EP1354497B2 - Communication method and a hearing aid system - Google Patents

Communication method and a hearing aid system Download PDF

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Publication number
EP1354497B2
EP1354497B2 EP01900363A EP01900363A EP1354497B2 EP 1354497 B2 EP1354497 B2 EP 1354497B2 EP 01900363 A EP01900363 A EP 01900363A EP 01900363 A EP01900363 A EP 01900363A EP 1354497 B2 EP1354497 B2 EP 1354497B2
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European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
hearing aid
signals
user
audio
unit
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP1354497B1 (en
EP1354497A2 (en
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Hans-Ueli Roeck
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Sonova Holding AG
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Phonak AG
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Priority to DK01900363.1T priority Critical patent/DK1354497T4/en
Priority claimed from PCT/CH2001/000051 external-priority patent/WO2001030127A2/en
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  • the present invention relates to a method of communication according to the preamble of claim 1 and to a hearing aid system according to that of claim 7.
  • Such methods or hearing aid systems are known. So it is known, for example, on a therapeutic hearing aid device, in particular an outer ear device, manual inputs, such as via toggle switch to acknowledge by means of synthesized Beep signals, which are supplied as electrical audio signals to the electro / mechanical output transducer of the hearing aid.
  • the time-limited electrical audio signals are generated in particular as acknowledgment signals on control signals, which control signals are generated manually or by remote control on the hearing aid, for example, or which are triggered by the hearing aid itself, such as when the battery voltage drops.
  • At least part of the mentioned time-limited audio signals is stored on user-exchangeable memory elements for the hearing aid device, preferably only readable ones.
  • the mentioned time-limited audio signals are user defined stored on a memory unit which is integrated with the hearing aid itself or with the latter, preferably wirelessly, in connection or can be brought into operative connection.
  • the mentioned audio signals are stored selectively and user-defined in the actual hearing aid and can be replaced accordingly.
  • a third embodiment which may be combined with the aforementioned embodiments, only the localization information is stored on the actual hearing aid device, where the audio signal sequences to be retrieved are located on a given audio signal carrier.
  • This procedure requires that the user of the hearing aid carries on it an audio player, such as a mini-disc player, an MP3 player, etc.
  • the communication between the hearing aid on the one hand and such a player preferably takes place wirelessly.
  • the aforementioned output transducer is a loudspeaker
  • at least part of the mentioned time-limited electrical audio signals be generated in such a way that their acoustic conversion result can also be heard by an individual at a distance. This makes it possible to transmit information by appropriate acoustic signals to a user even if the hearing aid is not worn. This may be the case, for example, when the battery voltage drops, with inappropriate, but detectable storage of the hearing aid etc.
  • the user-defined selection of the time-limited electrical audio signals is controlled by a menu.
  • a preferably in communication with the hearing aid wirelessly communicating unit is provided, which guides the user through the selection menu by visual display and / or voice guidance.
  • the mentioned communication unit is also designed at least for voice guidance, it is further proposed to realize the voice guidance via the mentioned hearing aid device by feeding the corresponding voice signals into the hearing aid device.
  • a hearing aid according to the invention is further characterized according to the characterizing part of claim 7, whose preferred embodiments according to claims 8 to 13.
  • a hearing aid device 10 comprises a hearing aid device per se, with an acoustical / electrical input transducer unit 1, downstream of a usually digital signal processing unit 3, which acts on the output side on an electrical / mechanical transducer unit 5.
  • the electrical / mechanical transducer unit 5 is, for example, a unit which acts mechanically on an ossicle in the middle ear, while in a conventional therapeutic in-ear or external-ear hearing aid device the aforementioned transducer unit is replaced by a Speaker unit is formed.
  • the hearing aid is a device for therapeutic purposes.
  • the signal processing unit 3 of the actual hearing aid device receives control signals S of all kinds, such as program switching signals, signals for adjusting the transmitted loudness, ie in principle signals that trigger desired signal processing changes by the respective individual when using the hearing aid.
  • control signals S are manually, M, such as triggered by actuation of switches, or are, when provided remote control, usually wirelessly, as shown at F, entered.
  • M such as triggered by actuation of switches
  • F remote control
  • the hearing aid device 10a It is also known that, as a function of the manually-M-signals mentioned above - or via a remote control - F - acoustic acknowledgment signals perceptible by the respective individual are generated on the hearing aid device 10a, in the form of characteristic sequences of beep signals.
  • the codec unit 7 retrieves the acknowledgment signals Q associated with the control signals M, F at a generator unit 9 and supplies them to the electro / mechanical converter unit 5 on the input side.
  • the audible signals have been transformed by the individual.
  • the actual hearing aid 10a in any case and in representation according to Fig. 1 formed by the units 1, 3, 5, 7 and 9 and their signal connections.
  • the generator unit 9 provided in previously known hearing aid devices of this type is embodied as an actual read-only unit, to which the acknowledgment signals to be supplied correspondingly to the converter unit 5 are stored.
  • user-specific desired signal sequences can be stored on the hearing device or such signals can be defined on sound carriers, this is preferably done in a menu-controlled manner, as will be explained below.
  • Fig. 1 is the basic, the invention following approach represented by the signal input BD to the generator unit 9, via which, be it by user-defined insert data storage 11a described above, be this by storing user-defined stored sequences 11b, or be by custom storage of sound carriers 11c, the mentioned custom acknowledgment signals Q are input.
  • the signal processing unit 3 states, such as the decrease of battery voltages below predetermined values, the user to be signaled. Then, the input to the codec unit 7 from the signal processing unit 3, as shown at Z. As already explained, a corresponding user-defined acknowledgment signal Q is also transmitted to the converter unit 5 and the occurrence of the signal Z is displayed to the user with a corresponding user-defined signal.
  • the acknowledgment signals Q may be designed such that in hearing aid devices with output-side loudspeaker the corresponding audio signals are also audible when the hearing aid is not worn at all.
  • status message signals Z output by the signal processing unit 3, which indicate, for example, the battery status or indicate that the hearing aid is stored in an environment with too high a temperature, etc., can be used to retrieve a corresponding acknowledgment signal Q, which is also off the user stored hearing aid attracts his attention, and leads to a corresponding action.
  • FIG. 2 which in turn shows schematically and simplified a signal flow / function block diagram of a preferred, working according to the inventive method, inventive hearing aid device, will be explained how a user selects user-controlled custom sound sequences and optionally additionally stores.
  • menu control text is spoken, it is, especially when using a hearing aid, just a therapeutic, displayed this, as in Fig. 2 shown dashed at AT to supply the converter 5.
  • the user switches on any audio signal source, such as a sound carrier 17 or an Internet page, and it is supplied during the predetermined time length of, for example, 5 seconds selected by the user at the source sequence in the form of electrical signals E 17 of the generator unit 9 a and stored there, the specific identification signal I stored.
  • the identification signal I is looped via the aforementioned display unit 15 to the generator unit 9.
  • the selected tone sequence is therefore in this embodiment corresponding signal E 17 preferably, but not necessarily, stored in digital form.
  • the user selects the selected audio signals with the associated triggering signals I at the generator unit 9 for those signals which are input manually or via remote control, corresponding to M or F, for which user-defined acknowledgment signals Q are at all desirable.
  • the display unit 15 In operation of the hearing aid, the display unit 15, if it is not a unit integrated with the remote control system, removed and, as shown at I ', the operative connection between codec unit 7 and generator unit 9 created.
  • the selected audio sequence, according to E 17 is not stored at all on the generator unit 9, but rather that only find data A 17 of the respective sequence are registered on a sound carrier, assigned to the respective signal I.
  • the generator unit 9 when carrying on the individual reproducing apparatus with the sound carrier 17, upon the occurrence of an identification signal I, the generator unit 9, as shown by dashed lines at L, the playback device to play the audio units defined at the generator unit 9 drive. Only then is the generator unit 9 or possibly directly the signal E 17 of the converter unit 5 fed.
  • the with " ⁇ " in Fig. 2 Marked signal paths may be based on wireless transmission.
  • the signal I can be transmitted wirelessly to the display unit 16, for example as an infrared signal or as a radio signal over the short distance.
  • the generator unit 9a can be implemented offset from the actual hearing aid 1, 3, 5, 7.
  • the acknowledgment signal Q is then transmitted wirelessly from the remote generator unit 9a to the input of the converter unit 5.
  • the respective signal I recalling an audio sequence is preferably transmitted to the generator unit 9 wirelessly.
  • the selected wireless transmission techniques to the units 7, 9a, 15, 17 on the input side of the converter unit 5 (not shown) transmitting or receiving units provided.
  • the signals I are stored, which then practically call online from a sound carrier 17 defined audio sequences, at the generator unit 9a but in the sense of a read / write memory, a RAM data storage in a corresponding memory made, whereupon the mentioned discovery data can be changed by the user at any time to assign other audio sequences to the respective control signals I as acknowledgment signals Q.
  • Fig. 3 a further preferred embodiment of an inventive hearing aid system is shown, which is fully integrated.
  • the generator unit 9b is part of the actual hearing aid device, to which the respective desired acknowledgment signal audio sequences or their user-replaceable memory, such as chips 20, are selected.
  • a selection of different acknowledgment signals is made available on memories 20, by means of which the user can select the style or sound structure that suits him.
  • the memory 20, which are then preferably designed as a read-only memory ROM the user selects each of which acknowledgment signals he wants to hear for the associated switching signals M, F or Z.

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Abstract

The aim of the invention is to increase attractiveness of hearing aid systems. User-defined sequences are inputted into a generator unit (9) on the hearing aid. A respective acknowledgement signal (Q) is transmitted from the generator unit (9) to the electro/mechanical converter unit (5) of the hearing aid for acknowledging an action having been carried out on the hearing aid.

Description

Die vorliegende Erfindung betrifft ein Verfahren zur Kommunikation nach dem Oberbegriff von Anspruch 1 sowie ein Hörhilfegerätsystem nach demjenigen von Anspruch 7. Derartige Verfahren bzw. Hörhilfegerätsysteme sind bekannt. So ist es beispielsweise bekannt, an einem therapeutischen Hörhilfegerät, insbesondere einem Aussenohrgerät, erfolgte manuelle Eingaben, wie beispielsweise über Toggelschalter, mittels synthetisierter Beep-Signale zu quittieren, welche als elektrische Audiosignale dem elektro/mechanischen Ausgangswandler des Hörgerätes zugeführt werden.The present invention relates to a method of communication according to the preamble of claim 1 and to a hearing aid system according to that of claim 7. Such methods or hearing aid systems are known. So it is known, for example, on a therapeutic hearing aid device, in particular an outer ear device, manual inputs, such as via toggle switch to acknowledge by means of synthesized Beep signals, which are supplied as electrical audio signals to the electro / mechanical output transducer of the hearing aid.

Therapeutische Hörhilfegeräte stempeln heute noch das Individuum, welches auf eine solche Hilfe angewiesen ist, mit einem gewissen Invaliditäts-Stigma, was insbesondere bei Jugendlichen empfunden wird. Deshalb ist man in letzer Zeit dazu übergegangen, auch gehörmedizinisch indizierte Hörhilfegeräte ästhetisch so auszubilden, dass durch dessen Tragen eine gewisse Jugendlichkeit oder Fröhlichkeit ausgestrahlt wird und man nicht unbedingt die Tendenz verfolgt, mit Verbergen und Kaschieren des Gerätes sein Handicap mit zu verbergen. Solches System ist zum Beispeil offenbart in Dokument US-A-5 721 783 . Im Zuge einer solchen Attraktivitätssteigerung setzt sich die vorliegende Erfindung zum Ziel, auch die Kommunikation zwischen dem Hörhilfegerät und einem Individuum attraktiver und spielerischer zu gestalten.Therapeutic hearing aids today still stamp the individual, which depends on such help, with a certain disability stigma, which is especially felt in adolescents. Therefore, one has recently gone over to aesthetically train even hearing-medical Hidden aids that by its wearing a certain youthfulness or cheerfulness is broadcast and you do not necessarily pursue the tendency to conceal his disability by concealing and concealing the device. Such system is disclosed for example in document US-A-5 721 783 , In the course of such an increase in attractiveness, the present invention sets itself the goal of making the communication between the hearing aid and an individual more attractive and playful.

Dies wird nach dem Kennzeichen von Anspruch 1 dadurch erreicht, dass mindestens ein Teil der zeitbeschränkten Audiosignale benutzerdefiniert wird. Damit ist es nun möglich, dass jeder Benutzer eines therapeutischen Hörhilfegerätes mit den geforderten Charakteristika in der Lage ist, selber zu wählen, mit welchen Audiosignalen Geschehnisse am Hörhilfegerät angezeigt bzw. quittiert werden.This is achieved according to the characterizing part of claim 1 in that at least part of the time-limited audio signals is user-defined. It is thus possible for every user of a therapeutic hearing aid device with the required characteristics to be able to choose himself with which audio signals events on the hearing aid device are displayed or acknowledged.

In einer bevorzugten Ausführungsform des erfindungsgemässen Verfahrens werden dabei die zeitbeschränkten elektrischen Audiosignale insbesondere als Quittierungssignale auf Steuersignale hin erzeugt, welche Steuersignale beispielsweise manuell oder durch Fernsteuerung am Hörhilfegerät erzeugt werden, oder welche durch das Hörhilfegerät selber ausgelöst werden, wie beispielsweise bei Abfallen der Batteriespannung.In a preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention, the time-limited electrical audio signals are generated in particular as acknowledgment signals on control signals, which control signals are generated manually or by remote control on the hearing aid, for example, or which are triggered by the hearing aid itself, such as when the battery voltage drops.

In einer bevorzugten Ausführungsform des erfindungsgemässen Verfahrens wird mindestens ein Teil der erwähnten zeitbeschränkten Audiosignale auf benutzerauswechselbaren Speicherelementen für das Hörhilfegerät, dabei vorzugsweise auf nur lesbaren, abgespeichert.In a preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention, at least part of the mentioned time-limited audio signals is stored on user-exchangeable memory elements for the hearing aid device, preferably only readable ones.

Damit wird es möglich, dass der Benutzer die erwähnten Speicherelemente selber auswechselt, mit darauf abgespeichert seinem Geschmack entsprechenden Audiosignalen. Als nur lesbare Speicher können derartige Speicherelemente beispielsweise durch die Gerätehersteller in einer weiten Palette verschiedener Audiosignalmuster zur Verfügung gestellt werden.This makes it possible for the user to replace the mentioned memory elements themselves with audio signals corresponding to their taste. As read-only memories, such memory elements can be made available, for example, by the device manufacturers in a wide range of different audio signal patterns.

In einer gegebenenfalls die letzterwähnte Ausführungsform ergänzenden, ebenfalls bevorzugten Ausführungsform werden die erwähnten zeitbeschränkten Audiosignale benutzerdefiniert an einer Speichereinheit abgelegt, die am Hörhilfegerät selber integriert ist oder die mit letzterem, dabei bevorzugterweise drahtlos, in Verbindung steht oder in Wirkverbindung gebracht werden kann. Bei dieser Ausführungsform werden die erwähnten Audiosignale selektiv und benutzerdefiniert im eigentlichen Hörhilfegerät gespeichert und können entsprechend ausgewechselt werden.In an optionally also the last-mentioned embodiment complementary, likewise preferred embodiment, the mentioned time-limited audio signals are user defined stored on a memory unit which is integrated with the hearing aid itself or with the latter, preferably wirelessly, in connection or can be brought into operative connection. In this embodiment, the mentioned audio signals are stored selectively and user-defined in the actual hearing aid and can be replaced accordingly.

In einer dritten, ggf. mit den vorerwähnten Ausführungsformen kombinierbaren Ausführungsform, werden am eigentlichen Hörhilfegerät nur gerade die Lokalisierungsinformationen abgelegt, wo auf einem vorgegebenen Audiosignalträger die jeweils abzurufenden Audiosignalsequenzen liegen. Dieses Vorgehen bedingt, dass der Benutzer des Hörhilfegerätes auf sich eine Audioabspielgerät trägt, wie beispielsweise einen Minidisk-Player, einem MP3-Player etc. Die Kommunikation zwischen Hörhilfegerät einerseits und einem solchen Abspielgerät erfolgt bevorzugterweise drahtlos.In a third embodiment, which may be combined with the aforementioned embodiments, only the localization information is stored on the actual hearing aid device, where the audio signal sequences to be retrieved are located on a given audio signal carrier. This procedure requires that the user of the hearing aid carries on it an audio player, such as a mini-disc player, an MP3 player, etc. The communication between the hearing aid on the one hand and such a player preferably takes place wirelessly.

In einer weiteren bevorzugten Ausführungsform des erfindungsgemässen Verfahrens, bei welchem der erwähnte Ausgangswandler ein Lautsprecher ist, wird vorgeschlagen, dass mindestens ein Teil der erwähnten zeitbeschränkten elektrischen Audiosignale so erzeugt werden, dass ihr akustisches Wandlerresultat von einem Individuum auch auf Distanz hörbar ist. Damit wird es möglich, durch entsprechende akustische Signale auch dann einem Benutzer Information zu übermitteln, wenn das Hörgerät nicht getragen wird. Dies kann beispielsweise bei Abfallen der Batteriespannung der Fall sein, bei unsachgemässer, aber detektierbarer Lagerung des Hörhilfegerätes etc.In a further preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention, in which the aforementioned output transducer is a loudspeaker, it is proposed that at least part of the mentioned time-limited electrical audio signals be generated in such a way that their acoustic conversion result can also be heard by an individual at a distance. This makes it possible to transmit information by appropriate acoustic signals to a user even if the hearing aid is not worn. This may be the case, for example, when the battery voltage drops, with inappropriate, but detectable storage of the hearing aid etc.

In einer weiteren bevorzugten Ausführungsform erfolgt die benutzerdefinierte Selektion der zeitbeschränkten elektrischen Audiosignale menugesteuert. Hierzu wird eine bevorzugterweise mit dem Hörhilfegerät drahtlos in Wirkverbindung stehende Kommunikationseinheit vorgesehen, welche durch visuelle Anzeige und/oder durch Sprachführung den Benutzer durch das Selektionsmenu führt.In a further preferred embodiment, the user-defined selection of the time-limited electrical audio signals is controlled by a menu. For this purpose, a preferably in communication with the hearing aid wirelessly communicating unit is provided, which guides the user through the selection menu by visual display and / or voice guidance.

Wird die erwähnte Kommunikationseinheit mindestens auch für Sprachführung ausgelegt, so wird weiter vorgeschlagen, die Sprachführung über das erwähnte Hörhilfegerät zu realisieren, indem die entsprechenden Sprachsignale in das Hörhilfegerät eingespiesen werden.If the mentioned communication unit is also designed at least for voice guidance, it is further proposed to realize the voice guidance via the mentioned hearing aid device by feeding the corresponding voice signals into the hearing aid device.

Zur Lösung der eingangs genannten Aufgabe zeichnet sich weiter ein erfindungsgemässes Hörhilfegerät nach dem Kennzeichen von Anspruch 7 aus, dessen bevorzugte Ausführungsvarianten nach den Ansprüchen 8 bis 13.To achieve the object mentioned above, a hearing aid according to the invention is further characterized according to the characterizing part of claim 7, whose preferred embodiments according to claims 8 to 13.

Die Erfindung wird anschliessend beispielsweise anhand von Figuren erläutert. Diese zeigen:

Fig. 1
Anhand eines vereinfachten Signalfluss/Funktionsblock-Diagrammes das Prinzip des erfindungsgemässen Verfahrens bzw. eines erfindungsgemässen Hörhilfegerätsystems;
Fig. 2
in einer Darstellung analog zu derjenigen von Fig. 1, bevorzugte Ausführungsformen des erfindungsgemässen Verfahrens bzw. des erfindungsgemässen Hörhilfegerätsystems, und
Fig. 3
wiederum in einer Darstellung in Analogie zu denjenigen der Fig. 1 bzw. 2, eine weitere bevorzugte Ausführungsvariante des erfindungsgemässen Verfahrens bzw. des erfindungsgemässen Hörhilfegerätsystems.
The invention will be explained by way of example with reference to figures. These show:
Fig. 1
Based on a simplified signal flow / function block diagram, the principle of the inventive method or of a hearing aid device according to the invention;
Fig. 2
in a representation analogous to that of Fig. 1 , Preferred embodiments of the inventive method or the inventive Hörhilfegerätsystems, and
Fig. 3
again in a representation analogous to those of Fig. 1 or 2, a further preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention or of the hearing aid device according to the invention.

In Fig. 1 ist anhand eines Signalfluss/FunktionsblockDiagrammes das Prinzip der vorliegenden Erfindung dargestellt. Ein Hörhilfegerätsystem 10 umfasst ein Hörhilfegerät an sich, mit einer akustisch/elektrischen Eingangswandlereinheit 1, ihr nachgeschaltet einer üblicherweise digitalen Signalverarbeitungseinheit 3, welche ausgangsseitig auf eine elektrisch/mechanische Wandlereinheit 5 wirkt. Handelt es sich beim Hörhilfegerät um ein mindestens teilweise implantiertes therapeutisches Hörhilfegerät, so ist die elektrisch/mechanische Wandlereinheit 5 beispielsweise eine Einheit, welche mechanisch auf ein Ossikel im Mittelohr wirkt, während bei einem üblichen therapeutischen Im- oder Aussenohr-Hörhilfegerät die erwähnte Wandlereinheit durch eine Lautsprechereinheit gebildet ist. Beim Hörhilfegerät handelt es sich um ein Gerät zu therapeutischen Zwecken.In Fig. 1 is shown on the basis of a signal flow / Funktionsblockdiagrammes the principle of the present invention. A hearing aid device 10 comprises a hearing aid device per se, with an acoustical / electrical input transducer unit 1, downstream of a usually digital signal processing unit 3, which acts on the output side on an electrical / mechanical transducer unit 5. If the hearing aid device is an at least partially implanted therapeutic hearing aid device, the electrical / mechanical transducer unit 5 is, for example, a unit which acts mechanically on an ossicle in the middle ear, while in a conventional therapeutic in-ear or external-ear hearing aid device the aforementioned transducer unit is replaced by a Speaker unit is formed. The hearing aid is a device for therapeutic purposes.

Die Signalverarbeitungseinheit 3 des eigentlichen Hörhilfegerätes empfängt Steuersignale S aller Art, wie beispielsweise Programmumschalt-Signale, Signale zur Einstellung der übertragenen Lautheit, also grundsätzlich Signale, welche bei Verwendung des Hörhilfegerätes vom jeweiligen Individuum erwünschte Signalverarbeitungsänderungen auslösen. Wie dies in Fig. 1 schematisiert ist, werden derartige Signale S manuell, M, wie z.B. durch Betätigung von Schaltern ausgelöst, oder werden, bei vorgesehener Fernsteuerung, üblicherweise drahtlos, wie bei F dargestellt, eingegeben. In Fig. 1 ist die Umsetzung manuell eingegebener Signale M bzw. drahtlos übermittelter Signale F in Steuersignale für die Signalverarbeitungseinheit 3 schematisiert an einer Codier/Decodier-Einheit 7 zusammengefasst dargestellt. Soweit sind die erläuterten Vorkehrungen an Hörhilfegeräten, insbesondere an therapeutischen, bekannt.The signal processing unit 3 of the actual hearing aid device receives control signals S of all kinds, such as program switching signals, signals for adjusting the transmitted loudness, ie in principle signals that trigger desired signal processing changes by the respective individual when using the hearing aid. Like this in Fig. 1 schematized, such signals S are manually, M, such as triggered by actuation of switches, or are, when provided remote control, usually wirelessly, as shown at F, entered. In Fig. 1 the conversion of manually entered signals M or wirelessly transmitted signals F into control signals for the signal processing unit 3 is shown schematically summarized on a coding / decoding unit 7. As far as the described provisions on hearing aids, in particular therapeutic, are known.

Weiter bekannt ist es dabei, dass, in Funktion der wie erwähnt manuell - M - oder via eine Fernsteuerung - F - eingegebenen Signale am Hörhilfegerät 10a akustische, durch das jeweilige Individuum wahrnehmbare Quittierungssignale erzeugt werden, in Form kennzeichnender Abfolgen von Beep-Signalen. In Funktion der manuell, M, oder durch Fernsteuerung, F, eingegebenen Steuersignalen werden durch die Codec-Einheit 7 die den Steuersignalen M, F zugeordneten Quittierungssignale Q an einer Generatoreinheit 9 abgerufen und eingangsseitig der elektro/mechanischen Wandlereinheit 5 zugeführt, daran in entsprechende, vom Individuum hörbare Signale gewandelt. Somit wird das eigentliche Hörhilfegerät 10a jedenfalls und in Darstellung gemäss Fig. 1 gebildet durch die Einheiten 1, 3, 5, 7 und 9 sowie deren Signalverbindungen.It is also known that, as a function of the manually-M-signals mentioned above - or via a remote control - F - acoustic acknowledgment signals perceptible by the respective individual are generated on the hearing aid device 10a, in the form of characteristic sequences of beep signals. As a function of the control signals input manually, M, or by remote control, F, the codec unit 7 retrieves the acknowledgment signals Q associated with the control signals M, F at a generator unit 9 and supplies them to the electro / mechanical converter unit 5 on the input side. The audible signals have been transformed by the individual. Thus, the actual hearing aid 10a in any case and in representation according to Fig. 1 formed by the units 1, 3, 5, 7 and 9 and their signal connections.

Die bei vorbekannten Hörhilfegeräten dieser Art vorgesehene Generatoreinheit 9 ist als eigentliche Nur-Leseeinheit ausgebildet, woran die der Wandlereinheit 5 entsprechend zuzuführenden Quittierungssignale abgespeichert sind.The generator unit 9 provided in previously known hearing aid devices of this type is embodied as an actual read-only unit, to which the acknowledgment signals to be supplied correspondingly to the converter unit 5 are stored.

Grundsätzlich schlägt nun die vorliegende Erfindung vor, dass an der Generatoreinheit 9 nicht mehr länger, im Sinne einer Nur-Lese-Abspeicherung, die erwähnten Quittierungssignale Q ab Werk, fix vorabgespeichert sind, sondern, dass diese Signale benutzerdefiniert abgespeichert werden können. Die den Steuersignalen M, F zugeordneten Quittierungssignale Q können vom jeweiligen das Hörgerät benutzenden Individuum frei gewählt werden und beliebig geändert werden. Dabei können die den elektrischen Quittierungssignalen Q entsprechenden, hörbaren benutzerdefinierten Signale z.B. Sprachsequenzen, Musiksequenzen, Geräusche sein. Das erfindungsgemässe System kann nun z.B. so konzipiert sein, dass:

  • ggf. praktisch online die jeweiligen benutzerdefinierten Quittierungssignale direkt ab einem Tonspeichergerät vorzugsweise durch drahtlose Übermittlung zeitgerecht abgerufen und an der Generatoreinheit 9 in die gerätespezifisch benötigten elektrischen Quittierungssignale Q gewandelt werden,
  • erwünschte Quittierungssequenzen vom Benutzer vorab selektioniert und vorzugsweise direkt am Hörhilfegerät abgespeichert werden,
  • dass beispielsweise vom Hörgerätehersteller Speicher, wie z.B. Chips, angeboten werden, worauf, geschmacksabhängig und den zu quittierenden Signalen M bzw. F angepasst, Sequenzen vorabgespeichert sind.
Basically, the present invention proposes that the generator unit 9 no longer, in the sense of read-only storage, the mentioned acknowledgment signals Q ex factory, are fixed in advance, but that these signals can be stored user defined. The acknowledgment signals Q assigned to the control signals M, F can be freely selected by the individual using the hearing device and changed as desired. In this case, the audible user-defined signals corresponding to the electrical acknowledgment signals Q can be, for example, speech sequences, music sequences, noises. The system according to the invention can now be designed, for example, such that:
  • if necessary practically online, the respective user-defined acknowledgment signals are retrieved in a timely manner directly from a sound storage device, preferably by wireless transmission, and converted at the generator unit 9 into the device-specific, required electrical acknowledgment signals Q,
  • desired acknowledgment sequences are pre-selected by the user and preferably stored directly on the hearing aid device,
  • that, for example, are offered by the hearing aid manufacturer memory, such as chips, whereupon, depending on the taste and the signals to be acknowledged M or F, sequences are pre-stored.

Wird vorgesehen, dass am Hörgerät, benutzerdefiniert erwünschte Signalsequenzen abgespeichert werden können oder derartigen Signale auf Tonträgern definiert werden können, so erfolgt dies bevorzugterweise menugesteuert, wie noch zu erläutern sein wird.If it is provided that user-specific desired signal sequences can be stored on the hearing device or such signals can be defined on sound carriers, this is preferably done in a menu-controlled manner, as will be explained below.

In Fig. 1 ist der grundsätzliche, der Erfindung folgende Ansatz durch die Signaleingabe BD an die Generatoreinheit 9 dargestellt, über welche, sei dies durch benutzerdefiniertes Einlegen vorbeschriebener Datenspeicher 11a, sei dies durch Abspeichern benutzerdefinierter abgespeicherter Sequenzen 11b, oder sei dies durch benutzerdefiniertes Abspeichern von Tonträgern 11c, die erwähnten benutzerdefinierten Quittierungssignale Q eingegeben werden.In Fig. 1 is the basic, the invention following approach represented by the signal input BD to the generator unit 9, via which, be it by user-defined insert data storage 11a described above, be this by storing user-defined stored sequences 11b, or be by custom storage of sound carriers 11c, the mentioned custom acknowledgment signals Q are input.

Wie im weiteren aus Fig. 1 ersichtlich, ist es durchaus möglich, dass von der Signalverarbeitungseinheit 3 Zustände, wie beispielsweise das Absinken von Batteriespannungen unter vorgegebene Werte, dem Benutzer signalisiert werden sollen. Dann erfolgt die Eingabe an die Codec-Einheit 7 von der Signalverarbeitungseinheit 3, wie dies mit Z dargestellt ist. Wie bereits erläutert wurde, wird auch dann ein entsprechendes benutzerdefiniertes Quittierungssignal Q der Wandlereinheit 5 übermittelt und Auftreten des Signals Z dem Benutzer mit einem entsprechenden benutzerdefinierten Signal angezeigt.As in the rest Fig. 1 As can be seen, it is quite possible that the signal processing unit 3 states, such as the decrease of battery voltages below predetermined values, the user to be signaled. Then, the input to the codec unit 7 from the signal processing unit 3, as shown at Z. As already explained, a corresponding user-defined acknowledgment signal Q is also transmitted to the converter unit 5 and the occurrence of the signal Z is displayed to the user with a corresponding user-defined signal.

Gegebenenfalls können die Quittierungssignale Q dergestalt ausgebildet sein, dass bei Hörhilfegeräten mit ausgangsseitigem Lautsprecher die entsprechenden Audiosignale auch hörbar werden, wenn das Hörgerät gar nicht getragen wird. Es können beispielsweise von der Signalverarbeitungseinheit 3 abgegebene Zustandsmeldesignale Z, die beispielsweise den Batteriezustand anzeigen, oder anzeigen, dass das Hörhilfegerät in einer Umgebung mit zu hoher Temperatur gelagert wird etc., zum Abruf eines entsprechenden Quittierungssignals Q eingesetzt werden, welches auch bei abseits des Benutzers gelagertem Hörhilfegerät dessen Aufmerksamkeit weckt, und zu einer entsprechenden Handlung hinführt.Optionally, the acknowledgment signals Q may be designed such that in hearing aid devices with output-side loudspeaker the corresponding audio signals are also audible when the hearing aid is not worn at all. By way of example, status message signals Z output by the signal processing unit 3, which indicate, for example, the battery status or indicate that the hearing aid is stored in an environment with too high a temperature, etc., can be used to retrieve a corresponding acknowledgment signal Q, which is also off the user stored hearing aid attracts his attention, and leads to a corresponding action.

Anhand von Fig. 2, welche wiederum schematisch und vereinfacht ein Signalfluss/Funktionsblock-Diagramm eines bevorzugten, nach dem erfindungsgemässen Verfahren arbeitenden, erfindungsgemässen Hörhilfegerätsystems zeigt, soll erläutert werden, wie ein Benutzer menugesteuert benutzerdefinierte Tonsequenzen auswählt und ggf. zusätzlich auch abspeichert.Based on Fig. 2 , which in turn shows schematically and simplified a signal flow / function block diagram of a preferred, working according to the inventive method, inventive hearing aid device, will be explained how a user selects user-controlled custom sound sequences and optionally additionally stores.

Im Auswahlmodus für die Quittierungssequenzen werden ausgangsseitig der Codec-Einheit 7 die bereits in Fig. 1 dargestellten, jeweils manuell - M - oder drahtlos - F - Signaleingabe-identifizierenden Signale I einer externen Anzeigeeinheit 15 mit Display 16 oder mit synthetischer Sprachausgabe (nicht dargestellt), so beispielsweise einem Labtop, einem Computer oder einer Fernsteuereinheit zugeführt. Bei Auftreten des jeweiligen IdentifikationsSignals I entsprechend einer manuellen Eingabe M oder einer Ferneingabe F, wird an der Einheit 15 beispielsweise folgender Text angezeigt oder gesprochen:

  • "Selektionieren Sie bitte das für Programmumschaltung NORMALUMGEBUNG/KONZERTSAAL erwünschte Quittierungssignal. Seine maximal zulässige Länge ist 5 Sekunden."
In the selection mode for the acknowledgment sequences on the output side of the codec unit 7 are already in Fig. 1 represented, each manual M or wireless F signal input identifying signals I an external display unit 15 with display 16 or synthetic speech output (not shown), such as a labtop, a computer or a remote control unit supplied. Upon occurrence of the respective identification signal I corresponding to a manual input M or a remote input F, the following text is displayed or spoken on the unit 15:
  • "Please select the acknowledgment signal that is required for program changeover NORMAL ENVIRONMENT / CONCEPTUAL TIME.The maximum permissible length is 5 seconds."

Wird der Menu-Steuerungstext gesprochen, so ist es, gerade bei Benutzung eines Hörhilfegerätes, gerade eines therapeutischen, angezeigt, diesen, wie in Fig. 2 bei AT gestrichelt dargestellt, dem Wandler 5 zuzuführen.If the menu control text is spoken, it is, especially when using a hearing aid, just a therapeutic, displayed this, as in Fig. 2 shown dashed at AT to supply the converter 5.

Daraufhin schaltet der Benutzer eine beliebige Audiosignalquelle, wie beispielsweise einen Tonträger 17 oder eine Internet-Seite auf, und es wird während der vorgegebenen Zeitlänge von beispielsweise 5 Sekunden die vom Benutzer an der Quelle ausgewählte Sequenz in Form elektrischer Signale E17 der Generatoreinheit 9a zugespiesen und dort, dem spezifischen Identifikationssignal I zugeordnet, abgelegt. Hierzu ist das Identifikationssignal I über die erwähnte Anzeigeeinheit 15 auf die Generatoreinheit 9 geschlauft. In der Generatoreinheit 9a wird mithin bei dieser Ausführung das der gewählten Tonsequenz entsprechende Signal E17 bevorzugterweise, aber nicht zwingend, in digitaler Form abgespeichert.Thereafter, the user switches on any audio signal source, such as a sound carrier 17 or an Internet page, and it is supplied during the predetermined time length of, for example, 5 seconds selected by the user at the source sequence in the form of electrical signals E 17 of the generator unit 9 a and stored there, the specific identification signal I stored. For this purpose, the identification signal I is looped via the aforementioned display unit 15 to the generator unit 9. In the generator unit 9a that the selected tone sequence is therefore in this embodiment corresponding signal E 17 preferably, but not necessarily, stored in digital form.

Auf diese Art und Weise werden vom Benutzer für diejenigen manuell oder über Fernsteuerung eingegebenen Signale, entsprechend M bzw. F, für welche benutzerdefinierte Quittierungssignale Q überhaupt erwünscht sind, die ausgewählten Audiosequenzen mit den zugeordneten, diese auslösenden Signalen I an der Generatoreinheit 9 abgespeichert.In this manner, the user selects the selected audio signals with the associated triggering signals I at the generator unit 9 for those signals which are input manually or via remote control, corresponding to M or F, for which user-defined acknowledgment signals Q are at all desirable.

Im Betrieb des Hörhilfegerätes wird die Anzeigeeinheit 15, falls es sich nicht um eine am Fernsteuerungssystem integrierte Einheit handelt, entfernt und, wie bei I' dargestellt, die Wirkverbindung zwischen Codec-Einheit 7 und Generatoreinheit 9 erstellt.In operation of the hearing aid, the display unit 15, if it is not a unit integrated with the remote control system, removed and, as shown at I ', the operative connection between codec unit 7 and generator unit 9 created.

Gegebenenfalls kann aber auch vorgesehen sein, dass die ausgewählte Audiosequenz, entsprechend E17, gar nicht an der Generatoreinheit 9 abgespeichert wird, sondern dass dort lediglich Auffind-Daten A17 der jeweiligen Sequenz auf einem Tonträger registriert werden, dem jeweiligen Signal I zugeordnet. In diesem Fall wird im Betrieb, bei auf dem Individuum getragenem Wiedergabegerät mit dem Tonträger 17, bei Auftreten eines Identifikationssignals I, die Generatoreinheit 9, wie gestrichelt bei L dargestellt, das Wiedergabegerät zur Abspielung der an der Generatoreinheit 9 definierten Audiosequenzen ansteuern. Erst dann wird über Generatoreinheit 9 oder gegebenenfalls direkt das Signal E17 der Wandlereinheit 5 zugespiesen.Optionally, however, it can also be provided that the selected audio sequence, according to E 17 , is not stored at all on the generator unit 9, but rather that only find data A 17 of the respective sequence are registered on a sound carrier, assigned to the respective signal I. In this case, in operation, when carrying on the individual reproducing apparatus with the sound carrier 17, upon the occurrence of an identification signal I, the generator unit 9, as shown by dashed lines at L, the playback device to play the audio units defined at the generator unit 9 drive. Only then is the generator unit 9 or possibly directly the signal E 17 of the converter unit 5 fed.

Die mit "∼" in Fig. 2 markierten Signalpfade können auf drahtloser Übermittlung basieren. So kann im Auswahlmodus das Signal I drahtlos an die Anzeigeeinheit 16 übertragen werden, beispielsweise als Infrarotsignal oder als Funksignal über die kurze Strecke. Ebenso kann die Generatoreinheit 9a vom eigentlichen Hörhilfegerät 1, 3, 5, 7 abgesetzt realisiert werden. Das Quittierungssignal Q wird dann von der abgesetzten Generatoreinheit 9a drahtlos an den Eingang der Wandlereinheit 5 übermittelt. Ebenso wird vom Ausgang der Codec-Einheit 7 das jeweilige eine Audiosequenz abrufende Signal I vorzugsweise drahtlos an die Generatoreinheit 9 übertragen. Selbstverständlich sind in diesem Fall entsprechend den gewählten drahtlosen Übertragungstechniken an den Einheiten 7, 9a, 15, 17 eingangsseitig der Wandlereinheit 5 (nicht dargestellt) Sende- bzw. Empfängereinheiten vorgesehen. Sollen im weiteren, wie bereits anhand von Fig. 1 erläutert wurde, vom spezifischen Hörhilfegerät 1, 3, 5 registrierte Zustände, entsprechend den Signalen Z, Quittierungssignale Q auslösen, so werden im Auswahlmenu für die entsprechenden Audiosequenzen die Signale Z, die auftreten können, simuliert und, wie beschrieben wurde, den jeweiligen Audiosequenzen zugeordnet. Eine solche Simulation kann beispielsweise durch Tastendruck am Hörhilfegerät, wie mit SimZ in Fig. 2 dargestellt, ausgelöst werden.The with "~" in Fig. 2 Marked signal paths may be based on wireless transmission. Thus, in the selection mode, the signal I can be transmitted wirelessly to the display unit 16, for example as an infrared signal or as a radio signal over the short distance. Likewise, the generator unit 9a can be implemented offset from the actual hearing aid 1, 3, 5, 7. The acknowledgment signal Q is then transmitted wirelessly from the remote generator unit 9a to the input of the converter unit 5. Likewise, from the output of the codec unit 7, the respective signal I recalling an audio sequence is preferably transmitted to the generator unit 9 wirelessly. Of course, in this case according to the selected wireless transmission techniques to the units 7, 9a, 15, 17 on the input side of the converter unit 5 (not shown) transmitting or receiving units provided. Should in the further, as already on the basis of Fig. 1 has been explained by the specific hearing aid 1, 3, 5 registered states, accordingly trigger the signals Z, acknowledgment signals Q, the signals Z, which can occur, are simulated in the selection menu for the corresponding audio sequences and, as has been described, assigned to the respective audio sequences. Such a simulation can, for example, by pressing a button on the hearing aid, as with SimZ in Fig. 2 shown, are triggered.

Auch wenn an der Generatoreinheit 9 lediglich Auffind-Daten A17, den Signalen I zugeordnet, abgespeichert werden, welche dann praktisch online von einem Tonträger 17 definierte Audiosequenzen abrufen, wird an der Generatoreinheit 9a doch im Sinne eines Lese/Schreibespeichers eine RAM-Datenabspeicherung in einem entsprechenden Speicher vorgenommen, woran die erwähnten Auffind-Daten vom Benutzer jederzeit geändert werden können, um andere Audiosequenzen den jeweiligen Steuersignalen I als Quittierungssignale Q zuzuordnen.Even if at the generator unit 9 only find-data A 17 , the signals I are stored, which then practically call online from a sound carrier 17 defined audio sequences, at the generator unit 9a but in the sense of a read / write memory, a RAM data storage in a corresponding memory made, whereupon the mentioned discovery data can be changed by the user at any time to assign other audio sequences to the respective control signals I as acknowledgment signals Q.

In Fig. 3 ist eine weitere bevorzugte Ausführungsform eines erfindungsgemässen Hörhilfesystems dargestellt, welches voll integriert ist. Die Generatoreinheit 9b ist dabei Teil des eigentlichen Hörhilfegerätes, woran die jeweils erwünschten Quittierungssignale-Audiosequenzen bzw, ihre benutzerauswechselbaren Speicher, wie beispielsweise Chips 20, gewählt werden. Bevorzugterweise wird dabei eine Auswahl verschiedener Quittierungssignale auf Speichern 20 zur Verfügung gestellt, mittels welcher sich der Benutzer die ihm zusagende Stilrichtung oder Klangstruktur auswählen kann. Durch Auswechseln der Speicher 20, welche dann bevorzugt als Nur-Lesespeicher ROM ausgebildet sind, wählt der Benutzer jeweils aus, welche Quittierungssignale er für die zugeordneten Schaltsignale M, F oder Z hören will.In Fig. 3 a further preferred embodiment of an inventive hearing aid system is shown, which is fully integrated. The generator unit 9b is part of the actual hearing aid device, to which the respective desired acknowledgment signal audio sequences or their user-replaceable memory, such as chips 20, are selected. Preferably, a selection of different acknowledgment signals is made available on memories 20, by means of which the user can select the style or sound structure that suits him. By replacing the memory 20, which are then preferably designed as a read-only memory ROM, the user selects each of which acknowledgment signals he wants to hear for the associated switching signals M, F or Z.

Mit der vorliegenden Erfindung wird es für Benutzer therapeutischer Hörhilfegeräte möglich, von trockenen, mehr technischen Quittierungssignal, wie den bekannten Beep-Signalen, abzukommen und jeweils ihre persönlichen Quittierungssignale zu wählen. Es ist ohne weiteres möglich, beispielsweise bei Vorgehen nach Fig. 3, z.B. für Jugendliche, die Speicher 20 untereinander auszutauschen oder auch, wird bei der Realisation nach Fig. 2 zwischen den Generatoreinheiten 9a verschiedener Hörhilfesysteme eine vorzugsweise drahtlose Schnittstelle geschaffen, wie über Infrarot, eine Generatoreinheit 9 mit den Audiosequenzen eines anderen Hörhilfesystems zu "synchronisieren", wie dies in Fig. 2 mit IR angedeutet ist.With the present invention, it becomes possible for users of therapeutic hearing aids to deviate from dry, more technical acknowledgment signals, such as the known beep signals, and to select their personal acknowledgment signals in each case. It is easily possible, for example, when proceeding to Fig. 3 , eg for young people, the memory 20 to exchange with each other or even, is in the realization of Fig. 2 between the generator units 9a of different hearing aid systems, a preferably wireless interface is created, such as via infrared, to "synchronize" a generator unit 9 with the audio sequences of another hearing aid system, as described in US Pat Fig. 2 with I R is indicated.

Claims (13)

  1. Method for communication between a therapeutic hearing aid and an individual, in which time-limited electrical audio announcement signals (Q) are fed to an electromechanical output transducer (5) of the hearing aid in addition to signals that are a function of acoustic or electrical audio signals fed to the hearing aid on the input side (1), characterized in that at least part of the time-limited audio announcement signals (Q) are user-defined, wherein the audio announcement signals (Q) can be freely chosen and changed as desired by an individual using the hearing device.
  2. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that the time-limited electrical audio announcement signals are produced as acknowledgment signals (Q) to control signals (M, F, Z) on or to the hearing aid.
  3. Method according to one of the claims 1 or 2, characterized in that at least a part of the time-limited audio announcement signals (Q)
    - are stored on user-changeable, preferably read-only memory elements (20) for the hearing aid, and/or
    - are stored user-defined in a memory unit (9a, 11b), which is built into (9a) the hearing aid or is or can be brought into a, preferably wireless operative connection with the hearing aid, and/or that
    - user-defined location information for the mentioned audio announcement signals (Q) is stored in the hearing aid on an audio signal carrier and the audio announcement signals (Q) are retrieved selectively from the carrier by means of this information.
  4. Method according to one of the claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the electromechanical output transducer is a loudspeaker and at least a part of the time-limited electrical audio announcement signals (Q) are produced such that the results of the conversion are audible by an individual at a distance.
  5. Method according to one of the claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the user definition of the time-limited electrical audio announcement signals (Q) occurs menu-driven, preferably via a communication unit (15) that is operatively connectable, preferably wirelessly operatively connectable with the hearing aid.
  6. Method according to claim 5, characterized in that the communication unit controls the menu via a visual display and/or voice control, preferably by feeding voice signals to the hearing aid.
  7. Hearing aid system with at least one therapeutic hearing aid, comprising:
    - a signal processing unit (3), which is operatively connected on the output side with
    - an electromechanical transducer (5),
    - an audio signal generator unit, whose output is additionally operatively connected with the input of the electromechanical transducer (5),
    characterized in that the audio signal generator unit (9, 9a, 9b) has a user-changeable memory (20, 11a) and/or a user-writable read/write memory (9a), and when triggered remains activated during a preset period of time.
  8. System according to claim 7, characterized in that the audio signal generator unit (9, 9a, 9b) has an addressing input (I) for the memory (20, 9a), which is operatively connected with control signal producing organs (7, 3) in the hearing aid.
  9. System according to claim 8, characterized in that the producing organs comprise manually activatable switching organs (M) on the hearing aid and/or organs which are operatively connected with a remote control input of the hearing aid and/or the signal processing unit (3).
  10. System according to one of the claims 7 to 9, characterized in that the read/write memory is designed for user-defined storage of audio signal sequences of a predetermined length or in that the write input of the read/write memory is operatively connectable or operatively connected with an audio signal source.
  11. System according to claim 10, characterized in that the audio signal source is an audio player or a unit with an Internet connection.
  12. System according to one of the claims 7 to 11, characterized in that it comprises a display unit for visual and/or voice-controlled menu control, which on the one hand is operatively connected or operatively connectable with the control signal producing organs of the hearing aid and with the audio signal generator unit on the other hand.
  13. System according to claim 12, characterized in that the display unit is designed for voice control of menus and on the output side is operatively connected with the input of the electromechanical transducer of the hearing aid.
EP01900363A 2001-01-23 2001-01-23 Communication method and a hearing aid system Expired - Lifetime EP1354497B2 (en)

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Citations (4)

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE4206084C1 (en) † 1992-02-27 1992-12-03 Siemens Ag, 8000 Muenchen, De Hearing aid with acoustic indication of selected setting - has tone generator providing signals indicative of electronically set parameter, adjusted by manual switch
DE4217629A1 (en) † 1992-05-27 1993-12-02 Siemens Audiologische Technik Hearing aid with variable signal transmission characteristics
WO1997014267A1 (en) † 1995-10-12 1997-04-17 Audiologic, Inc. Hearing aid with in situ testing capability
WO1998019480A2 (en) † 1996-10-29 1998-05-07 Ericsson Inc. Method and apparatus for downloading tones to mobile terminals

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JP2638563B2 (en) * 1995-05-16 1997-08-06 日本電気株式会社 History-keeping hearing aid
JP2001508667A (en) * 1995-06-28 2001-07-03 コクリア・リミテッド Apparatus and method for controlling a voice processing device, and voice processing control device for inputting personal data to the voice processing device
JP2000307729A (en) * 1999-04-23 2000-11-02 Nec Corp Mobile communication system and its response guidance selection method

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DE4206084C1 (en) † 1992-02-27 1992-12-03 Siemens Ag, 8000 Muenchen, De Hearing aid with acoustic indication of selected setting - has tone generator providing signals indicative of electronically set parameter, adjusted by manual switch
DE4217629A1 (en) † 1992-05-27 1993-12-02 Siemens Audiologische Technik Hearing aid with variable signal transmission characteristics
WO1997014267A1 (en) † 1995-10-12 1997-04-17 Audiologic, Inc. Hearing aid with in situ testing capability
WO1998019480A2 (en) † 1996-10-29 1998-05-07 Ericsson Inc. Method and apparatus for downloading tones to mobile terminals

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CA2435361C (en) 2010-04-13
EP1354497B1 (en) 2009-11-18
DE50115231D1 (en) 2009-12-31
EP1354497A2 (en) 2003-10-22
JP2004523136A (en) 2004-07-29
DK1354497T4 (en) 2012-11-12
CA2435361A1 (en) 2001-05-03

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