EP2200346B1 - Hearing-aid device with automatic algorithm switching - Google Patents

Hearing-aid device with automatic algorithm switching Download PDF

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Publication number
EP2200346B1
EP2200346B1 EP09178221.9A EP09178221A EP2200346B1 EP 2200346 B1 EP2200346 B1 EP 2200346B1 EP 09178221 A EP09178221 A EP 09178221A EP 2200346 B1 EP2200346 B1 EP 2200346B1
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Prior art keywords
microphones
signal
decision
processing
hearing device
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EP09178221.9A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP2200346A2 (en
EP2200346A3 (en
Inventor
Tobias Wurzbacher
Matthias Fröhlich
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Sivantos Pte Ltd
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Sivantos Pte Ltd
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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
    • H04R25/30—Monitoring or testing of hearing aids, e.g. functioning, settings, battery power
    • H04R25/305—Self-monitoring or self-testing
    • 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
    • H04R2225/39—Aspects relating to automatic logging of sound environment parameters and the performance of the hearing aid during use, e.g. histogram logging, or of user selected programs or settings in the hearing aid, e.g. usage logging
    • 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
    • H04R2225/61—Aspects relating to mechanical or electronic switches or control elements, e.g. functioning
    • 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
    • H04R25/43—Electronic input selection or mixing based on input signal analysis, e.g. mixing or selection between microphone and telecoil or between microphones with different directivity characteristics

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a hearing aid with a plurality of microphones, a decision device for deciding whether one of the microphones is defective, and a signal processing device for processing the signals of the microphones with a plurality of processing algorithms.
  • a hearing device here means any sound-emitting device that can be worn on or in the ear or on the head, in particular a hearing aid, a headset, headphones and the like.
  • Hearing aids are portable hearing aids that are used to care for the hearing impaired.
  • different types of hearing aids such as behind-the-ear hearing aids (BTE), hearing aid with external receiver (RIC: receiver in the canal) and in-the-ear hearing aids (IDO), e.g. Concha hearing aids or canal hearing aids (ITE, CIC).
  • BTE behind-the-ear hearing aids
  • RIC hearing aid with external receiver
  • IDO in-the-ear hearing aids
  • ITE canal hearing aids
  • the hearing aids listed by way of example are worn on the outer ear or in the ear canal.
  • bone conduction hearing aids, implantable or vibrotactile hearing aids are also available on the market. The stimulation of the damaged hearing takes place either mechanically or electrically.
  • Hearing aids have in principle as essential components an input transducer, an amplifier and an output transducer.
  • the input transducer is usually a sound receiver, z. As a microphone, and / or an electromagnetic receiver, for. B. an induction coil.
  • the output transducer is usually used as an electroacoustic transducer, z. As miniature speaker, or as an electromechanical transducer, z. B. bone conduction, realized.
  • the amplifier is usually integrated in a signal processing unit. This basic structure is in FIG. 1 shown using the example of a behind-the-ear hearing aid. In a hearing aid housing 1 for carrying behind the ear are one or more microphones 2 to Built-in sound recording from the environment.
  • a signal processing unit 3 which is also integrated in the hearing aid housing 1, processes the microphone signals and amplifies them.
  • the output signal of the signal processing unit 3 is transmitted to a loudspeaker or earpiece 4, which outputs an acoustic signal.
  • the sound is optionally transmitted via a sound tube, which is fixed with an earmold in the ear canal, to the eardrum of the device carrier.
  • the power supply of the hearing device and in particular the signal processing unit 3 is effected by a likewise integrated into the hearing aid housing 1 battery. 5
  • Modern hearing aids often have two or more microphones, so that the signal processing can evaluate two or more microphone signals. If one of the required microphone signals fails, the corresponding hearing aid algorithms are operated with a signal constellation which is not provided in the design of the signal processing. This causes a performance penalty in noise reduction and reduces the sound quality. In addition, speech intelligibility diminishes in environmental noise.
  • the failure of a microphone signal can be different in nature. Either the failure permanently due to a mechanical defect, a gradual deterioration by the aging of the microphones or only temporarily due to a dirty microphone opening or a partial occlusion of the hearing aid z. B. by hair, hat or scarf.
  • Starkey a self-check mode of a hearing aid is known in which the hearing aid wearer can put the hearing aid by a mechanical action in a state in which the hearing aid by means of a functional test itself checks.
  • a stimulus is emitted by the hearing aid to test among other things, the hearing aid microphone and the speaker.
  • the self-test must be triggered by a user action and a constant control during the hearing aid operation does not take place.
  • a detection circuit is used to monitor the operational status of at least one transducer by measuring the output energy level of the transducer and comparing it to a predetermined threshold level. The detection circuit generates an error message when the measured output energy level drops below the threshold level.
  • the publication WO 00/65873 relates to a microphone system with multiple microphones for a hearing aid.
  • the microphone system allows programmable resistors to operate in different operating modes and to adapt the sensitivity of microphones to different hearing aids during manufacture.
  • the object of the present invention is therefore to be able to make better use of a hearing aid in the event of partial failure or complete failure of one of several microphones at least temporarily.
  • this object is achieved by a hearing device with a plurality of microphones, a decision device for deciding whether one of the microphones is defective, and a signal processing device for processing the signals of the microphones with a plurality of processing algorithms, wherein the signal processing device automatically from a first of the processing algorithms in a second Processing algorithms switch when it is decided by the decision device that one of the microphones is defective.
  • the hearing in case of failure of a microphone in a defined mode continuing to drive.
  • Such an emergency program will usually provide a better sound quality of the hearing than undefined signal processing.
  • a "defective microphone” is here also understood to mean a microphone which is covered, for example, by hair, headgear or soiling.
  • the first signal processing algorithm is designed for multi-channel processing and the second signal processing algorithm for single-channel processing, and the signal processing device switches from the multi-channel processing algorithm to the single-channel processing algorithm if one of the microphones is defective. In this way it can be avoided that an undefined channel signal contributes to the output signal.
  • the signal processing device may be configured to disable a multi-channel processing algorithm when one of the microphones is defective.
  • the decision device can have a level meter with which the levels of the microphone signals are measured in order to derive a decision therefrom.
  • a prediction method can additionally be used: one microphone signal is estimated from the other. If the prediction coefficients in their temporal and / or spectral distribution deviate too much from the expected ones, there is a failure of a microphone. The combination of a level meter and a prediction analysis makes it relatively easy to conclude that a microphone has failed.
  • One of the processing algorithms can realize a directional microphone mode and another an omnidirectional mode, wherein the decision device switches into the omnidirectional mode if one of the microphones is defective.
  • the directional microphone is only utilized if there are actually at least two useful evaluable microphone signals.
  • the hearing device according to the invention may comprise a memory device with which a decision of the decision device can be logged together with a time information. As a result, for example, later by an acoustician understandable, at what time and how often (loose contact) a microphone has failed.
  • the second processing algorithm which is switched in the event of a microphone defect, starting from the first processing algorithm, is explicitly not tuned to the first processing algorithm.
  • a switching of the hearing device by the user is usually audible. In this way, the user can easily recognize when a microphone fails.
  • the signal processing device can automatically generate a warning signal for warning the user when automatically switching over the processing algorithms. Such a warning signal makes the user even easier to detect the failure of a microphone.
  • a spectral reference curve for one or more of the microphones for deciding on a defect can be stored in the decision device. This makes it possible to reliably monitor the spectral sensitivity of a microphone when, for example, an averaged signal spectrum is obtained from the microphone.
  • FIG. 2 reproduced block diagram shows at the signal input two microphones 10 and 11.
  • the microphone signals are fed to a signal processing device 12.
  • the signal processing device 12 has a multi-channel processing algorithm 13 (here two-channel). It is suitable for directional microphones.
  • the signal processing device 12 has a single-channel processing algorithm 14. It is fed either by the microphone signal of one microphone 10 or by the microphone signal of the other microphone 11. Which microphone signal is forwarded to the single-channel processing algorithm 14 is determined by a switch 15.
  • the changeover switch 15 is triggered by a decision device 16 which performs a signal comparison or a signal monitoring of the two microphone signals of the microphones 10 and 11.
  • the decision device 16 decides whether a microphone failure exists or not. In this case, it measures the levels of the microphone signals and compares them with stored reference curves RK.
  • the decision device 16 outputs which of the two microphones 10, 11 is defective. Accordingly, the changeover switch 15 is activated. However, the output signal of the decision device 16 is also used for a further changeover switch 17, which is connected downstream of the signal processing device 12. At the input of the further changeover switch 17 is the output signal of the two-channel processing algorithm 13 and the single-channel processing algorithm 14. If the decision device 16 has decided that one of the microphones 10, 11 has failed, the changeover switch 17 switches from two-channel operation to single-channel operation. This means here that instead of the output signal of the two-channel processing algorithm 13, but the output of the single-channel processing algorithm 14 to the output-side speaker 18 is continued. Possibly. the output signal of the decision device 16 can be used in addition to the control of the two switches 15 and 17 in addition to generate an error message 19 or a service request.
  • the hearing aid it is thus possible to automatically detect a failure of one of the microphone signals and to switch the signal processing into an emergency operation.
  • the emergency operation here is that only a microphone signal to preserve the sound quality is processed, as in a hearing aid, in the house of only a microphone signal is present.
  • signal algorithms that rely on two or more microphone signals are either deactivated or, if possible, replaced by their single-channel counterpart (eg, a dual-microphone noise reduction algorithm (DMG) replaced by single-microphone Noise reduction algorithm (SMG)).
  • DMG dual-microphone noise reduction algorithm
  • SMG single-microphone Noise reduction algorithm
  • the automatic detection of a signal failure on one of the microphones can be realized via integrated in the hearing aid level meter. Is the comparison of one of the two signal levels on average much lower than z. B.
  • the appropriate hearing aid algorithms should be switched or blended over an additional control variable and not remain in an undefined state.
  • the directional microphone can be explicitly set in the "Omni mode"
  • the corresponding feedback path can be switched off for simplification or - as already mentioned -
  • the two-channel DMG can be replaced by the simplified SMG approach.
  • algorithms that are not adapted to each other are used, which give the hearing aid wearer an indication of the malfunction. Possibly. Again, support can be provided by an explicit warning signal.
  • a level comparison is advisable to deposit a reference curve for the microphones in the hearing, then either by means of a long-term spectrum on any microphone signal or by the spectral distribution of a certain known, stored in the hearing aid and preferably in normal use automatically (eg Power-on melody) or user-initiated (eg, program switch acknowledge signal), and resume the microphone behavior on each reboot or at a defined time (eg, after program switchover).
  • a reference curve for the microphones in the hearing then either by means of a long-term spectrum on any microphone signal or by the spectral distribution of a certain known, stored in the hearing aid and preferably in normal use automatically (eg Power-on melody) or user-initiated (eg, program switch acknowledge signal), and resume the microphone behavior on each reboot or at a defined time (eg, after program switchover).
  • the curves could additionally be weighted according to dBA or loudness, to intervene only when the hearing aid wearer perceptually senses a change.
  • the feedback to the hearing aid wearer via such an emergency operation can be made visually via an LED on the hearing aid or on a (preferably wirelessly) connected peripheral device, by an optical text message on a peripheral device and / or acoustically by a corresponding warning message by means of tones (eg in the case of repetition the next time the hearing aid is switched on via another welcome melody) or text message.
  • a particular advantage of the invention lies in the constant monitoring and evaluation of the microphone signals, in order then to switch over to a single-microphone emergency program when needed during operation.

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  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Otolaryngology (AREA)
  • Neurosurgery (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Acoustics & Sound (AREA)
  • Signal Processing (AREA)
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Description

Die vorliegende Erfindung betrifft eine Hörvorrichtung mit mehreren Mikrofonen, einer Entscheidungseinrichtung zum Entscheiden, ob eines der Mikrofone defekt ist, und einer Signalverarbeitungseinrichtung zum Verarbeiten der Signale der Mikrofone mit mehreren Verarbeitungsalgorithmen. Unter einer Hörvorrichtung wird hier jedes am oder im Ohr bzw. am Kopf tragbare schallausgebende Gerät, insbesondere ein Hörgerät, ein Headset, Kopfhörer und dergleichen verstanden.The present invention relates to a hearing aid with a plurality of microphones, a decision device for deciding whether one of the microphones is defective, and a signal processing device for processing the signals of the microphones with a plurality of processing algorithms. A hearing device here means any sound-emitting device that can be worn on or in the ear or on the head, in particular a hearing aid, a headset, headphones and the like.

Hörgeräte sind tragbare Hörvorrichtungen, die zur Versorgung von Schwerhörenden dienen. Um den zahlreichen individuellen Bedürfnissen entgegenzukommen, werden unterschiedliche Bauformen von Hörgeräten wie Hinter-dem-Ohr-Hörgeräte (HdO), Hörgerät mit externem Hörer (RIC: receiver in the canal) und In-dem-Ohr-Hörgeräte (IdO), z.B. auch Concha-Hörgeräte oder Kanal-Hörgeräte (ITE, CIC), bereitgestellt. Die beispielhaft aufgeführten Hörgeräte werden am Außenohr oder im Gehörgang getragen. Darüber hinaus stehen auf dem Markt aber auch Knochenleitungshörhilfen, implantierbare oder vibrotaktile Hörhilfen zur Verfügung. Dabei erfolgt die Stimulation des geschädigten Gehörs entweder mechanisch oder elektrisch.Hearing aids are portable hearing aids that are used to care for the hearing impaired. In order to meet the numerous individual needs, different types of hearing aids such as behind-the-ear hearing aids (BTE), hearing aid with external receiver (RIC: receiver in the canal) and in-the-ear hearing aids (IDO), e.g. Concha hearing aids or canal hearing aids (ITE, CIC). The hearing aids listed by way of example are worn on the outer ear or in the ear canal. In addition, bone conduction hearing aids, implantable or vibrotactile hearing aids are also available on the market. The stimulation of the damaged hearing takes place either mechanically or electrically.

Hörgeräte besitzen prinzipiell als wesentliche Komponenten einen Eingangswandler, einen Verstärker und einen Ausgangswandler. Der Eingangswandler ist in der Regel ein Schallempfänger, z. B. ein Mikrofon, und/oder ein elektromagnetischer Empfänger, z. B. eine Induktionsspule. Der Ausgangswandler ist meist als elektroakustischer Wandler, z. B. Miniaturlautsprecher, oder als elektromechanischer Wandler, z. B. Knochenleitungshörer, realisiert. Der Verstärker ist üblicherweise in eine Signalverarbeitungseinheit integriert. Dieser prinzipielle Aufbau ist in FIG 1 am Beispiel eines Hinter-dem-Ohr-Hörgeräts dargestellt. In ein Hörgerätegehäuse 1 zum Tragen hinter dem Ohr sind ein oder mehrere Mikrofone 2 zur Aufnahme des Schalls aus der Umgebung eingebaut. Eine Signalverarbeitungseinheit 3, die ebenfalls in das Hörgerätegehäuse 1 integriert ist, verarbeitet die Mikrofonsignale und verstärkt sie. Das Ausgangssignal der Signalverarbeitungseinheit 3 wird an einen Lautsprecher bzw. Hörer 4 übertragen, der ein akustisches Signal ausgibt. Der Schall wird gegebenenfalls über einen Schallschlauch, der mit einer Otoplastik im Gehörgang fixiert ist, zum Trommelfell des Geräteträgers übertragen. Die Energieversorgung des Hörgeräts und insbesondere die der Signalverarbeitungseinheit 3 erfolgt durch eine ebenfalls ins Hörgerätegehäuse 1 integrierte Batterie 5.Hearing aids have in principle as essential components an input transducer, an amplifier and an output transducer. The input transducer is usually a sound receiver, z. As a microphone, and / or an electromagnetic receiver, for. B. an induction coil. The output transducer is usually used as an electroacoustic transducer, z. As miniature speaker, or as an electromechanical transducer, z. B. bone conduction, realized. The amplifier is usually integrated in a signal processing unit. This basic structure is in FIG. 1 shown using the example of a behind-the-ear hearing aid. In a hearing aid housing 1 for carrying behind the ear are one or more microphones 2 to Built-in sound recording from the environment. A signal processing unit 3, which is also integrated in the hearing aid housing 1, processes the microphone signals and amplifies them. The output signal of the signal processing unit 3 is transmitted to a loudspeaker or earpiece 4, which outputs an acoustic signal. The sound is optionally transmitted via a sound tube, which is fixed with an earmold in the ear canal, to the eardrum of the device carrier. The power supply of the hearing device and in particular the signal processing unit 3 is effected by a likewise integrated into the hearing aid housing 1 battery. 5

Moderne Hörgeräte verfügen vielfach über zwei oder mehr Mikrofone, so dass die Signalverarbeitung zwei oder mehr Mikrofonsignale auswerten kann. Fällt eines der benötigten Mikrofonsignale aus, so werden die entsprechenden Hörgerätealgorithmen mit einer Signalkonstellation betrieben, die bei dem Entwurf der Signalverarbeitung nicht vorgesehen ist. Dies bewirkt eine Leistungseinbuße bei der Geräuschreduktion und reduziert die Klangqualität. Daneben vermindert sich die Sprachverständlichkeit in Umgebungslärm.Modern hearing aids often have two or more microphones, so that the signal processing can evaluate two or more microphone signals. If one of the required microphone signals fails, the corresponding hearing aid algorithms are operated with a signal constellation which is not provided in the design of the signal processing. This causes a performance penalty in noise reduction and reduces the sound quality. In addition, speech intelligibility diminishes in environmental noise.

Das Ausfallen eines Mikrofonsignals kann unterschiedlicher Natur sein. Entweder kann der Ausfall dauerhaft aufgrund eines mechanischen Defekts, eine schleichende Verschlechterung durch das Altern der Mikrofone oder nur temporär aufgrund einer verschmutzten Mikrofonöffnung oder einer partiellen Verdeckung des Hörgeräts z. B. durch Haare, Hut oder Schal sein.The failure of a microphone signal can be different in nature. Either the failure permanently due to a mechanical defect, a gradual deterioration by the aging of the microphones or only temporarily due to a dirty microphone opening or a partial occlusion of the hearing aid z. B. by hair, hat or scarf.

In diesem Zusammenhang ist von der Firma Starkey ein Self-Check-Modus eines Hörgeräts bekannt, bei dem der Hörgeräteträger das Hörgerät durch eine mechanische Aktion in einen Zustand versetzen kann, in dem sich das Hörgerät mittels eines Funktionstests selbst überprüft. Hierfür wird ein Stimulus durch das Hörgerät ausgestrahlt, um unter anderem das Hörgerätemikrofon und den Lautsprecher zu testen. Der Selbsttest muss durch eine Benutzeraktion ausgelöst werden und eine ständige Kontrolle während des Hörgerätebetriebs findet nicht statt.In this context, Starkey a self-check mode of a hearing aid is known in which the hearing aid wearer can put the hearing aid by a mechanical action in a state in which the hearing aid by means of a functional test itself checks. For this purpose, a stimulus is emitted by the hearing aid to test among other things, the hearing aid microphone and the speaker. The self-test must be triggered by a user action and a constant control during the hearing aid operation does not take place.

Weiterhin ist aus der Druckschrift US 2004/0202333 A1 ein Hörgerät mit Selbstdiagnose bekannt. Eine Detektionsschaltung wird dazu benutzt, den Funktionsstatus von mindestens einem Wandler zu überwachen, indem der Ausgangsenergiepegel des Wandlers gemessen und mit einem vorbestimmten Schwellwertpegel verglichen wird. Die Detektionsschaltung erzeugt eine Fehlermeldung, wenn der gemessene Ausgangsenergiepegel unter den Schwellwertpegel sinkt.Furthermore, from the document US 2004/0202333 A1 a hearing aid with self-diagnosis known. A detection circuit is used to monitor the operational status of at least one transducer by measuring the output energy level of the transducer and comparing it to a predetermined threshold level. The detection circuit generates an error message when the measured output energy level drops below the threshold level.

Die Druckschrift WO 00/65873 betrifft ein Mikrofonsystem mit mehreren Mikrofonen für ein Hörhilfegerät. Das Mikrofonsystem erlaubt es durch programmierbare Widerstände, in unterschiedlichen Betriebsmodi zu arbeiten und die Empfindlichkeit von Mikrofonen bei der Herstellung für unterschiedliche Hörhilfegeräte anzupassen.The publication WO 00/65873 relates to a microphone system with multiple microphones for a hearing aid. The microphone system allows programmable resistors to operate in different operating modes and to adapt the sensitivity of microphones to different hearing aids during manufacture.

Die Aufgabe der vorliegenden Erfindung besteht somit darin, ein Hörgerät bei Teilausfall oder vollständigem Ausfall eines von mehreren Mikrofonen zumindest zeitweise noch besser nutzen zu können.The object of the present invention is therefore to be able to make better use of a hearing aid in the event of partial failure or complete failure of one of several microphones at least temporarily.

Erfindungsgemäß wird diese Aufgabe gelöst durch eine Hörvorrichtung mit mehreren Mikrofonen, einer Entscheidungseinrichtung zum Entscheiden, ob eines der Mikrofone defekt ist, und einer Signalverarbeitungseinrichtung zum Verarbeiten der Signale der Mikrofone mit mehreren Verarbeitungsalgorithmen, wobei die Signalverarbeitungseinrichtung automatisch von einem ersten der Verarbeitungsalgorithmen in einen zweiten der Verarbeitungsalgorithmen schaltet, wenn durch die Entscheidungseinrichtung entschieden ist, dass eines der Mikrofone defekt ist.According to the invention this object is achieved by a hearing device with a plurality of microphones, a decision device for deciding whether one of the microphones is defective, and a signal processing device for processing the signals of the microphones with a plurality of processing algorithms, wherein the signal processing device automatically from a first of the processing algorithms in a second Processing algorithms switch when it is decided by the decision device that one of the microphones is defective.

In vorteilhafter Weise ist es so möglich, die Hörvorrichtung bei Ausfall eines Mikrofons in einem definierten Modus weiterzubetreiben. Ein derartiges Notprogramm wird in der Regel eine bessere Klangqualität der Hörvorrichtung liefern als eine undefinierte Signalverarbeitung. Unter einem "defekten Mikrofon" wird hier auch ein Mikrofon verstanden, das beispielsweise durch Haare, Kopfbedeckungen oder Verschmutzungen verdeckt ist. Erfindungsgemäß ist der erste Signalverarbeitungsalgorithmus zur mehrkanaligen Verarbeitung und der zweite Signalverarbeitungsalgorithmus zur einkanaligen Verarbeitung ausgelegt, und die Signalverarbeitungseinrichtung schaltet von dem mehrkanaligen Verarbeitungsalgorithmus in den einkanaligen Verarbeitungsalgorithmus, wenn eines der Mikrofone defekt ist. Auf diese Weise lässt sich vermeiden, dass ein undefiniertes Kanalsignal zum Ausgangssignal beiträgt.
Speziell kann die Signalverarbeitungseinrichtung zum Deaktivieren eines mehrkanaligen Verarbeitungsalgorithmus ausgelegt sein, wenn eines der Mikrofone defekt ist. Die Hörvorrichtung bietet dann keine mehrkanalige Verarbeitung mehr an, wenn dies unter Umständen die Hörsituation erlauben oder erfordern würde.
In einer weiteren Ausführungsform kann die Entscheidungseinrichtung einen Pegelmesser aufweisen, mit dem die Pegel der Mikrofonsignale gemessen werden, um daraus eine Entscheidung abzuleiten. Für eine robuste Entscheidung kann zusätzlich ein Prädiktionsverfahren herangezogen werden: Das eine Mikrofonsignal wird aus dem anderen geschätzt. Weichen die Prädiktionskoeffizienten in ihrer zeitlichen und/oder spektralen Verteilung zu stark von der erwarteten ab, liegt ein Ausfall eines Mikrofons vor. Die Kombination aus einem Pegelmesser und einer Prädiktionsanalyse lässt verhältnismäßig zuverlässig auf einen Ausfall eines Mikrofons schließen.Advantageously, it is possible, the hearing in case of failure of a microphone in a defined mode continuing to drive. Such an emergency program will usually provide a better sound quality of the hearing than undefined signal processing. A "defective microphone" is here also understood to mean a microphone which is covered, for example, by hair, headgear or soiling. According to the invention, the first signal processing algorithm is designed for multi-channel processing and the second signal processing algorithm for single-channel processing, and the signal processing device switches from the multi-channel processing algorithm to the single-channel processing algorithm if one of the microphones is defective. In this way it can be avoided that an undefined channel signal contributes to the output signal.
Specifically, the signal processing device may be configured to disable a multi-channel processing algorithm when one of the microphones is defective. The hearing aid then no longer offers multichannel processing if this would possibly permit or require the hearing situation.
In a further embodiment, the decision device can have a level meter with which the levels of the microphone signals are measured in order to derive a decision therefrom. For a robust decision, a prediction method can additionally be used: one microphone signal is estimated from the other. If the prediction coefficients in their temporal and / or spectral distribution deviate too much from the expected ones, there is a failure of a microphone. The combination of a level meter and a prediction analysis makes it relatively easy to conclude that a microphone has failed.

Einer der Verarbeitungsalgorithmen kann einen Richtmikrofonmodus und ein anderer einen Omnidirektionalmodus realisieren, wobei die Entscheidungseinrichtung in den Omnidirektionalmodus schaltet, wenn eines der Mikrofone defekt ist. Somit wird nur dann die Richtmikrofonie ausgenützt, wenn tatsächlich mindestens zwei sinnvoll auswertbare Mikrofonsignale vorliegen.
Weiterhin kann die erfindungsgemäße Hörvorrichtung eine Speichereinrichtung aufweisen, mit der eine Entscheidung der Entscheidungseinrichtung zusammen mit einer Zeitinformation protokollierbar ist. Dadurch ist beispielsweise später durch einen Akustiker nachvollziehbar, zu welchem Zeitpunkt und wie häufig (Wackelkontakt) ein Mikrofon ausgefallen ist. Erfindungsgemäß ist der zweite Verarbeitungsalgorithmus, in den bei Defekt eines Mikrofons ausgehend von dem ersten Verarbeitungsalgorithmus geschaltet wird, explizit nicht auf den ersten Verarbeitungsalgorithmus abgestimmt. Wenn die beiden Verarbeitungsalgorithmen völlig unabhängig voneinander sind, ist ein Umschalten des Hörgeräts vom Nutzer in der Regel auch hörbar. Auf diese Weise kann der Nutzer leicht erkennen, wenn ein Mikrofon ausfällt.
Darüber hinaus kann mit der Signalverarbeitungseinrichtung automatisch ein Warnsignal zur Warnung des Nutzers beim automatischen Umschalten der Verarbeitungsalgorithmen erzeugt werden. Ein derartiges Warnsignal lässt den Nutzer noch leichter den Ausfall eines Mikrofons erkennen.
Gemäß einer weiteren bevorzugten Ausführungsform kann in der Entscheidungseinrichtung eine spektrale Referenzkurve für eines oder mehrere der Mikrofone zum Entscheiden über einen Defekt hinterlegt sein. Hierdurch lässt sich die spektrale Empfindlichkeit eines Mikrofons zuverlässig überwachen, wenn beispielsweise ein gemitteltes Signalspektrum vom Mikrofon gewonnen wird.One of the processing algorithms can realize a directional microphone mode and another an omnidirectional mode, wherein the decision device switches into the omnidirectional mode if one of the microphones is defective. Thus, the directional microphone is only utilized if there are actually at least two useful evaluable microphone signals.
Furthermore, the hearing device according to the invention may comprise a memory device with which a decision of the decision device can be logged together with a time information. As a result, for example, later by an acoustician understandable, at what time and how often (loose contact) a microphone has failed. According to the invention, the second processing algorithm, which is switched in the event of a microphone defect, starting from the first processing algorithm, is explicitly not tuned to the first processing algorithm. If the two processing algorithms are completely independent from each other, a switching of the hearing device by the user is usually audible. In this way, the user can easily recognize when a microphone fails.
In addition, the signal processing device can automatically generate a warning signal for warning the user when automatically switching over the processing algorithms. Such a warning signal makes the user even easier to detect the failure of a microphone.
According to a further preferred embodiment, a spectral reference curve for one or more of the microphones for deciding on a defect can be stored in the decision device. This makes it possible to reliably monitor the spectral sensitivity of a microphone when, for example, an averaged signal spectrum is obtained from the microphone.

Ferner kann die Entscheidungseinrichtung dem Entscheiden eine Lautheit eines durch das oder die Mikrofone aufgenommenen Schallsignals zugrundelegen. Damit können Entscheidungen der Entscheidungseinrichtung auch aufgrund von psychoakustischen Größen durchgeführt werden, z. B. erst dann umgeschaltet werden, wenn der Nutzer einen Defekt überhaupt erst wahrnehmen kann.
Die Entscheidungseinrichtung bzw. Entscheidungsalgorithmen (Defekt ja/nein/graduell) kann so ausgelegt sein, dass

  1. a) im laufenden Betrieb der Funktionsstatus der Mikrofone überwacht wird, und dass sie auch
  2. b) im Lademodus in der zur Hörvorrichtung gehörigen Ladestation funktioniert/funktionieren.
Furthermore, the decision device can base the decision on a loudness of a sound signal recorded by the microphone or microphones. Thus, decisions of the decision maker can also be made on the basis of psychoacoustic variables, eg. B. only be switched when the user can perceive a defect in the first place.
The decision device or decision algorithms (defect yes / no / gradual) can be designed so that
  1. a) during operation, the functional status of the microphones is monitored, and that they too
  2. b) in the charging mode in the belonging to the hearing aid charging station / work.

Beim Einlegen der Hörvorrichtung in die Ladestation kann so automatisch eine Funktionsprüfung der Bauteile (Mikrofone, Signalverarbeitung) durchgeführt werden. Dies weist einige Vorteile auf:

  • regelmäßiger Test am Ende des Tages,
  • Hörvorrichtung sitzt in einer stets eindeutigen Lage in der Ladestation und ermöglicht eine feinere Abstufung bzw. frühzeitige Erkennung eines Defekts,
  • definiertes Abspielen von Testtönen, entweder durch den Lautsprecher der Hörvorrichtung oder einem Signalgenerator und Lautsprecher in der Ladestation und
  • die Ladestation umschließt die Hörvorrichtung komplett und reduziert störenden Umgebungslärm.
When inserting the hearing device into the charging station, a functional test of the components (microphones, signal processing) can be carried out automatically. This has some advantages:
  • regular test at the end of the day,
  • Hearing device sits in an always clear position in the charging station and allows a finer gradation or early detection of a defect,
  • defined playing of test tones, either through the speaker of the hearing device or a signal generator and speakers in the charging station and
  • The charging station completely encloses the hearing device and reduces disturbing ambient noise.

Die vorliegende Erfindung ist anhand der beigefügten Zeichnungen näher erläutert, in denen zeigen:

FIG 1
den schematischen Aufbau eines Hörgeräts gemäß dem Stand der Technik und
FIG 2
ein Blockschaltbild eines erfindungsgemäßen Hörgeräts.
The present invention will be explained in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
FIG. 1
the schematic structure of a hearing aid according to the prior art and
FIG. 2
a block diagram of a hearing aid according to the invention.

Das nachfolgend näher geschilderte Ausführungsbeispiel stellt eine bevorzugte Ausführungsform der vorliegenden Erfindung dar.The embodiment described in more detail below represents a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Das in FIG 2 wiedergegebene Blockschaltbild zeigt am Signaleingang zwei Mikrofone 10 und 11. Die Mikrofonsignale werden einer Signalverarbeitungseinrichtung 12 zugeführt. Die Signalverarbeitungseinrichtung 12 besitzt einen mehrkanaligen Verarbeitungsalgorithmus 13 (hier zweikanalig). Er eignet sich hier für die Richtmikrofonie.This in FIG. 2 reproduced block diagram shows at the signal input two microphones 10 and 11. The microphone signals are fed to a signal processing device 12. The signal processing device 12 has a multi-channel processing algorithm 13 (here two-channel). It is suitable for directional microphones.

Außerdem besitzt die Signalverarbeitungseinrichtung 12 einen einkanaligen Verarbeitungsalgorithmus 14. Er wird entweder durch das Mikrofonsignal des einen Mikrofons 10 oder durch das Mikrofonsignal des anderen Mikrofons 11 gespeist. Welches Mikrofonsignal an den einkanaligen Verarbeitungsalgorithmus 14 weitergeleitet wird, wird durch einen Umschalter 15 festgelegt. Angesteuert wird der Umschalter 15 durch eine Entscheidungseinrichtung 16, die einen Signalvergleich bzw. eine Signalüberwachung der beiden Mikrofonsignale der Mikrofone 10 und 11 durchführt. Die Entscheidungseinrichtung 16 entscheidet darüber, ob ein Mikrofonausfall vorliegt oder nicht. Hierzu misst sie im vorliegenden Fall die Pegel der Mikrofonsignale und vergleicht sie mit hinterlegten Referenzkurven RK.In addition, the signal processing device 12 has a single-channel processing algorithm 14. It is fed either by the microphone signal of one microphone 10 or by the microphone signal of the other microphone 11. Which microphone signal is forwarded to the single-channel processing algorithm 14 is determined by a switch 15. The changeover switch 15 is triggered by a decision device 16 which performs a signal comparison or a signal monitoring of the two microphone signals of the microphones 10 and 11. The decision device 16 decides whether a microphone failure exists or not. In this case, it measures the levels of the microphone signals and compares them with stored reference curves RK.

Die Entscheidungseinrichtung 16 gibt aus, welches der beiden Mikrofone 10, 11 defekt ist. Entsprechend wird der Umschalter 15 angesteuert. Das Ausgangssignal der Entscheidungseinrichtung 16 wird aber auch für einen weiteren Umschalter 17 genutzt, der der Signalverarbeitungseinrichtung 12 nachgeschaltet ist. Am Eingang des weiteren Umschalters 17 liegt das Ausgangssignal des zweikanaligen Verarbeitungsalgorithmus 13 und des einkanaligen Verarbeitungsalgorithmus 14. Hat die Entscheidungseinrichtung 16 entschieden, dass eines der Mikrofone 10, 11 ausgefallen ist, so schaltet der Umschalter 17 vom Zweikanalbetrieb in den Einkanalbetrieb. Dies bedeutet hier, dass nicht mehr das Ausgangssignal des Zweikanalverarbeitungsalgorithmus 13, sondern das Ausgangssignal des einkanaligen Verarbeitungsalgorithmus 14 an den ausgangsseitigen Lautsprecher 18 weitergeführt wird. Ggf. kann das Ausgangssignal der Entscheidungseinrichtung 16 neben der Ansteuerung der beiden Umschalter 15 und 17 zusätzlich dazu verwendet werden, eine Fehlermeldung 19 bzw. eine Serviceaufforderung zu erzeugen.The decision device 16 outputs which of the two microphones 10, 11 is defective. Accordingly, the changeover switch 15 is activated. However, the output signal of the decision device 16 is also used for a further changeover switch 17, which is connected downstream of the signal processing device 12. At the input of the further changeover switch 17 is the output signal of the two-channel processing algorithm 13 and the single-channel processing algorithm 14. If the decision device 16 has decided that one of the microphones 10, 11 has failed, the changeover switch 17 switches from two-channel operation to single-channel operation. This means here that instead of the output signal of the two-channel processing algorithm 13, but the output of the single-channel processing algorithm 14 to the output-side speaker 18 is continued. Possibly. the output signal of the decision device 16 can be used in addition to the control of the two switches 15 and 17 in addition to generate an error message 19 or a service request.

Bei dem dargestellten Hörgerät ist es somit möglich, ein Ausfallen eines der Mikrofonsignale automatisch zu detektieren und die Signalverarbeitung in einen Notbetrieb zu schalten. Der Notbetrieb besteht hier darin, dass nur ein Mikrofonsignal zur Wahrung der Klangqualität verarbeitet wird, wie bei einem Hörgerät, bei dem von Haus aus nur ein Mikrofonsignal vorhanden ist. Nach dem allgemeinen Erfindungsgedanken werden Signalalgorithmen, die auf zwei oder mehr Mikrofonsignale angewiesen sind, entweder deaktiviert oder, sofern möglich, durch ihr einkanaliges Pendant ersetzt(z. B. einen Dual-Mikrofon-Geräuschreduktions-Algorithmus (DMG) ersetzen durch Single-Mikrofon-Geräuschreduktion-Algorithmus (SMG)).
Die automatische Detektion eines Signalausfalls an einem der Mikrofone kann über im Hörgerät integrierte Pegelmesser realisiert werden. Ist beim Vergleich einer der beiden Signalpegel im Mittel wesentlich geringer als z. B. ein statistisch hinterlegter oder dynamisch gebildeter Referenzwert, so liegt ein Signalausfall vor. Tritt dieser Fall ein, so sollten die entsprechenden Hörgerätealgorithmen über eine zusätzliche Steuerungsvariable sinnvoll umgeschaltet oder übergeblendet werden und nicht in einem undefinierten Zustand bleiben. So kann beispielsweise das Richtmikrofon explizit in den "Omnimodus" gesetzt, der entsprechende Feedbackpfad zur Vereinfachung abgeschaltet oder - wie bereits erwähnt - das zweikanalige DMG durch den vereinfachten SMG-Ansatz ersetzt werden. Erfindungsgemäß finden speziell nicht aufeinander angepasste Algorithmen Einsatz, die dem Hörgeräteträger einen Hinweis auf die Fehlfunktion geben. Ggf. kann wieder eine Unterstützung durch ein explizites Warnsignal erfolgen.
Neben dem Pegelvergleich bzw. der Pegelüberwachung könnten auch Störungscharakteristika von Mikrofonen (z. B. Knistern, das durch einen Wackelkontakt verursacht wird) detektiert werden, um einen umfassenderen Bereich diagnostizieren zu können. Anstelle eines Pegelvergleichs bietet sich an, eine Referenzkurve für die Mikrofone in dem Hörgerät zu hinterlegen, um dann entweder mittels eines Langzeitspektrums über ein beliebiges Mikrofonsignal oder mittels der spektralen Verteilung eines bestimmten bekannten, im Hörgerät hinterlegten und vorzugsweise im normalen Gebrauch automatisch (z. B. Einschaltmelodie) oder benutzerveranlasst (z. B. Programmumschaltungsbestätigungssignal) abgespielten und durch die Mikrofone wiederaufgenommenen Signals das Mikrofonverhalten bei jedem Neustart oder zu einem definierten Zeitpunkt (z. B. nach Programmumschaltung) zu überprüfen. Alternativ zur Verwendung des direkten Spektrums könnten die Kurven zusätzlich nach dBA oder Lautheit gewichtet werden, um erst dann einzugreifen, wenn der Hörgeräteträger perzeptiv eine Änderung wahrnehmen würde.
Die Rückmeldung an den Hörgeräteträger über einen derartigen Notbetrieb kann optisch über eine LED am Hörgerät oder an einem (vorzugsweise drahtlos) verbundenen Peripheriegerät, durch eine optische Textmeldung an einem Peripheriegerät und/oder akustisch durch eine entsprechende Warnmeldung mittels Tönen (z. B. im Wiederholungsfall beim nächsten Einschalten des Hörgeräts über eine andere Willkommensmelodie) oder Textnachricht signalisiert werden.
Ein besonderer Vorteil der Erfindung liegt in der ständigen Beobachtung und Bewertung der Mikrofonsignale, um dann bei Bedarf im laufenden Betrieb in ein Einmikrofon-Notprogramm umzuschalten. Hierdurch können Signalverzerrungen systematisch eliminiert werden, die sonst durch ein fehlerhaftes Betreiben der zweikanaligen Algorithmen entstehen. Ein abrupter Ausfall wird unwahrscheinlicher und ermöglicht die weitere Nutzung des Hörgeräts, bis ein Akustiker aufgesucht werden kann. Das Hörgerät meldet selbständig ereignisbasiert einen Servicewunsch an.In the illustrated hearing aid, it is thus possible to automatically detect a failure of one of the microphone signals and to switch the signal processing into an emergency operation. The emergency operation here is that only a microphone signal to preserve the sound quality is processed, as in a hearing aid, in the house of only a microphone signal is present. According to the general inventive concept, signal algorithms that rely on two or more microphone signals are either deactivated or, if possible, replaced by their single-channel counterpart (eg, a dual-microphone noise reduction algorithm (DMG) replaced by single-microphone Noise reduction algorithm (SMG)).
The automatic detection of a signal failure on one of the microphones can be realized via integrated in the hearing aid level meter. Is the comparison of one of the two signal levels on average much lower than z. B. a statistically stored or dynamically formed reference value, there is a signal failure. If this happens, the appropriate hearing aid algorithms should be switched or blended over an additional control variable and not remain in an undefined state. For example, the directional microphone can be explicitly set in the "Omni mode", the corresponding feedback path can be switched off for simplification or - as already mentioned - the two-channel DMG can be replaced by the simplified SMG approach. According to the invention, algorithms that are not adapted to each other are used, which give the hearing aid wearer an indication of the malfunction. Possibly. Again, support can be provided by an explicit warning signal.
In addition to the level comparison or the level monitoring, disturbance characteristics of microphones (eg crackling caused by a loose contact) could also be detected in order to be able to diagnose a more extensive area. Instead of a level comparison is advisable to deposit a reference curve for the microphones in the hearing, then either by means of a long-term spectrum on any microphone signal or by the spectral distribution of a certain known, stored in the hearing aid and preferably in normal use automatically (eg Power-on melody) or user-initiated (eg, program switch acknowledge signal), and resume the microphone behavior on each reboot or at a defined time (eg, after program switchover). Alternatively to using the direct spectrum, the curves could additionally be weighted according to dBA or loudness, to intervene only when the hearing aid wearer perceptually senses a change.
The feedback to the hearing aid wearer via such an emergency operation can be made visually via an LED on the hearing aid or on a (preferably wirelessly) connected peripheral device, by an optical text message on a peripheral device and / or acoustically by a corresponding warning message by means of tones (eg in the case of repetition the next time the hearing aid is switched on via another welcome melody) or text message.
A particular advantage of the invention lies in the constant monitoring and evaluation of the microphone signals, in order then to switch over to a single-microphone emergency program when needed during operation. As a result, signal distortions can be systematically eliminated, which otherwise result from a faulty operation of the two-channel algorithms. An abrupt one Failure is unlikely and allows the further use of the hearing aid until an acoustician can be visited. The hearing aid automatically reports an event-based service request.

Claims (9)

  1. Hearing device with
    - a plurality of microphones (10, 11),
    - a decision unit (16) for deciding whether one of the microphones (10, 11) is defective, and
    - a signal processing unit (12) for processing the signals from the microphones using a plurality of processing algorithms,
    wherein
    - the signal processing unit (12) automatically switches from a first (13) one of the processing algorithms to a second (14) one of the processing algorithms if a decision is made in the decision unit (16) that one of the microphones (10, 11) is defective, wherein the first signal processing algorithm (13) is designed for multichannel processing and the second signal processing algorithm (14) is designed for single-channel processing, and the signal processing unit (12) switches from the multichannel algorithm in to the single-channel algorithm if one of the microphones (10, 11) is defective,
    characterized in that
    the second processing algorithm (14), to which a switch is made starting from the first processing algorithm (13) if a microphone is defective, is explicitly not matched to the first processing algorithm (13).
  2. Hearing device according to Claim 1, wherein the signal processing unit (12) is designed for deactivating a multichannel processing algorithm if one of the microphones (10, 11) is defective.
  3. Hearing device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the decision unit (16) has a level meter which measures the levels of the microphone signals and a prediction analysis can be carried out by the decision unit, in which the signal from one of the microphones can be predicted on the basis of the signal from another one of the microphones in order to derive a decision from a deviation of the predicted signal from a predetermined signal and the measured levels.
  4. Hearing device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein one of the processing algorithms implements a directional microphone mode and another algorithm implements an omnidirectional mode, and the decision unit (16) switches into the omnidirectional mode if one of the microphones (10, 11) is defective.
  5. Hearing device according to one of the preceding claims, which has a storage unit by means of which a decision of the decision unit (16) can be logged together with time information.
  6. Hearing device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the signal processing unit (12) can automatically generate a warning signal to warn the user when the processing algorithms are switched automatically.
  7. Hearing device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a spectral reference curve for one or more of the microphones (10, 11) for making a decision in respect of a defect is stored in the decision unit (16) .
  8. Hearing device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a loudness of a sound signal recorded by the microphone or microphones (10, 11) is used as the basis for the decision by the decision unit (16).
  9. Hearing device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the decision unit is designed such that the performance state of the microphones can be determined both during operation of the hearing device and in a charge mode in which a battery of the hearing device is being charged.
EP09178221.9A 2008-12-22 2009-12-07 Hearing-aid device with automatic algorithm switching Revoked EP2200346B1 (en)

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US20100189292A1 (en) 2010-07-29
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DE102008064430A1 (en) 2010-07-08
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US8442245B2 (en) 2013-05-14

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