EP2025201A2 - Appareil auditif et procede d'utilisation - Google Patents

Appareil auditif et procede d'utilisation

Info

Publication number
EP2025201A2
EP2025201A2 EP06763219A EP06763219A EP2025201A2 EP 2025201 A2 EP2025201 A2 EP 2025201A2 EP 06763219 A EP06763219 A EP 06763219A EP 06763219 A EP06763219 A EP 06763219A EP 2025201 A2 EP2025201 A2 EP 2025201A2
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
signal
hearing aid
counter
resp
processing device
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP06763219A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
Inventor
Ivo Hasler
Felix Aebersold
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Sonova Holding AG
Original Assignee
Phonak AG
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Phonak AG filed Critical Phonak AG
Publication of EP2025201A2 publication Critical patent/EP2025201A2/fr
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04R—LOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; DEAF-AID SETS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS
    • H04R25/00—Deaf-aid sets, i.e. electro-acoustic or electro-mechanical hearing aids; Electric tinnitus maskers providing an auditory perception
    • H04R25/30—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
    • H04R2225/55—Communication between hearing aids and external devices via a network for data exchange

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a hearing aid according to the preamble of claim 1 and to a method for operating a hearing aid according to the preamble of claim 11.
  • Hearing aids are known in a large number of different types, hearing aids, in-the-ear hearing aids and implants often being distinguished by genre between hearing aids arranged outside the ear.
  • programmable hearing aids are known in which basic settings and functions by appropriate settings resp. Programming adapted to the individual needs and requirements of the user. This takes place during an adaptation phase, during which the user generally sets or stops the hearing aid in each case during several sessions with the audiologist (or hearing aid acoustician). is adjusted.
  • the user is delivered a fully functional hearing aid, in which, regardless of the intended use, such as selective partial selection of functions, all functionality is open.
  • a key is used. Both hardware keys and pure software keys can be used be used. Only by input resp. Reading the key, the respective functions can be activated resp. be locked. Thus, for example, certain functions can be tested by the user and then either remain permanently enabled or disabled again. It is also proposed to leave these functions unlocked after activation only over a certain, defined period of time and then automatically lock them again. This is intended primarily to prevent improper, incorrect or unauthorized use of the hearing aid.
  • the use of hardware keys is limited because of the space required for practical reasons on outside of the ear wearing hearing aids.
  • the use of software keys can also be provided for highly miniaturized hearing aids, especially digital hearing aids, but always requires a key belonging to the corresponding, individualized hearing aid.
  • the storage and use of such a key makes high demands in terms of logistics as well as handling. Especially with longer maintenance intervals or when changing the user of the user problems with lost, forgotten or no longer available key can occur, which require the replacement of at least the programming module, if a lock or activation of a function is necessary.
  • a programmable hearing aid which with a counter for any definable actions and an evaluation logic with predeterminable resp. adjustable thresholds is equipped.
  • these threshold values are exceeded, certain functions of the hearing device are deactivated, possibly even all functions, i. the hearing aid is thus even made unusable. This can be prevented, for example, that during the adjustment phase of the hearing aid, in which the user has usually made no payments or at least no full payments, the hearing aid is in functional state lost.
  • Hearing aid can thus be activated or locked under the control of the audiologist.
  • the object of the present invention was to provide a hearing aid which can easily provide the user with an indication of when a service or repair of the device is indicated.
  • a further object of the present invention was to provide a hearing aid which can provide the service point and / or the manufacturer with information regarding the past operating behavior.
  • a hearing aid with at least one signal processing device, with at least one counter for the detection of discrete events resp. Operations and at least one memory for storing the counter values resp. Counter readings as well as the limit values assigned to each counter, furthermore a signal transmitter present, which is operatively connected to the signal processing device in such a way that the signal transmitter is activated when a limit value of a counter is reached or exceeded.
  • This can advantageously any countable, predetermined events resp. Operations are used to determine and record the operating state of the hearing aid.
  • An operating process can be, for example, the change of a specific operating state of the hearing aid. Now, if a predetermined limit is reached, ie the number of events reaches this limit, ⁇ O ⁇
  • this can be used to indicate a due inspection or maintenance of the hearing aid, without thereby affecting the functionality of the hearing aid is directly affected. This means that the functionality of the hearing aid is not thereby directly restricted.
  • the signal generator is integrated directly in the signal processing device.
  • this functionality can directly by the already existing
  • Signal processing device are exercised.
  • the signal generator generates an acoustic signal.
  • the acoustic signal is perceived directly by the wearer of the hearing aid and can thus react directly to it.
  • the acoustic signal is generated as a simple audio signal, as a melody or as a voice message.
  • the achievement of a limit value is indicated by the generation of an acoustic sound signal, for example a beeps or a tone with a specific frequency and duration.
  • an acoustic sound signal for example a beeps or a tone with a specific frequency and duration.
  • a certain tone sequence or even a specific melody can be generated to identify a particular event.
  • the event is displayed directly as a voice message that clearly shows the user of the hearing aid the event clearly.
  • Such a message text is then available as a retrievable signal in the non-volatile memory of the hearing aid and is by exceeding the limit resp. Threshold retrieved.
  • the signal generator generates an optical signal. This can, for example, the switching on an indicator light resp. Be light emitting diode. According to the detected event, it may be sufficient if this is displayed, for example, only when placing the hearing aid and thus no additional
  • a wireless transmitter is still available, with the signal transmitter resp. the signal processing device is operatively connected such that upon reaching or exceeding a limit value of a counter, a wireless signal is generated.
  • a wireless signal is transmitted, for example, to the remote control of the hearing aid and triggers an event there or activates resp. deactivates a function of the hearing aid.
  • This can be, for example, a visual display in the form of a corresponding warning light or the display in plain text on a corresponding display.
  • this signal can be transmitted to a service point, for example, so that it is informed about the corresponding event.
  • the service center can prepare a maintenance and possibly already provide spare parts or replacement modules.
  • further sensors for detecting resp. Detection of specific events or operations of the hearing aid and are each connected to one or more meters.
  • processes can be detected, which are not directly from the structure, respectively. the circuit of the hearing aid revealed or can be detected, but it can thus actions of the user in the operation resp. Handling of the hearing aid are detected.
  • This may be, for example, the number of actuations of operating elements such as, for example, the volume control or the number of attaching or removing the hearing device.
  • specific detectors are used, which are connected to the respective counters.
  • the sensors are designed in such a way that the number of undershootings of a defined voltage level as events or operating processes
  • the counter is designed as a pure software counter in the signal processing device.
  • the resp. the counters can be designed as independent modules or can be set up and operated in software in the signal processing device.
  • a nonvolatile memory or memory area is still present in which the event and / or the time of exceeding a limit value is stored.
  • the service point in case of repair or maintenance of the hearing aid determine whether and how many limit values have been exceeded and draw corresponding conclusions.
  • the time for possible troubleshooting can be reduced, since it is very likely that the possible problem area can be greatly limited.
  • the service life of the hearing aid can be increased by maintenance in accordance with use and the process of maintenance can be shortened, which leads to a reduction in maintenance costs.
  • the quality of maintenance and upkeep is increased, since this can be done more purposefully.
  • the present invention is not limited to hearing aids of the type mentioned above for compensating or correcting hearing damage. Rather, the invention can also be used for any hearing aids that serve to improve communication.
  • the method for operating a hearing aid with at least one signal processing device with at least one counter for the detection of discrete events or operations and at least one memory for storing the counter values resp. Counter readings and the limits assigned to each counter, before that - a measurable event or operation is assigned to each operating state change to be investigated;
  • each measurable event or operation is assigned to at least one counter
  • each counter is assigned at least one limit value
  • a signal generator When a limit value of a counter is exceeded, a signal generator is activated; - The signal generator generates a predetermined signal as a function of the limit value.
  • the signal generator generates an acoustic signal and / or an optical signal and / or a wireless signal and / or a mechanical signal.
  • An acoustic signal is, for example, a simple tone signal or a plain spoken announcement.
  • An optical signal is, for example, the activation of a lamp or the display of a message in a display.
  • a wireless signal is, for example, the transmission of an electrical signal via radio or Bluetooth.
  • a mechanical signal is, for example, the activation of a vibrator for the mechanical display of a signal, as is known, for example, in the case of radio telephones.
  • a counter is automatically reset after a determinable period of time. The reset takes place, for example, periodically after a determinable period of time.
  • Such counters in particular record and, if necessary, display repetitive events in a short time.
  • the activation of the signal generator is stored separately in a non-volatile memory area, at least the activation per se, for example additionally the time of activation. This will allow you to later understand when which activations have taken place.
  • This evaluation can give a service point valuable and time-saving information about the operating behavior of the hearing aid and / or the user's behavior. This information makes it easier and faster to narrow down a possible problem case and also take measures against it.
  • the signal generator generates the signal immediately or after a certain period of time or at the next power-on or a predetermined time thereafter. This reacts adequately to the signal triggering event.
  • the signal of the signal transmitter is transmitted to a service point.
  • the signal may be transmitted wirelessly to a communication station from where it is fed to a service station.
  • the service point can already be informed in advance about a possible service case and trigger the possibly necessary preparatory work, resp. To run.
  • the signal of the signal generator is generated once or several times.
  • the signal is either generated as a single single signal and displayed or repeatedly generated and displayed, for example, in a defined time interval.
  • the multi-generated signal can be interrupted or completely switched off by the user, as is known, for example, in electronic wake-up devices.
  • FIG. 1 shows the diagram of a hearing aid according to the invention
  • Fig. 2 shows the scheme of Figure 1 supplemented with a sensor for detecting certain events or RadioPorêtn.
  • a signal processing device 1 is connected to a microphone 2 and a loudspeaker 3.
  • the sound recorded via the microphone 2 is processed by the signal processing device 1 and finally reproduced via the loudspeaker 3.
  • This representation represents purely schematic and greatly simplified the basic process of recording and playback of audio signals in hearing aids.
  • signal processing devices 1 programmable electronic modules are frequently used today, which can be adapted to the individual needs of the users of the hearing aids and thus allow optimum use to be achieved. Often such hearing aids are not used solely to compensate or correct a hearing defect of the user, but also used to improve or support the audio communication.
  • at least one counter 4 is provided which is in communication with the signal processing device 1.
  • the counter 4 may be formed for example as a separate electronic module, or, for example, in a programmable module as a software counter resp. be designed as a pure software circuit.
  • Exceeding a limit value of a counter 4 can be advantageously carried out by storing the corresponding incident in the non-volatile memory ⁇ of the hearing aid, wherein, for example, the corresponding time of exceeding the limit value is recorded.
  • these data can be retrofitted by the audiologist or in the Service point can be easily determined and, if necessary, appropriate measures are taken.
  • the hearing aid according to the invention thus allows the audiologist and, if appropriate, the service point, a targeted maintenance of the hearing aid and possibly detection of a hidden defect or improper handling of the hearing aid by the user.
  • a signal generator 5 is further activated by the counter 4, which is in operative connection with the signal processing device 1.
  • FIG. 2 shows the addition of the scheme of FIG. 1 around a sensor 7.
  • This sensor 7 is designed differently according to the event to be detected and it can also be assigned to a number of sensors 7, or a sensor 7 can input its input into a plurality of counters 4, ie be connected to a plurality of counters 4.
  • some possible embodiments of such an inventive hearing aid resp. Operating procedures outlined. In a digital hearing aid with arranged on the outside of the housing microphone covers the user can be made aware of the change of the microphone cover by the signal generator. Such contamination is mainly caused by dirty fingers and sweat, which resp. Switching off the hearing aid are transmitted. Since this button is in the immediate vicinity of the microphone cover, the number of these on / off operations correlates linearly with the potential contamination of the microphone
  • the counter of the hearing aid is therefore coupled to the on / off signal.
  • the number of these operations is compared with a predefined limit, beyond which the user is alerted, for example by an acoustic signal, to having the microphone cover replaced or replaced.
  • the counter advantageously has a delay circuit which suppresses fast, almost immediately consecutive on / off operations and detects only as a single event, since such events have virtually no influence on the contamination of the microphone cover.
  • the delay circuit may be, for example, a relatively large period of time of, for example, 30 minutes or else a much shorter time span of a few minutes or even seconds.
  • the acoustic signal is triggered, for example, either directly at the occurrence of the event, with a time delay after the event, for example 30 seconds, or triggered only at the next triggering event. For example, this may be a certain amount of time, such as 30 seconds, after the next power up.
  • the service point can determine whether or not there has actually been a replacement after the acoustic signal by optically examining the existing microphone cover. Based on this information, the limit value can be modified if necessary, ie increased or reduced individually for the user.
  • a counter and a limit can be assigned. Since the program button for manually changing the hearing program of the hearing aid is in the immediate vicinity of the microphone protection, the number of program changes also correlates with the degree of contamination of the microphone protection. For example, these two counters can be combined, i. be added and assigned a common limit for the indication of the change of the microphone protection.
  • the number of on / off operations for example, in a first approximation of the number of insertion operations of the hearing aid are equated in the ear.
  • an acoustic message resp. Generate signal that draws attention to the replacement of the wax guard.
  • a digital hearing aid if the number of feedback rejection circuits exceeds a certain threshold, the user may be alerted to visiting the acoustician to have new ear fittings created.
  • a counter can be automatically reset, for example, after a certain period of time to determine the frequent occurrence in a short period of time and not to turn off the absolute number.
  • it can also be indicated by a suitable choice of the limit values of the user that the hearing device is not correctly inserted in the ear canal.
  • a limit for the frequent operation of the program and volume knob can be defined and set, which is an indication of an adaptation of the hearing program, respectively.
  • Hearing aid can be. In this case, the search of the acoustician is certainly indicated and can be transmitted by the signal generator to the wearer of the hearing aid.

Landscapes

  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Otolaryngology (AREA)
  • Neurosurgery (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Acoustics & Sound (AREA)
  • Signal Processing (AREA)
  • Telephone Function (AREA)
  • Manipulation Of Pulses (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention concerne un appareil auditif comportant au moins un dispositif de traitement de signal (1), au moins un compteur (4) destiné à détecter des événements discrets ou des processus d'utilisation, et au moins une mémoire (6) destinée à stocker les valeurs de compteur ou des états de compteur et les valeurs seuil affectées à chaque compteur (4). Ledit appareil auditif comporte également un transmetteur de signal (5) interagissant avec le dispositif de traitement de signal (1) de telle manière qu'en cas d'atteinte ou dépassement d'une valeur seuil d'un compteur (4), le transmetteur de signal (5) est activé. Ainsi et de façon avantageuse, des événements ou processus d'utilisation quelconques prédéfinis, pouvant être comptés, peuvent être employés pour détecter ou maintenir l'état d'utilisation de l'appareil auditif. Un processus d'utilisation peut par exemple être la variation d'un état d'utilisation défini de l'appareil auditif. Si une seule valeur seuil est atteinte, c.-à-d. que le nombre d'événements atteint cette valeur seul, un signal correspondant peut être déclenché et produit par le transmetteur de signal (5).
EP06763219A 2006-05-22 2006-05-22 Appareil auditif et procede d'utilisation Withdrawn EP2025201A2 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PCT/EP2006/062496 WO2006114449A2 (fr) 2006-05-22 2006-05-22 Appareil auditif et procede d'utilisation

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP2025201A2 true EP2025201A2 (fr) 2009-02-18

Family

ID=36890774

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP06763219A Withdrawn EP2025201A2 (fr) 2006-05-22 2006-05-22 Appareil auditif et procede d'utilisation

Country Status (3)

Country Link
US (1) US20090262948A1 (fr)
EP (1) EP2025201A2 (fr)
WO (1) WO2006114449A2 (fr)

Families Citing this family (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE102008004659A1 (de) * 2008-01-16 2009-07-30 Siemens Medical Instruments Pte. Ltd. Verfahren und Vorrichtung zur Konfiguration von Einstellmöglichkeiten an einem Hörgerät
KR101554043B1 (ko) * 2009-04-06 2015-09-17 삼성전자주식회사 이동통신 단말기를 이용한 디지털 보청기 제어 방법과 그 이동통신 단말기 및 디지털 보청기
US20120114158A1 (en) * 2009-07-20 2012-05-10 Phonak Ag Hearing assistance system
KR20120072381A (ko) * 2009-10-19 2012-07-03 비덱스 에이/에스 로스트 파트너 기능을 구비한 보청기 시스템
US20130013302A1 (en) 2011-07-08 2013-01-10 Roger Roberts Audio input device

Family Cites Families (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US6785394B1 (en) * 2000-06-20 2004-08-31 Gn Resound A/S Time controlled hearing aid
AU2001224979A1 (en) * 2001-01-23 2001-05-08 Phonak Ag Communication method and a hearing aid system
EP2595415A1 (fr) * 2003-03-25 2013-05-22 Phonak Ag Procédé destiné à accoumuter un utilisateur d'une prothèse auditive à une prothèse auditive
AU2003226909B2 (en) * 2003-03-28 2008-07-31 Widex A/S System and method for providing a talk-over function in a hearing aid
DK1708543T3 (en) * 2005-03-29 2015-11-09 Oticon As Hearing aid for recording data and learning from it
EP1545153A3 (fr) * 2005-04-08 2005-07-06 Phonak Ag Dispositif antivol pour prothèse auditive
EP1628503A3 (fr) * 2005-11-03 2006-03-15 Phonak AG Système de prothèses audives, prothèse auditive et procédé d'utilisation et de maintenance d'une prothèse auditive

Non-Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Title
See references of WO2006114449A3 *

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
WO2006114449A3 (fr) 2007-04-19
US20090262948A1 (en) 2009-10-22
WO2006114449A2 (fr) 2006-11-02

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