EP1624721B1 - Freely configurable information signals in hearing-aids - Google Patents

Freely configurable information signals in hearing-aids Download PDF

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Publication number
EP1624721B1
EP1624721B1 EP05107011.8A EP05107011A EP1624721B1 EP 1624721 B1 EP1624721 B1 EP 1624721B1 EP 05107011 A EP05107011 A EP 05107011A EP 1624721 B1 EP1624721 B1 EP 1624721B1
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Prior art keywords
hearing aid
hearing
signal
information signals
user
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EP05107011.8A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP1624721A2 (en
EP1624721A3 (en
Inventor
Eghart Fischer
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Sivantos GmbH
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Sivantos GmbH
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    • 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
    • H04R25/30—Monitoring or testing of hearing aids, e.g. functioning, settings, battery power
    • H04R25/305—Self-monitoring or self-testing
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04R—LOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; DEAF-AID SETS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS
    • H04R2225/00—Details of deaf aids covered by H04R25/00, not provided for in any of its subgroups
    • H04R2225/41—Detection or adaptation of hearing aid parameters or programs to listening situation, e.g. pub, forest

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a hearing aid with an input transducer for receiving an input signal, a signal processing unit and an output transducer for delivering a perceptible by a user as an acoustic signal output signal, the user settings and states of the hearing aid by means of different stored or generated in the hearing aid output signals are displayed. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for operating such a hearing aid.
  • a head-worn hearing aid comprising an electrical signal path between a microphone and a handset, the signal path using means for electronically setting pre-programmable transmission parameters and a switching means of the hearing aid is adaptable to different listening situations / sound environments, wherein the switching means additionally a signal output device controls, which emits at least one signal that is characteristic of each set to a specific listening situations / sound environment transmission parameters, the hearing device user can perceive this signal and can be informed without removing the hearing aid from the head of the selected setting.
  • the signals emitted by the known hearing device are successive tones or speech signals generated or stored in the hearing aid.
  • a hearing aid which, depending on the hearing situation in which it is currently located, automatically selects the hearing aid program which is best suited for this situation from a number of hearing programs.
  • a manual switchover from one hearing program to the next is possible by means of a push-button switch, wherein the sequence of the hearing programs is automatically set so that hearing programs are the further front of the series, the better they are suitable for the current hearing situation.
  • the object of the present invention is to enable a more flexible use of acoustic signals for displaying settings or states of the hearing aid.
  • an input signal is recorded by means of an input transducer and converted into an electrical input signal.
  • an input transducer usually serves as an input transducer at least one microphone which receives an acoustic input signal.
  • Modern hearing aids often comprise a microphone system with a plurality of microphones in order to achieve a direction dependent on the direction of arrival of acoustic signals reception, a directional characteristic.
  • the input transducers may also include a telecoil or an antenna for Recording of electromagnetic input signals.
  • the input signals converted by the input transducer into electrical input signals are fed to a signal processing unit for further processing and amplification.
  • the further processing and amplification takes place to compensate for the individual hearing loss of a hearing aid wearer, as a rule, as a function of the signal frequency.
  • the signal processing unit outputs an electrical output signal, which is fed via an output transducer to the hearing of the hearing aid wearer, so that the latter perceives the output signal as an acoustic signal.
  • output transducers usually listeners are used, which generate an acoustic output signal.
  • output transducers for generating mechanical vibrations are also known, which directly excite certain parts of the ear, such as the ossicles, to vibrate.
  • output transducers are known which directly stimulate neurons of the ear.
  • Modern hearing aids can be adapted to different listening environments by different settings in the form of variable parameters that influence the signal processing in the hearing aid. Such hearing situations are, for example, "quiet environment”, “television”, “conversation in noise”, “reception by telecoil”, etc.
  • a parameter set for adapting the signal processing to a specific hearing situation is usually referred to as a hearing program. Hearing programs can be set manually by the user in the respective listening situation.
  • modern hearing aids have a classifier for the automatic detection of the current hearing situation and an associated automatic adaptation of the signal processing in the hearing aid to the respective hearing situation. For a user, it is often interesting to know how their hearing aid is currently set up to check the current settings and, if necessary, make changes to those settings.
  • a hearing aid wearer wants to know if the actual Hearing situation was correctly recognized by the classifier.
  • Other settings include, for example, certain filters or algorithms that may be on or off.
  • certain states of his hearing aid are interesting for the user, about which he wants to be informed. Such states relate eg to the current state of charge of a voltage source used.
  • Other examples of settings that the user may wish to be informed about include the current setting of a volume control, settings for raising or lowering certain frequency ranges, or the use of certain sound panels.
  • acoustic information signals of different categories can be set to inform the user about this setting or this state.
  • acoustic information signals of different categories should be understood to mean different signals which differ from mere differences in terms of volume or slight sound shifts due to different signal processing in the hearing aid. Examples of acoustic information signals of different categories are: speech, music (melodies, melodic sound sequences, etc.) single tones, non-melodic tone sequences, noises, etc.
  • the different information signals for one and the same setting or one and the same state should therefore fundamentally differ, for example in that once the currently set hearing program is indicated by a certain number of beep tones and another time by voice output.
  • the hearing aid according to the invention can be adapted to the wishes and needs of a user with regard to the information signals used.
  • the information signals can then be chosen so that confusion between the different settings or states associated information signals are largely excluded.
  • An embodiment of the invention provides a library of information signals so that the user can freely assign signals to individual settings and states from that library.
  • the assignment can be determined for example by programming the hearing aid.
  • Another embodiment of the invention provides a memory area in the hearing aid in which the user can save their own information signals and assign specific settings or states.
  • the user can record and store an acoustic signal via a microphone of the hearing aid device and assign it to a specific setting or a specific state.
  • information stored in the hearing aid fixed and retrievable as needed information signals by the use of a signal generator and information signals in the hearing aid can be synthesized.
  • a setting or a state of the relevant hearing aid device can be assigned a plurality of acoustic information signals belonging to different categories.
  • information signals of different categories are then automatically output for displaying one and the same setting or for displaying one and the same state of the hearing aid as a function of the current hearing situation.
  • the information signals are emitted in the form of sounds that are not dissimilar to the language.
  • the information of the user takes the form of speech signals.
  • the information signals are accordingly selected as a function of the current hearing situation so that they can be perceived as best as possible by the user in the current listening situation. As with the current listening situation It behaves with the currently set hearing program.
  • the information signals are presented in the form of the language of dissimilar sounds.
  • a hearing aid according to the invention can also be set so that certain information signals are delivered in principle only in the detected hearing situation or the set listening program for "quiet environment". From this setting, however, certain information signals, such as the warning of a discharged voltage source should be excluded.
  • the figure shows a hearing aid 1 with a microphone 2 for receiving an acoustic input signal and conversion into an electrical input signal.
  • the latter is fed to a signal processing unit 3 for further processing and frequency-dependent amplification.
  • This in turn emits an electrical output signal, which is converted by means of a receiver 4 into an acoustic signal and fed to the hearing of a hearing aid wearer.
  • the hearing aid device 1 further comprises a program memory 5 for storing a plurality of parameter sets, so-called hearing programs, one of which is in each case activated and currently influences the signal processing in the signal processing unit 3. Between different active hearing programs can be switched manually by pressing a push-button 6.
  • the hearing aid device 1 comprises a classifier 7, which analyzes the electrical input signal and thereby automatically detects the current hearing situation. During normal operation of the hearing aid device 1, therefore, the active hearing program is automatically determined from the program memory 5 by the classifier 7.
  • the hearing aid device 1 comprises means for outputting acoustic information signals informing the user of current settings, such as the current one Listening program, currently switched on or off filters or signal processing algorithms of the signal processing unit 3 and so on.
  • the user is also informed about certain states of the hearing aid device, such as the state of charge of the voltage source 9.
  • the means 8 for generating an information signal in turn comprise a memory 10 for storing information signals which have been transmitted from outside to the hearing aid device 1. These can be recorded by the microphone 2, for example.
  • an electrical signal path 11 is provided, via which information signals via an electrical connection with another device (not shown) can be read into the memory 10.
  • the means 8 for generating an information signal also comprise a signal generator 12, by means of which information signals can be generated directly in the hearing aid.
  • acoustic information signals can now be selected for the information of the user via this setting in the hearing aid device 1 for information about one and the same setting, eg hearing program 1.
  • the acoustic speech signal "hearing program 1" or a one-time beep tone for the information of the user about the set hearing program 1 are submitted.
  • the assignment takes place according to the preferences of the user, for example via the electrical signal path 11 in the programming of the hearing aid 1.
  • the information signal library can also be deposited outside of the hearing aid device, for example on a computer connectable to the hearing aid device 1. Information signals selected by the user can then also be transferred from the computer to the memory 10 and stored there.
  • the settings or states of the hearing aid device 1 are not each permanently associated with only one acoustic information signal, but that at least one setting or one state is associated with a plurality of acoustic information signals stored or generated in the hearing aid device 1, wherein the an attitude or a state associated acoustic information signals belonging to different categories of acoustic information signals.
  • the delivery of an acoustic information signal with respect to a specific setting or a specific state then takes place as a function of current settings of the signal processing unit 3 and in particular depending on the currently active hearing program.
  • no voice signals are output to inform the user in a hearing program for speech. Instead, sounds or sounds that are easily distinguishable from speech are selected. Conversely, in a music listening program, voice signals are preferably selected to inform the user.
  • information about rather unimportant settings or states for example the information about the current hearing program, is in principle only output in a hearing program for a quiet environment. Only essential information for the user, eg a warning against an empty voltage source 9, is output in all hearing programs.
  • the invention offers the advantage that a user can assign different information signals to certain settings and states according to his own taste, which are particularly pleasant for him or in which the information concealing behind it can be easily recognized.
  • the situation-dependent delivery of very different information signals for information about one and the same setting or one and the same state contributes to the fact that the user recognizes the information in the respective situation as best as possible.

Description

Die Erfindung betrifft ein Hörhilfegerät mit einem Eingangswandler zur Aufnahme eines Eingangssignals, einer Signalverarbeitungseinheit und einem Ausgangswandler zur Abgabe eines von einem Benutzer als akustisches Signal wahrnehmbaren Ausgangssignals, wobei dem Benutzer Einstellungen und Zustände des Hörhilfegerätes mittels unterschiedlicher im Hörhilfegerät gespeicherter oder generierter Ausgangssignale anzeigbar sind. Ferner betrifft die Erfindung ein Verfahren zum Betrieb eines derartigen Hörhilfegerätes.The invention relates to a hearing aid with an input transducer for receiving an input signal, a signal processing unit and an output transducer for delivering a perceptible by a user as an acoustic signal output signal, the user settings and states of the hearing aid by means of different stored or generated in the hearing aid output signals are displayed. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for operating such a hearing aid.

Aus der EP 0 557 847 B1 ist ein am Kopf tragbares Hörgerät bekannt, umfassend einen elektrischen Signalweg zwischen einem Mikrofon und einem Hörer, wobei der Signalweg unter Verwendung von Mitteln zur elektronischen Einstellung vorprogrammierbarer Übertragungsparameter und eines Schaltmittels des Hörgerätes an verschiedene Hörsituationen/Schallumgebungen anpassbar ist, wobei das Schaltmittel zusätzlich eine Signalabgabeeinrichtung steuert, die wenigstens ein Signal abgibt, das für den jeweils zu einer bestimmten Hörsituationen/Schallumgebung eingestellten Übertragungsparameter charakteristisch ist, wobei der Hörgerätebenutzer dieses Signal wahrnehmen kann und ohne Abnahme des Hörgerätes vom Kopf über die gewählte Einstellung informierbar ist. Bei den von dem bekannten Hörgerät abgegebenen Signalen handelt es sich um aufeinander folgende Töne oder im Hörgerät generierte oder gespeicherte Sprachsignale.From the EP 0 557 847 B1 a head-worn hearing aid is known, comprising an electrical signal path between a microphone and a handset, the signal path using means for electronically setting pre-programmable transmission parameters and a switching means of the hearing aid is adaptable to different listening situations / sound environments, wherein the switching means additionally a signal output device controls, which emits at least one signal that is characteristic of each set to a specific listening situations / sound environment transmission parameters, the hearing device user can perceive this signal and can be informed without removing the hearing aid from the head of the selected setting. The signals emitted by the known hearing device are successive tones or speech signals generated or stored in the hearing aid.

Aus der WO 01/30127 A2 geht ein Hörgerät hervor, bei dem auf Steuersignale hin von einem Benutzer akustisch wahrnehmbare Quittierungssignale abgebbar sind. Dabei ist es möglich, einem Steuersignal benutzerdefiniert unterschiedliche Quittierungssignale zuzuordnen.From the WO 01/30127 A2 goes out a hearing, in which on control signals from a user acoustically perceptible acknowledgment signals can be issued. It is possible to assign a control signal user-defined different acknowledgment signals.

Aus der EP 1 420 611 A1 ist ein Hörgerät bekannt, das in Abhängigkeit der Hörsituation, in der es sich augenblicklich befindet, automatisch das am besten für diese Situation geeignete Hörprogramm aus einer Anzahl an Hörprogrammen auswählt. Außerdem ist mittels eines Tastschalters ein manuelles Umschalten von einem Hörprogramm zum nächsten möglich, wobei die Reihenfolge der Hörprogramme automatisch so festgelegt wird, dass Hörprogramme um so weiter vorne in der Reihe stehen, je besser sie für die augenblickliche Hörsituation geeignet sind.From the EP 1 420 611 A1 a hearing aid is known which, depending on the hearing situation in which it is currently located, automatically selects the hearing aid program which is best suited for this situation from a number of hearing programs. In addition, a manual switchover from one hearing program to the next is possible by means of a push-button switch, wherein the sequence of the hearing programs is automatically set so that hearing programs are the further front of the series, the better they are suitable for the current hearing situation.

Aufgabe der vorliegenden Erfindung ist es, eine flexiblere Verwendung akustischer Signale zur Anzeige von Einstellungen oder Zuständen des Hörhilfegerätes zu ermöglichen.The object of the present invention is to enable a more flexible use of acoustic signals for displaying settings or states of the hearing aid.

Diese Aufgabe wird durch ein Hörhilfegerät mit den Merkmalen gemäß Patentanspruch 1 gelöst. Ferner wird die Aufgabe durch ein Verfahren zum Betrieb eines Hörhilfegerätes mit den in Patentanspruch 7 angegebenen Verfahrensschritten gelöst.This object is achieved by a hearing aid with the features of claim 1. Furthermore, the object is achieved by a method for operating a hearing aid with the method steps specified in claim 7.

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 a hearing aid, an input signal is recorded by means of an input transducer and converted into an electrical input signal. Usually serves as an input transducer at least one microphone which receives an acoustic input signal. Modern hearing aids often comprise a microphone system with a plurality of microphones in order to achieve a direction dependent on the direction of arrival of acoustic signals reception, a directional characteristic. However, the input transducers may also include a telecoil or an antenna for Recording of electromagnetic input signals. The input signals converted by the input transducer into electrical input signals are fed to a signal processing unit for further processing and amplification. The further processing and amplification takes place to compensate for the individual hearing loss of a hearing aid wearer, as a rule, as a function of the signal frequency. The signal processing unit outputs an electrical output signal, which is fed via an output transducer to the hearing of the hearing aid wearer, so that the latter perceives the output signal as an acoustic signal. As output transducers usually listeners are used, which generate an acoustic output signal. However, output transducers for generating mechanical vibrations are also known, which directly excite certain parts of the ear, such as the ossicles, to vibrate. Furthermore, output transducers are known which directly stimulate neurons of the ear.

Moderne Hörhilfegeräte lassen sich durch unterschiedliche Einstellungen in Form veränderbarer Parameter, die die Signalverarbeitung im Hörhilfegerät beeinflussen, an unterschiedliche Hörumgebungen anpassen. Derartige Hörsituationen sind beispielsweise "ruhige Umgebung", "Fernsehen", "Gespräch in Störlärm", "Empfang mittels Telefonspule" usw. Ein Parametersatz zur Anpassung der Signalverarbeitung an eine bestimmte Hörsituation wird gewöhnlich als Hörprogramm bezeichnet. Hörprogramme können in der jeweiligen Hörsituation manuell durch den Benutzer eingestellt werden. Darüber hinaus verfügen moderne Hörhilfegeräte über einen Klassifikator zur automatischen Erkennung der augenblicklichen Hörsituation und einer damit verbundenen automatischen Anpassung der Signalverarbeitung im Hörhilfegerät an die jeweilige Hörsituation. Für einen Benutzer ist es häufig interessant zu wissen, wie sein Hörhilfegerät derzeit eingestellt ist, um die aktuellen Einstellungen zu überprüfen und gegebenenfalls Veränderungen dieser Einstellungen durchführen zu können. Beispielsweise möchte ein Hörhilfegeräteträger wissen, ob die tatsächliche Hörsituation richtig von dem Klassifikator erkannt wurde. Andere Einstellungen betreffen beispielsweise bestimmte Filter oder Algorithmen, die ein- oder ausgeschaltet sein können. Neben den Einstellungen sind für den Benutzer auch bestimmte Zustände seines Hörhilfegerätes interessant, über die er informiert werden möchte. Derartige Zustände betreffen z.B. den aktuellen Ladezustand einer verwendeten Spannungsquelle. Weitere Beispiele von Einstellungen, über die der Benutzer gegebenenfalls informiert werden möchte, betreffen die aktuelle Einstellung eines Lautstärkestellers, Einstellungen bezüglich der Anhebung oder Absenkung bestimmter Frequenzbereiche oder die Verwendung bestimmter Klangblenden.Modern hearing aids can be adapted to different listening environments by different settings in the form of variable parameters that influence the signal processing in the hearing aid. Such hearing situations are, for example, "quiet environment", "television", "conversation in noise", "reception by telecoil", etc. A parameter set for adapting the signal processing to a specific hearing situation is usually referred to as a hearing program. Hearing programs can be set manually by the user in the respective listening situation. In addition, modern hearing aids have a classifier for the automatic detection of the current hearing situation and an associated automatic adaptation of the signal processing in the hearing aid to the respective hearing situation. For a user, it is often interesting to know how their hearing aid is currently set up to check the current settings and, if necessary, make changes to those settings. For example, a hearing aid wearer wants to know if the actual Hearing situation was correctly recognized by the classifier. Other settings include, for example, certain filters or algorithms that may be on or off. In addition to the settings, certain states of his hearing aid are interesting for the user, about which he wants to be informed. Such states relate eg to the current state of charge of a voltage source used. Other examples of settings that the user may wish to be informed about include the current setting of a volume control, settings for raising or lowering certain frequency ranges, or the use of certain sound panels.

Gemäß der Erfindung können bei einem Hörhilfegerät ein und derselben Einstellung, z.B. Hörprogramm 1, bzw. ein und demselben Zustand, z.B. Spannungsquelle vollgeladen, mehrere akustische Informationssignale unterschiedlicher Kategorie zur Information des Benutzers über diese Einstellung bzw. diesen Zustand eingestellt sein. Unter akustischen Informationssignalen unterschiedlicher Kategorie sind dabei prinzipiell unterschiedliche Signale zu verstehen, die sich über bloße Unterschiede hinsichtlich der Lautstärke oder geringfügige Klangverschiebungen aufgrund unterschiedlicher Signalverarbeitungen im Hörhilfegerät hinaus unterscheiden. Beispiele für akustische Informationssignale unterschiedlicher Kategorie sind: Sprache, Musik (Melodien, melodische Klangfolgen usw.) Einzeltöne, nicht melodische Tonfolgen, Geräusche usw. Die unterschiedlichen Informationssignale für ein und dieselbe Einstellung bzw. ein und denselben Zustand sollen sich demnach grundlegend unterscheiden, beispielsweise dadurch, dass einmal dass aktuell eingestellte Hörprogramm durch eine bestimmte Anzahl an Piep-Tönen und ein andermal durch Sprachausgabe angezeigt wird. Dadurch kann das Hörhilfegerät gemäß der Erfindung an die Wünsche und Bedürfnisse eines Benutzers hinsichtlich der verwendeten Informationssignale angepasst werden. Die Informationssignale können dann so gewählt werden, dass Verwechslungen zwischen den unterschiedlichen Einstellungen oder Zuständen zugeordneten Informationssignalen weitgehend auszuschließen sind.According to the invention, in one hearing aid device one and the same setting, eg hearing program 1, or one and the same state, eg voltage source fully charged, several acoustic information signals of different categories can be set to inform the user about this setting or this state. In principle, acoustic information signals of different categories should be understood to mean different signals which differ from mere differences in terms of volume or slight sound shifts due to different signal processing in the hearing aid. Examples of acoustic information signals of different categories are: speech, music (melodies, melodic sound sequences, etc.) single tones, non-melodic tone sequences, noises, etc. The different information signals for one and the same setting or one and the same state should therefore fundamentally differ, for example in that once the currently set hearing program is indicated by a certain number of beep tones and another time by voice output. As a result, the hearing aid according to the invention can be adapted to the wishes and needs of a user with regard to the information signals used. The information signals can then be chosen so that confusion between the different settings or states associated information signals are largely excluded.

Eine Ausführungsform der Erfindung sieht eine Bibliothek von Informationssignalen vor, so dass der Benutzer einzelnen Einstellungen und Zuständen Signale aus dieser Bibliothek frei zuordnen kann. Die Zuordnung kann beispielsweise durch Programmierung des Hörhilfegerätes festgelegt werden.An embodiment of the invention provides a library of information signals so that the user can freely assign signals to individual settings and states from that library. The assignment can be determined for example by programming the hearing aid.

Eine andere Ausführungsform der Erfindung sieht einen Speicherbereich in dem Hörhilfegerät vor, in den der Benutzer eigene Informationssignale speichern und bestimmten Einstellungen oder Zuständen zuordnen kann. Beispielsweise kann der Benutzer über ein Mikrofon des Hörhilfegerätes ein akustisches Signal aufnehmen und speichern und einer bestimmten Einstellung oder einem bestimmten Zustand zuordnen. Neben dem im Hörhilfegerät fest gespeicherten und bei Bedarf abrufbaren Informationssignalen können durch die Verwendung eines Signalgenerators auch Informationssignale im Hörhilfegerät synthetisiert werden.Another embodiment of the invention provides a memory area in the hearing aid in which the user can save their own information signals and assign specific settings or states. For example, the user can record and store an acoustic signal via a microphone of the hearing aid device and assign it to a specific setting or a specific state. In addition to the information stored in the hearing aid fixed and retrievable as needed information signals by the use of a signal generator and information signals in the hearing aid can be synthesized.

Gemäß der Erfindung können einer Einstellung bzw. einem Zustand des betreffenden Hörhilfegerätes mehrere akustische Informationssignale zugeordnet werden, die unterschiedlichen Kategorien angehören. Vorteilhaft werden dann zur Anzeige ein und derselben Einstellung bzw. zur Anzeige ein und desselben Zustandes des Hörhilfegerätes in Abhängigkeit der aktuellen Hörsituation automatisch Informationssignale unterschiedlicher Kategorie abgegeben. Beispielsweise werden dabei in der Hörsituation "Sprache" die Informationssignale in Form von der Sprache unähnlichen Klängen abgegeben. Umgekehrt erfolgt in der Situation "Musik" die Information des Benutzers in Form von Sprachsignalen. Allgemein werden die Informationssignale in Abhängigkeit der aktuellen Hörsituation demnach so gewählt, dass diese in der aktuellen Hörsituation bestmöglich von dem Benutzer wahrgenommen werden können. Ebenso wie mit der aktuellen Hörsituation verhält es sich mit dem aktuell eingestellten Hörprogramm. Ist z.B. das Hörprogramm "Sprache" eingestellt, so werden die Informationssignale in Form von der Sprache unähnlicher Klänge dargeboten. Darüber hinaus kann ein Hörhilfegerät gemäß der Erfindung auch so eingestellt werden, dass bestimmte Informationssignale prinzipiell nur bei der erkannten Hörsituation bzw. dem eingestellten Hörprogramm für "ruhige Umgebung" abgegeben werden. Von dieser Einstellung sollten jedoch bestimmte Informationssignale, wie beispielsweise die Warnung vor einer entladenen Spannungsquelle, ausgenommen werden.According to the invention, a setting or a state of the relevant hearing aid device can be assigned a plurality of acoustic information signals belonging to different categories. Advantageously, information signals of different categories are then automatically output for displaying one and the same setting or for displaying one and the same state of the hearing aid as a function of the current hearing situation. For example, in the hearing situation "speech", the information signals are emitted in the form of sounds that are not dissimilar to the language. Conversely, in the situation "music", the information of the user takes the form of speech signals. In general, the information signals are accordingly selected as a function of the current hearing situation so that they can be perceived as best as possible by the user in the current listening situation. As with the current listening situation It behaves with the currently set hearing program. If, for example, the hearing program "language" is set, the information signals are presented in the form of the language of dissimilar sounds. In addition, a hearing aid according to the invention can also be set so that certain information signals are delivered in principle only in the detected hearing situation or the set listening program for "quiet environment". From this setting, however, certain information signals, such as the warning of a discharged voltage source should be excluded.

Die Erfindung wird nachfolgend anhand eines Ausführungsbeispiels näher erläutert. Dabei zeigt die Figur ein Hörhilfegerät 1 mit einem Mikrofon 2 zur Aufnahme eines akustischen Eingangssignals und Wandlung in ein elektrisches Eingangssignal. Letzteres ist zur Weiterverarbeitung und frequenzabhängigen Verstärkung einer Signalverarbeitungseinheit 3 zugeführt. Diese wiederum gibt ein elektrisches Ausgangssignal ab, welches mittels eines Hörers 4 in ein akustisches Signal gewandelt und dem Gehör eines Hörhilfegeräteträgers zugeführt wird. Das Hörhilfegerät 1 umfasst ferner einen Programmspeicher 5 zum Speichern mehrerer Parametersätze, so genannter Hörprogramme, von denen jeweils einer aktiv geschaltet ist und aktuell die Signalverarbeitung in der Signalverarbeitungseinheit 3 beeinflusst. Zwischen unterschiedlichen aktiven Hörprogrammen kann manuell durch Betätigung eines Tastschalters 6 umgeschaltet werden. Darüber hinaus umfasst das Hörhilfegerät 1 einen Klassifikator 7, der das elektrische Eingangssignal analysiert und dadurch selbsttätig die aktuelle Hörsituation erkennt. Während des normalen Betriebs des Hörhilfegerätes 1 wird daher das aktive Hörprogramm aus dem Programmspeicher 5 automatisch durch den Klassifikator 7 bestimmt.The invention will be explained in more detail with reference to an embodiment. The figure shows a hearing aid 1 with a microphone 2 for receiving an acoustic input signal and conversion into an electrical input signal. The latter is fed to a signal processing unit 3 for further processing and frequency-dependent amplification. This in turn emits an electrical output signal, which is converted by means of a receiver 4 into an acoustic signal and fed to the hearing of a hearing aid wearer. The hearing aid device 1 further comprises a program memory 5 for storing a plurality of parameter sets, so-called hearing programs, one of which is in each case activated and currently influences the signal processing in the signal processing unit 3. Between different active hearing programs can be switched manually by pressing a push-button 6. In addition, the hearing aid device 1 comprises a classifier 7, which analyzes the electrical input signal and thereby automatically detects the current hearing situation. During normal operation of the hearing aid device 1, therefore, the active hearing program is automatically determined from the program memory 5 by the classifier 7.

Das Hörhilfegerät 1 gemäß der Erfindung umfasst Mittel zur Ausgabe akustischer Informationssignale, die den Benutzer über aktuelle Einstellungen, wie beispielsweise das aktuelle Hörprogramm, aktuell ein- oder ausgeschaltete Filter oder Signalverarbeitungsalgorithmen der Signalverarbeitungseinheit 3 usw. informieren. Darüber hinaus wird der Benutzer auch über bestimmte Zustände des Hörhilfegerätes, wie beispielsweise über den Ladezustand der Spannungsquelle 9 informiert. Die Mittel 8 zum Erzeugen eines Informationssignals umfassen ihrerseits einen Speicher 10 zum Speichern von Informationssignalen, die von außen auf das Hörhilfegerät 1 übertragen wurden. Diese können beispielsweise durch das Mikrofon 2 aufgenommen werden. Darüber hinaus ist auch ein elektrischer Signalweg 11 vorgesehen, über den Informationssignale über eine elektrische Verbindung mit einem anderen Gerät (nicht dargestellt) in den Speicher 10 eingelesen werden können. Weiterhin umfassen die Mittel 8 zum Erzeugen eines Informationssignals auch einen Signalgenerator 12, durch den Informationssignale direkt im Hörhilfegerät erzeugt werden können.The hearing aid device 1 according to the invention comprises means for outputting acoustic information signals informing the user of current settings, such as the current one Listening program, currently switched on or off filters or signal processing algorithms of the signal processing unit 3 and so on. In addition, the user is also informed about certain states of the hearing aid device, such as the state of charge of the voltage source 9. The means 8 for generating an information signal in turn comprise a memory 10 for storing information signals which have been transmitted from outside to the hearing aid device 1. These can be recorded by the microphone 2, for example. In addition, an electrical signal path 11 is provided, via which information signals via an electrical connection with another device (not shown) can be read into the memory 10. Furthermore, the means 8 for generating an information signal also comprise a signal generator 12, by means of which information signals can be generated directly in the hearing aid.

Gemäß der Erfindung können nun bei dem Hörhilfegerät 1 zur Information über ein und dieselbe Einstellung, z.B. Hörprogramm 1 ist aktiv, unterschiedliche akustische Informationssignale zur Information des Benutzers über diese Einstellung ausgewählt werden. So kann im Beispiel das akustische Sprachsignal "Hörprogramm 1" oder ein einmaliger Piep-Ton zur Information des Benutzers über das eingestellte Hörprogramm 1 abgegeben werden. Die Zuordnung erfolgt gemäß den Präferenzen des Benutzers z.B. über den elektrischen Signalweg 11 bei der Programmierung des Hörhilfegerätes 1. Um einen Benutzer eine möglichst umfangreiche Auswahl an Informationssignalen anbieten zu können, die dieser dann nach eigenem Belieben unterschiedlichen Einstellungen und Zuständen zuordnen kann, umfassen die Mittel 8 zum Erzeugen eines Informationssignals eine Informationssignalbibliothek 13, so dass der Benutzer aus einer Vielzahl unterschiedlicher vorgegebener Informationssignale wählen kann. Auch dabei erfolgt die Auswahl durch programmieren des Hörhilfegerätes, beispielsweise über den elektrischen Signalweg 11.According to the invention, different acoustic information signals can now be selected for the information of the user via this setting in the hearing aid device 1 for information about one and the same setting, eg hearing program 1. Thus, in the example, the acoustic speech signal "hearing program 1" or a one-time beep tone for the information of the user about the set hearing program 1 are submitted. The assignment takes place according to the preferences of the user, for example via the electrical signal path 11 in the programming of the hearing aid 1. In order to offer a user as extensive as possible selection of information signals, which can then assign this at will to different settings and states, include the means 8 for generating an information signal, an information signal library 13, so that the user can choose from a variety of different predetermined information signals. Again, the selection is done by programming the hearing aid, for example via the electrical signal path 11th

Anders als in dem gezeigten Ausführungsbeispiel kann die Informationssignalbibliothek auch außerhalb des Hörhilfegerätes, beispielsweise auf einem mit dem Hörhilfegerät 1 verbindbaren Computer, hinterlegt sein. Von dem Benutzer ausgewählte Informationssignale können dann auch von dem Computer in den Speicher 10 übertragen und dort gespeichert werden.Unlike in the exemplary embodiment shown, the information signal library can also be deposited outside of the hearing aid device, for example on a computer connectable to the hearing aid device 1. Information signals selected by the user can then also be transferred from the computer to the memory 10 and stored there.

Gemäß der Erfindung gemäß dem Ausführungsbeispiel ist vorgesehen, dass den Einstellungen oder Zuständen des Hörhilfegerätes 1 nicht jeweils nur ein akustisches Informationssignal fest zugeordnet ist, sondern dass wenigstens einer Einstellung bzw. einem Zustand mehrere im Hörhilfegerät 1 gespeicherte oder erzeugte akustische Informationssignale zugeordnet sind, wobei die einer Einstellung bzw. einem Zustand zugeordneten akustischen Informationssignale unterschiedlichen Kategorien akustischer Informationssignale zugehören. Die Abgabe eines akustischen Informationssignals bezüglich einer bestimmten Einstellung oder eines bestimmten Zustandes erfolgt dann in Abhängigkeit von aktuellen Einstellungen der Signalverarbeitungseinheit 3 und insbesondere abhängig von dem aktuell aktiven Hörprogramm. Z.B. werden vorteilhaft bei einem Hörprogramm für Sprache keine Sprachsignale zur Information des Benutzers ausgegeben. Stattdessen werden von Sprache leicht unterscheidbare Töne oder Klänge ausgewählt. Umgekehrt werden bei einem Hörprogramm für Musik vorzugsweise Sprachsignale zur Information des Benutzers gewählt.According to the invention according to the exemplary embodiment, it is provided that the settings or states of the hearing aid device 1 are not each permanently associated with only one acoustic information signal, but that at least one setting or one state is associated with a plurality of acoustic information signals stored or generated in the hearing aid device 1, wherein the an attitude or a state associated acoustic information signals belonging to different categories of acoustic information signals. The delivery of an acoustic information signal with respect to a specific setting or a specific state then takes place as a function of current settings of the signal processing unit 3 and in particular depending on the currently active hearing program. For example, Advantageously, no voice signals are output to inform the user in a hearing program for speech. Instead, sounds or sounds that are easily distinguishable from speech are selected. Conversely, in a music listening program, voice signals are preferably selected to inform the user.

Bei dem Hörhilfegerät 1 gemäß dem Ausführungsbeispiel ist ferner vorgesehen, dass Informationen über eher unwichtige Einstellungen bzw. Zustände, z.B. die Information über das aktuelle Hörprogramm, prinzipiell nur in einem Hörprogramm für ruhige Umgebung abgegeben werden. Lediglich für den Benutzer essentiell wichtige Informationen, z.B. eine Warnung vor einer entleerten Spannungsquelle 9, werden in allen Hörprogrammen ausgegeben.In the case of the hearing aid device 1 according to the exemplary embodiment, it is further provided that information about rather unimportant settings or states, for example the information about the current hearing program, is in principle only output in a hearing program for a quiet environment. Only essential information for the user, eg a warning against an empty voltage source 9, is output in all hearing programs.

Die Erfindung bietet den Vorteil, dass ein Benutzer bestimmten Einstellungen und Zuständen nach eigenem Geschmack unterschiedliche Informationssignale zuordnen kann, die für ihn besonders angenehm sind oder bei denen sich die dahinter verbergende Information leicht erkennen lässt. Auch die situationsabhängige Abgabe sehr verschiedener Informationssignale zur Information über ein und dieselbe Einstellung bzw. ein und denselben Zustand trägt dazu bei, dass der Benutzer die Information in der jeweiligen Situation bestmöglich erkennt.The invention offers the advantage that a user can assign different information signals to certain settings and states according to his own taste, which are particularly pleasant for him or in which the information concealing behind it can be easily recognized. The situation-dependent delivery of very different information signals for information about one and the same setting or one and the same state contributes to the fact that the user recognizes the information in the respective situation as best as possible.

Claims (7)

  1. Hearing aid (1) having an input transducer (2) for picking up an input signal, a signal processing unit (3) and an output transducer (4) for delivering an output signal perceptible to a user as an audible signal, wherein settings and states of the hearing aid (1) are indicatable to the user by means of different information signals stored or generated in the hearing aid (1),
    characterized in that one and the same setting or one and the same state has multiple associable audible information signals of different category, the category of the audible information signal for indicating one and the same setting or for indicating one and the same state of the hearing aid (1) being selectable automatically on the basis of the current hearing situation.
  2. Hearing aid (1) according to Claim 1, wherein the hearing aid (1) comprises a library (13) of audible information signals and wherein particular settings or states have particular freely associable audible information signals stored in the library (13).
  3. Hearing aid (1) according to Claim 1, wherein the hearing aid (1) comprises a memory (10) in which externally produced audible signals are storable that are then freely associable with particular settings or states of the hearing aid (1).
  4. Hearing aid (1) according to Claim 1, wherein the hearing aid (1) comprises a classifier (7) for automatically detecting the current hearing situation, and parameters for controlling the signal processing in the hearing aid (1) are settable automatically on the basis of the detected hearing situation.
  5. Hearing aid (1) according to one of Claims 1 to 4, wherein the hearing aid (1) automatically selects an information signal different from a voice signal for the audible information signal when a "speech" hearing situation is detected or when the hearing aid (1) is operated in a hearing program for "speech".
  6. Hearing aid (1) according to one of Claims 1 to 5, wherein particular information signals are delivered only when a "silence" hearing situation is detected or when the hearing aid (1) is operated in a hearing program provided for "silence".
  7. Method for operating a hearing aid (1) having an input transducer (2) for picking up an input signal, a signal processing unit (3) and an output transducer (4) for delivering an output signal perceptible to a user as an audible signal, wherein settings and states of the hearing aid (1) are indicated to the user by means of different information signals stored or generated in the hearing aid (1) and wherein the signal processing in the hearing aid is adapted to different hearing situations, having the following steps:
    - associating multiple audible information signals of different category with one and the same setting or one and the same state of the hearing aid (1),
    - automatically selecting the category on the basis of the hearing situation and delivering an audible information signal to inform the user about the setting or about the state.
EP05107011.8A 2004-08-02 2005-07-29 Freely configurable information signals in hearing-aids Not-in-force EP1624721B1 (en)

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US7657047B2 (en) 2010-02-02

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