EP2437520A1 - Hearing aid for frequency compression - Google Patents

Hearing aid for frequency compression Download PDF

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Publication number
EP2437520A1
EP2437520A1 EP11178066A EP11178066A EP2437520A1 EP 2437520 A1 EP2437520 A1 EP 2437520A1 EP 11178066 A EP11178066 A EP 11178066A EP 11178066 A EP11178066 A EP 11178066A EP 2437520 A1 EP2437520 A1 EP 2437520A1
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EP
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Prior art keywords
frequency bands
frequency
hearing aid
frequency band
group
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EP11178066A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP2437520B1 (en
Inventor
Robert BÄUML
Ulrich Kornagel
Thomas Pilgrim
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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
    • H04R25/35—Deaf-aid sets, i.e. electro-acoustic or electro-mechanical hearing aids; Electric tinnitus maskers providing an auditory perception using translation techniques
    • H04R25/353—Frequency, e.g. frequency shift or compression
    • 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
    • H04R2225/43—Signal processing in hearing aids to enhance the speech intelligibility
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04R—LOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; DEAF-AID SETS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS
    • H04R2430/00—Signal processing covered by H04R, not provided for in its groups
    • H04R2430/03—Synergistic effects of band splitting and sub-band processing

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a method for frequency compression of an input signal arriving in a hearing aid, in which a division of a frequency range which can be transmitted by the hearing aid into several frequency bands and in which at least one source frequency band is converted into a target frequency band.
  • the invention relates to a hearing aid for performing such a method.
  • a frequency-dependent amplification of an incoming input signal to the hearing aid device usually takes place in a hearing aid.
  • AGC automatic gain control
  • hearing losses in which the hearing loss can not be compensated in a satisfactory manner by a pure frequency-dependent amplification of an acoustic input signal.
  • Examples include hearing loss with dead frequency ranges in which spectral components of the acoustic input signal can not be made audible by a high gain.
  • a method for adjusting a hearing aid device in which a portion of an input signal spectrum is amplified at a first frequency and shifted to a second frequency as a function of time, on the one hand a high spontaneous acceptance To achieve the hearing system by a nearly unadulterated sound pattern of the hearing system between two adaptation steps and on the other hand to support the learning and Akrytisationslui on the part of the hearing impaired to the new frequency patterns.
  • frequency compression One way to solve the last-mentioned problem is the so-called frequency compression.
  • spectral components within a source frequency range typically at higher frequencies
  • a target frequency range typically at lower frequencies
  • the signal components shifted in the target frequency range in this frequency range can be made audible by amplification for the relevant user.
  • the algorithm searches above the cutoff frequency for a predetermined number N of local energy maxima in the frequency spectrum above the cutoff frequency.
  • the width of an energy maximum over the frequency remains unconsidered. There may be “narrow” maxima that fall only in one frequency band. "Broad” maxima can also extend over several frequency bands. It is then selected for a local energy maximum, the frequency band in which it has the most energy. This frequency band is then shifted in accordance with the channel allocation function in a different, usually lower frequency range.
  • N is difficult to determine. If N is set too low, gaps will result in the target frequency range. If N is chosen too large, there will be selected frequency bands with energy maxima that must be shifted to one and the same target frequency band.
  • the basic idea of the invention is to combine in each case a plurality of contiguous frequency bands of the source frequency range into a group of frequency bands and to select from each group of frequency bands exactly one frequency band, the "selected" frequency band or “winner frequency band” of the group, and to exactly one of the respective ones Group assigned target frequency band to transfer.
  • the frequency band is selected from each group of frequency bands, in which the energy maximum of the group in question.
  • the method can be used in conjunction with a polyphase filter bank which generates only the complex-valued, analytical signal (positive frequency component of a Fourier transformation) in the channels.
  • the number N of the frequency bands to be shifted from the source frequency range to the target frequency range is predetermined. Furthermore, the combination of adjacent frequency bands to groups of frequency bands prevents multiple frequency bands from the source frequency range from being shifted to one and the same target frequency band.
  • FIG. 1 shows in a highly simplified block diagram by way of example the construction of a hearing aid, in particular a behind the ear portable hearing aid, according to the prior art.
  • Hearing devices comprise, in principle, as essential components, an input transducer, an amplifier and an output transducer.
  • the input transducer is usually a sound receiver, z. As a microphone, and / or an electromagnetic receiver, for. B. an induction coil.
  • the output transducer is usually as an electroacoustic transducer, z. B.
  • the amplifier is usually integrated in a signal processing unit.
  • one or more microphones 2 are installed for receiving the sound from the environment.
  • the output signal of the signal processing unit 3 is sent to a loudspeaker or
  • Handset 4 is transmitted, which emits an acoustic signal. If necessary, the sound is transmitted to the user's eardrum via a sound tube, which is fixed in the ear canal with an earmold.
  • the power supply of the hearing aid and in particular that of the signal processing unit 3 is effected by a likewise arranged in the hearing aid housing 1 battery. 5
  • FIG. 2 the division of the transferable from a hearing aid frequency range in a variety of frequency bands can be seen.
  • the width of the frequency bands is the same for all frequency bands (eg 200 Hz), but this does not necessarily have to be the case.
  • a source frequency range S is generally mapped into a target frequency range D.
  • Below a certain limit frequency f c no frequency compression takes place in the exemplary embodiment and above the limit frequency f c , a specific number of adjacent frequency bands of the source frequency range is combined to form a group of frequency bands. In the exemplary embodiment, this is shown for the groups G1, G2 and G3.
  • the number of frequency bands within a group can vary between groups.
  • Each group of frequency bands G1, G2, G3 etc is assigned to exactly one target frequency band D1, D2, D3 etc. From each group of frequency bands G1, G2, G3 etc becomes - for example for a certain period of time - a certain frequency band (the "winner frequency band") selected, for example, the frequency band in which the signal component of the input signal has the highest signal level compared to the signal components in the other frequency bands of the group, and shifted in the target frequency band associated with the group.
  • the winner frequency bands W1, W2 and W3 have been selected as shown and shifted in the frequency bands D1, D2 and D3.
  • the other, ie not selected frequency bands of each group are not mapped to another frequency range and therefore suppressed, at least from the perspective of the hard of hearing user.
  • Unselected and therefore suppressed frequency bands can also be actively suppressed, that is, attenuated or filtered out by filter means in the hearing aid with respect to the input signal. Furthermore, it is possible that signal components of the input signal in the output signal of a respective hearing aid device are suppressed by the fact that no further signal processing takes place for the corresponding signal components after the division into frequency bands.
  • the signal component shifted from the selected frequency band W1, W2, W3 into the target frequency band is superimposed on the signal component of the input signal which is present anyway in the target frequency band.
  • This can be done by a simple addition of both signals, but it can also be set a certain mixing ratio or a different weighting of the signals. This may even go so far that e.g. the signal component resulting directly from the input signal is completely suppressed (filtered out) in the respective frequency band and only the signal shifted from the source frequency range into the target frequency band is further processed.
  • FIG. 3 shows a relevant to the invention section of a block diagram of a hearing aid according to the invention.
  • This comprises at least one filter bank for dividing a frequency range which can be transmitted by the hearing aid into a multiplicity of frequency bands S. It also comprises means for dividing certain frequency bands into different groups G1, G2, G3 etc of frequency bands. The division of the frequency bands can be determined for example by programming the hearing aid and adapted to the individual hearing loss of a user.
  • a hearing aid device according to the invention comprises means for selecting a frequency band W1, W2 etc from each group G1, G2, G3 etc of frequency bands as a function of the signal components of an input signal entering the hearing aid in the individual frequency bands of the respective group G1, G2, G3 etc frequency bands.
  • At least one signal analysis and evaluation unit AC1, AC2, etc. is present in the hearing aid device, which determines, for example, the signal levels and / or energy present in the individual channels and the frequency band as "winner frequency band" W1, W2 etc of the respective group G1, G2, G3 etc, which has the highest signal level and / or energy for a certain period of time.
  • the hearing aid according to the invention comprises means for transferring the respective selected frequency band W1, W2 etc in a specific target frequency band D1, D2, D3, etc. of the target frequency range D.
  • the frequency shift units FS1 and FS2 are provided for this purpose, each having a specific frequency range in one shift or transfer another frequency range.

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  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Neurosurgery (AREA)
  • Otolaryngology (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Acoustics & Sound (AREA)
  • Signal Processing (AREA)
  • Circuit For Audible Band Transducer (AREA)

Abstract

The method involves dividing a frequency range transferable from a hearing aid device into multiple frequency bands. The adjoining frequency bands are combined into groups (G1-G3) of the frequency bands. Gain-frequency bands (W1-W3) are selected from the groups of the frequency bands. The selected frequency bands are transformed into target frequency bands (D1- D3). The target frequency bands are associated to the groups of the frequency bands. One of the frequency bands with highest sound energy and/or a large signal level is selected from the groups of the frequency bands. An independent claim is also included for a hearing aid device including a filter bank.

Description

Die Erfindung betrifft ein Verfahren zur Frequenzkompression eines in ein Hörhilfegerät eingehenden Eingangssignals, bei dem eine Aufteilung eines von dem Hörhilfegerät übertragbaren Frequenzbereiches in mehrere Frequenzbänder erfolgt und bei dem wenigstens ein Quellfrequenzband in ein Zielfrequenzband überführt wird.The invention relates to a method for frequency compression of an input signal arriving in a hearing aid, in which a division of a frequency range which can be transmitted by the hearing aid into several frequency bands and in which at least one source frequency band is converted into a target frequency band.

Ferner betrifft die Erfindung ein Hörhilfegerät zur Durchführung eines derartigen Verfahrens.Furthermore, the invention relates to a hearing aid for performing such a method.

Zum Ausgleich eines individuellen Hörverlustes eines Benutzers erfolgt in einem Hörhilfegerät gewöhnlich eine frequenzabhängige Verstärkung eines in das Hörhilfegerät eingehenden Eingangssignals. In der Regel ist der Dynamikbereich, d.h. der Bereich zwischen der Hörschwelle und der Unbehaglichkeitsschwelle, bei einem Schwerhörigen gegenüber einem Normalhörenden stark eingeschränkt. Deshalb führen moderne Hörhilfegeräte in der Regel mittels einer automatischen Verstärkungsregelung (AGC = automatic gain control) auch eine Dynamikkompression durch.To compensate for an individual hearing loss of a user, a frequency-dependent amplification of an incoming input signal to the hearing aid device usually takes place in a hearing aid. In general, the dynamic range, i. the range between the hearing threshold and the discomfort threshold, in a hearing impaired compared to a normal hearing impaired. Therefore, modern hearing aids usually perform by means of an automatic gain control (AGC = automatic gain control) by a dynamic compression.

Es gibt jedoch auch Hörverluste, bei denen durch eine reine frequenzabhängige Verstärkung eines akustischen Eingangssignals der Hörverlust nicht in einer befriedigenden Weise ausgeglichen werden kann. Beispiele hierfür sind Hörverluste mit toten Frequenzbereichen, in denen spektrale Komponenten des akustischen Eingangssignals auch durch eine hohe Verstärkung nicht hörbar gemacht werden können.However, there are also hearing losses in which the hearing loss can not be compensated in a satisfactory manner by a pure frequency-dependent amplification of an acoustic input signal. Examples include hearing loss with dead frequency ranges in which spectral components of the acoustic input signal can not be made audible by a high gain.

Aus der DE 10 2006 019 728 A1 ist ein Verfahren zum Einstellen einer Hörhilfevorrichtung bekannt, bei dem ein Anteil eines Eingangssignalspektrums bei einer ersten Frequenz verstärkt und zu einer zweiten Frequenz in Abhängigkeit von der Zeit verschoben wird, um einerseits eine hohe Spontanakzeptanz des Hörsystems durch ein zwischen zwei Adaptionsschritten nahezu unverfälschtes Klangbild des Hörsystems zu erreichen und andererseits den Lern- und Akklimatisationsprozess seitens des Hörgeschädigten an die neuen Frequenzmuster zu unterstützen.From the DE 10 2006 019 728 A1 For example, a method for adjusting a hearing aid device is known in which a portion of an input signal spectrum is amplified at a first frequency and shifted to a second frequency as a function of time, on the one hand a high spontaneous acceptance To achieve the hearing system by a nearly unadulterated sound pattern of the hearing system between two adaptation steps and on the other hand to support the learning and Akklimatisationsprozess on the part of the hearing impaired to the new frequency patterns.

Eine Möglichkeit zur Lösung des zuletzt genannten Problems bietet die sog. Frequenzkompression. Dabei werden spektrale Komponenten innerhalb eines Quellfrequenzbereiches (typisch bei höheren Frequenzen) in einen Zielfrequenzbereich (typisch bei niedrigeren Frequenzen) verschoben. Im Unterschied zu den im Quellfrequenzbereich liegenden Signalanteilen des akustischen Eingangssignals können die in den Zielfrequenzbereich verschobenen Signalanteile in diesem Frequenzbereich durch Verstärkung für den betreffenden Benutzer hörbar gemacht werden.One way to solve the last-mentioned problem is the so-called frequency compression. In the process, spectral components within a source frequency range (typically at higher frequencies) are shifted into a target frequency range (typically at lower frequencies). In contrast to the signal components of the acoustic input signal lying in the source frequency range, the signal components shifted in the target frequency range in this frequency range can be made audible by amplification for the relevant user.

Ein bekanntes Verfahren zur Frequenzkompression sieht dabei folgende Verfahrensschritte vor:

  • Aufteilung eines von dem Hörhilfegerät übertragbaren Frequenzbereiches in mehrere Frequenzbänder (Kanäle),
  • Auswahl bestimmter Frequenzbänder oberhalb einer vorbestimmten Grenzfrequenz anhand eines Schallenergie-Kriteriums,
  • Überführen der ausgewählten Frequenzbänder in Zielfrequenzbänder anhand einer Kanalzuordnungsfunktion.
A known method for frequency compression provides the following method steps:
  • Division of a frequency range which can be transmitted by the hearing aid into several frequency bands (channels),
  • Selection of certain frequency bands above a predetermined cutoff frequency based on a sound energy criterion,
  • Transfer the selected frequency bands to target frequency bands using a channel assignment function.

Der Algorithmus sucht dabei oberhalb der Grenzfrequenz nach einer Vorbestimmten Anzahl N an lokalen Energie-Maxima im Frequenzspektrum oberhalb der Grenzfrequenz. Die Breite eines Energie-Maximums über der Frequenz bleibt dabei unberücksichtigt. Es können "schmale" Maxima auftreten, die nur in ein Frequenzband fallen. "Breite" Maxima können sich auch über mehrere Frequenzbänder erstrecken. Es wird dann für ein lokales Energie-Maximum das Frequenzband ausgewählt, in dem es die größte Energie aufweist. Dieses Frequenzband wird dann gemäß der Kanalzuordnungsfunktion in einen anderen, üblicherweise tieferen Frequenzbereich verschoben.The algorithm searches above the cutoff frequency for a predetermined number N of local energy maxima in the frequency spectrum above the cutoff frequency. The width of an energy maximum over the frequency remains unconsidered. There may be "narrow" maxima that fall only in one frequency band. "Broad" maxima can also extend over several frequency bands. It is then selected for a local energy maximum, the frequency band in which it has the most energy. This frequency band is then shifted in accordance with the channel allocation function in a different, usually lower frequency range.

Nachteilig dabei ist, dass sich die Anzahl N nur schwer festlegen lässt. Wird N zu niedrig gewählt, ergeben sich Lücken im Zielfrequenzbereich. Wird N zu groß gewählt, wird es ausgewählte Frequenzbänder mit Energiemaxima geben, die in ein und dasselbe Zielfrequenzband verschoben werden müssen.The disadvantage here is that the number N is difficult to determine. If N is set too low, gaps will result in the target frequency range. If N is chosen too large, there will be selected frequency bands with energy maxima that must be shifted to one and the same target frequency band.

Aufgabe der vorliegenden Erfindung ist es daher, eine Lösung für das genannte Problem zu finden und eine bessere Zuordnung zwischen den Kanälen des Quellfrequenzbereiches und des Zielfrequenzbereiches zu erreichen.It is therefore an object of the present invention to find a solution to the mentioned problem and to achieve a better association between the channels of the source frequency range and the target frequency range.

Diese Aufgabe wird durch ein Verfahren zur Frequenzkompression mit den Verfahrensschritten gemäß Patentanspruch 1 gelöst.This object is achieved by a method for frequency compression with the method steps according to claim 1.

Die Grundidee der Erfindung besteht darin, jeweils mehrere aneinandergrenzende Frequenzbänder des Quellfrequenzbereiches zu einer Gruppe von Frequenzbändern zusammenzufassen und aus jeder Gruppe von Frequenzbändern genau ein Frequenzband, das "ausgewählte" Frequenzband oder "Gewinner-Frequenzband" der Gruppe, auszuwählen und auf genau ein der jeweiligen Gruppe zugeordnetes Zielfrequenzband zu überführen. Vorzugsweise wird dabei aus jeder Gruppe von Frequenzbändern das Frequenzband ausgewählt, in dem das Energie-Maximum der betreffenden Gruppe liegt.The basic idea of the invention is to combine in each case a plurality of contiguous frequency bands of the source frequency range into a group of frequency bands and to select from each group of frequency bands exactly one frequency band, the "selected" frequency band or "winner frequency band" of the group, and to exactly one of the respective ones Group assigned target frequency band to transfer. Preferably, the frequency band is selected from each group of frequency bands, in which the energy maximum of the group in question.

Theoretisch ist es für die Ausführung des erfindungsgemäßen Verfahrens ausreichend, wenn lediglich eine Gruppe von Frequenzbändern gebildet wird, aus der ein Frequenzband in den Zielfrequenzbereich verschoben wird. Die Vorteile der Erfindung zeigen sich jedoch insbesondere dann, wenn zwei oder mehr Gruppen von Frequenzbändern gebildet werden.Theoretically, it is sufficient for the execution of the method according to the invention, if only a group of frequency bands is formed, from which a frequency band is shifted in the target frequency range. However, the advantages of the invention are particularly evident when two or more groups of frequency bands are formed.

Vorteilhaft lässt sich das Verfahren in Verbindung mit einer Polyphasen-Filterbank einsetzen, die nur das komplex-wertige, analytische Signal (positiver Frequenzanteil einer FourierTransformation) in den Kanälen erzeugt.Advantageously, the method can be used in conjunction with a polyphase filter bank which generates only the complex-valued, analytical signal (positive frequency component of a Fourier transformation) in the channels.

Durch die Erfindung ist die Anzahl N der von dem Quellfrequenzbereich in den Zielfrequenzbereich zu verschiebenden Frequenzbänder vorbestimmt. Ferner wird durch die Zusammenfassung nebeneinander liegender Frequenzbänder zu Gruppen von Frequenzbändern vermieden, dass mehrere Frequenzbänder aus dem Quellfrequenzbereich auf ein und dasselbe Zielfrequenzband verschoben werden.By the invention, the number N of the frequency bands to be shifted from the source frequency range to the target frequency range is predetermined. Furthermore, the combination of adjacent frequency bands to groups of frequency bands prevents multiple frequency bands from the source frequency range from being shifted to one and the same target frequency band.

Die Erfindung wird nachfolgend anhand von Ausführungsbeispielen näher erläutert. Dabei zeigen:

FIG 1
ein Hörgerät nach dem Stand der Technik im vereinfachten Blockschaltbild,
FIG 2
die Einteilung einer Anzahl an Frequenzbändern in unterschiedliche Gruppen von Frequenzbändern, die Auswahl eines ausgewählten Frequenzbandes aus jeder Gruppe von Frequenzbändern und die Überführung des jeweils ausgewählten Frequenzbandes auf jeweils ein der betreffenden Gruppe zugeordnetes Zielfrequenzband gemäß der Erfindung,
FIG 3
die Auswahl eines Frequenzbandes aus jeder Gruppe von Frequenzbändern und die Überführung des ausgewählten Frequenzbandes auf jeweils ein der betreffenden Gruppe zugeordnetes Zielfrequenzband, und
FIG 4
ein Ablaufdiagramm bei der Durchführung eines erfindungsgemäßen Verfahrens.
The invention will be explained in more detail with reference to embodiments. Showing:
FIG. 1
a hearing aid according to the prior art in the simplified block diagram,
FIG. 2
the division of a number of frequency bands into different groups of frequency bands, the selection of a selected frequency band from each group of frequency bands and the transfer of the respectively selected frequency band to a respective target frequency band associated with the group in question according to the invention,
FIG. 3
the selection of a frequency band from each group of frequency bands and the transfer of the selected frequency band to a respective target frequency band associated with the group in question, and
FIG. 4
a flowchart in the implementation of a method according to the invention.

FIG 1 zeigt im stark vereinfachten Blockschaltbild beispielhaft den Aufbau eines Hörhilfegerätes, insbesondere eines hinter dem Ohr tragbaren Hörgerätes, nach dem Stand der Technik. Hörgeräte umfassen prinzipiell als wesentliche Komponenten einen Eingangswandler, einen Verstärker und einen Ausgangswandler. Der Eingangswandler ist in der Regel ein Schallempfänger, z. B. ein Mikrofon, und/oder ein elektromagnetischer Empfänger, z. B. eine Induktionsspule. Der Ausgangswandler ist meist als elektroakustischer Wandler, z. B. FIG. 1 shows in a highly simplified block diagram by way of example the construction of a hearing aid, in particular a behind the ear portable hearing aid, according to the prior art. Hearing devices comprise, in principle, as essential components, an input transducer, an amplifier and an output transducer. The input transducer is usually a sound receiver, z. As a microphone, and / or an electromagnetic receiver, for. B. an induction coil. The output transducer is usually as an electroacoustic transducer, z. B.

Miniaturlautsprecher bzw. Hörer, oder als elektromechanischer Wandler, z. B. Knochenleitungshörer, realisiert. Der Verstärker ist üblicherweise in eine Signalverarbeitungseinheit integriert. Bei dem Ausführungsbeispiel gemäß FIG 1 sind in ein zum Tragen hinter dem Ohr vorgesehenes Hörgerätegehäuse 1 ein oder mehrere Mikrofone 2 zur Aufnahme des Schalls aus der Umgebung eingebaut. Eine Signalverarbeitungseinheit 3, die sich ebenfalls in dem Hörgerätegehäuse 1 befindet, verarbeitet die Mikrofonsignale und verstärkt sie. Das Ausgangssignal der Signalverarbeitungseinheit 3 wird an einen Lautsprecher bzw.Miniature speaker or handset, or as an electromechanical transducer, z. B. bone conduction, realized. The amplifier is usually integrated in a signal processing unit. In the embodiment according to FIG. 1 In one provided for supporting behind the ear hearing aid housing 1, one or more microphones 2 are installed for receiving the sound from the environment. A signal processing unit 3, which is also located in the hearing aid housing 1, processes the microphone signals and amplifies them. The output signal of the signal processing unit 3 is sent to a loudspeaker or

Hörer 4 übertragen, der ein akustisches Signal ausgibt. Der Schall wird gegebenenfalls über einen Schallschlauch, der mit einer Otoplastik im Gehörgang fixiert ist, zum Trommelfell des Benutzers übertragen. Die Energieversorgung des Hörgerätes und insbesondere die der Signalverarbeitungseinheit 3 erfolgt durch eine ebenfalls in dem Hörgerätegehäuse 1 angeordnete Batterie 5.Handset 4 is transmitted, which emits an acoustic signal. If necessary, the sound is transmitted to the user's eardrum via a sound tube, which is fixed in the ear canal with an earmold. The power supply of the hearing aid and in particular that of the signal processing unit 3 is effected by a likewise arranged in the hearing aid housing 1 battery. 5

Aus FIG 2 ist die Aufteilung des von einem Hörhilfegerät übertragbaren Frequenzbereiches in eine Vielzahl an Frequenzbändern ersichtlich. Im Ausführungsbeispiel ist die Breite der Frequenzbänder bei allen Frequenzbändern gleich (z.B. 200 Hz), was jedoch nicht notwendigerweise so sein muss. Bei der Frequenzkompression wird allgemein ein Quellfrequenzbereich S in einen Zielfrequenzbereich D abgebildet bzw. überführt. Unterhalb einer bestimmten Grenzfrequenz fc erfolgt im Ausführungsbeispiel keine Frequenzkompression und oberhalb der Grenzfrequenz fc wird jeweils eine bestimmte Anzahl nebeneinander liegender Frequenzbänder des Quellfrequenzbereiches zu einer Gruppe an Frequenzbändern zusammengefasst. Im Ausführungsbeispiel ist dies für die Gruppen G1, G2 und G3 dargestellt. Die Anzahl der Frequenzbänder innerhalb einer Gruppe kann zwischen den Gruppen variieren. Jeder Gruppe an Frequenzbändern G1, G2, G3 etc ist genau ein Zielfrequenzband D1, D2, D3 etc fest zugeordnet. Aus jeder Gruppe von Frequenzbändern G1, G2, G3 etc wird - z.B. für eine bestimmte Zeitdauer - ein bestimmtes Frequenzband (das "Gewinner-Frequenzband") ausgewählt, beispielsweise das Frequenzband, in dem der Signalanteil des Eingangssignals den höchsten Signalpegel im Vergleich zu den Signalanteilen in den anderen Frequenzbändern der Gruppe aufweist, und in das der Gruppe zugeordnete Zielfrequenzband verschoben. Im Ausführungsbeispiel wurden die Gewinner-Frequenzbänder W1, W2 und W3 wie gezeigt ausgewählt und in die Frequenzbänder D1, D2 und D3 verschoben. Die anderen, d.h. nicht ausgewählten Frequenzbänder jeder Gruppe werden nicht auf einen anderen Frequenzbereich abgebildet und daher zumindest aus Sicht des schwerhörigen Benutzers unterdrückt. Ggf. können nicht ausgewählte und damit unterdrückte Frequenzbänder auch aktiv unterdrückt, das heißt durch Filtermittel im Hörhilfegerät bezüglich des Eingangssignals gedämpft bzw. herausgefiltert werden. Ferner ist es möglich, dass Signalanteile des Eingangssignals im Ausgangssignal eines betreffenden Hörhilfegerätes dadurch unterdrückt sind, dass für die entsprechenden Signalanteile nach der Aufteilung in Frequenzbänder keine weitere Signalverarbeitung erfolgt.Out FIG. 2 the division of the transferable from a hearing aid frequency range in a variety of frequency bands can be seen. In the exemplary embodiment, the width of the frequency bands is the same for all frequency bands (eg 200 Hz), but this does not necessarily have to be the case. In frequency compression, a source frequency range S is generally mapped into a target frequency range D. Below a certain limit frequency f c no frequency compression takes place in the exemplary embodiment and above the limit frequency f c , a specific number of adjacent frequency bands of the source frequency range is combined to form a group of frequency bands. In the exemplary embodiment, this is shown for the groups G1, G2 and G3. The number of frequency bands within a group can vary between groups. Each group of frequency bands G1, G2, G3 etc is assigned to exactly one target frequency band D1, D2, D3 etc. From each group of frequency bands G1, G2, G3 etc becomes - for example for a certain period of time - a certain frequency band (the "winner frequency band") selected, for example, the frequency band in which the signal component of the input signal has the highest signal level compared to the signal components in the other frequency bands of the group, and shifted in the target frequency band associated with the group. In the embodiment, the winner frequency bands W1, W2 and W3 have been selected as shown and shifted in the frequency bands D1, D2 and D3. The other, ie not selected frequency bands of each group are not mapped to another frequency range and therefore suppressed, at least from the perspective of the hard of hearing user. Possibly. Unselected and therefore suppressed frequency bands can also be actively suppressed, that is, attenuated or filtered out by filter means in the hearing aid with respect to the input signal. Furthermore, it is possible that signal components of the input signal in the output signal of a respective hearing aid device are suppressed by the fact that no further signal processing takes place for the corresponding signal components after the division into frequency bands.

In der Regel wird der aus dem ausgewählten Frequenzband W1, W2, W3 in das Zielfrequenzband verschobene Signalanteil dem ohnehin in dem Zielfrequenzband vorhandene Signalanteil des Eingangssignals überlagert. Dies kann durch eine einfache Addition beider Signale erfolgen, es kann jedoch auch ein bestimmtes Mischverhältnis bzw. eine unterschiedliche Gewichtung der Signale eingestellt werden. Dies kann sogar soweit gehen, dass z.B. der direkt aus dem Eingangssignal resultierende Signalanteil in dem betreffenden Frequenzband vollständig unterdrückt (herausgefiltert) wird und nur noch das aus dem Quellfrequenzbereich in das Zielfrequenzband verschobene Signal weiterverarbeitet wird.As a rule, the signal component shifted from the selected frequency band W1, W2, W3 into the target frequency band is superimposed on the signal component of the input signal which is present anyway in the target frequency band. This can be done by a simple addition of both signals, but it can also be set a certain mixing ratio or a different weighting of the signals. This may even go so far that e.g. the signal component resulting directly from the input signal is completely suppressed (filtered out) in the respective frequency band and only the signal shifted from the source frequency range into the target frequency band is further processed.

FIG 3 zeigt einen für die Erfindung relevanten Abschnitt eines Blockschaltbildes eines erfindungsgemäßen Hörhilfegerätes. Dieses umfasst wenigstens eine Filterbank zur Aufteilung eines von dem Hörhilfegerät übertragbaren Frequenzbereiches in eine Vielzahl an Frequenzbändern S. Ferner umfasst es Mittel zur Einteilung bestimmter Frequenzbänder in unterschiedliche Gruppen G1, G2, G3 etc von Frequenzbändern. Die Einteilung der Frequenzbänder kann beispielsweise durch Programmierung des Hörhilfegerätes festgelegt und an den individuellen Hörverlust eines Benutzers angepasst werden. Weiterhin umfasst ein erfindungsgemäßes Hörhilfegerät Mittel zur Auswahl eines Frequenzbandes W1, W2 etc aus jeder Gruppe G1, G2, G3 etc von Frequenzbändern in Abhängigkeit von den Signalanteilen eines in das Hörhilfegerät eingehenden Eingangssignals in den einzelnen Frequenzbändern der jeweiligen Gruppe G1, G2, G3 etc von Frequenzbändern. Zur Auswahl ist wenigstens eine Signalanalyse- und Auswerteeinheit AC1, AC2, etc im Hörhilfegerät vorhanden, die beispielsweise die Signalpegel und/oder in den einzelnen Kanälen vorhandene Energie bestimmt und das Frequenzband als "Gewinner-Frequenzband" W1, W2 etc der jeweiligen Gruppe G1, G2, G3 etc festlegt, das für einen bestimmten Zeitraum den höchsten Signalpegel und/oder die größte Energie aufweist. FIG. 3 shows a relevant to the invention section of a block diagram of a hearing aid according to the invention. This comprises at least one filter bank for dividing a frequency range which can be transmitted by the hearing aid into a multiplicity of frequency bands S. It also comprises means for dividing certain frequency bands into different groups G1, G2, G3 etc of frequency bands. The division of the frequency bands can be determined for example by programming the hearing aid and adapted to the individual hearing loss of a user. Furthermore, a hearing aid device according to the invention comprises means for selecting a frequency band W1, W2 etc from each group G1, G2, G3 etc of frequency bands as a function of the signal components of an input signal entering the hearing aid in the individual frequency bands of the respective group G1, G2, G3 etc frequency bands. For selection, at least one signal analysis and evaluation unit AC1, AC2, etc. is present in the hearing aid device, which determines, for example, the signal levels and / or energy present in the individual channels and the frequency band as "winner frequency band" W1, W2 etc of the respective group G1, G2, G3 etc, which has the highest signal level and / or energy for a certain period of time.

Darüber hinaus umfasst das erfindungsgemäße Hörhilfegerät Mittel zum Überführen des jeweils ausgewählten Frequenzbands W1, W2 etc in ein bestimmtes Zielfrequenzband D1, D2, D3 etc. des Zielfrequenzbereiches D. Im Ausführungsbeispiel sind hierfür die Frequenzverschiebeeinheiten FS1 und FS2 vorhanden, die jeweils einen bestimmten Frequenzbereich in einen anderen Frequenzbereich verschieben bzw. überführen.In addition, the hearing aid according to the invention comprises means for transferring the respective selected frequency band W1, W2 etc in a specific target frequency band D1, D2, D3, etc. of the target frequency range D. In the embodiment, the frequency shift units FS1 and FS2 are provided for this purpose, each having a specific frequency range in one shift or transfer another frequency range.

FIG 4 veranschaulicht grafisch nochmals die bei einem erfindungsgemäßen Verfahren ausgeführten Verfahrensschritte bei der Frequenzkompression eines in ein Hörhilfegerät eingehenden Eingangssignals:

  • In einem ersten Verfahrensschritt S1 erfolgt eine Aufteilung eines von dem Hörhilfegerät übertragbaren Frequenzbereiches in mehrere Frequenzbänder. Dadurch wird ein in das Hörhilfegerät eingehendes Eingangssignal in Signalanteile in den jeweiligen Frequenzbändern aufgespaltet. Nachfolgend werden in einem Verfahrensschritt S2 jeweils mehrere aneinandergrenzende Frequenzbänder zu wenigstens einer Gruppe von Frequenzbändern zusammengefasst. Darauf folgt in einem Verfahrensschritt S3 für jede Gruppe von Frequenzbändern eine Auswahl eines Frequenzbandes aus der jeweiligen Gruppe. Im anschließenden Verfahrensschritt S4 erfolgt eine Verschiebung des ausgewählten Frequenzbandes in ein der jeweiligen Gruppe zugeordnetes Zielfrequenzband. Die nicht ausgewählten Frequenzbänder einer jeden Gruppe werden nicht weiterverarbeitet und damit unterdrückt.
FIG. 4 Illustrates graphically again the process steps performed in a method according to the invention in the frequency compression of an incoming input signal to a hearing aid:
  • In a first method step S1, a frequency range which can be transmitted by the hearing aid device is split into a plurality of frequency bands. As a result, an incoming into the hearing aid input signal is split into signal components in the respective frequency bands. Subsequently, in a method step S2, in each case a plurality of adjacent ones Frequency bands combined into at least one group of frequency bands. This is followed, in a method step S3, by a selection of a frequency band from the respective group for each group of frequency bands. In the subsequent method step S4, the selected frequency band is shifted into a target frequency band assigned to the respective group. The non-selected frequency bands of each group are not further processed and thus suppressed.

Claims (5)

Verfahren zur Frequenzkompression eines in ein Hörhilfegerät eingehenden Eingangssignals mit folgenden Schritten: - Aufteilung eines von dem Hörhilfegerät übertragbaren Frequenzbereiches in mehrere Frequenzbänder, - Zusammenfassen mehrerer aneinandergrenzender Frequenzbänder zu wenigstens einer Gruppe (G1, G2, G3) von Frequenzbändern, - Auswahl eines Frequenzbandes (W1, W2, W3) aus der Gruppe (G1, G2, G3) von Frequenzbändern, wobei innerhalb der Gruppe (G1, G2, G3) von Frequenzbändern das Frequenzband mit der höchsten Schallenergie und/oder dem größten Signalpegel ausgewählt wird, - Überführen des ausgewählten Frequenzbandes in ein Zielfrequenzband (D1, D2, D3). Method for frequency compression of an input signal entering a hearing aid, comprising the following steps: Division of a frequency range which can be transmitted by the hearing aid into several frequency bands, Combining a plurality of contiguous frequency bands to at least one group (G1, G2, G3) of frequency bands, - Selection of a frequency band (W1, W2, W3) from the group (G1, G2, G3) of frequency bands, wherein within the group (G1, G2, G3) of frequency bands selected the frequency band with the highest sound energy and / or the largest signal level becomes, - Transferring the selected frequency band in a target frequency band (D1, D2, D3). Verfahren nach Anspruch 1, wobei wenigstens zwei Gruppen von Frequenzbändern gebildet werden.The method of claim 1, wherein at least two groups of frequency bands are formed. Verfahren nach Anspruch 1 oder 2, wobei jeder Gruppe von Frequenzbändern (G1, G2, G3) genau ein Zielfrequenzband (D1, D2, D3) fest zugeordnet wird.Method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein exactly one target frequency band (D1, D2, D3) is assigned to each group of frequency bands (G1, G2, G3). Hörhilfegerät zur Durchführung eines Verfahrens nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 3, mit - einer Filterbank zur Aufteilung eines von dem Hörhilfegerät übertragbaren Frequenzbereiches in eine Vielzahl an Frequenzbändern, - Mitteln zur Einteilung bestimmter Frequenzbänder in unterschiedliche Gruppen (G1, G2, G3) von Frequenzbändern, - Mitteln zur Auswahl eines Frequenzbandes (W1, W2, W3) aus jeder Gruppe (G1, G2, G3) von Frequenzbändern in Abhängigkeit von Signalanteilen eines in das Hörhilfegerät eingehenden Eingangssignals in den einzelnen Frequenzbändern der jeweiligen Gruppe (G1, G2, G3) von Frequenzbändern, wobei innerhalb der Gruppe (G1, G2, G3) von Frequenzbändern das Frequenzband mit der höchsten Schallenergie und/oder dem größten Signalpegel ausgewählt wird, - Mitteln zum Überführen des jeweils ausgewählten Frequenzbands (W1, W2, W3) in ein Zielfrequenzband (D1, D2, D3). Hearing aid for carrying out a method according to one of claims 1 to 3, with a filter bank for dividing a frequency range which can be transmitted by the hearing aid into a plurality of frequency bands, Means for dividing certain frequency bands into different groups (G1, G2, G3) of frequency bands, - means for selecting a frequency band (W1, W2, W3) from each group (G1, G2, G3) of frequency bands as a function of signal components of an incoming in the hearing aid input signal in the individual frequency bands of the respective group (G1, G2, G3) of Frequency bands, where within the group (G1, G2, G3) of frequency bands the frequency band with the highest sound energy and / or the highest signal level is selected, - Means for transferring the respective selected frequency band (W1, W2, W3) in a target frequency band (D1, D2, D3). Hörhilfegerät nach Anspruch 4, umfassend eine Polyphasen-Filterbank.Hearing aid according to claim 4, comprising a polyphase filter bank.
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