated circuit.

Die Anzeigeeinrichtung 31 kann als sehr kleines Display, z.B. als LCD-Anzeige 32 ausgebildet sein, wie es in Figur 3 an einem HdO-Hörgerätgehäuse 33 dargestellt ist. Auf der LCD-Anzeige 32 ist eine willkürlich gewählte Typenbezeichnung beispielshaft als ein erfindungsgemäß über das Ausgabemittel - hier LCD-Anzeige 32 - ausgebbares und im Datenspeicher 14 des Hörgerätes 28 gespeichertes Merkmal dargestellt. In dem Ausführungsbeispiel gemäß Figur 3 ist die LCD-Anzeige 32 zwischen einem Einstellrad 34 und einem Schalter 35 angeordnet. Andere Anordnungen des Displays, z.B. verdeckt unter einer Klappe des Gehäuses 33, sind auch möglich. Insbesondere kann die LCD-Anzeige anstelle bisher beschrifteter Flächen/Räume angeordnet werden. Foglich entfällt auch der für eine Bschriftung erforderliche große Herstellungsaufwand (Druckstempel, Werkzeuge etc.), vor allem bezüglich einer mehrsprachigen Beschriftung, die mangels Platz in Abhängigkeit vom jeweils belieferten Sprachraum (Land) unterschiedlich am Hörgerät ausgeführt sein mußte. Die Ausgabe mittels einem Display kann ohne großen Herstellungsaufwand oder Platzbedarf auf verschiedene Sprachen umschaltbar ausgebildet sein.The display device 31 can be designed as a very small display, for example as an LCD display 32, as shown in FIG. 3 on a BTE hearing aid housing 33. The LCD display 32 shows an arbitrarily selected type designation, for example as a feature that can be output according to the invention via the output means - here LCD display 32 - and stored in the data memory 14 of the hearing device 28. In the exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 3, the LCD display 32 is arranged between a setting wheel 34 and a switch 35. Other arrangements of the display, for example hidden under a flap of the housing 33, are also possible. In particular, the LCD display can be arranged instead of previously labeled areas / rooms. The large manufacturing effort (printing stamp, tools, etc.) required for labeling is also eliminated, especially with regard to multi-lingual labeling, which had to be carried out differently on the hearing aid due to the lack of space depending on the language area (country) supplied. The output by means of a display can be designed so that it can be switched over to different languages without great manufacturing expenditure or space requirements.

Das erfindungsgemäße Hörgerät gemäß Figur 1 kann insbesondere wegen der Mitverwendung von am Hörgerät bereits vorhandener Ein- und Ausgabemittel für die erfindungsgemäße Identifizierung des Hörgerätes so ausgebildet sein, daß zu herkömmlichen Hörgeräten, z.B. zu einem IdO-Hörgerätegehäuse 36 gemäß Figur 4, äußerlich kein Unterschied feststellbar ist. Um zu verhindern, daß eine Person zur genauen Identifizierung des Hörgerätes in der eingangs geschilderten Weise vorgeht, ist in Ausgestaltung der Erfindung vorgesehen, daß insbesondere das Hörgerät gemäß Figur 1 in herkömmlicher Art eine auf die erfindungsgemäße Identifizierung des Hörgerätes hinweisende Kennzeichnung aufweist, wie es in Figur 4 durch eine Aufschrift 37 dargestellt ist. Das kann z.B. durch die Aufschrift "Elektronisches Identifizierungssystem" erreicht werden. Es ist aber auch möglich, das IdO-Hörgerätegehäuse 36 mit einer LCD-Anzeige (nicht dargestellt) im Bereich der Face-Plate 38 auszustatten.The hearing aid according to FIG. 1 can, in particular because of the use of input and output means already present on the hearing aid for identifying the hearing aid according to the invention, be designed such that conventional hearing aids, e.g. to an ITE hearing aid housing 36 according to FIG. 4, no difference can be determined externally. In order to prevent a person from proceeding in the manner described at the outset for the precise identification of the hearing aid, an embodiment of the invention provides that, in particular, the hearing aid according to FIG. 1 has a conventional identification of the hearing aid identification, as described in Figure 4 is represented by an inscription 37. This can e.g. can be achieved by the inscription "electronic identification system". However, it is also possible to equip the ITE hearing aid housing 36 with an LCD display (not shown) in the region of the face plate 38.

Claims (5)

  1. Hearing aid having a microphone (3), an amplifier (5, 7), an earphone (8) and a device for identifying the hearing aid (1; 28), which identification device comprises a data storage (14) in which at least one hearing aid feature is stored, wherein, with the aid of the stored hearing aid feature, there can be determined the hearing aid features of the respective hearing aid which are required for matching the hearing aid to the respective hearing impairment of the user who will be wearing the hearing aid, characterised in that the stored hearing aid feature can be output in a wireless manner by way of at least one output means (8; 31; 32) of the identification device (27; 29) of the hearing aid when an externally generated control signal is supplied to the hearing aid, and this control signal has a coding for outputting the hearing aid feature, and in that the control signal generated from a transmitter (2) known per se is a sound signal and can be supplied to the identification device (27; 29) of the hearing aid by way of the microphone (3) of the hearing aid (1; 28).
  2. Hearing aid according to claim 1, characterised in that the earphone (8) of the hearing aid (1) is used jointly as an output means of the identification device (27) of the hearing aid, and in that the output coded sound signal can be displayed by means of an external identification device separate from the hearing aid and comprising a microphone (16), a demodulator (22) and an evaluation and display device (24).
  3. Hearing aid according to claim 1, characterised in that a telephone coil of the hearing aid is jointly used as an inductive output means of the identification device of the hearing aid.
  4. Hearing aid according to claim 1, characterised in that a display device (31) and a visual display (32) on the hearing aid housing (33) are provided as output means of the identification device (29) of the hearing aid.
  5. Hearing aid according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterised in that the hearing aid housing (36) has a designation (37) for the identification device of the hearing aid.
EP90119638A 1990-10-12 1990-10-12 Hearing-aid with data memory Expired - Lifetime EP0480097B1 (en)

Priority Applications (6)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AT90119638T ATE116091T1 (en) 1990-10-12 1990-10-12 HEARING AID WITH A DATA MEMORY.
DK90119638.6T DK0480097T3 (en) 1990-10-12 1990-10-12 Hearing aid with a data warehouse
DE59008091T DE59008091D1 (en) 1990-10-12 1990-10-12 Hearing aid with a data storage device.
EP90119638A EP0480097B1 (en) 1990-10-12 1990-10-12 Hearing-aid with data memory
US07/769,731 US5210803A (en) 1990-10-12 1991-10-02 Hearing aid having a data storage
JP3290747A JPH04265100A (en) 1990-10-12 1991-10-09 Hearing aid

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP90119638A EP0480097B1 (en) 1990-10-12 1990-10-12 Hearing-aid with data memory

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0480097A1 EP0480097A1 (en) 1992-04-15
EP0480097B1 true EP0480097B1 (en) 1994-12-21

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EP90119638A Expired - Lifetime EP0480097B1 (en) 1990-10-12 1990-10-12 Hearing-aid with data memory

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US (1) US5210803A (en)
EP (1) EP0480097B1 (en)
JP (1) JPH04265100A (en)
AT (1) ATE116091T1 (en)
DE (1) DE59008091D1 (en)
DK (1) DK0480097T3 (en)

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DE59008091D1 (en) 1995-02-02
JPH04265100A (en) 1992-09-21
EP0480097A1 (en) 1992-04-15
US5210803A (en) 1993-05-11
ATE116091T1 (en) 1995-01-15
DK0480097T3 (en) 1995-06-06

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