EP2150076B1 - Device for preventing loss of hearing aids - Google Patents

Device for preventing loss of hearing aids Download PDF

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Publication number
EP2150076B1
EP2150076B1 EP09165435.0A EP09165435A EP2150076B1 EP 2150076 B1 EP2150076 B1 EP 2150076B1 EP 09165435 A EP09165435 A EP 09165435A EP 2150076 B1 EP2150076 B1 EP 2150076B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
hearing aid
rcu
aid device
device system
user
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EP09165435.0A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP2150076A3 (en
EP2150076A2 (en
Inventor
Ferdinand Dietz
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Sivantos Pte Ltd
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Siemens Medical Instruments Pte Ltd
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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
    • H04R25/55—Deaf-aid sets, i.e. electro-acoustic or electro-mechanical hearing aids; Electric tinnitus maskers providing an auditory perception using an external connection, either wireless or wired
    • H04R25/554—Deaf-aid sets, i.e. electro-acoustic or electro-mechanical hearing aids; Electric tinnitus maskers providing an auditory perception using an external connection, either wireless or wired using a wireless connection, e.g. between microphone and amplifier or using Tcoils
    • 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
    • H04R2225/49—Reducing the effects of electromagnetic noise on the functioning of hearing aids, by, e.g. shielding, signal processing adaptation, selective (de)activation of electronic parts in hearing aid
    • 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
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04R—LOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; DEAF-AID SETS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS
    • H04R25/00—Deaf-aid sets, i.e. electro-acoustic or electro-mechanical hearing aids; Electric tinnitus maskers providing an auditory perception
    • H04R25/55—Deaf-aid sets, i.e. electro-acoustic or electro-mechanical hearing aids; Electric tinnitus maskers providing an auditory perception using an external connection, either wireless or wired
    • H04R25/558—Remote control, e.g. of amplification, frequency

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a hearing aid device system comprising at least a first and a second device portable on the head or body of a user, wherein a radio link is provided for wireless signal transmission between the devices.
  • Mechanical fasteners have the disadvantage that they often do not produce the desired effect (e.g., magnetic mounts) or are cumbersome to the handle (e.g., eyeglass mounts).
  • a hearing aid device system which allows automatic monitoring of the status' of the receiver, in particular the impedance of the receiver. If deviation of the impedance from a reference value becomes too great, an alarm signal is generated.
  • a wireless remote control can be used, which queries the status of the receiver as well as a wireless audio links and can generate an alarm signal.
  • a hearing aid device system is known to facilitate the recovery of a lost hearing aid.
  • the hearing aid system can be placed in a search mode in which the hearing aids give a helpful in recovering signal they receive from a wireless receiver.
  • the search mode can be triggered automatically if a transmission delay becomes high or a number of transmission timeouts become too high.
  • WO 2007/068243 A1 is a system for wireless programming a hearing aid known.
  • the programmer monitors the wireless connection to the hearing aid, for example, by monitoring a transmission delay.
  • Object of the present invention is to provide a reliable and easy to handle Verlierstik for hearing aids.
  • 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 and converts it into an electrical 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.
  • telephone coils or antennas for receiving electromagnetic input signals and conversion to electrical input signals are also common as input transducers.
  • 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 user, as a rule, as a function of the signal frequency of the Einganssignals.
  • the signal processing unit supplies at its output an electrical output signal, which is supplied 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.
  • a hearing aid further comprises a voltage source (battery or rechargeable battery) for powering the electronic components.
  • controls on / off switch, program switch, volume control, etc.
  • All electronic components of a hearing aid can be housed in a single housing. But it is also possible that the electronic components of a hearing aid are distributed over several devices or units, for example, the listener of a portable behind the ear hearing aid can also be in a portable ear in the ear, then between the behind the ear wearable and the portable in the ear part of the hearing aid in question is a wired or wireless connection.
  • the hearing aid system comprises at least a first and a second device portable on the head or body of a user, between which a radio link for wireless data transmission is provided.
  • the first and the second device are preferably in each case a hearing aid device which is portable in the ear (IdO), behind the ear (BTE) or on the body.
  • the second device may also be designed as a remote control for the first device or as an external, wearable processor unit.
  • the hearing aid device system according to the invention may also comprise more than two devices, between which a wireless signal transmission is provided, for example two hearing aid devices which can be worn on or in the ear, as well as a third device Remote control for convenient operation of these two hearing aids by the user.
  • the presence or the quality of the radio connection between the components of the hearing aid system and in particular between two hearing aids is monitored, so that tearing off the radio connection or the fall of the signal level of a signal received via the radio link in a hearing aid below a certain threshold automatically immediately is recognized.
  • this triggers the generation of a user perceivable signal that informs the user that the radio link is out of order. Since, in particular, the range of the radio connection between two hearing aid devices of a hearing aid device system according to the invention is strictly limited, the user is thus immediately informed about a loss by the hearing aid device remaining in the ear.
  • the information signal can be an audible but also an optically or tactually perceptible signal which immediately informs the user about a disconnected radio link or a poor reception quality between at least two devices of the relevant hearing aid system informed.
  • the time duration or the threshold value can be set to adapt to the individual circumstances of a user.
  • Such a setting can be done, for example, in the programming of the hearing aid by means of a programmer.
  • different time durations or threshold values can advantageously be set for different operating states of a respective hearing aid. For example, if the hearing aid detects that it is in a noisy environment as a result of an analysis of the environmental situation, then a longer period of time may be activated for the time in which this situation occurs, as compared to a quiet hearing environment. Even immediately after switching on a hearing aid, it may be useful to suppress a corresponding information signal first. This prevents, for example, when a hearing aid device system is attached, the hearing aid device first attached to or in the ear not reacting immediately with a corresponding information signal, as long as the second hearing aid device the relevant hearing aid device system is not yet activated or is not yet in the intended carrying position.
  • the information signal generated by the hearing aid device system can be adapted to an individual user.
  • the user has at his disposal a collection of acoustic signals (sounds, sound sequences, melodies, etc.) from which he can select one or more according to individual preferences.
  • acoustic signals sounds, sound sequences, melodies, etc.
  • the left hearing aid device, the right hearing aid device and the remote control of a hearing aid device system according to the invention can emit different signals which can be perceived by the user when the radio link is torn off.
  • optically or tactually perceptible information signals can also be generated and emitted, in particular by the remote control.
  • certain characteristics of such a signal can also be set individually.
  • the volume and the frequency of an acoustic information signal can advantageously be adapted in accordance with the wishes and requirements of the respective user.
  • a further development of the invention provides means that facilitate the retrieval of a lost hearing aid device.
  • the amplification of a radio signal received by the remaining hearing aid device or the remote control and originating from the lost hearing aid device can be increased, so that an approximate estimate of the distance between the relevant devices can be made.
  • a search function can be triggered by manual operation or voice input on the remote control or the remaining hearing aid device in the remote control or the remaining hearing aid.
  • the search function in the lost hearing aid causes the output of a message signal with maximum gain, so that the lost hearing aid can be found by the acoustic signal generated by him again.
  • the hearing aid device system shown also includes a remote control RCU.
  • a wireless bidirectional communication is possible both between the remote control RCU and the two hearing aids HG 1 and HG 2 and between the two hearing aids HG 1 and HG 2.
  • a radio link over which signals are wireless and bidirectional transferable.
  • the structure of an exemplary hearing aid according to the embodiment according to FIG. 1 shows FIG. 2 ,
  • the apparent behind the ear portable hearing aid 1 includes a behind the ear portable housing 2, a protruding into the ear canal when worn wearing a 3 and a sound tube 4, which serves to hold the hearing aid 1 on the ear and the sound conduction between the housing 2 and the earmold 3.
  • two microphones 5 and 6 are present, which are connected to a directional microphone system.
  • the resulting microphone signals are fed to a signal processing unit 7 for processing and frequency-dependent amplification. This generates an electrical output signal, which is converted in the handset 8 in an acoustic output signal and supplied via the sound tube 4 and the earmold 3 the hearing of a user.
  • a battery 9 is also available.
  • the hearing aid 1 For wireless signal transmission between the hearing aid 1 and another device, such as a further hearing aid, a remote control, a programming device, etc., the hearing aid 1 includes a transmitting and receiving antenna 10.
  • the signals received above are first a Signalauswak- and control device 11 supplied before If necessary, they are fed to the signal processing unit 7 after further processing.
  • the signal evaluation and control device 11 checks whether a specific electromagnetic signal emanating from a second hearing aid device which is identical to the hearing aid device 1 can be received via the antenna 10 and optionally the signal level of a relevant signal.
  • a control signal is generated in the signal evaluation and control device 11 and transmitted to the signal processing unit 7, which leads to the output of an information signal stored in a memory of the signal processing unit 7 via the receiver 8.
  • a user of the hearing aid device 1 is informed that the second hearing aid device of the relevant hearing aid device system is outside the regular distance to the hearing aid device 1. The user is thus through the hearing aid 1 about a possible loss of the second Hearing aid device of the hearing aid system concerned informed.
  • the hearing aid device 1 does not react immediately with each rupture of the radio link or falls below the signal level below the threshold value, but only when the state in question lasts for a certain period of time.
  • the time duration or the threshold value can be set individually.

Description

Die Erfindung betrifft ein Hörhilfegerätesystem mit wenigstens einem ersten und einem zweiten am Kopf oder Körper eines Benutzers tragbaren Gerät, wobei eine Funkverbindung zur drahtlosen Signalübertragung zwischen den Geräten vorgesehen ist.The invention relates to a hearing aid device system comprising at least a first and a second device portable on the head or body of a user, wherein a radio link is provided for wireless signal transmission between the devices.

Bei Hörhilfegeräteträgern besteht vielfach der Wunsch nach einer möglichst unauffälligen Benutzung der Hörhilfegeräte. Dies hat zur Entwicklung sehr kleiner und von dem jeweiligen Benutzer beim Tragen kaum am bzw. im Ohr wahrnehmbarer Hörhilfegeräte geführt. Auch eine häufig verwendete, so genannte offene Versorgung, bei der der Gehörgang eines versorgten Ohres des Benutzers nicht durch das Hörhilfegerät verschlossen wird, trägt dazu bei, dass die Versorgung eines Benutzers mit einem Hörhilfegerät häufig von dem Benutzer kaum noch bewusst wahrgenommen wird. Dies hat jedoch bereits wiederholt dazu geführt, dass Hörhilfegeräte von ihren Benutzern völlig unbemerkt während des Tragens verloren wurden.In the case of hearing aid wearers, there is often a desire for the most inconspicuous use possible of the hearing aid devices. This has led to the development of very small hearing aids that are barely perceptible to or in the ear by the respective user when worn. Also, a frequently used, so-called open supply, in which the auditory canal of a user's supplied ear is not closed by the hearing aid, contributes to the fact that the supply of a user with a hearing aid device is often hardly consciously perceived by the user. However, this has repeatedly led to hearing aids being lost unnoticed by their users during wear.

Es sind mechanische Mittel bekannt, mittels derer Hörhilfegeräte am Ohr, der Kleidung, einer Brille etc. des jeweiligen Benutzers befestigt werden können, so dass die Hörhilfegeräte gesichert sind, wenn sie sich unbeabsichtigt vom Ohr lösen. Ferner sind auch Halterungen bekannt, die mittels Magneten eine zusätzliche Befestigung am Ohr bewirken und dadurch den Verlust des betreffenden Hörhilfegeräts verhindern.Mechanical means are known by means of which hearing aids can be attached to the ear, clothing, glasses, etc. of the respective user so that the hearing aids are secured when they accidentally come off the ear. Furthermore, holders are also known, which cause an additional attachment to the ear by means of magnets and thereby prevent the loss of the hearing aid in question.

Mechanische Befestigungsmittel haben den Nachteil, dass sie häufig nicht den gewünschten Effekt bewirken (z.B. Magnethalterungen) oder umständlich in der Handhabe sind (z.B. Brillenbefestigungen).Mechanical fasteners have the disadvantage that they often do not produce the desired effect (e.g., magnetic mounts) or are cumbersome to the handle (e.g., eyeglass mounts).

Aus der DE 103 04 648 B3 ist ein Hörhilfegerätesystem mit einem ersten und einem zweiten Hörhilfegerät sowie einer Fernbedienung bekannt, wobei zwischen den drei Geräten eine Funkverbindung zur drahtlosen Signalübertragung realisiert ist.From the DE 103 04 648 B3 is a hearing aid system with a first and a second hearing aid and a remote control known, between the three devices, a radio link for wireless signal transmission is realized.

Aus der Patentschrift US 5,721,783 ist ein Hörhilfegerätesystem mit einem im linken und einem im rechten Ohr tragbaren Hörhilfegerät und einer am Körper tragbaren Prozessoreinheit bekannt. Bei dem bekannten Hörhilfegerätesystem wird das Wiederauffinden eines verloren gegangenen Hörhilfegeräts dadurch erleichtert, dass die am Körper tragbare Prozessoreinheit ein von einem Benutzer wahrnehmbares Signal abgibt, wenn es bei Betrieb in einem Suchmodus in den Empfangsbereich eines verloren gegangenen Hörhilfegeräts eintritt.From the patent US 5,721,783 is a hearing aid system with a in the left and a right ear portable hearing aid and a wearable processor unit known. In the known hearing aid system, retrieval of a lost hearing aid is facilitated by the wearable processor unit emitting a user-detectable signal when entering the receive area of a lost hearing aid when operating in a seek mode.

Aus der Druckschrift WO 2007/144010 A1 ist ein Hörhilfegerätesystem bekannt, das eine automatische Überwachung des Status' des Receivers, insbesondere der Impedanz des Receivers, ermöglicht. Falls Abweichung der Impedanz von einem Referenzwert zu groß wird, wird ein Alarmsignal erzeugt. Zusätzlich kann eine kabellose Fernbedienung eingesetzt sein, die den Status des Receivers ebenso wie den eines kabellosen Audio Links abfragt und ein Alarmsignal erzeugen kann.From the publication WO 2007/144010 A1 a hearing aid device system is known, which allows automatic monitoring of the status' of the receiver, in particular the impedance of the receiver. If deviation of the impedance from a reference value becomes too great, an alarm signal is generated. In addition, a wireless remote control can be used, which queries the status of the receiver as well as a wireless audio links and can generate an alarm signal.

Aus der Druckschrift EP 2 262 283 A1 ist ein Hörhilfegerätesystem bekannt, dass das Wiederfinden eines verlorenen Hörhilfegeräts erleichtern soll. Zu diesem Zweck kann das Hörhilfegerätesystem in einen Such-Modus versetzt werden, in dem die Hörhilfegeräte ein beim Wiederfinden hilfreiches Signal abgeben, das sie von einem kabellosen Empfänger erhalten. Der Such-Modus kann automatisch ausgelöst werden, wenn eine Übertragungs-Verzögerung groß oder eine Anzahl von Übertragungs-Timeouts zu hoch wird.From the publication EP 2 262 283 A1 a hearing aid device system is known to facilitate the recovery of a lost hearing aid. For this purpose, the hearing aid system can be placed in a search mode in which the hearing aids give a helpful in recovering signal they receive from a wireless receiver. The search mode can be triggered automatically if a transmission delay becomes high or a number of transmission timeouts become too high.

Aus der Druckschrift WO 2007/068243 A1 ist ein System zur kabellosen Programmierung eines Hörhilfegeräts bekannt. Das Programmiergerät überwacht dabei die kabellose Verbindung zu dem Hörhilfegerät, beispielsweise anhand der Überwachung einer Übertragungs-Verzögerung.From the publication WO 2007/068243 A1 is a system for wireless programming a hearing aid known. The programmer monitors the wireless connection to the hearing aid, for example, by monitoring a transmission delay.

Aufgabe der vorliegenden Erfindung ist es, einen zuverlässigen und einfach handhabbaren Verlierschutz für Hörhilfegeräte zu bieten.Object of the present invention is to provide a reliable and easy to handle Verliersschutz for hearing aids.

Diese Aufgabe wird durch ein Hörhilfegerätesystem mit den Merkmalen gemäß Patentanspruch 1 gelöst. Vorteilhafte Weiterbildungen sind durch die Unteransprüche gekennzeichnet.This object is achieved by a hearing aid system with the features according to claim 1. Advantageous developments are characterized by the subclaims.

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 und in ein elektrisches Eingangssignal wandelt. Moderne Hörhilfegeräte umfassen häufig ein Mikrofonsystem mit mehreren Mikrofonen um einen von der Einfallsrichtung akustischer Signale abhängigen Empfang, eine Richtcharakteristik, zu erreichen. Als Eingangswandler sind jedoch auch Telefonspulen oder Antennen zur Aufnahme elektromagnetischer Eingangssignale und Wandlung in elektrische Eingangssignale üblich. 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 Benutzers in der Regel in Abhängigkeit der Signalfrequenz des Einganssignals. Die Signalverarbeitungseinheit liefert an ihrem Ausgang ein elektrisches Ausgangssignal, 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. Ein Hörhilfegerät umfasst ferner eine Spannungsquelle (Batterie oder Akku) zur Spannungsversorgung der elektronischen Komponenten. Weiterhin können auch Bedienelemente (Ein-/Ausschalter, Programmumschalter, Lautstärkesteller etc.) vorhanden sein. Alle elektronischen Komponenten eines Hörhilfegerätes können in einem einzigen Gehäuse untergebracht sein. Es ist aber auch möglich, dass die elektronischen Komponenten eines Hörhilfegerätes auf mehrere Geräte oder Baueinheiten verteilt sind, beispielsweise kann sich der Hörer eines hinter dem Ohr tragbaren Hörhilfegerätes auch in einer in dem Ohr tragbaren Otoplastik befinden, wobei dann zwischen dem hinter dem Ohr tragbaren und dem in dem Ohr tragbaren Teil des betreffenden Hörhilfegerätes eine Draht- oder Funkverbindung besteht.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 and converts it into an electrical 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, telephone coils or antennas for receiving electromagnetic input signals and conversion to electrical input signals are also common as input transducers. 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 user, as a rule, as a function of the signal frequency of the Einganssignals. The signal processing unit supplies at its output an electrical output signal, which is supplied 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. A hearing aid further comprises a voltage source (battery or rechargeable battery) for powering the electronic components. Furthermore, controls (on / off switch, program switch, volume control, etc.) may be present. All electronic components of a hearing aid can be housed in a single housing. But it is also possible that the electronic components of a hearing aid are distributed over several devices or units, for example, the listener of a portable behind the ear hearing aid can also be in a portable ear in the ear, then between the behind the ear wearable and the portable in the ear part of the hearing aid in question is a wired or wireless connection.

Das Hörhilfegerätesystem gemäß der Erfindung umfasst wenigstens ein erstes und ein zweites am Kopf oder Körper eines Benutzers tragbares Gerät, zwischen denen eine Funkverbindung zur drahtlosen Datenübertragung vorgesehen ist. Bei dem ersten und dem zweiten Gerät handelt es sich vorzugsweise jeweils um ein in dem Ohr (IdO), hinter dem Ohr (HdO) oder am Körper tragbares Hörhilfegerät. Das zweite Gerät kann jedoch auch als Fernbedienung für das erste Gerät oder als externe, am Körper tragbare Prozessoreinheit ausgebildet sein. Ferner kann das Hörhilfegerätesystem gemäß der Erfindung auch mehr als zwei Geräte umfassen, zwischen denen eine drahtlose Signalübertragung vorgesehen ist, beispielsweise zwei am oder im Ohr tragbare Hörhilfegeräte sowie als drittes Gerät eine Fernbedienung zur bequemen Bedienung dieser beiden Hörhilfegeräte durch den Benutzer.The hearing aid system according to the invention comprises at least a first and a second device portable on the head or body of a user, between which a radio link for wireless data transmission is provided. The first and the second device are preferably in each case a hearing aid device which is portable in the ear (IdO), behind the ear (BTE) or on the body. However, the second device may also be designed as a remote control for the first device or as an external, wearable processor unit. Furthermore, the hearing aid device system according to the invention may also comprise more than two devices, between which a wireless signal transmission is provided, for example two hearing aid devices which can be worn on or in the ear, as well as a third device Remote control for convenient operation of these two hearing aids by the user.

Durch eine drahtlose Signalübertragung zwischen zwei Hörhilfegeräten ist es beispielsweise möglich, dass diese stets im gleichen Hörprogramm betrieben werden oder eine manuelle Änderung der Lautstärke-Einstellung an einem der beiden Hörhilfegeräte automatisch auch eine entsprechende Änderung der Lautstärke-Einstellung bei dem zweiten Hörhilfegerät bewirkt.By a wireless signal transmission between two hearing aids, it is possible, for example, that these are always operated in the same hearing program or a manual change of the volume setting on one of the two hearing aids automatically causes a corresponding change in the volume setting in the second hearing aid.

Gemäß der Erfindung wird das Vorhandensein bzw. die Qualität der Funkverbindung zwischen den Komponenten des Hörhilfegerätesystems und insbesondere zwischen zwei Hörhilfegeräten überwacht, so dass ein Abreißen der Funkverbindung oder das Abfallen des Signalpegels eines über die Funkverbindung in einem Hörhilfegerät empfangenen Signals unter einen bestimmten Schwellenwert automatisch sofort erkannt wird. Gemäß der Erfindung löst dies die Erzeugung eines von einem Benutzer wahrnehmbaren Signals aus, das den Benutzer darüber informiert, dass die Funkverbindung gestört ist. Da insbesondere die Reichweite der Funkverbindung zwischen zwei Hörhilfegeräten eines erfindungsgemäßen Hörhilfegerätesystems eng begrenzt ist, wird der Benutzer damit durch das im Ohr verbliebene Hörhilfegerät sofort über einen Verlust informiert. Aber auch die Reichweite einer zur Bedienung eines Hörhilfegerätes vorgesehenen Fernbedienung ist auf wenige Meter begrenzt, so dass der Benutzer auch dann über den möglichen Verlust eines Hörgerätes informiert wird, wenn die Verbindung zu der Fernbedienung gestört ist. Der Benutzer wird also stets bereits dann über einen Verlust informiert, wenn er sich noch in unmittelbarer Nähe zu dem verloren gegangenen Gerät befindet. Dies erleichtert das Wiederauffinden des verloren gegangenen Gerätes erheblich.According to the invention, the presence or the quality of the radio connection between the components of the hearing aid system and in particular between two hearing aids is monitored, so that tearing off the radio connection or the fall of the signal level of a signal received via the radio link in a hearing aid below a certain threshold automatically immediately is recognized. In accordance with the invention, this triggers the generation of a user perceivable signal that informs the user that the radio link is out of order. Since, in particular, the range of the radio connection between two hearing aid devices of a hearing aid device system according to the invention is strictly limited, the user is thus immediately informed about a loss by the hearing aid device remaining in the ear. But also the range of a provided for operating a hearing aid remote control is limited to a few meters, so that the user will be informed about the possible loss of a hearing aid, even if the connection to the remote control is disturbed. The user is always informed of a loss already when he is still in close proximity to the lost device. This considerably facilitates the retrieval of the lost device.

Bei dem Informationssignal kann es sich um ein akustisches, aber auch ein optisch oder taktil wahrnehmbares Signal handeln, das den Benutzer sofort über eine abgerissene Funkverbindung oder eine schlechte Empfangsqualität zwischen wenigstens zwei Geräten des betreffenden Hörhilfegerätesystems informiert.The information signal can be an audible but also an optically or tactually perceptible signal which immediately informs the user about a disconnected radio link or a poor reception quality between at least two devices of the relevant hearing aid system informed.

Es hat sich gezeigt, dass im Alltagsbetrieb eines Hörhilfegerätesystems mit wenigstens zwei Hörhilfegeräten, zwischen denen eine Funkverbindung zur Signalübertragung besteht, auch dann gelegentlich Unterbrechungen der Funkverbindung auftreten können, wenn sich beide Hörhilfegeräte in der gewohnten Trageposition befinden. Derartige Unterbrechungen können beispielsweise durch starke elektromagnetische Störsignale verursacht werden. Daher ist es zweckmäßig, nicht bei jeder auftretenden Unterbrechung der Funkverbindung mit einem entsprechenden Informationssignal zu reagieren, sondern ein derartiges Informationssignal erst dann zu erzeugen, wenn die Funkverbindung für eine bestimmte Zeitdauer unterbrochen ist, bzw. der Signalpegel in dem Empfangsgerät den Schwellenwert für eine bestimmte Zeitdauer unterschreitet.It has been shown that in everyday operation of a hearing aid system with at least two hearing aids, between which a radio link for signal transmission, even occasionally interruptions of the radio link can occur when both hearing aids are in the usual carrying position. Such interruptions can be caused for example by strong electromagnetic interference signals. Therefore, it is expedient not to respond to any interruption of the radio link with a corresponding information signal, but to generate such an information signal only when the radio link is interrupted for a certain period of time, or the signal level in the receiving device, the threshold for a particular Time is shorter.

Vorteilhaft sind zur Anpassung an die individuellen Gegebenheiten bei einem Benutzer die Zeitdauer bzw. der Schwellenwert einstellbar. Eine derartige Einstellung kann beispielsweise bei der Programmierung der Hörhilfegeräte mittels eines Programmiergeräts erfolgen.Advantageously, the time duration or the threshold value can be set to adapt to the individual circumstances of a user. Such a setting can be done, for example, in the programming of the hearing aid by means of a programmer.

Weiterhin vorteilhaft können für unterschiedliche Betriebszustände eines betreffenden Hörhilfegeräts unterschiedliche Zeitdauern bzw. Schwellenwerte einstellbar sein. Erkennt das Hörhilfegerät beispielsweise infolge einer Analyse der Umgebungssituation, dass es sich in einer geräuschvollen Umgebung befindet, so kann beispielsweise für die Zeit, in der diese Situation vorliegt, eine im Vergleich zu einer ruhigen Hörumgebung längere Zeitdauer aktiviert sein. Auch unmittelbar nach dem Einschalten eines Hörhilfegeräts kann es sinnvoll sein, ein entsprechendes Informationssignal zunächst zu unterdrücken. Dadurch wird z.B. verhindert, dass beim Anlegen eines Hörhilfegerätesystems das zuerst am bzw. im Ohr befestigte Hörhilfegerät nicht sofort mit einem entsprechenden Informationssignal reagiert, solange das zweite Hörhilfegerät des betreffenden Hörhilfegerätesystems noch nicht aktiviert ist oder sich noch nicht in der vorgesehenen Trageposition befindet.Furthermore, different time durations or threshold values can advantageously be set for different operating states of a respective hearing aid. For example, if the hearing aid detects that it is in a noisy environment as a result of an analysis of the environmental situation, then a longer period of time may be activated for the time in which this situation occurs, as compared to a quiet hearing environment. Even immediately after switching on a hearing aid, it may be useful to suppress a corresponding information signal first. This prevents, for example, when a hearing aid device system is attached, the hearing aid device first attached to or in the ear not reacting immediately with a corresponding information signal, as long as the second hearing aid device the relevant hearing aid device system is not yet activated or is not yet in the intended carrying position.

Gemäß einer Weiterbildung der Erfindung ist vorgesehen, dass das von dem Hörhilfegerätesystem erzeugte Informationssignal an einen individuellen Benutzer anpassbar ist. Vorteilhaft steht dem Benutzer eine Sammlung akustischer Signale (Töne, Tonfolgen, Melodien etc.) zur Verfügung, von denen er nach individuellen Vorlieben eines oder mehrere auswählen kann. So ist es beispielsweise möglich, dass das linke Hörhilfegerät, das rechte Hörhilfegerät und die Fernbedienung eines erfindungsgemäßen Hörhilfegerätesystems beim Abreißen der Funkverbindung unterschiedliche, von dem Benutzer wahrnehmbare Signale abgeben. Neben akustischen Signalen können insbesondere durch die Fernbedienung auch optisch oder taktil wahrnehmbare Informationssignale erzeugt und abgegeben werden. Vorteilhaft können neben der Auswahl des Informationssignals als solches auch bestimmte Eigenschaften eines derartigen Signals individuell eingestellt werden. Beispielsweise lässt sich vorteilhaft die Lautstärke und die Frequenz eines akustischen Informationssignals gemäß den Wünschen und Erfordernissen des jeweiligen Benutzers anpassen.According to one embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the information signal generated by the hearing aid device system can be adapted to an individual user. Advantageously, the user has at his disposal a collection of acoustic signals (sounds, sound sequences, melodies, etc.) from which he can select one or more according to individual preferences. For example, it is possible for the left hearing aid device, the right hearing aid device and the remote control of a hearing aid device system according to the invention to emit different signals which can be perceived by the user when the radio link is torn off. In addition to acoustic signals, optically or tactually perceptible information signals can also be generated and emitted, in particular by the remote control. Advantageously, in addition to the selection of the information signal as such, certain characteristics of such a signal can also be set individually. For example, the volume and the frequency of an acoustic information signal can advantageously be adapted in accordance with the wishes and requirements of the respective user.

Wird einem Benutzer gemäß der Erfindung durch ein Informationssignal angezeigt, dass ein Hörhilfegerät eines betreffenden Hörhilfegerätesystems verloren gegangen ist, so sieht eine Weiterbildung der Erfindung Mittel vor, die das Wiederauffinden eines verloren gegangenen Hörhilfegeräts erleichtern. Beispielsweise kann hierzu die Verstärkung eines von dem verbleibenden Hörhilfegerät oder der Fernbedienung empfangenen und von dem verloren gegangenen Hörhilfegerät ausgehenden Funksignals erhöht werden, so dass eine ungefähre Abschätzung über die Entfernung zwischen den betreffenden Geräten gemacht werden kann. Vorteilhaft kann bei der Fernbedienung oder dem verbliebenen Hörhilfegerät eine Suchfunktion durch manuelle Bedienung oder Spracheingabe an der Fernbedienung oder dem verbleibenden Hörhilfegerät ausgelöst werden. In vorteilhafter Weise bewirkt die Suchfunktion in dem verloren gegangenen Hörhilfegerät die Ausgabe eines Meldesignals mit maximaler Verstärkung, so dass das verloren gegangene Hörhilfegerät auch durch das von ihm erzeugte akustische Signal wieder aufgefunden werden kann.If a user according to the invention is informed by an information signal that a hearing aid device of a respective hearing aid device system has been lost, a further development of the invention provides means that facilitate the retrieval of a lost hearing aid device. For example, for this purpose, the amplification of a radio signal received by the remaining hearing aid device or the remote control and originating from the lost hearing aid device can be increased, so that an approximate estimate of the distance between the relevant devices can be made. Advantageously, a search function can be triggered by manual operation or voice input on the remote control or the remaining hearing aid device in the remote control or the remaining hearing aid. In an advantageous manner Way, the search function in the lost hearing aid causes the output of a message signal with maximum gain, so that the lost hearing aid can be found by the acoustic signal generated by him again.

Die Erfindung wird nachfolgend anhand eines Ausführungsbeispiels näher erläutert. Dabei zeigen:

Figur 1
ein Hörhilfegerätesystem gemäß der Erfindung und
Figur 2
ein einzelnes Hörhilfegerät aus einem Hörhilfegerätesystem gemäß der Erfindung.
The invention will be explained in more detail with reference to an embodiment. Showing:
FIG. 1
a hearing aid device system according to the invention and
FIG. 2
a single hearing aid from a hearing aid device according to the invention.

Das aus dem Ausführungsbeispiel gemäß Figur 1 ersichtliche Hörhilfegerätesystem umfasst neben den beiden hinter dem Ohr tragbaren Hörhilfegeräten HG 1 und HG 2 auch eine Fernbedienung RCU. Bei dem Hörhilfegerätesystem gemäß dem Ausführungsbeispiel ist sowohl zwischen der Fernbedienung RCU und den beiden Hörhilfegeräten HG 1 und HG 2 sowie zwischen den beiden Hörhilfegeräten HG 1 und HG 2 eine drahtlose bidirektionale Kommunikation möglich. Hierzu besteht jeweils zwischen zwei Geräten des Hörhilfegerätesystems eine Funkverbindung, über die Signale drahtlos und bidirektional übertragbar sind. Dadurch ist es beispielsweise möglich, dass durch manuelle Bedienung einer Programmwahltaste an der Fernbedienung RCU beide Hörhilfegeräte HG 1 und HG 2 simultan in das gleiche Hörprogramm geschaltet werden. Weiterhin bewirkt die manuelle Betätigung eines Lautstärkestellers an einem der beiden Hörhilfegeräte, beispielsweise an dem Hörhilfegerät HG 1, auch eine simultane Anpassung der Lautstärke-Einstellung in dem zweiten Hörhilfegerät HG 2.That of the embodiment according to FIG. 1 In addition to the two hearing aid devices HG 1 and HG 2 that can be worn behind the ear, the hearing aid device system shown also includes a remote control RCU. In the hearing aid device system according to the embodiment, a wireless bidirectional communication is possible both between the remote control RCU and the two hearing aids HG 1 and HG 2 and between the two hearing aids HG 1 and HG 2. For this purpose, there is in each case between two devices of the hearing aid system, a radio link over which signals are wireless and bidirectional transferable. As a result, it is possible, for example, for both hearing aids HG 1 and HG 2 to be switched simultaneously into the same hearing program by manual operation of a program selection key on the remote control RCU. Furthermore, the manual operation of a volume control on one of the two hearing aids, for example on the hearing aid HG 1, also causes a simultaneous adjustment of the volume setting in the second hearing aid HG. 2

Den Aufbau eines beispielhaften Hörhilfegeräts gemäß dem Ausführungsbeispiel gemäß Figur 1 zeigt Figur 2. Das daraus ersichtliche hinter dem Ohr tragbare Hörhilfegerät 1 umfasst ein hinter dem Ohr tragbares Gehäuse 2, eine beim Tragen in den Ohrkanal ragende Otoplastik 3 sowie einen Schallschlauch 4, der zur Halterung des Hörhilfegeräts 1 am Ohr sowie zur Schallleitung zwischen dem Gehäuse 2 und der Otoplastik 3 dient. Zur Schallaufnahme sind bei dem Hörhilfegerät 1 zwei Mikrophone 5 und 6 vorhanden, die zu einem Richtmikrophonsystem verschaltet sind. Die daraus hervorgehenden Mikrophonsignale sind zur Verarbeitung und frequenzabhängigen Verstärkung einer Signalverarbeitungseinheit 7 zugeführt. Diese erzeugt ein elektrisches Ausgangssignal, das in dem Hörer 8 in ein akustisches Ausgangssignal gewandelt und über den Schallschlauch 4 und die Otoplastik 3 dem Gehör eines Benutzers zugeführt wird. Zur Spannungsversorgung der elektronischen Komponenten des Hörhilfegeräts 1 ist ferner eine Batterie 9 vorhanden.The structure of an exemplary hearing aid according to the embodiment according to FIG. 1 shows FIG. 2 , The apparent behind the ear portable hearing aid 1 includes a behind the ear portable housing 2, a protruding into the ear canal when worn wearing a 3 and a sound tube 4, which serves to hold the hearing aid 1 on the ear and the sound conduction between the housing 2 and the earmold 3. To record sound in the hearing aid 1, two microphones 5 and 6 are present, which are connected to a directional microphone system. The resulting microphone signals are fed to a signal processing unit 7 for processing and frequency-dependent amplification. This generates an electrical output signal, which is converted in the handset 8 in an acoustic output signal and supplied via the sound tube 4 and the earmold 3 the hearing of a user. To supply power to the electronic components of the hearing aid 1, a battery 9 is also available.

Zur drahtlosen Signalübertragung zwischen dem Hörhilfegerät 1 und einem weiteren Gerät, beispielsweise einem weiteren Hörhilfegerät, einer Fernbedienung, einem Programmiergerät etc. umfasst das Hörhilfegerät 1 eine Sende- und Empfangsantenne 10. Die darüber empfangenen Signale sind zunächst einer Signalauswerte- und Steuereinrichtung 11 zugeführt, bevor sie - gegebenenfalls nach einer Weiterverarbeitung - der Signalverarbeitungseinheit 7 zugeführt werden. Gemäß der Erfindung überprüft die Signalauswerte- und Steuereinrichtung 11, ob ein bestimmtes, von einem zu dem Hörhilfegerät 1 baugleichen zweiten Hörhilfegerät ausgehendes elektromagnetisches Signal über die Antenne 10 empfangen werden kann und gegebenenfalls den Signalpegel eines betreffenden Signals. Wird kein Signal empfangen oder liegt der Signalpegel unterhalb eines einstellbaren Schwellenwertes, so wird in der Signalauswerte- und Steuereinrichtung 11 ein Steuersignal erzeugt und auf die Signalverarbeitungseinheit 7 übertragen, welches zur Ausgabe eines in einem Speicher der Signalverarbeitungseinheit 7 gespeicherten Informationssignals über den Hörer 8 führt. Dadurch wird ein Benutzer des Hörhilfegeräts 1 darüber informiert, dass sich das zweite Hörhilfegerät des betreffenden Hörhilfegerätesystems außerhalb der regulären Entfernung zu dem Hörhilfegerät 1 befindet. Der Benutzer ist somit durch das Hörhilfegerät 1 über einen möglichen Verlust des zweiten Hörhilfegeräts des betreffenden Hörhilfegerätesystems informiert.For wireless signal transmission between the hearing aid 1 and another device, such as a further hearing aid, a remote control, a programming device, etc., the hearing aid 1 includes a transmitting and receiving antenna 10. The signals received above are first a Signalauswerte- and control device 11 supplied before If necessary, they are fed to the signal processing unit 7 after further processing. According to the invention, the signal evaluation and control device 11 checks whether a specific electromagnetic signal emanating from a second hearing aid device which is identical to the hearing aid device 1 can be received via the antenna 10 and optionally the signal level of a relevant signal. If no signal is received or the signal level is below an adjustable threshold value, a control signal is generated in the signal evaluation and control device 11 and transmitted to the signal processing unit 7, which leads to the output of an information signal stored in a memory of the signal processing unit 7 via the receiver 8. As a result, a user of the hearing aid device 1 is informed that the second hearing aid device of the relevant hearing aid device system is outside the regular distance to the hearing aid device 1. The user is thus through the hearing aid 1 about a possible loss of the second Hearing aid device of the hearing aid system concerned informed.

Gemäß vorteilhafter Weiterbildungen der Erfindung reagiert das Hörhilfegerät 1 nicht sofort bei jedem Abreißen der Funkverbindung bzw. beim Unterschreiten des Signalpegels unter den Schwellenwert, sondern erst dann, wenn der betreffende Zustand für eine bestimmte Zeitdauer anhält. Vorteilhaft sind durch Programmierung des Hörhilfegeräts 1 und insbesondere der Signalauswerte- und Steuereinrichtung 11 die Zeitdauer bzw. der Schwellenwert individuell einstellbar.According to advantageous developments of the invention, the hearing aid device 1 does not react immediately with each rupture of the radio link or falls below the signal level below the threshold value, but only when the state in question lasts for a certain period of time. Advantageously, by programming the hearing aid 1 and in particular the signal evaluation and control device 11, the time duration or the threshold value can be set individually.

Claims (12)

  1. Hearing aid device system (HG 1, HG 2, RCU) comprising at least a first and a second device which can be worn on the head or body of a user, with a radio link being provided for wireless signal transmission between the devices, characterised in that, as a loss protection system, an information signal from a first device of the hearing aid device system (HG 1, HG 2, RCU) which can be detected by the user is automatically generated if the radio link between the first device and a second device of the hearing aid device system (HG 1, HG 2, RCU) breaks or the signal level of a signal sent by the first device and received by the second device does not reach a threshold value at the site of the second device.
  2. Hearing aid device system (HG 1, HG 2, RCU) according to claim 1, with the first device being a hearing aid device (HG 1) which can be worn on or in the left ear of the user and the second device being a hearing aid device (HG 2) which can be worn on or in the right ear of the user.
  3. Hearing aid device system (HG 1, HG 2, RCU) according to claim 1, with the first device being a hearing aid device (HG 1) which can be worn on or in an ear of the user and the second device is a remote controller (RCU) for the hearing aid device (HG 1).
  4. Hearing aid device system (HG 1, HG 2, RCU) according to claim 2 or 3, with the information signal being emittable from at least one of the hearing aid devices (HG 1, HG 2) and/or the remote controller (RCU).
  5. Hearing aid device system (HG 1, HG 2, RCU) according to one of claims 1 to 4, with the information signal being detectable by the user as an acoustic signal.
  6. Hearing aid device system (HG 1, HG 2, RCU) according to one of claims 1 to 5, with the information signal being emittable if the radio link is interrupted for a certain period of time and/or if the signal level at the site of the second hearing aid device (HG 2) drops below the threshold value for a certain period of time.
  7. Hearing aid device system (HG 1, HG 2, RCU) according to claim 6, with the period of time being adjustable.
  8. Hearing aid device system (HG 1, HG 2, RCU) according to claim 7, with different periods of time being adjustable for different operating states of the hearing aid device system (HG 1, HG 2, RCU).
  9. Hearing aid device system (HG 1, HG 2, RCU) according to claim 8, with a period of time especially for the operating state being adjustable immediately after the hearing aid device system (HG 1, HG 2, RCU) has been switched on.
  10. Hearing aid device system (HG 1, HG 2, RCU) according to one of claims 1 to 9, with the threshold value being adjustable.
  11. Hearing aid device system (HG 1, HG 2, RCU) according to one of claims 1 to 10, with the information signal being adjustable to the user.
  12. Hearing aid device system (HG 1, HG 2, RCU) according to one of claims 1 to 11, with a search function for retrieving lost components of the hearing aid device system (HG 1, HG 2, RCU) being activatable.
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