JP2003319497A - Test center system, terminal device, audition compensation method, audition compensation method program recording medium, and program for audition compensation method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To solve the problems that hearing aid fitting which is once performed becomes unsuitable because the degree of audition disorder of an old person worsens gradually in some cases and the degree of audition disorder fluctuates day by day in other cases, and it is difficult to frequently consult a medical specialist for hearing aid fitting, and that the maximum audition compensation cannot be performed when using a communication device such as a mobile telephone unless transmission characteristics from the speaker of the mobile telephone to the microphone of a hearing aid are not stable. <P>SOLUTION: Communication is made between the hearing aid and the mobile telephone with an audition compensation function to perform a hearing test remotely. A test center collects hearing test data, and audition compensation characteristics are computed on the basis of the hearing test data. A voice signal processing program into which the audition compensation characteristics are incorporated is transmitted to the hearing aid or the mobile telephone with an audition compensation function to store them, thereby performing audition compensation by using the voice signal processing program suitable for a user. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention, in a communication device such as a mobile phone, provides a frequency characteristic and a dynamic range compression characteristic suitable for an individual's hearing ability to perform hearing compensation, and is suitable for elderly people and hearing impaired persons. TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to a calling device for selecting a call and a method thereof.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art People with hearing impairments, such as the elderly and hearing-impaired, can use their hearing aids to compensate their hearing. Users of hearing aids go to specialized medical institutions to have their hearing measured and tested.
It is common to have hearing-aid compensation characteristics be incorporated into a hearing aid based on measurement and test results. Matching the hearing compensation characteristics of the hearing aid to the hearing impairment of the user is called hearing aid fitting. When using a communication device such as a mobile phone, it is common to use the hearing aid with hearing aid.

[0003]

The degree of hearing impairment may gradually progress in the elderly. In addition, the degree of disability may not be stable every day. In such a case, the hearing aid fitting performed once becomes incompatible, so that the hearing compensation performance is deteriorated, and the hearing aid fitting needs to be redone. In addition, if the degree of the disorder is not stable every day, it is preferable to perform hearing aid fitting frequently, but it is difficult to visit a specialist frequently and it is difficult to realize it. In addition, when a communication device such as a mobile phone is used, the transmission characteristics from the speaker of the mobile phone to the microphone of the hearing aid may not be stable, and thus optimal hearing compensation may not be possible.

The present invention can solve such problems.
A hearing compensation system, apparatus and method are provided.

[0005]

As means for solving the above problems, the hearing compensation system, device and method of the present invention adopt the following system, device, method, recording medium and program. To do.

A sound source unit for hearing test, a hearing test program unit, a hearing compensation characteristic calculation unit, a sound signal processing program unit,
An inspection center device having a transmitting / receiving unit, which communicates with a terminal device via a transmission line, transmits a sound source signal for an audiometric test to the terminal device according to an audiometric test program, and a user listens to the sound source signal. The answered test result is received from the terminal device, the test result is stored to obtain the hearing test data, the hearing compensation characteristic calculation unit calculates the hearing compensation characteristic from the hearing test data, and the hearing compensation characteristic is converted into an audio signal processing program. The test center device is characterized in that it is incorporated into the device and transmitted to the terminal device, and the terminal device can perform hearing compensation by using the received audio signal processing program.

A test center device comprising a sound source for hearing test, a hearing test program unit, a hearing compensation characteristic calculation unit, and a transmission / reception unit, which communicates with a terminal device through a transmission line and causes the terminal device to listen to the hearing test program. According to the following, a sound source signal for hearing test is transmitted, the user listens to the sound source signal, receives the test result, receives the test result from the terminal device, and stores the test result to obtain the hearing test data. The compensation characteristic calculation unit calculates the hearing compensation characteristic, transmits the hearing compensation parameter to the terminal device, and the terminal device incorporates the received hearing compensation parameter into the audio signal processing program and uses it to perform the hearing compensation. The inspection center device is characterized in that

A hearing-compensation terminal device that communicates with an inspection center device via a transmission line. The terminal device includes an audio signal processing unit, a transmission / reception unit, and an operation unit, and is transmitted from the inspection center device according to an audiometry test program. Receiving a sound source signal for hearing test, presenting a voice signal to the user, the user receives the test result from the sound source signal, and the test result is transmitted and received by the transceiver unit from the operation unit to the inspection center device, In the inspection center device, the hearing compensation characteristic is calculated from the collected hearing test data, the hearing compensation characteristic is incorporated into the audio signal processing program, and the audio signal processing program is transmitted to the terminal device. A terminal characterized by receiving a program, storing the program in an audio signal processing unit, and performing hearing compensation using the stored audio signal processing program. It is the location.

A hearing-compensation terminal device that communicates with an inspection center device via a transmission line, and includes an audio signal processing unit that stores an audio signal processing program, a transmission / reception unit, and an operation unit. According to the inspection program, the transmitted sound source signal for hearing test is received, the voice signal is presented to the user, and the transmitter / receiver receives the inspection result answered by the user from the operation unit. The test center device transmits to the terminal device the parameters for hearing compensation obtained by calculating the hearing compensation characteristics from the collected hearing test data in the test center device, and the terminal device transmits and receives. Section receives the parameters for hearing compensation and incorporates the received parameters for hearing compensation into the audio signal processing program to perform hearing compensation. A terminal device according to claim.

An inspection center apparatus comprising a hearing-compensation characteristic storage unit for storing a plurality of hearing-compensation characteristics, an audio signal processing program unit, and a transmission / reception unit, which communicates with a terminal device via a transmission line to obtain the hearing-compensation characteristics. An inspection characterized in that the hearing ability compensation characteristics are selected and incorporated into an audio signal processing program and transmitted to the terminal device so that the terminal device can perform hearing compensation using the received audio signal processing program. It is a center device.

A test center device comprising a hearing-compensation characteristic storage unit for storing a plurality of hearing-compensation characteristics and a transmission / reception unit, which communicates with a terminal device via a transmission line to select a hearing-compensation characteristic to perform hearing-compensation. The test center device is characterized in that the hearing aid compensation parameter is transmitted to the terminal device, and the hearing aid compensation is performed by the terminal device by incorporating the received hearing aid compensation parameter into the audio signal processing program. .

A hearing-compensation terminal device that communicates with a test center device via a transmission line, and includes a voice signal processing unit, a transmission / reception unit, and an operation unit. The test center device incorporates the selected hearing-compensation characteristics. The audio signal processing program is transmitted to the terminal device, the terminal device receives the audio signal processing program at the transmitting / receiving unit, stores the audio signal processing program in the audio signal processing unit, and performs hearing compensation using the stored audio signal processing program. It is a characteristic terminal device.

A hearing-compensation terminal device that communicates with an inspection center device via a transmission line. The inspection center device includes an audio signal processing unit that stores an audio signal processing program, a transmission / reception unit, and an operation unit. Select compensation characteristics,
The hearing compensation parameter is transmitted to the terminal device, and the terminal device receives the hearing compensation parameter at the transmission / reception unit and incorporates the received hearing compensation parameter into the audio signal processing program to perform the hearing compensation. It is a characteristic terminal device.

In the terminal device, the audio signal processing program is characterized in that the audio signal from the microphone performs hearing compensation.

The terminal device is characterized in that the audio signal processing program performs hearing compensation on the received signal of the mobile phone.

The hearing test program section is a test center apparatus which stores at least one test program among a minimum audible threshold test, a dynamic range test, a speech tracking speed test, and a noise masking test.

The hearing test program is a terminal device characterized by being at least one of a minimum audible threshold test, a dynamic range test, a speech tracking speed test, and a noise masking test.

At least one of the inspection center and the terminal device stores the hearing test data or the hearing compensation characteristics calculated from the hearing compensation characteristic data currently in use, and compares it with the hearing test data or the hearing compensation characteristics of this time to make an inspection error. If it is determined that there is a hearing test, the hearing center program uses the hearing test program to perform the hearing test again.

A hearing test is performed in a state where the hearing aid is compensated using the audio signal processing program received by the terminal device, and the hearing test data or hearing compensation characteristics before hearing compensation and the hearing test by the improvement test are performed. The test center apparatus is characterized by using an audiometric test program for performing an audiometric test again when it is determined that the test error is found by comparing the data or the audiometric compensation characteristics.

The hearing test is performed in a state where the hearing aid is compensated using the audio signal processing program received by the terminal device, and the hearing compensation is performed using the old audio signal processing program which the terminal device is currently using. If a hearing test is performed in this state and hearing compensation is performed using the old audio signal processing program, and a case is performed using the audio signal processing program received this time, it is determined that there is an inspection error. Is an inspection center device characterized by using a hearing test program in which the hearing test is performed again.

The test center device is characterized in that the hearing test program is executed a plurality of times.

At least one of the inspection center and the terminal device stores the audiometric test data or the audiometric compensating characteristics calculated from the audiovisual compensating characteristic data currently in use, and compares them with the audiovisual test data or the audiovisual compensating characteristics of this time, The terminal device is characterized in that, when it is determined that there is a test error, the hearing test is performed according to a hearing test program that causes the hearing test to be performed again.

In the state where the hearing aid is compensated by using the audio signal processing program received by the terminal device, a hearing improvement test is performed, and the hearing test data or hearing compensation characteristics before hearing compensation and the hearing test by the improvement test are performed. The terminal device is characterized in that, if it is determined that there is a test error by comparing the data or the hearing compensation characteristic, the hearing test is performed in accordance with a hearing test program for performing the hearing test again.

The hearing test is performed in a state where the hearing aid is compensated using the audio signal processing program received by the terminal device, and the hearing compensation is performed using the old audio signal processing program which the terminal device is currently using. In this condition, a hearing test is performed, and the hearing compensation is performed using the old audio signal processing program, and the hearing compensation is performed using the audio signal processing program received this time. In the case of the above, the terminal device is characterized in that the hearing test is performed in accordance with the hearing test program adapted to perform the hearing test again.

The terminal device is characterized in that the hearing test is performed in accordance with a hearing test program in which the hearing test is executed a plurality of times.

It is characterized in that the old audio signal processing program currently being used, the audio signal processing program received this time, or the audio signal processing program incorporating the hearing compensation parameter received this time are stored and selected for use. It is a terminal device that does.

A hearing test program procedure, a sound source signal transmission process, a test result reception and storage process, a sound source signal switching process, a compensation characteristic calculation process, a signal processing program incorporation process, and a signal processing program transmission process. Communicates with the terminal device via the transmission path, the sound source signal transmission process and the sound source signal switching process to the terminal device, transmits the sound source signal for the hearing test, and the test result that the user listened to the sound source signal and answered, By the inspection result reception and storage process, the inspection result from the terminal device is received and stored to obtain the hearing test data, the compensation characteristic calculation process calculates the hearing compensation property from the hearing test data, and the signal processing program incorporation process The audio signal processing program is incorporated into the audio signal processing program, and the audio signal processing program is transmitted by the signal processing program transmission process. Transmitted, the terminal device is a hearing compensation method characterized by using the audio signal processing program received was so performed hearing compensation.

It consists of a hearing test program procedure, a sound source signal transmitting process, a test result receiving and storing process, a sound source signal switching process, a compensation characteristic calculating process, and a compensation characteristic transmitting process. Communicate and transmit the sound source signal for hearing test to the terminal device by the sound source signal transmitting process and the sound source signal switching process, and the test result received and stored by the user by the test result receiving and storing process to the terminal. The test result from the device is received and stored to obtain the hearing test data, the compensation characteristic calculation process calculates the hearing compensation parameter from the hearing test data, and the compensation characteristic transmission process calculates the hearing compensation parameter to the terminal device. That the terminal device incorporates the received hearing compensation parameters into the audio signal processing program to enable the hearing compensation. It is a hearing compensation method for the butterflies.

A sound source signal reception / presentation process, a listening result transmission process, and a signal processing program reception / storing process. After receiving, presenting an audio signal to the user, and transmitting the hearing result transmission process, the user listens to the sound source signal and sends the test result to the test center device, and from the hearing test data collected by the test center device. An audio signal processing program incorporating the hearing compensation characteristic calculated by the hearing compensation characteristic calculation is received and stored from the inspection center device by the signal processing program receiving and storing process, and the hearing compensation is performed using the stored audio signal processing program. This is a hearing compensation method characterized by the above.

The sound source signal reception / presentation processing, the listening result transmission processing, and the compensation characteristic reception / storing processing are included. By the sound source signal reception / presentation processing, the sound source signal for the hearing test transmitted from the test center device according to the hearing test program procedure is received. Then, by presenting a voice signal to the user, and by the listening result transmission process, the inspection result that the user listened to the sound source signal and answered,
The hearing compensation parameters calculated by the hearing compensation characteristic calculation from the hearing test data collected by the examination center apparatus are received and stored from the examination center apparatus by the compensation characteristic receiving / storing process, and the hearing compensation parameters are stored. Is incorporated into an audio signal processing program and used to perform hearing compensation.

Compensation characteristic selection processing, signal processing program incorporation processing, and signal processing program transmission processing are included. Hearing compensation characteristics are selected by the compensation characteristic selection processing, and hearing ability compensation characteristics are selected by the signal processing program incorporation processing. Incorporated in the processing program, by the signal processing program transmission processing, to transmit the audio signal processing program to the terminal device,
A hearing compensation method, characterized in that the terminal device can perform hearing compensation using the received audio signal processing program.

Compensation characteristic selection processing and compensation characteristic transmission processing are performed. The compensation characteristic selection processing selects a hearing compensation parameter, and the compensation characteristic transmission processing transmits the hearing compensation parameter to the terminal device. Is a method of hearing compensation characterized in that the received parameters for hearing compensation are incorporated into an audio signal processing program so that the hearing compensation can be performed.

An audio signal processing program, which comprises a signal processing program receiving / storing process and incorporates the hearing compensation characteristics selected in the inspection center device, is received from the inspection center device by the signal processing program receiving / storing process.
A hearing compensating method, characterized in that the hearing compensation is performed by using a stored audio signal processing program.

Compensation characteristic reception / storing processing is performed, and the hearing compensation parameters selected in the examination center apparatus are received and stored from the examination center apparatus by the compensation characteristic reception / storing processing, and the hearing compensation parameters are incorporated into the audio signal processing program. It is a method of hearing compensation, characterized in that the hearing compensation is performed by using.

The audio signal processing program is a hearing compensating method characterized in that the audio signal from the microphone is subjected to hearing compensation.

The sound signal processing program is a hearing compensation method characterized by performing hearing compensation on a reception signal of a mobile phone.

The hearing test program procedure is a hearing compensating method characterized in that it is at least one of a minimum audible threshold test, a dynamic range test, a speech tracking speed test, and a noise masking test.

The hearing test program procedure is a hearing compensating method characterized in that it is at least one of a minimum audible threshold test, a dynamic range test, a speech tracking speed test, and a noise masking test.

At least one of the inspection center and the terminal device stores the audiometric test data or the audiometric compensation characteristic which is the audiometric characteristic data currently in use, and compares the audiometric data with the audiometric test data or audiometric compensation characteristic of this time to make an inspection error. If it is determined that there is a hearing test, the hearing test method is characterized by using a hearing test program for performing the hearing test again.

In the state where the hearing aid is compensated using the audio signal processing program received by the terminal device, the hearing improvement test is performed, and the hearing test data or hearing compensation characteristics before hearing compensation and the hearing test by the improvement test are performed. The hearing compensation method is characterized by using a hearing test program in which the hearing test is performed again when it is determined that there is a test error by comparing the data or the hearing compensation characteristics.

The hearing test is performed in the state where the hearing aid is compensated by using the audio signal processing program received by the terminal device, and the hearing compensation is performed by using the old audio signal processing program which the terminal device is currently using. If a hearing test is performed in this state and hearing compensation is performed using the old audio signal processing program, and a case is performed using the audio signal processing program received this time, it is determined that there is an inspection error. Is a hearing compensating method characterized by using a hearing test program in which the hearing test is performed again.

A hearing compensating method is characterized in that the hearing test program is executed a plurality of times.

At least one of the inspection center and the terminal device stores the audiometric test data or the audiometric compensation characteristic which is the audiovisual characteristic data currently being used, and compares the audiometric data with the audiometric test data or the audiometric compensation characteristic of this time. When it is determined that there is a test error, the hearing test method is characterized in that the hearing test is performed in accordance with a hearing test program that re-runs the hearing test.

In the state where the hearing aid is compensated by using the audio signal processing program received by the terminal device, the hearing improvement test is performed, and the hearing test data or hearing compensation characteristics before hearing compensation and the hearing test by the improvement test are performed. The hearing compensation method is characterized in that, if the examination error is determined by comparing the data or the hearing compensation characteristic, the hearing examination is performed according to the hearing examination program that is performed again. .

The hearing test is performed in a state where the hearing compensation is performed using the voice signal processing program received by the terminal device, and the hearing compensation is performed using the old voice signal processing program that the terminal device is using so far. In this condition, a hearing test is performed, and the hearing compensation is performed using the old audio signal processing program, and the hearing compensation is performed using the audio signal processing program received this time. If the hearing test is performed, the hearing test is performed in accordance with a hearing test program that causes the hearing test to be performed again.

A hearing compensating method is characterized in that the hearing test is performed according to a hearing test program in which the hearing test is executed a plurality of times.

It is characterized in that the old audio signal processing program currently in use and the audio signal processing program received this time or the audio signal processing program incorporating the hearing compensation parameter received this time are stored and selected for use. This is a method of hearing compensation.

A hearing aid compensation method program recording medium in which a program for causing a computer to perform processing is recorded.

This is a program of a hearing compensation method, which is a program for causing a computer to function as the processing.

[0050]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION (Embodiment 1) FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a hearing compensation system and apparatus according to Embodiment 1. In FIG. 1, the inspection center 10 includes a control unit 1, a hearing test sound source unit 2, a hearing test program unit 3, a hearing compensation characteristic calculation unit 4, an audio signal processing program unit 5, and a transmission / reception unit 6. The hearing aid 20, which is a terminal device, includes a microphone 11, an earphone 12, an audio signal processing unit 13, a transmission / reception unit 14, an operation unit 15, a display unit 16, SW1, SW2,
It is composed of SW3. Inspection center 10 and hearing aid 2
0 can communicate with each other via the transmission line 30.

In the inspection center 10, the hearing test program section 3 stores the hearing test procedure described later,
The hearing test is executed while receiving an instruction from the control unit 1.
The audiometric unit 2 for audiometry generates various audio source signals used for audiometry, stores the waveform of the audio source signal, selects a predetermined audio source signal according to the instruction of the audiometric test program unit 3, and transmits / receives it. Send from the part 6 to the hearing aid 20. In the hearing compensation characteristic calculation unit 4, the hearing test program unit 3 uses the hearing aid 20.
Based on the hearing test data collected from the above, the hearing compensation characteristic suitable for the user 40 is calculated. The audio signal processing program unit 5 incorporates the compensation characteristic calculated by the hearing compensation characteristic calculation unit 4 into a built-in audio signal processing program for hearing compensation, and sends it from the transmission / reception unit 6 to the transmission / reception unit 14 of the hearing aid 20.

During normal use, the hearing aid 20 uses SW1
Is connected to the side of the microphone 11, and SW2 and SW3 are connected to the side of the audio signal processing unit 13. The sound of the microphone 11 is hearing-compensated by the audio signal processing unit 13, and the earphones 12 to the user 4 are connected.
Operates to give 0.

When the user 40 of the hearing aid 20 operates the hearing aid 20 and requests a hearing test via the transmission line 30, the testing center 10 carries out the hearing test procedure. Hearing aid 20
The transmitter / receiver 14 receives the explanation of the inspection procedure and the display 1
6, display of a sound source signal for inspection and reproduction of a sound source signal waveform, reception of a signal processing program for hearing compensation and storage in the audio signal processing unit 13, transmission of operation contents of the operation unit 15 and the like.

When the user 40 operates the operating unit 15 to apply for a hearing test, the transmitting / receiving unit 14 sends and receives a hearing test request message including the identification code of the hearing aid 20 and the user 40 via the transmission line 30. It is sent to the part 6. The transmission / reception unit 6 of the inspection center 10 sends a hearing test request message to the control unit 1. When receiving the hearing test request message, the control unit 1 checks the identification codes of the hearing aid 20 and the user 40,
Confirm that the user is a user of this system. When the hearing test can be performed, the control unit 1 sends the hearing test acceptance message to the transmitting / receiving unit 14 via the transmitting / receiving unit 6 and the transmission path 30. The transmission / reception unit 14 switches SW1 to the transmission / reception unit 14 side and SW2 and SW3 to the bypass side of the audio signal processing unit 13. The transmitter / receiver 14 sends a preparation completion message to the transmitter / receiver 6. When the transmission / reception unit 6 sends the preparation completion message to the control unit 1, the control unit 1 instructs the hearing test program unit 3 to start the hearing test program.

The hearing test program section 3 sends the description of the test procedure to the transmitting / receiving section 14 via the transmitting / receiving section 6 and the transmission path 30.

The transmitting / receiving unit 14 displays the received explanation on the display unit 16 to inform the user 40 of the inspection procedure.

Next, the hearing test program section 3 selects a sound source signal from the hearing test sound source section 2 according to the test procedure, and the hearing test sound source section 2 transmits the instructed sound source signal to the transmitting / receiving section 6, It is sent to the transmission / reception unit 14 via the transmission line 30.

The transmitter / receiver 14 switches the received sound source signal to SW.
1, output to the earphone 12 via SW3. The user 40 listens to the sound source signal, and if the user can hear the sound source signal, the operation unit 15
To operate. The operation unit 15 sends the confirmation result from the transmission / reception unit 14 to the transmission / reception unit 6 via the transmission path 30.

The transmitting / receiving unit 6 sends the confirmation result to the hearing test program unit 3. The hearing test program section 3 stores the confirmation result and proceeds to the next test procedure. The following sound source signal is instructed to the sound source unit 2 for audiometry. The audiometric unit for audiometry 2 sends the instructed sound source signal to the transmitting / receiving unit 14 via the transmitting / receiving unit 6 and the transmission path 30.

By repeating such a procedure, the reaction of the user 40 to a series of sound source signals is examined, and the hearing test data is stored in the hearing test program section 3. When the inspection procedure is completed, the hearing test program section 3 sends the test result to the hearing compensation characteristic calculation section 4 to notify the control section 1 of the completion of the test. The control unit 1 instructs the hearing compensation characteristic calculation unit 4 to calculate the hearing compensation characteristic. When the calculation is completed, the hearing compensation characteristic calculation unit 4 sends the calculation result to the audio signal processing program unit 5,
Notify the control unit 1 of the end of calculation. The control unit 1 instructs the audio signal processing program unit 5 to incorporate the calculation result into the audio signal processing program and to send it to the hearing aid 20.
The audio signal processing program unit 5 incorporates the hearing compensation characteristic into the audio signal processing program based on the instruction of the control unit 1 and sends it to the transmitting / receiving unit 14 via the transmitting / receiving unit 6 and the transmission path 30.

The transmitting / receiving unit 14 stores the received audio signal processing program in the audio signal processing unit 13, and the display unit 16
The inspection end message is displayed on the screen, and SW1 is switched to the microphone 11 side, and SW2 and SW3 are switched to the audio signal processing unit 13 side.

By the above operation, the hearing aid 20 is updated to the hearing compensation characteristic corresponding to the current hearing of the user 40.

Hearing impairment includes the overall loss of hearing sensitivity,
There are some phenomena such as drop in high range and low range, it becomes difficult to hear not only loud sounds but also loud sounds, decrease in dynamic range, decrease in speech speed following ability, and these may be combined. . Hearing compensation provides appropriate compensation for each of these, so it is possible to perform multiple types of hearing tests.

The hearing test described above is performed by the user 40
However, it is preferable to be performed in a room with less noise. However, there is a possibility that an error may be mixed in the hearing test data due to a sudden noise coming from outside the room, a wrong answering operation, or the like, and an appropriate hearing compensation characteristic may not be obtained. Measures for such a case will be described below.

The first measure is to compare the previous hearing correction characteristics with the new hearing correction characteristics calculated this time at the examination center to check their validity, and if they are not valid, the hearing test is repeated.

For this purpose, a diagnostic data storage unit is provided in the inspection center 10 and historical data such as the hearing compensation characteristics of the user 40 up to now and the hearing compensation characteristics currently in use are stored.
Store as a diagnostic record. The control unit 1 calls the hearing correction characteristic currently in use from the diagnostic data storage unit and compares it with the new hearing compensation characteristic calculated this time. If the difference exceeds the predetermined range, it is determined that there is an inspection error, and a message for re-inspection is transmitted to the hearing aid 20,
Repeat the hearing test described above.

In the second measure, a new hearing ability compensation characteristic is used to perform a degree-of-improvement test to determine whether the degree of improvement is as expected.

For this purpose, the inspection center 10 transmits the improvement degree inspection start message after transmitting the inspection end message, and the hearing aid 20 keeps SW1 at the transmitting / receiving unit 14 side and sets SW2 and SW3 at the audio signal processing unit 13. Switch to and repeat the hearing test. With respect to various hearing tests described below, the above-mentioned first hearing test data is compared with the confirmation test data to determine the degree of improvement. In general, confirmation test data approaches those with normal hearing. If the confirmation inspection data is deteriorated or the degree of improvement is insufficient, reinspection is performed by the same operation as in the case of the second countermeasure.

In the third measure, an improvement test is performed by using the old hearing compensation characteristic currently in use, and the improvement degree by the old hearing compensation characteristic with respect to the current degree of impairment of the user 40 is examined. This inspection result data is compared with the improvement level inspection data based on the new hearing compensation characteristics, the improvement level is calculated from the difference, and if it is worse, re-inspection is performed assuming that there is an error in the inspection. To do so. To this end, the audio signal processing unit 13 stores an audio signal processing program with the hearing-compensation characteristics currently being used and an audio signal processing program with the new hearing-compensation characteristics, and the audio signal is processed by a command from the inspection center 10. Be prepared to switch processing programs.

In the fourth measure, the above-mentioned initial inspection and improvement degree inspection are carried out two or more times, and when there is no significant difference in the inspection results, it is determined that a normal inspection has been performed, and hearing compensation is performed. Calculation of characteristics and comparison / determination are performed.

In the fifth countermeasure, the audio signal processing section 13
Both the audio signal processing program with the hearing compensation characteristic currently in use and the audio signal processing program with the new hearing compensation characteristic are stored so that the user 40 can select the audio signal processing program from the operation unit 15. To do. The user 40 can use the audio signal processing program with the higher degree of improvement. For this purpose, the storage area for the audio signal processing program is prepared twice.

(Second Embodiment) FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a hearing compensation system and device according to a second embodiment of the present invention, in which the present invention is applied to a portable telephone.

In FIG. 2, the inspection center 10 is shown in FIG.
The configuration is the same as the case. The mobile phone 50, which is a terminal device, includes a microphone 11, a speaker 17, and an audio signal processing unit 1.
3, a transmission / reception unit 14, an operation unit 15, and a display unit 16.

During normal use, SW1 and SW2 are on the audio signal processing section 13 side. When making a call, the telephone number of the other party is input from the operation unit 15, the transmission / reception unit 14 sends the telephone number to the telephone station and connects the telephone line, and the voice signal input from the microphone 11 is transmitted from the transmission / reception unit 14 to the other party. The voice signal processing unit 1 transmits the voice signal received from the other party.
The hearing aid is compensated at 3, and the speaker 17 operates so as to give it to the user 40.

When conducting a hearing test, the user 40 operates the operation unit 15 to apply for a hearing test. SW1 and S
W2 is switched to the side bypassing the audio signal processing unit 13. The transmission / reception unit 14 transmits the hearing test request message to the transmission / reception unit 6 via the transmission path 30. After that, the same procedure as in the case of the hearing aid 20 of FIG. 1 is executed,
A hearing test is performed, and an audio signal processing program based on the test result is sent to the transmitting / receiving unit 14. The latest audio signal processing program is stored in the audio signal processing unit 13, and SW
1, SW2 are switched to the audio signal processing unit 13 side.

With the above operation, the mobile phone 50 can perform the hearing compensation corresponding to the current hearing of the user 40.

The first to fifth measures described in the first embodiment can be applied to the sudden noise from the outside and the error of the hearing test data due to the error of the answer operation. At the time of the improvement degree inspection, SW1 and SW2 may be switched to the audio signal processing unit 13 side.

Next, the hearing test will be described. Hearing is
It is represented by an audiogram as shown in FIG. The vertical axis represents the hearing level, which is in steps of 20 dB. The horizontal axis is the frequency, in octave increments. The value of the hearing level for the sound source signal presented for each frequency is recorded on the audiogram.

The pure tone hearing test is a test for presenting a sine wave signal as a sound source signal to obtain a minimum audible threshold. IS
"Basic Pure Tone Audiometry" established by O in 1986
And the Hearing Test Method (1990) established by the Japanese Academy of Audiology
1. A pure tone audiometry (threshold) level measuring method using a standard audiometer "is known.

Generally, an ascending method is used in which a sinusoidal signal of a predetermined frequency is presented from a weak level and the level is gradually increased until a audible response "YES" is obtained. The level at which the response "YES" is obtained is the minimum audible threshold. If you can hear it, lower the level once and move to the next frequency. Frequencies are usually 125Hz, 250Hz, 500
1kHz, 2kHz, 4kHz, 8kHz using sine wave signals of 1kHz, 2kHz, 4kHz, 8k
Hz in order, then 1 kHz, 500 Hz, 25
It is presented in the order of 0 Hz and 125 Hz. In this way
Measure the minimum audible level for each frequency.

At a certain presentation sound level, if there is a response "YES" to hear, the presentation method of lowering it by 10 dB and raising it by 5 dB if not heard is repeated.
A method in which the value at which the response of two-thirds is confirmed is set as the minimum audible threshold may be adopted.

Band noise or wobble tone may be used instead of the sine wave. In addition, as a method of measuring the threshold value, a psychophysical measurement method such as a limit method, an adjustment method, or a constitutive method may be used.

As shown in FIG. 3, in the case of a hearing impaired person, the minimum audible threshold value is generally higher than that of a person with normal hearing ability, and hearing compensation is required. If the minimum audible threshold rises and it is difficult to hear small sounds, increase the sound of that frequency by a predetermined level with respect to the increase in the minimum audible threshold.
Hearing compensation that sets the frequency characteristics of the filter is performed.

Next, the measurement of the dynamic range will be described. When the person has a hearing impairment, not only the minimum audible threshold value increases and it becomes difficult to hear a small sound, but also the "comfort level" (MCL) and the "discomfort level" (UCL) may change from the normal values. The "comfort level" is a level at which the sound volume is just right, easy to listen to, and not tired. The "discomfort level" is a level at which the sound is noisy, audible to the ear, and tired, and is a small value as compared to a healthy ear, when the minimum audible threshold is used as a reference. Therefore, the dynamic range, which is the width between the "discomfort level" and the minimum audible threshold, tends to be narrow compared to a healthy ear.

In order to measure the dynamic range, a subject is made to hear a predetermined frequency, for example, a sine wave signal of 2 kHz or 4 kHz, or meaningless words or syllables at a plurality of volume levels, and a subjective evaluation of seven levels is performed. (Very noisy, noisy, slightly noisy, normal, slightly small, small, quite small). The "discomfort level", "comfort level" and the range thereof are obtained from the evaluation result.

FIG. 4A shows an example of the dynamic range of a hearing-impaired person, and FIG. 4B shows an example of the dynamic range of a hearing-impaired person. For people with hearing loss, the range of "comfort level" is narrowed. Only by compensating the frequency characteristic with respect to the rise of the minimum audible threshold, a slightly loud sound reaches the "discomfort level", which causes distress. Therefore, when the dynamic range is reduced, the variable gain amplifier compensates so that the level change of the input audio signal is limited to an easily audible range. FIG. 5 shows an example of input / output gain characteristics. The dynamic range is adjusted by setting the variable gain characteristic for each frequency region according to the situation where the "comfort level" range of each frequency is narrowed.

Next, the speech sound hearing test will be described. Instead of a sine wave signal that cannot be heard normally, let the subject hear a meaningless speech sound in which several syllables are arranged, measure the minimum level at which each syllable can be heard as the minimum audible threshold, or let the syllable sound be answered to clarify the intelligibility. The same correct answer rate as in the test may be obtained, and a test may be used in which the level of the correct answer rate of 50% is used as the speech listening threshold value. If the results of the speech hearing test are used together, there is a possibility that the hearing compensation more suitable for the actual conversation can be performed.

Next, the measurement of the adaptive speed for speech discrimination will be described. Hearing impairment is a condition in which words are difficult to understand unless spoken more slowly than usual. It is possible to improve the degree of recognition of words by making the voice reproduction speed slower for such a disabled person by the speech speed conversion technology.

The fitness (adaptive speed or tracking speed) with respect to the speech speed can be measured as follows. Ask the subject to hear a meaningless word that is a combination of the above monosyllabic words, and have them answer what they heard. Presentation of meaningless words starts from the quick mouth, that is, from the faster speaking speed, gradually slows down and continues until a correct answer is obtained, and a speed at which a correct hearing is possible is obtained.

As the hearing compensation method, the reproduction speed of the input voice is slowed according to the measured adaptive speed value. Various methods have been proposed for the speech speed conversion technology for changing the voice reproduction speed, and detailed explanations thereof are omitted. For example, when an input signal from a microphone is temporarily stored and reproduced, a vowel part It is possible to employ a method of repeatedly playing back the waveform of so that the words are played back slowly, a method of extracting a short-time waveform and inserting it before the next waveform to extend the waveform of the word.

Next, the measurement of hearing in a noise will be described. In a noisy condition, the masking effect causes the minimum audible threshold to increase to some extent even in a healthy person, but in a hearing-impaired person, the effect becomes noticeable, and hearing may not be possible. In order to measure hearing in noise, cafeteria noise, street noise, speech noise that is noise in the same band as speech, pseudo voice noise, etc.
It is presented in addition to the sound source signal, and the hearing ability under noise is measured from the change of the minimum audible threshold and the change of correct answer rate. The level of added noise may be variously changed.

As a compensation method for preventing the influence of noise, there is a case where a noise is suppressed by providing a dead zone in the low level area of the input / output characteristics of the amplifier. The width of the dead zone is determined according to the strength of masking due to the added noise.

In the present invention, the procedures of the various hearing test methods described above are prepared in the hearing test program section 3, the user hears the sound source signal, and the hearing result is displayed on the operation section 15.
Input the data from each hearing test and collect the data of each hearing test as the hearing test data of the user. In addition, a program for calculating the hearing compensation characteristic according to the degree of the obstacle according to the hearing test data is prepared in the hearing compensation characteristic calculation unit 4. This program is a program of the knowledge of hearing aid fitting specialists.

The answer method of the user differs depending on the type of the hearing test. In the pure tone hearing test and the measurement of the dynamic range, a push button for inputting “YES” or “NO” may be used as the operation unit 15. If the user does not have to respond when the sound source signal is not heard, only the “YES” push button for replying that the sound is heard may be used.

In the measurement inspection of the dynamic range, it is necessary to input any one of the seven steps. Numeric buttons are available on mobile phones. In the case of a hearing aid, a switch may be provided, but such an input device is preferably of the external type.

In the listening test of speech sounds, it is necessary to reply the recognized words. In this case, the mobile phone may use the Japanese input function. For hearing aids, use a keyboard for Japanese input and a handwriting recognition tool.

The user may reply by voice through the microphone 11. At the inspection center 10, the content of the user's reply will be identified by voice recognition. “YES”, “NO” input by the operation unit 15, character data input by the Japanese input function, or a voice signal of the response of the user 40 is sent to the inspection center 10 through the transmission / reception unit 14.

(Third Embodiment) FIG. 6 is a flow chart showing the procedure of a hearing compensation method according to the third embodiment of the present invention. In the flowchart, (Sxx) shows the process performed by the inspection center 10, and (Ay) shows the process performed by the hearing aid or mobile phone. The dotted arrow indicates a standby state until the next procedure is performed. The dash-dotted line arrow
Communication via the transmission line 30 is shown.

The inspection center 10 stores the above-mentioned hearing test program procedure, and executes the hearing test. That is, various sound source signals used for the hearing test are stored, a predetermined sound source signal is selected in accordance with the hearing test program procedure, and the selected sound signal is sent to the hearing aid 20 or the mobile phone 50. Hearing test programs include hearing aids 20 and mobile phones 50
Based on the hearing test data collected from the above, the hearing compensation characteristic suitable for the user 40 is calculated. The calculated compensation characteristic is incorporated into a built-in audio signal processing program for hearing compensation, and the program is sent to the hearing aid 20 or the mobile phone 50.

In the hearing aid 20, during normal use, SW1 shown in FIG. 1 is connected to the microphone 11 side, and SW2 and SW3 shown in FIG. 1 are connected to the audio signal processing section 13 side. In addition, in the case of the mobile phone 50, during normal use, SW1 and S of FIG.
W2 is on the side of the audio signal processing unit 13.

User 40 of hearing aid 20 and mobile phone 50
Operates the hearing aid 20 and the mobile phone 50 to start the hearing test application process (A1), and sends the identification codes of the hearing aid 20, the mobile phone 50, and the user 40 via the transmission line 30 to hear the hearing. Apply for inspection.

When the inspection center 10 receives the hearing test application via the transmission line 30, the inspection center 10 performs a reception process (S1). In the acceptance process (S1), the identification codes of the hearing aid 20, the mobile phone 50, and the user 40 are checked, and historical data such as hearing compensation characteristics so far are called to confirm that the user is a user of this system. To do. If confirmed, in the inspection explanation transmission process (S2), the hearing aid 2
0 or the mobile phone 50 is informed that the hearing test application has been accepted, and a description of the test procedure is sent.

The hearing aid 20 or the mobile phone 50 displays the examination instruction in the examination end reception display processing (A7) to inform the user 40 of the contents of the hearing examination to be performed and the operation method of the reply. In addition, SW1 and S in FIG.
W2, SW3 and SW1, SW2 in FIG. 2 are switched to the hearing test side to establish the test system. Next, in the inspection start request process (A3), an inspection start request message is transmitted to the inspection center 10.

Upon receipt of the inspection start request message, the inspection center 10 activates the stored inspection procedure program in the inspection procedure start processing (S3). First, in the sound source signal transmission process (S4), the first sound source signal is transmitted at a predetermined level.

In the sound source signal reception / presentation process (A4), the hearing aid 20 or the mobile phone 50 receives the sound source signal and reproduces and presents the sound source signal from the earphone 12 or the speaker 17 to the user 40. User 40
However, when the reaction of listening to the sound source signal is input from the operation unit 15, the input content is transmitted to the inspection center 10 in the listening result transmission process (A5).

In the inspection result receiving / storing process (S5), the inspection center 10 receives the reaction from the user 40,
The test result is stored in the hearing test data area of the memory. In the inspection procedure end determination (S6), it is determined whether or not the inspection is completed, and if not completed, the process branches to "No". In the sound source signal switching process (S7), the sound source signal is switched to the next sound source signal, and the process returns to the sound source signal transmitting process (S4).

The next sound source signal depends on the type of hearing test and the progress of the test. The signals include signals having the same frequency but different levels, signals having different frequencies, signals of a predetermined speech sound, signals of a speech sound sounded at a predetermined speed, signals with a predetermined noise added, and the like.

When one of the hearing tests described in the second embodiment is completed, the next hearing test is performed, and the sound source signal transmitting process (S4) and the sound source signal receiving and presenting process (A4) are performed according to the new sound source signal group. , Listening result transmission processing (A5),
Inspection result reception and storage processing (S5), inspection procedure end determination (S5)
6), the sound source signal switching process (S7) is repeated.

When all the necessary hearing tests have been completed, the test procedure end determination (S6) becomes "Yes", and the process proceeds to the compensation characteristic calculation process (S8).

Since the hearing test data has been accumulated in the hearing test data area, in the compensation characteristic calculation process (S8), the hearing compensation characteristic is calculated based on the hearing test data.
The hearing compensation characteristic calculation program is a program of fitting knowledge performed by a hearing aid fitting expert. When the calculation is completed, in the signal processing program incorporating process (S9), the audio signal processing program to be used is selected and the calculation result is incorporated into the audio signal processing program. Signal processing program transmission processing (S1
In 0), the audio signal processing program adapted to the user 40 is transmitted to the hearing aid 20 or the mobile phone 50.

The hearing aid 20 or the mobile phone 50 stores the received audio signal processing program in the signal processing program receiving / storing processing (A6).

Next, the inspection center 10 notifies the hearing aid 20 or the mobile phone 50 of the end of the inspection in the inspection end notification processing (S11).

The hearing aid 20 or the mobile phone 50 receives the inspection end reception display processing (A7), and the inspection center 10
When the inspection end message is received from the display unit 16, an inspection end message is displayed on the display unit 16, SW1 in FIG. 1 is on the microphone 11 side, SW2 and SW3 are on the audio signal processing unit 13 side, and in FIG. SW1 and SW2 are switched to the audio signal processing unit 13 side. When the audio signal processing is performed by a program, the function of each SW is switched to the audio signal processing program side.

By the above operation, the hearing aid 20 or the portable telephone 50 is updated to the hearing compensation characteristic corresponding to the current hearing of the user 40.

As described above, hearing loss includes:
(1) Overall deterioration of hearing sensitivity, deterioration in high range and low range, (2) Difficult to hear large sound as well as small sound, decrease in dynamic range, (3) decrease in speech speed following ability There are several phenomena, and these may be combined. Hearing compensation provides appropriate compensation for each of these, so it is possible to perform multiple types of hearing tests.

The hearing test program procedure is a series of programs adapted to perform these hearing tests, and includes a sound source signal transmitting process (S4) and a test result receiving and storing process (S).
5), the inspection end notification process (S11), and the sound source signal switching process (S7) are repeated, which can be executed.

In the pure tone hearing test described in the second embodiment, when the presented sound source signal is not heard, the user 40 does not react. In the sound source signal reception / presentation process (A4), if there is no “YES” response from the user 40 indicating that the sound source signal has been heard from the user 40 within a certain time after the sound source signal is presented, the listening result transmission process is regarded as inaudible. In (A5), the result of “NO” may be transmitted to the inspection center 10.

The procedure of the hearing test described above is preferably performed by the user 40 in a room with less noise.
However, there is a possibility that an error may be mixed in the hearing test data due to a sudden noise coming from outside the room, a wrong answering operation, or the like, and an appropriate hearing compensation characteristic may not be obtained. Measures for such a case will be described below.

The first countermeasure is to compare the previous hearing correction characteristics with the new hearing correction characteristics calculated this time at the examination center to check their validity, and if they are not valid, the hearing test is repeated. FIG. 7 shows a flowchart of the procedure. The steps (S8) and (A5) onward in FIG. 6 are shown.

A diagnostic data storage unit is provided in the inspection center 10 to store history data such as the hearing compensation characteristics of the user 40 so far and the hearing compensation characteristics currently in use as diagnostic records. In the old compensation characteristic reading process (S12), the old hearing correction characteristic currently in use is called from the diagnostic data storage unit, and in the compensation characteristic comparison process (S13),
The new hearing compensation characteristics calculated this time are compared. If the difference exceeds the predetermined range and is determined to be abnormal, it is determined in the error determination process (S14) that there is an inspection error, and a message for re-examination is transmitted to the hearing aid 20, and the hearing test is performed. Re-inspection is performed in the process (SA10). The hearing test process (SA10) is described above (S
3) to (S6), (A4), and (A5). Compensation characteristic calculation processing (S1
In step 5), the hearing compensation characteristic is calculated, and step (S1)
The comparison is performed again in 3). Inspection error determination process (S
In 14), when it is determined that there is no inspection error,
As in the case of FIG. 6, the process proceeds to step (S9).

In the second countermeasure, an improvement degree test is performed to determine whether or not the expected improvement degree is obtained using the new hearing compensation characteristic calculated by the present inspection. FIG. 8 shows a flowchart of the procedure. Step of FIG. 6 (S1
0) and (A6) and the subsequent steps are shown.

The inspection center 10 transmits an improvement degree inspection start message to the terminal device in the improvement degree inspection start processing (S20). The terminal device is SW switching processing (A20)
In the case of the hearing aid 20, switch SW1 to the transmitter / receiver 14
Side, SW2 and SW3 are switched to the audio signal processing unit 13 side, and in the case of the mobile phone 50, SW1 and SW2 are switched to the audio signal processing unit 13 side. Then, in the hearing test process (SA20), the hearing test is performed again. In the degree-of-improvement calculation process (S21), the data obtained in the hearing test of this time, that is, the data indicating the degree of the hearing loss of the user and the hearing when the hearing compensation is performed using the audio signal processing program are shown. The verification inspection data is compared to determine the degree of improvement. When it is determined that the sufficient degree of improvement has been obtained, in the check error determination process (S22), the process proceeds to step (S11).

In general, the confirmation test data approaches a person with normal hearing ability. If the confirmation inspection data is worse or the degree of improvement is insufficient, it is determined that there is an inspection error in the inspection error determination processing (S22), and FIG.
Returning to step (S3), re-inspection is performed.

[0124] In the third measure, the improvement degree test is performed using the old hearing compensation characteristic currently being used, and the improvement degree based on the old hearing compensation characteristic with respect to the current degree of disability of the user 40 is inspected. This test result data is compared with the test data of the degree of improvement by the new hearing compensation characteristic, and the degree of improvement is obtained from the difference, and if it is worse, it is considered that there is an error in the inspection, and re-inspection is performed. Try to run. Figure 9
Shows the flowchart of the procedure. Step (S
10) and (A6) and thereafter.

To this end, the audio signal processing unit 13 stores an audio signal processing program having the hearing-compensation characteristic currently being used and an audio signal processing program having the new hearing-compensation characteristic, which is instructed by the inspection center 10. , The audio signal processing program can be switched. Improvement degree inspection start processing (S30), SW switching processing (A30),
The hearing test process (SA30) is the same as the improvement test start process (S20), the SW switching process (A20), and the hearing test process (SA20) in FIG.

When the improvement test of the new hearing compensation characteristic is completed in step (SA30), the inspection center 10
Next, in the old compensation characteristic inspection start process (S31),
Preparations are made to start the examination of the degree of hearing improvement based on the old hearing compensation characteristics, and the terminal device is notified of the start. In the terminal device, in the old program selection process (A31), the old audio signal processing program used so far is switched.

Next, in the hearing test process (SA31), a hearing test is performed. Since the old audio signal processing program is used, the hearing data improved by the old audio signal processing program can be obtained. Improvement calculation processing (S3
In 2), we compare the hearing when using the old and new audio signal processing programs. Usually, a new audio signal processing program provides better hearing. in this case,
In the check error determination process (S33), it is determined that a sufficient degree of improvement is obtained, and the process proceeds to step (S11). If the new voice signal processing program is worse or the degree of improvement is insufficient, it is determined that there is a check error in the check error determination process (S33), and the step (S) in FIG.
Return to 3) and re-inspect.

In the fourth countermeasure, the above-mentioned initial examination and improvement degree examination are carried out two or more times, and when there is no significant difference in the examination results, it is judged that a normal examination has been performed, and the hearing ability is judged. Calculation of compensation characteristics and comparison / determination are performed. If the terminal device is used for the first time, the old hearing compensation characteristics are
Since it is not 0, it is preferable to adopt this method.

In the fifth countermeasure, the audio signal processing unit 13
Both the audio signal processing program with the hearing compensation characteristic currently in use and the audio signal processing program with the new hearing compensation characteristic are stored so that the user 40 can select the audio signal processing program from the operation unit 15. To do. The user 40 can use the audio signal processing program with the higher degree of improvement. For this purpose, the storage area for the audio signal processing program is prepared twice. It is possible to prevent the hearing compensation function from being completely lost when some abnormality occurs in the hearing test.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram of a computer system for executing the hearing compensation method, and shows the side of the examination center 10 and the side of a hearing aid or a portable telephone which is a terminal device.

On the inspection center 10 side, the CPU 60, RO
The M61, the RAM 62, the display unit 63, the operation unit 64, the audio interface 65, the transmission / reception unit 6, and the hard disk 70 are connected to the bus line. The hard disk 70 stores the hearing test program 72, the hearing compensation characteristic calculation program 73, the audio signal processing program 74, and the overall control program 71 which have already been described. A hearing test data area is provided in the RAM 62. A boot program is stored in the ROM 61, and the CPU 60 first reads the boot program,
Entering the waiting state for receiving communication from the hearing aid or mobile phone. Communication with the hearing aid or the mobile phone is performed by the transmission / reception unit 6. When the hearing test request is received by the hearing test application process (A1), the transmitting / receiving unit 6 sends the request to the CPU 6
0, the CPU 60 calls the control program 71 and executes the series of procedures described in the flowchart of FIG. The display unit 63, the operation unit 64, and the voice interface 65 are used to monitor the system operation of the inspection center 10.
Used for management.

On the hearing aid or mobile phone side, the CPU 8
0, ROM 81, RAM 82, display unit 16, operation unit 1
5, the voice interface 85, the transmitter / receiver 14,
These are connected to the bus line. In the ROM 81, the hearing test application process (A1), the test explanation display process (A2), the test start request process (A3), the sound source signal reception and presentation process (A4), and the listening result transmission process (A) already described.
5), a signal processing program receiving / storing process (A6), an inspection end receiving / displaying process (A7), and a starting program are stored. A voice signal processing program is stored in the RAM 82. Further, a storage area for the received contents and a work storage area are also provided in the RAM 82.
The voice interface 85 includes an AD converter, a DA converter,
A microphone amplifier, an earphone or an amplifier for a speaker is provided to perform amplification and AD conversion of a signal from the microphone 11, DA conversion and power amplification for reproduction in the earphone 12 and speaker 17. The operation of each SW in FIG. 1 and FIG.
81 is stored as a signal processing program. The ROM 81 also stores an operation program as a hearing aid and various operation programs as a mobile phone.

The CPU 80 first reads the boot program and enters the standby state. The operation unit 15 operated by the user
Hearing test request from the hearing test application process (A
After entering 1), the processing procedures already described are sequentially executed.

The transmitter / receiver 6 and the transmitter / receiver 14 may be either a wired communication system or a wireless communication system. A line via the Internet network may be used. In the case of a mobile phone, the communication line of the mobile phone can be used.

When the terminal device is a hearing aid, it is worn on the ear, and therefore it is required to be small, lightweight and low in power consumption. Of the hearing aid 20 of FIG. 1, the transmission / reception unit 14 and the operation unit 1
5. The display unit 16 is preferably externally attached, and is connected to the other hearing aid main body portion with a cable when a hearing test is performed. Instead of the cable, a short-distance wireless communication unit may be provided in the hearing aid main body and an external portion, and may be wirelessly coupled to communicate.

In the above description, the sound source signal waveform is transmitted as it is, but the sound source signal waveform is transmitted to the inspection center 1.
0 may be compressed and sent, and the transmitter / receiver 14 of the terminal device may uncompress and reproduce. Also,
The audio source signal for audiometry 2 may store the audio source signal as a compressed waveform.

When the sound source signal of the audio-visual source 2 for audiometry is a pure tone, one sine wave, its duration data and presentation level data are sent to the terminal device, and the transceiver 14 transmits one waveform for the duration. The sound source signal may be obtained by repeating the above operation for the amount of the amplitude of the presentation level data. By doing so, the data amount of the sound source signal is reduced, and the transmission time can be shortened.

[0138] Also, one presentation time of the sound source signal is sent, and then only the presentation level data is sent.
In 4, the waveform of the received sound source signal for one presentation time is stored, and each time the presentation level data is sent, the stored waveform is read, the presentation level data is multiplied, and the instruction is given. The sound source signal of the presented level may be reproduced and presented.

In the above-described embodiment, the audio signal processing program unit 5 transmits the audio signal processing program incorporating the hearing correction characteristic, but the following may be done. Parameters for hearing compensation, such as frequency characteristics and variable gain characteristics, which are the hearing compensation characteristics calculated by the hearing compensation characteristic calculation unit 4, are transmitted from the transmission / reception unit 6 to the transmission / reception unit 14,
The parameters are incorporated into the audio signal processing program stored in the audio signal processing unit 13. in this case,
The audio signal processing program selection unit 5 may be omitted.
Since the data amount of the parameter is generally smaller than that of the audio signal processing program, the transmission time can be short.

Also in the case of the above embodiment of the method, in the signal processing program transmitting process (S10), the audio signal processing program incorporating the hearing correction characteristic is transmitted, but the following may be performed. The parameters for hearing compensation, such as the frequency characteristic and the variable gain characteristic which are the hearing compensation characteristics calculated in the compensation characteristic calculation processing (S8), are transmitted to the terminal device by the compensation characteristic transmission processing instead of the signal processing program transmission processing (S10). Then, the compensation characteristic reception / storing process instead of the signal processing program reception / storing process (A6) receives and stores the parameters for the hearing compensation, and incorporates the parameters for the hearing compensation in the audio signal processing program. The signal processing program incorporation process (S9) is performed on the terminal device side. Since the amount of data of the hearing compensation parameter is generally smaller than that of the audio signal processing program, the transmission time can be shortened.

The hearing test and the hearing compensation method applied to the present invention are not limited to those described above. Applying a new hearing test method developed in the future as a hearing test program, applying a new and advanced hearing compensation method based on the result, even if incorporated as a voice signal processing program, the object of the present invention is achieved, The effect of the present invention can be realized.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the user 40
However, the case where the mobile phone 50 is used without wearing the hearing aid has been described. As another usage, the user 40 carries out a hearing test using the mobile phone 50 of the present invention with the conventional hearing aid worn on the left ear, and the calculated hearing correction characteristics are shown as the mobile phone 50. It may be incorporated into. In this case, hearing compensation is performed in the system including the mobile phone 50 and the conventional hearing aid. The mobile phone device 50 provides additional hearing compensation to the conventional hearing aid.

In the above description, the user 40 makes the request for the hearing test, but the attending physician makes the test center 1
From 0, the terminal device may be instructed to perform the hearing test.

In the above description, the hearing test is performed online between the test center and the terminal device. However, the hearing test is performed using a predetermined hearing test device in a hospital or clinic, and the result is obtained. One or more types of hearing compensation characteristics are stored and saved in the inspection center, and thereafter, the hearing compensation characteristics are selected according to a request from the terminal device or a decision made by the inspection center, and the hearing compensation characteristics are selected. May be incorporated into the audio signal processing program and downloaded to the terminal device.

Alternatively, the hearing compensation characteristic may be selected, and the hearing compensation parameter may be downloaded to the terminal device and incorporated in the audio signal processing program in the terminal device. Hearing compensation characteristics stored in the inspection center are
Hearing compensation characteristics for individual hearing impaired individuals may be used, but there are multiple types of typical hearing compensation characteristics that are determined according to various degrees of hearing impairment, and among these, doctors, examination centers, and terminal device holders are selected. However, it may be selected.
The request for the download operation may be issued from the terminal device or the inspection center. These mechanisms will be determined by doctors and examination centers as operation rules for this system.

In order to realize such a system, an audiovisual compensation characteristic storage unit for storing a plurality of audiovisual compensation characteristics, an audio signal processing program unit, and a transmission / reception unit are provided in the inspection center device, and the inspection center device is provided with a transmission line. Communicate with the terminal device, select the hearing compensation characteristic, incorporate the hearing compensation characteristic into the audio signal processing program, send it to the terminal device, and the terminal device can perform the hearing compensation using the received audio signal processing program. You should do so.

Further, a hearing-compensation-characteristics storage section for storing a plurality of hearing-compensation characteristics and a transmission / reception section are provided in the inspection center apparatus, and the hearing-compensation characteristics are selected by communicating with the terminal apparatus via a transmission line to determine the hearing The hearing aid may be compensated by transmitting the compensation parameter to the terminal device, and the terminal device incorporating the received hearing compensation parameter into the audio signal processing program in the terminal device and using it.

The terminal device is provided with an audio signal processing section, a transmitting / receiving section, and an operating section. The transmitting / receiving section receives the audio signal processing program, stores it in the audio signal processing section, and uses the stored audio signal processing program. Then, the hearing compensation should be performed.

Alternatively, an audio signal processing section storing an audio signal processing program, a transmitting / receiving section, and an operating section are provided in advance.
The transmitter / receiver may receive the parameters for hearing compensation, and the received parameters for hearing compensation may be incorporated into the audio signal processing program in the terminal device to perform the hearing compensation.

The procedure of the inspection center comprises a compensation characteristic selection process, a signal processing program incorporation process, and a signal processing program transmission process. The hearing characteristic compensation process is selected by the compensation characteristic selection process, and the signal processing program incorporation process is performed. Incorporates the hearing compensation characteristic into the audio signal processing program, transmits the audio signal processing program to the terminal device by the signal processing program transmission process, and the terminal device performs the hearing compensation using the received audio signal processing program. A hearing compensation method may be used.

Alternatively, the procedure of the inspection center consists of a compensation characteristic selection process and a compensation characteristic transmission process. The compensation characteristic selection process selects a hearing compensation parameter, and the compensation characteristic transmission process selects a hearing compensation parameter. The hearing aid may be transmitted to the terminal device, and the terminal device may incorporate the received hearing compensation parameter into the audio signal processing program to perform the hearing compensation.

Further, the procedure of the terminal device consists of a signal processing program receiving / storing process, and an audio signal processing program incorporating the hearing compensation characteristic selected in the testing center device is sent from the testing center device by the signal processing program receiving / storing process. A hearing compensation method that receives, stores, and uses the stored audio signal processing program to perform hearing compensation may be used.

Alternatively, the compensation characteristic reception / storing process is performed, and the hearing compensation parameter selected by the inspection center device is received and stored from the inspection center device by the compensation characteristic reception / storing process. It may be a hearing-compensation method in which the hearing-compensation is performed by incorporating it into the device.

The recording medium in which the program of the CM presenting method of the present invention is recorded is a ROM in which the program is recorded,
RAM, flexible disk, CD-ROM, DV
A recording medium such as a D, a memory card, or a hard disk. The concept also includes communication media such as telephone lines and carrier paths.

[0155]

As described above, according to the present invention, the following effects can be expected.

The user of the hearing aid can adjust the characteristics of the hearing aid, that is, the so-called fitting of the hearing aid without going to a medical institution.

The user of the hearing aid can fit the hearing aid at any time without going to a medical institution, so that optimum hearing compensation can always be obtained.

Even when the user of the hearing aid uses the mobile phone, the hearing compensation characteristics of the mobile phone and the hearing aid can be adjusted without going to a medical institution.

Even when the user of the hearing aid uses the mobile phone, the hearing aid compensation characteristics of the mobile phone and the hearing aid can be adjusted by the mobile phone without going to a medical institution.

Even when the method of hearing compensation is improved or changed, the hearing aid or the mobile phone with the hearing aid function is
It is possible to adapt to a new hearing compensation characteristic without replacing it.

Since the user can perform fitting at the place where he / she lives, it is possible to obtain the hearing compensation characteristic corresponding to the real life.

The attending physician can perform remote examinations from the examination center.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a hearing compensation system according to an embodiment of the present invention,
Block diagram showing the device

FIG. 2 is a hearing compensation system according to an embodiment of the present invention,
Block diagram showing the device

FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining an audiogram representing a result of a hearing test.

FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining the dynamic range of the ear.

FIG. 5 is a diagram of a variable gain characteristic that compensates for a decrease in dynamic range.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the procedure of a hearing compensation method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the procedure of a hearing compensation method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a procedure of a hearing compensation method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a procedure of a hearing compensation method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a configuration diagram of a computer system that executes the procedure of the hearing compensation method of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 control unit 2 Audio source for hearing test 3 hearing test program department 4 Hearing compensation characteristics calculator 5 Audio signal processing program section 6,14 Transmitter / receiver 10 inspection center 11 microphone 12 earphones 13 Audio signal processor 15 Operation part 16 Display 17 speakers 20 hearing aids 30 transmission lines 40 users 50 mobile phones

Claims (44)

[Claims] 1. A hearing test sound source section, a hearing test program section, a hearing compensation characteristic calculation section, an audio signal processing program section,
An inspection center device having a transmitting / receiving unit, which communicates with a terminal device via a transmission line, transmits a sound source signal for an audiometry to a terminal device according to an audiometric test program, and a user listens to the sound source signal. The answered test result is received from the terminal device, the test result is stored to obtain the hearing test data, the hearing compensation characteristic calculation unit calculates the hearing compensation characteristic from the hearing test data, and the hearing compensation characteristic is converted into an audio signal processing program. The inspection center device is characterized in that it is incorporated into a device and transmitted to a terminal device, and the terminal device can perform hearing compensation using the received audio signal processing program. 2. A test center device comprising a hearing test sound source unit, a hearing test program unit, a hearing compensation characteristic calculation unit, and a transmission / reception unit, which communicates with a terminal device via a transmission line to allow the terminal device to hear. The sound source signal for hearing test is transmitted according to the test program, the test result that the user listens to the sound source signal and answers is received from the terminal device, the test result is stored to obtain the hearing test data, and the hearing test data is obtained. The hearing compensation characteristic calculation unit calculates the hearing compensation characteristic, transmits the hearing compensation parameter to the terminal device, and the terminal device incorporates the received hearing compensation parameter into the audio signal processing program and uses it. The inspection center device is characterized by being capable of performing. 3. A hearing-compensation terminal device that communicates with an inspection center device via a transmission line, comprising a voice signal processing unit, a transmission / reception unit, and an operation unit. Receives the transmitted sound source signal for hearing test, presents a voice signal to the user, and the transmitter / receiver receives the inspection result from the user listening to the sound source signal and transmits it to the inspection center device. Then, in the inspection center device, the hearing compensation characteristics are calculated from the collected hearing test data, the hearing compensation characteristics are incorporated into the audio signal processing program, and the audio signal processing program is transmitted to the terminal device. An end characterized by receiving a signal processing program, storing it in an audio signal processing unit, and performing hearing compensation using the stored audio signal processing program. End device. 4. A hearing-compensation terminal device that communicates with an inspection center device via a transmission line, comprising: an audio signal processing unit that stores an audio signal processing program, a transmission / reception unit, and an operation unit. According to the hearing test program, the transmitter / receiver receives the sound source signal for hearing test transmitted, presents a voice signal to the user, and the transmitter / receiver receives the test result from the sound source signal from the operation unit. Received and sent to the inspection center device, the inspection center device sends the hearing compensation parameters obtained by calculating the hearing compensation characteristics from the collected hearing test data from the inspection center device to the terminal device, and the terminal device , The transmitter / receiver receives the hearing compensation parameters, incorporates the received hearing compensation parameters into the audio signal processing program, and performs the hearing compensation. A terminal device characterized by the above. 5. An inspection center device comprising a hearing compensation characteristic storage section for storing a plurality of hearing compensation characteristics, an audio signal processing program section, and a transmission / reception section, wherein the hearing compensation is performed by communicating with a terminal device via a transmission line. It is characterized in that a characteristic is selected, the hearing compensation characteristic is incorporated into an audio signal processing program and is transmitted to a terminal device, and the terminal device can perform hearing compensation using the received audio signal processing program. Inspection center equipment. 6. A test center device comprising a hearing-compensation characteristic storage unit for storing a plurality of hearing-compensation characteristics and a transmission / reception unit, wherein the hearing-compensation characteristic is selected by communicating with a terminal device via a transmission line, An inspection center device characterized by transmitting hearing-compensation parameters to a terminal device and allowing the terminal device to incorporate the received hearing-compensation parameters into an audio signal processing program to perform hearing-compensation. . 7. A hearing-compensation terminal device that communicates with a test center device via a transmission line, comprising: an audio signal processing unit, a transmission / reception unit, and an operation unit. The built-in audio signal processing program is transmitted to the terminal device, and the terminal device receives the audio signal processing program in the transmission / reception unit, stores it in the audio signal processing unit, and performs hearing compensation using the stored audio signal processing program. A terminal device characterized by the above. 8. A hearing-compensation terminal device that communicates with an inspection center device via a transmission line, comprising: an audio signal processing unit storing an audio signal processing program, a transmission / reception unit, and an operation unit. Selecting the hearing compensation characteristics and transmitting the parameters for hearing compensation to the terminal device, the terminal device receiving the parameters for hearing compensation in the transmitting / receiving unit, and transmitting the received parameters for hearing compensation to the audio signal processing program. A terminal device which is incorporated to perform hearing compensation. 9. The terminal device according to claim 3, wherein the audio signal processing program performs hearing compensation on the audio signal from the microphone. 10. The terminal device according to any one of claims 3, 4, 7, and 8, wherein in the terminal device, the audio signal processing program performs hearing compensation on a reception signal of a mobile phone. . 11. The hearing test program section stores at least one test program of a minimum audible threshold test, a dynamic range test, a speech tracking speed test, and a noise masking test. The inspection center device according to item 2. 12. The hearing test program according to claim 3, wherein the hearing test program is at least one of a minimum audible threshold test, a dynamic range test, a speech tracking speed test, and a noise masking test. Terminal device. 13. At least one of an inspection center and a terminal device stores hearing test data or hearing compensation characteristics calculated from hearing compensation characteristic data currently in use, and compares with the hearing test data or hearing compensation characteristics this time, 2. A hearing test program for carrying out a hearing test again when it is determined that there is a test error.
Alternatively, the inspection center device according to claim 2. 14. A hearing test is performed in a state where hearing compensation is performed using a voice signal processing program received by a terminal device, and the hearing test data or hearing compensation characteristics before hearing compensation and the improvement test are performed. 3. A hearing test program that compares the hearing test data or hearing compensation characteristics with each other and, if it is determined that there is a test error, uses a hearing test program that performs the hearing test again.
Inspection center equipment as described. 15. A hearing test is performed while hearing compensation is performed using the audio signal processing program received by the terminal device, and the hearing compensation is performed using the old audio signal processing program currently used by the terminal device. , The hearing test is performed, and the hearing compensation is performed using the old audio signal processing program and the audio signal processing program received this time is compared, and it is determined that there is an inspection error. The test center apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that a hearing test program for performing the hearing test again is used. 16. The test center device of the hearing compensation system according to claim 1, wherein the hearing test program is executed a plurality of times. 17. At least one of an inspection center and a terminal device stores hearing test data or hearing compensation characteristics calculated from currently used hearing compensation characteristic data, and compares it with this hearing test data or hearing compensation characteristics. However, if it is determined that there is a test error, the hearing test is performed according to a hearing test program that is adapted to perform the hearing test again. 18. A hearing test is performed in a state where hearing compensation is performed using a voice signal processing program received by a terminal device, and the hearing test data before hearing compensation or hearing compensation characteristics and the improvement test are performed. The audiometric test is performed according to an audiometric test program in which the audiometric test data is compared again with the audiometric data and the audiometric compensation characteristic is compared with the audiometric test data. The terminal device according to claim 4. 19. A hearing test is performed while hearing compensation is performed using a voice signal processing program received by a terminal device, and hearing compensation is performed using an old voice signal processing program that the terminal device is currently using. In the state of performing the hearing test, a comparison is made between the case where the hearing compensation is performed by the old audio signal processing program and the case where the hearing compensation is performed using the audio signal processing program received this time.
5. When it is determined that there is an inspection error, the hearing test is performed according to a hearing test program that is adapted to perform the hearing test again.
The terminal device described. 20. The terminal device according to claim 3, wherein the hearing test is performed in accordance with a hearing test program adapted to execute the hearing test a plurality of times. 21. An old audio signal processing program currently in use, an audio signal processing program received this time, or an audio signal processing program incorporating a hearing compensation parameter received this time is stored, and is selected and used. The terminal device according to claim 3, claim 4, claim 7, or claim 8. 22. A hearing test program procedure, comprising a sound source signal transmitting process, a test result receiving and storing process, a sound source signal switching process, a compensation characteristic calculating process, a signal processing program incorporating process, and a signal processing program transmitting process. Therefore, by communicating with the terminal device through the transmission path, by transmitting the sound source signal for the audiometry to the terminal device by the sound source signal transmission process and the sound source signal switching process, the user can hear the sound source signal and answer the test result. The test result reception and storage process receives and stores the test result from the terminal device to obtain the hearing test data, the compensation characteristic calculation process calculates the hearing compensation property from the hearing test data, and the signal processing program incorporation process is performed. Incorporate the hearing compensation characteristics into the audio signal processing program, and the audio signal processing program is sent to the terminal device by the signal processing program transmission process. Hearing compensation method, wherein the terminal device can perform hearing compensation using the received audio signal processing program. 23. A hearing test program procedure, a sound source signal transmitting process, a test result receiving and storing process, a sound source signal switching process, a compensation characteristic calculating process, and a compensation characteristic transmitting process. The terminal is connected via a transmission line in accordance with the hearing test program procedure. It communicates with the device, transmits the sound source signal for audiometry to the terminal device by the sound source signal transmission process and the sound source signal switching process, and the test result received and stored by the user by the test result receiving and storing process. , Receives and stores the test result from the terminal device, obtains the hearing test data, calculates the hearing compensation parameter from the hearing test data by the compensation characteristic calculation process, and calculates the hearing compensation parameter by the compensation characteristic transmission process. The audio data is transmitted to the terminal device, and the terminal device incorporates the received hearing compensation parameter into the audio signal processing program so that the hearing compensation can be performed. Hearing compensation method according to claim. 24. A sound source for audiometry, comprising sound source signal reception / presentation processing, listening result transmission processing, signal processing program reception / storage processing, and sound source signal reception / presentation processing, which is transmitted from an inspection center device according to a hearing test program procedure. Receive the signal and present the audio signal to the user,
Through the listening result transmission process, the user listens to the sound source signal and returns the test result to the test center device, and incorporates the hearing compensation characteristic calculated by the hearing compensation characteristic calculation from the hearing test data collected by the examination center device. A hearing compensating method, characterized in that a sound signal processing program is received and stored from an inspection center device by a signal processing program receiving / storing process, and hearing compensation is performed using the stored sound signal processing program. 25. A sound source signal for audiometry, which comprises sound source signal reception / presentation processing, listening result transmission processing, and compensation characteristic reception / storage processing, and is transmitted from the inspection center device according to an audiometric test program procedure by the sound source signal reception / presentation processing. To present a voice signal to the user,
By the listening result transmission process, the user listens to the sound source signal and answers, the test result is sent to the test center device, and the hearing compensation parameter calculated by the hearing compensation characteristic calculation from the hearing test data collected by the test center device A hearing compensating method for receiving and storing from a test center device by a compensation characteristic receiving / storing process, and incorporating a hearing compensation parameter into an audio signal processing program to perform hearing compensation. 26. A compensating characteristic selecting process, a signal processing program embedding process, and a signal processing program transmitting process. The hearing compensating characteristic is selected by the compensating characteristic selecting process, and the hearing compensating characteristic is made by the signal processing program embedding process. By incorporating the audio signal processing program into the audio signal processing program and transmitting the audio signal processing program to the terminal device by the signal processing program transmission process, the terminal device can perform hearing compensation using the received audio signal processing program. A characteristic hearing compensation method. 27. A compensating characteristic selecting process and a compensating characteristic transmitting process, wherein a hearing compensating parameter is selected by the compensating characteristic selecting process, and the hearing compensating parameter is transmitted to the terminal device by the compensating characteristic transmitting process. A hearing compensation method, wherein the terminal device incorporates the received parameters for hearing compensation into an audio signal processing program so as to perform hearing compensation. 28. A signal processing program receiving / storing process, which receives, stores, and stores an audio signal processing program incorporating a hearing compensation characteristic selected in a testing center device from the testing center device by a signal processing program receiving / storing process. Hearing compensation method, characterized in that hearing compensation is performed using the voice signal processing program described above. 29. Compensation characteristic reception / storing processing, wherein the hearing-compensation parameters selected by the examination center apparatus are received and stored from the examination center apparatus by the compensation characteristic reception / storing processing, and the hearing-compensation parameters are recorded as an audio signal processing program. Hearing compensation method, characterized in that it is used by being incorporated into a device for hearing compensation. 30. The hearing compensation method according to any one of claims 24, 25, 28 and 29, wherein the audio signal processing program performs hearing compensation on the audio signal from the microphone. 31. The hearing compensation method according to any one of claims 24, 25, 28 and 29, wherein the audio signal processing program performs hearing compensation on a reception signal of a mobile phone. 32. A hearing test program procedure comprises a minimum audible threshold test, a dynamic range test, a speech tracking speed test,
24. The hearing compensation method according to claim 22 or 23, which is at least one inspection program of a noise masking inspection. 33. A hearing test program procedure comprising a minimum audible threshold test, a dynamic range test, a speech tracking speed test,
The hearing compensation method according to claim 24 or 25, characterized in that it is at least one inspection program of a noise masking inspection. 34. At least one of the inspection center and the terminal device stores the hearing test data or hearing compensation characteristics calculated from the hearing compensation characteristic data currently in use, and compares with the hearing test data or hearing compensation characteristics this time, 3. A hearing test program which is adapted to perform the hearing test again when it is judged that there is a test error.
24. The hearing compensation method according to claim 23. 35. A hearing improvement test is performed in a state where hearing compensation is performed using a voice signal processing program received by a terminal device, and the hearing test data or hearing compensation characteristics before hearing compensation and the improvement test are performed. 24. The hearing test program according to claim 22, wherein the hearing test data or hearing compensation characteristics are compared with each other, and if it is determined that there is a test error, the hearing test program is configured to perform the hearing test again. Hearing compensation method. 36. A hearing test is performed while hearing compensation is performed using the audio signal processing program received by the terminal device, and the hearing compensation is performed using the old audio signal processing program that the terminal device is currently using. , The hearing test is performed, and the hearing compensation is performed using the old audio signal processing program and the audio signal processing program received this time is compared, and it is determined that there is an inspection error. 24. The hearing compensating method according to claim 22 or 23, characterized in that a hearing test program for performing the hearing test again is used. 37. The hearing compensation method according to claim 22, wherein the hearing test program is executed a plurality of times. 38. At least one of the inspection center and the terminal device stores the hearing test data or hearing compensation characteristics calculated from the hearing compensation characteristic data currently in use, and compares it with the hearing test data or hearing compensation characteristics this time. 26. The hearing test is performed according to a hearing test program which is adapted to perform the hearing test again when it is determined that there is a test error.
Hearing compensation method described. 39. A hearing improvement test is performed in a state where hearing compensation is performed using a voice signal processing program received by a terminal device, and the hearing test data or hearing compensation characteristics before hearing compensation and the improvement test are performed. 25. The hearing test is performed according to a hearing test program that is adapted to perform the hearing test again when the hearing test data or the hearing compensation characteristic is compared and it is determined that there is a test error. Alternatively, the hearing compensation method according to claim 25. 40. A hearing test is performed while hearing compensation is performed using the audio signal processing program received by the terminal device, and the hearing compensation is performed using the old audio signal processing program that the terminal device has been using until now. In the state of performing the hearing test, a comparison is made between the case where the hearing compensation is performed by the old audio signal processing program and the case where the hearing compensation is performed using the audio signal processing program received this time.
26. The hearing compensation method according to claim 24 or 25, wherein when it is determined that there is a test error, the hearing test is performed in accordance with a hearing test program that causes the hearing test to be performed again. 41. The hearing compensation method according to claim 24, wherein the hearing test is performed in accordance with a hearing test program adapted to execute the hearing test a plurality of times. 42. An old audio signal processing program currently in use, an audio signal processing program received this time, or an audio signal processing program incorporating the hearing compensation parameter received this time is stored, and is selected and used. 30. The hearing compensation method according to claim 24, 25, 28 or 29. 43. A hearing-compensation method program recording medium in which a program for causing a computer to perform the processing according to any one of claims 22 to 42 is recorded. 44. A program for a hearing compensation method, which is a program for causing a computer to perform the processing according to any one of claims 22 to 42.