EP3679729B1 - Multi-purpose high performance hearing aid with a mobile end device in particular smartphone - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a high-performance hearing aid. In addition to its main function as a therapeutic hearing aid for people with impaired hearing, it offers additional functions for other hearing situations, in particular telephoning.

Unlike visual aids (glasses), hearing aids today are often still stigmatizing for the wearer. Among other things, this negative reception is due to the fact that the functionality of hearing aids is sometimes still unsatisfactory, that third parties still get the impression from the user that the user is actually hard of hearing. So there are still functional deficits of hearing aids.

A particular difficulty of hearing aids is that they are sometimes operated in considerably different acoustic environmental conditions (hearing situations). Such listening situations include, for example, a (personal) conversation, a crowded environment with many other people, a telephone call, listening to music in the private sphere, but also, for example, going to a concert with music played in public. All of these situations have different requirements. Fulfilling this is a challenge.

Modern hearing aids offer the function that different profiles can be selected (partly by the user himself). Nonetheless they do not yet work fully satisfactorily in all situations. In addition to the visual impression, it is these functional deficits that lead to stigmatization of the user. This is doubly stressful for the user, since he is not only subject to functional losses in terms of hearing, but is also confronted with a negative image of his impairment. In addition, many everyday situations, especially trouble-free phone calls or listening to music, are not adequately covered. In order to cover these as well, additional effort in the form of additional devices has hitherto been required, which is cumbersome.

In order to increase the acceptance of hearing aid systems, it has been suggested that the hearing aid should be implemented based on a smartphone ( DE 20 2011 105 898 U1 ). A special program on the smartphone (a so-called app) simulates the functionality of the hearing aid. The smartphone is combined with a special earphone, which also includes a microphone. Sound processing is provided in order in particular to achieve pulse limitation and noise suppression, and also to avoid echoes. The output channel is based on the smartphone's MP3 player, which is usually available anyway. On the one hand, this use of the MP3 player is advantageous, since resources are saved, but on the other hand, it is also functionally limiting. Because MP3 players are originally intended for a compressed artificial signal; this objective clashes with the aim of enabling listening to music at the highest possible level. However, this does not only apply to the high level of listening to music, but also to the more down-to-earth level in the area of telephony itself. Because MP3 players are not designed for this either. In particular, there is a certain latency issue at work here, since latency itself is meaningless when playing music, when using it as a hearing aid (be it for conversation or for telephony) but not. It is a typical compromise device that is unsatisfactory, especially because of the unresolved latency issue.

document WO2016/022905 A1 discloses a communication eartip, comprising: an ear canal tube sized to be positioned within an ear canal of a user such that the ear canal is at least partially open to directly receive ambient sounds; a sound processor for amplifying ambient sounds received by a microphone to generate processed signals; and a wired connector for connecting the communication earpiece to at least one external device, wherein the processed signals generated by the sound processor are sent through the connector to the external device and signals from the external device are sent through the connector to the earpiece to of to be emitted from a speaker into the ear canal tube.

document DE202010013508 U1 discloses a software-based implementation of a hearing device, characterized in that suitable applications are installed on a commercially available multimedia mobile phone with an open operating system in order in this way to map the functionalities of a hearing device on the smartphone.

The invention is based on the object of creating an improved hearing device system based on the prior art last mentioned, which increases the user-friendliness with the same or better functionality.

The solution according to the invention lies in the features of the independent claim. Advantageous developments are the subject of the dependent claims.

In a hearing aid system, comprising a hearing unit to be arranged on a user's ear and a remote processing unit, the remote processing unit being designed as a mobile terminal device, in particular a smartphone, with a signal connection being provided via which the hearing unit and the processing unit communicate, and the processing unit has a signal processing path for external sound signals with an amplifier, wherein a basic signal for the signal processing path is formed, which corresponds to the incoming sound, the invention provides that the hearing unit has an open earphone and includes a microphone, and the processing unit has a compensation path, which includes a compensator and a splitter, wherein the compensator is designed to determine compensation signals from an applied basic signal using an adjustable frequency band profile of the user, in such a way that the compensation signals emphasize the Are basic signal, and the splitter is designed to split the basic signal, so that an output signal transmitted to the ear unit consists only or at least mainly of the compensation signal, wherein the Compensation signals in the ear canal are synchronously superimposed on the external sound signal.

With the invention, the basic concept of using a smartphone for a hearing aid system is decisively improved in that the latency resulting from the signal propagation time on the one hand and the processing time on the other hand is minimized overall, and the compensation signal in the auditory canal is added to the external sound signal that is naturally carried out there, so that the User hears the sum of the two. The invention has recognized that precisely this aspect is the critical one that previously stood in the way of the spread of smartphone-based hearing aid systems.

The core idea of the invention is to achieve a significant reduction in the outlay required for signal processing with the compensation channel designed according to the invention. In that a compensation signal is determined there as an emphasis on the basic signal, and the basic signal itself is split off by a splitter, a significant reduction in the amount of data to be managed for further processing is achieved. In other words: the complex signal processing is not - as is usually the case - applied to the overall signal, but only to a subset of it (namely the "rest" part that remains after the basic signal has been split off). The amount of data to be processed is thus significantly reduced. This enables significantly faster signal processing, which significantly reduces latency. The compensation signal generated according to the invention is therefore available comparatively quickly and can therefore be mixed into the basic signal without further ado. The invention has recognized that this is particularly expedient for the use of open headphones, in which the basic signal itself can pass through the auditory canal and thus only the compensation signal (generated according to the invention with a low latency time) is added becomes. According to the invention, this takes place quasi-synchronously, ie without a delay perceptible to the user (ie a latency below the perception threshold).

Basically, the invention is therefore based on the idea of not fully processing the basic signal in the signal processing during operation, but instead splitting it off in the compensation path in order to process only a data-reduced compensation signal. This applies in particular to digital signal processing, as is provided here. This enables a significantly faster processing and transmission speed back to the earphones, resulting in a practically relevant reduction in latency. A signal overlay at the ear with the basic signal (which is still there anyway) is no problem.

1. a) dass das Ohr beim Hörvorgang eine Welle heraussendet,
2. b) dass wie bei allen Menschen auch bei Patienten mit Resthörvermögen im Gehirn objektbezogene Hörerfahrungen (sog. Hörrepräsentanzen) wie z. B. der Klang eines Instrumentes, das Geräusch einer Bohrmaschine, der Sprachklang von Familienangehörigen etc. abgespeichert sind.

Unlike previous hearing aids, the technical conception of the high-performance hearing aid according to the invention was determined by the inventor's scientific/music-psychological knowledge (auditory perception research),

1. a) that the ear emits a wave during the hearing process,
2. b) that, as in all people, object-related auditory experiences (so-called auditory representations) such as e.g. B. the sound of an instrument, the noise of a drill, the voice of family members, etc. are stored.

These auditory representations are called up during the hearing or perception process for comparison and classification of the sound signal ("one hears what one knows, i.e. what is stored in the brain").

When using a hearing aid, this requires recording that is as faithful as possible to the sound, as provided by the architecture of the ear, as well as a broad frequency range in order to be able to process the frequency range of human hearing.

This is particularly useful when using open headphones. This is because the natural external sound signal still present in the auditory canal is forwarded to the eardrum and only the compensation signal generated according to the invention with a low latency time is added by the earphone. The processing of the basic signal and its transmission and supply by means of the earphone is not only avoided, but thanks to the splitting off in the compensation path, it even enables significantly faster signal processing thanks to data reduction. As a result, an effective prevention of undesired sound blurring is achieved.

In order to enable the hearing-impaired user to hear as naturally and unadulterated as possible when using the high-performance hearing aid, the natural architecture of the auricle is used for the position of the microphone and loudspeaker in each ear in such a way that the recording (microphone) takes place in the sound collection point of the auricle and the playback ( loudspeaker) in the open auditory canal. The microphone and loudspeaker are preferably connected to form a unit that the hearing impaired person wears in each ear. For this purpose, special mechanical-acoustic precautions must be taken in the recording/playback unit, which are described in more detail below.

The invention can be implemented using a commercially available smartphone as the processing unit and a hearing unit, with the functionality according to the invention being implemented as an app on the smartphone. Since a large part of the population already has a smartphone anyway, the invention can be implemented with a minimum of effort. The recourse to the smartphone also gives the user a familiar user interface, which is favorable for acceptance by the user himself. Because of the ubiquity of the smartphone, acceptance by fellow human beings is also high, so that the conventional stigmatization of hearing aid users is effectively avoided.

Such a combination is unprecedented in the prior art.

Some of the terms used are explained below:
A basic signal is understood to be that signal which corresponds to the sound arriving at the ear. On the one hand, the term describes the acoustic signal itself, which is conducted from the auricle via the auditory canal [Meatus acusticus externus] to the eardrum. However, the term also includes the corresponding electrical signal, which is picked up by the microphone of the hearing unit to which the acoustic signal is applied and transmitted to the processing unit.

A compensation signal is understood to mean the signal which was determined by the (digital) signal processing of the processing unit in the compensation path as an additional signal for correcting the pathologically caused, distorted frequency response of the user.

A mobile end device is typically a smartphone or a tablet computer.

Emphasis is a technical term in the field of signal processing and describes the automatic boosting (possibly also lowering) of a signal in certain frequency ranges. For the invention, the emphasis is selected in such a way that (as far as possible) compensation of a hearing defect of the user is achieved.

1. a) die Kopfbewegungen des Hörers und die Architektur der Ohren als räumliche Fokussierung auf den Sprechenden,
2. b) das Lokalisieren des speziellen Frequenzspektrums des Sprechenden (besonders das Unterscheiden der Konsonanten) durch den Hörenden, und
3. c) die Figur-Hintergrund-Wahrnehmung im Gehirn des Hörenden zusammen.

Furthermore, the basics of the invention are discussed below:
Hearing consists of peripheral sound recording (= ear), conversion into electrical energy (= nerve conduction) and processing in the brain (= perception). In a typical conversation situation in a group of people or in front of a loud background noise, the listener concentrates on the individual speech sound of the conversation partner. thereby act

1. a) the head movements of the listener and the architecture of the ears as a spatial focus on the speaker,
2. b) the listener's localization of the speaker's specific frequency spectrum (especially the distinction of consonants), and
3. c) the figure-background perception in the brain of the listener together.

The figure-background perception is a special achievement of the human brain: In a group (= background) a microphone picks up everything, but we humans can select the speech sound (= figure) of the person we want to understand in the real conversation situation and concentrate on it, because our brain switches to "filters" in perception and, apart from the sound of speech (figure), deliberately suppresses or even fades out all other noises (background) in perception.

However, the figure-background perception only works if the listener can clearly select the sound spectrum (speech sound) of the speaker from the noise background based on his or her hearing ability.

It is precisely this ability that is limited in the hearing impaired due to the hearing loss of certain frequencies and should be restored as far as possible by the special design of the high-performance hearing aid, including the special positioning of the microphone-loudspeaker unit in the auricle. Like no other hearing aid invention allows this Multi-purpose high-performance hearing aid continues natural ("open") hearing and focusing of the sound source by means of auricles or head movement.

The diagram (p. 15 ) ideally shows the compensation of a hearing loss using one or more equalizers. The vertical represents the dynamics (volume), the horizontal the frequencies. Every sound signal consists of a frequency band in which the individual frequencies have different volume levels.

The hearing range of the human ear covers approx. 16 Hz to 16,000 Hz. A young, healthy ear (= horizontal dot-dashed line parallel to the abscissa) would be able to perceive frequencies from 16-16,000 Hz with psychologically perceived equal loudness.

With hearing loss (= dashed curve line) you can see that the frequencies from 16-16000 Hz are perceived with different dynamics (loudness). This curve is determined per ear by the ENT doctor using audiometry, since the ears of a hearing-impaired person can be damaged in different ways. Therefore, the hearing aid works in stereo (2 x mono).

1. 1. Der Kompensations-Equalizer (EQ 1) übernimmt beim neuen Hochleistungshörgerät entsprechend der Audiometrie-Kurve des Hörbehinderten die Verstärkung (Emphase) bestimmter Frequenzen, um den Hörverlust auszugleichen (zu kompensieren); er wird entsprechend des per Audiometrie ermittelten Hörverlustes pro Ohr programmiert.
2. 2. Der nachfolgende Adaptions-Equalizer (EQ 2) dient der Anpassung des Hörgerätes an bestimmte Hörsituationen:
   hier kann der Patient selbst Presets abrufen oder eigene Einstellungen des EQ 2 am Display des Smartphones vornehmen und speichern.
3. 3. Ein Panorama-Potentiometer gleicht den Unterschied der Lautstärke-Wahrnehmung zwischen linkem und rechtem Ohr des Hörbehinderten aus.
4. 4. Das Resultat der Bearbeitungen 1-3 wird im zugehörigen offenen Ohr vom Lautsprecher wiedergeben und dem normalen Hören überlagert (dazu Fig. 16).

The compensation signal (= upper solid curve line) emphasizes (= raises, amplifies) the blue curve ideally in every frequency in such a way that the addition of the blue and red curves is again zero (= horizontal dot-dashed line), i.e. normal loudness perception of the Frequency ranges for the hearing impaired ("what is too quiet or hardly heard is amplified accordingly").

1. 1. In the new high-performance hearing aid, the compensation equalizer (EQ 1) takes on the amplification (emphasis) of certain frequencies according to the audiometry curve of the hearing-impaired person in order to compensate for (compensate for) the hearing loss; it is programmed according to the hearing loss per ear determined by audiometry.
2. 2. The following adaptation equalizer (EQ 2) is used to adapt the hearing aid to specific hearing situations:
   Here, the patient can call up presets himself or make and save his own EQ 2 settings on the smartphone display.
3. 3. A panorama potentiometer compensates for the difference in volume perception between the left and right ear of the hearing impaired.
4. 4. The result of processing 1-3 is reproduced by the loudspeaker in the corresponding open ear and superimposed on normal hearing (in addition 16 ).

In order to cope with everyday life, hearing impaired people with residual hearing primarily want clear speech intelligibility. As mentioned above, there is a particular hearing difficulty in conversations in groups of people or in front of a background noise.

The precise perception of the consonants and the frequency ranges around 400 Hz, 2400 Hz, 4800 Hz up to approx. 8000 Hz play a special role in speech intelligibility. Since the speech sound (the frequency spectrum) of the conversation partner is processed by the brain of the listener as a figure in front of the background, the perception of the frequency spectrum must be as constant as possible for speech intelligibility.

The high-performance hearing aid offers the best options for adapting to such complex hearing situations: in addition to the three processing steps (EQ 1, EQ 2, panorama) per ear, the user now has the option of specifically raising the frequency ranges of the consonants using the adaptation equalizer (EQ 2), to improve character-background perception. The signal path expediently includes a mode selector for selecting between a hearing device mode and an additional telephone mode, in which a voice signal output by a telephone module of the processing unit is applied to the compensation path as an input signal. The hearing aid can thus also be used directly for use with a mobile telephone module, as is often provided in the processing unit anyway. This is a significant practical advantage in particular when the processing unit is a smartphone: the incoming speech signal can be fed directly into the processing unit when making a call, so that it is not necessary to capture it via a microphone. Microphone-related noise or signal propagation delays caused by the use of the microphone are avoided in this way. This results in a considerable improvement in the voice quality for the user. A changeover switch is preferably provided for this purpose, which switches over the input signal in a telephone mode, specifically from a microphone on the ear unit to a voice signal emitted by the telephone module. Optionally, the mode selector can switch to a playback mode, namely to a playback device of the processing unit. This is preferably an integrated MP3 player and/or streaming client. Thanks to the mode selector, the invention can thus directly use signal sources arranged in the processing unit itself, such as the telephone module or the playback device, and use their output signal directly at the input of the signal path for further processing to compensate for hearing impairments of the user. In other words, playback adapted to the hearing loss of the user takes place not only in hearing device mode, but also in telephone mode and playback mode. Irrespective of the mode, the user thus receives (for him) a consistently high signal quality across the different modes ("seamless integration" of the different modes). An automatic switching between the modes is preferably also provided. It is particularly expedient if the changeover switch interacts with a switch, the switch being designed to bypass the splitter provided according to the invention in the telephone mode and/or playback mode. There is no splitting of the basic signal - but this also means that the runtime improvement achieved by splitting is no longer available. However, the runtime improvement is not necessary at all when used as a playback device, since real-time capability is not important at all. On the other hand, there are extended signal processing options in the event that the basic signal is retained. In principle, the same applies to the telephone mode, since the runtime plays a role here, but is usually dominated by external factors anyway (transmission delays in the telephone network, especially for long-distance calls or calls with mobile phone connections). Accordingly, the crossover also acts as a switch for latency reduction.

The hearing device mode is advantageously configured differently from the telephone mode and/or playback mode, so that a latency time in the compensation path is lower in the hearing device mode than in the telephone mode and/or playback mode. This is expediently achieved using faster filters and/or a reduced data rate. In particular, digital filters offer the advantage that they can be selected differently depending on the mode. The preferably significantly reduced latency results in faster signal processing in the compensation path, so that the compensation signal is available more quickly and can be transmitted to the earphone, from which it is emitted into the user's auditory canal. There it mixes with the basic signal that is available there, so that a low latency time is associated with an improved quality of the overall signal. The latency time in the hearing aid mode is preferably at most 12 ms, preferably at most 10 ms and more preferably at most 8 ms. A lower limit is not mandatory, but in practice it will usually be 1 ms as a minimum value. A practically proven range is between 2 and 8 ms.

A programming interface is expediently provided for the compensator. This can be used to program the compensator from the outside with a compensation characteristic that suits the user. This enables an adjustment to the individual hearing curve of the user and their individual defects. The programming interface is advantageously connected to a server of a therapy station via a mobile radio module of the processing unit. In this case, the connection is expediently made via the Internet, to which the processing unit can be connected anyway via the mobile radio module. In this way, the therapy station (this will often be an ENT practice) can directly program the processing unit in order to achieve better adaptation to the user. This becomes particularly convenient if a user-operated interface is also provided in the form of a separate app, which is used to manage this process.

An equalizer is preferably provided in the signal path, in which different listening situations are stored as a profile. It is designed separately from the compensator. The equalizer is advantageously connected downstream of the compensator. The hearing aid system according to the invention can thus be adapted to different environmental conditions and the different hearing situations resulting therefrom. Listening situations can be stored for quiet surroundings, entertainment in noisy surroundings, listening to music at home, listening to music in public places (concerts), etc. Selecting a suitable profile can significantly improve the overall compensation performance of the device. It is convenient if the main equalizer with a selection unit, in such a way that the profiles can be selected and preferably also changed by the user. In this way, the user can adjust the profiles according to his personal circumstances. Furthermore, he can select them himself. However, it should not be ruled out that an automatic switchover of the profiles is provided if necessary.

The signal connection between the processing unit and the hearing unit on the ear is preferably wireless. A Bluetooth connection has proven particularly useful, in particular an energy-saving variant of the Bluetooth connection. Thanks to such a wireless design of the signal connection, disruptive cables can be avoided. The comfort of use increases considerably. However, it should not be ruled out that the hearing unit is connected to the processing unit via a cable connection.

The signal path expediently includes AD and DA converters. These original components of the processing unit are advantageous. In this way, the converters of the processing unit, which are usually already present anyway, can be used. This saves additional effort and simplifies signal routing. However, converters arranged on the hearing unit can also be provided. The latter is particularly advantageous when using a digital signal connection, in particular a Bluetooth connection.

It is expedient if the signal propagation time in the compensation path is shorter than the signal propagation time between the microphone and the input of the processing unit and the output of the processing unit and loudspeaker.

Advantageously, the hearing device system is stereophonic with a left and right channel and preferably includes a panorama module. This design enables a much more realistic listening experience for the user. The panorama module makes it possible to compensate for dynamic differences between the ears. In particular, it enables the original signal, as recorded by the hearing unit, to be further adapted to the compensation signal using the main equalizer and to be continuously mixed back into the compensation signal. The natural sound impression for the user can thus be further improved.

The listening unit is preferably designed as a commercially available stereo headset, which also includes microphones for recording the original signal and is provided with a bidirectional signal connection to the processing unit. By using commercially available stereo headphones, which are often worn in public today, the hearing unit can be installed inconspicuously. The risk of stigmatization for the user, which previously frequently occurred with hearing aids due to the visible arrangement of the hearing aid, is effectively reduced in this way.

The hearing unit expediently comprises a sound conduction tube at the beginning of which an electroacoustic sound transducer is arranged and the end of which is designed as an end funnel which is preferably to be arranged in the user's auditory canal via a sound-permeable material. The sound-permeable design allows the basic signal to pass through (so-called open construction). In this way, it automatically mixes in the ear with the compensation signal generated by the processing unit. Thus, the natural hearing situation with open ears is preserved. The design using the funnel preferably tapers and the sound conduction tube from the connection of the sound transducer at the beginning and opens again in a funnel shape for radiating the sound in the open auditory canal. The sound-conducting tube is preferably designed as a pressure-wave hose and/or the end funnel shaped like a so-called lintel of an orchestra horn. A particularly good coupling can be achieved as a result. The sound-permeable material is approximately drop-shaped and has an opening for receiving the sound-conducting tube with the end funnel. It is shaped so that the end funnel is positioned away from the wall in the ear canal, preferably in the center of the ear canal. The hearing unit is preferably provided with openings in the region of the funnel in order to better guide the sound into the interior of the ear. The sound-conducting tube is preferably designed to be flexible and thus enables easy adaptation to the individual circumstances of the user's ear.

The hearing unit preferably further comprises a microphone which is arranged in the auricle adjacent to the auditory canal. In this case, a holder for the microphone on the hearing unit is expediently designed in such a way that the microphone is positioned in a sound focus point of the ear. This not only achieves the strongest possible signal recording of the sound, but also a largely natural recording of the sound image, since the sound coloration caused by the natural shape of the auricle, which is extremely important for a natural sound experience, is also recorded. Unlike the end funnel for emitting the sound, which is arranged in the auditory canal, the microphone is thus positioned outside the auditory canal at a specific point in the auricle by the hearing unit according to the invention. It has proven useful to provide the microphone with at least one sound guide vane. This is shaped in such a way that it partially, but not completely, surrounds a sound entry opening of the microphone, specifically preferably in the shape of a circular arc. It expediently extends approximately over part of the circumference, preferably in the range from about one fifth to one third of the circumference. Feedback can be reduced by means of this sound guide vane. The sound guide vane is advantageously arranged in such a way that it faces away from the end funnel with its inner surface. It has proven useful to dimension them in such a way that their height is less than the diameter of the sound inlet opening of the microphone, preferably less than half.

Fig. 1

eine Übersichtsdarstellung für ein Hörgerätsystem gemäß einem Ausführungsbeispiel der Erfindung;

Fig. 2

eine im Ohr angeordnete Höreinheit;

Fig. 3

ein Blockdiagramm zu einem Hörgerätmodus;

Fig. 4

ein Funktionsschema zu Fig. 3 mit dem Kompensationspfad;

Fig. 5

ein Blockdiagramm zu einem Telefonmodus;

Fig. 6

ein Funktionsschema zu Fig. 5 mit dem Kompensationspfad;

Fig. 7a, b

zwei Ansichten für die Höreinheit;

Fig. 8

Detaildarstellung zu Mikrofon und Schallleitschaufel;

Fig. 9

Detaildarstellung zur Halterung im Gehörgang;

Fig. 10

Querschnittsdarstellungen zu Ausführungsvarianten für eine Wiedergabeeinheit im Gehörgang;

Fig. 11

eine schematische Darstellung des Signalflusses im Hörgerät-Modus;

Fig. 12

eine schematische Darstellung des Signalflusses im Telefon-Modus;

Fig. 13

eine schematische Darstellung des Signalflusses im Abspiel-Modus;

Fig. 14a, b

Darstellungen zur Schallbecher-Form von Orchesterhorn und Trompete;

Fig. 15

idealtypische Darstellung der Kompensation eines Hörverlustes unter Anwendung von Equalizern; und

Fig. 16

Funktionsdiagramm darstellend was der hörbehinderte Nutzer mit dem Hochleistungshörgerät hört.

The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the attached drawing using an exemplary embodiment. Show it:

1

an overview of a hearing device system according to an embodiment of the invention;

2

an in-ear hearing unit;

3

a block diagram of a hearing aid mode;

4

a functional scheme 3 with the compensation path;

figure 5

a block diagram for a telephone mode;

6

a functional scheme figure 5 with the compensation path;

Fig. 7a, b

two views for the hearing unit;

8

Detailed view of the microphone and sound guide vane;

9

Detailed view of the mount in the ear canal;

10

Cross-sectional representations of embodiment variants for a playback unit in the auditory canal;

11

a schematic representation of the signal flow in the hearing aid mode;

12

a schematic representation of the signal flow in telephone mode;

13

a schematic representation of the signal flow in playback mode;

14a, b

Representations of the bell shape of the orchestra horn and trumpet;

15

ideal-typical representation of the compensation of a hearing loss using equalizers; and

16

Functional diagram showing what the hearing-impaired user hears with the high-performance hearing aid.

figure 1 shows an overview of the exemplary embodiment for the hearing aid system. According to this, the hearing device system comprises a hearing unit (1) to be arranged on the ear (9) of a user and a processing unit (3) spatially separated therefrom. Here, the processing unit (3) is designed as a smartphone or a tablet.

The hearing unit (1) and the smartphone (3) are connected to one another via a signal connection (2). This can preferably be a Bluetooth connection (21), but it should not be ruled out that a cable connection (20) can also be provided as an alternative or in addition. The cable connection (2) offers the advantage of a secure connection with the possibility of a simple power supply to the hearing unit (1). This is offset by the advantage of the Bluetooth connection (21) that cables can be omitted. The freedom of movement of the user and the wearing comfort are thus significantly increased.

The smartphone functioning as the processing unit (3) has a conventional design. It has a housing with a large display for operation. It also has a mobile radio module (32) via which data and/or voice telephony can be exchanged in a mobile radio network (87). For this purpose, the smartphone is provided with a visible or invisible antenna (31).

The hearing unit 1 includes an earphone (11) which is designed in an open design. For this purpose, a sound-conducting tube (10) is provided, which ends via an end funnel (14) in the auditory canal (90) of the user's ear (9). The sound-conducting tube (10) is connected to a holding plate (15) in the region of the start of the auditory canal (90). This has a number of sound conduction holes (16) in order to ensure that the sound entering the ear (9) can enter the auditory canal (90) as unhindered as possible. The retaining plate (15) is designed to extend with a retaining arm inside the earcup (91) to such an extent that the microphone (12) is positioned at a predetermined location in the earcup (91). This predetermined location is selected such that it is a point at which the sound incident on the ear (9) is focused by the shape of the pinna (91) (so-called sound focus point). The sound-conducting tube (10) with its end funnel (14) is held in the auditory canal (90) by means of a casing (18) made of sound-permeable material, preferably in such a way that the end funnel (14) does not rest against one of the walls of the auditory canal (90). , but is preferably positioned in the middle of the ear canal. Thanks to a casing (18) made of sound-permeable material, sound impinging on the ear (9) from outside can be conducted through the auditory canal (90) to the eardrum (93) of the user. Alternatively, a star-shaped bracket (18') can also be provided, as shown in the illustration in 9 is shown. This supports the end of the sound pipe (1) with the end funnel (sound cup) (14) on a casing (18"). The free spaces (18‴) between the star-shaped holder (18') and the casing (18") are preferably open and thus allow an unimpeded passage of the natural sound signal coming from the outside - this mixes with the sound signal generated by the hearing aid for compensation and emitted via the bell (14).

In most cases, the hearing unit (1) is stereophonic, i. H. there is an earphone (11) and microphone (12) for the left ear and an earphone (11') and microphone (12') for the right ear. For reasons of simplification, only one is dealt with in more detail below; the same applies accordingly to the other.

The design of the final rectifier as a sound-conducting cup is detailed in Figure 10a shown. The end of the sound-conducting tube (10) can be seen there, which widens at its end and a sound-conducting cup (14) is formed there. This is formed in the shape of the lintels of an orchestral horn. The orchestra horn (cf. 14a, b from Wikipedia "Horn") has a narrow bore of the tube, the widening of the tube towards the bell (i, ii, iii) occurs at a short distance and widens out. Measured from the central axis (= 90 degrees) of the tube, the lintel (the bell) of an orchestra horn quickly opens up to almost 10 degrees in all directions. bells of trumpets ( Figure 14b ) are shaped differently. As is well known, this has a wider tube length compared to the orchestra horn, the expansion of the tube towards the bell takes place over a longer distance and runs much narrower into the lintel. Measured from the central axis (= 90 degrees) of the tube, the bell of the trumpet slowly opens like a funnel up to about 40 degrees in all directions. - In the variant in Figure 10b is the sound conduction tube (10) replaced by the direct arrangement of the speaker (11) in the ear canal. The shape of the sound-conducting cup, which is important for the acoustic coupling, is the same as in the embodiment according to FIG Figure 10a , i.e. corresponding to the falls of an orchestral horn.

It will now be described below with reference to the Figures 3 and 5 the essential structure of the processing unit (3) designed as a smartphone is described. It comprises a mobile radio module (32) that communicates with a mobile radio network (87) via an antenna (31) arranged on or in the housing. Furthermore, the mobile radio module (32) is preferably designed to dial into the Internet (88). A therapy station (89) is also connected to the Internet (88). This can in particular be an ear doctor's practice (ENT practice) which has a server (not shown) for providing setting data for the processing unit (3).

The processing unit (3) also has an analog/digital converter (41) and a digital/analog converter (48). Furthermore, it has input and output amplifiers (40)(49) for amplifying incoming voice signals - in particular from the microphone - and for amplifying audio signals to be output. A signal processing path (4) is formed, which includes an equalizer (42), among other things. A compensator (50) is also provided according to the invention, which is designed to compensate for limitations in the hearing ability of the user across the frequency spectrum by means of appropriate additional signals.

A programming interface (52) is also provided, via which the compensator (50) can be programmed. This is done in particular by setting parameters as determined individually for the user by the therapy station (89). became. These can expediently be transmitted wirelessly to the processing unit (3) via the Internet (88) using the mobile radio module (32). A Bluetooth module (21) is also provided, which is used to set up a signal connection (2) to the hearing unit (1).

The functioning of the hearing device system according to the invention with the hearing unit (1) and the processing unit (3) is described below with reference to FIG figure 4 explained. A sound signal from the environment, for example the speech signal of a person conversing with the user, is picked up by the microphone (12) of the hearing unit (1). This incoming sound signal is symbolized by the signal line (71). The microphone (12) picks up this sound signal and converts it into electrical impulses. To amplify the weak electrical impulses of the microphone (12), the amplifier (40) is provided at the input. Its output signal is converted into digital signals by an analog/digital converter (41). The signal processed to this extent is now referred to as the basic signal (72). Further signal processing in the signal path (4) and in a compensation path (5) is preferably digital. According to the invention, a compensation path (5) is provided in the processing unit (3) to improve the intelligibility of the sound signal for the user. The compensation path (5) includes a frequency compensator (50). This is designed to generate corresponding additional signals depending on the defects in the user's auditory frequency curve determined by the therapy station (89), ie in particular to add signal frequencies in the pathological frequency spectrum for compensation. For this purpose, the compensator includes, among other things, digital filters (51). Depending on this, additional signals are determined (they are shown in the illustration in figure 4 identified by black coloring on the signal train shown). They are added to the basic signal (72) at the output of the compensator (50) to form a composition signal (73). The signal is now applied to a splitter (53). This is designed to separate the basic signal. Only the additional signal determined by the compensator (50) remains at the output. This is visualized by the signal train (74), in which the (now separated) basic signal is symbolized by a dashed representation.

The signal can optionally be further processed using an equalizer (42). The equalizer (42) can adapt to the respective listening situation. Different profiles are expediently provided for this purpose, each of the profiles (43) representing a different listening situation. Hearing situations can be understood to mean, for example, environmental conditions that are typical for a personal conversation between two people, a conversation in a noisy public environment (inn), listening to music in a private environment or listening to music in a public environment (concert). One of the profiles (43) can be selected by the user on the display using the selection unit (44). A panorama module (45) can also be provided. In a stereophonic version of the hearing aid system, this is designed to compensate for dynamic differences between the user's left and right ear. For this purpose, a panorama controller (46) is provided as an input to the panorama module.

The output signal thus formed is applied to a digital to analog converter (48) for conversion back to an analog signal. After amplification by an output amplifier (49), the signal is then fed to the earphone (11) of the hearing unit (1). This includes a loudspeaker that emits a corresponding sound signal. This is in figure 4 visualized by a superimposed signal (70). It is irrelevant for the invention where the digital/analog conversion is carried out, whether in the processing unit (3) or - in the case of a digital signal connection (2), such as Bluetooth, preferably - only in the hearing unit (1). In the latter case, the digital/analog conversion can be expediently integrated into the output amplifier (49) and designed as a so-called Class D amplifier. This offers considerable advantages in terms of compactness and efficiency, which in turn has a favorable effect on the energy consumption and thus the reduced size of accumulators for energy supply.

Due to the splitting off of the basic signal (72) by the splitter (53), only the additional signal (74) is further processed and transmitted to the hearing unit (1). The additional signal (74) can have a reduced resolution compared to the basic signal (72). For example, the additional signal can be processed with a resolution of 8 bits, while a higher resolution of 10 bits, 12 bits or more is provided for the basic signal. There is therefore a considerable reduction in data due to the restriction to the additional signal (74). This results in significantly faster data processing, as a result of which the latency time in the compensation path (5) and signal processing path (4) is decisively reduced overall. A latency time in the range of 2 to 8 ms, preferably up to a maximum of 12 ms, is aimed for.

The signal finally emitted by the earphone (11) therefore has only a short latency period compared to the original sound signal (71) as it was also picked up by the microphone (12). Due to the design of the hearing unit (1) as an open earphone, the sound signal (71) is present in the auditory canal (90). It therefore does not have to be emitted (again) by the hearing unit (1), but according to the invention it is completely sufficient if the additional signal (74) processed by the processing unit (3)—extremely quickly using data reduction techniques—from the loudspeaker of the hearing unit ( 1) is emitted as a superimposed signal (70). Thanks to the low latency, this mixes with that loudspeaker of the earphone (11) and generated by the additional signal (74) in the auditory canal with the natural external sound signal (71) also present there thanks to the open construction, in order to obtain an overall signal (75 ) to generate. Since the sound signal (71) (or its representation as the basic signal (72)) remains untouched according to the invention, the natural auditory impression is fully preserved. The user only notices that he now hears an improved signal, namely an overall signal that compensates for his hearing impairments.

The functionality described is preferably implemented using a special app in the smartphone.

1. a) die Internet-Schnittstelle (32, 52) zur HNO-Praxis für die Festeinstellung des Equalizers 1
2. b) den Kompensationsequalizer (50) (Equalizer 1), der auf den per Audiometrie ermittelten Hörverlust des Hörbehinderten eingestellt wird, einschließlich Speicherung seiner Einstellung,
3. c) den Adaptionsequalizer (42) (Equalizer 2) mit Bedienoberfläche zum Abruf von Presets und zur Programmierung und Speicherung durch den Nutzer selbst für spezielle Hörsituationen,
4. d) ein Panorama-Potentiometer (45) (Panpot) zum Ausgleich der Dynamik-Unterschiede zwischen linkem und rechtem Ohr.

The additional app in the smartphone is integrated ("looped") into the audio path of the smartphone. It works in stereo (2 x mono). It contains

1. a) the Internet interface (32, 52) to the ENT practice for the fixed setting of equalizer 1
2. b) the compensation equalizer (50) (equalizer 1), which is set to the hearing loss of the hearing impaired person determined by audiometry, including saving its setting,
3. c) the adaptation equalizer (42) (Equalizer 2) with a user interface for calling up presets and for programming and saving by the user himself for special listening situations,
4. d) a panorama potentiometer (45) (panpot) to compensate for the dynamic differences between the left and right ear.

1. 1. Modus 1: Alltagshören mit Hörgerät (Schwerpunkt Sprachverständlichkeit)
2. 2. Modus 2: Telefonieren mit dem Smartphone (auf Hörverlust angepasste Wiedergabe)
3. 3. Modus 3: Musikhören mit dem Smartphone (auf Hörverlust angepasste Wiedergabe).

The app (software) provides three operating modes:

1. 1. Mode 1: everyday hearing with hearing aid (focus on speech intelligibility)
2. 2. Mode 2: Calling with the smartphone (playback adapted to hearing loss)
3. 3. Mode 3: listening to music with your smartphone (playback adapted for hearing loss).

Default operating mode is operating mode 1, i. H. the hearing aid mode. If a call comes in or if the user wants to listen to music, the switchover to the associated operating mode 2 or 3 takes place automatically.

The app uses the ADDA conversion (41, 48) of the smartphone for operating modes 1, 2 and 3: In operating mode 1, the performance (latency time) of the smartphone proves to be the ADDA conversion (41, 48) and the wireless transmission despite Data reduction in tests as too slow, the design of the high-performance hearing aid is modified so that the AD and DA conversion takes place in a separate unit (e.g. behind the ear) that is wirelessly connected to the smartphone. Also in operating mode 1, the ADDA conversion (41, 48) if necessary. work in the app itself on a data-reduced basis (possibly with only 8 bits) in order to achieve lower latency so that the processed signal emitted by the playback unit can superimpose the natural hearing as synchronously as possible.

❖ Mode 1: Everyday hearing with hearing aid/smartphone, focus on speech intelligibility

• Je ein spezielles, besonders positioniertes Mikrofon (12) nimmt pro Ohr den Schall auf, der dann als elektrisches, in linken und rechten Kanal (Stereo-Signal als 2 x Mono) getrenntes elektrisches Signal die Verstärkereinheit (40, 49) im Smartphone durchläuft.
• Der Kompensationsequalizer (50) (EQ 1) der App übernimmt entsprechend der Audiometrie-Kurve des Hörbehinderten die Anhebung bzw. Verstärkung bestimmter Frequenzen, um den Hörverlust (vgl. Fig. 15 gestrichelte Kurve) auszugleichen (vgl.

11 shows this module and its implementation, especially including an app (software):

• A special, specially positioned microphone (12) in each ear picks up the sound, which then passes through the amplifier unit (40, 49) in the smartphone as an electrical signal separated into left and right channels (stereo signal as 2 x mono).
• The app's compensation equalizer (50) (EQ 1) takes on the boosting or amplification of certain frequencies according to the audiometry curve of the hearing impaired person in order to compensate for the hearing loss (cf. 15 dashed curve) to compensate (cf.

• Der Adaptionsequalizer (42) (EQ 2) der App dient der Anpassung des Hörgerätes an bestimmte Hörsituationen: hier kann der Hörbehinderte selbst Presets abrufen oder eigene Einstellungen am Display des Smartphones programmieren und speichern.
• Mittels Panorama-Potentiometer (45) (Panpot) der App kann zusätzlich auch eine Anpassung der Dynamik-Differenzen der Ohren des Hörbehinderten erfolgen
• Das Ergebnis der Bearbeitung aus EQ 1 (50), EQ 2 (42) und Panpot (45), das Überlagerungssignal, wird per speziellem Lautsprecher synchron zum natürlichen Hörvorgang als linker und rechter Kanal in den zugehörigen offenen Gehörgängen des Hörbehinderten abgestrahlt, "dazugemischt", siehe Fig. 16.

15 solid curve); it can be programmed from the ENT practice on a smartphone or via the Internet and is permanently set using the audiometry curve.

• The app's adaptation equalizer (42) (EQ 2) is used to adapt the hearing aid to specific hearing situations: here the hearing impaired person can call up presets themselves or program and save their own settings on the smartphone display.
• The app's panorama potentiometer (45) (panpot) can also be used to adjust the dynamic differences in the ears of the hearing-impaired
• The result of processing EQ 1 (50), EQ 2 (42) and Panpot (45), the overlay signal, is emitted via a special loudspeaker synchronously with the natural hearing process as left and right channels in the associated open auditory canals of the hearing impaired, "mixed in". , please refer 16 .

In Figure 5 and 6 a variant of the exemplary embodiment is shown. Identical components are denoted by identical reference numbers. This in Figure 5, 6 illustrated embodiment differs from that in figure 3 represented essentially in that the processing unit (3) has an additional playback mode. The playback mode is used to present music, radio plays or other audio material to the user using a playback device (34), such as an MP3 player and/or streaming client. For this purpose, the processing unit also has a mode selector (56) with a switch (58). It is designed to switch from normal hearing device operation to a playback mode or a telephone mode. In playback mode, audio signals emitted by the player (34) and telephone signals emitted by the mobile radio unit (32) in telephone mode are used as input signals for uses the signal path (4) (instead of the signals picked up by the microphone (12)). A pre-amplification and analog/digital conversion is usually not necessary here, since the signals are already available in sufficient strength and in digital form. The signal can thus be further processed directly in the signal path (4) and compensation path (5). In this embodiment, a switch (57) is also provided. It is designed to bypass the splitter (53) in play mode or phone mode. The basic signal (72) is thus no longer split off, but instead the overall signal (75) consisting of the basic signal (72) and the additional signal (74) is further processed. This entails the disadvantage that data reduction by splitting off the basic signal (72), which is favorable for the processing speed, cannot be used. However, the invention has recognized that in this case the latency is no longer decisive, since the overall signal has to be emitted by the earphone (11) anyway. The switching module (56) can thus be used to optimally adapt the processing unit to the respective operating mode.

• Da das Smartphone zum Telefonieren ein eigenes Mikrofon besitzt, bleiben in diesem Betriebsmodus die Mikrofone in den Ohren abgeschaltet.
• Das Telefon-Signal ist ein Mono-Signal.
• Die Latenz spielt in diesem Betriebsmodus keine Rolle, da kein synchrones Hören erforderlich ist. Darum kann die ADDA-Wandlung des Smartphones selbst problemlos genutzt werden.
• Der in den Audio-Weg integrierte, fest auf den Hörverlust eingestellte Kompensationsequalizer (EQ 1) korrigiert bzw. kompensiert den Hörverlust des telefonierenden Hörbehinderten, sodass eine bessere Verständlichkeit der Sprache des Gesprächspartners erreicht wird.

Regarding these two modes will be on 12 and 13 referred. 12 shows the phone mode. It is planned (by means of the app):

• Since the smartphone has its own microphone for making calls, the microphones in the ears remain switched off in this operating mode.
• The telephone signal is a mono signal.
• Latency is not an issue in this mode of operation as synchronous listening is not required. That is why the ADDA conversion of the smartphone itself can be used without any problems.
• The compensation equalizer (EQ 1), which is integrated into the audio path and is permanently adjusted to the hearing loss, corrects or compensates for the hearing loss of the hearing-impaired person making the call, so that the conversation partner's speech can be better understood.

• Das Musik-Signal ist ein Stereo-Signal.
• Die Latenz spielt in diesem Betriebsmodus keine Rolle, da kein synchrones Hören erforderlich ist (= reines Abspielen). Darum kann die ADDA-Wandlung des Smartphones selbst problemlos genutzt werden.
• Um dem höreingeschränkten Nutzer/Patienten eine bessere individuelle Anpassung des Musik-Klanges nach seinem Geschmack zu ermöglichen, sind im Audio-Weg der auf den Hörverlust fest eingestellte Kompensationsequalizer (EQ 1) sowie der vom Nutzer selbst einstellbare Adaptionsequalizer (EQ 2) aktiv.

13 shows the playback mode. This signal flow is used for listening to music, listening to the radio, streaming music, playing games, etc. using a smartphone. It is intended that (by means of the app) :

• The music signal is a stereo signal.
• The latency does not play a role in this operating mode, since synchronous listening is not required (= pure playback). That is why the ADDA conversion of the smartphone itself can be used without any problems.
• In order to enable the hearing-impaired user/patient to better customize the music sound according to their taste, the compensation equalizer (EQ 1) set to the hearing loss and the user-adjustable adaptation equalizer (EQ 2) are active in the audio path.

In the figure 7 two views of the hearing unit (1) are shown, with Figure 7a as a sectional view and Figure 7b as a partial view in top view. You can see the holder (15), which acts as a base plate. It is transparent, preferably made of dimensionally stable, soft latex material. A sound-conducting tube (10) is attached to it, at the beginning of which an electroacoustic sound transducer (13) is arranged. This is attached to the sound-conducting tube (10) via an anechoic rubber ring (10) and acts as a loudspeaker for the hearing unit (1). An end funnel (14) is provided at the end of the sound-conducting tube (10). This is by means of a casing (18) made of sound-conducting material in the auditory canal (90) of the user positioned. A fastening ring (16) with a plurality of sound-conducting openings (16') is arranged in the area where the sound-conducting tube (10) passes through the holder (15). The fastening ring (16) positions the sound-conducting tube (10) in the holder (15) and is designed with its openings (16') to conduct the sound impinging on the ear (9) from outside into the auditory canal (90).

The microphone (12) is also arranged on the holder (15). It has an essentially round sound inlet opening (17). On part of the circumference of the sound inlet opening (17) there is an outwardly projecting element (19) as a sound-conducting surface, which is shaped like a shovel, in particular in the shape of a circular arc. It preferably extends over about 1/4 to 1/3 of the circumference of the sound inlet opening (17). In interaction with the auricle (91), it promotes a favorable reflection behavior and thus increases the sensitivity of the microphone (12) on the one hand and prevents unwanted feedback from the sound entering the auditory canal (90) on the other. At its free end, it preferably has a projecting attachment (19') which further promotes the focussing of the sound.

Thus, the microphone (12) and loudspeaker (sound transducer 13) are connected to form a unit that the user wears in the ear, plugged into the auditory canal (90). The hearing aid works in two-channel stereo (2 x mono).

In order to enable the hearing-impaired user to hear as naturally and unadulterated as possible when using the high-performance hearing aid, the microphone and loudspeaker per ear the architecture or natural function of the auricle and the auditory canal are positioned in such a way that the recording (microphone) takes place in the sound collection point of the auricle and the playback (loudspeaker) in the open auditory canal.

The positioning of the microphones in the sound collection point of the auricles and the resulting A/B stereo signal (2 x mono) allow the hearing-impaired to continue hearing naturally. Sound is heard directly in front of the head in the full frequency range, sound from behind in a frequency range with reduced treble ("darkened"), sound from the side through the differences in transit time between the ears, which the brain can determine and evaluate. The distance between the ears and the architecture of the auricles are the cause of this mechanical-acoustic phenomenon.

1. a) in seiner Wirkungsweise Erkenntnisse der auditiven Wahrnehmungsforschung sowie die Physiologie des Ohres konsequent für die technische Konzeption anwendet,
2. b) ein natürliches Hören einschließlich Richtungshören für Hörbehinderte mit Resthörvermögen ermöglicht, indem es Architektur, Funktionsweise und Schallreflektion der Ohrmuschel samt Gehörgang optimal einbezieht,
3. c) zur optimalen Ausnutzung der akustischen Gegebenheiten von Ohrmuschel und Gehörgang eine neuartige spezielle Mikrofon & Lautsprecher-Einheit bereitstellt,
4. d) in dieser Mikrofon & Lautsprecher-Einheit ein neuartiges Mikrofon mit Schallleitfläche im Schallsammelpunkt der Ohrmuschel einsetzt,
5. e) offenes Hören wegen der aus dem Gehörgang herauslaufenden Welle dadurch gewährleistet, dass die Wiedergabe mittels eines Druckwellenschlauches (alternativ an gleicher Position Lautsprecher) mit aufgesetztem Schallbecher in der Form der Stürze eines Orchesterhorns erfolgt, der mittig im offenen Gehörgang positioniert ist,
6. f) durch die Nutzung der Audio-Sektion des Smartphones und seines ADDA-Wandlers mittels einer neuen integrierten App (Software) eine verbesserte Stereo-Audio-Qualität (2 x mono) für den Hörbehinderten erreicht,
7. g) mittels App (Software) virtuelle Bearbeitungsgeräte (dazu 8.) in den Stereo-Signalweg des Smartphones einfügt ("einschleift"),
8. h) mittels App zwei Equalizer (Nr. 1 für die Kompensation des Hörverlustes und Nr. 2 für die Adaption auf bestimmte Hörsituationen) sowie ein Panorama-Potentiometer zum Ausgleich der Dynamikdifferenz der Ohren des Hörbehinderten in den Audio-Signalweg des Smartphones integriert,
9. i) das im Smartphone mittels App erzeugte Kompensationssignal synchron dem natürlich offenen Hören des Hörbehinderten im Gehörgang hinzumischt (überlagert), um den per Audiometrie ermittelten Hörverlust an Frequenz und Dynamik auszugleichen,
10. j) zwischen drei Betriebsmodi - Alltagshören, Telefonieren, Musikhören - bei Bedarf automatisch umschaltet,
11. k) von der HNO-Praxis direkt per Internet programmierbar ist und dem Nutzer eigene, speicherbare Anpassungen an individuelle Hörsituationen ermöglicht,
12. l) dem Hörbehinderten mit einem Gerät, dem per App funktionserweiterten Smartphone plus speziellem Kopfhörer (siehe 3.), mehr Lebensqualität durch bessere Kommunikation über Sprachverständlichkeit, durch problemloses Telefonieren und selbst angepasste Musikwiedergabe schenkt.

The invention can be summarized as follows: The core idea of the invention lies in the new conception of a multi-purpose high-performance hearing aid

1. a) consistently uses the findings of auditory perception research and the physiology of the ear for the technical conception in terms of its mode of action,
2. b) enables natural hearing including directional hearing for the hearing impaired with residual hearing ability by optimally including the architecture, functionality and sound reflection of the auricle including the auditory canal,
3. c) provides a new type of special microphone and speaker unit for optimal use of the acoustic conditions of the auricle and auditory canal,
4. d) in this microphone & loudspeaker unit, a new type of microphone with a sound-conducting surface is used in the sound collection point of the auricle,
5. e) Open listening due to the wave running out of the auditory canal is ensured by the fact that the playback is carried out using a pressure wave tube (alternatively, loudspeakers in the same position) with an attached bell in the shape of the falls of an orchestra horn, which is positioned in the middle of the open auditory canal,
6. f) by using the audio section of the smartphone and its ADDA converter through a new integrated app (Software) achieves improved stereo audio quality (2 x mono) for the hearing impaired,
7. g) inserts ("loops in") virtual processing devices (see 8.) into the stereo signal path of the smartphone using an app (software),
8. h) two equalizers (No. 1 for the compensation of the hearing loss and No. 2 for the adaptation to certain hearing situations) as well as a panorama potentiometer for the compensation of the dynamic difference of the ears of the hearing impaired integrated into the audio signal path of the smartphone by means of an app,
9. i) the compensation signal generated in the smartphone using the app is synchronously mixed (superimposed) with the naturally open hearing of the hearing impaired person in the auditory canal in order to compensate for the frequency and dynamics of the hearing loss determined by audiometry,
10. j) automatically switches between three operating modes - everyday listening, telephoning, listening to music - if necessary,
11. k) can be programmed by the ENT practice directly via the Internet and allows the user to make their own, storable adjustments to individual hearing situations,
12. l) gives the hearing-impaired a better quality of life through better communication via speech intelligibility, trouble-free telephoning and self-adapted music playback with a device, the smartphone with extended functions via app plus special headphones (see 3.).

Claims (16)

1. Hearing device system comprising a hearing unit (1) that may be arranged on the ear of a user, the hearing unit (1) comprising an earpiece (11) and a microphone (12), and a remote processing unit (3), the remote processing unit (3) being embodied as a mobile terminal, in particular a smartphone, and there being provision for a signal connection (2) by way of which the hearing unit (1) and the processing unit (3) communicate,

   and the processing unit (3) having a signal processing path (4) containing an amplifier (40, 49) for an external sound signal, wherein a base signal (72) that corresponds to the arriving sound is formed for the signal processing path (4),

   wherein the earpiece (11) is embodied as an open earpiece, and the processing unit (3) further has a compensation path (5) that comprises a compensator (50) and a splitter (53),

   the compensator (50) being designed to determine compensation signals from the base signal (72) on the basis of an adjustable frequency band profile of the user, the compensation signals being an emphasis of the base signal (72), with the result that the sum of the base signal (72) and a compensation signal has a compensatory effect on a hearing defect of the user,

   characterized in that

   the compensation signal has reduced data compared to the base signal, and the splitter (53) is designed to split off the base signal, with the result that an output signal (74) transmitted to the hearing unit (1) consists only or at least primarily of the reduced-data compensation signal, the reduced-data compensation signals being overlaid on the external sound signal in sync in the auditory canal.
2. Hearing device system according to Claim 1, characterized in that there is provision for a programming interface (52) for the compensator (50), the programming interface (52) preferably being connected to a server of a treatment station, for example an ENT practice, by way of a mobile radio module (32) of the processing unit (3), wherein there is further preferably provision for a user-controllable interface (39) for the purpose of management.
3. Hearing device system according to either of the preceding claims, characterized in that the signal path comprises a mode selector (56) for selecting between a hearing device mode and an additional telephone mode in which a voice signal that is output by a mobile radio module (32) is applied to the compensation path (5) as input signal.
4. Hearing device system according to Claim 3, characterized in that the mode selector (56) comprises a changeover switch (58) that, in a telephone mode, changes over the input signal from the microphone (12) to a voice signal delivered by the mobile radio module (32) and/or optionally, in a playback mode, changes over to a player (34) of the processing unit, preferably to an integrated MP3 player and/or streaming client, the changeover switch (58) preferably being operated in automated fashion.
5. Hearing device system according to Claim 4, characterized in that the changeover switch (58) interacts with a separating filter (57) that is designed to bypass the splitter in the telephone mode and/or playback mode.
6. Hearing device system according to Claim 4 or 5, characterized in that the hearing device mode is configured differently from the telephone mode and/or playback mode, preferably by means of faster filters (51) and/or reduced data rate, with the result that a latency in the compensation path (5) is less in the hearing device mode than in the telephone mode and/or playback mode.
7. Hearing device system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the compensation signal has reduced resolution compared to the base signal.
8. Hearing device system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that there is provision for an equalizer (42), which is separate from the compensator (50), in the signal path, in which different hearing situations are stored as profiles (43), the equalizer (42) preferably being connected downstream of the compensator (50).
9. Hearing device system according to Claim 8, characterized in that the equalizer (42) further interacts with a selection unit (44) in such a way that the profiles (43) are selectable and preferably alterable by the user.
10. Hearing device system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the signal connection (2) is of wireless type, preferably by means of an energy-saving Bluetooth module (21), and/or the hearing unit (1) is embodied as stereo headphones.
11. Hearing device system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the signal path comprises AD and DA converters (41, 48), which are original parts of the processing unit.
12. Hearing device system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it is of stereophonic type with a left and a right channel and preferably comprises a panoramic module (45) that modifies dynamics of the left and right channels alternately/in opposite directions.
13. Hearing device system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the hearing unit (1) comprises a sound conduction tube, at the start of which there is arranged an electroacoustic sound transducer (13) and the end of which is embodied as an end trumpet (14) that may be arranged at the start of the auditory canal (90) of the user by way of a sheath (18) through which sound can pass.
14. Hearing device system according to Claim 13, characterized in that the microphone (12) of the hearing unit (1) is arranged in the auricle (91) adjacently to the start of the auditory canal (90), a support for the microphone (12) preferably being in a form such that the microphone (12) is positioned at the sound focal point of the outer ear.
15. Hearing device system according to Claim 14, characterized in that the microphone is provided with at least one sound conduction paddle (19) that partially surrounds a sound entry opening (17) of the microphone (12), preferably over no more than three fifths of the circumference thereof.
16. Hearing device system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the microphone (12) is in the form of a microphone that is shielded against feedback by means of a sound conduction paddle (19) at the sound collection point of the auricle.

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