EP1619929B2 - Hearing aid system as well as method to operate a hearing aid system during audio reception - Google Patents

Hearing aid system as well as method to operate a hearing aid system during audio reception Download PDF

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Publication number
EP1619929B2
EP1619929B2 EP05106572.0A EP05106572A EP1619929B2 EP 1619929 B2 EP1619929 B2 EP 1619929B2 EP 05106572 A EP05106572 A EP 05106572A EP 1619929 B2 EP1619929 B2 EP 1619929B2
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Prior art keywords
hearing
hearing aid
aids
audio reception
signal
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP1619929A2 (en
EP1619929A3 (en
EP1619929B1 (en
Inventor
Torsten NIEDERDRÄNK
Gottfried Rückerl
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Sivantos GmbH
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Sivantos GmbH
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    • HELECTRICITY
    • H04ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04RLOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; DEAF-AID SETS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS
    • H04R25/00Deaf-aid sets, i.e. electro-acoustic or electro-mechanical hearing aids; Electric tinnitus maskers providing an auditory perception
    • H04R25/55Deaf-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
    • H04R25/554Deaf-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 using a wireless connection, e.g. between microphone and amplifier or using Tcoils
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H04ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04RLOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; DEAF-AID SETS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS
    • H04R25/00Deaf-aid sets, i.e. electro-acoustic or electro-mechanical hearing aids; Electric tinnitus maskers providing an auditory perception
    • H04R25/55Deaf-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
    • H04R25/552Binaural
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H04ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04RLOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; DEAF-AID SETS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS
    • H04R25/00Deaf-aid sets, i.e. electro-acoustic or electro-mechanical hearing aids; Electric tinnitus maskers providing an auditory perception
    • H04R25/55Deaf-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
    • H04R25/558Remote control, e.g. of amplification, frequency
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H04ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04RLOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; DEAF-AID SETS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS
    • H04R2225/00Details of deaf aids covered by H04R25/00, not provided for in any of its subgroups
    • H04R2225/021Behind the ear [BTE] hearing aids
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H04ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04RLOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; DEAF-AID SETS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS
    • H04R2225/00Details of deaf aids covered by H04R25/00, not provided for in any of its subgroups
    • H04R2225/41Detection or adaptation of hearing aid parameters or programs to listening situation, e.g. pub, forest
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H04ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04RLOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; DEAF-AID SETS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS
    • H04R2420/00Details of connection covered by H04R, not provided for in its groups
    • H04R2420/07Applications of wireless loudspeakers or wireless microphones

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a hearing aid system with two portable hearing aids on the head for binaural supply to a hearing aid wearer, the hearing aids each having an input converter for receiving an input signal and converting it into an electrical signal, a signal processing unit for processing and frequency-dependent amplification of the electrical signal and an output converter for converting the processed signal into a signal perceivable by the hearing aid wearer as an acoustic signal, wherein parameters for controlling the signal processing in the signal processing units can be set in the hearing aid devices to adapt the signal processing to different hearing situations and wherein control signals can be transmitted between the two hearing aid devices to adapt the in a hearing aid set parameters to the parameters set in the other hearing aid.
  • the invention further relates to a method for operating such a hearing aid system.
  • Hearing aids usually have an audio input for connection to external devices such as radio, television, CD player, MP3 player, etc.
  • the connection between the hearing aid and the external device is either wireless or wired.
  • the hearing aid in question is usually connected to a so-called “audio shoe” for audio reception. Starting from the audio shoe, a wire can then lead to the external device.
  • audio shoes are also known which comprise a transmitting and receiving unit for wireless data transmission between the hearing aid device and an external device.
  • Such wireless systems are also used, for example, in training rooms for the hearing impaired and are known under the name "MLX".
  • Hearing aid systems for the binaural care of a hearing impaired are often operated asymmetrically for audio reception. Only one of the two hearing aids is connected to the audio signal source. In this mode of operation, the adjustment of the settings of the two hearing aids of the hearing aid system is inappropriate.
  • the object of the present invention is to provide a coupling of two hearing aid devices of a binaural hearing aid device system with audio reception that makes sense in terms of its settings.
  • the object is achieved according to the invention by a method with the features of claim 8 for operating a such hearing aid system.
  • an input signal is recorded by means of an input converter and converted into an electrical input signal.
  • at least one microphone which picks up an acoustic input signal, serves as the input converter.
  • Modern hearing aids often include a microphone system with a plurality of microphones in order to achieve reception, a directional characteristic, which is dependent on the direction of incidence of acoustic signals.
  • the input transducers can also include a telephone coil or an antenna for receiving electromagnetic input signals.
  • the input signals converted into electrical input signals by the input converter are fed to a signal processing unit for further processing and amplification. Further processing and amplification are generally carried out to compensate for the individual hearing loss of a hearing aid wearer as a function of the signal frequency.
  • the signal processing unit emits an electrical output signal, which is fed to the hearing aid wearer's hearing via an output transducer, so that the hearing aid perceives the output signal as an acoustic signal.
  • Earphones that generate an acoustic output signal are usually used as output transducers.
  • output transducers for generating mechanical vibrations are also known which directly excite certain parts of the hearing, such as the ossicles for vibrations.
  • Output converters are also known which directly stimulate nerve cells of the hearing.
  • Hearing aids can usually be set to different listening situations using different operating modes (hearing programs). Such hearing situations are, for example, “quiet surroundings", “television”, “conversation in noise” etc.
  • Another listening situation is audio reception in which the hearing aid is connected directly to an audio signal source via an electrical or electromagnetic connection.
  • the coupling in the "audio reception" listening situation is at least largely interrupted. This means that manual settings on one of the two hearing aids or parameter changes that are carried out automatically have no effect on the other hearing aid.
  • a hearing aid device that is switched to the active audio mode sends a control signal to the second hearing aid device and thus automatically switches this to the passive audio mode if the second hearing aid device is not also in the active audio mode.
  • the special settings of the hearing aid device in the active or passive audio mode can preferably be adjusted by a hearing aid acoustician when the hearing aid device is adapted.
  • passive audio mode the signal source corresponding to the wish of the hearing aid wearer can be used as the input signal of the hearing aid in question.
  • the obvious thing is the microphone signal to be able to perceive external noises, or a mute function of the hearing aid.
  • the mutual control of setting parameters in the binaural hearing aid system is at least largely eliminated. If audio reception is provided in both hearing aids, then in this operating mode there is preferably no longer any mutual interference.
  • a hearing aid system according to the invention, one of the hearing aids is operated manually by an operator, this results in the desired setting in this hearing aid.
  • a remote control is included in the hearing aid system, its operation can affect both hearing aids. For example, a volume adjustment can lead to a relative change in the volume setting of both hearing aids, the balance being maintained due to the uncoupled absolute value coupling.
  • a program switch carried out by means of the remote control preferably only leads to an adaptation of the hearing aid device in audio mode to different signal sources, e.g. pure audio reception or mixed operation "audio reception” and "microphone reception". A hearing aid in passive audio mode is then not affected by such a program switchover.
  • the hearing aid system If, in a hearing aid system according to the invention, the audio reception is ended, so that neither of the two hearing aids is connected to an audio signal source, the hearing aid system according to the invention returns to the settings relating to the hearing aids that it proposes Had the start of audio operation.
  • the hearing aid device previously operated in active audio mode specifies the volume setting and the second hearing aid device is slowly adapted to this setting when the volume is required to be adjusted ("fading").
  • the invention is explained in more detail below using an exemplary embodiment.
  • the figure shows a hearing aid system with a hearing aid 1 that can be worn behind the left ear and a hearing aid 2 that can be worn behind the right ear for binaural care of a hearing aid wearer.
  • a microphone 10 or 14 is used to record an acoustic input signal and convert it into an electrical signal.
  • This is processed in each case in a signal processing unit 11 or 15 and, depending on the signal frequency, is amplified to compensate for the individual hearing loss of the hearing aid wearer.
  • the processed and amplified signal is converted back into an acoustic signal by means of a receiver 12 and 16, respectively, and supplied to the hearing aid wearer's hearing via the sound channels 13 and 17 and subsequent sound tubes (not shown).
  • a wireless coupling is provided in the two hearing aids, so that changes in settings made automatically or manually in one of the two hearing aids have an effect on the other hearing aid.
  • the hearing aid 1 is operated manually by operating the volume control 4 or by pressing the program selection button 3, the volume is also changed in the hearing aid 2 or the active hearing program is switched over without having to operate the program selection button 5 or the volume control 6.
  • the hearing aid system is in audio mode, since at least one the hearing aid (hearing aid 1) is connected to an audio shoe 7. In the exemplary embodiment, this is attached to the lower end of the hearing aid 1.
  • the audio shoe 7 in the exemplary embodiment comprises a receiving unit for wireless reception of an electromagnetic signal originating from an audio signal source.
  • the audio signal source is designed as a CD player 8 with a transmitter.
  • actuation of control elements 3 or 4 has no effect on hearing aid device 2.
  • actuation of control elements 5 or 6 on hearing aid device 2 does not influence hearing aid device 1.
  • the hearing aid 1 When the audio shoe 7 is plugged onto the hearing aid 1, it is switched to the active audio mode.
  • the hearing aid 1 then sends a signal to the hearing aid 2 which is not connected to an audio shoe and is therefore put into the passive audio mode.
  • passive audio mode the hearing aid 2 is set in accordance with the user specifications specified when programming the hearing aid 2, e.g. on microphone reception or mute. Except for the conversion of the hearing aid 2 into the passive audio mode by the hearing aid 1, there is no further mutual interference between the hearing aids 1 and 2 during audio operation.
  • the hearing aid 1 falls back into the original operating mode in which it was before the audio mode began. Furthermore, a signal is transmitted from the hearing aid 1 to the hearing aid 2, which also indicates the end of the audio operation to the hearing aid and returns it to the original operating mode.
  • the hearing aid system further comprises a remote control 9.
  • This has the program keys labeled 1 to 4 for program selection and a rocker switch 18 for volume adjustment.
  • a program switchover by pressing one of the buttons labeled 1 to 4 only affects the hearing aid 1.
  • pure audio reception or mixed operation with audio and microphone reception can be set.
  • the invention achieves a meaningful setting of the hearing aids even in audio mode when one of the two hearing aids is operated directly or when the hearing aid system is operated by means of a remote control.
  • the remote control can also be used in conjunction with a binaural hearing aid system with coupled settings using one or both sides of an audio shoe.
  • the hearing aid system automatically adapts to the preferences of the hearing aid wearer in this special hearing situation.

Description

Die Erfindung betrifft ein Hörhilfegerätesystem mit zwei am Kopf tragbaren Hörhilfegeräten zur binauralen Versorgung eines Hörhilfegeräteträgers, wobei die Hörhilfegeräte jeweils einen Eingangswandler zur Aufnahme eines Eingangssignals und Wandlung in ein elektrisches Signal, eine Signalverarbeitungseinheit zur Verarbeitung und frequenzabhängigen Verstärkung des elektrischen Signals und einen Ausgangswandler zur Wandlung des verarbeiteten Signals in ein von dem Hörhilfegeräteträger als akustisches Signal wahrnehmbares Signal umfassen, wobei bei den Hörhilfegeräten Parameter zur Steuerung der Signalverarbeitung in den Signalverarbeitungseinheiten einstellbar sind zur Anpassung der Signalverarbeitung an unterschiedliche Hörsituationen und wobei zwischen den beiden Hörhilfegeräten Steuersignale übertragbar sind zur Anpassung der in einem Hörhilfegerät eingestellten Parameter an die in dem anderen Hörhilfegerät eingestellten Parameter. Ferner betrifft die Erfindung ein Verfahren zum Betrieb eines derartigen Hörhilfegerätesystems.The invention relates to a hearing aid system with two portable hearing aids on the head for binaural supply to a hearing aid wearer, the hearing aids each having an input converter for receiving an input signal and converting it into an electrical signal, a signal processing unit for processing and frequency-dependent amplification of the electrical signal and an output converter for converting the processed signal into a signal perceivable by the hearing aid wearer as an acoustic signal, wherein parameters for controlling the signal processing in the signal processing units can be set in the hearing aid devices to adapt the signal processing to different hearing situations and wherein control signals can be transmitted between the two hearing aid devices to adapt the in a hearing aid set parameters to the parameters set in the other hearing aid. The invention further relates to a method for operating such a hearing aid system.

Aus der EP 0 941 014 A2 ist ein Hörhilfegerätesystem mit zwei am Kopf tragbaren Hörhilfegeräten zur binauralen Versorgung eines Hörhilfegeräteträgers bekannt. Durch die Betätigung eines Bedienelementes an einem der beiden Hörhilfegeräte des Hörhilfegerätesystems wird ein Steuersignal erzeugt und auf das zweite Hörhilfegerät übertragen, was zu einer simultanen Anpassung der beiden Hörhilfegeräte durch dieses Steuersignal und die hörgeräteeigenen Signalverarbeitungseinheiten führt.From the EP 0 941 014 A2 is known a hearing aid system with two portable hearing aids on the head for binaural care of a hearing aid wearer. By actuating an operating element on one of the two hearing aids of the hearing aid system, a control signal is generated and transmitted to the second hearing aid, which leads to a simultaneous adaptation of the two hearing aids by means of this control signal and the hearing aid's own signal processing units.

Aus der US 2004/0037442 A1 ist ein Hörhilfegerätesystem mit zwei am Kopf tragbaren Hörhilfegeräten zur binauralen Versorgung eines Hörhilfegeräteträgers bekannt. Zwischen den Hörhilfegeräten ist eine drahtlose Übertragung von Steuersignalen zur Synchronisation der beiden Hörhilfegeräte vorgesehen. Ferner ist bei den bekannten Hörhilfegerätesystem der direkte Empfang eines Signals von einer Audio-Signalquelle möglich (Audio-Empfang) .From the US 2004/0037442 A1 is known a hearing aid system with two portable hearing aids on the head for binaural care of a hearing aid wearer. A wireless transmission of control signals for synchronization of the two hearing aids is provided between the hearing aids. Furthermore, in the known hearing aid system, the direct Receiving a signal from an audio signal source possible (audio reception).

Hörhilfegeräte weisen in der Regel einen Audio-Eingang zur Verbindung mit externen Geräten wie Radio, Fernseher, CD-Player, MP3-Player usw. auf. Die Verbindung zwischen dem Hörhilfegerät und dem externen Gerät erfolgt dabei entweder drahtlos oder drahtgebunden. Üblicherweise wird das betreffende Hörhilfegerät zum Audio-Empfang mit einem so genannten "Audio-Schuh" verbunden. Ausgehend von dem Audio-Schuh kann dann ein Draht zu dem externen Gerät führen. Es sind aber auch Audio-Schuhe bekannt, die eine Sende- und Empfangseinheit zur drahtlosen Datenübertragung zwischen dem Hörhilfegerät und einem externen Gerät umfassen. Derartige Drahtlos-Systeme werden beispielsweise auch in Schulungsräumen für Schwerhörige eingesetzt und sind unter der Bezeichnung "MLX" bekannt.Hearing aids usually have an audio input for connection to external devices such as radio, television, CD player, MP3 player, etc. The connection between the hearing aid and the external device is either wireless or wired. The hearing aid in question is usually connected to a so-called “audio shoe” for audio reception. Starting from the audio shoe, a wire can then lead to the external device. However, audio shoes are also known which comprise a transmitting and receiving unit for wireless data transmission between the hearing aid device and an external device. Such wireless systems are also used, for example, in training rooms for the hearing impaired and are known under the name "MLX".

Hörhilfegerätesysteme zur binauralen Versorgung eines Schwerhörigen werden zum Audio-Empfang häufig unsymmetrisch betrieben. Dabei wird lediglich eines der beiden Hörhilfegeräte mit der Audio-Signalquelle verbunden. In dieser Betriebsweise ist die Angleichung von Einstellungen der beiden Hörhilfegeräte des Hörhilfegerätesystems unzweckmäßig.Hearing aid systems for the binaural care of a hearing impaired are often operated asymmetrically for audio reception. Only one of the two hearing aids is connected to the audio signal source. In this mode of operation, the adjustment of the settings of the two hearing aids of the hearing aid system is inappropriate.

Aufgabe der vorliegenden Erfindung ist es, eine bezüglich ihrer Einstellungen sinnvolle Kopplung zweier Hörhilfegeräte eines binauralen Hörhilfegerätesystems beim Audio-Empfang zu schaffen.The object of the present invention is to provide a coupling of two hearing aid devices of a binaural hearing aid device system with audio reception that makes sense in terms of its settings.

Diese Aufgabe wird bei einem Hörhilfegerätesystem mit zwei am Kopf tragbaren Hörhilfegeräten zur binauralen Versorgung eines Hörhilfegeräteträgers erfindungsgemäß gelöst durch die Merkmale des Anspruchs 1.This object is achieved according to the invention in a hearing aid system with two hearing aids that can be worn on the head for the binaural supply of a hearing aid wearer by the features of claim 1.

Ferner wird die Aufgabe erfindungsgemäß gelöst durch ein Verfahren mit den Merkmalen des Anspruchs 8 zum Betrieb eines solchen Hörhilfegerätesystems.Furthermore, the object is achieved according to the invention by a method with the features of claim 8 for operating a such hearing aid system.

Bei einem Hörhilfegerät wird mittels eines Eingangswandlers ein Eingangssignal aufgenommen und in ein elektrisches Eingangssignal überführt. Üblicherweise dient als Eingangswandler wenigstens ein Mikrofon, welches ein akustisches Eingangssignal aufnimmt. Moderne Hörhilfegeräte umfassen häufig ein Mikrofonsystem mit mehreren Mikrofonen, um einen von der Einfallsrichtung akustischer Signale abhängigen Empfang, eine Richtcharakteristik, zu erreichen. Die Eingangswandler können jedoch auch eine Telefonspule oder eine Antenne umfassen zur Aufnahme elektromagnetischer Eingangssignale. Die durch den Eingangswandler in elektrische Eingangssignale gewandelten Eingangssignale werden zur Weiterverarbeitung und Verstärkung einer Signalverarbeitungseinheit zugeführt. Die Weiterverarbeitung und Verstärkung erfolgt zum Ausgleich des individuellen Hörverlustes eines Hörhilfegeräteträgers in der Regel in Abhängigkeit der Signalfrequenz. Die Signalverarbeitungseinheit gibt ein elektrisches Ausgangssignal ab, welches über einen Ausgangswandler dem Gehör des Hörhilfegeräteträgers zugeführt wird, so dass dieser das Ausgangssignal als akustisches Signal wahrnimmt. Als Ausgangswandler werden üblicherweise Hörer verwendet, die ein akustisches Ausgangssignal erzeugen. Es sind jedoch auch Ausgangswandler zur Erzeugung mechanischer Schwingungen bekannt, die direkt bestimmte Teile des Gehörs, wie beispielsweise die Gehörknöchelchen zu Schwingungen anregen. Weiterhin sind Ausgangswandler bekannt, die direkt Nervenzellen des Gehörs stimulieren.In the case of a hearing aid device, an input signal is recorded by means of an input converter and converted into an electrical input signal. Usually, at least one microphone, which picks up an acoustic input signal, serves as the input converter. Modern hearing aids often include a microphone system with a plurality of microphones in order to achieve reception, a directional characteristic, which is dependent on the direction of incidence of acoustic signals. However, the input transducers can also include a telephone coil or an antenna for receiving electromagnetic input signals. The input signals converted into electrical input signals by the input converter are fed to a signal processing unit for further processing and amplification. Further processing and amplification are generally carried out to compensate for the individual hearing loss of a hearing aid wearer as a function of the signal frequency. The signal processing unit emits an electrical output signal, which is fed to the hearing aid wearer's hearing via an output transducer, so that the hearing aid perceives the output signal as an acoustic signal. Earphones that generate an acoustic output signal are usually used as output transducers. However, output transducers for generating mechanical vibrations are also known which directly excite certain parts of the hearing, such as the ossicles for vibrations. Output converters are also known which directly stimulate nerve cells of the hearing.

Hörhilfegeräte sind in der Regel durch unterschiedliche Betriebsarten (Hörprogramme) auf unterschiedliche Hörsituationen einstellbar. Derartige Hörsituationen sind z.B. "ruhige Umgebung", "Fernsehen", "Gespräch in Störlärm" usw. Eine weitere Hörsituation ist der Audio-Empfang bei der das Hörhilfegerät über eine elektrische oder elektromagnetische Verbindung direkt mit einer Audio-Signalquelle verbunden ist. Gemäß der Erfindung wird bei einem Hörhilfegerätesystem mit zwei Hörhilfegeräten zur binauralen Versorgung eines Hörhilfegeräteträgers, bei dem eine automatische Kopplung von Einstellungen bei den beiden Hörhilfegeräten vorgesehen ist, die Kopplung in der Hörsituation "Audio-Empfang" zumindest weitgehend unterbrochen. Das heißt, manuelle Einstellungen an einem der beiden Hörhilfegeräte oder automatisch durchgeführte Parameteränderungen haben keine Auswirkungen mehr auf das andere Hörhilfegerät.Hearing aids can usually be set to different listening situations using different operating modes (hearing programs). Such hearing situations are, for example, "quiet surroundings", "television", "conversation in noise" etc. Another listening situation is audio reception in which the hearing aid is connected directly to an audio signal source via an electrical or electromagnetic connection. According to the invention in a hearing aid system with two Hearing aids for the binaural supply of a hearing aid wearer, in which an automatic coupling of settings for the two hearing aids is provided, the coupling in the "audio reception" listening situation is at least largely interrupted. This means that manual settings on one of the two hearing aids or parameter changes that are carried out automatically have no effect on the other hearing aid.

Ist wenigstens eines der beiden Hörhilfegeräte mit einer Audio-Signalquelle verbunden, so befindet sich das Hörhilfegerätesystem in der Hörsituation "Audio-Empfang" und das betreffende Hörhilfegerät ist (manuell oder automatisch) in eine an diese Hörsituation angepasste Betriebsart geschaltet. Es befindet sich somit in einem Modus für "aktiven Audio-Empfang" (= aktiver Audio-Modus). Ist lediglich eines der beiden Hörhilfegeräte mit der Audio-Signalquelle verbunden, so wird das zweite Hörhilfegerät des Hörhilfegerätesystems, welches nicht mit der Audio-Signalquelle verbunden ist, vorzugsweise ebenfalls durch entsprechende Parametereinstellungen an diese besondere Hörsituation angepasst. Es wird in einen speziellen Modus für diesen "passiven Audio-Empfang" (= passiver Audio-Modus) überführt. Vorzugsweise sendet ein Hörhilfegerät, das in den aktiven Audio-Modus versetzt wird, ein Steuersignal an das zweite Hörhilfegerät und versetzt dieses damit automatisch in den passiven Audio-Modus, sofern sich das zweite Hörhilfegerät nicht ebenfalls im aktiven Audio-Modus befindet.If at least one of the two hearing aids is connected to an audio signal source, the hearing aid system is in the “audio reception” listening situation and the hearing aid in question is switched (manually or automatically) to an operating mode adapted to this hearing situation. It is therefore in a mode for "active audio reception" (= active audio mode). If only one of the two hearing aids is connected to the audio signal source, the second hearing aid of the hearing aid system, which is not connected to the audio signal source, is preferably also adapted to this particular hearing situation by means of appropriate parameter settings. It is converted into a special mode for this "passive audio reception" (= passive audio mode). Preferably, a hearing aid device that is switched to the active audio mode sends a control signal to the second hearing aid device and thus automatically switches this to the passive audio mode if the second hearing aid device is not also in the active audio mode.

Die speziellen Einstellungen des Hörhilfegerätes im aktiven oder passiven Audio-Modus können vorzugsweise bei der Anpassung des Hörhilfegerätes durch einen Hörgeräte-Akustiker eingestellt werden. Im passiven Audio-Modus kann dadurch als Eingangssignal des betreffenden Hörhilfegerätes die Signalquelle verwendet werden, die dem Wunsch des Hörhilfegeräteträgers entspricht. Naheliegend ist das Mikrofonsignal, um Außengeräusche wahrnehmen zu können, oder auch eine Stummschaltung des Hörhilfegerätes. Außer dem Überführen des einen Hörhilfegerätes in den passiven Audio-Modus durch das Hörhilfegerät mit Audio-Empfang ist die wechselseitige Steuerung von Einstellparametern bei dem binauralen Hörhilfegerätesystem zumindest weitgehend aufgehoben. Ist bei beiden Hörhilfegeräten ein Audio-Empfang vorgesehen, so erfolgt bei dieser Betriebsweise vorzugsweise überhaupt keine wechselseitige Beeinflussung mehr.The special settings of the hearing aid device in the active or passive audio mode can preferably be adjusted by a hearing aid acoustician when the hearing aid device is adapted. In passive audio mode, the signal source corresponding to the wish of the hearing aid wearer can be used as the input signal of the hearing aid in question. The obvious thing is the microphone signal to be able to perceive external noises, or a mute function of the hearing aid. In addition to the conversion of one hearing aid device into passive audio mode by the hearing aid device with audio reception, the mutual control of setting parameters in the binaural hearing aid system is at least largely eliminated. If audio reception is provided in both hearing aids, then in this operating mode there is preferably no longer any mutual interference.

Erfolgt bei einem Hörhilfegerätesystem gemäß der Erfindung bei einem der Hörhilfegeräte eine manuelle Betätigung eines Bedienelementes durch den Benutzer, so bewirkt dies die gewünschte Einstellung bei diesem Hörhilfegerät. Dadurch ist z.B. eine von der Einstellung des anderen Hörhilfegerätes unabhängige Lautstärke-Einstellung möglich. Auf diese Weise kann die Balance zwischen den Hörhilfegeräten verändert werden.If, in a hearing aid system according to the invention, one of the hearing aids is operated manually by an operator, this results in the desired setting in this hearing aid. This means e.g. A volume setting independent of the setting of the other hearing aid device is possible. In this way, the balance between the hearing aids can be changed.

Wird in das Hörhilfegerätesystem eine Fernbedienung mit einbezogen, so kann sich deren Bedienung auf beide Hörhilfegeräte auswirken. Beispielsweise kann eine Lautstärkenanpassung zu einer relativen Veränderung der Lautstärkeneinstellung beider Hörhilfegeräte führen, wobei die eingestellte Balance wegen der aufgehobenen Absolutwert-Kopplung erhalten bleibt. Im Unterschied hierzu führt eine mittels der Fernbedienung durchgeführte Programmumschaltung vorzugsweise lediglich zu einer Anpassung des Hörhilfegerätes im Audio-Modus an unterschiedliche Signalquellen, z.B. reiner Audio-Empfang oder Mischbetrieb "Audio-Empfang" und "Mikrofon-Empfang". Ein Hörhilfegerät im passiven Audio-Modus ist von einer derartigen Programmumschaltung dann nicht betroffen.If a remote control is included in the hearing aid system, its operation can affect both hearing aids. For example, a volume adjustment can lead to a relative change in the volume setting of both hearing aids, the balance being maintained due to the uncoupled absolute value coupling. In contrast to this, a program switch carried out by means of the remote control preferably only leads to an adaptation of the hearing aid device in audio mode to different signal sources, e.g. pure audio reception or mixed operation "audio reception" and "microphone reception". A hearing aid in passive audio mode is then not affected by such a program switchover.

Wird bei einem Hörhilfegerätesystem gemäß der Erfindung der Audio-Empfang beendet, so dass keines der beiden Hörhilfegeräte mehr mit einer Audio-Signalquelle verbunden ist, so kehrt das Hörhilfegerätesystem gemäß der Erfindung zu den die Hörhilfegeräte betreffenden Einstellungen zurück, die es vor Aufnahme des Audio-Betriebs hatte. Dabei gibt bei einer ungleichen Lautstärkeeinstellung (Balance) das ehemals im aktiven Audio-Modus betriebene Hörhilfegerät die Lautstärkeeinstellung vor und das zweite Hörhilfegerät wird bei einer erforderlichen Anpassung der Lautstärke langsam an diese Einstellung angepasst ("Fading").If, in a hearing aid system according to the invention, the audio reception is ended, so that neither of the two hearing aids is connected to an audio signal source, the hearing aid system according to the invention returns to the settings relating to the hearing aids that it proposes Had the start of audio operation. In the case of an unequal volume setting (balance), the hearing aid device previously operated in active audio mode specifies the volume setting and the second hearing aid device is slowly adapted to this setting when the volume is required to be adjusted ("fading").

Die Erfindung wird nachfolgend anhand eines Ausführungsbeispiels näher erläutert. Dabei zeigt die Figur ein Hörhilfegerätesystem mit einem hinter dem linken Ohr tragbaren Hörhilfegerät 1 und einem hinter dem rechten Ohr tragbaren Hörhilfegerät 2 zur binauralen Versorgung eines Hörhilfegeräteträgers. Bei beiden Hörhilfegeräten 1 und 2 dient ein Mikrofon 10 bzw. 14 zur Aufnahme eines akustischen Eingangssignals und Wandlung in ein elektrisches Signal. Dieses wird jeweils in einer Signalverarbeitungseinheit 11 bzw. 15 weiterverarbeitet und in Abhängigkeit der Signalfrequenz verstärkt zum Ausgleich des individuellen Hörverlustes des Hörhilfegeräteträgers. Das verarbeitete und verstärkte Signal wird jeweils mittels eines Hörers 12 bzw. 16 in ein akustisches Signal zurück gewandelt und dem Gehör des Hörhilfegeräteträgers über die Schallkanäle 13 bzw. 17 und daran anschließende Schallschläuche (nicht dargestellt) zugeführt.The invention is explained in more detail below using an exemplary embodiment. The figure shows a hearing aid system with a hearing aid 1 that can be worn behind the left ear and a hearing aid 2 that can be worn behind the right ear for binaural care of a hearing aid wearer. In both hearing aids 1 and 2, a microphone 10 or 14 is used to record an acoustic input signal and convert it into an electrical signal. This is processed in each case in a signal processing unit 11 or 15 and, depending on the signal frequency, is amplified to compensate for the individual hearing loss of the hearing aid wearer. The processed and amplified signal is converted back into an acoustic signal by means of a receiver 12 and 16, respectively, and supplied to the hearing aid wearer's hearing via the sound channels 13 and 17 and subsequent sound tubes (not shown).

Bei den beiden Hörhilfegeräten ist eine drahtlose Kopplung vorgesehen, so dass automatisch oder manuell durchgeführte Veränderungen von Einstellungen bei einem der beiden Hörhilfegeräte Auswirkungen auf das jeweils andere Hörhilfegerät zeigen. Wird z.B. durch Bedienen des Lautstärkestellers 4 oder durch Betätigung der Programmwahltaste 3 das Hörhilfegerät 1 manuell bedient, so wird auch bei dem Hörhilfegerät 2 die Lautstärke verändert oder das aktive Hörprogramm umgeschaltet, ohne hierfür die Programmwahltaste 5 bzw. den Lautstärkesteller 6 bedienen zu müssen.A wireless coupling is provided in the two hearing aids, so that changes in settings made automatically or manually in one of the two hearing aids have an effect on the other hearing aid. E.g. If the hearing aid 1 is operated manually by operating the volume control 4 or by pressing the program selection button 3, the volume is also changed in the hearing aid 2 or the active hearing program is switched over without having to operate the program selection button 5 or the volume control 6.

Bei der in der Figur gezeigten Betriebsweise befindet sich das Hörhilfegerätesystem im Audio-Modus, da wenigstens eines der Hörhilfegeräte (Hörhilfegerät 1) mit einem Audio-Schuh 7 verbunden ist. Im Ausführungsbeispiel ist dieser an das untere Ende des Hörhilfegerätes 1 aufgesteckt. Der Audio-Schuh 7 im Ausführungsbeispiel umfasst eine Empfangseinheit zum drahtlosen Empfang eines von einer Audio-Signalquelle ausgehenden elektromagnetischen Signals. Die Audio-Signalquelle ist im Ausführungsbeispiel als CD-Player 8 mit einem Sender ausgeführt. In dieser speziellen Betriebsart hat eine Betätigung der Bedienelemente 3 oder 4 keine Auswirkungen auf das Hörhilfegerät 2. Umgekehrt beeinflusst eine Betätigung der Bedienelemente 5 oder 6 an dem Hörhilfegerät 2 das Hörhilfegerät 1 nicht.In the operating mode shown in the figure, the hearing aid system is in audio mode, since at least one the hearing aid (hearing aid 1) is connected to an audio shoe 7. In the exemplary embodiment, this is attached to the lower end of the hearing aid 1. The audio shoe 7 in the exemplary embodiment comprises a receiving unit for wireless reception of an electromagnetic signal originating from an audio signal source. In the exemplary embodiment, the audio signal source is designed as a CD player 8 with a transmitter. In this special operating mode, actuation of control elements 3 or 4 has no effect on hearing aid device 2. Conversely, actuation of control elements 5 or 6 on hearing aid device 2 does not influence hearing aid device 1.

Beim Aufstecken des Audio-Schuhs 7 auf das Hörhilfegerät 1 wird dieses in den aktiven Audio-Modus geschaltet. Daraufhin sendet das Hörhilfegerät 1 ein Signal an das Hörhilfegerät 2, das nicht mit einem Audio-Schuh verbunden ist und deshalb in dem passiven Audio-Modus versetzt wird. Im passiven Audio-Modus wird das Hörhilfegerät 2 gemäß dem bei der Programmierung des Hörhilfegerätes 2 festgelegten Vorgaben des Benutzers eingestellt, z.B. auf Mikrofonempfang oder Stummschaltung. Außer der Überführung des Hörhilfegerätes 2 in den passiven Audio-Modus durch das Hörhilfegerät 1 erfolgt während des Audio-Betriebes keine weitere gegenseitige Beeinflussung der Hörhilfegeräte 1 und 2. Nach Beendigung des Audio-Modus, d.h. durch Lösen des Audio-Schuhs 7 von dem Hörhilfegerät 1, fällt das Hörhilfegerät 1 wieder zurück in den ursprünglichen Betriebsmodus in dem es sich vor Beginn des Audio-Modus befunden hatte. Weiterhin wird von dem Hörhilfegerät 1 ein Signal an das Hörhilfegerät 2 übermittelt, welches auch diesem das Ende des Audio-Betriebes anzeigt und es in den ursprünglichen Betriebsmodus zurückversetzt.When the audio shoe 7 is plugged onto the hearing aid 1, it is switched to the active audio mode. The hearing aid 1 then sends a signal to the hearing aid 2 which is not connected to an audio shoe and is therefore put into the passive audio mode. In passive audio mode, the hearing aid 2 is set in accordance with the user specifications specified when programming the hearing aid 2, e.g. on microphone reception or mute. Except for the conversion of the hearing aid 2 into the passive audio mode by the hearing aid 1, there is no further mutual interference between the hearing aids 1 and 2 during audio operation. After the audio mode has ended, i.e. by releasing the audio shoe 7 from the hearing aid 1, the hearing aid 1 falls back into the original operating mode in which it was before the audio mode began. Furthermore, a signal is transmitted from the hearing aid 1 to the hearing aid 2, which also indicates the end of the audio operation to the hearing aid and returns it to the original operating mode.

Das Hörhilfegerätesystem gemäß dem Ausführungsbeispiel umfasst weiterhin eine Fernbedienung 9. Diese weist die mit 1 bis 4 beschrifteten Programmtasten zur Programmwahl sowie eine Schaltwippe 18 zur Lautstärkeneinstellung auf. Im Audio-Modus wirkt sich eine Programmumschaltung durch Betätigung einer der mit 1 bis 4 beschrifteten Tasten lediglich auf das Hörhilfegerät 1 aus. Z.B. kann dadurch ein reiner Audio-Empfang oder ein Mischbetrieb mit Audio- und Mikrofon-Empfang eingestellt werden. Eine Veränderung der Lautstärkeneinstellung durch Betätigung der Schaltwippe 18 wirkt sich hingegen auf beide Hörhilfegeräte 1 und 2 aus, indem bei beiden Hörhilfegeräten 1 und 2 die Lautstärke um einen bestimmten Wert angehoben oder abgesenkt wird.The hearing aid system according to the exemplary embodiment further comprises a remote control 9. This has the program keys labeled 1 to 4 for program selection and a rocker switch 18 for volume adjustment. In audio mode a program switchover by pressing one of the buttons labeled 1 to 4 only affects the hearing aid 1. For example, pure audio reception or mixed operation with audio and microphone reception can be set. A change in the volume setting by actuating the rocker switch 18, however, affects both hearing aids 1 and 2 by increasing or decreasing the volume by a certain value in both hearing aids 1 and 2.

Durch die Erfindung wird bei einem Hörhilfegerätesystem zur binauralen Versorgung eines Hörhilfegeräteträgers auch im Audio-Modus eine sinnvolle Einstellung der Hörhilfegeräte bei direkter Bedienung eines der beiden Hörhilfegeräte oder bei Bedienung des Hörhilfegerätesystems mittels einer Fernbedienung erreicht. Die Fernbedienung bleibt auch in Verbindung mit einem binauralen Hörhilfegerätesystem mit gekoppelten Einstellungen unter ein- oder beidseitiger Verwendung eines Audio-Schuhs sinnvoll einsetzbar. Das Hörhilfegerätesystem passt sich automatisch den Vorlieben des Hörhilfegeräteträgers in dieser speziellen Hörsituation an.With a hearing aid system for the binaural supply of a hearing aid wearer, the invention achieves a meaningful setting of the hearing aids even in audio mode when one of the two hearing aids is operated directly or when the hearing aid system is operated by means of a remote control. The remote control can also be used in conjunction with a binaural hearing aid system with coupled settings using one or both sides of an audio shoe. The hearing aid system automatically adapts to the preferences of the hearing aid wearer in this special hearing situation.

Claims (16)

  1. Hearing aid system having two hearing aids (1, 2) which can be worn on the head for the purpose of feeding both ears of a hearing aid wearer, where the hearing aids (1, 2) each comprise an input transducer (10, 14) for picking up an input signal and converting it into an electrical signal, a signal processing unit (11, 15) for processing and frequency-dependent amplification of the electrical signal, and an output transducer (12, 16) for converting the processed signal into a signal which the hearing aid wearer can perceive as an audible signal, where the hearing aids (1, 2) can have parameters set for controlling the signal processing in the signal processing units (11, 15) in order to adjust the signal processing to suit different hearing situations, and where control signals can be transmitted between the two hearing aids (1, 2) in order to adjust the parameters which have been set in one hearing aid (1) to suit the parameters which have been set in the other hearing aid (2), characterized in that the adjustment of the parameters which have been set between the two hearing aids (1, 2) is stopped at least to some extent in a hearing situation for "audio reception", and that the hearing aid system, upon termination of the hearing situation for "audio reception" so that neither of the two hearing aids (1, 2) is connected to an audio signal source anymore, returns to the settings relating to the hearing aids (1, 2) that the hearing aid system had before entry in the hearing situation for "audio reception".
  2. Hearing aid system according to Claim 1, where the parameters for at least one of the two hearing aids (1, 2) are adjusted to suit the "audio reception" hearing situation by connecting an audio shoe (7).
  3. Hearing aid system according to Claim 1 or 2, where one of the two hearing aids (1) can be transferred to a mode for active audio reception and the other hearing aid (2) can be transferred to a mode for passive audio reception.
  4. Hearing aid system according to Claim 3, where changing over a hearing program which has been set on the hearing aid (1) in the mode for active audio reception prompts only adjustment of the signal processing to suit different audio signal sources and no adjustment to suit different hearing environments.
  5. Hearing aid system according to Claim 4, where changing over the hearing program which has been set using a remote control (9) for the hearing aid system affects only the hearing aid (1) in the mode for active audio reception.
  6. Hearing aid system according to one of Claims 1 to 5, where changing the volume which has been set using a remote control (9) affects both hearing aids (1, 2).
  7. Hearing aid system according to Claim 6, where changing the volume which has been set on one of the two hearing aids (1) changes the volume on the other hearing aid (2) to the same degree.
  8. Method for operating a hearing aid system having two hearing aids (1, 2) which can be worn on the head for the purpose of feeding both ears of a hearing aid wearer, where the hearing aids (1, 2) each comprise an input transducer (10, 14) for picking up an input signal and converting it into an electrical signal, a signal processing unit (11, 15) for processing and frequency-dependent amplification of the electrical signal, and an output transducer (12, 16) for converting the processed signal into a signal which the hearing aid wearer can perceive as an audible signal, where the hearing aids (1, 2) can have parameters set for controlling the signal processing in the signal processing units (11, 15) in order to adjust the signal processing to suit different hearing situations, and where control signals can be transmitted between the two hearing aids (1, 2) in order to adjust the parameters which have been set in one hearing aid (1) to suit the parameters which have been set in the other hearing aid (2), having the following steps:
    - adjustment of the parameters to suit a hearing situation for "audio reception" on at least one of the two hearing aids (1),
    - disabling of the adjustment of the parameters which have been set between the two hearing aids (1, 2), at least to some extent, in the hearing situation for "audio reception",
    - return, upon termination of the hearing situation for "audio reception" so that neither of the two hearing aid devices (1, 2) is connected to an audio signal source anymore, to the settings relating to the hearing aids (1, 2) that the hearing aid system had before entry in the hearing situation for "audio reception".
  9. Method according to Claim 8, where the hearing aid (1) is automatically adjusted to suit the "audio reception" hearing situation after an audio shoe (7) has been fitted.
  10. Method according to Claim 8 or 9, where operating one of the two hearing aids (1, 2) does not bring about automatic adjustment of the other hearing aid (2, 1) while at least one of the two hearing aids (1) has an adjustment appropriate to the "audio reception" hearing situation.
  11. Method according to one of Claims 8 to 10, where one of the two hearing aids (1) is switched to a mode for "active audio reception" and the other hearing aid (2) is switched to a mode for "passive audio reception".
  12. Method according to Claim 11, where program changeover effected using a remote control (9) affects only the hearing aid (1) in the mode for "active audio reception" in order to adjust the hearing aid (1) to suit different signal sources.
  13. Method according to Claim 11 or 12, where volume setting performed using a remote control (9) affects both hearing aids (1, 2).
  14. Method according to Claim 13, where the volume is raised or lowered on both hearing aids (1, 2) to the same degree.
  15. Method according to one of Claims 8 to 14, where after the "audio reception" hearing situation has been terminated on both hearing aids (1, 2) the reciprocal adjustment of the hearing aids (1, 2) is restored as a result of the operation of one of the two hearing aids (1, 2) or as a result of automatic setting of parameters.
  16. Method according to one of Claims 11 to 15, where after the "audio reception" hearing situation has been terminated the volume setting on the hearing aid (2) in the "passive audio reception" mode is gradually adjusted to suit the volume setting on the hearing aid (1) in the "active audio reception" mode.
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US7519194B2 (en) 2009-04-14
US20060018496A1 (en) 2006-01-26
EP1619929A2 (en) 2006-01-25
CN1725905A (en) 2006-01-25
DK1619929T3 (en) 2012-02-06
EP1619929A3 (en) 2009-03-11
EP1619929B1 (en) 2011-10-12
AU2005203093A1 (en) 2006-02-09
DK1619929T4 (en) 2020-05-18
AU2005203093B2 (en) 2007-01-25
DE102004035256B3 (en) 2005-09-22
JP2006033853A (en) 2006-02-02
JP4199755B2 (en) 2008-12-17

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