EP1382220A2 - Method for controlling a hearing aid - Google Patents

Method for controlling a hearing aid

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Publication number
EP1382220A2
EP1382220A2 EP02724031A EP02724031A EP1382220A2 EP 1382220 A2 EP1382220 A2 EP 1382220A2 EP 02724031 A EP02724031 A EP 02724031A EP 02724031 A EP02724031 A EP 02724031A EP 1382220 A2 EP1382220 A2 EP 1382220A2
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
control unit
hearing aid
hearing
user
communication interface
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Granted
Application number
EP02724031A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP1382220B1 (en
Inventor
Zlatan Ribic
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Ribic GmbH
Original Assignee
Ribic GmbH
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Family has litigation
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Application filed by Ribic GmbH filed Critical Ribic GmbH
Priority to DK02724031T priority Critical patent/DK1382220T3/en
Priority to AT02724031T priority patent/ATE297647T1/en
Publication of EP1382220A2 publication Critical patent/EP1382220A2/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP1382220B1 publication Critical patent/EP1382220B1/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Revoked legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04R—LOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; DEAF-AID SETS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS
    • H04R25/00—Deaf-aid sets, i.e. electro-acoustic or electro-mechanical hearing aids; Electric tinnitus maskers providing an auditory perception
    • H04R25/55—Deaf-aid sets, i.e. electro-acoustic or electro-mechanical hearing aids; Electric tinnitus maskers providing an auditory perception using an external connection, either wireless or wired
    • H04R25/558—Remote control, e.g. of amplification, frequency
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04R—LOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; DEAF-AID SETS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS
    • H04R25/00—Deaf-aid sets, i.e. electro-acoustic or electro-mechanical hearing aids; Electric tinnitus maskers providing an auditory perception
    • H04R25/50—Customised settings for obtaining desired overall acoustical characteristics
    • H04R25/505—Customised settings for obtaining desired overall acoustical characteristics using digital signal processing
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04R—LOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; DEAF-AID SETS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS
    • H04R25/00—Deaf-aid sets, i.e. electro-acoustic or electro-mechanical hearing aids; Electric tinnitus maskers providing an auditory perception
    • H04R25/55—Deaf-aid sets, i.e. electro-acoustic or electro-mechanical hearing aids; Electric tinnitus maskers providing an auditory perception using an external connection, either wireless or wired
    • H04R25/552—Binaural

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a method for controlling a hearing device via a control unit which is connected to the hearing device, which records acoustic signals via a microphone, amplifies them and outputs them via a loudspeaker, digital signal processing being carried out in the hearing device according to a predetermined algorithm. and wherein data about the acoustic environment are generated in the hearing aid and forwarded to a control unit via a communication interface, as well as a communication system with a hearing aid and a control unit.
  • Hearing aids have been significantly improved in recent years with the introduction of digital signal processing. However, the difficulty remains of adapting the hearing aid to different environmental situations. Another problem is to enable the wearer of a hearing aid to make optimum use of telephone devices or the like. Another existing problem is that the wearers of hearing aids are still stigmatized, and thus many people with less hearing loss do not wear hearing aids or only wear them temporarily.
  • a communication system is known from US Pat. No. 5,721,783, in which a device is inserted in the ear of a person, which device comprises a microphone, a communication interface and a loudspeaker. This device is connected to an external unit via this communication interface, in which signal processing is carried out. This means that the signal picked up by the microphone is sent to the external unit, processed there and transmitted back to the device worn in the ear in order to be output acoustically via the loudspeaker.
  • a mobile phone can also be included in the external unit.
  • the disadvantage of such a device is that it only functions as a hearing aid if there is a correct connection between the device in the ear and the external device. Considerable effort is required to ensure this permanent connection.
  • WO 00/60834 A shows a system in which a hearing aid is connected to a mobile phone via an adapter. This makes it easier for the wearer of the hearing aid to use a mobile phone, provided that it has a corresponding connection. However, the function of the hearing aid remains unchanged. Furthermore, a hearing device is known from WO 98/16086 A which can be remotely serviced via an acoustic coupler. An automatic adaptation to different situations is not possible with such a device.
  • the object of the present invention is to develop such a method and a communication system consisting of one or two hearing aids and a control unit so that an optimal adaptation of the signal processing to the different situations and to the specific hearing loss is possible.
  • the hearing aid has the following components:
  • an amplifier which is designed to carry out digital signal processing according to a predetermined algorithm
  • control unit still consists of:
  • a module for analyzing data about the acoustic environment and for calculating an optimal algorithm for signal processing.
  • the advantage of the solution according to the invention is that the hearing aid as such works autonomously per se and can also provide basic care without contact with the control unit. In normal operation, however, this contact with the control unit will be maintained, so that the advantages according to the invention come into play.
  • the hearing aid transmits data about the respective acoustic situation to the control device and the relatively complex optimization of the signal processing is carried out in the control device. Such an optimization can generally not always take place directly in the hearing aid (eg binaural signal processing when a stereo signal is assessed or similar.
  • Data is subsequently returned from the control device to the hearing aid in order to select the appropriate algorithm for signal processing or to set appropriate parameters.
  • the data transmitted from the hearing aid to the control unit can be extracted data, such as average levels at different frequencies. However, it can also be the audio signal itself. It is essential that signal processing is strengthened in the hearing aid itself.
  • control unit is designed to communicate via the mobile phone with a central computer system in order to renew the programs of the module for analyzing data or performing the audiometry.
  • the program in the control unit can always be updated and calculations can be carried out which, for reasons of capacity, cannot be carried out in the control unit.
  • the communication between the hearing aid and the control unit is particularly favorably carried out according to the Bluetooth standard, since the components required for this are available at low cost.
  • the use of the communication system according to the invention is facilitated in particular by the fact that the hearing aid is preferably integrated in a headset of a mobile telephone.
  • control unit itself, or supported by the central computer via the communication line (e.g. also via the Internet), is designed to carry out automatic audiometry.
  • the person to be examined is presented with various signals which the person has to register and evaluate.
  • the present invention relates to a method for controlling a hearing device via a control unit which is connected to the hearing device, which records acoustic signals via a microphone, amplifies them and outputs them via a loudspeaker, digital signal processing being carried out in the hearing device according to a predetermined algorithm is, and wherein data about the acoustic environment are generated in the hearing aid and forwarded to a control unit via a communication interface.
  • the data are analyzed in the control unit and an optimal algorithm is calculated, which is transmitted to the hearing aid via the communication interface.
  • Communication between the hearing device and the control unit can basically be done via a cable, but preferably wireless communication is used.
  • control unit communicates with a central computer system in order to renew the calculation programs or to load the audiometry programs.
  • the hearing aid is preferably adapted to a specific hearing loss of a user via the control unit itself or supported by a central computer.
  • the control device carries out an audiometric examination of the user, a so-called audiometry, via the hearing device.
  • This examination can be carried out in two steps. In a first step, the person to be examined is offered acoustic test patterns, which they have to evaluate. This procedure is simplified if the feedback from the user to be examined is given by voice input. Alternatively, this feedback can also be done via a keyboard or a touchscreen.
  • Known algorithms such as NAL, NAL-R, NAL-NL1, Vz, Berger or the like can be used to carry out the audiometry, but also newly developed, hearing aid-specific algorithms.
  • a fine adjustment can be carried out, taking into account the specific surrounding situation, such as one's own voice, music, street noise, party or the like. This step can be carried out again and again to ensure a current adjustment.
  • a particular simplification of the operation can be achieved in that instructions for the user to be examined are output by voice output via the hearing aid. Alternatively, it is possible that instructions for the user to be examined are output on a display on the control unit. These properties make it easy to perform audiometry without the help of a specialist, which significantly reduces the effort. Various audiological tests such as threshold audiometry, MCL and UCL, balance test and the like can be carried out. Like. Be used.
  • the invention is explained in more detail below on the basis of the exemplary embodiment shown in the figure.
  • the figure shows schematically a circuit diagram of a solution according to the invention.
  • two hearing aids each of which is equipped with a microphone 2a, 2b and a loudspeaker 3a, 3b.
  • An amplifier 4a, 4b which can carry out digital signal processing, and a transmitter / receiver 5a, 5b with a communication interface in the form of a Bluetooth interface 6a, 6b are arranged in the interior of the hearing aids 1a, 1b.
  • the hearing aids la, lb communicate with a control unit 7, in which a processor 8 for performing signal analyzes, calculating optimal signal processing algorithms and performing audiometric examinations with or without the support of a central computer 13 (or Internet sites), which via a Bluetooth interface 9 is connected to the hearing aids la, lb.
  • a cell phone 10 is integrated in the control unit 7, with which communication via a corresponding network is possible. This integration can take place in such a way that the control unit 7 is accommodated in the housing of a conventional mobile telephone.
  • a display is designated 11 and a keyboard 12.
  • the mobile phone can be used in a conventional manner by using the built-in microphone (s) and the loudspeaker (s), in which case the control unit controls the hearing aids in such a way that they are optimally adjusted to the situation.
  • the hearing aid that is assigned to the ear that is not used for the telephone can be switched to low amplification in order to create optimal conditions.
  • the mobile telephone preferably communicates with the user via the Bluetooth connection and the hearing aid itself, in particular if the hearing aid is designed as part of a so-called headset which has a microphone assigned to the user.
  • the hearing aids can be operated in such a way that they are normally not active and are only activated to support calls or in special situations.

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for controlling a hearing aid (1a, 1b) using a control unit (7), which is linked to the hearing aid (1a, 1b). The latter receives acoustic signals via a microphone (2a, 2b), amplifies said signals and outputs them by means of a loudspeaker (3a, 3b). In said hearing aid (1a, 1b) digital signals are processed according to a predetermined algorithm and data concerning the acoustic environment is created and forwarded to a control unit (7) via a communication interface (6a, 6b). To improve the quality and ease of operation, the data in the control unit (7) is analysed and an optimal algorithm is calculated, which is transmitted to the hearing aid (1a, 1b) via the communication interface (9).

Description

Verfahren zur Steuerung eines HörgerätesMethod for controlling a hearing aid
Die Erfindung betrifft ein Verfahren zur Steuerung eines Hörgeräts über eine Steuereinheit, die mit dem Hörgerät in Verbindung ist, das akustische Signale über ein Mikrofon aufnimmt, verstärkt und über einen Lautsprecher ausgibt, wobei in dem Hörgerät eine digitale Signalbearbeitung nach einem vorbestimmten Algorithmus durchgeführt wird, und wobei in dem Hörgerät Daten über die akustische Umgebung erzeugt werden und über eine Kommunikationsschnittstelle an eine Steuereinheit weitergeleitet werden, sowie ein Kommunikationssystem mit einem Hörgerät und einer Steuereinheit.The invention relates to a method for controlling a hearing device via a control unit which is connected to the hearing device, which records acoustic signals via a microphone, amplifies them and outputs them via a loudspeaker, digital signal processing being carried out in the hearing device according to a predetermined algorithm. and wherein data about the acoustic environment are generated in the hearing aid and forwarded to a control unit via a communication interface, as well as a communication system with a hearing aid and a control unit.
Hörgeräte sind durch die Einführung von digitaler Signalbearbeitung in den letzten Jahren wesentlich verbessert worden. Es bleibt jedoch nach wie vor die Schwierigkeit bestehen, das Hörgerät an verschiedene Umweltsituationen anzupassen. Ein weiteres Problem besteht darin, für den Träger eines Hörgeräts eine optimale Benutzung von Telefongeräten oder dergleichen zu ermöglichen. Ein weiteres bestehendes Problem ist, dass die Träger von Hörgeräten nach wie vor stigmatisiert sind und somit viele Personen mit geringeren Hörverlusten Hörgeräte nicht oder nur zeitweise tragen.Hearing aids have been significantly improved in recent years with the introduction of digital signal processing. However, the difficulty remains of adapting the hearing aid to different environmental situations. Another problem is to enable the wearer of a hearing aid to make optimum use of telephone devices or the like. Another existing problem is that the wearers of hearing aids are still stigmatized, and thus many people with less hearing loss do not wear hearing aids or only wear them temporarily.
Aus der US 5,721,783 ist ein Kommunikationssystem bekannt, bei dem im Ohr einer Person eine Vorrichtung eingesetzt ist, die ein Mikrofon, eine Kommunikationsschnittstelle und einen Lautsprecher umfasst. Über diese Kommunikationsschnittstelle steht dieses Gerät mit einer externen Einheit in Verbindung, in der eine Signalbearbeitung durchgeführt wird. Dies bedeutet, dass das vom Mikrofon aufgenommene Signal an die externe Einheit gesendet wird, dort bearbeitet wird und wieder an das im Ohr getragene Gerät zurückübermittelt wird, um über den Lautsprecher akustisch ausgegeben zu werden. In der externen Einheit kann auch ein Mobiltelefon enthalten sein. Der Nachteil eines solchen Gerätes ist, dass eine Funktion als Hörgerät nur dann gegeben ist, wenn eine korrekte Verbindung zwischen dem Gerät im Ohr und dem externen Gerät vorhanden ist. Zur Sicherstellung dieser permanenten Verbindung ist ein erheblicher Aufwand notwendig.A communication system is known from US Pat. No. 5,721,783, in which a device is inserted in the ear of a person, which device comprises a microphone, a communication interface and a loudspeaker. This device is connected to an external unit via this communication interface, in which signal processing is carried out. This means that the signal picked up by the microphone is sent to the external unit, processed there and transmitted back to the device worn in the ear in order to be output acoustically via the loudspeaker. A mobile phone can also be included in the external unit. The disadvantage of such a device is that it only functions as a hearing aid if there is a correct connection between the device in the ear and the external device. Considerable effort is required to ensure this permanent connection.
Die WO 00/60834 A zeigt ein System, bei dem ein Hörgerät über einen Adapter mit einem Mobiltelefon verbunden ist. Damit wird es dem Träger des Hörgerätes in verbesserter Weise möglich, ein Mobiltelefon zu benutzen, sofern dieses einen entsprechenden Anschluss hat. Die Funktion des Hörgerätes bleibt jedoch im Übrigen unverändert. Weiters ist aus der WO 98/16086 A ein Hörgerät bekannt, das über einen Akus- tikkoppler ferngewartet werden kann. Eine automatische Anpassung an verschiedene Situationen ist mit einem solchen Gerät nicht möglich.WO 00/60834 A shows a system in which a hearing aid is connected to a mobile phone via an adapter. This makes it easier for the wearer of the hearing aid to use a mobile phone, provided that it has a corresponding connection. However, the function of the hearing aid remains unchanged. Furthermore, a hearing device is known from WO 98/16086 A which can be remotely serviced via an acoustic coupler. An automatic adaptation to different situations is not possible with such a device.
Darüber hinaus sind verschiedene Fernsteuerungen oder Programmiergeräte für Hörgeräte bekannt, wie etwa aus der EP 0 814 634 A. Auch hier ist eine automatische Anpassung einer Signalbearbeitung nicht möglich.In addition, various remote controls or programming devices for hearing aids are known, such as from EP 0 814 634 A. Here, too, automatic adaptation of signal processing is not possible.
Aufgabe der vorliegenden Erfindung ist es, ein solches Verfahren und ein Kommunikationssystem bestehend aus einem oder zwei Hörgeräten und einer Steuereinheit so weiterzubilden, dass eine optimale Anpassung der Signalbearbeitung an die verschiedenen Situationen und an den spezifischen Hörverlust möglich ist.The object of the present invention is to develop such a method and a communication system consisting of one or two hearing aids and a control unit so that an optimal adaptation of the signal processing to the different situations and to the specific hearing loss is possible.
Erfindungsgemäß wird dies dadurch erreicht, dass die Daten in der Steuereinheit analysiert werden und ein optimaler Algorithmus berechnet wird, der über die Kommunikationsschnittstelle an das Hörgerät übermittelt wird. Dabei ist vorgesehen, dass das Hörgerät folgende Bauteile aufweist:According to the invention, this is achieved by analyzing the data in the control unit and calculating an optimal algorithm which is transmitted to the hearing aid via the communication interface. It is provided that the hearing aid has the following components:
- ein Mikrofon;- a microphone;
- einen Verstärker, der dazu ausgebildet ist, eine digitale Signalbearbeitung nach einem vorbestimmten Algorithmus durchzuführen;an amplifier which is designed to carry out digital signal processing according to a predetermined algorithm;
- einen Lautsprecher;- a loudspeaker;
- eine Kommunikationsschnittstelle zur bidirektionalen Übertragung von Daten;- A communication interface for bidirectional transmission of data;
und dass das Steuergerät weiterhin besteht aus:and that the control unit still consists of:
- einer Eingabeeinrichtung;- an input device;
- einem Mobiltelefon;- a mobile phone;
- einer Kommunikationsschnittstelle zur bidirektionalen Übertragung von Daten;- a communication interface for bidirectional transmission of data;
- einem Modul zur Analyse von Daten über die akustische Umgebung und zur Berechnung eines optimalen Algorithmus zur Signalbearbeitung.- A module for analyzing data about the acoustic environment and for calculating an optimal algorithm for signal processing.
Der Vorteil der erfindungsgemäßen Lösung besteht darin, dass das Hörgerät als solches an sich autonom arbeitet und auch ohne Kontakt zu der Steuereinheit eine Basisversorgung darstellen kann. Im Normalbetrieb wird dieser Kontakt zur Steuereinheit jedoch aufrecht sein, so dass die erfindungsgemäßen Vorteile zum Tragen kommen. Diese bestehen darin, dass das Hörgerät Daten über die jeweilige akustische Situation an das Steuergerät übermittelt und in dem Steuergerät die relativ aufwendige Optimierung der Signalbearbeitung durchgeführt wird. Eine solche Optimierung kann im Allgemeinen nicht immer direkt im Hörgerät erfolgen (z.B. binaurale Signalbearbeitung, wenn ein Stereosignal beurteilt wird oder ähnlich. Vom Steuergerät werden in der Folge Daten an das Hörgerät zurückgegeben, um den entsprechenden Algorithmus für die Signalbearbeitung auszuwählen, beziehungsweise entsprechende Parameter einzustellen. Die Daten, die vom Hörgerät an die Steuereinheit übermittelt werden, können extrahierte Daten sein, wie beispielsweise Durchschnittspegel bei verschiedenen Frequenzen. Es kann sich jedoch dabei auch um das Audiosignal selbst handeln. Wesentlich ist, dass die Stärkung einer Signalbearbeitung im Hörgerät selbst durchgeführt wird.The advantage of the solution according to the invention is that the hearing aid as such works autonomously per se and can also provide basic care without contact with the control unit. In normal operation, however, this contact with the control unit will be maintained, so that the advantages according to the invention come into play. These consist in the fact that the hearing aid transmits data about the respective acoustic situation to the control device and the relatively complex optimization of the signal processing is carried out in the control device. Such an optimization can generally not always take place directly in the hearing aid (eg binaural signal processing when a stereo signal is assessed or similar. Data is subsequently returned from the control device to the hearing aid in order to select the appropriate algorithm for signal processing or to set appropriate parameters. The data transmitted from the hearing aid to the control unit can be extracted data, such as average levels at different frequencies. However, it can also be the audio signal itself. It is essential that signal processing is strengthened in the hearing aid itself.
In einer besonders bevorzugten Ausführungsvariante der Erfindung ist vorgesehen, dass die Steuereinheit dazu ausgebildet ist, über das Mobiltelefon mit einem zentralen Computersystem zu kommunizieren, um die Programme des Moduls zur Analyse von Daten oder die Durchführung der Audiometrie zu erneuern. Auf diese Weise kann das Programm in der Steuereinheit stets auf den neuesten Stand gebracht werden und es können Berechnungen durchgeführt werden, die aus Kapazitätsgründen in der Steuereinheit nicht durchgeführt werden können.In a particularly preferred embodiment variant of the invention, it is provided that the control unit is designed to communicate via the mobile phone with a central computer system in order to renew the programs of the module for analyzing data or performing the audiometry. In this way, the program in the control unit can always be updated and calculations can be carried out which, for reasons of capacity, cannot be carried out in the control unit.
Die Kommunikation zwischen Hörgerät und Steuereinheit wird besonders begünstigt nach dem Bluetooth-Standard durchgeführt, da die dafür benötigten Komponenten kostengünstig erhältlich sind.The communication between the hearing aid and the control unit is particularly favorably carried out according to the Bluetooth standard, since the components required for this are available at low cost.
Die Verwendung des erfindungsgemäßen Kommunikationssystems wird insbesondere dadurch erleichtert, dass vorzugsweise das Hörgerät in ein Headset eines Mobiltelefons integriert ist.The use of the communication system according to the invention is facilitated in particular by the fact that the hearing aid is preferably integrated in a headset of a mobile telephone.
In einer besonders bevorzugten Ausführungsvariante der Erfindung ist vorgesehen, dass die Steuereinheit selbst, oder von Zentralrechner über die Kommunikationsleitung unterstützt (z.B. auch über das Internet), dazu ausgebildet ist, eine automatische Audiometrie durchzuführen. Bei einer solchen Untersuchung werden der zu untersuchenden Person verschiedene Signale vorgespielt, die die Person zu registrieren und zu bewerten hat.In a particularly preferred embodiment variant of the invention, it is provided that the control unit itself, or supported by the central computer via the communication line (e.g. also via the Internet), is designed to carry out automatic audiometry. In the case of such an examination, the person to be examined is presented with various signals which the person has to register and evaluate.
Weiters betrifft die vorliegende Erfindung ein Verfahren zur Steuerung eines Hörgeräts über eine Steuereinheit, die mit dem Hörgerät in Verbindung ist, das akustische Signale über ein Mikrofon aufnimmt, verstärkt und über einen Lautsprecher ausgibt, wobei in dem Hörgerät eine digitale Signalbearbeitung nach einem vorbestimmten Algorithmus durchgeführt wird, und wobei in dem Hörgerät Daten über die akustische Umgebung erzeugt werden und über eine Kommunikationsschnittstelle an eine Steuereinheit weitergeleitet werden. Erfindungsgemäß ist vorgesehen, dass die Daten in der Steuereinheit analysiert werden und ein optimaler Algorithmus berechnet wird, der über die Kommunikationsschnittstelle an das Hörgerät übermittelt wird. Die Kommunikation zwischen dem Hör- gerät und der Steuereinheit kann grundsätzlich über ein Kabel erfolgen, vorzugsweise wird jedoch drahtlos kommuniziert.Furthermore, the present invention relates to a method for controlling a hearing device via a control unit which is connected to the hearing device, which records acoustic signals via a microphone, amplifies them and outputs them via a loudspeaker, digital signal processing being carried out in the hearing device according to a predetermined algorithm is, and wherein data about the acoustic environment are generated in the hearing aid and forwarded to a control unit via a communication interface. According to the invention, the data are analyzed in the control unit and an optimal algorithm is calculated, which is transmitted to the hearing aid via the communication interface. Communication between the hearing device and the control unit can basically be done via a cable, but preferably wireless communication is used.
Eine weitere Vergrößerung der Möglichkeiten kann dadurch erreicht werden, dass die Steuereinheit mit einem zentralen Computersystem kommuniziert, um die Berechnungsprogramme zu erneuern oder die Audiometrieprogramme zu laden.A further increase in the possibilities can be achieved in that the control unit communicates with a central computer system in order to renew the calculation programs or to load the audiometry programs.
Vorzugsweise wird über die Steuereinheit selbst, oder von Zentralrechner unterstützt, eine Anpassung des Hörgeräts an einen spezifischen Hörverlust eines Anwenders durchgeführt. In diesem Zusammenhang ist es besonders bevorzugt, wenn das Steuergerät über das Hörgerät eine audiometrische Untersuchung des Anwenders, eine sogenannte Audiometrie, durchführt. Diese Untersuchung kann in zwei Schritten durchgeführt werden. In einem ersten Schritt werden der zu untersuchenden Person akustische Testmuster angeboten, die diese zu bewerten hat. Diese Prozedur wird vereinfacht, wenn die Rückmeldungen des zu untersuchenden Anwenders durch Spracheingabe erfolgen. Alternativ können diese Rückmeldungen jedoch auch über eine Tastatur oder einen Touchscreen erfolgen. Es können zur Durchführung der Audiometrie bekannte Algorithmen, wie etwa NAL, NAL-R, NAL-NL1, Vz, Berger o. dgl. verwendet werden, aber auch neuentwickelte, hörgerätspezifische Algorithmen. Es können unterschiedliche Algorithmen für die Hörgerät-Funktion und für die Telefon-Kommunikation eingesetzt werden. Diese Untersuchung wird so lange fortgesetzt, bis genügend Daten gesammelt sind, um eine erste Anpassung durchzuführen. Ein wesentlicher Vorteil dieser Vorgangsweise besteht darin, dass die Audiometrie in der natürlichen Umgebung des Anwenders durchgeführt werden kann und das eigene Hörgerät zur Erzeugung der Geräuschmuster verwendet wird. Auf diese Weise können mögliche Fehlerquellen beseitigt werden und hohe Qualitätsstandards erreicht werden.The hearing aid is preferably adapted to a specific hearing loss of a user via the control unit itself or supported by a central computer. In this context, it is particularly preferred if the control device carries out an audiometric examination of the user, a so-called audiometry, via the hearing device. This examination can be carried out in two steps. In a first step, the person to be examined is offered acoustic test patterns, which they have to evaluate. This procedure is simplified if the feedback from the user to be examined is given by voice input. Alternatively, this feedback can also be done via a keyboard or a touchscreen. Known algorithms such as NAL, NAL-R, NAL-NL1, Vz, Berger or the like can be used to carry out the audiometry, but also newly developed, hearing aid-specific algorithms. Different algorithms can be used for the hearing aid function and for telephone communication. This investigation continues until enough data is collected to make an initial adjustment. A major advantage of this procedure is that the audiometry can be carried out in the natural environment of the user and that one's own hearing aid is used to generate the noise pattern. In this way, possible sources of error can be eliminated and high quality standards can be achieved.
In einem zweiten Schritt kann eine Feinanpassung durchgeführt werden, wobei die spezifische Umgebungssituation, wie etwa die eigene Stimme, Musik, Straßenlärm, Party o. dgl. berücksichtigt wird. Dieser Schritt kann immer wieder durchgeführt werden, um eine aktuelle Anpassung zu gewährleisten.In a second step, a fine adjustment can be carried out, taking into account the specific surrounding situation, such as one's own voice, music, street noise, party or the like. This step can be carried out again and again to ensure a current adjustment.
Eine besondere Vereinfachung der Bedienung kann dadurch erreicht werden, dass Anweisungen für den zu untersuchenden Anwender durch Sprachausgabe über das Hörgerät ausgegeben werden. Alternativ dazu ist es möglich, dass Anweisungen für den zu untersuchenden Anwender über ein Display auf der Steuereinheit ausgegeben werden. Durch diese Eigenschaften ist es problemlos möglich eine Audiometrie auch ohne Mithilfe eines Spezialisten durchzuführen, was den Aufwand erheblich verringert. Es können so verschiedene audiologische Tests, wie etwa Schwellenaudiometrie, MCL und UCL, Balance Test u. dgl. verwendet werden. In der Folge wird die Erfindung anhand des in der Fig. dargestellten Ausführungsbeispiels näher erläutert. Die Fig. zeigt schematisch ein Schaltbild einer erfindungsgemäßen Lösung.A particular simplification of the operation can be achieved in that instructions for the user to be examined are output by voice output via the hearing aid. Alternatively, it is possible that instructions for the user to be examined are output on a display on the control unit. These properties make it easy to perform audiometry without the help of a specialist, which significantly reduces the effort. Various audiological tests such as threshold audiometry, MCL and UCL, balance test and the like can be carried out. Like. Be used. The invention is explained in more detail below on the basis of the exemplary embodiment shown in the figure. The figure shows schematically a circuit diagram of a solution according to the invention.
Mit la und lb zwei Hörgeräte bezeichnet die jeweils mit einem Mikrofon 2a, 2b und einem Lautsprecher 3a, 3b ausgestattet sind. Im Inneren der Hörgeräte la, lb ist jeweils ein Verstärker 4a, 4b angeordnet, der eine digitale Signalverarbeitung durchführen kann, sowie ein Sender/Empfänger 5a, 5b mit einer Kommunikations-Schnittstelle in der Form einer Bluetooth-Schnittstelle 6a, 6b. Über diese Schnittstelle kommunizieren die Hörgeräte la, lb mit einer Steuereinheit 7, in der ein Prozessor 8 zur Durchführung von Signalanalysen, Berechnung von optimalen Signalbearbeitungsalgorithmen und zur Durchführung audiometrischer Untersuchungen mit oder ohne Unterstützung von einem Zentralrechner 13 (oder Internet-Sites), der über eine Bluetooth-Schnittstelle 9 mit den Hörgeräten la, lb in Verbindung steht. Weiters ist in der Steuereinheit 7 ein Mobiltelefon 10 integriert, mit dem eine Kommunikation über ein entsprechendes Netz möglich ist. Diese Integration kann dabei in der Weise erfolgen , dass die Steuereinheit 7 in dem Gehäuse eines herkömmlichen Mobiltelefons aufgenommen ist. Ein Display ist mit 11 und eine Tastatur mit 12 bezeichnet.With la and lb two hearing aids, each of which is equipped with a microphone 2a, 2b and a loudspeaker 3a, 3b. An amplifier 4a, 4b, which can carry out digital signal processing, and a transmitter / receiver 5a, 5b with a communication interface in the form of a Bluetooth interface 6a, 6b are arranged in the interior of the hearing aids 1a, 1b. Via this interface, the hearing aids la, lb communicate with a control unit 7, in which a processor 8 for performing signal analyzes, calculating optimal signal processing algorithms and performing audiometric examinations with or without the support of a central computer 13 (or Internet sites), which via a Bluetooth interface 9 is connected to the hearing aids la, lb. Furthermore, a cell phone 10 is integrated in the control unit 7, with which communication via a corresponding network is possible. This integration can take place in such a way that the control unit 7 is accommodated in the housing of a conventional mobile telephone. A display is designated 11 and a keyboard 12.
Das Mobiltelefon kann dabei in herkömmlicher Weise verwendet werden, indem in das Hörgerät eingebaute Mikrofon(e) und der/(die) eingebaute Lautsprecher verwendet werden, wobei in diesem Fall die Steuereinheit die Hörgeräte so steuert, dass diese optimal auf die Situation eingestellt sind. So kann beispielsweise das Hörgerät, das dem nicht für das Telefon verwendeten Ohr zugeordnet ist, auf geringe Verstärkung geschaltet werden, um optimale Bedingungen zu schaffen.The mobile phone can be used in a conventional manner by using the built-in microphone (s) and the loudspeaker (s), in which case the control unit controls the hearing aids in such a way that they are optimally adjusted to the situation. For example, the hearing aid that is assigned to the ear that is not used for the telephone can be switched to low amplification in order to create optimal conditions.
Bevorzugt kommuniziert das Mobiltelefon mit dem Benutzer über die Bluetooth- Verbindung und das Hörgerät selbst, insbesondere dann, wenn das Hörgerät als Teil eines sogenannten Headsets ausgebildet ist, das über ein dem Benutzer zugeordnetes Mikrofon verfügt.The mobile telephone preferably communicates with the user via the Bluetooth connection and the hearing aid itself, in particular if the hearing aid is designed as part of a so-called headset which has a microphone assigned to the user.
Die Hörgeräte können bei geringem Hörverlust so betrieben werden, dass sie im Normalfall nicht aktiv sind und nur zur Unterstützung beim Telefonieren oder in speziellen Situationen aktiviert werden. With minimal hearing loss, the hearing aids can be operated in such a way that they are normally not active and are only activated to support calls or in special situations.

Claims

P A T E N T A N S P R U C H E PATENT CLAIMS
1. Verfahren zur Steuerung eines Hörgeräts (la, lb) über eine Steuereinheit (7), die mit dem Hörgerät (la, lb) in Verbindung ist, das akustische Signale über ein Mikrofon (2a, 2b) aufnimmt, verstärkt und über einen Lautsprecher (3a, 3b) ausgibt, wobei in dem Hörgerät (la, lb) eine digitale Signalbearbeitung nach einem vorbestimmten Algorithmus durchgeführt wird, und wobei in dem Hörgerät (la, lb) Daten über die akustische Umgebung erzeugt werden und über eine Kommunikationsschnittstelle (6a, 6b) an eine Steuereinheit (7) weitergeleitet werden, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Daten in der Steuereinheit (7) analysiert werden und ein optimaler Algorithmus berechnet wird, der über die Kommunikationsschnittstelle (9) an das Hörgerät (la, lb) übermittelt wird.1. A method for controlling a hearing aid (la, lb) via a control unit (7) which is connected to the hearing aid (la, lb), which receives acoustic signals via a microphone (2a, 2b), amplifies and via a loudspeaker (3a, 3b), wherein in the hearing device (la, lb) digital signal processing is carried out according to a predetermined algorithm, and wherein data about the acoustic environment are generated in the hearing device (la, lb) and via a communication interface (6a, 6b) are forwarded to a control unit (7), characterized in that the data in the control unit (7) are analyzed and an optimal algorithm is calculated, which is transmitted to the hearing aid (la, lb) via the communication interface (9).
2. Verfahren nach Anspruch 1, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Steuereinheit (7) mit einem zentralen Computersystem (13) kommuniziert, um die Berechnungs- und/oder Audiometrieprogramme zu erneuern.2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the control unit (7) communicates with a central computer system (13) in order to renew the calculation and / or audiometry programs.
3. Verfahren nach einem der Ansprüche 1 oder 2, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass über die Steuereinheit (7) gegebenenfalls mit Unterstützung von dem zentralen Computersystem (13) eine Anpassung des Hörgeräts (la, lb) an einen spezifischen Hörverlust eines Anwenders durchgeführt wird.3. The method according to any one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the control unit (7), optionally with the support of the central computer system (13), adapts the hearing device (la, lb) to a specific hearing loss of a user.
4. Verfahren nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 3, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass das Steuergerät gegebenenfalls mit Unterstützung von dem zentralen Computersystem (13) über das Hörgerät (la, lb) eine audiometrische Untersuchung des Anwenders durchführt.4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the control device carries out an audiometric examination of the user, if necessary with the support of the central computer system (13) via the hearing device (la, lb).
5. Verfahren nach Anspruch 4, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Rückmeldungen des zu untersuchenden Anwenders durch Spracheingabe erfolgen.5. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that the feedback of the user to be examined takes place by voice input.
6. Verfahren nach einem der Ansprüche 4 oder 5, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass Anweisungen für den zu untersuchenden Anwender durch Sprachausgabe über das Hörgerät (la, lb) ausgegeben werden.6. The method according to any one of claims 4 or 5, characterized in that instructions for the user to be examined are output by voice output via the hearing aid (la, lb).
7. Verfahren nach einem der Ansprüche 4 oder 5, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass Anweisungen für den zu untersuchenden Anwender über ein Display (11) auf der Steuereinheit (7) ausgegeben werden. 7. The method according to any one of claims 4 or 5, characterized in that instructions for the user to be examined via a display (11) on the control unit (7) are issued.
EP02724031A 2001-04-27 2002-04-18 Method for controlling a hearing aid Revoked EP1382220B1 (en)

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DK02724031T DK1382220T3 (en) 2001-04-27 2002-04-18 Method of Controlling a Hearing Aid
AT02724031T ATE297647T1 (en) 2001-04-27 2002-04-18 METHOD FOR CONTROLLING A HEARING AID

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AT0069201A AT411950B (en) 2001-04-27 2001-04-27 METHOD FOR CONTROLLING A HEARING AID
PCT/AT2002/000114 WO2002089520A2 (en) 2001-04-27 2002-04-18 Method for controlling a hearing aid

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US7715576B2 (en) 2010-05-11
JP2004527183A (en) 2004-09-02
ATA6922001A (en) 2003-12-15
JP4307083B2 (en) 2009-08-05
US20040165731A1 (en) 2004-08-26
AU2002254788A1 (en) 2002-11-11
WO2002089520A3 (en) 2003-05-01
WO2002089520A2 (en) 2002-11-07
DE50203348D1 (en) 2005-07-14
AT411950B (en) 2004-07-26
EP1382220B1 (en) 2005-06-08

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