GB2579664A

GB2579664A - Adaptive wireless communication for a hearing device

Info

Publication number: GB2579664A
Application number: GB1820193.9A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Sigwanz Ullirich; Meier Hilmar; Roeck Hans-Ueli; Lucas-Hirtz Daniel
Original assignee: Sonova AG
Current assignee: Sonova Holding AG
Priority date: 2018-12-12
Filing date: 2018-12-12
Publication date: 2020-07-01
Also published as: GB201820193D0

Abstract

A hearing device and a method to select a wireless scheme. The wireless scheme limits a number of wireless communication protocols for communication with the hearing device or reduces a number of wireless communication devices configured to communicate with the hearing device. The settings of the hearing device can be adjusted proactively (e.g., based on a present or future context of the hearing device user) and/or reactively (e.g., an input or selection from a hearing device user or audiologist). The hearing device may be a hearing aid or a device part of a cochlear implant. The wireless scheme can be a car driving profile, which causes the hearing device to only communicate with a car electric system or a mobile device but not both, or may prevent the hearing device from receiving audio, notifications, or telephone data from the mobile device. The communication protocols may include Bluetooth Basic Rate / Enhanced Data Rate (BR/EDR), Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), propriety or streaming protocols. The limiting may reduce power consumption, improve streaming quality or reduce testing time.

Description

ADAPTIVE WIRELESS COMMUNICATION FOR A HEARING DEVICE

TECHNICAL FIELD

100011 The disclosed technology relates to wireless communication capability of a hearing device. Specifically, the disclosed technology includes a hearing device that can select a wireless scheme to modify its wireless communication capability.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Hearing device users have demanded more functionally and performance when using wireless communication technology. For example, users want hearing devices that wirelessly communicate with multiple devices such as computers, tablets, table microphones, cars, and watches. Some users even want hearing devices capable of simultaneously wireless communication with two or more devices. Users also want hearing devices that can stream music, transmit or receive hearing device information (e.g., settings or programs), and transmit or receive control data for the hearing device. And even more, some hearing device users want hearing devices configured to wirelessly communicate between each hearing device. For example, left to right hearing device communication for binaural or bimodal communication. [0003] One problem with wireless communication technology for hearing devices is available air time. Air time denotes the physical time that a radio is switched on to transmit or receive a data packet. As hearing devices continue to use more wireless communication technology, the amount of available airtime is reduced, which can cause user dissatisfaction due to poor performance of the hearing device. For example, a user may not be able to connect his car audio system, smartphone, and smart watch at the same time to his or her hearing device because of limited airtime.

[0004] Accordingly, a need exists to address at least one of the above-mentioned problems and provide additional benefits.

SUMMARY

100051 The disclosed technology includes a hearing device, the hearing device comprising: a transducer configured to provide audio signals (e.g., a loudspeaker), an antenna configured to receive or transmit wireless communications (e.g., an antenna for 2.4 GHz communication); a processor powered by a battery electronically coupled to the transducer and the antenna configured to receive and transmit wireless communications; a memory electronically coupled to the processor, wherein the memory stores instructions that when executed by the processor cause the hearing device to perform operations. The operations can comprise: selecting a wireless scheme, wherein the wireless scheme comprises settings for a number of wireless communication protocols for wireless communication and a number of wireless communication devices configured to wirelessly communicate with the hearing device; and based on the settings of the selected wireless scheme, limiting the number of wireless communication protocols for wireless communication or limiting the number of devices wirelessly communicating with the hearing device.

100061 The disclosed technology also includes a method for selecting a wireless scheme, the method can comprise: selecting a wireless scheme, wherein the wireless scheme comprises settings for a number of wireless communication protocols for wireless communication and a number of wireless communication devices configured to wirelessly communicate with the hearing device. The method can further comprise: limiting the number of wireless communication protocols for wireless communication or limiting the number of devices wirelessly communicating with the hearing device based on the settings of the selected wireless scheme. A hearing device or other wireless communication device can perform the method, where the method can be stored in a non-transitory computer-readable medium.

100071 Optionally, the selection of the wireless scheme can be based on: a hearing care professional input stored in the memory; a default setting for the hearing device stored in the memory; a request from a mobile device; a context engine configured to select the wireless scheme based on the context of the hearing device; or a user input.

100081 Optionally, the number of wireless communication devices wirelessly communicating with the hearing device can be associated with a permitted number of devices that are configured to concurrently communicate with the hearing device using Bluetooth Basic Rate/Enhanced Data RateTM, Bluetooth Low EnergyTM, or a proprietary wireless communication protocol (e g, binaural voice streaming), or a wireless communication protocol associated with streaming data (e.g., from a left hearing device to a right hearing device). 100091 Optionally, the wireless communication protocols can be Bluetooth Basic Rate/Enhanced Data RateTM, Bluetooth Low EnergyTM, a proprietary wireless communication protocol, or a wireless communication protocol associated with streaming television or data. [0010] Optionally, wherein the selected wireless scheme is a car driving profile, and wherein the car driving profile assigns the hearing device to only wirelessly communicate with the car electronic system or only wirelessly communicate with a mobile device but not both. The car driving profile can also facilitate that a hearing device will not to wirelessly communicate with a mobile device even though the hearing device could otherwise wirelessly communication with the mobile device.

[0011] Optionally, the hearing device can be a hearing aid or a device part of a cochlear implant hearing device.

100121 Optionally, limiting the number of wireless communication devices wirelessly communicating with the hearing device or miting the number of wireless communication protocols used by the hearing device reduces the battery power consumption of the hearing device compared to not limiting the hearing device.

100131 Optionally, limiting the number of wireless communication devices wirelessly communicating with the hearing device or limiting the number of wireless communication protocols used by the hearing device improves streaming quality for the hearing device because less packet interference occurs due to less packet collisions or less artifacts associated with limiting the number of wireless communication devices or limiting the number of wireless communication protocols.

[0014] Optionally, limiting the number of wireless communication devices wirelessly communicating with the hearing device or limiting the number of wireless communication protocols used by the hearing device decreases an amount of time required to test the hearing device when the wireless scheme is enabled as compared to not enabled.

[0015] Optionally, the wireless scheme can be customizable. Customizable generally means the wireless scheme can be modified to suit a particular individual.

[0016] While multiple embodiments are disclosed, still other embodiments of the disclosed technology will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, which shows and describes illustrative embodiments of the disclosed technology. As will be realized, the disclosed is capable of modifications in various aspects, all without departing from the scope of the disclosed technology. Accordingly, the drawings and detailed description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature and not restrictive.

BREIF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0017] Figure 1 is a communications environment with wireless communication devices and hearing devices in accordance with some implementations of the disclosed technology.

[0018] Figure 2 is a block diagram illustrating a hearing device from Figure 1 in more detail in accordance with some implementations of the disclosed technology.

[0019] Figure 3 is a wireless schemes table illustration for a hearing device in accordance with some implementations of the disclosed technology.

[0020] Figure 4 is a flow diagram illustration of a process for selecting a wireless scheme for a hearing device in accordance with some implementations of the disclosed technology.

[0021] The drawings are not drawn to scale. Some components or operations may be separated into different blocks or combined into a single block for the purposes of discussion of some of the present technology. Moreover, while the technology is amenable to various modifications and alternative forms, specific implementations have been shown by way of example in the drawings and are described in detail below. The intention, however,is not to limit the technology to the selected embodiments described. On the contrary, the technology is intended to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the technology as defined by the appended claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0022] The increase in wirelessly functionality for hearing devices creates problems for hearing devices users related to handling multiple wireless communication protocols simultaneously or separately, increased airtime traffic, and batten' life.

[0023] To solve at least one of these problems and provide additional benefits, the disclosed technology provides a hearing device configured to select a wireless scheme, wherein the wireless scheme limits or reduces a number of wireless communication devices wirelessly communicating with the hearing device or limits or reduces the number of wireless communication protocols used by the hearing device. Even though the selected wireless scheme limits or reduces the hearing device wireless communication functionality, the hearing device maintains wireless capability for selected (e.g., preferred) user settings or selected scenarios.

[0024] The disclosed technology provides at least one technical solution to a wireless communication problem, and the disclosed technology provides at least one technical benefit for wireless communication. For example, the disclosed technology reduces air traffic because it reduces the number of packets transmitted or received by a hearing device when using a wireless scheme as compared to when not using a wireless scheme. The disclosed technology also increases battery life of a hearing device because it reduces the number of packets it transmits or receives by a hearing device when using a wireless scheme as compared to when not using a wireless scheme.

[0025] Additionally, when testing a hearing device, it is easier to verify all states of the device because the number of states are reduced based on the wireless scheme. If technician had to test every state (e.g., 10 different protocols with different devices), he or she would need to spend a significant amount of time testing each combination and different state. With the wireless schemes, the technician only needs to test each scheme and not every possible state or outcome.

[0026] Figure 1 is a communications environment 100 with wireless communication devices 102 and hearing devices 103 As shown by double-headed bold arrows in Figure 1, the wireless communication devices 102 and the hearing devices 103 can communicate wirelessly. Wireless communication can include using a wireless communication protocol such as Bluetooth Basic Rate/Enhanced Data RateTM (BR/BDR), Bluetooth Low EnergyTM, a proprietary communication protocol, ZigBeeTM Wi-Fin', or another Industry of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE) wireless communication standard protocol.

[0027] As explained in more detail in Figures 2-4, the hearing devices 103 (or a single hearing device 103) can reduce the number of wireless communication devices 102 able to communicate with the hearing devices 103 or reduce the number of wireless communication protocols available for use by the hearing device when wirelessly communicating with the wireless communication devices 102.

[0028] The wireless communication devices 102 are computing devices that are configured to wirelessly communicate. Wireless communication includes wirelessly transmitting information, wirelessly receiving information, or both. The wireless communication devices 102 shown in Figure 1 include computers (e.g., desktop or laptop), televisions (TV) or components in communication with television (e.g., TV streamer), a microphone, a car audio system or circuitry within the car, a mobile device, tablet, or watch. Although certain wireless communication devices 103 are shown in Figure 1, the communication environment 100 can include other devices such a wireless speaker.

[0029] The hearing devices 103 are devices that provide audio or audio information to a user wearing the hearing devices. Some example hearing devices include hearing aids, headphones, earphones, assistive listening devices, or any combination thereof; and hearing devices include both prescription devices and non-prescription devices configured to be worn on or near a human head. A hearing aid is a device that provides amplification, attenuation, or frequency modification of audio signals to compensate for hearing loss or attenuation functi onaliti es; some example hearing aids include a Behind-the-Ear (BTE), Receiver-in-the-Canal RIC, In-the-Ear (ITE), Completely-in-the-Canal (CIC), Invisible-in-the-Canal (IIC) hearing aids or a cochlear implant (where a cochlear implant includes a device part and an implant part).

[0030] Figure 2 is a block diagram illustrating a hearing device from Figure 1 in more detail.

Figure 2 illustrates the hearing device 103 with a memory 205, software 215 stored in the memory 205, the software 215 including a wireless schemer 220 and a context engine 225, a processor 230, a battery 235, a radio 240, a microphone 245, an antenna 250, and a transducer 255.

[0031] The memory 205 stores instructions for executing the software 215 comprised of one or more modules and data utilized by the modules. The modules perform certain methods or functions for the hearing device 103 and can include components, subcomponents, or other logical entities that assist with or enable the performance of some these methods or functions. For example, the modules can store algorithms that can be executed by the module to carry out a change of wireless communication protocols, a limit of wireless communication protocols, or limit a number of wireless communication devices able to communicate with the hearing device 103. The wireless schemer 220 and the context engine 225 are modules.

[0032] The wireless schemer 220 stores and selects wireless schemes. The wireless schemer 220 can store multiple wireless schemes. A wireless scheme is a list of settings or rules that includes how many wireless communication devices a hearing device can communicate with and which wireless communication protocols a hearing device can use. In general, a hearing device can use all wireless communication protocols profiles and communicate with any wireless communication device; however, the wireless scheme limits or reduces the number of wireless communication protocols or number of wireless communication devices to improve the performance of the hearing device or to match the a user's desired or preferred wireless settings with a context. For example, the wireless schemer can store a car wireless scheme, where the car wireless scheme enables the hearing device to wirelessly communicate with a car (e.g., it's electronic system) via Bluetooth BR/EDRTM or Bluetooth Low EnergyTM, but the wireless scheme does not allow the hearing device to communicate with other wireless communication devices or use other wireless schemes. By limiting the number of devices that can communicate with the hearing device 103 with the car audio scheme, the hearing devices is less likely to experience packet interference from other wireless communication devices communicating with the hearing devices and reduce its battery 235 usage (e.g limiting the hearing device to using two wireless communication protocols saves power compared to enabling more than two wireless communication protocols).

100331 In another example, the wireless schemer 220 can store a car wireless scheme, where the car wireless scheme would disable the hearing device from wirelessly receiving audio information from a mobile device or from sending wirelessly transferred telephone related audio or meta data information, rooting this excluded audio and meta data to the car's wireless system.

10034] The context engine 225 can determine which wireless scheme to select for the hearing device based on context of the hearing device. The context engine 225 can determine context from user input, input from external devices (e.g. from a user's mobile device), based on sensed conditions, input from an audiologist, or based on default settings of the hearing device. For example, the hearing device 103 can have a user input button or toggle and if the user pushes that button or adjusts the toggle the hearing device 103 can activate a wireless scheme. As another example, a user can transmit user input from his mobile device using a mobile application on the mobile device. The context engine can also receive information from an accelerometer, which may indicate the use user S mov ng quickly or walking. Based on these instructions, the context engine 225 can select a wireless scheme that matches the user's activity (e.g., sitting listening to a TV, versus walking and using his or her phone to stream a phone call or information).

[0035] The context engine can also receive instructions from another device indicating that a user has entered a certain location and based on this location, the hearing device 103 determines it should enter a wireless scheme (e.g., entering a car based on a GPS signal from a car or phone). [0036] The processor 230 can include special-purpose hardware such as application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), programmable logic devices (PLDs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), programmable circuitry (e.g., one or more microprocessors microcontrollers), Digital Signal Processor (DSP), appropriately programmed with software and/or computer code, or a combination of special purpose hardware and programmable circuitry.

[0037] Also, although the processor 230 is shown as a separate unit in Figure 2, the processor 230 can be on a single chip with the memory 205 and the radio 240. The processor 230 can also include a DSP configured to modify audio signals based on hearing loss or hearing programs stored in the memory 205. In some implementations, the hearing device 103 can have multiple processors, where the multiple processors can be physically coupled to the hearing device 103 and configured to communicate with each other.

[0038] In some implementations, the hearing device can have multiple processors, where the multiple processors can be physically coupled to the hearing device 103 and configured to communicate with each other.

[0039] The battery 235 provides power for the hearing device. The battery 235 can be a rechargeable battery or a non-rechargeable battery. An example of a rechargeable battery is a Lithium-ion battery. An example of a non-rechargeable battery is a Zinc-Air battery. If the hearing device reduces or limits its wireless communication or limits is wireless communication protocols to protocols that use less power (e.g., Bluetooth Low EnergyTm versus Bluetooth BRJEDRTm), the hearing device 103 can save battery power.

[0040] The hearing device 103 in Figure 2 also includes the microphone 245. The microphone 245 can provide audio signals to the processor 230 and the processor 230 can process the audio signals. In some implementations, the processor 230 can use the microphone 245 to detect a user's own voice, where the user' s own voice is a person wearing the hearing device 103. Although one microphone 245 is shown, a hearing device can have multiple microphones such as an inner ear microphone (e.g., in the ear canal) and one outer microphone (e.g., on the hearing device).

[0041] A radio 240 is circuitry used to transmit or receive wireless communication signals. The radio 240 can use the antenna 250 to transmit and receive wireless communication signals in frequency bands (e.g., in the 2.4 GHz frequency band for Bluetooth BR/EDRTM, Bluetooth Low EnergyTM, or a range of frequencies from 1 to 6 GHz such as 1.2 GHz or 5 GHz). The radio 240 can also be configured to transmit or receive wireless communication signals in IVEFIz (e.g., 5, 10, 15, or more MHz). For example, the hearing devices can communicate using 2.4 GHz and/or the hearing devices can communicate using 5 MHz (e.g., binaurally or bimodally).

[0042] As shown in Figure 2, the antenna 250 can be completely outside the hearing device 103. However,in some implementations, the antenna 250 can be partially or completely inside the hearing device 103 depending on desired transmission and propagation properties. For hearing devices, it is generally preferred to protect the hearing device components from moisture or environmental conditions by having all the hearing device components inside the hearing device.

[0043] Also, the hearing device 103 includes the transducer 255 to provide audio information. The transducer 255 can output audio signals. The transducer 255 can be a loudspeaker or a component configured to generate electromagnetic signals that can be used to stimulate nerves for hearing.

[0044] Although not shown in Figure 2, the hearing device 103 can include additional components. For example, the hearing devices 103 can include components configured for wireless inductive charging such as a coil to receive a magnetic field. The coil can vary in size, shape and construction depending on the size of the hearing devices 103 and the designed power to be received by the hearing device. The hearing device 103 can also include a telecoil, which is a wire or antenna used for telecommunication, or the hearing device can also include an accelerometer.

[0045] Figure 3 is a wireless schemes table 300 for a hearing device. Each column is a different wireless scheme. Column one is wireless scheme 1 ("scheme 1"), column two is wireless scheme 2 ("scheme 2"), column 3 is wireless scheme 3 (-scheme 3"), etc. (column N is wireless scheme N). Each row relates to a wireless communication protocol that can be implemented (or not implemented). Some examples of a wireless communication protocol, include Bluetooth Basic Rate/Enhanced Data RateTM (Bluetooth BR/EDRTM), Bluetooth Low EnergyTM, a wireless communication protocol (e.g., a binaural streaming protocol), ZigBeeTM, or a Television (TV) streamer protocol. The rows in Table 300 also indicate a number of devices that can be used for a particular wireless communication protocol for a wireless scheme. Specifically, a "X" indicates that a wireless scheme does not support a particular wireless communication protocol or a particular device; and a "i" indicates that a wireless scheme supports a particular wireless communication protocol or a particular device (e.g, a number of devices for a particular wireless scheme).

[0046] For example, for wireless scheme 1, as shown in column 1 row 1, the hearing device cannot communicate using Bluetooth BR/EDRTM even if devices are available for communicating with the hearing device 103 using Bluetooth BR/EDRTM As shown in column 1 row 2, the hearing device can communicate with many (e.g., "n") wireless communication devices using Bluetooth LETM. Also, as shown in rows 3 and 4, the hearing device cannot communicate with the proprietary protocol or the TV streamer protocol, regardless of whether the hearing device is capable of using these protocols with other devices. Because the hearing device 103 has reduced the number of devices it can wirelessly communicate with and/or reduced the number of wireless communication protocols it can use, it will reduce its packet traffic or reduce load on its battery.

10047] As another example, for Scheme 2 (i.e., column 2), in column 2 row 2, a hearing device implementing this wireless scheme can only communicate with one device using Bluetooth LETM even if other devices are available for communicating with the hearing device 103 using Bluetooth LETM. Further, the hearing device implementing Scheme 2 can only communicate with one Bluetooth BR/EDRTM device, one TV streamer device (using the protocol for streaming television), and no devices using a proprietary protocol. Regarding the devices, the devices for each wireless scheme can be associated with a specific device (e.g., a user's mobile phone or a user's car audio system).

10048] Regarding Scheme 3, the hearing device has disabled the proprietary protocol and the TV streamer protocols for all devices, but it has enabled a limited number of devices for Bluetooth BR/EDRTM and Bluetooth Low EnergyTM. Spec fically, scheme 3 enables only one Bluetooth BR/EDRTM device, only two Bluetooth Low EnergyTM devices.

10049] Also, the table in Figure 3 shows scheme N. Scheme N indicates that a user can add a scheme to the hearing device. Alternatively, a user or technician can modify a wireless scheme. For example, a technician can add or enable more than 1 device for a particular wireless communication protocol or it can enable a previously disabled wireless communication protocol (e.g., enable Bluetooth LE when it was previously disabled in a wireless scheme). Although the table in Figure 3 shows a few different wireless schemes, the schemes can be further modified based on a user' s preferences or the context engine.

10050] Although not shown in Figure 3, one wireless scheme can be the car driving profile (also referred to as the "car profile" or "car scheme"). The car driving profile prevents the hearing device from wirelessly communicating with a mobile device. For example, the car profile can prevent the hearing device from communicating with the mobile device by preventing the following operations: receiving media audio data from the mobile device; receiving notification data from the mobile device; exchanging telephone audio data with the mobile device; and exchanging telephone meta data with the mobile device, wherein the mobile device is otherwise configured to perform the operations with the hearing device. One advantage of the car profile is that the hearing device only communicates with the car audio system for phone calls and audio information and is not interpreted by the mobile device (e.g. eliminates the scenario where a user enters a car and receives a call and both the car audio system and the mobile phone want to answer the call; with the car profile only the car audio system answers the call).

[0051] Figure 4 is a flow diagram illustrating a process 400 for selecting a wireless scheme for a wireless communication device (e.g., the hearing device 103). A wireless communication device can perform the operations of the process 400. For example, the hearing device 103 can perform the process 400. The process 400 begins with operation 405 and continues to operation 410.

[0052] At select wireless scheme operation 405, the hearing device selects a wireless scheme for operating the hearing device. In some implementations, an audiologist selects the wireless scheme for the hearing device when the audiologist provides the hearing device to the hearing device user. For example, the audiologist can use fitting software to adjust the settings of a hearing device such that a wireless scheme is set (e.g stored) in the memory of the hearing device. The audiologist can determine a wireless scheme for a user based on the user's preferences and expected uses of the device. For example, the audiologist may determine that streaming television information is not a preference for a user and select a wireless scheme that disables TV streaming. The audiologist can also determine that a user only wants to have BluetoothTM enabled for streaming a phone call from his or her mobile phone. Accordingly, the audiologist can set a wireless scheme that uses allows only 1 device (i.e., the user's mobile phone) to connect using BluetoothTM [0053] In other implementations, a context engine (e.g., Figure 2) determines a context for a hearing device and based on this context the hearing device selects a wireless scheme. For example, the context engine can determine that a user with a hearing device is entering a car based on a mobile device using location based services and using that information to communicate location information to a hearing device. The hearing device can also use machine learning algorithms that determine the predicted behavior of the user, e.g., every day around a certain time the user enters his or her car, and during this time the user wants a wireless scheme that enables BluetoothTM wireless communication only with the car's audio system. In this example, the hearing device will only communicate with the car audio system and not with other wireless communication devices even if the hearing device receives advertising packets or requests to connect from other devices).

[0054] In some implementations, the hearing device determines the wireless scheme based on user input. A user can input information into the hearing device by using a mobile device. For example, a user can use a graphical user interface (GUI) on a mobile phone to communicate wireless scheme settings to the hearing device. The user can select the settings based on his or her preferences. For example, the user can input that he does not use a TV streamer or only has a single wireless communication device that uses Bluetooth LETM. The hearing device can then select a wireless scheme based on the user's preferences.

[0055] At reduce operation 410, the hearing device reduces the number of wireless communication protocols or limits the number of wireless communication devices that the hearing device can use based on the wireless scheme. A wireless scheme must limit or reduce the number of wireless communication protocols or the number of devices that a hearing device can communicate with. The reducing or limiting is based on the selected wireless scheme from the select wireless scheme operation 405. For example, prior to application of a wireless scheme, a hearing device may be able to use 5 wireless communication protocols with any number of wireless communication devices that are willing to communicate. After application of the wireless scheme, the hearing device many only use two wireless communication protocols, and only enable that wireless communication with one device per protocol.

[0056] At modify wireless scheme operation 415, the hearing device can determine whether to modify the selected wireless scheme. Modifying the selected wireless scheme can include changing the wireless scheme (e.g., to a different scheme) or modifying the individual wireless scheme (e.g., to add or delete a feature). In this operation, the hearing device can make this decision based on input from a user, audiologist input, or the context engine. For example, if the user wants the hearing device to communicate with a new device that using a wireless communication protocol not in a wireless scheme, the user can send a request to the hearing device to modify the current wireless scheme or switch to another wireless scheme that supports wireless communication with the new device. Also, the modify wireless scheme operation 415 is an optional step; so the process 400 can stop before step 415.

[0057] After the modify wireless scheme operation 415, the process 400 can be repeated entirely, repeated partially (e.g., repeat only operation 410), or stopped. For example, if it is determined that the hearing device has not received a request to change its wireless scheme, it will stop process 400.

[0058] Aspects and implementations of the adaptive wireless communication for a hearing device of the disclosure have been described in the general context of various steps and operations. A variety of these steps and operations may be performed by hardware components or may be embodied in computer-executable instructions, which may be used to cause a general-purpose or special-purpose processor (e.g., in a computer, server, or other computing device) programmed with the instructions to perform the steps or operations. For example, the steps or operations may be performed by a combination of hardware, software, and/or firmware. Conclusion [0059] The phrases "in some implementations," "according to some implementations," "in the implementations shown," "in other implementations," and generally mean a feature, structure, or characteristic following the phrase is included in at least one implementation of the disclosure, and may be included in more than one implementation. In addition, such phrases do not necessarily refer to the same embodiments or different implementations.

[0060] The techniques introduced here can be embodied as special-purpose hardware (e.g., circuitry), as programmable circuitry appropriately programmed with software or firmware, or as a combination of special-purpose and programmable circuitry. Hence, embodiments may include a machine-readable medium having stored thereon instructions which may be used to program a computer (or other electronic devices) to perform a process. The machine-readable medium may include, but is not limited to, optical disks, compact disc read-only memories (CD-ROMs), magneto-optical disks, ROMs, random access memories (RANIs), erasable programmable read-only memories (EPROMs), electrically erasable programmable read-only memories (EEPROMs), magnetic or optical cards, flash memory, or other type of media / machine-readable medium suitable for storing electronic instructions. In some implementations, the machine-readable medium is non-transitory computer readable medium, where in non-transitory excludes a propagating signal.

[0061] The above detailed description of examples of the disclosure is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure to the precise form disclosed above. While specific examples for the disclosure are described above for illustrative purposes, various equivalent modifications are possible within the scope of the disclosure, as those skilled in the relevant art will recognize. For example, while processes or blocks are presented in a given order, alternative implementations may perform routines having steps, or employ systems having blocks, in a different order,and some processes or blocks may be deleted, moved, added, subdivided, combined, or modified to provide alternative or subcomb nations Each of these processes or blocks may be implemented in a variety of different ways. Also, while processes or blocks are at times shown as being performed in series, these processes or blocks may instead be performed or implemented in parallel, or may be performed at different times. Further any specific numbers noted herein are only examples: alternative implementations may employ differing values or ranges.

100621 As used herein, the word "or" refers to any possible permutation of a set of items. For example, the phrase "A, B, or C" refers to at least one of A, B, C, or any combination thereof, such as any of A; B; C; A and B; A and C; B and C; A, B, and C; or multiple of any item such as A and A; B, B, and C; A, A, B, C, and C; etc.

Claims

I/we claim: 1. A hearing device, the hearing device comprising: a transducer configured to provide audio signals, an antenna configured to receive or transmit wireless communications; a processor powered by a battery electronically coupled to the transducer and the antenna configured to receive and transmit the wireless communications; a memory electronically coupled to the processor, wherein the memory stores instructions that when executed by the processor cause the hearing device to: select a wireless scheme, wherein the wireless scheme comprises a number of wireless communication protocols for wireless communication and a number of wireless communication devices configured to wirelessly communicate with the hearing device; and based on the settings of the selected wireless scheme, limit the number of wireless communication protocols for wireless communication or limit the number of devices wirelessly communicating with the hearing device.
2. The hearing device of claim 1, wherein the selection of the wireless scheme is based on: a hearing care professional input stored in the memory; a default setting for the hearing device stored in the memory; a request from a mobile device; a context engine configured to select the wireless scheme based on a context of the hearing device; or a user input.
3. The hearing device of claim 1, wherein the number of wireless communication devices wirelessly communicating with the hearing device is associated with a permitted number of devices that are configured to concurrently communicate with the hearing device using Bluetooth Basic Rate/Enhanced Data RateTM, Bluetooth Low EnergyTM, a proprietary wireless communication protocol, or a wireless communication protocol associated with streaming video or streaming audio.
4. The hearing device of claim 1, wherein the wireless communication protocols are Bluetooth Basic Rate/Enhanced Data RateTM, Bluetooth Low EnergyTM, a proprietary wireless communication protocol, or a wireless communication protocol associated with streaming television, data, or audio information.
5. The hearing device of claim 1, wherein the selected wireless scheme is a car driving profile, and wherein the car driving profile causes the hearing device to only wirelessly communicate with a car electronic system or only wirelessly communicate with a mobile device but not both.
6. The hearing device of claim I, wherein the selected wireless scheme is a car driving profile, and wherein the car driving profile prevents the hearing device from wirelessly communicating with a mobile device by preventing the following operations: receiving media audio data from the mobile device; receiving notification data from the mobile device; exchanging telephone audio data with the mobile device; and exchanging telephone meta data with the mobile device, wherein the mobile device is otherwise configured to perform the operations with the hearing device.
7. The hearing device of claim 1, wherein the hearing device is a hearing aid or a device part of a cochlear mplant hearing device.
8. The hearing device of claim 7, wherein at least one of the multiple wireless schemes is customizable.
9. The hearing device of claim 1, wherein limiting the number of wireless communication devices wirelessly communicating with the hearing device or limiting the number of wireless communication protocols used by the hearing device reduces the battery power consumption of the hearing device compared to not limiting the number of wireless communication devices wirelessly communicating with the hearing device or not limiting the number of wireless communication protocols used by the hearing device.
10. The hearing device of claim 1, wherein limiting the number of wireless communication devices wirelessly communicating with the hearing device or limiting the number of wireless communication protocols used by the hearing device improves streaming quality for the hearing device based on less packet interference occurring.
11. The hearing device of claim 1, wherein limiting the number of wireless communication devices wirelessly communicating with the hearing device or limiting the number of wireless communication protocols used by the hearing device decreases an amount of time required to test the hearing device when the wireless scheme is enabled as compared to not enabled.
12. The hearing device of claim 1, wherein the instructions further comprise: determine a new wireless scheme is preferred to the wireless scheme based on a context engine; and switch to the new wireless scheme.
13. A method for using a hearing device, the method comprising: selecting a wireless scheme, wherein the wireless scheme comprises a number of wireless communication protocols for wireless communication and a number of wireless communication devices configured to wirelessly communicate with the hearing device, and limiting the hearing device to the number of wireless communication protocols for wireless communication or limiting the hearing device to the number of devices wirelessly communicating with the hearing device based on the selected wireless scheme.
14. The method of claim 13, wherein the selecting the wireless scheme is performed by a hearing aid or a device part of a cochlear implant hearing device.
15. The method of claim 13, wherein the selected wireless scheme is a car driving profile, and wherein the car driving profile assigns the hearing device to only wirelessly communicate with the car electronic system or only wirelessly communicate with a mobile device but not both.
16. The method of claim 13, wherein limiting the number of wireless communication devices wirelessly communicating with the hearing device or limiting the number wireless communication protocols used by the hearing device decreases an amount of time required to test the hearing device when the wireless scheme is enabled as compared to not enabled.
17. The method of claim 13, wherein limiting the number of wireless communication devices wirelessly communicating with the hearing device or limiting the number of wireless communication protocols used by the hearing device improves streaming quality for the hearing device because less packet interference occurs due to less packet collisions or less artifacts associated with limiting the number of wireless communication devices or limiting the number of wireless communication protocols.
18. A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing instructions that when executed by a processor cause a hearing device to perform operations, the operations comprising: selecting a wireless scheme, wherein the wireless scheme comprises a number of wireless communication protocols for wireless communication and a number of wireless communication devices configured to wirelessly communicate with the hearing device, and reducing the number of wireless communication protocols for wireless communication or reducing the number of devices wirelessly communicating with the hearing device based on the settings of the selected wireless scheme.
19. The non-transitory computer-readable medium storing instructions of claim 18, wherein the reducing the number of wireless communication devices wirelessly communicating with the hearing device or reducing the number of wireless communication protocols used by the hearing device reduces the battery power consumption of the hearing device compared to not reducing the number of wireless communication devices wirelessly communicating with the hearing device or not reducing the number of wireless communication protocols used by the hearing device.
20. The non-transitory computer-readable medium storing instructions of claim 18, wherein reducing the number of wireless communication devices wirelessly communicating with the hearing device or reducing the number of wireless communication protocols used by the hearing device improves streaming quality for the hearing device because less packet interference occurs due to less packet collisions or less artifacts associated with reducing the number of wireless communication devices or reducing the number of wireless communication protocols.