CN101711485A - User programmable hearing assistance device - Google Patents

Abstract

A programmable apparatus improves perception of sound by a person. The apparatus includes a processor, digital-to-analog converter, audio output section and means for generating first and second control signals. The processor executes one or more available programs for processing digital audio signals based on control signals. The digital-to-analog converter generates output analog audio signals based on the digital audio signals. The audio output section receives and amplifies the output analog audio signals, generates audible sound based thereon and provides the audible sound to the person. The memory stores programs for processing the digital audio signals. Based on an action by the person, a first control signal is generated which causes the processor to switch from one available program to another available program so that the person may cycle through and evaluate each of the available programs. Also based on an action by the person, a second control signal is generated which causes the processor to designate at least one of the available programs as a chosen program for continued use. The apparatus may include a counter that counts the number of times that power is applied to or removed from the apparatus. After a predetermined elapsed time, the processor determines which of the available programs has been used most in processing the digital audio signals, where the determination of elapsed time is based at least in part on the counter value.

Description

User programmable hearing assistance device

Technical field

The present invention relates to the hearing assistance device field, more particularly the present invention relates to a kind of system that programmes to the use habit of hearing assistance device and to the operation of device according to the patient.

Background technology

The type of hearing loss and seriousness difference between patient and patient is very big.Therefore, for the result that offers the best to each tin barrier person, the acoustic characteristic of hearing aids (acoustical characteristics) must be through selecting.Typically, the acoustic characteristic through these hearing aidss after the course of treatment of writing out a prescription can adapt with the patient.Normally, the auditory properties of measuring a patient with have close getting in touch between the two according to the auditory properties calculated gains characteristic of measuring.Required gain characteristic can be followed in the digital signal processor of being compiled hearing aids, and hearing aids is worn on one's body the patient, and its hearing can be evaluated once more when the patient uses hearing aids.Based on these and nonessential hearing assessment results and/or the patient suggestion of improving about hearing, thereby audiologist or pharmacists can adjust to the patient the programming of hearing aids and improve effect.

As what people expected, the makeover process of hearing aids normally an interaction with process that repeat, audiologist or pharmacists adjust the program of hearing aids in the middle of makeover process, again program is adjusted behind reception patient's the feedback information, so repeat, satisfied up to the patient to the result.In a lot of cases, the patient must estimate the various situations that are arranged in the real world outside audiologist or the pharmacists office, write down the performance of hearing aids in these situations then to audiologist or pharmacists's feedback information, and use the understanding of the suggestion of hearing aids experience that the program of hearing aids is adjusted for the patient based on audiologist or pharmacists.

One of them key factor that influences the hearing aids price is the charge that audiologist or pharmacists serve the correction and the programming process of device, together with the use of essential equipment, as software, computer, cable etc.If audiologist that these participate in and/or pharmacists and the corrective of using can omit, and perhaps can reduce effectively at least, the expense of hearing aids can be reduced effectively.

In general, the complexity of hearing assistance device correction and required expense are equally applicable on the makeover process to tinnitus masker.The situation of tinnitus is the sensation that a people can experience noise (as jingle bell sound or roar), the sensation of these noises is owing to certain reason (only giving some instances, for example disorder of causing of auditory nerve, hair cell, temporomandibular joint or drug therapy etc.) and cause.Tinnitus wherein has a few peoples only to obtain the alleviation of the state of an illness by tinnitus masker for a serious problem of people Lai Shuoshi in every year about 5,000 ten thousand.It is alike with hearing aids that tinnitus masker seems, but it is to produce the tinnitus that the sound as narrow-band noise is used to shelter the patient, rather than the sound that will feel amplifies.Some instrument wherein has the frequency that an adjusting potentiometer is used to change masking noise.These instruments also may have volume control function, and this moment, the user can select to make it to carry out work best to sheltering intensity.

The designated patient who is used to not have obvious hearing loss of most tinnitus masker, the sound of sheltering that it sends is compared with tinnitus and can easilier be accepted by the patient.For the patient that major part suffers from obvious hearing loss simultaneously, hearing aids is the state of an illness of relief of tinnitus simultaneously.In any case, some needs of patients simultaneously to sound gain and tinnitus shelter.

Most of suitable masking stimulus (masking stimuli) that is generated by tinnitus masker is all determined by audiologist or pharmacists through a makeover process usually afterwards.Similar with the correction of hearing aids, the makeover process of tinnitus masker often also is the process of a repetition, and this process can increase the whole cost of covering appts.

Therefore, we need a programmable hearing assistance device that needn't be carried out makeover process by audiologist or pharmacists's guiding.For the needs of exempting programming device and audiologist or pharmacists carry out the needs of makeover process, the selection when programmable hearing assistance device needs to use this device based on the patient or carry out automated programming based on patient's habitual pattern.This requires to be applicable to simultaneously hearing aids and tinnitus masker.

Summary of the invention

Above-mentioned and other requirements can be used to improve people the programmable device of the perception of sound is met by a kind of.In one embodiment, this device comprises that processor, digital/analog converter, audio output part divide and be used to produce the instrument (means) of first and second control signals.Processor is carried out one or more effective procedure based on control signal and is handled digital audio and video signals.Digital/analog converter produces the output simulated audio signal based on digital audio and video signals.Audio output part is divided reception and is amplified the output simulated audio signal, produces and provides this sound that can be heard based on this sound that can be heard and to people.Stored in the internal memory according to various acoustic constructions (acoustical configurations) or the program of utilizing the tinnitus masking stimulus that digital audio and video signals is handled.Based on certain action of people, first control signal can generate, and is used for an effective procedure is switched to the another one effective procedure.Similarly based on certain action of people, second control signal can generate, and is used to specify at least one effective procedure as selected program.Based on this first control signal, processor can stop the execution of one of them effective procedure and begin the execution of another effective procedure.Based on this second control signal, processor can specify at least one effective procedure as continuing to use selected program.

Some preferred embodiment in, the instrument (means) that is used to produce first and second control signals comprises an instantaneous push-button switch and a controller.When being activated by people, instantaneous push-button switch can be from first kind of state to second kind of state exchange.Controller can remain on the time period generation control signal of second kind of state based on instantaneous push-button switch.For example, when the time that instantaneous push-button switch remains on second kind of state surpassed first duration, controller produced first control signal.When the time that instantaneous push-button switch remains on second kind of state surpassed second duration, controller produced second control signal.

In one embodiment, programmable device is a hearing aid device, and one or more effective procedure has comprised the acoustic construction program.In another embodiment, programmable device is a tinnitus masker, and one or more effective procedure has comprised the masking stimulus program.Also have in another embodiment, programmable device is the association of a hearing aid device and tinnitus masker, and one or more effective procedure has comprised acoustic construction program and masking stimulus program.

In some embodiments, programmable device comprises that is used to write down the timer that each effective procedure is used to handle the duration of digital audio and video signals.Long based on the time that each effective procedure is used, processor specifies at least one effective procedure as continuing to use selected program.

On the other hand, the invention provides a kind of method that can improve people to the perception of sound ability.The method may further comprise the steps: the effective procedure that (a) one or more is used for handling digital audio and video signals is stored in storage device, (b) based on the execution of one or more effective procedure digital audio and video signals is handled, (c) produce the output simulated audio signal based on digital audio and video signals, (d) reception and amplification output simulated audio signal produce the sound that can be heard based on this, (e) one first control signal of certain action generation based on people is used for an effective procedure is switched to the another one effective procedure, (f) one second control signal of certain action generation based on people is used to specify at least one effective procedure as selected program, (g) stop the execution of one of them effective procedure and begin the execution of another effective procedure based on first control signal, (h) specify at least one effective procedure as selected program based on second control signal.

In yet another aspect, the invention provides a kind of programmable hearing assistance device, comprise processor, digital/analog converter, audio output part branch, internal memory sum counter.Processor is carried out one or more effective procedure digital audio and video signals is handled.Digital/analog converter produces the output simulated audio signal based on digital audio and video signals.Audio output part is divided reception and is amplified the output simulated audio signal, produces and provides this sound that can be heard based on this sound that can be heard and by hearing aids to people.Stored one or more the effective procedure that is used to handle digital audio and video signals in the internal memory.Counter produces the count value based on event count, and these event tables are understood situation from supply of electric power to the electric power of programmable device that use or remove from programmable device.After a predetermined running time, processor determines which or which effective procedure wherein is used at most when handling digital audio and video signals.Preferably, running time to small part is based on count value and is definite.

In some embodiments, programmable device comprises a battery that is used to power, and counter is understood removing or the replacing situation of battery with the calculating of the generation incident of opposing, these event tables.In a preferred implementation, device comprises battery chamber's door and a contact-making switch that is attached to battery chamber's door.The counter of present embodiment can be used as the contact-making switch electric opening or the number of times of closing are carried out record.

In some embodiments, programmable device comprises the voltage detecting circuit that is used to detect the battery both end voltage.In these execution modes, the number of times that counter can be used for the battery both end voltage is increased considerably carries out record, and the clear new battery of the information slip that the battery two ends increase considerably has been replaced the battery of an energy shortage.

Some have preferred embodiment comprised an on/off switch that is used to start with shutoff device.In these execution modes, counter can be used for user's operation start/off switch number of times is carried out record.

Some embodiments of the present invention have comprised a configuration mode, some setting that can modifier after the input.When being in configuration mode, the setting of various configurations, as volume control enable/forbid, orientating function is enabled/is forbidden, induction coil is enabled/forbidden and device is restarted, can utilize one or more button, volume control, battery door and on/off switch and change.By entering configuration mode, clinician or patient can manually change the setting of configuration easily, and do not need device is connected with computer or other DLL (dynamic link library).

Can obtain the further details of the present invention these and other execution mode in the drawings and detailed description.

Description of drawings

With reference to describing in detail and accompanying drawing, further advantage of the present invention is conspicuous, and in order more clearly to show details, the element in the accompanying drawing is not to be that ratio is drawn as according to the rules, wherein similar reference number is represented part similar in several views, wherein:

Fig. 1 is the functional block diagram of the hearing assistance device of a preferred embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 2 and 3 is the functional flow diagram of programming of the hearing assistance device of first embodiment of the invention;

Figure 4 and 5 are the functional flow diagram of programming of the hearing assistance device of second embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 6 be according to the tinnitus masker of a preferred embodiment of the invention functional block diagram;

Fig. 7 is the functional flow diagram of the programming of the tinnitus masker of one preferred implementation according to the present invention;

Fig. 8 is the functional block diagram of the element of the hearing assistance device of one preferred implementation according to the present invention.

Embodiment

Fig. 1 has described an execution mode that is used to improve the hearing assistance device 10 of listening barrier person hearing.Device 10 among Fig. 1 also can be called as hearing aids herein.Another execution mode of hearing assistance device is a tinnitus masker, and as shown in Figure 6, this can describe in detail later.

As shown in Figure 1, hearing assistance device 10 comprises the microphone 12a-b that one or more is used to respond to sound and converts tones into simulated audio signal.The simulated audio signal that is produced by microphone 12a-b converts digital audio and video signals to by analog/digital converter 14a-14b.Digital audio and video signals is handled by digital processing unit 16 and is made the frequency envelope of digital audio and video signals be shaped (shape the frequencyenvelope), thereby strengthens the intensity of these signals in the mode of the audibility that can improve the hearing assistance device wearer.The further argumentation of handling the various programs of digital audio and video signals by processor 16 hereinafter is provided.Like this, processor 16 produces the digital audio and video signals of revising based on the programming in the processor 16.The digital audio and video signals of revising offers digital/analog converter 18, and it produces simulated audio signal based on the digital audio and video signals of revising.Simulated audio signal in the digital/analog converter 18 is amplified by audio frequency amplifier 20, and multiplication factor wherein is by 34 controls of volume control that couple together with controller 24.The audio signal that is exaggerated in amplifier 20 outputs offers flexible piezoelectric sound-generating devices 22, and flexible piezoelectric sound-generating devices 22 can be the generation sound wave of audio tweeter or other kinds or the transducer that can be perceived as the mechanical oscillation of sound by the wearer.Amplifier 20 and flexible piezoelectric sound-generating devices 22 are collectively referred to as the audio output part of device 10 herein and divide 19.

Continuation is with reference to figure 1, and some embodiments of the present invention comprise a telephone induction coil 30.Telephone induction coil 30 also can be described as induction coil, and when hearing assistance device 10 close telephone receivers or ear socket joint receipts system, telephone induction coil can pick up the magnetic field of being received the ear piece generation of system by telephone receiver or ear socket joint.The signal that is produced by telephone induction coil 30 converts digital signal to and offers processor 16 by analog/digital converter 14c.Go through as following, the digital signal after telephone induction coil 30 conversions can be used for replacement or the reprogramming to processor 16 some embodiments of the present invention, perhaps be used for the work of control hearing assistance device 16 on other approach.

Some embodiments of the present invention also comprise a wave point 32, as blue tooth interface, are used to receive wireless signal and come replacement or reprogramming to processor 16.In certain embodiments, wave point 32 also is used for the work of control device 10, comprises the selection of acoustic construction program or masking stimulus program.Wave point 32 also can be used for an audio signal is transferred to device 10 with wireless method, the music signal that is sent by the wireless launcher of CD Player for example, the perhaps audio-frequency unit of the TV programme that is sent by the wireless launcher of TV tuner.In various execution modes, wave point 32 comprises that a WiFi based on the IEEE802.11 standard connects, and an infrared ray connection or other wireless telecommunications connect.

As shown in Figure 1, the manual operation input equipment 28 that provides makes the wearer can control the various aspects of the operation and the programming of hearing assistance device 10, and the manual operation input equipment 28 here can be a transient state switch or button.Button 28 outer surface preferably very little and that preferably be arranged at device 10 shells.The enclosure location place that button 28 touches when being arranged at wearer's wearing and operative installations 10 easily.

For example, device 10 may be configured to one and be positioned at the ear back side (hard of hearing formula), is positioned at the instrument of ear the inside (inner ear type), and button 28 is arranged at the surface that touches easily of hard of hearing formula or inner ear type instrument.U.S. Patent Application Publication 2006/0056649 has been described a kind of example with hearing aids of part in hard of hearing and the ear, and wherein the label 34 of Fig. 1 has been pointed out button possible position on the hard of hearing part of hearing aids in the open file.Button 28 also can be arranged at part in the ear.What need recognize is that the present invention is not limited to the particular configuration of certain device 10.In various execution modes, device 10 can comprise an open apolegamy hearing aids, a duct hearing aids, a half-shell structure, a hard of hearing formula device, an inner ear type device or a dark duct-type device.

Button 28 is electrically connected with the controller 24 that produces digital controlled signal based on the on off state (opening or closing) of button 28.In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the duration that is pressed based on button 28 of controller 24 and produce digital controlled signal.In this regard, controller 24 has comprised a timer, is used to produce a time signal and comes 28 the duration of pushing button is carried out timing.The running of controller 24 and button 28 others has more detailed description hereinafter.

May comprise second button 328 that function of hearing aid and tinnitus masking function are combined in the embodiments of the invention.In these embodiments, button 328 is used to control as the hereinafter selection of tinnitus masking procedure described in detail.Perhaps, can utilize single button at first function of hearing aid to be programmed programmes to the tinnitus masking function then.

Nonvolatile memory 26 as read-only memory (ROM), programmable read-only memory (prom), electricallyerasable ROM (EEROM) (EEPROM) or flash memory, is used for programming instruction and other operating parameters of storage device 10.Preferably, memory 26 can be conveniently by processor 16 and/or controller 24 visits.

According to preferred implementation of the present invention, hearing assistance device 10 can operate in several different modes that determined by its program.One or more set of term as used herein " program " and " programming " representative instruction, thereby these instructions are carried out by processor 16, are used to make the frequency envelope shaping (shape the frequency envelope) of digital audio and video signals the audibility of strengthening improved strength hearing assistance device 10 wearers of these signals." program " and " programming " also represented by processor 16 performed being used to and determined which stored gain procedure to provide the instruction that preferably improves effect to the wearer.Fig. 2-5 has described several handling processes of selecting the typical method of the most effective hearing gain procedure for the user.

Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 have described a kind of handling process according to a preferred implementation of the present invention, the selection of the most effective hearing gain procedure of this execution mode is based on, and a kind of " test and error " repeats Reduplicated method, and the wearer of device estimates several selections of gain procedure and selects one or more can provide the preferably program of gain to wearer individual.As described in Figure 2, the first step of this method is the basic acoustic construction program (step 100) that the acoustic characteristic of hearing assistance device 10 is shaped of being used to of storing some (N) in memory 26.This step can be finished when making hearing assistance device 10, and perhaps the time afterwards for example finishes during the reprogrammed step.In a kind of preferred implementation of the present invention, 7 basic acoustic construction programs are loaded into (N=7) in the memory 26.In any case, what need recognize is, the program of any amount can be in being loaded into memory 26 the most at the beginning, and the present invention is not subject to any specific numeral.

Herein " basic acoustic characteristic constructor " is a kind of algorithm that is used for setting audio frequency shaping or compensation that is provided by processor 16.Audiologist or pharmacists also claim these programs or algorithm to be called " gain frequency response prescription (gain-frequency response prescriptions) ".The example of generally recognized basic acoustic characteristic constructor comprises NAL algorithm (national acoustical laboratory; Bryne ﹠amp; Tonisson, 1976), POGO algorithm (gain output method; McCandless ﹠amp; Lyregaard, 1983), NAL-R algorithm (NAL algorithm revised edition; Byrne ﹠amp; Dillon, 1986) POGO II algorithm (Schwartz, Lyregaard ﹠amp; Lundh, 1988), NAL-RP algorithm (NAL degree of depth revised edition; Byrne, Parkinson ﹠amp; Newall, 1991), FIG6 algorithm (Killion ﹠amp; Fikret-Pasa, 1993) and NAL-NL1 algorithm (non-linear NAL algorithm; Dillon, 1999).Certainly, other basic acoustic construction program also can join with method as described herein to be used, in any case above-mentioned tabulation is not to be interpreted as limitation of the scope of the invention.

Here used " the second acoustic characteristic constructor " represents the mutation of base program.For example, in a base program, may be set as 20dB in the value of the gain parameter at 1000Hz place, this value is considered to be positioned at or locate near an average hearing loss patient's center amplitude (range).In the example of second a relevant program, can be set as the 25dB that is positioned on " standard " value in the value of the gain parameter at 1000Hz place.Correspondingly, in the example of another second relevant program, can be set as the 15dB that is positioned under " standard " value in the value of the gain parameter at 1000Hz place.This can have any amount to comprise second program of various parameter mutation, and parameter wherein can be set as a standard or mean value in relevant base program.Preferably, the second acoustics constructor of 2xN quantity is loaded in the memory when step 100.For example, each base program all can be provided with two second relevant programs.

In a preferred embodiment, be loaded in the device 10 the acoustic construction program some can be designed to quietly using (being called as " Q " program) in the environment, some use (being called as " N " program) in noisy environment, some use (being called as " T " program) when induction coil 30 is activated.In a most preferred execution mode, the memory 26 of hearing assistance device 10 has been pre-installed the basic version of 5 Q programs, the basic version of the basic version of 5 N programs and 5 T programs.In addition, also there is second program that is used to finely tune in device 10 the memory by the base program mutation.

In some embodiments, also stored the feedback canceller algorithm in the memory 26 of device 10.The example of a feedback canceller algorithm has description in the U.S. Patent Application Publication 2005/0047620 of Robert Fretz.Detailed description vide infra can be avoided audible feedback thereby this algorithm is the acoustics amplification stage that is used in setting device 10 processors 16 and/or the amplifier 20.

When device being carried out afterwards some of initial programming (step 100), the wearer will install 10 and insert in the ducts (for the situation of inner ear type device) or will install 10 and be positioned over ear behind (for the situation of hard of hearing formula device) and make its be connected with duct (step 102).In case install 10 in placely, wearer's 28 1 sections long time T 1 that push button for example 60 seconds, are come active device 10 and initialization feedback canceller program (step 104).According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the feedback canceller program produces also storage acoustics coefficient, and these acoustics coefficients can be applied to all and be stored in the fundamental sum second acoustics constructor in the memory 26.

In case the feedback canceller program is finished its initialization procedure, device 10 will be in an initial correction pattern.In this pattern, the wearer can circulate N quantity available basic acoustic construction program and attempt each program and decide which gain effect that can offer the best for wearer's hearing loss.The wearer carries out this process by the 28 at least one sections time T 2 that push button, and the time of for example pressing 1 second makes a program switch to the next one (step 108).For example, when device 10 first energized, first program is carried out by processor 16.After the wearer pushed button 28 at least one seconds, second program carried out (step 120) by processor 16.In some embodiments, device 10 sends twice buzzers (step 118) expression and has selected second program.When the wearer push button again 28 at least one second after, the 3rd program carried out (step 120) by processor 16, installs 10 simultaneously and sends three times buzzers and represent that the 3rd program is selected.This lasts till that always the wearer has finished the circulation of the program of N quantity (for example 7).If the wearer pushed button for 28 at least one seconds once more, first program can be loaded once more.This process is depicted among the step 108-122 of Fig. 2.For cyclic program apace, it is 28 for several times selected up to required program that the wearer can push button continuously.At this moment, which program sending of the buzzer of certain quantity has represented selected.

Be less than one second (step 110) if definite button 28 is pressed, will do not have new program to be loaded so, process can be waited for actuation of keys (step 122) next time.This can be avoided not being in the mood for switching because of accident 28 programs that cause that push button.

In a preferred implementation, dissimilar issue sound is used to show program-quiet environment program, noisy environment program or the induction coil program of having selected any type.For example, when one of them quiet environment program was selected, the pure tone buzzer of a certain quantity can divide 19 to send from audio output part, and wherein the schedule of quantities of buzzer understands which quiet environment program is selected.When one of them noisy environment program was selected, the impulsive noise of a certain quantity can divide 19 to send from audio output part, and wherein the schedule of quantities of impulsive noise understands which noisy environment program is selected.When the induction coil program was selected, dialing tone pulse or the tinkle of bells can divide 19 to send from audio output part.

As if in case the wearer has an opportunity to assess all effective base programs, the wearer may realize the program of negligible amounts, as two, used at most, because they can be in various environment be user's hearing gain effect that offers the best.For example, the performance that in common quiet communication environment, can offer the best of one of them program, another program at noisy environment as the performance that in a crowded space, can offer the best.A preferred embodiment of the present invention allows the user to reject the program that need not or seldom use, and assesses change some second programs that draw on optimum performance program.Referring to following described content, this is to realize by the 28 a period of time T3 (as 30 seconds) than time T 2 length that push button.

As shown in Figure 2, duration T 3 or longer (step 124) if definite button 28 is pressed, for example 30 seconds, processor 16 can be set a label or store a value, shows that the base program of present loading has been designated as selected program (step 126).At this moment, the sound (step 128) of a uniqueness of device 10 meeting generations shows that to the wearer program is selected.In a preferred implementation, device 10 allows wearers to select wherein two of basic acoustic construction program of N quantity.Yet what need recognize is, device 10 can accept more than or be less than the selection of two basic acoustic construction programs.If it is selected that two programs in the affirmation step 130 still do not have, process can be waited for the actuation of keys next time (step 122) of button 28.

In a kind of alternate embodiments of the present invention, wearer's 28 at least one sections time T 3 not selecteed programs of stopping using that push button, rather than push button and 28 select a program.Therefore, what need recognize is, the present invention be not limited to which program be designated as select for use or be not selected mode.

If two basic acoustic construction programs are selected in the determining step 130, there is not selecteed base program can be disabled (step 132 and Fig. 3) so.Invalid on this meaning means that not selecteed program is not useable for utilizing button 28 repeat key and in the selection and implementation carried out.Therefore, at this moment, two base programs can be used in selection and the implementation.

The wearer used install 10 1 sections long time T 4 (step 134) after, for example after 80 hours, two second acoustics constructors can be activated to each preferential base program.Such as, if selected two base programs in user's selection course of step 124-130, four second programs can be activated in step 136 so, make add up to 6 (N=6) of effective procedure.The activation of the program on this meaning means makes a program effective in selection and implementation.In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, each of two second programs that increase newly all is based on corresponding one mutation in two base programs that choose.This allows the wearer can make a meticulousr selection so that required acoustic response is made fine tune.In this example at this moment, the wearer has 6 effective procedures that are used to assess, and the user can utilize the button process that step 138-152 is described among Fig. 3 that 6 programs are circulated.This process is identical with the process of step 108-122 among Fig. 2 in essence.

6 effective procedures (2 base programs and 4 second programs) in case the wearer has an opportunity to attempt and compare, the wearer can select to provide two programs of preferably performance and make remaining invalid.This for example realized by the 28 a period of time T3 that push button in 30 seconds.As shown in Figure 3, a period of time T3 or longer (step 154) if definite button 28 is pressed, processor 16 can be set labels or store a value, shows that the program of present loading has been designated as selected program (step 156).At this moment, the sound (step 158) of a uniqueness of device 10 generations shows that to the wearer program is selected.In a preferred implementation, device 10 permission users can be two of the selections in the effective procedure of N quantity.In any case, need recognize, device 10 can accept more than or be less than the selection of two programs.

If confirmed that in step 160 two programs are not selected as yet, process can be waited for the actuation of keys (step 152) of button 28 next time so.If confirmed that in step 160 two programs are selected, other 4 not selecteed programs can be disabled (step 162 among Fig. 3) so.At this moment, two programs with preferably performance that determined by the wearer remain valid in follow-up use.(N=2, step 164) wearer can utilize the button flow process among the step 138-152 to switch between these two effective procedures now.

In some embodiments of the present invention, there is not the process that is used to activate and select the second acoustics constructor.In these execution modes, the wearer selects the base program or second program with preferably performance of some quantity (for example N=2), and the wearer can be switched between these programs that choose again afterwards.This is showed by the dotted line of drawing and extend to step 122 from square frame 132 among Fig. 2.Therefore, in these execution modes, process can't enter into the step 134 of Fig. 3 and go.

In preferred implementations more of the present invention, the program in the hearing assistance device 10 can be reset to acquiescence (dispatching from the factory) setting by user or hearing supplemental treatment expert.In one embodiment, resetting starts by the 28 1 sections sufficiently long time T 5 that push button, 2 minutes for example obviously long than T3 durations.In another embodiment, reset by closing battery chamber's door in 28 and start pushing button.This execution mode can comprise a switch that is attached to battery chamber's door, and wherein the state of switch is used to offer controller 24, is perhaps activated by the power supply of battery to processor.In another embodiment, replacement starts by multisound and double-frequency (DTMF) telephone code from telephone induction coil 32 or microphone 12a or 12b.In another execution mode, resetting starts by the encoded wireless signal from wave point 32.In another embodiment, replacement starts by the configuration settings that the configuration mode of visiting hearing assistance device carries out.Configuration mode can be described below in further detail.In some embodiments, be used in the program of reset apparatus 10 more than one said process.

As mentioned above, in a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the button 28 that the wearer utilizes manual operation to be installed on device 10 shells switches and option program between effective procedure.In alternate embodiments more of the present invention, the wearer utilizes a radio remote controller 33 to wait switching and option program between effective procedure as infrared ray, radio frequency or acoustics Long-distance Control.In these replacement schemes, be provided with button in the remote control 33, the selection decision process of program utilizes above-mentioned described same method to carry out, and what use except the wearer is to be located at the button on the remote control 33 rather than to be installed on button on the shell of device 10.In an execution mode that includes the acoustics Long-distance Control, coding acoustic signal such as a series of click sound that can instrument institute recognition mode may be used to device 10 transmission commands.Such acoustics control signal can be received and be transferred to processor 16 and handle by one or two microphone 14a-14b.

Include in the execution mode of speech recognition technology at another, the wearer comes to switch and option program between effective procedure by sending certain " character code ", and this " character code " can be received and convert to digital controlled signal by one or more microphone 12a-12b and be used for the work of control device 10 after processor 16 processing.For example, spoken phrase " changeover program " can be become the equal order that looks like with the 28 a period of time T2 that push button by processor 16 translations, and spoken phrase " option program " can be translated by processor 16 to be become and the order that pushes button the equal meaning of 28 a period of time T3.

Figure 4 and 5 have been described a handling process based on another preferred embodiment of the present invention, in this execution mode the appointment of the effective gain procedure wearer that is based on device estimate the selection of several gain procedure and install the method that 10 record wearers use the duration of each program.In this execution mode, basic supposition is that the program that can provide optimum to show is in the maximum program of assessment use in period.As mentioned below, one of this execution mode the program that allows the time-based assignment procedure of wearer's " rejection " and manually select one or more can provide optimum to show is provided.This rejection function can provide in a selectable mode of operation.

As shown in Figure 4, the first step of method is the basic acoustic construction program of a certain quantity of storage (N) in memory 26 and second program (step 200) of 2xN quantity.This step can be finished when making hearing assistance device 10, and perhaps the time afterwards for example finishes during the reprogrammed step.In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, 7 base programs and 14 second programs be loaded in the memory 26 of device (N=7,2xN=14).In any case, what need recognize is, the program of any amount can be in being loaded into memory 26 the most at the beginning, and the present invention is not subject to any specific numeral.In this preferred implementation of the present invention, a feedback canceller algorithm also is stored in the memory 26 of device 10 when step 200.

When device being carried out afterwards some of initial programming (step 200), the wearer will install 10 and insert in the ducts (for the situation of inner ear type device) or will install 10 and be positioned over ear behind (for the situation of hard of hearing formula device) and make its be connected with duct (step 102).In case install 10 in placely, wearer's 28 1 sections long time T 1 that push button for example 60 seconds, are come active device 10 and initialization feedback canceller program (step 204).According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the feedback canceller program produces also storage acoustics coefficient, and these acoustics coefficients can be applied to all and be stored in the fundamental sum second acoustics constructor in the memory 26.

In case the feedback canceller program is finished its initialization procedure, the wearer just can circulate N quantity available basic acoustic construction program and attempt each program and decide which amplification effect that can offer the best for wearer's hearing loss.The wearer carries out this process by the 28 at least one sections time T 2 that push button, and the time of for example pressing 1 second makes a program switch to the next one (step 208).For example, when device 10 first energized, first program is carried out by processor 16.After the wearer pushed button 28 at least one seconds, second program carried out (step 220) by processor 16.In some embodiments, device 10 sends twice buzzers (step 218) expression and has selected second program.When the wearer push button again 28 at least one second after, the 3rd program carried out (step 220) by processor 16, installs 10 simultaneously and sends three times buzzers and represent that the 3rd program is selected.This continues to have finished up to the wearer circulation of the program of N quantity (for example 7) always.If the wearer pushed button for 28 at least one seconds once more, first program can be loaded once more.This process is depicted among the step 208-228 of Fig. 4.For cyclic program apace, it is 28 for several times selected up to required program that the wearer can push button continuously.At this moment, which program sending of the buzzer of certain quantity has represented selected.

As previous described execution mode, if being pressed, definite button 28 is less than one second (step 210), will there be new program to be loaded so, process can be waited for actuation of keys (step 228) next time.This can be avoided not being in the mood for switching because of accident 28 programs that cause that push button.

The duration (step 222) that the base program that has used a timing circuit to write down each selection in the execution mode of Fig. 4 is used.The duration summation that each base program is used is recorded in the memory and continuous updating when the wearer is switched a program to another one.After the wearer had used the time T 5 as 80 hours (step 226) of installing 10 1 sections long, device can calculate based on the temporal information of record, determined which two base program to use (step 230) at most at time period T5.Can be designated as selected program (step 232) after the base program that these two have the highest service time, remaining base program is disabled (step 234).The wearer then uses 10 a period of time of device T6 of the base program that chooses that has two activation, and as 80 hours (step 236), in during this period of time, the user can be switched between these two programs as required.

When time T 6 stopped, wearer total duration of operative installations 10 was T5+T6, as 160 hours altogether.At this moment, two second acoustics constructors can be activated to each of two movable base programs, make add up to 6 (N=6) (steps 238) of effective procedure.In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, each of two second programs that increase newly all is based on two and uses corresponding one mutation in maximum base programs.This allows the wearer can make a meticulousr selection so that required acoustic response is made fine tune.In this example at this moment, the wearer has 6 effective procedures that are used to assess, and the user can utilize again that the described button process of step 208-228 circulates to 6 programs among Fig. 4.

Interim when the evaluation of relevant second program of the effective fundamental sum of N quantity, the duration that timing circuit is used for each program is loaded use again writes down (step 222).The temporal summation that each program is used is recorded in the memory and continuous updating when the wearer is switched a program to another one.At wearer's operative installations 10 total duration T7 (as 240 hours, obviously than T5+T6's and big) after (step 224), device can calculate based on the temporal information of record, and which two in the effective procedure of N quantity of decision make (step 240) with the most use after second program is activated.Can be designated as selected program (step 242) after the base program that these two have the highest service time, remaining base program is disabled (step 244).At this moment, these two the maximum programs of use that determine by time record flow process are used in (N=2, step 246) in the subsequent applications.The wearer can utilize the button flow process among the step 208-228 to switch between two effective procedures now.

As mentioned above, a preferred embodiment of the present invention allows the wearer to veto time-based assignment procedure and manually selects one or more that program of optimum performance can be provided.This option of negating be described among Fig. 5 and the dashed rectangle part of Fig. 4 in.In step 248, the duration T 3 or longer if definite button 28 is pressed, for example 30 seconds, processor 16 can be set labels or store a value, show present family base program be designated as selecteed program (step 250 among Fig. 5).At this moment, the sound (step 252) of a uniqueness of device 10 meeting generations shows that to the wearer program is selected.In a preferred implementation, device 10 allows wearers to select wherein two of basic acoustic construction program of N quantity.In any case, what need recognize is, device 10 can accept more than or be less than the selection of two acoustic construction programs.

If confirmed that in step 254 two base programs are not selected as yet, process can be waited for the actuation of keys of button 28 (step 228 among Fig. 4) next time so.If confirmed that in step 254 two programs are selected, other 4 not selecteed programs can be disabled (step 256 among Fig. 5) so.Therefore during this time, two base programs are in use effective.If wearer's operative installations 10 total duration does not at least reach time T 6 (as 80 hours) (step 258) as yet, the process step 236 that can forward Fig. 4 to is proceeded so.

Used two base programs behind designated 10 a period of time of the device that chooses T6 (for example 80 hours) the wearer, two second acoustics constructors can be activated to each of two preferential base programs, make add up to 6 (N=6) (steps 238) of effective procedure.In this example at this moment, the wearer has 6 effective procedures that are used to assess once more, and the user can utilize again that the described button process of step 208-228 circulates to 6 programs among Fig. 4.In this embodiment, the described continuation of the time record above face of flow process is except that not sum 28 is vetoed this flow process (step 248) than the 3 longer times of time T up to the wearer by pushing button.This process that makes is transferred to the step 250 of Fig. 5, and promptly processor 16 can be set labels or store a value, show present family base program be designated as selected program.In case two programs choose, not selecteed so fundamental sum second program can be disabled (step 256), and remaining two programs are used for selecting.

At this moment, total duration of wearer's operative installations 10 is at least time T 6 (as 80 hours) (step 258), and the process step 246 that can forward Fig. 4 to is proceeded so.Present two programs can be used for follow-up application.These two programs are based on time record flow process or rejection flow process or both combinations and select.The wearer can utilize the button process among the step 208-228 to switch between two effective procedures now.If needs are arranged, the program in the device 10 can utilize button as described above 28, wave point 32 or telephone induction coil 30 to be reset to default contexts as described above.

Fig. 6 has described an execution mode that is used to shelter the hearing assistance device 300 of tinnitus.Device 300 also can be called tinnitus masker here, and it comprises a digital processing unit 316 that is used to handle as the digital audio and video signals of masking stimulus signal etc.In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the masking stimulus signal has comprised the arrowband audio-frequency noise.The audio frequency of these noise signals is distributed in the frequency range that the mankind can hear usually, as the frequency range at 20-20000Hz.In some sense, " processing " these masking stimulus signals mean the digital audio file (as suffix is the file of .wav or .mp3) of visit in the digital memeory device 326 also " broadcast " these files produce the corresponding digital audio signal.On another kind of meaning, " processing " these masking stimulus signals mean based on appointment has selected the narrow-band noise of any frequency range to specify which digital audio file in the reference to storage 326.On another meaning, " processing " these masking stimulus signals mean that an audio frequency masking stimulus generator program of carrying out by processor 316 produces the masking stimulus signal.In any case the masking stimulus signal all offers the digital/analog converter 318 that they is converted to simulated audio signal.Simulated audio signal in the output of digital/analog converter 318 is amplified by audio frequency amplifier 320, and wherein the gain level of audio frequency amplifier 320 is by volume control 334 controls that are attached to controller 324.Audio signal after being exaggerated of amplifier 320 outputs offers flexible piezoelectric sound-generating devices 322, and it can or can be perceived as the transducer of the mechanical oscillation of sound by the wearer for the generation sound wave of audio tweeter or other kinds.Amplifier 320 and flexible piezoelectric sound-generating devices 322 jointly are called the audio output part of device 300 herein and are divided 319.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the masking stimulus signal comprises narrowband noise signals.In any case, the masking stimulus based on the present invention can produce other types comprises FM noise or speech noise.Therefore, what need recognize is that the present invention is not limited to the masking stimulus of any particular types.

As shown in Figure 6, device provides a manually operated transient state switch 328, and it is also referred to as button 328 at this, is used to make work and programming process that the user of device 300 can control device 300 various aspects.Button 328 outer surface preferably very little and that preferably be arranged at device 300 shells.Be worn on user's the ear or in the execution mode in the ear at a device 300, the enclosure location place that button 328 is arranged at that the wearer dresses and touches easily during operative installations 300.For example, device 300 may be configured to one and be positioned at the ear back side (hard of hearing formula), is positioned at the instrument of ear the inside (inner ear type), and button 328 is arranged at the surface that touches easily of hard of hearing formula or inner ear type instrument.In an alternate embodiments of the present invention, the wearer utilizes a radio remote controller 333 to wait switching and option program between effective masking stimulus program as infrared ray, radio frequency or acoustics Long-distance Control.

In an alternative execution mode, tinnitus masker 300 is arranged at one and is suitable in the shell that desktop uses, as on night-table.In this " desktop " execution mode, button 328 and volume control 334 should be arranged at the case surface place that can be touched easily by the user.The flexible piezoelectric sound-generating devices 322 of present embodiment is preferably a basic audio tweeter, as any instrument that can be applied to desktop clockwork radio device.It also can have the pillow audio amplifier of an expansion.

Button 328 is electrically connected with the controller 324 that produces digital controlled signal based on the on off state (opening or closing) of button 328.In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the duration that is pressed based on button 328 of controller 324 and produce digital controlled signal.In this regard, controller 324 has comprised that a timer is used to produce time signal and comes 328 the duration of pushing button is carried out timing.The running of controller 324 and button 328 others has more detailed description hereinafter.

Nonvolatile memory 326 as read-only memory (ROM), programmable read-only memory (prom), electricallyerasable ROM (EEROM) (EEPROM) or flash memory, is used for programming instruction and other operating parameters of storage device 300.Preferably, memory 326 can be conveniently by processor 316 and controller 324 visits.

Fig. 7 has described a kind of handling process according to a preferred implementation of the present invention, the selection that this execution mode the most effective is used for the masking stimulus that tinnitus shelters is based on a kind of " test and error " and repeats Reduplicated method, and the wearer of device 300 estimates several selections of noise frequency and selects one or more and can provide the program of preferably sheltering embodiment to wearer individual.As described in Figure 7, the first step of this method is that use device 300 is stored in memory and is used to produce the various parameters (step 350) that some (N) is used to produce narrow-band noise " program ".When discussing the work of tinnitus masker 300, " program " is meant order, value, setting or the parameter of various storages, they can masked stimulation produce software or firmware access, make software or firmware produce the masking stimulus of sheltering that has specific frequency band or have special Wave Pood to levy.On another kind of meaning, what " program " referred to can be a kind of special digital audio file that comprises masking stimulus (suffix is the file of .wav or .mp3 or the like), as the audio-frequency noise that is in special frequency band or has special Wave Pood to levy.Step 350 can be finished when manufacturing installation 300, and perhaps the time afterwards for example finishes during the reprogrammed step.

The user of tinnitus masker 300 can circulate N quantity available masking stimulus program and estimate each program and decide which masking effect that can offer the best for user's tinnitus condition.The user carries out this process by the 328 at least one sections time T 2 that push button, and the time of for example pressing 1 second makes a masking procedure switch to the next one (step 356).For example, when device 300 first energized, processor 316 first masking procedures of activation.After the user pushed button 328 at least one seconds, second masking procedure was loaded into the processor 316 from memory 326, and device 300 sends twice buzzers (step 366) and shows that to the user second masking procedure is loaded.After the user pushed button 328 at least one seconds again, the 3rd masking procedure was loaded into the processor 316 from memory 326, and device 300 sends three times buzzers and represents that the 3rd masking procedure is loaded.This lasts till that always the user has finished the circulation of the masking procedure of N quantity.328 the five seconds at least if user pushes button once more, first program can be loaded execution once more.This process is depicted among the step 356-370 of Fig. 7.

Be less than one second (step 358) if definite button 328 is pressed, will do not have new masking procedure to be loaded so, process can be waited for actuation of keys (step 370) next time.This can be avoided not being in the mood for switching because of accident 328 programs that cause that push button.

As if in case the user has an opportunity to assess all effective masking stimulus programs, the user may realize the program of negligible amounts, as one or two, used at most, because they can be in various environment shelter experience for user's hearing that offers the best.For example, one of them masking procedure is prepared the masking effect that can offer the best when sleeping the user, and another masking procedure is read the user needs the masking effect that can offer the best absorbed the time.A preferred embodiment of the present invention allows the user to reject the masking stimulus program that need not or seldom use, and assesses change some extra masking procedures that draw on optimum performance program.Referring to following described content, this is to realize by the 28 a period of time T3 (as 30 seconds) than time T 2 length that push button.

As shown in Figure 7, duration T 3 or longer (step 372) if definite button 328 is pressed, for example 30 seconds, processor 316 can be set a label or store a value, shows that the masking procedure of present loading has been designated as selected program (step 374).At this moment, the sound (step 376) of a uniqueness of device 300 meeting generations shows that to the user a preferred masking stimulus program is selected.There is not selecteed masking stimulus program can be disabled (step 378).Invalid on this meaning means that not selecteed program no longer can be used for utilizing button 328 repeat key and the selection course of carrying out.

The user used install 300 1 sections long time T 4 (step 380) after, for example after 40 hours, the frequency band meeting " division " of selecteed program, thereby two extra masking stimulus programs (step 382) are provided.In preferred implementation of the present invention, these two new programs provide the masking stimulus of the branch frequency band of two frequency bands that belong to selected masking stimulus program.For example, can provide the example of the masking stimulus that is arranged in the 1000-3000KHz frequency band a wherein selecteed program, one of them new active program can cover the frequency band of 1000-2000KHz and the program of another new activation can cover the frequency band of 2000-3000KHz.At this moment, three masking stimulus programs effective (N=3, step 384) in follow-up use and evaluation procedure.

The user can utilize the button process among the step 356-370 to come to switch between three effective masking stimulus programs now, thereby determines in three which masking effect that can offer the best.As mentioned above, the user utilizes the 328 at least one sections time T 3 that push button to specify in three masking stimulus programs one as selected program (step 372).Then treatment step 374-384 can finish based on new selecteed masking stimulus program.This selects process can repeat arbitrary number of times, thereby allows the user " to call in " the most effective masking stimulus program.

In case the user is satisfied to specific masking stimulus program, 328 a period of time T4 just the user pushes button, as 30 seconds (step 386), this moment, all not selecteed masking stimulus programs can be removed or invalid (step 388).From now on, tinnitus masker 300 can use this masking stimulus program run that chooses always.

In an alternate embodiments of the present invention, user's 328 at least one sections time T 3 that push button make not selecteed program invalid, rather than push button and 328 select a masking stimulus program.Therefore, what need recognize is, the present invention be not limited to program be designated as select for use or be not selected mode.

The same with hearing assistance device 10, tinnitus masker 300 can be reset to acquiescence (dispatching from the factory) setting by the user.In one embodiment, resetting starts by the 28 1 sections sufficiently long time T 5 that push button, 2 minutes for example obviously long than T4 durations.In another embodiment, reset by closing battery chamber's door in 328 and start pushing button.In another execution mode, resetting starts by radio remote controller 333.

In a replacement scheme, the invention provides a hearing assistance device that combines hearing aids and tinnitus masker.Present embodiment has comprised parts as described in Figure 1, comprising button 28, be used to be controlled to be the selection course (described) of the hearing aids acoustic construction program that realizes function of hearing aid and carry out as Fig. 2-5, and second button 328, be used to be controlled to be the selection course (as described in Figure 7) of the masking stimulus program that realizes the tinnitus masking function and carry out.As an alternative, device can use single button to be used at first carrying out the programming of function of hearing aid and then carry out the programming of tinnitus masking function.Clearly, processor 16 and controller 24 should be programmed for and can carry out function of hearing aid and tinnitus masking function simultaneously.

In preferred implementations more of the present invention, as utilizing a clock signal to decide the alternative or compensation process of the running time of hearing assistance device 10 (perhaps tinnitus masker 300), the calculating that is based on the comings and goings frequency running time determines.For example, because the battery of hearing assistance device must regularly replace, people can come the running time of approximation apparatus by the number of times that counting cell is replaced.Equally, because hearing assistance device each is always taken off in evening and is cut off the power supply, the number of times that people can open and close by the calculation element circulation, or utilize the mode of battery chamber of opening, or the mode of an off/on switches of utilization operation, the running time of coming approximation apparatus.

The working life position of the various batteries that use in hearing assistance device probably is in 3 days to 30 days the scope, its accurately working life be decided by the electricity needs of the capacity and the hearing assistance device of particular battery.Correspondingly, if the expectsted of working life of the particular battery of a specific hearing assistance device is 10 days, and battery has been replaced three times, and people can estimate hearing assistance device and used about 30 days so.Of the present invention one preferred embodiment in, the expectsted of working life of battery is the numerical value in the memory 26 that is stored in hearing assistance device.This numerical value can depend on the electricity needs of the specific model of employed battery and specific hearing assistance device and upgrade.

As shown in Figure 8, the opening and closing of battery chamber's door contact 42 show that battery chamber's door is opened and closed.Give an example, device provides a cover electrical contact, and it can be closed when battery chamber's door is closed, and it can be opened when battery chamber's door is opened.Door contact detecting module 44 monitoring battery chamber contacts 42 produce the logical signal of " opening " or " height " when contact 42 is opened, produce the logical signal of " closing " or " low " when contact 42 is closed.This logical signal offers counter 40, increases when its worthwhile signal uprises.Size has been opened n time for the count value of n has shown battery chamber's door, shows this or for n time battery altering or for being n by opening the number of times that the battery chamber cuts off the power supply device.Count value preferably is stored in the Nonvolatile memory device 26.In an exemplary device (not having independent power supply opening/off switch), the user makes its outage by opening battery chamber's door when finish every day, and numerical value n can show the time of using altogether n days.If device is provided with an independent off/on switches, and battery always only just is removed when needs are changed, and numerical value n can show the time of using altogether n * x days, and wherein x is the expectsted of working life of battery in fate.

Equally as shown in Figure 8, voltage detection module 38 is provided for monitoring the voltage of battery 36.Whenever the voltage of battery certain value that rises, voltage detection module 38 can be sent the logical signal of " opening " or " height ", shows that a new battery replaced used batteries.This logical signal offers counter 40, increases when its worthwhile signal uprises.Similar to the example of above-mentioned battery altering, size has been replaced n time for the count value of n shows battery, and this shows the time of using altogether n * x days.

Continuation is with reference to figure 8, and transient state off/on switches 48 can be provided for for example opening or close hearing assistance device 10., and switch 48 is pressed down shutoff device once more by device for opening next time.Off/on switches detection module 46 monitoring opening switches 48, each switch 48 all can produce the logical signal of " opening " or " height " when operating.This logical signal offers counter 40, increases when its worthwhile signal uprises.Size is recycled opening and closing for the count value of n shows device 10 (perhaps installing 300)

Inferior.For example, if device always is opened and closed once every day, size has been used for the count value of n has shown device

My god.

Therefore, each Fig. 2-5 and 7 described runnings wherein all need the value in total operation elapsed time of expression, and this time value can be based on being determined by count value that counter 40 produced.For example, this count value can be with the time value of step 380 among the time value of step 258 among the time value of step 222 among the time value that decides step 134 among Fig. 3, Fig. 4, Fig. 5 and Fig. 7.

What need recognize is that the combination of two or more count values can be used to calculate the value in an operation elapsed time.For example, a count value can be followed the tracks of the number of times that battery chamber's door is opened/closes, and another count value can rise to the number of times of high value according to cell voltage from a low value.In this example, be opened/close once and another count value has shown that cell voltage is not obviously changed if count value has shown battery chamber's door, this can show that battery chamber's door is opened makes the device outage, but battery is not replaced.

In another example, the off/on switches count value may show that device has moved 30 days, and the cell voltage count value may show that device has moved 40 days.In various execution modes, the mean value of these two time values, bigger one in these two time values, perhaps in these two time values less one can be elected to be the operation elapsed-time value.

Fig. 8 has described the part detection module 38,44 and 46 and counter 40 in the controller 24.What need recognize is that in other embodiments, these any or all parts can be located in the circuit that is different from controller 24.

The alternate embodiments of initial correction pattern

After the device 10 that is delivered to the patient was switched on first, device 10 entered " the initial correction pattern " in " selecting beginning " state.In this pattern, program Q1 can use by the 28 supply patients that push button to Q5.Each user pushes button 28, load constructor can advance to a program simultaneously audio output part divide 19 audible indications of sending a selected program, show the number of this program as the pure tone buzzer of some quantity.Whenever using these Q programs, the optimum Q program the when patient can be chosen as normal the use with it in 28 5 seconds by pressing ﹠ hold when being in a program wherein.After five seconds, hearing aids 10 is confirmed this selection by sending a long pure tone buzzer.After this, selected program (being defined as QS in this specification) is movable and not selecteed program can be disabled.In some preferred implementations, not selecteed program is not to be wiped free of, and can activate once more when carrying out following described " configuration mode ".Device 10 is in " Q is selected " state now.

In case be in " Q is selected " state, so available program has 6: QS, N1, N2, N3, N4 and N5.The patient can utilize button 28 these programs that circulate now.When QS was selected, a pure tone buzzer can divide 19 to send by audio output part.When any one noise circumstance program (N1-N5) was selected, a noise burst can divide 19 to send by audio output part, wherein the quantity of pulse corresponding with the selection of N1-N5 (as N1 is a pulse, and N2 is two pulses, or the like).When preferable procedure activity among the noise program N1-N5, the optimum noise program the when patient can be chosen as normal use with it in 28 5 seconds by pressing ﹠ hold.After five seconds, device 10 divides 19 to send a long pure tone buzzer and confirm this selection by audio output part.After this, selected noise program (being defined as NS in this specification) is movable and not selecteed program can be disabled.Preferably, not selecteed program is not to be wiped free of, and can activate once more when carrying out following described " configuration mode ".Device 10 is in " N is selected " state now.

In " N is selected " state, movable program becomes three: QS, NS and an induction coil program (T1-T5).Selecteed induction coil program (being defined as TS in this specification) can be selected automatically based on the selection of program QS, and wherein the selection of program T1-T5 is corresponding with the selection of program Q1-Q5.For example, if QS is Q5, TS is T5 so.The patient can be by 28 these three action routines (QS, NS and TS) by turns that push button.If program QS is selected, audio output part divides 19 can send a pure tone buzzer so.If program NS is selected, can send a noise pulse so.If program TS is selected, can send a dialing tone pulse or a tinkle of bells so.Device 10 is in " coarse adjustment " state now.

The fine setting pattern

In a preferred implementation, two selections are arranged about the fine setting of hearing assistance device 10.In first was selected, device 10 remained running in the initial correction pattern, and the office that turns back to the clinician up to the patient activates the fine setting pattern by the clinician.In this, the clinician enters the fine setting pattern by entering configuration mode.In second selection, the fine setting pattern can be opened the activation automatically of circulation back through 17 power-offs after entering the initial correction pattern.

When device 10 when entering the fine setting pattern, two new quiet environment programs be activated (QSL and QSH).This makes the patient have five effective procedures (QS, QSL, QSH, NS and TS) and can ad infinitum be attempted.In case the patient has determined one of them quiet environment program (QS, QSL or QSH) for preferred, the patient can select this preferred program by pushing button in five seconds so.After five seconds, device 20 divides 19 to send a long pure tone buzzer and confirm this selection by audio output part.After this, selected Q program (being defined as QS in this specification) is movable and not selecteed Q program can be disabled.The TS program can be upgraded automatically and activate and selected QS program pairing.

At this moment, two noise circumstance programs be activated (NSL and NSH).This makes the patient have five effective procedures (QS, NS, NSL, NSH and TS) and can ad infinitum be attempted.In case the patient has determined one of them noise circumstance program (QS, QSL or QSH) for preferred, the patient can select this preferred program by pushing button in five seconds so.After five seconds, device 20 divides 19 to send a long pure tone buzzer and confirm this selection by audio output part.After this, selected N program (being defined as NS in this specification) is movable and not selecteed N program can be disabled.

After the fine setting pattern was finished, device 10 can be in and have three action routine QS, NS and TS " finely tunes " state.From now on, device 10 usefulness these three action routine work are reset by configuration mode unless install 10.

Preferably, program QSL, QSH, NSL and NSH be based on predetermined detailed rules and regulations by utilizing storage the Q program and the preset parameter side-play amount of N program setting produce.

Configuration mode

In a preferred implementation, when closing battery chamber's door simultaneously and push button a period of time always, during as 10 seconds, pushing button 28 can enter configuration mode.Entering configuration mode can divide 19 (Fig. 1) to send a long pure tone buzzer by audio output part to show.In case be in configuration mode, each actuation of keys of button 28 all can be stepped into the next one that configuration is provided with sequence, finally can return and begin once more the circulation of this sequence after being provided with by last configuration.Each configuration is provided with all by divide the 19 a series of buzzers that send to show that table 1 has shown one preferred embodiment from audio output part.Except configuration setting listed in the table 1, other configuration setting also can be used for configuration mode, as gain improve/reduce, noise reduces opening/closing, feedback canceller is accelerated/slowed down, and is too numerous to enumerate.

Table 1

The sound	Configuration is provided with	Effectively be provided with
			1 buzzer	The auxiliary modification model of clinician starts	Volume control (VC) the auxiliary modification model of clinician that rises=jump to
2 buzzers	Maximum power output (MPO) is adjusted	If=buzzer of VC rising and=buzzer of MPO grade rising one-level VC decline and MPO grade decline one-level have reached high and minimum grade, the VC order is left in the basket
			3 buzzers	VC starts setting	VC rising=VC opens VC decline=VC and closes
4 buzzers	Induction coil starts setting	VC rising=induction coil is opened VC decline=induction coil and is closed
			5 buzzers	Directional pattern starts setting	VC rising=orientation is opened (using two microphones) VC decline=orientation and is closed (using single microphone)

The sound	Configuration is provided with	Effectively be provided with
			6 buzzers	Read/recognize startup	The number of bursts of VC rising=pure tone buzzer has shown which harks that the number of bursts of the selected VC decline=noise pulse of program has shown which noisy environment program is selected
7 buzzers	Reset	VC rising=device is reset to the acquiescence Default Value
			8 buzzers	The fine setting pattern starts	VC rising=fine setting pattern is opened

The auxiliary modification model of clinician allows the fine setting setting of the auxiliary hearing assistance device of clinician when activating.In this pattern, the clinician can utilize button 28 to select the optimum setting of the program of quiet environment, noisy environment and induction coil for the patient.

In some embodiments of the present invention, hearing assistance device 10 can user record audio frequency memorandum.Utilize one or more button such as button 28 and volume to control 34 etc. and can activate the memorandum record function.With reference to Fig. 1, microphone 12a receives user's voice, and analog/digital converter 14a converts microphone signal to digital audio and video signals, and processor 16 converts digital audio and video signals to a kind of suitable digital audio file form and stores.In the time after a while, one or more button such as button 28 and volume control the digital audio files that can be used to visit storage such as 34, and divide again by audio output part and to play.When not having other ready-made effective storage means, this function can be carried out simple fast storage to information very effectively and is used for later playback.For example, this memory function can be used for the shopping list in recording user grocery store, perhaps friend or acquaintance's telephone number.

The content of the preferred implementation of the invention described above is illustration and the explanation that is used to describe invention.They are not to be that complete neither being used for is restricted to concrete disclosed mode with invention.Can make tangible modification or variation according to above-mentioned guide, the selection of these execution modes and description are to provide hardy optimum illustration and its practical application about the principle of the invention, and therefore make those skilled in the art can improve various execution mode of the present invention, by satisfying the consideration of special-purpose after the various modifications.All such modifications and variation are all in protection scope of the present invention.

Claims (37)

1. one kind is used to improve the programmable device of people to the perception of sound ability, and device comprises:

One processor is carried out one or more programs of digital audio and video signals being handled based on control signal;

One digital/analog converter produces the output simulated audio signal based on digital audio and video signals;

One audio output unit receives and amplification output simulated audio signal, produces based on this audible voice and the sound that can hear and offers the user;

Memory is used to store the program that one or more is used to handle digital audio and video signals, and memory can be visited by processor;

Produce the instrument of first control signal based on user's action, make an effective procedure switch to another effective procedure;

Produce the instrument of second control signal based on user's action, be used to specify at least one effective procedure as selected program;

The processor that stops the execution of an effective procedure and begin the execution of another effective procedure based on first control signal; And

Specify the processor of at least one effective procedure based on second control signal as selected program.

2. device according to claim 1, the described instrument that is used to produce the instrument of first control signal and is used to produce second control signal comprises:

An instantaneous push-button switch changes to second kind of state from first kind of state when being activated by the user; And

One controller of getting in touch with instantaneous push-button switch and processor, controller produces control signal based on the duration that instantaneous push-button switch is in second kind of state, controller produced first control signal when duration that is in second kind of state when instantaneous push-button switch surpassed first duration, and controller produced second control signal when duration that is in second kind of state when instantaneous push-button switch surpassed second duration.

3. device according to claim 2, described instantaneous push-button switch is attached in the shell of device, includes one or more processor, digital/analog converter, memory, controller and audio output part branch of device in the shell.

4. device according to claim 2, the described instrument that is used to produce the instrument of first control signal and is used to produce second control signal further comprises a radio remote controller, and instantaneous push-button switch is attached on the shell in radio remote controller is included in.

5. device according to claim 1, the described instrument that is used for producing the instrument of first control signal and is used to produce second control signal comprise a speech recognition program of carrying out at the processor of device.

6. device according to claim 1, described device are a hearing aids, and one or more effective procedure comprises the acoustic construction program.

7. device according to claim 1, described device are a tinnitus masker, and one or more effective procedure comprises the masking stimulus program.

8. device according to claim 1, wherein:

Memory stores the effective procedure of N quantity at least, comprise at least one first effective procedure, one second effective procedure, one the 3rd effective procedure, a N-1 effective procedure and a N effective procedure;

Processor stops to carry out first effective procedure and begins to carry out second effective procedure based on first first control signal that receives;

Processor stops to carry out second effective procedure and begins to carry out the 3rd effective procedure based on second first control signal that receives;

Processor stops to carry out the 3rd effective procedure based on the 3rd first control signal that receives and begins to carry out having ideals, morality, culture, and discipline imitates program;

Processor stops to carry out N-1 effective procedure and begins to carry out N effective procedure based on N-1 first control signal that receives;

Processor stops to carry out N effective procedure and begins to carry out first effective procedure based on N first control signal that receives.

9. device according to claim 1, wherein:

Memory stores a plurality of effective procedures and a plurality of invalid program;

Processor specifies wherein an effective procedure as first selected program based on first second control signal that receive;

Processor specifies wherein another effective procedure as the second selected program based on second second control signal that receive;

It is not that first selected or second selected effective procedure is as invalid program that processor is specified all based on second second control signal that receives.

10. device according to claim 1 further comprises:

One counter is used to calculate each employed duration when handling digital audio and video signals of one or more effective procedure; And

Based on one or more effective procedure employed duration and specify the processor of one or more effective procedure when handling digital audio and video signals as selected program.

11. device according to claim 10, described processor specify two effective procedures with maximum service times as selected program.

12. device according to claim 1, wherein processor for each selected program specify one or more with associated second program of selected program for effective.

13. device according to claim 1 further comprises:

At least one microphone is used to receive voice signal and the input simulated audio signal that produces based on this;

At least one plan/digital conversion circuit is used to receive from the input simulated audio signal of at least one microphone and produces digital audio and video signals based on this; And

Be used to receive from the digital audio and video signals of A/D conversion circuit and carry out the processor that wherein one or more effective procedures are used to handle digital audio and video signals.

14. device according to claim 1, it is invalid program that described processor is specified one or more effective procedure based on second control signal.

15. one kind is used to improve the method for people to the perception of sound ability, this method comprises:

(a) effective procedure that one or more is used for handle digital audio and video signals is stored in storage device;

(b) based on the execution of one or more effective procedure digital audio and video signals is handled;

(c) digital audio and video signals of finishing dealing with based on step (b) produces the output simulated audio signal;

(d) reception and amplification output simulated audio signal produce the audible voice based on this;

(e) producing one first control signal based on people's action is used for an effective procedure is switched to an other effective procedure;

(f) produce one second control signal based on people's action and be used to specify at least one effective procedure as selected program;

(g) stop the execution of an effective procedure wherein and begin the execution of another effective procedure based on first control signal; (h) specify at least one effective procedure as selected program based on second control signal.

16. method according to claim 15, wherein:

Step (e) and (f) comprise that activating a push-button switch makes switch be converted to second state from first state moment;

Step (e) comprises that the duration that is in second kind of state when instantaneous push-button switch produces first control signal when surpassing first duration;

Step (f) comprises that the duration that is in second kind of state when instantaneous push-button switch produces second control signal when surpassing second duration.

17. method according to claim 15, wherein:

Step (a) comprises one or more effective acoustic construction program that is used for handling digital audio and video signals is stored in storage device;

Step (b) comprises based on one or more effective acoustic construction program implementation to be handled digital audio and video signals.

18. method according to claim 15, wherein

Step (a) comprises one or more effective masking stimulus program that is used for handling digital audio and video signals is stored in storage device;

Step (b) comprises based on one or more effective masking stimulus program implementation to be handled digital audio and video signals.

19. method according to claim 15 further comprises:

(i) each that calculates one or more effective procedure employed duration when handling digital audio and video signals; And

Step (h) comprises based on one or more effective procedure to be made employed duration and specifies one or more effective procedure as selected program at the processing digital audio and video signals.

20. one kind is used to improve the programmable device of people to the perception of sound ability, device comprises:

One processor is carried out the program that one or more is handled digital audio and video signals based on control signal;

One digital/analog converter produces the output simulated audio signal based on digital audio and video signals;

One audio output unit receives and amplification output simulated audio signal, produces based on this audible voice and the sound that can hear and offers the user;

Memory is used to store the program that one or more is used to handle digital audio and video signals, and memory can be visited by processor;

Produce the instrument of first control signal based on user's action, make an effective procedure switch to another effective procedure;

Produce the instrument of second control signal based on user's action, be used to specify at least one effective procedure as selected program;

The processor that stops the execution of an effective procedure and begin the execution of another effective procedure based on first control signal; And

Specify the processor of at least one effective procedure based on second control signal as selected program;

Make employed duration and specify the processor of one or more effective procedure at the processing digital audio and video signals based on one or more effective procedure as selected program; And

At least one with processor, digital/analog converter, the shell in audio output part branch, memory block, the instrument that is used to produce first control signal, the instrument that is used to produce second control signal and timing tool are included in.

21. one kind is used to improve the programmable device of people to the perception of sound ability, device comprises:

One processor is carried out the program that one or more is handled digital audio and video signals based on control signal;

One digital/analog converter produces the output simulated audio signal based on digital audio and video signals;

One audio output unit receives and amplification output simulated audio signal, produces based on this audible voice and the sound that can hear and offers the user;

Memory is used to store the program that one or more is used to handle digital audio and video signals, and memory can be visited by processor; And

One counter is used for using or counting from the incident that programmable device removes the situation of supply of electric power showing to the electric power of programmable device, and produces a count value based on this;

Wherein processor is determined to be used when handling digital audio and video signals at most through wherein which or which effective procedure after predetermined running time, and running time to small part is based on count value and definite.

22. programmable device according to claim 21 comprises that further one is used for the battery to the programmable device power supply, wherein counter is used for the incident that can show the situation that battery is removed and changes is counted.

23. programmable device according to claim 22 has comprised that further battery chamber's door and is attached to the contact-making switch of battery chamber's door, wherein counter is used for the contact-making switch electric opening or the number of times of closing are carried out record.

24. programmable device according to claim 22, further comprise the voltage detecting circuit that is used to detect the battery both end voltage, wherein the counter number of times that is used for the battery both end voltage is increased considerably carries out record, and the information slip that the battery two ends increase considerably understands that a new battery replaced the battery of an energy shortage.

25. programmable device according to claim 21 comprises that further one is used to start the on/off switch with shutoff device, wherein counter is used for user's operation start/off switch number of times is carried out record.

26. programmable device according to claim 21 further comprises one with processor, digital/analog converter, audio output part branch, the memory sum counter shell in being included in.

27. programmable device according to claim 21, described device are a hearing aids, one or more effective procedure comprises the acoustic construction program.

28. device according to claim 1, described device are a tinnitus masker, one or more effective procedure comprises the masking stimulus program.

29. device according to claim 21, described processor is based on one or more effective procedure employed duration and specify one or more effective procedure as selected program when handling digital audio and video signals, and running time to small part is based on count value and definite.

30. device according to claim 29, described processor specify two effective procedures with maximum service times as selected program.

31. device according to claim 29, wherein processor for each selected program specify one or more with associated second program of selected program for effective.

32. one kind is used to improve the method for people to the perception of sound ability, this method comprises:

(a) effective procedure that one or more is used for handle digital audio and video signals is stored in storage device;

(b) based on the execution of one or more effective procedure digital audio and video signals is handled;

(c) digital audio and video signals of finishing dealing with based on step (b) produces the output simulated audio signal;

(d) reception and amplification output simulated audio signal produce the audible voice based on this;

(e) use or count showing, and produce a count value based on this from the incident that programmable device removes the situation of supply of electric power to the electric power of programmable device;

(f) determine to be used when handling digital audio and video signals at most through wherein which or which effective procedure after predetermined running time, wherein running time to small part is based on count value and definite.

33. method according to claim 32, wherein step (e) comprises the incident that can show the situation that battery is removed and changes is counted, and produces the count value based on this.

34. method according to claim 32, wherein step (e) comprises that the number of times that motor switch opens or cuts out carries out record, and produces the count value based on this.

35. method according to claim 32, wherein step (a) comprises one or more acoustic construction program of storage.

36. method according to claim 32, wherein step (a) has comprised one or more tinnitus masking stimulus program of storage.

37. method according to claim 32, comprise further that based on one or more effective procedure employed duration and specify one or more effective procedure when handling digital audio and video signals running time to small part is based on count value and definite as selected program.

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