EP2259605B1 - Hörgerät - Google Patents

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Publication number
EP2259605B1
EP2259605B1 EP10750017A EP10750017A EP2259605B1 EP 2259605 B1 EP2259605 B1 EP 2259605B1 EP 10750017 A EP10750017 A EP 10750017A EP 10750017 A EP10750017 A EP 10750017A EP 2259605 B1 EP2259605 B1 EP 2259605B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
hearing aid
alert
alert sound
signal
gain
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.)
Not-in-force
Application number
EP10750017A
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English (en)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP2259605A1 (de
EP2259605A4 (de
EP2259605A8 (de
Inventor
Kazutaka Maruoka
Akira Ochi
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.)
Panasonic Corp
Original Assignee
Panasonic Corp
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Publication date
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Publication of EP2259605A1 publication Critical patent/EP2259605A1/de
Publication of EP2259605A4 publication Critical patent/EP2259605A4/de
Publication of EP2259605A8 publication Critical patent/EP2259605A8/de
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Publication of EP2259605B1 publication Critical patent/EP2259605B1/de
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    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04R—LOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; DEAF-AID SETS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS
    • H04R25/00—Deaf-aid sets, i.e. electro-acoustic or electro-mechanical hearing aids; Electric tinnitus maskers providing an auditory perception
    • H04R25/30—Monitoring or testing of hearing aids, e.g. functioning, settings, battery power
    • H04R25/305—Self-monitoring or self-testing
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04R—LOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; DEAF-AID SETS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS
    • H04R2225/00—Details of deaf aids covered by H04R25/00, not provided for in any of its subgroups
    • H04R2225/33—Aspects relating to adaptation of the battery voltage, e.g. its regulation, increase or decrease
    • 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
    • H04R25/60—Mounting or interconnection of hearing aid parts, e.g. inside tips, housings or to ossicles
    • H04R25/603—Mounting or interconnection of hearing aid parts, e.g. inside tips, housings or to ossicles of mechanical or electronic switches or control elements

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a hearing aid that emits an alert sound.
  • a conventional hearing aid comprises a microphone, a hearing aid processor for performing hearing aid processing on the sounds collected by the microphone, a receiver for outputting the output signal of this hearing aid processor as an acoustic signal, a memory for storing a voice message, a voice reproducer for reproducing this voice message, a battery for supplying electrical power to these components, and a voltage monitor for monitoring the voltage of the battery.
  • a voice message stored in the memory is reproduced by the voice reproducer.
  • the reproduced voice message is supplied to the receiver after being added to the output signal of the hearing aid processor (see Patent Citation 1, for example).
  • the user can be alerted by voice that it is time to replace the battery when the battery voltage has dropped.
  • Patent Citation 1 Japanese Laid-Open Patent Application H9-018997
  • hearing aids come with more functions, and convey a wide variety of information to the user. These hearing aids vary the voice or sound rhythm depending on the information being conveyed. The user distinguish between these differences in voice or sound rhythm and thereby recognizes the information being conveyed by the hearing aid, so it is necessary for the user to be able to clearly distinguish between the various alert sounds.
  • the hearing aid of the present invention comprises a microphone, an A/D converter, a hearing aid processor, a D/A converter, a receiver, an alert sound producer, an alert sound shaper, a mixer, and a controller.
  • the microphone collects ambient sounds.
  • the A/D converter converts an analog signal outputted from the microphone into a digital signal.
  • the hearing aid processor performs hearing aid processing on the digital signal outputted from the A/D converter.
  • the D/A converter converts the signal that has undergone the hearing aid processing into an analog signal.
  • the receiver outputs the analog signal outputted from the D/A converter as an acoustic signal to the surroundings.
  • the alert sound producer produces an alert sound according to a specific condition.
  • the alert sound shaper shapes the alert sound signal produced by the alert sound producer.
  • the mixer is provided between the hearing aid processor and the D/A converter, with a first input connected to the output of the hearing aid processor, and its own output connected to the input of the D/A converter.
  • the output of the alert sound shaper which shapes the alert sound signal produced by the alert sound producer, is connected to a second input of this mixer.
  • the controller produces a mix ratio signal used by the mixer to combine the output signals of the hearing aid processor and the alert sound shaper in a specific mix ratio, and is connected to the mix ratio signal input terminal of the mixer.
  • the alert sound shaper has a table converter, an alert gain decider, and a multiplier.
  • the alert gain decider decides an alert gain corresponding to an alert sound signal from the output signal of the table converter.
  • the multiplier applies the alert gain outputted from the alert gain decider to the alert sound signal outputted from the alert sound producer.
  • the user can distinguish between a plurality of kinds of alert sound emitted by the hearing aid, and can properly recognize the information being conveyed.
  • the hearing aid of the present invention comprises a microphone, an A/D converter, a hearing aid processor, a D/A converter, a receiver, an alert sound producer, a mixer, and a controller.
  • the microphone collects ambient sounds.
  • the A/D converter converts an analog signal outputted from the microphone into a digital signal.
  • the hearing aid processor performs hearing aid processing on the digital signal outputted from the A/D converter.
  • the D/A converter converts the signal that has undergone the hearing aid processing into an analog signal.
  • the receiver outputs the analog signal outputted from the D/A converter as an acoustic signal to the surroundings.
  • the alert sound producer produces an alert sound according to a specific condition.
  • the mixer is provided between the hearing aid processor and the A/D converter, with a first input connected to the output of the A/D converter, and its own output connected to the input of the hearing aid processor.
  • the alert sound signal produced by the alert sound producer is inputted to a second input of this mixer.
  • the controller produces a mix ratio signal used by the mixer to combine the output signals of the A/D converter and the alert sound producer in a specific mix ratio, and is connected to the mix ratio signal input terminal of the mixer.
  • the hearing aid processor has a frequency analyzer, a gain adjuster, a frequency combiner, a power calculator, and a gain controller.
  • the frequency analyzer performs frequency analysis on the digital signal inputted to the hearing aid processor, and outputs the result as a frequency information signal.
  • the gain adjuster adjusts the gain of the frequency information signal outputted from the frequency analyzer.
  • the frequency combiner combines the frequency information signal that has undergone gain adjustment with the gain adjuster into a time axis signal.
  • the power calculator inputs the frequency information signal outputted from the frequency analyzer, and calculates a power value for the digital signal inputted to the frequency analyzer from the frequency information signal.
  • the gain controller inputs the power value outputted from the power calculator, and decides the gain at the gain adjuster on the basis of this power value and outputs it to the gain adjuster.
  • the gain controller has a table memory, a table selector, and a gain decider.
  • the table memory stores a plurality of gain tables for performing hearing aid processing on ambient sounds collected by the microphone, and alert sound tables for performing hearing aid processing on the alert sound signals produced by the alert sound producer.
  • the table selector reads from the table memory either the gain tables or the alert sound tables according to the mixing situation at the mixer.
  • the gain decider decides the gain at the gain adjuster on the basis of the power value outputted from the power calculator by using the gain tables or the alert sound tables read by the table selector.
  • the user can distinguish between a plurality of kinds of alert sound emitted by the hearing aid, and can properly recognize the information being conveyed.
  • FIG. 1 is a function block diagram of the hearing aid.
  • the hearing aid of this embodiment comprises a microphone 1, an A/D (analog to digital) converter 2, a hearing aid processor 3, a D/A (digital to analog) converter 4, and a receiver 5.
  • A/D analog to digital
  • D/A digital to analog
  • the microphone 1 collects ambient sounds.
  • the A/D converter 2 converts an analog signal outputted from the microphone 1 into a digital signal.
  • the hearing aid processor 3 performs hearing-aid processing on the--digital signal outputted from the A/D converter 2.
  • the D/A converter 4 converts the signal that has undergone the hearing aid processing into an analog signal.
  • the receiver 5 outputs the analog signal outputted from the D/A converter 4 as an acoustic signal to the surroundings.
  • the hearing aid of this embodiment further comprises a mixer 6 and a controller 9.
  • the mixer 6 is provided between the hearing aid processor 3 and the D/A converter 4, with a first input connected to the output of the hearing aid processor 3, and its own output connected to the input of the D/A converter 4.
  • the output of an alert sound shaper 8, which shapes the alert sound signal produced by an alert sound producer 7, is connected to a second input of this mixer 6.
  • the controller 9 produces a mix ratio signal used by the mixer 6 to mix the output signals of the hearing aid processor 3 and the alert sound shaper 8 in a specific mix ratio, and is connected to the mix ratio signal input terminal of the mixer 6.
  • the microphone 1 collects ambient sound around the hearing aid, converts it into an analog electrical signal, and outputs this signal.
  • the A/D converter 2 converts the electrical signal outputted from the microphone 1 into a multi-bit digital signal and outputs it.
  • FIG. 2 is a function block diagram of the hearing aid processor 3.
  • the hearing aid processor 3 has a frequency analyzer 10, a gain adjuster 11, a frequency combiner 12, a power calculator 13, and a gain controller 14.
  • the frequency analyzer 10 inputs the output signal of the A/D converter 2.
  • the gain adjuster 11 performs gain adjustment on the output signal of this frequency analyzer 10.
  • the frequency combiner 12 combines the signal inputted from the gain adjuster 11 into a time axis signal.
  • the power calculator 13 calculates the power value outputted from the frequency analyzer 10.
  • the gain controller 14 decides the gain for gain adjustment by the gain adjuster 11 on the basis of the power value outputted from this power calculator 13.
  • the frequency analyzer 10 converts the output signal of the A/D converter 2 inputted in time series from a time region signal into a frequency region signal.
  • the frequency analyzer 10 splits the frequency region signal into a plurality of frequency regions and outputs a frequency information signal. This can be accomplished by splitting the result of a Fourier transformation, by subband splitting, or another such method.
  • the gain adjuster 11 multiplies the gain outputted from the gain controller 14 by the frequency information signal outputted from the frequency analyzer 10, and outputs the result.
  • the frequency combiner 12 combines the gain-adjusted frequency information signal outputted from the frequency analyzer 10 from a frequency region signal into a time region signal, and outputs a signal that has undergone hearing aid processing.
  • This combination may be inverse Fourier transformation when the conversion by the frequency analyzer 10 is performed using Fourier transformation.
  • subband combination may be employed when the above-mentioned conversion is performed using subband splitting.
  • the power calculator 13 calculates the power value for the frequency of each band of the frequency information signal outputted from the frequency analyzer 10, and outputs the result to the gain controller 14.
  • the power value referred to here is the electrical power of the signal inputted to the frequency analyzer 10, and is correlated with the sound pressure level of the ambient sound collected by the microphone 1. That is, the lower is the sound pressure level, the lower is the power value, and the higher is the sound pressure level, the higher is the power value.
  • the gain controller 14 decides the gain with respect to the frequency information signal for each band on the basis of the power value for each band outputted from the power calculator 13.
  • a gain table is used to decide the gain.
  • the dynamic range of hearing varies from user to user, so nonlinear gain adjustment suited to each user is necessary for the inputted sound pressure level.
  • a gain table listing the gain for each power value is produced on the basis of the gain characteristics needed for a user as determined by audiogram or the like.
  • the gain controller 14 decides the gain by referring to this gain table, and outputs the decided gain to the gain adjuster 11. Furthermore, this gain table is outputted to the alert sound shaper 8.
  • a plurality of kinds of these gain tables are readied, each being partially different from the others, using the required gain characteristics for a user as a reference. For example, if the user is in a noisy environment, this noise is reduced, or wind roar during movement is reduced.
  • three types are readied: a gain table A that takes into account only the gain characteristics of the user, a gain table B used in noisy situations, and a gain table C used during movement.
  • a control signal (not shown) from the controller 9 switches between these tables.
  • gain tables are produced ahead of time by a fitting apparatus or other such external device, and are stored in a memory (not shown) inside the hearing aid.
  • the gain controller 14 extracts the desired gain table from the memory and refers to it, according to a switching command from the outside.
  • the mixer 6 inputs a signal that has undergone hearing aid processing and has been outputted from the hearing aid processor 3, and a signal outputted from the alert sound shaper 8.
  • the mixer 6 mixes these input signals on the basis of a mix ratio signal outputted from the controller 9 connected to a mix ratio signal input terminal, and outputs the result to the D/A converter 4. For instance, if we assume a mix ratio of 0:10 between the output signal of the hearing aid processor 3 and the output signal of the alert sound shaper 8, then only the output signal of the alert sound shaper 8 is outputted. If the mix ratio is 5:5, for example, then the output signal of the hearing aid processor 3 and the output signal of the alert sound shaper 8 are mixed at the same level and outputted. This mix ratio can be set according to the user's preferences during fitting or the like.
  • the D/A converter 4 converts the multi-bit digital signal outputted from the mixer 6 into an analog signal and outputs it to the receiver 5.
  • the receiver 5 is a speaker that converts the analog signal outputted from the D/A converter 4 into an acoustic signal and outputs it to the surroundings.
  • the alert sound producer 7 produces an alert sound according to a command from the controller 9, and outputs it as an alert sound signal.
  • This alert sound signal is made up of monotones in a predetermined alert pattern.
  • a "pee, pee” sound with a frequency of 2 kHz is produced as alert pattern A, a “peep” sound of 1 kHz as alert pattern B, a “peep, peep” sound of 1 kHz as alert pattern C, and a “peep, peep, peep” sound 1 kHz as alert pattern D.
  • the volume is the same for all of these alert sound signals, at 110 dB SPL.
  • FIG. 3 is a function block diagram of the alert sound shaper 8.
  • the alert sound shaper 8 comprises a table converter 15, an offset memory 16, an alert gain decider 17, and a multiplier 18.
  • the table converter 15 converts the gain table used in hearing aid processing by the hearing aid processor 3 into alert sound signal use, and outputs the result.
  • the offset memory 16 stores an offset amount for adding a different characteristic for each alert sound signal.
  • the alert gain decider 17 decides the alert gain according to the alert sound signal on the basis of the output signal of the table converter 15 and the offset amount outputted from the offset memory 16.
  • the multiplier 18 applies the alert gain outputted from this alert gain decider 17 to the alert sound signal outputted from the alert sound producer 7.
  • a gain table that takes into account only the gain characteristics of the user (in this embodiment, gain table A) is inputted from the gain controller 14 inside the hearing aid processor 3 to the table converter 15.
  • the table converter 15 extracts from this a gain corresponding to the band of the alert sound signal produced by the alert sound producer 7, produces an alert sound table, and outputs to the alert gain decider 17.
  • gains of 1 and 2 kHz are selected from the gain table A to produce the alert sound table.
  • the offset memory 16 stores offset values corresponding to various alert patterns, which are values multiplied by the volume of the alert sound signal. For example, we will assume that the offset value of alert pattern A is 0.8, and the offset value of alert patterns B, C, and D is 0.5. An offset value corresponding to the alert sound signal produced by the alert sound producer 7 is outputted to the alert gain decider 17 at a command (not shown) from the controller 9.
  • the alert gain decider 17 selects from the alert sound table the gain corresponding to the volume obtained by multiplying the offset value with the volume of the alert sound signal on the basis of a command (not shown) from the controller 9, and this selected gain and the offset value are outputted as alert gain to the multiplier 18.
  • the volume value set in this alert gain decider 17 is inputted and is multiplied by the offset value.
  • the alert gain decider 17 selects a gain on the basis of the offset value multiplied by this volume value, and outputs the offset value multiplied by this volume value to the multiplier 18.
  • the multiplier 18 multiplies the offset value and the gain outputted from the alert gain decider 17 by the alert sound signal outputted from the alert sound producer 7, and outputs the result. In this way, the output from the multiplier 18 changes the volume and frequency for each alert sound signal, and this volume is adjusted to suit the gain characteristics of the user.
  • the alert gain decider 17 clips the selected gain and offset value so that the volume of the alert sound signal outputted from the multiplier 18 will be neither too loud nor too soft. This is done so that the user will recognize the alert sound reliably and comfortably, and is particularly important with a hearing aid equipped with a volume control.
  • the alert gain decider 17 adjusts the gain and offset value so that the volume of the alert sound signal outputted from the multiplier 18 falls within a specific range. For example, if the volume of the input signal to the multiplier 18 is 110 dB SPL, the adjustment is made so that the volume of the output signal to the multiplier 18 will fall within a range of 40 to 80 dB SPL.
  • the controller 9 outputs commands to output an alert sound signal and to select an alert pattern to the alert sound producer 7 and the alert sound shaper 8 when an alert is conveyed to the user.
  • the controller 9 outputs a select signal to the mixer 6 so that the alert sound signal outputted from the alert sound shaper 8 is selected.
  • the controller 9 outputs a control signal (not shown) to the hearing aid processor 3 for switching between the gain tables A to C.
  • alert pattern A When the remaining power of the power supply that supplies power to the various electrical parts of this hearing aid drops below a specific value, alert pattern A is selected.
  • the gain controller 14 selects alert pattern B when the gain table to be used is switched to gain table A, alert pattern C when the switch is to gain table B, and alert pattern D when the switch is to gain table C.
  • the sound collected by the microphone 1 is subjected to hearing aid processing and outputted from the receiver 5. If an alert is to be conveyed to the user, on the other hand, this sound that has undergone hearing aid processing is mixed with sound produced by the alert sound producer 7 that has undergone the same extent of processing as the hearing aid processing, and the result is outputted from the receiver 5.
  • alert sounds with different frequency and volume are provided for each type of information to be conveyed to the user. Consequently, the clarity of the alert sounds is improved, and the user is able to distinguish between a plurality of kinds of alert sound of the hearing aid. Thus, the user can properly recognize the information being conveyed.
  • FIG. 4 is a function block diagram of the hearing aid.
  • the hearing aid of this embodiment comprises the microphone 1, the A/D converter 2, a hearing aid processor 19, the D/A converter 4, and the receiver 5.
  • the microphone 1 collects ambient sounds.
  • the A/D converter 2 converts an analog signal outputted from the microphone 1 into a digital signal.
  • the hearing aid processor 19 performs hearing aid processing on the digital signal outputted from the A/D converter 2.
  • the D/A converter 4 converts the signal that has undergone the hearing aid processing into an analog signal.
  • the receiver 5 outputs the analog signal outputted from the D/A converter 4 as an acoustic signal to the surroundings.
  • the hearing aid of this embodiment further comprises the mixer 6 and the controller 9.
  • the mixer 6 is provided between the A/D converter 2 and the hearing aid processor 19, with a first input connected to the output of the A/D converter 2, and its own output connected to the input of the hearing aid processor 19.
  • An alert sound signal produced by the alert sound producer 7 is inputted to a second input of this mixer 6.
  • the controller 9 produces a mix ratio signal used by the mixer 6 to mix the output signals of the A/D converter 2 and the alert sound producer 7, and is connected to the mix ratio signal input terminal of the mixer 6.
  • the mixer 6 mixes the output signal of the A/D converter 2 with the output signal of the alert sound producer 7 and supplies the result to the hearing aid processor 19.
  • the hearing aid processor 19 is accordingly different in its constitution and operation. Thus, the rest of the components will be numbered the same and not described again.
  • FIG. 5 is a function block diagram of the hearing aid processor 19.
  • the hearing aid processor 19 comprises the frequency analyzer 10, the gain adjuster 11, the frequency combiner 12, the power calculator 13, and a gain controller 20.
  • the frequency analyzer 10 performs frequency analysis on the digital signal inputted to the hearing aid processor 19, and outputs the result as a frequency information signal.
  • the gain adjuster 11 adjusts the gain of the frequency information signal outputted from the frequency analyzer 10.
  • the frequency combiner 12 combines the frequency information signal that has undergone gain adjustment by the gain adjuster 11 into a time axis signal.
  • the power calculator 13 inputs the frequency information signal outputted from the frequency analyzer 10, and calculates the power value outputted of the digital signal that is inputted to the frequency analyzer 10 from this frequency information signal.
  • the gain controller 20 inputs the power value outputted from the power calculator 13, decides the gain at the gain adjuster 11 on the basis of this power value, and outputs the result to the gain adjuster 11.
  • the gain controller 20 further has a table memory 21, a table selector 22, and a gain decider 23.
  • the table memory 21 stores a plurality of gain tables for performing hearing aid processing on ambient sounds collected by the microphone 1, and alert sound tables for performing hearing aid processing on the alert sound signals produced by the alert sound producer 7.
  • the table selector 22 reads from the table memory 21 either the gain tables or the alert sound tables according to the mixing situation at the mixer 6.
  • the gain decider 23 uses the gain tables or the alert sound tables read by the table selector 22 to decide the gain at the gain adjuster 11 on the basis of the power value outputted from the power calculator 13.
  • the difference in the hearing aid processor 19 from Embodiment 1 above is in the constitution and operation of the gain controller 20. Therefore, components other than the gain controller 20 will be numbered the same and not described again.
  • a plurality of gain tables used by the gain decider 23 to decide the gain used by the gain adjuster 11 are stored in the table memory 21.
  • the gain decider 23 uses the gain decider 23 to decide the gain used by the gain adjuster 11 to decide the gain used by the gain adjuster 11 to decide the gain used by the gain adjuster 11 to decide the gain used by the gain adjuster 11 to decide the gain used by the gain adjuster 11 to decide the gain used by the gain adjuster 11 to the table memory 21.
  • the alert sound tables A to D correspond to the alert patterns A to D outputted from the alert sound producer 7. These alert sound tables A to D are produced ahead of time by a fitting apparatus or other such external device, and are stored in the table memory 21, just as with the gain tables A to C, etc.
  • the algorithm by which these alert sound tables A to D are produced by the external device is the same as the operation of the alert sound shaper 8 in Embodiment 1 above.
  • the table selector 22 selects one gain table from among the gain tables A to C and the alert sound tables A to D on the basis of a command from the controller 9, this is table out of the table memory 21, and outputs it to the gain decider 23.
  • the gain decider 23 performs the same operation as the gain controller 14 in Embodiment 1 above when what the table selector 22 selects is one of the gain tables A to C. However, if the table selector 22 has selected one of the alert sound tables A to D, then the operation is the same as part of the operation of the alert gain decider 17 in Embodiment 1 above.
  • the gain is clipped so that the volume of the signal outputted from the frequency combiner 12 will fall within a specific range. If the hearing aid is equipped with a volume control, this volume is also taken into account in selecting the gain.
  • the sound collected by the microphone 1 is subjected to hearing aid processing and outputted from the receiver 5. If an alert is to be conveyed to the user, on the other hand, the alert sound signal produced by the alert sound producer 7 is selected and inputted to the hearing aid processor 19 instead of the sound collected by the microphone 1, and this is subjected to the same extent of processing as the hearing aid processing and outputted from the receiver 5.
  • alert sounds with different frequency and volume are provided for each type of information to be conveyed to the user. Consequently, the clarity of the alert sounds is improved, and the user is able to distinguish between a plurality of kinds of alert sound of the hearing aid. Thus, the user can properly recognize the information being conveyed.
  • the hearing aid in this embodiment differs from Embodiment 1 above in that, regarding the-function blocks of the hearing aid shown in FIG. 1 , the digital signal outputted from the A/D converter 2 is also inputted to the alert sound producer 7.
  • the alert sound producer 7 subjects the digital signal outputted from the A/D converter 2 to frequency analysis just as with the frequency analyzer 10 and the power calculator 13 shown in FIG. 2 , after which the power value is calculated for each band.
  • the alert sound producer 7 then sums the power values for all bands to find the sound pressure level of ambient sound, and decides the sound pressure level of the alert sound signal to be produced according to the sound pressure level thus found.
  • FIG. 6 is a graph of the change in the sound pressure level of ambient sound found by the alert sound producer 7 on the time axis. For example, if alert sound generation is needed at time T1, an alert sound signal is produced so that the volume of the alert pattern selected at a command from the controller 9 will be LV1 dB SPL.
  • alert sound generation is needed at time T2
  • an alert sound signal is produced so that the volume of the alert pattern will be LV2 dB SPL.
  • the alert sound signal that is produced is outputted to the alert sound shaper 8.
  • the sound pressure level of ambient sound and the volume of the alert pattern were set to the same level, but that is not necessary, and the volume of the alert pattern may be varied so as to be proportional to the sound pressure level of ambient sound, according the hearing ability and preference of the user.
  • the volume of the alert pattern it may be adjusted by clipping so that the alert sound signal produced is neither too loud nor too soft.
  • a power value calculated by a power calculator included in the hearing aid processor 3 may be inputted to the alert sound producer 7 instead of a power value for each frequency band in the digital signal outputted from the A/D converter 2 by the alert sound producer 7.
  • the digital signal outputted from the A/D converter 2 may be outputted to the alert sound producer 7, an alert sound signal with a volume corresponding to the sound pressure level of ambient sound may be produced by the alert sound producer 7, and the produced alert sound signal may be outputted to the mixer 6.
  • this prevents fluctuation in the ease of hearing an alert sound according to the volume of ambient sound.
  • the hearing aid in this embodiment differs from Embodiment 1 above in that, regarding the function blocks of the hearing aid shown in FIG. 1 , the digital signal outputted from the A/D converter 2 is also inputted to the alert sound producer 7.
  • the alert sound producer 7 subjects the digital signal outputted from the A/D converter 2 to frequency analysis just as with the frequency analyzer 10 and the power calculator 13 shown in FIG. 2 , after which the power value is calculated for each band and a frequency distribution is produced. A band in which no sound has been generated, or the power value of the sound is low, is detected from the frequency distribution thus produced, and an alert sound signal is produced so that the frequency of the alert pattern selected at a command from the controller 9 will be within this band.
  • the frequency of the selected alert pattern does not overlap the frequency of ambient sound, an alert sound signal of the selected alert pattern is produced directly.
  • the frequency of the alert pattern is shaped and an alert sound signal produced so that there is no overlap. More specifically, the frequency of the alert pattern is shaped so that the lowest incidence of frequency distribution within a specific range is achieved, using the frequency of the selected alert pattern as the center.
  • FIG. 7 is a graph of the frequency distribution produced by the alert sound producer 7.
  • digital signals over a specific sound pressure level are clustered around 1 kHz, and the band above 2 kHz is small.
  • the frequency of the alert pattern first selected is 1 kHz
  • an alert sound signal shaped to a band of 2 kHz or higher is produced.
  • the alert sound signal thus produced is outputted to the alert sound shaper 8.
  • the volume of the alert sound may be adjusted according to the sound pressure level of the ambient sound just as in Embodiment 3 above.
  • a power value calculated by a power calculator included in the hearing aid processor 3 may be inputted to the alert sound producer 7 instead of a power value for each frequency band in the digital signal outputted from the A/D converter 2 by the alert sound producer 7.
  • the digital signal outputted from the A/D converter 2 may be outputted to the alert sound producer 7, an alert sound signal may be produced by the alert sound producer 7 so that its frequency is different from that of the ambient sound, and the produced alert sound signal may be outputted to the mixer 6.
  • this makes it easier for the user to hear the alert sound, without it being buried in the frequency band of the ambient sound.
  • the hearing aid in this embodiment differs from Embodiment 1 above in that, regarding the function blocks of the hearing aid shown in FIG. 1 , the digital signal outputted from the A/D converter 2 is also inputted to the alert sound producer 7.
  • the alert sound producer 7 subjects the digital signal outputted from the A/D converter 2 to frequency analysis just as with the frequency analyzer 10 and the power calculator 13 shown in FIG. 2 , after which the power value is calculated for each band.
  • the alert sound producer 7 finds the sound pressure level of the ambient sound by summing the power values for all bands, and produces an alert sound signal and generates an alert sound at the timing at which the sound pressure level thus found is below a specific level.
  • FIG. 8 is a graph of the alert sound generation timing and the change in sound pressure level of ambient sound found by the alert sound producer 7, on the time axis.
  • T3 is the intended alert sound generating timing
  • T4 is the timing at which the alert sound was actually generated.
  • T3 the calculated sound pressure level of ambient sound is confirmed (T3). If the sound pressure level at this point is high (LV3 dB SPL), no alert sound signal is produced. When no alert sound signal is produced, the sound pressure level of ambient sound continues to be monitored. An alert sound signal is produced (T4) at the timing at which the sound pressure level drops under TL1 dB SPL, which is set ahead of time as a level at which there is little ambient sound effect.
  • this alert sound signal is mixed by the mixer 6 with the output signal outputted from the hearing aid processor 3 at the timing at which the shaped alert sound signal was inputted, and this mixed signal is outputted to the D/A converter 4.
  • the alert sound producer 7 may use whether or not the ambient sound is voice, and the alert sound signal may be produced at a timing at which there is no voice.
  • This voice evaluation can be accomplished by subjecting the digital signal outputted from the A/D converter 2 to cepstrum analysis, and making a determination from the extracted characteristic quantity.
  • the volume of the alert sound may be adjusted according to the sound pressure level of the ambient sound just as in Embodiment 3 above, or the frequency of the alert sound may be adjusted according to the frequency of the ambient sound just as in Embodiment 4 above.
  • a power value calculated by a power calculator included in the hearing aid processor 3 may be inputted to the alert sound producer 7 instead of a power value for each frequency band in the digital signal outputted from the A/D converter 2 by the alert sound producer 7
  • the digital signal outputted from the A/D converter 2 may be outputted to the alert sound producer 7, and the timing at which the alert sound is generated may be decided by the alert sound producer 7.
  • the alert sound can be generated at a timing at which the surroundings are quiet, and an alert sound that is easy for the user to hear can be generated.
  • a switching component 30 and a controller 31 are different from Embodiment 1 above. Specifically, the switching component 30 is provided in place of the mixer 6.
  • the controller 31 is numbered separately from the mixer 6 because it operates differently. The rest of the constituent elements are the same as in Embodiment 1 and will therefore not be described again.
  • the switching component 30 has at least three input components and one output component. Of the three or more input components, the first input component is connected to the output of the hearing aid processor 3. The second input component is connected to the output of the alert sound shaper 8 that shapes the alert sound signal produced by the alert sound producer 7. The third input component is connected to the output of the controller 31 that selects the output of the hearing aid processor 3 or the alert sound shaper 8 and decides whether to output. The output component of the switching component 30 is connected to the D/A converter 4.
  • the controller 31 normally controls so the output of the hearing aid processor 3 is selected and the voice signal inputted from the microphone 1 is outputted. On the other hand, if an alert sound has been outputted from the alert sound producer 7, the controller 31 controls so that the output of the alert sound shaper 8 is selected, and only the alert sound is outputted.
  • the sound collected by the microphone 1 is subjected to hearing aid processing and outputted from the receiver 5. If an alert is to be conveyed to the user, on the other hand, this sound that has undergone hearing aid processing is switched to sound obtained by subjecting the sound produced by the alert sound producer 7 to the same extent of processing as the hearing aid processing, and this is outputted from the receiver 5.
  • the output signal of the hearing aid processor 3, or the output of the alert sound shaper 8 is switched and outputted by the switching component 30.
  • the mixer 6 included in the above embodiments is not an essential part of the constitution, so the present invention can also be designated as follows.
  • a hearing aid of the present invention comprises:
  • a hearing aid of the present invention comprises:
  • the hearing aid pertaining to the present invention improves the clarity of an alert sound regardless of the characteristics of each user, so it is also useful in acoustic devices that convey information to the user by sound.

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  • 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)
  • Circuit For Audible Band Transducer (AREA)
  • Adornments (AREA)
  • Finger-Pressure Massage (AREA)

Claims (11)

  1. Hörgerät, Folgendes umfassend:
    ein Mikrofon, konfiguriert, um Umgebungsgeräusche zu erfassen;
    einen AD Wandler, konfiguriert, um ein analoges Signal, das von dem Mikrofon ausgegeben wird, in ein digitales Signal umzuwandeln;
    einen Hörgeräte-Prozessor, konfiguriert, um das von dem AD Wandler ausgegebene digitale Signal einer Verarbeitung durch das Hörgerät zu unterziehen;
    einen DA Wandler, konfiguriert, um das Signal, das der Verarbeitung durch das Hörgerät unterzogen wurde, in ein analoges Signal umzuwandeln;
    einen Empfänger, konfiguriert, um das von dem DA Wandler ausgegebene analoge Signal als ein akustisches Signal an die Umgebung auszugeben;
    eine Alarmton-Erzeugungseinrichtung, konfiguriert, um gemäß einer spezifischen Bedingung einen Alarmton zu erzeugen;
    einen Alarmton-Former, konfiguriert, um das Alarmton-Signal zu formen, das durch die Alarmton-Erzeugungseinrichtung erzeugt wurde;
    einen Mischer, der zwischen dem Hörgeräte-Prozessor und dem DA Wandler vorgesehen ist, bei dem ein erster Eingang mit dem Ausgang des Hörgeräte-Prozessors verbunden ist, ein zweiter Eingang mit dem Ausgang des Alarmton-Formers verbunden ist und dessen eigener Ausgang mit dem Eingang des DA Wandlers verbunden ist; und
    einen Regler, der ein Mischungsverhältnis-Signal erzeugt, welches von dem Mischer verwendet wird, um die Ausgangssignale des Hörgeräte-Prozessors und des Alarmton-Formers in einem spezifischen Mischungsverhältnis zu kombinieren, und der mit dem Eingabeterminal für das Mischungsverhältnis-Signal des Mischers verbunden ist,
    wobei der Alarmton-Former einen Tabellen-Konverter aufweist, der eine Verstärkungs-Tabelle ausgibt, die bei dem Hörgerät-Verarbeitungsvorgang des Hörgeräte-Prozessors verwendet wird, nach dem Umwandeln des verwendeten Alarmton-Signals, einen Alarmverstärkungs-Entscheider, der konfiguriert ist, um eine Alarmverstärkung festzustellen, entsprechend einem Alarmton-Signal von dem Ausgangssignal des Tabellen-Konverters, sowie einen Verstärker, der die Alarmverstärkung, die von dem Alarmverstärkungs-Entscheider ausgegeben wird, auf das Alarmton-Signal anwendet, welches von der Alarmton- Erzeugungseinrichtung ausgegeben wird.
  2. Hörgerät nach Anspruch 1,
    wobei der Alarmton-Former einen Offset-Speicher aufweist, konfiguriert, um eine Offset-Länge zu speichern, um jedem Alarmton-Signal ein unterschiedliches Merkmal hinzuzufügen, und
    der Alarmverstärkungs-Entscheider die Alarmverstärkung bestimmt, entsprechend dem Alarmton-Signal auf der Basis der Offset-Länge, die von dem Offset-Speicher ausgegeben wird, und dem Ausgabesignal des Tabellen-Konverters.
  3. Hörgerät nach Anspruch 1 oder 2,
    wobei die Alarmton-Erzeugungseinrichtung eine Mehrzahl von Ton-Arten mit unterschiedlichen Frequenzen sowie Ton-Erzeugungsintervalle als Alarmton-Signale erzeugt.
  4. Hörgerät, Folgendes umfassend:
    ein Mikrofon, konfiguriert, um Umgebungsgeräusche zu erfassen;
    einen AD Wandler, konfiguriert, um ein analoges Signal, das von dem Mikrofon ausgegeben wird, in ein digitales Signal umzuwandeln;
    einen Hörgeräte-Prozessor, konfiguriert, um das von dem AD Wandler ausgegebene digitale Signal einer Verarbeitung durch das Hörgerät zu unterziehen;
    einen DA Wandler, konfiguriert, um das Signal, das der Verarbeitung durch das Hörgerät unterzogen wurde, in ein analoges Signal umzuwandeln;
    einen Empfänger, konfiguriert, um das von dem DA Wandler ausgegebene analoge Signal als ein akustisches Signal an die Umgebung auszugeben;
    eine Alarmton-Erzeugungseinrichtung, konfiguriert, um gemäß einer spezifischen Bedingung einen Alarmton zu erzeugen;
    einen Mischer, der zwischen dem Hörgeräte-Prozessor und dem AD Wandler vorgesehen ist, bei dem ein erster Eingang mit dem Ausgang des AD Wandlers verbunden ist, das Alarmton-Signal einem zweiten Eingang eingegeben wird, und sein eigener Ausgang mit dem Eingang des Hörgeräte-Prozessors verbunden ist: und
    einen Regler, der ein Mischungsverhältnis-Signal erzeugt, welches von dem Mischer verwendet wird, um die Ausgangssignale des AD Wandlers und der Alarmton-Erzeugungseinrichtung in einem bestimmten Mischungsverhältnis zu kombinieren, und der mit dem Eingabeterminal für das Mischungsverhältnis-Signal des Mischers verbunden ist,
    wobei der Hörgeräte-Prozessor Folgendes aufweist:
    einen Frequenzanalysator, der konfiguriert ist, um das digitale Signal, das dem Hörgeräte-Prozessor eingegeben wird, einer Frequenzanalyse zu unterziehen, und das Ergebnis als ein Frequenz-Informationssignal auszugeben;
    eine Verstärkungs-Anpassungsvorrichtung, konfiguriert, um die Verstärkung des Frequenz-Informationssignals, das von dem Frequenzanalysator ausgegeben wird, anzupassen;
    einen Frequenz-Kombinator, konfiguriert, um das Frequenz-Informationssignal, das mit der Verstärkungs-Anpassungsvorrichtung einer Verstärkungs-Anpassung unterzogen wurde, in einem Zeitachsen-Signal zu kombinieren;
    einen Stromrechner, dem das Frequenzinformationssignal, das von dem Frequenzanalysator ausgegeben wird, eingegeben wird, und der einen Stromwert für das digitale Signal errechnet, das dem Frequenzanalysator von dem Frequenzinformationssignal eingegeben wird; und
    einen Gain-Regler, welchem der Stromwert, ausgegeben von dem Stromrechner, eingegeben wird, und welcher auf der Basis dieses Stromwertes die Verstärkung an der Verstärkungs-Anpassungsvorrichtung feststellt und diese an die Verstärkungs-Anpassungsvorrichtung ausgibt, und
    der Gain-Regler Folgendes aufweist:
    einen Tabellen-Speicher, konfiguriert, um eine Mehrzahl von Verstärkungs-Tabellen zu speichern, um eine Verarbeitung von Umgebungsgeräuschen, erfasst durch das Mikrofon, durch das Hörgerät auszuführen, und Alarmton-Tabellen zum Ausführen einer Verarbeitung von Alarmton-Signalen durch das Hörgerät, welche durch die Alarmton-Erzeugungseinrichtung erzeugt werden;
    einen Tabellen-Selektor, konfiguriert, um entweder die Verstärkungs-Tabellen oder die Alarmton-Tabellen gemäß der Mischungssituation bei dem Mischer aus dem Tabellen-Speicher zu lesen; und
    einen Verstärkungs-Entscheider, der die Verstärkung an der Verstärkungs-Anpassungsvorrichtung auf der Basis des Stromwertes feststellt, der vom dem Stromrechner ausgegeben wird, durch die Verwendung der Verstärkungs-Tabellen oder der Alarmton-Tabellen, gelesen von dem Tabellen-Selektor.
  5. Hörgerät nach Anspruch 4,
    wobei die Alarmton-Erzeugungseinrichtung eine Mehrzahl von Ton- oder Stimm-Arten mit unterschiedlichen Frequenzen sowie Ton-Erzeugungsintervalle als Alarmton-Signale erzeugt.
  6. Hörgerät nach Anspruch 1 oder 4,
    wobei der Mischer das Mischungsverhältnis der zwei in den Mischer eingegebenen Signale verändert, wenn der Alarmton erzeugt wird, und nach der Beendigung der Erzeugung des Alarmtons zu dem ursprünglichen Mischungsverhältnis zurückkehrt.
  7. Hörgerät nach Anspruch 1 oder 4,
    wobei die Alarmton-Erzeugungseinrichtung ein Alarmton-Signal mit einer Lautstärke erzeugt, entsprechend dem Schalldruckpegel des digitalen Signals, das von dem AD Wandler ausgegeben wird.
  8. Hörgerät nach Anspruch 1 oder 4,
    wobei die Alarmton-Erzeugungseinrichtung die Frequenz des Alarmton-Signals bestimmt, so dass diese sich von der Frequenz des digitalen Signals unterscheidet, das von dem AD Wandler ausgegeben wird.
  9. Hörgerät nach Anspruch 1 oder 4,
    wobei die Alarmton-Erzeugungseinrichtung ein Alarmton-Signal produziert und einen Alarmton generiert, zu einem Zeitpunkt, an dem die Auswirkungen der Umgebungsgeräusche gering sind, gemäß dem digitalen Signal, das von dem AD Wandler ausgegeben wird.
  10. Hörgerät nach Anspruch 9,
    wobei der Zeitpunkt, an dem die Auswirkungen der Umgebungsgeräusche gering sind, ein Intervall ist, bei dem der Schalldruckpegel des digitalen Signals, das von dem AD Wandler ausgegeben wird, gering ist.
  11. Hörgerät nach Anspruch 9,
    wobei der Zeitpunkt, an dem die Auswirkungen der Umgebungsgeräusche gering sind, einen Intervall ohne Stimmen darstellt, in Bezug auf einen Stimmen-Intervall, der auf der Basis des digitalen Signals erfasst wird, das von dem AD Wandler ausgegeben wird.
EP10750017A 2009-03-09 2010-02-05 Hörgerät Not-in-force EP2259605B1 (de)

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JP2009054547 2009-03-09
JP2009177368A JP4440333B1 (ja) 2009-03-09 2009-07-30 補聴器
PCT/JP2010/000720 WO2010103724A1 (ja) 2009-03-09 2010-02-05 補聴器

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EP2259605A8 EP2259605A8 (de) 2011-08-03
EP2259605B1 true EP2259605B1 (de) 2012-05-09

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WO2010103724A1 (ja) 2010-09-16
EP2259605A1 (de) 2010-12-08
CN101904183B (zh) 2013-05-01
JP2010239603A (ja) 2010-10-21
EP2259605A4 (de) 2011-04-06
ATE557550T1 (de) 2012-05-15
EP2259605A8 (de) 2011-08-03
JP4440333B1 (ja) 2010-03-24
CN101904183A (zh) 2010-12-01

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