EP1696701B1 - Hearing device and process to monitor the hearing capacity of a hearing impaired person - Google Patents

Hearing device and process to monitor the hearing capacity of a hearing impaired person Download PDF

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Publication number
EP1696701B1
EP1696701B1 EP06110228A EP06110228A EP1696701B1 EP 1696701 B1 EP1696701 B1 EP 1696701B1 EP 06110228 A EP06110228 A EP 06110228A EP 06110228 A EP06110228 A EP 06110228A EP 1696701 B1 EP1696701 B1 EP 1696701B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
hearing
hearing device
level
setting
sound level
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EP06110228A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP1696701A3 (en
EP1696701A2 (en
Inventor
Stefan Aschoff
Matthias Fröhlich
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Sivantos GmbH
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Siemens Audioligische Technik 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
    • H04R25/70—Adaptation of deaf aid to hearing loss, e.g. initial electronic fitting
    • 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
    • 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
    • H04R2225/61—Aspects relating to mechanical or electronic switches or control elements, e.g. functioning
    • 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
    • H04R25/35—Deaf-aid sets, i.e. electro-acoustic or electro-mechanical hearing aids; Electric tinnitus maskers providing an auditory perception using translation techniques
    • H04R25/356—Amplitude, e.g. amplitude shift or compression

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a hearing device, in particular a hearing aid, with at least one operating element for adjusting an output sound level of the hearing device in that the operating element can be displaced into a plurality of setting positions. Moreover, the present invention relates to a method for monitoring the hearing of a minor hearing.
  • the hearing ability of a minor hearing is not constant, but a variable that can be changed through learning, aging and other processes. If a minor hearing-aid is already equipped with a hearing system, such a change should lead to a readjustment of the hearing system.
  • hearing system here refers to one or two hearing aids, which can optionally also be equipped with a remote control.
  • the remote control can also have functions that support the signal processing of the hearing aid / hearing aids.
  • a programmable hearing aid which has a controllable in its transmission characteristics amplifier and transmission part.
  • a microphone-downstream detector amplifier detects ambient or background noise, compares it with stored noise level patterns, and via a control circuit automatically activates one of the stored groups of parameters closest to the detected noise level pattern. The detector amplifier thus controls the transmission of the signals corresponding to the parameters after the actual hearing aid.
  • the document shows WO 03/098970 A1 a programmable hearing prosthesis with trainable automatic adaptation to acoustic environmental conditions.
  • the prosthesis includes a sound analysis module that monitors the acoustic environment of the user. The analysis module then provides an output representative of the type of auditory situation.
  • the prosthesis is also adjustable by means of a control.
  • the object of the present invention is to propose a hearing device with which the current hearing ability of the user during signal processing can be automatically taken into account.
  • a hearing device in particular a hearing device, having at least one operating element for setting an output sound level of the hearing device by the operating element being displaceable into a plurality of setting positions, a level measuring device for measuring an ambient sound level in the vicinity of the hearing device and an evaluation device for comparing a current one Setting position with a current, measured ambient sound level and for outputting a control signal in dependence on the comparison result.
  • a method for monitoring the hearing of a minor hearing by detecting a setting position of a control element, which serves to adjust an output sound level of a hearing device, measuring an ambient sound level in the vicinity of the hearing device, comparing a current setting position with a current, measured ambient sound level and output of a control signal as a function of the comparison result.
  • the hearing system or the hearing device thus advantageously recognizes a change in the hearing due to the settings chosen by the wearer and can either automatically make corrections or point out the fact to the minor hearing person. Thus, a change in the hearing and thus a shortage of the minor hearing does not go unnoticed. It should also be considered particularly advantageous that one or the other passage to the acoustician is spared.
  • a gain of the hearing device can be readjusted. This ensures that the user has the broadest possible setting range without having to permanently operate his device at a setting limit.
  • the hearing device according to the invention can have a signaling device in order to inform the user of the hearing device as a function of the control signal by an information signal.
  • a signaling device in order to inform the user of the hearing device as a function of the control signal by an information signal.
  • an acoustic or optical signal can be output to a hearing aid.
  • the hearing device may have a signal transmission device for transmitting the control signal or a corresponding signal to an external device.
  • the external device has a text output unit. In this way, the user can achieve a text message via a remote control, a smartphone and the like.
  • the hearing device may further comprise a memory device for recording a history of comparison results be provided, wherein the control signal is generated by the evaluation device in dependence on the history.
  • the time factor which characterizes the change in the hearing, can be taken into account in the information of the user or in the automatic readjustment.
  • one or more average values are continuously determined by the level measuring device. In this way, certain environmental situations can be better taken into account.
  • a specific embodiment of a hearing aid according to the invention is shown schematically in the figure.
  • the hearing device is equipped with a microphone M and a level meter P connected thereto, wherein the level meter P measures the level of the input signal or microphone signal 1. This detects the level of ambient sound.
  • the microphone signal 1 is also supplied in a conventional manner to a signal processing unit SE, which in turn generates an output signal for a loudspeaker L.
  • the level meter P generates a level signal 3 of the input signal 1 and supplies it to an analysis unit A1.
  • the analysis unit A1 also receives a position signal 2 of a control element, here a volume control LS.
  • the position signal 2 of the volume control LS is also used in the usual way in the signal processing unit SE.
  • the analysis unit A1 establishes a relationship between the position signal 2 of the volume adjuster LS and the level signal 3 of the level meter P and supplies a corresponding analysis value 4. This is supplied to a threshold detector SD and a persistent memory PS. Optionally, one or more analysis values 5, which were previously stored in the persistent storage PS, are provided by the persistent storage for the analysis unit A1, optionally including additional parameters. The output signal 4 of the analysis unit A1 is then calculated correspondingly including these analysis values 5 and optionally other parameters.
  • the threshold value detector SD receives, for example, a difference level, which the analysis unit A1 has determined from the ambient sound level 3 and a positioner level assigned to the positioner 2. If the difference level exceeds a predetermined threshold value, the threshold value detector SD triggers an activation signal 6 for a specific function. In the present example, a change of the parameter set of the signal processing unit SE is caused by the activation signal 6.
  • the hearing aid according to the invention can have a second analysis unit A2, to which the data 5 of the persistent memory PS are made available.
  • the second analysis unit A2 analyzes this data on the basis of certain predetermined criteria and performs one or more special functions, such. B. warning function or self-adjustment, off.
  • an analysis value 7 is supplied to the threshold value detector SD for this purpose.
  • the analysis unit A2 preferably also serves to analyze the data stored in the persistent memory PS in terms of time and, if appropriate, to provide corresponding mean values or other statistical data.
  • the level meter P will preferably be designed such that it can control the ambient sound level via a specifiable Averages the time interval and supplies the averaged value to the first analysis unit A1.
  • the level meter P is designed to continuously average over a short time interval, e.g. B. 30 s, and over a long time interval, for. B. 5 min, performs. In this case, as a result, two moving average values are available for the analysis unit A1 for improved analysis.
  • An alternative embodiment is to use two level meters, each having a frequency filter, z. B. a high-pass filter and a low-pass filter are connected upstream. Also in this case, two values are supplied to the first analysis unit A1.
  • the first analysis unit A1 is preferably designed such that it is activated for specific actuations of operating elements. It then stores in the non-volatile or persistent memory PS the data described above and optionally additionally a time and / or date stamp. Furthermore, the number of the selected hearing program and the current result of a classifier, which usually examines the incoming sound in the signal processing path of the hearing device and assigns it to one of several possible classes, can also be stored there.
  • the analysis unit A1 can be developed in such a way that it forms a difference value between the input signal level 3 and a setting level which has been assigned to the setting position of the operating element. This difference value is then stored in the memory PS. If the difference value exceeds a predetermined threshold value, then the gain controller of the signal processing unit SE is adjusted.
  • the analysis unit A1 first calculates the difference between input signal levels 3 and position 2, then calculates a moving average from this difference value and a number of last stored difference values and then activates a special function only when the moving average exceeds a threshold value.
  • a particular advantage of the type of signal processing according to the invention is that when processing the incoming audio signals and setting positions of operating elements, only the processing result is fed to a storage unit. This reduces the scope of the data to be stored, so that a hearing aid according to the invention can manage with a chip of smaller area. Thus, before the data storage, a comprehensive data preprocessing is performed. In this pre-processing, an analysis and feature extraction is performed so that the data volume of the result values is significantly reduced compared to the original input signals.

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  • Otolaryngology (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Acoustics & Sound (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Neurosurgery (AREA)
  • Signal Processing (AREA)
  • Circuit For Audible Band Transducer (AREA)
  • Measurement Of The Respiration, Hearing Ability, Form, And Blood Characteristics Of Living Organisms (AREA)
  • Testing, Inspecting, Measuring Of Stereoscopic Televisions And Televisions (AREA)
  • Control Of Amplification And Gain Control (AREA)
  • Telephone Function (AREA)
  • Emergency Alarm Devices (AREA)

Abstract

The aid has a sound level controller (LS) to adjust an output sound level of the aid, and movable to several adjusting positions. A level measuring device measures a sound level in the surrounding area of the aid. An evaluating device is provided for comparing an actual adjusting position with an actually, measured surrounding area sound level and for outputting control signals depending on the comparison result. An independent claim is also included for a method to monitor the hearing capacity of a hearing impaired person.

Description

Die vorliegende Erfindung betrifft eine Hörvorrichtung, insbesondere ein Hörgerät, mit mindestens einem Bedienelement zum Einstellen eines Ausgangsschallpegels der Hörvorrichtung, indem das Bedienelement in mehrere Einstellpositionen versetzbar ist. Darüber hinaus betrifft die vorliegende Erfindung ein Verfahren zum Überwachen des Hörvermögens eines Minderhörenden.The present invention relates to a hearing device, in particular a hearing aid, with at least one operating element for adjusting an output sound level of the hearing device in that the operating element can be displaced into a plurality of setting positions. Moreover, the present invention relates to a method for monitoring the hearing of a minor hearing.

Das Hörvermögen eines Minderhörenden ist nicht konstant, sondern eine durch Lern-, Alterungs- und andere Prozesse veränderbare Größe. Sofern ein Minderhörender bereits mit einem Hörsystem ausgestattet ist, sollte eine solche Änderung zu einem Nachstellen des Hörsystems führen.The hearing ability of a minor hearing is not constant, but a variable that can be changed through learning, aging and other processes. If a minor hearing-aid is already equipped with a hearing system, such a change should lead to a readjustment of the hearing system.

Hierzu sind insbesondere zwei typische Situationen zu nennen:

  1. a) Ein im Verlauf von Wochen oder Monaten verändertes Hörvermögen, welches durch einen Lerneffekt bei der Gewöhnung an ein Hörsystem auftritt (sogenannte Akklimatisierung).
  2. b) Ein im Verlauf von Monaten oder Jahren auftretendes Nachlassen des Hörvermögens.
There are two typical situations in particular:
  1. a) A change in hearing over the course of weeks or months, which occurs through a learning effect when getting used to a hearing system (so-called acclimatization).
  2. b) A loss of hearing over the course of months or years.

Mit einem "Hörsystem" werden hier ein oder zwei Hörgeräte bezeichnet, die optional auch mit einer Fernsteuerung ausgestattet sein können. Dabei kann die Fernbedienung auch Funktionen aufweisen, die die Signalverarbeitung des Hörgeräts / der Hörgeräte unterstützen.A "hearing system" here refers to one or two hearing aids, which can optionally also be equipped with a remote control. The remote control can also have functions that support the signal processing of the hearing aid / hearing aids.

Gemäß dem heutigen Stand der Technik hat der Minderhörende mit den oben genannten Situationen a) und b) eigenverantwortlich wie folgt umzugehen:

  • Zu a): Im Fall der Akklimatisierung begibt sich der Minderhörende bisher in Abständen von Wochen oder Monaten zum Akustiker, der, veranlasst durch eine Untersuchung oder Befragung seines Patienten, gegebenenfalls den Parametersatz des Hörsystems umstellt. Üblicherweise ist die dafür eingesetzte Software bereits dahingehend vorbereitet, dass der Akustiker die nächste von einigen wenigen Einstellstufen (sogenannte "Akklimatisierungsstufen") aktiviert.
  • Zu b): Im Fall eines zumeist langsam nachlassenden Hörvermögens ist der Minderhörende in der Verantwortung, die ihm zur Verfügung stehenden Einstellmöglichkeiten am Gerät zu nutzen. Es besteht hier die Möglichkeit, dass sich der Minderhörende über das Nachlassen seines Hörvermögens nicht bewusst ist, daher auch die Gelegenheit einer neuen Optimierung seiner Hörgeräteeinstellung nicht wahrnimmt und sich letztlich allmählich von einer optimalen Versorgung durch sein Hörgerät entfernt.
According to the current state of the art, the minor hearing officer has to handle the abovementioned situations a) and b) on his own responsibility as follows:
  • On a): In the case of acclimatization, the hearing-impaired hitherto, at intervals of weeks or months, goes to the acoustician, who, if prompted by an examination or questioning of his patient, possibly switches the parameter set of the hearing system. Usually, the software used for this is already prepared so that the acoustician activates the next of a few setting levels (so-called "acclimation levels").
  • On b): In the case of a mostly slowly diminishing hearing ability, the minor hearing person is responsible for using the available setting options on the device. There is a possibility here that the minor hearing person is unaware of the loss of his hearing, therefore also the opportunity of a new optimization of his hearing aid setting is not perceived and ultimately gradually away from an optimal supply through his hearing.

In diesem Zusammenhang ist aus der Druckschrift
EP 1 351 552 A2 bekannt, das akustische Eingangssignal zu klassifizieren und das Ergebnis als Eingangskriterium für die Ermittlung eines Hörgeräteparametersatzes zu verwenden. Hierzu wird eine aufwändige Applikationslogik mit dem Klassifikationsergebnis gespeist.In this context, from the document
EP 1 351 552 A2 to classify the acoustic input signal and to use the result as an input criterion for the determination of a hearing aid parameter set. For this an elaborate application logic is fed with the classification result.

Ferner sind zahlreiche Vorschläge bekannt, Daten in einem Hörgerät zu speichern. Dabei kann es sich um Daten handeln, die dem Hörgerät von außen übergeben werden (z. B. DE 40 20 154 A : Speicherung von geräte- und kundenspezifischen Daten). Ebenso kann es sich um Daten handeln, die die Stellerposition eines Bedienelements des Hörgeräts darstellen, als auch um Daten, die aus dem Parametersatz, der die Signalverarbeitung regelt, entnommen sind. Darüber hinaus wird in der Druckschrift EP 1 367 857 A1 vorgeschlagen, das Eingangssignal für eine weitere Auswertung zu speichern.Furthermore, many proposals are known to store data in a hearing aid. This can be data that is transferred to the hearing aid from outside (eg DE 40 20 154 A : Storage of device and customer specific data). Likewise, it can be data representing the position of a control element of the hearing aid as well as data taken from the parameter set that regulates the signal processing. Furthermore is in the publication EP 1 367 857 A1 proposed to store the input signal for further evaluation.

Aus der Druckschrift CH 672 215 A5 ist ein programmierbares Hörgerät bekannt, das einen in seinen Übertragungseigenschaften steuerbaren Verstärker- und Übertragungsteil aufweist. Ein dem Mikrofon nachgeschalteter Detektor-Verstärker ermittelt ein Umgebungs- oder Hintergrundgeräusch, vergleicht es mit abgespeicherten Geräuschpegelmustern und bewirkt über eine Steuerschaltung eine selbsttätige Auswahl einer der gespeicherten Gruppen von Parametern, die dem ermittelten Geräuschpegelmuster am nächsten kommen. Der Detektor-Verstärker steuert damit die Aussendung der den Parametern entsprechenden Signale nach dem eigentlichen Hörgerät.From the publication CH 672 215 A5 a programmable hearing aid is known which has a controllable in its transmission characteristics amplifier and transmission part. A microphone-downstream detector amplifier detects ambient or background noise, compares it with stored noise level patterns, and via a control circuit automatically activates one of the stored groups of parameters closest to the detected noise level pattern. The detector amplifier thus controls the transmission of the signals corresponding to the parameters after the actual hearing aid.

Des Weiteren zeigt die Druckschrift WO 03/098970 A1 eine programmierbare Hörprothese mit trainierbarer automatischer Adaption an akustische Umgebungsbedingungen. Die Prothese umfasst ein Schallanalysemodul, das die akustische Umgebung des Nutzers überwacht. Das Analysemodul stellt dann ein für den Typ der Hörsituation repräsentatives Ausgangssignal bereit. Die Prothese ist außerdem mit Hilfe eines Steuerelements einstellbar.Furthermore, the document shows WO 03/098970 A1 a programmable hearing prosthesis with trainable automatic adaptation to acoustic environmental conditions. The prosthesis includes a sound analysis module that monitors the acoustic environment of the user. The analysis module then provides an output representative of the type of auditory situation. The prosthesis is also adjustable by means of a control.

Die Aufgabe der vorliegenden Erfindung besteht darin, eine Hörvorrichtung vorzuschlagen, mit der das aktuelle Hörvermögen des Nutzers bei der Signalverarbeitung automatisch berücksichtigbar ist.The object of the present invention is to propose a hearing device with which the current hearing ability of the user during signal processing can be automatically taken into account.

Erfindungsgemäß wird diese Aufgabe gelöst durch eine Hörvorrichtung, insbesondere Hörgerät, mit mindestens einem Bedienelement zum Einstellen eines Ausgangsschallpegels der Hörvorrichtung, indem das Bedienelement in mehrere Einstellpositionen versetzbar ist, einer Pegelmesseinrichtung zum Messen eines Umgebungsschallpegels in der Umgebung der Hörvorrichtung und einer Auswerteeinrichtung zum Vergleichen einer aktuellen Einstellposition mit einem aktuellen, gemessenen Umgebungsschallpegel und zur Ausgabe eines Steuersignals in Abhängigkeit von dem Vergleichsergebnis.According to the invention, this object is achieved by a hearing device, in particular a hearing device, having at least one operating element for setting an output sound level of the hearing device by the operating element being displaceable into a plurality of setting positions, a level measuring device for measuring an ambient sound level in the vicinity of the hearing device and an evaluation device for comparing a current one Setting position with a current, measured ambient sound level and for outputting a control signal in dependence on the comparison result.

Darüber hinaus ist erfindungsgemäß vorgesehen ein Verfahren zum Überwachen des Hörvermögens eines Minderhörenden durch Erfassen einer Einstellposition eines Bedienelements, das zum Einstellen eines Ausgangsschallpegels einer Hörvorrichtung dient, Messen eines Umgebungsschallpegels in der Umgebung der Hörvorrichtung, Vergleichen einer aktuellen Einstellposition mit einem aktuellen, gemessenen Umgebungsschallpegel und Ausgeben eines Steuersignals in Abhängigkeit von dem Vergleichsergebnis.In addition, according to the invention, a method is provided for monitoring the hearing of a minor hearing by detecting a setting position of a control element, which serves to adjust an output sound level of a hearing device, measuring an ambient sound level in the vicinity of the hearing device, comparing a current setting position with a current, measured ambient sound level and output of a control signal as a function of the comparison result.

In vorteilhafter Weise erkennt somit das Hörsystem bzw. die Hörvorrichtung aufgrund der vom Träger gewählten Einstellungen von sich aus eine Änderungen des Hörvermögens und kann entweder selbsttätig Korrekturen vornehmen oder aber den Minderhörenden auf diesen Umstand hinweisen. Somit bleibt eine Änderung des Hörvermögens und damit auch eine Unterversorgung des Minderhörenden nicht unbemerkt. Als besonders vorteilhaft dürfte auch gelten, dass der ein oder andere Gang zum Akustiker erspart bleibt.The hearing system or the hearing device thus advantageously recognizes a change in the hearing due to the settings chosen by the wearer and can either automatically make corrections or point out the fact to the minor hearing person. Thus, a change in the hearing and thus a shortage of the minor hearing does not go unnoticed. It should also be considered particularly advantageous that one or the other passage to the acoustician is spared.

Vorzugsweise ist mit Hilfe des Steuersignals, das die Auswerteeinrichtung der erfindungsgemäßen Hörvorrichtung erzeugt, eine Verstärkung der Hörvorrichtung nachregulierbar. Damit bleibt für den Nutzer ein möglichst breiter Einstellbereich erhalten, ohne dass er sein Gerät dauerhaft an einer Einstellgrenze betreiben muss.Preferably, with the aid of the control signal, which generates the evaluation device of the hearing device according to the invention, a gain of the hearing device can be readjusted. This ensures that the user has the broadest possible setting range without having to permanently operate his device at a setting limit.

Die erfindungsgemäße Hörvorrichtung kann entsprechend einer bevorzugten Ausführungsform eine Signalisierungseinrichtung aufweisen, um den Nutzer der Hörvorrichtung in Abhängigkeit von dem Steuersignal durch ein Informationssignal zu informieren. Hierzu kann beispielsweise an einem Hörgerät ein akustisches oder optisches Signal ausgegeben werden.According to a preferred embodiment, the hearing device according to the invention can have a signaling device in order to inform the user of the hearing device as a function of the control signal by an information signal. For this purpose, for example, an acoustic or optical signal can be output to a hearing aid.

Darüber hinaus kann die Hörvorrichtung eine Signalübertragungseinrichtung zur Übertragung des Steuersignals oder eines entsprechenden Signals an ein externes Gerät aufweisen. Bei einer besonderen Weiterentwicklung besitzt das externe Gerät eine Textausgabeeinheit. Auf diese Weise kann den Nutzer über eine Fernsteuerung, über ein Smartphone und dergleichen eine Textmeldung erreichen.In addition, the hearing device may have a signal transmission device for transmitting the control signal or a corresponding signal to an external device. In a particular development, the external device has a text output unit. In this way, the user can achieve a text message via a remote control, a smartphone and the like.

In der erfindungsgemäßen Hörvorrichtung kann ferner eine Speichereinrichtung zur Aufzeichnung einer Historie von Vergleichsergebnissen vorgesehen sein, wobei das Steuersignal von der Auswerteeinrichtung in Abhängigkeit von der Historie erzeugt wird. Dadurch kann auch der Zeitfaktor, der die Veränderung des Hörvermögens charakterisiert, bei der Information des Nutzers oder bei der automatischen Nachregulierung berücksichtigt werden.In the hearing device according to the invention may further comprise a memory device for recording a history of comparison results be provided, wherein the control signal is generated by the evaluation device in dependence on the history. As a result, the time factor, which characterizes the change in the hearing, can be taken into account in the information of the user or in the automatic readjustment.

Günstigerweise werden von der Pegelmesseinrichtung kontinuierlich ein oder mehrere Mittelwerte bestimmt. Auf diese Wie se kann bestimmten Umgebungssituationen besser Rechnung getragen werden.Conveniently, one or more average values are continuously determined by the level measuring device. In this way, certain environmental situations can be better taken into account.

Bei der Verarbeitung der Einstellposition eines Bedienelements der Hörvorrichtung ist es günstig, von der Auswerteeinrichtung jeder Einstellposition einen Einstellpegel zuzuweisen und daraus eine Differenz zwischen Einstellpegel und Umgebungsschallpegel zur weiteren Verarbeitung zu erzeugen. Für die Überwachung des Hörvermögens ist es dann nur notwendig, die Differenz abzuspeichern.When processing the setting position of an operating element of the hearing device, it is favorable to assign a setting level of the setting device to each setting position and to generate therefrom a difference between setting level and ambient sound level for further processing. For the monitoring of the hearing then it is only necessary to save the difference.

Die vorliegende Erfindung wird anhand der beigefügten Zeichnung näher erläutert, die ein Blockschaltbild einer erfindungsgemäßen Hörvorrichtung darstellt.The present invention will be explained in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawing, which shows a block diagram of a hearing device according to the invention.

Die nachfolgend näher geschilderten Ausführungsbeispiele stellen bevorzugte Ausführungsformen der vorliegenden Erfindung dar.The embodiments described in more detail below represent preferred embodiments of the present invention.

Entsprechend dem Grundgedanken der vorliegenden Erfindung wird ein Hörsystem mit der Fähigkeit ausgestattet, den Umgebungsschallpegel zu messen und diesen Messwert mit bevorzugten Stellpositionen von Bedienelementen in Beziehung zu setzen, die ihrerseits den Ausgangsschallpegel des Hörsystems regulieren. Dabei analysiert eine Auswerteeinheit einen Pegelmesswert und eine Stellposition, speichert einen entsprechenden Vergleichswert und aktiviert eine spezielle Funktion, wenn der Vergleichswert auf ein geändertes Hörvermögen hindeutet. Damit kann auf die eingangs vorgestellten Situationen a) und b) wie folgt reagiert werden:

  • Zu a): Bei der Gewöhnung an ein Hörsystem kann, sobald die oben genannte Auswerteeinheit dies veranlasst, selbsttätig die entsprechende, vorprogrammierte Akklimatisierungsstufe aktiviert werden. Alternativ kann das entsprechende Hörgerät aber auch die Verstärkung des Hörgeräts nachregulieren, so dass der Minderhörende den Lautstärkesteller immer in demselben Einstellbereich halten wird.
  • Zu b): Bei langfristig nachlassendem Hörvermögen wird beispielsweise auf Veranlassung der Auswerteeinheit ein akustisches Erkennungssignal ausgegeben oder eine Nachricht an eine intelligente Fernsteuerung, ein Smartphone oder anderes System gesendet, das daraufhin den Minderhörenden mit einem Text oder anderem Audio- und/oder visuellem Feedback auf sein nachlassendes Hörvermögen hinweist oder den Besuch bei einem Spezialisten empfiehlt.
In accordance with the principles of the present invention, a hearing instrument is provided with the ability to measure the ambient sound level and correlate that reading with preferred manipulated positions of controls, which in turn regulate the output sound level of the hearing instrument. An evaluation unit analyzes a level measurement value and a positioning position, stores a corresponding comparison value and activates a special function if the comparison value indicates a changed hearing ability. Thus, the situations a) and b) presented at the outset can be reacted as follows:
  • On a): When accustomed to a hearing system, as soon as the above-mentioned evaluation unit causes this, the corresponding pre-programmed acclimatization level can be activated automatically. Alternatively, however, the corresponding hearing device can also readjust the amplification of the hearing device, so that the minor hearing person will always hold the volume control in the same setting range.
  • On b): In the case of long-term decreasing hearing, for example, an audible detection signal is output at the instigation of the evaluation unit or a message is sent to an intelligent remote control, a smartphone or other system, which then provides the minor hearing with text or other audio and / or visual feedback indicates his declining hearing or recommends a visit to a specialist.

Eine konkrete Ausgestaltung eines erfindungsgemäßen Hörgeräts ist in der Figur schematisch wiedergegeben. Das Hörgerät ist mit einem Mikrofon M und einem daran angeschlossenen Pegelmesser P ausgestattet, wobei der Pegelmesser P den Pegel des Eingangssignals bzw. Mikrofonsignals 1 misst. Hierdurch wird der Pegel des Umgebungsschalls erfasst. Das Mikrofonsignal 1 wird außerdem in üblicher Weise einer Signalverarbeitungseinheit SE zugeführt, die ihrerseits ein Ausgangssignal für einen Lautsprecher L generiert.A specific embodiment of a hearing aid according to the invention is shown schematically in the figure. The hearing device is equipped with a microphone M and a level meter P connected thereto, wherein the level meter P measures the level of the input signal or microphone signal 1. This detects the level of ambient sound. The microphone signal 1 is also supplied in a conventional manner to a signal processing unit SE, which in turn generates an output signal for a loudspeaker L.

Der Pegelmesser P erzeugt ein Pegelsignal 3 des Eingangssignals 1 und liefert dies an eine Analyseeinheit A1. Außerdem nimmt die Analyseeinheit A1 auch ein Positionssignal 2 eines Bedienelements, hier eines Lautstärkestellers LS, entgegen. Das Positionssignal 2 des Lautstärkestellers LS wird in gewohnter Weise auch in der Signalverarbeitungseinheit SE genutzt.The level meter P generates a level signal 3 of the input signal 1 and supplies it to an analysis unit A1. In addition, the analysis unit A1 also receives a position signal 2 of a control element, here a volume control LS. The position signal 2 of the volume control LS is also used in the usual way in the signal processing unit SE.

Die Analyseeinheit A1 stellt eine Beziehung zwischen dem Positionssignal 2 des Lautstärkestellers LS und dem Pegelsignal 3 des Pegelmessers P her und liefert einen entsprechenden Analysewert 4. Dieser wird einem Schwellwertdetektor SD und einem persistenten Speicher PS zugeführt. Optional werden von dem persistenten Speicher ein oder mehrere Analysewerte 5, die zuvor im persistenten Speicher PS gespeichert wurden, für die Analyseeinheit A1 gegebenenfalls inklusive zusätzlicher Parameter bereitgestellt. Das Ausgangssignal 4 der Analyseeinheit A1 wird dann entsprechend einschließlich dieser Analysewerte 5 und gegebenenfalls anderer Parameter berechnet.The analysis unit A1 establishes a relationship between the position signal 2 of the volume adjuster LS and the level signal 3 of the level meter P and supplies a corresponding analysis value 4. This is supplied to a threshold detector SD and a persistent memory PS. Optionally, one or more analysis values 5, which were previously stored in the persistent storage PS, are provided by the persistent storage for the analysis unit A1, optionally including additional parameters. The output signal 4 of the analysis unit A1 is then calculated correspondingly including these analysis values 5 and optionally other parameters.

Der Schwellwertdetektor SD erhält beispielsweise einen Differenzpegel, den die Analyseeinheit A1 aus dem Umgebungsschallpegel 3 und einem der Stellerposition 2 zugeordneten Stellerpegel ermittelt hat. Übersteigt der Differenzpegel einen vorgegebenen Schwellwert, so löst der Schwellwertdetektor SD ein Aktivierungssignal 6 für eine spezielle Funktion aus. Im vorliegenden Beispiel wird durch das Aktivierungssignal 6 eine Änderung des Parametersatzes der Signalverarbeitungseinheit SE veranlasst.The threshold value detector SD receives, for example, a difference level, which the analysis unit A1 has determined from the ambient sound level 3 and a positioner level assigned to the positioner 2. If the difference level exceeds a predetermined threshold value, the threshold value detector SD triggers an activation signal 6 for a specific function. In the present example, a change of the parameter set of the signal processing unit SE is caused by the activation signal 6.

Weiterhin kann das erfindungsgemäße Hörgerät eine zweite Analyseeinheit A2 aufweisen, der die Daten 5 des persistenten Speichers PS zur Verfügung gestellt werden. Die zweite Analyseeinheit A2 analysiert diese Daten aufgrund bestimmter, vorgegebener Kriterien und führt eine oder mehrere spezielle Funktionen, wie z. B. Warnfunktion oder Selbstjustierung, aus. Im vorliegenden Beispiel wird hierzu ein Analysewert 7 dem Schwellwertdetektor SD zugeführt. Vorzugsweise dient die Analyseeinheit A2 dazu, die im persistenten Speicher PS abgespeicherten Daten auch zeitlich zu analysieren und gegebenenfalls entsprechende Mittelwerte oder andere statistische Daten zur Verfügung zu stellen.Furthermore, the hearing aid according to the invention can have a second analysis unit A2, to which the data 5 of the persistent memory PS are made available. The second analysis unit A2 analyzes this data on the basis of certain predetermined criteria and performs one or more special functions, such. B. warning function or self-adjustment, off. In the present example, an analysis value 7 is supplied to the threshold value detector SD for this purpose. The analysis unit A2 preferably also serves to analyze the data stored in the persistent memory PS in terms of time and, if appropriate, to provide corresponding mean values or other statistical data.

In der Praxis wird der Pegelmesser P vorzugsweise so ausgeführt sein, dass er den Umgebungsschallpegel über ein vorgebbares Zeitintervall mittelt und den gemittelten Wert der ersten Analyseeinheit A1 zuführt. In einer anderen Ausführungsform ist der Pegelmesser P so gestaltet, dass er kontinuierlich eine Mittelung über ein kurzes Zeitintervall, z. B. 30 s, und über ein langes Zeitintervall, z. B. 5 min, durchführt. In diesem Fall stehen zur verbesserten Analyse als Ergebnis zwei gleitende Mittelwerte für die Analyseeinheit A1 zur Verfügung.In practice, the level meter P will preferably be designed such that it can control the ambient sound level via a specifiable Averages the time interval and supplies the averaged value to the first analysis unit A1. In another embodiment, the level meter P is designed to continuously average over a short time interval, e.g. B. 30 s, and over a long time interval, for. B. 5 min, performs. In this case, as a result, two moving average values are available for the analysis unit A1 for improved analysis.

Eine alternative Ausführungsform besteht darin, zwei Pegelmesser zu verwenden, denen je ein Frequenzfilter, z. B. ein Hochpass- und ein Tiefpassfilter, vorgeschaltet sind. Auch in diesem Fall werden der ersten Analyseeinheit A1 zwei Werte zugeführt.An alternative embodiment is to use two level meters, each having a frequency filter, z. B. a high-pass filter and a low-pass filter are connected upstream. Also in this case, two values are supplied to the first analysis unit A1.

Die erste Analyseeinheit A1 ist vorzugsweise so ausgestaltet, dass sie auf bestimmte Betätigungen von Bedienelementen hin aktiviert wird. Daraufhin legt sie in dem nicht flüchtigen bzw. persistenten Speicher PS die oben beschriebenen Daten und gegebenenfalls zusätzlich einen Zeit- und/oder Datumsstempel ab. Ferner kann dort auch die Nummer des gewählten Hörprogramms und das aktuelle Ergebnis eines Klassifikators, der üblicherweise im Signalverarbeitungspfad des Hörgeräts den eingehenden Schall untersucht und einer von mehreren möglichen Klassen zuordnet, abgespeichert werden.The first analysis unit A1 is preferably designed such that it is activated for specific actuations of operating elements. It then stores in the non-volatile or persistent memory PS the data described above and optionally additionally a time and / or date stamp. Furthermore, the number of the selected hearing program and the current result of a classifier, which usually examines the incoming sound in the signal processing path of the hearing device and assigns it to one of several possible classes, can also be stored there.

Darüber hinaus kann die Analyseeinheit A1 - wie bereits angedeutet - derart weitergebildet sein, dass sie einen Differenzwert zwischen dem Eingangssignalpegel 3 und einem Stellpegel, der der Stellposition des Bedienelements zugeordnet wurde, bildet. Dieser Differenzwert wird dann in dem Speicher PS gespeichert. Überschreitet der Differenzwert einen vorgegebenen Schwellwert, so wird der Verstärkungssteller der Signalverarbeitungseinheit SE verstellt.In addition, as already indicated, the analysis unit A1 can be developed in such a way that it forms a difference value between the input signal level 3 and a setting level which has been assigned to the setting position of the operating element. This difference value is then stored in the memory PS. If the difference value exceeds a predetermined threshold value, then the gain controller of the signal processing unit SE is adjusted.

Gemäß einem verfeinerten Ausführungsbeispiel berechnet die Analyseeinheit A1 zunächst die Differenz zwischen Eingangssignalpegel 3 und Stellposition 2, berechnet anschließend aus diesem Differenzwert und einer Anzahl zuletzt gespeicherter Differenzwerte einen gleitenden Mittelwert und aktiviert erst dann eine spezielle Funktion, wenn der gleitende Mittelwert einen Schwellwert überschreitet.According to a more refined embodiment, the analysis unit A1 first calculates the difference between input signal levels 3 and position 2, then calculates a moving average from this difference value and a number of last stored difference values and then activates a special function only when the moving average exceeds a threshold value.

Ein besonderer Vorzug der erfindungsgemäßen Art der Signalverarbeitung liegt darin, dass bei der Bearbeitung der eingehenden Audiosignale und Stellpositionen von Bedienelementen nur noch das Verarbeitungsergebnis einer Speicherung zugeführt wird. Dadurch reduziert sich der Umfang der zu speichernden Daten, so dass ein erfindungsgemäßes Hörgerät mit einem Chip geringerer Fläche auskommen kann. Es wird also vor der Datenspeicherung eine umfassende Datenvorverarbeitung durchgeführt. Bei dieser Vorverarbeitung wird eine Analyse und Merkmalsextraktion vorgenommen, so dass das Datenvolumen der Ergebniswerte gegenüber den ursprünglichen Eingangssignalen deutlich reduziert ist.A particular advantage of the type of signal processing according to the invention is that when processing the incoming audio signals and setting positions of operating elements, only the processing result is fed to a storage unit. This reduces the scope of the data to be stored, so that a hearing aid according to the invention can manage with a chip of smaller area. Thus, before the data storage, a comprehensive data preprocessing is performed. In this pre-processing, an analysis and feature extraction is performed so that the data volume of the result values is significantly reduced compared to the original input signals.

Claims (11)

  1. Hearing device, in particular a hearing aid, with
    - at least one operating element (LS) for setting an output sound level of the hearing device, in that the operating element (LS) can be adjusted to a number of settings, and
    - a level measuring means (P) for measuring an ambient sound level (3) in the vicinity of the hearing device
    characterized by
    - an evaluation means (A1) for comparing a current setting (2) with a current, measured ambient sound level (3) and for outputting a control signal (4) in dependence on the result of the comparison.
  2. Hearing device according to Claim 1, it being possible for the control signal (4) to be used for readjusting an amplification of the hearing device.
  3. Hearing device according to Claim 1 or 2, which has a signaling means in order to inform the user of the hearing device in dependence on the control signal by means of an information signal.
  4. Hearing device according to one of the preceding claims, which has a signal transmission means for transmitting the control signal or a corresponding signal to an external device.
  5. Hearing device according to Claim 4, the external device having a text output unit.
  6. Hearing device according to one of the preceding claims, which has a storage means (PS) for recording a history of comparison results, it being possible for the control signal to be generated by the evaluation means (A1) in dependence on the history.
  7. Hearing device according to one of the preceding claims, it being possible for one or more average values to be continuously determined by the level measuring means (P).
  8. Hearing device according to one of the preceding claims, it being possible for each setting of the at least one operating element (LS) to be assigned a setting level by the evaluation means (A1) and for this to be used to produce a difference between the setting level and the ambient sound level for further processing.
  9. Method for monitoring the hearing ability of a person with impaired hearing by
    - sensing a setting of an operating element (LS) which serves for setting an output sound level of a hearing device, and
    - measuring an ambient sound level (3) in the vicinity of the hearing device,
    characterized by
    - comparing a current setting (2) with a current, measured ambient sound level (3) and
    - outputting a control signal (4) in dependence on the result of the comparison.
  10. Method according to Claim 9, the control signal (4) being used for automatically readjusting an amplification of the hearing device.
  11. Method according to Claim 9 or 10, the user being directly informed about the result of the comparison.
EP06110228A 2005-02-23 2006-02-21 Hearing device and process to monitor the hearing capacity of a hearing impaired person Active EP1696701B1 (en)

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EP (1) EP1696701B1 (en)
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US8265311B2 (en) * 2009-10-12 2012-09-11 Starkey Laboratories, Inc. Method and apparatus for using text messages to distribute ring tones to adjust hearing aids
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US8965016B1 (en) 2013-08-02 2015-02-24 Starkey Laboratories, Inc. Automatic hearing aid adaptation over time via mobile application
CN107431868B (en) * 2015-03-13 2020-12-29 索诺瓦公司 Method for determining useful hearing device characteristics based on recorded sound classification data

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US4947432B1 (en) * 1986-02-03 1993-03-09 Programmable hearing aid
AU610705B2 (en) * 1988-03-30 1991-05-23 Diaphon Development A.B. Auditory prosthesis with datalogging capability
DE4020154A1 (en) * 1990-06-25 1992-01-02 Bosch Gmbh Robert STORAGE ELEMENT
DE59410235D1 (en) * 1994-05-06 2003-03-06 Siemens Audiologische Technik Programmable hearing aid
DE59911808D1 (en) * 1998-09-29 2005-04-28 Siemens Audiologische Technik HEARING DEVICE AND METHOD FOR PROCESSING MICROPHONE SIGNALS IN A HEARING DEVICE
JP3731179B2 (en) * 1999-11-26 2006-01-05 昭栄株式会社 hearing aid
AUPS247002A0 (en) * 2002-05-21 2002-06-13 Hearworks Pty Ltd Programmable auditory prosthesis with trainable automatic adaptation to acoustic conditions
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DE10327890A1 (en) * 2003-06-20 2005-01-20 Siemens Audiologische Technik Gmbh Method for operating a hearing aid and hearing aid with a microphone system, in which different directional characteristics are adjustable

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EP1696701A3 (en) 2007-04-25
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AU2006200622B2 (en) 2008-04-03
US8085961B2 (en) 2011-12-27
DE502006000577D1 (en) 2008-05-21
EP1696701A2 (en) 2006-08-30
DK1696701T3 (en) 2008-08-18
CN1826022B (en) 2011-11-30
DE102005008316B4 (en) 2008-11-13
US20070269067A1 (en) 2007-11-22
CN1826022A (en) 2006-08-30
DE102005008316A1 (en) 2006-08-31

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