EP4622300A1

EP4622300A1 - Programming a new hearing device based on an old hearing device

Info

Publication number: EP4622300A1
Application number: EP24164556.3A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Wojciech Piotr KOSSEK; Ullrich Sigwanz; Jacqueline DREXLER; Volker Kuehnel
Original assignee: Sonova AG
Current assignee: Sonova Holding AG
Priority date: 2024-03-19
Filing date: 2024-03-19
Publication date: 2025-09-24

Abstract

A method for programming a second hearing device (10b) for a user based on a first hearing device (10a) of the user comprises: receiving a first performance indicator (36a) of the first hearing device (10a), which first performance indicator (36a) encodes, how the first hearing device (10a) modifies a test signal (32) by processing the test signal (32) and/or conducting the test signal (32) through at least a part of the first hearing device (10a). The method further comprises programming the second hearing device (10b) by: applying the test signal (32) to the second hearing device (10b), which modifies the test signal (32) into a modified test signal (34b) by processing the sound signal (32) and outputting the processed sound signal with a hearing device loudspeaker (16) and/or by conducting the test signal (32) through at least a part of the second hearing device (10b); acquiring the modified test signal (34b) with a probe microphone (26) and determining a second performance indicator (36b) from the modified test signal (34b); and adapting at least one fitting parameter (20) of the second hearing device (10b) until a difference between the first performance indicator (36b) and second performance indicator (36b) is below a matching threshold.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a system, method, computer program and computer-readable medium for programming a second (in particular new) hearing device for a user based on a first (in particular old) hearing device of the user.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Hearing devices are generally small and complex devices. Hearing devices can include a processor, microphone, speaker, memory, housing, and other electronical and mechanical components. Receiving a hearing device is often associated with a period of time, in which the user of the hearing device has to get used to the change of the sound presented by the new hearing device. That period of time is usually called the acclimatization period. The acclimatization period has a big influence on the acceptance of the new hearing device.
During the acclimatization period, the user can experience poor acceptance and additional stress from the change in sound compared to the sound of the old, familiar hearing device. For those reasons - influenced by previous acclimatization experience and type of hearing loss -, hearing device users may be hesitant in obtaining a new hearing device. Therefore, the hearing device user may postpone the exchange of his or her hearing device thereby also postponing benefitting from the improvements in hearing device technology. Also, the hearing device user may get a sub-optimal first impression of the new hearing device, which may impact the motivation for making the purchase and can make it more difficult for the hearing care specialist to demonstrate the new features. Furthermore, if the duration of the acclimatization period is not optimized, this can mean a delay in when the hearing care specialist can demonstrate the new features.
A solution to these problems is that the hearing care specialist is using a function in the fitting software to copy the hearing device settings. However, this has the limitations that both hearing devices have to come from the same manufacturer and program transfer is not available between all models. In many cases, the copy of the settings is not complete and it can be complicated for the hearing care specialist to manage the remaining settings. Additionally, a change in the acoustical coupling between the old and new hearing device cannot be compensated, therefore there is an unpredictable difference in the output between the old and new hearing device.
EP 1 416 764 A2 describes a method of setting parameters of a new hearing aid, in which the new hearing aid receives the sound generated of an old hearing aid, either directly or measured by a microphone and evaluates the sound to set the parameters.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

It is an objective of the invention to render the fitting of a hearing device easier, faster and more flexible. A further objective of the invention is to automate programming of the hearing device.
These objectives are achieved by the subject-matter of the independent claims. Further exemplary embodiments are evident from the dependent claims and the following description.
A first aspect of the invention relates to a method for programming a second (in particular new) hearing device for a user based on a first (in particular old) hearing device of the user. The first hearing device may be seen as reference hearing device. The second hearing device may be seen as destination hearing device. In this context, programming may mean adjusting one or more fitting parameters of the hearing device.
The method may be performed automatically by computing device, such as a fitting station, i.e. a computing device in the office of a hearing care specialist. The method may be used for fitting and/or programming a new bought hearing device, i.e., the second hearing device, such that it performs in a familiar fashion to the already used hearing device, i.e., the first hearing device. With that, the acclimatization process is supported and it becomes easier for the hearing care specialist to demonstrate and for the hearing device user to benefit from the new technology on the second hearing device.
In general, a hearing device is adapted for receiving a sound signal, processing the sound signal and outputting the sound to an ear of the user, i.e., the user wearing the hearing device. The processed sound signal is output by the hearing device loudspeaker, also called the receiver. The hearing device may be a hearing aid, which is a hearing device adapted for processing the sound signal, such that a hearing loss of the user is compensated.
According to an embodiment, the method comprises: receiving a first performance indicator of the first hearing device, which first performance indicator encodes, how the first hearing device modifies a test signal into a first modified test signal by processing the test signal and/or conducting the test signal through at least a part of the first hearing device. The test signal may be a test sound signal.
The first performance indicator (and also the second performance indicator described below) may be a set of values and/or a function indicative of a performance of the respective hearing device with respect to sound modification and/or sound processing of a specific test signal. The performance indicator may be calculated by evaluating the test signal, which has been modified by the respective hearing device. This modification may be done electronically by the hearing device by processing the test signal or physically by conducting or transferring the sound signal through at least a part of the hearing device, such as an in-the-ear part and/or at least a part of the hearing device user's ear canal. The modification also may include an acoustical coupling which is acoustically connecting the hearing devices output with the hearing device user's ear canal. Thus, the first modified test signal may be the electronically and/or physically modified test signal.
According to an embodiment, the second hearing device is fitted by: applying the test signal to the second hearing device, which modifies the test signal into a second modified test signal by processing the sound signal and outputting the processed sound signal with a hearing device loudspeaker and/or by conducting the test signal through at least a part of the second hearing device; acquiring the modified test signal with a probe microphone and determining a second performance indicator from the modified test signal; and adapting one or more fitting parameters of the second hearing device, until that the second performance indicator matches the first performance indicator.
The second, new hearing device is fitted in a way that its output matches the output of the first hearing device. This is done by matching the performance indicators. In particular, the test signal, which was provided to the first hearing device, is also provided to the second hearing device, which modifies it. The second modified test signal is then acquired by the probe microphone, which is arranged at the output side of the second hearing device, for example at the loudspeaker of the second hearing device, which may be placed inside the hearing device user's ear canal. From the second modified test signal, the second performance indicator is determined like for the first performance indicator from the first modified test signal. For example, the same algorithm and/or function may be used for that.
According to an embodiment, the second performance indicator matches the first performance indicator, when a difference between the first performance indicator and second performance indicator is below a matching threshold. For example, this matching threshold may be 10% deviation between the two indicators. Matching of the performance indicators may be achieved by determining a difference between the two performance indicators. For example, an objective function may be determined, which is (or is at least based on) the sum of differences between values of the first and the second performance indicator. The two performance indicators may match, when the objective function has become 0 or is smaller than the matching threshold.
This may be done iteratively. In the second hearing device, one or more of the fitting parameters may be changed and it may be determined, whether the first and second performance indicators have become more similar, for example that the objective function has become smaller. In this case, the one or more fitting parameters may be changed further in the same direction until the performance indicators match each other.
The second hearing device is programmed and/or fitted based on real ear measurements on the first hearing device, in particular instead of fitting the second hearing device based on prescriptive targets.
The user of the hearing devices is supported to transition into a newer technology regardless of the brand and/or type of the old hearing device, since the method can be performed without knowing the functioning and/or programming of the first hearing device. This renders the method very flexible.
By setting up the hearing devices to sound as familiar as possible to what the user is accustomed to, the focus of the fitting can set on other aspects, such as demonstrating and counseling on the new hearing performance features. This may save time during the fitting process.
Furthermore, the method does not require a high level of real ear measurement training and experience for fitting as the manual procedure, which may simplify the fitting process.
According to an embodiment, the method further comprises: generating the test signal, for example with one or more loudspeakers connected to the fitting station; providing the test signal to the first hearing device; acquiring the first modified test signal, which is output by a loudspeaker of the first hearing device and/or conducted through at least a part of the first hearing device; and determining the first performance indicator from the first modified test signal. The first performance indicator may be determined like the second one, in particular with the same equipment, such as the loudspeaker and the probe microphone of the fitting station and/or the same algorithm/function.
According to an embodiment, the first performance indicator is determined from a first modified test signal, which is acquired, when the first hearing device is inserted into an ear canal of the user. Analogously, the second performance indicator is determined from a second modified test signal, which is acquired, when the second hearing device is inserted into the ear canal of the user. Real ear measurements may be performed directly with the user of the hearing devices, which may be present in an appropriate fitting room. The first and second modified test signals may be seen as real ear aided responses (REARs). In this case, the probe microphone of the fitting station may be in the ear canal of the user, between the hearing device and the ear drum.
According to an embodiment, the first performance indicator is determined from a first modified test signal, which is acquired, when the first hearing device is inserted into a coupler device. Analogously, the second performance indicator is determined from a second modified test signal, which is acquired, when the second hearing device is inserted into the coupler device. Alternatively, a test chamber may be used with the hearing device attached to a coupler device, which may comprise a small volume simulating an ear canal. The probe microphone of the fitting station may be arranged inside the coupler device. The hearing device user need not be present in this case.
According to an embodiment, the test signal comprises at least one of: the International Speech Test Signal (ISTS); noise; narrow band noise; unmodulated noise; modulated noise, pure tone, filtered noise, filtered speech. Depending on the performance indicator, different test signals may be used. It may be that the second hearing device is programmed based on more than one type of performance indicator, which are determined based on different test signals.
According to an embodiment, the first performance indicator and the second performance indicator comprise a target function, which comprises gain factors at a plurality of frequencies and/or at a plurality of sound levels. Such a target function may comprise gain and/or output values at frequencies between 125 Hz and 8 kHz and/or at three sound levels, such as 50, 65 and 80 dB SPL.
According to an embodiment, the test signal is an acoustic signal or a streamed signal.
An acoustic signal may be output by a loudspeaker and/or may be acquired by the hearing device with a hearing device microphone. A streamed signal may be a digital signal, which may be transmitted to the hearing device via a data connection, for example via Bluetooth.
According to an embodiment, the first performance indicator and the second performance indicator are determined from a test signal, which has been processed by the first hearing device and the second hearing device, respectively, with a frequency dependent gain. The programming method may be performed for matching a frequency dependent gain of the hearing devices. In this case, the fitting parameters relating to frequency dependent gains may be fitted. As test signal, the International Speech Test Signal may be used.
According to an embodiment, the first performance indicator and the second performance indicator are determined from a test signal, which has been conducted through at least a part of the first hearing device and the second hearing device, respectively. Here, the first hearing device may be turned off and/or no signal processing may be performed by the first hearing device. The first and second performance indicator may be based on measuring REOG (real ear occluded gain). In such a way, an occluded gain of the first hearing device may be determined and the second hearing device may be fitted, to take into account the occlusion from the first hearing device such that the effect of occlusion is taken into account in the programming of the second hearing device. In this case, the fitting parameters may comprise parameters for an occluded gain. For example, a sound program for direct sound compensation may be adapted accordingly. As test signal for occluded gain, unmodulated noise may be used.
According to an embodiment, the first performance indicator and the second performance indicator encode a shift of sound levels, which encode a compression of the test signal. The performance indicator may comprise values for a shift of sound levels between an input level and an output level, which values may be frequency dependent, i.e., provided for different frequencies. In this case, the fitting parameters comprise parameters for sound compression.
According to an embodiment, the first performance indicator and the second performance indicator comprise a time constant. Time constants may be used for fading in and fading out sounds, for example depending on the sounds coming into the hearing device via the hearing device microphone(s). The test signal may be narrow band noise. A percentile analysis may be employed here.
According to an embodiment, the first performance indicator and the second performance indicator comprise a static compression ratio. Such a ratio determines compression of a sound signal with respect to sound levels during a static sound level. The test signal may be unmodulated noise. A percentile and/or FFT analysis may be employed here.
According to an embodiment, the first performance indicator and the second performance indicator comprise a dynamic compression ratio. Such a ratio determines compression of a sound signal with respect to sound levels during a dynamic sound level change. The test signal may be modulated noise and/or the International Speech Test Signal. A percentile analysis may be employed here.
According to an embodiment, the first performance indicator and the second performance indicator encode a shift of frequencies of the test signal. In particular, frequency lowering may be detected. The performance indicators may comprise the frequency of the stimulus and the frequency of the response of the first hearing device and the frequency of the stimulus and the frequency of the response of the second hearing device. The fitting parameters may comprise parameters for frequency shifting. As test signal, narrowband noise may be used.
According to an embodiment, a specific sound program is selected for the second hearing device and the second hearing device processes the test signal with the specific sound program, wherein one or more fitting parameters of the specific sound program are adapted. With the method, the parameters for different sound programs may be fitted. A sound program may be a specific function and/or fitting parameter selection, which is used in a specific sound situation. The second hearing device may be adapted for classifying the sound signal acquired with its microphone and based on the classification may select and/or start a specific sound program.
There may be specific test signals and/or performance indicators associated to each sound program.
It is possible that a list of several sound programs is fitted with the method, and that the method runs through the list of sound programs automatically. For each sound program, a specific test signal is generated and/or specific one or more fitting parameters may be fitted.
According to an embodiment, the test signal is selected dependent on the sound program. For example, the test signal may comprise at least one of music, traffic noise, restaurant noise. In this case, the second hearing device even may classify the test signal and may start the sound program dependent on the classification.
According to an embodiment, the test signal comprises directional sound, which is generated with at least two loudspeakers. Also surround soundscapes may be provided as test signal. With such test signal, beam formers may be fitted.
A further aspect of the invention relates to a computer program for programming a second hearing device for a user based on a first hearing device of the user, which, when being executed by at least one processor, is adapted to carry out the steps of the method of one of the previous claims. For example, the computer program may be executed in a fitting station and optionally a hearing device in data communication with the fitting station.
A further aspect of the invention relates to a computer-readable medium, in which such a computer program is stored. In general, a computer-readable medium may be a hard disk, a USB (Universal Serial Bus) storage device, a RAM (Random Access Memory), a ROM (Read Only Memory), an EPROM (Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory) or a FLASH memory. A computer-readable medium may also be a data communication network, e.g., the Internet and/or a cloud solution, which allows downloading a program code. The computer-readable medium may be a non-transitory or transitory medium. The computer-readable medium may be a memory of the fitting station and optionally the hearing device.
A further aspect of the invention relates to a system for programming a second hearing device for a user based on a first hearing device of the user. The system comprises one or more loudspeakers for providing one or more test signals; a probe microphone for acquiring a processed sound signal; and a fitting station for performing the method as described herein. Optionally, the system comprises a coupler device, into which the hearing devices can be plugged and in which the measurements with the probe microphone are performed.
It has to be understood that features of the method as described in the above and in the following may be features of the system, computer program and the computer-readable medium as described in the above and in the following, and vice versa.
These and other aspects of the invention will be apparent from and elucidated with reference to the embodiments described hereinafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Below, embodiments of the present invention are described in more detail with reference to the attached drawings.

Fig. 1 schematically shows a hearing device.
Fig. 2 schematically shows a system according to an embodiment of the invention.
Fig. 3 shows a flow diagram for a method according to an embodiment of the invention.
Fig. 4 shows a diagram illustrating a performance indicator in the form of a target function.

The reference symbols used in the drawings, and their meanings, are listed in summary form in the list of reference symbols. In principle, identical parts are provided with the same reference symbols in the figures.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

Fig. 1 shows a hearing device 10, in particular a hearing aid, which comprises one or more microphones 12, signal processor 14 and a receiver 16, i.e. loudspeaker. The signal processor 14 may be a DSP. The hearing device 10 or at least a part of it with the loudspeaker 16 may be plugged into an ear canal of the user. The hearing device 10 acquires a sound signal with the microphone 12 from an environment of the user, processes the sound signal with the signal processor 14 into a processed sound signal and outputs the processed sound signal with the loudspeaker 16 into the ear canal of the user.
The signal processor 14 may be adapted for frequency dependent amplification, noise reduction, sound level compression, frequency shifting, etc. of the sound signal. All these tasks may be performed by different sound programs, which may be parts and/or parameters of the signal processor 14.
The hearing device 10 further comprises a processor 18 for processing software and for controlling the sound processing. The processor 18 does not need to be a physical processor, but also may be a logical processor with a specific purpose. Fitting parameters 20 for the signal processor 14 and in particular for one or more sound programs may be stored in the hearing device 10, which may be implemented by the processor 18 in the signal processor 14.
Fig. 2 shows a fitting system 22 and illustrates a method for programming a hearing device 10b of the user based on a reference hearing device 10a of the user. Both the hearing devices 10a, 10b may have components such as described with respect to Fig. 1.
The reference hearing device 10a is arranged either in the ear canal or a coupler device 24, wherein a probe microphone 26 is arranged inside the ear canal or a coupler device 24. The probe microphone 26 is connected wired or wireless to a fitting station 28, which may be a computing device and/or PC in the office of a hearing care specialist. Furthermore, a loudspeaker 30 is connected to fitting station 28. The fitting station is adapted for generating a test signal 32, which, when it is an acoustic signal, is output by the loudspeaker 30, for receiving a modified test signal 34, which is acquired by the probe microphone 26 and for determining fitting parameters 20 of the hearing device 10b to be fitted, which are implemented by the fitting station 28 in the hearing device 10b. The test signal 32 also may be a streamed signal, which is transmitted via a respective interface of the fitting station 28.
There may be additional steps after fitting parameters are implemented in the hearing device 10b, so that the effect of the modified parameters is verified and if necessary, the fitting parameters are refined. For example, the hearing device 10b is put in the position of the hearing device 10a and the same sequence of stimulus presentation and analysis as were performed with the hearing device 10a are performed with the hearing device 10b. If the performance indicators differ more than a success tolerance, the fitting parameters are adjusted. This may be an iterative process until success criteria are met or the max number of retries was exceeded.
Fig. 3 shows a flow diagram for a method for fitting the hearing device 10b based on the reference hearing device 10a, which may be automatically performed by the system 22 of Fig. 2, in particular the fitting station 28.
In the beginning, the probe microphone 26 and the reference or first hearing device 10a are arranged in the ear canal of the user. Alternatively, the hearing device 10a is arranged in a coupler device 24, wherein the probe microphone 26 is arranged.
In step S10, the fitting station 28 generates a test signal 32 with one or more loudspeakers 30. The test signal 32 is provided to the first hearing device 10a, as acoustic test signal or as streamed signal.
For example, the test signal 32 may be and/or comprise the International Speech Test Signal (ISTS), noise, narrow band noise, unmodulated noise and/or modulated noise. Depending on the performance indicator, which will be determined below, different test signals 32 may be used. It also may be that the second hearing device 10b is fitted with more than one type of performance indicator (see below), which are determined based on different test signals 32.
It is also possible that the test signal 32 comprises directional sound, which is generated with at least two loudspeakers 30. In such a way, surround soundscapes may be provided as test signal 32. With such test signal 32, beam formers of the second hearing device 10b may be fitted.
In step S12, the fitting station 28 acquires a first modified test signal 34a with the probe microphone 26. The test signal 32 is processed by the first hearing device 10a and output by a loudspeaker 16 of the first hearing device 10a and/or conducted through at least a part of the first hearing device 10a before it is acquired with the probe microphone 26. In general, the test signal 32 is modified by the hearing device 10a. This modification may be done electronically by the hearing device 10a by processing the test signal 32 and/or physically, by conducting or transferring the test signal 32 through at least a part of the hearing device 10a, such as an in-the-ear part. Thus, the first modified test signal 34a may be the electronically and/or physically modified test signal 32.
In step S12, the fitting station 28 then determines a first performance indicator 36a from the first modified test signal 34a. The first performance indicator 36a encodes, how the first hearing device 10a modifies the test signal 32 into the first modified test signal 34a by processing the test signal 32 and/or conducting the test signal 32 through at least a part of the first hearing device 10a.
The first performance indicator 36a and also the second performance indicator 36b described below may be a set of values and/or a function indicative of a performance of the respective hearing device 10a, 10b with respect to sound modification and/or sound processing of a specific test signal 32. The performance indicators 36a, 36b are calculated by evaluating the test signal 32.
Steps S10 and S12 also may be performed remote from the fitting station 28 by another device. For example, the first performance indicator 36a may be determined based on measurements with the hearing device 10a in a coupler device 24, which is attached to a test station, which also has a loudspeaker such as shown in Fig. 2.
In any way, the first performance indicator 36a of the first hearing device 10a is received in the fitting station 28 and or a module of the fitting station 28, which perform programming of the second hearing device 10b in steps S14 to S18.
Before step S14, the probe microphone 26 and the second hearing device 10b to be fitted are arranged in the ear canal of the user. Alternatively, the hearing device 10b is arranged in a coupler device 24, wherein the probe microphone 26 is arranged.
In step S14, the fitting station 28 generates the same test signal 32 with one or more loudspeakers 30, which also has been provided to the hearing device 10a. The test signal 32 is provided to the second hearing device 10b, as acoustic test signal or as streamed signal.
The second hearing device 10b modifies the test signal 32 into a second modified test signal 34b by processing the test signal 32 and outputting the processed sound signal with a hearing device loudspeaker 16 and/or by conducting the test signal 32 through at least a part of the second hearing device 10b.
In step S16, the fitting station acquires a second modified test signal 34b with the probe microphone 26 and determining a second performance indicator 36b from the modified test signal 34b. The second modified test signal 34b is acquired by the probe microphone 26, which is arranged at the output side of the second hearing device 10b, for example at the loudspeaker 16 of the second hearing device 10b. From the second modified test signal 34b, the second performance indicator 36b is determined like for the first performance indicator 36a from the first modified test signal 34a. For example, the same algorithm and/or function of the fitting station 28 may be used for that.
In step S18, the fitting station 28 adapts fitting parameters 20 of the second hearing device 10b, such that the second performance indicator 36b matches the first performance indicator 36a. The second hearing device 10b is fitted in a way that its output matches the output of the first hearing device 10a. This is done by matching the performance indicators 36a, 36b.
Matching of the performance indicators may be achieved by determining a difference between the two performance indicators 36a, 36b. For example, an objective function may be determined, which is (or is at least based on) the sum of differences between values of the first and the second performance indicator 36a, 36b. The two performance indicators 36a, 36b may match, when the objective function has become 0 or is smaller than a threshold.
This may be done iteratively by repeating the steps S14 to S18 until the performance indicators 36a, 36b match. In the second hearing device 10b, one or more of the fitting parameters 20 may be changed and it may be determined, whether the first and second performance indicators 36a, 36b have become more similar, for example that the objective function has become smaller. In this case, the one or more fitting parameters 20 may be changed further in the same direction until the performance indicators match each other.
As already mentioned, the measurements of the outputs of the hearing devices 10a, 10b may be performed as in-the-ear measurements or as measurements in a coupler device 24.
In an embodiment, the first performance indicator 36a is determined from a first modified test signal 34a, which is acquired, when the first hearing device 10a is inserted into an ear canal of the user. Analogously, the second performance indicator36b is determined from a second modified test signal 34b, which is acquired, when the second hearing device 10b is inserted into the ear canal of the user. Real ear measurements may be performed directly with the user of the hearing devices 10a, 10b. The first and second modified test signals 34a, 34b may be seen as real ear aided responses (REARs). In this case, the probe microphone 26 of the fitting station 28 may be in the ear canal of the user, between the hearing device 10a, 10b and the ear drum.
In another embodiment, the first performance indicator 36a is determined from a first modified test signal 34a, which is acquired, when the first hearing device 10a is inserted into a coupler device 24. Analogously, the second performance indicator 36b is determined from a second modified test signal 34b, which is acquired, when the second hearing device 10b is inserted into the coupler device 24. A test chamber provided in the coupler device 24 may be used with the hearing device 10a, 10b attached to a coupler device 24, which may comprise a small volume simulating an ear canal. The probe microphone 26 of the fitting station 28 may be arranged inside the coupler device 24. The hearing device user need not be present in this case.
As a further alternative, the loudspeaker 30, coupler device 24 and probe microphone 26 may be parts of a test station remote from the fitting station 28, which test station may be used for performing the steps S10 and S12.
There are several possibilities, what the performance indicators 36a, 36b are and how they are determined.
For example, the first performance indicator 36a and the second performance indicator 36b comprise a target function, which comprises gain factors at a plurality of frequencies and/or at a plurality of sound levels.
As shown in Fig. 4, such a performance indicator 36a, 36b in the form of a target function may comprise output values at frequencies between 125 Hz and 8 kHz and/or at three sound levels, such as 50, 65 and 80 dB SPL. Fig. 4 also shows a maximal output curve 38. Fig. 4 shows the performance indicators 36a, 36b during an iterative programming process, in which the fitting parameters 20 are optimized until the curves for the target functions for the second performance indicator 36b match the curves for the target functions for the first performance indicator 36a.
The first performance indicator 36a and the second performance indicator 36b are determined from a test signal 32, which has been processed by the first hearing device 10a and the second hearing device 10b, respectively, with a frequency dependent gain. The programming method may be performed for matching a frequency dependent gain of the hearing devices 10a, 10b. In this case, the fitting parameters 20 relating to frequency dependent gains may be fitted. As test signal 32, the International Speech Test Signal may be used.
As a further example, the first performance indicator 36a and the second performance indicator 36b are determined from a test signal 32, which has been conducted through at least a part of the first hearing device 10a and the second hearing device 10b, respectively. Here, the first hearing device 10a may be turned off and/or no signal processing may be performed by the first hearing device 10a. The first and second performance indicator 36a ,36b may be based on measuring REOG (real ear occluded gain). In such a way, an occluded gain of the first hearing device 10a may be determined and the second hearing device 10b may be fitted, such that the effect of occlusion is taken into account in the programming of the second hearing device 10b. In this case, the fitting parameters 20 may comprise parameters for an occluded gain. For example, a sound program for direct sound compensation may be adapted accordingly. Unmodulated noise may be used as test signal 32 for occluded gain.
As a further example, the first performance indicator 36a and the second performance indicator 36b encode a shift of sound levels, which encode a compression of the test signal 32. The performance indicator 36a, 36b may comprise values for a shift of sound levels between an input level and an output level, which values may be frequency dependent, i.e., provided for different frequencies. In this case, the fitting parameters 20 may comprise parameters for sound compression.
As a further example, the first performance indicator 36a and the second performance indicator 36b comprise a time constant. Time constants may be used for fading in and fading out sounds. The test signal 32 may be narrow band noise.
As a further example, the first performance indicator 36a and the second performance indicator 36b comprise a static compression ratio. Such a ratio determines compression of a sound signal with respect to sound levels during a static sound level. The test signal 32 may be unmodulated noise.
As a further example, the first performance indicator 36a and the second performance indicator 36b comprise a dynamic compression ratio. Such a ratio determines compression of a sound signal with respect to sound levels during a dynamic sound level change. The test signal may be modulated noise and/or the International Speech Test Signal.
As a further example, the first performance indicator 36a and the second performance indicator 36b encode a shift of frequencies of the test signal 32. In particular, frequency lowering may be detected. The performance indicators 36a, 36b may comprise the low and high frequencies of a source band and the low and high frequencies of a target band. The fitting parameters 20 may comprise parameters for frequency shifting. As test signal 32, narrowband noise may be used.
It is also possible that the programming method is performed for several sound programs of the second hearing device 10b. A sound program may be a specific function and/or fitting parameter selection, which is used in a specific sound situation. The second hearing device 10b may be adapted for classifying the sound signal acquired with its microphone 12 and based on the classification may select and/or start a specific sound program. In this case, the method steps S10 to S18 may be automatically repeated several times.
During this, a specific sound program may be selected for the second hearing device 10b and the second hearing device 10b may process the test signal 32 with the specific sound program, wherein fitting parameters 20 of the specific sound program are adapted. With the method, the parameters 20 for different sound programs may be fitted.
There may be specific test signals 32 and/or performance indicators 36a, 36b associated to each sound program. It is possible that a list of several sound programs is fitted with the method, and that the method runs through the list of sound programs automatically. For each sound program, a specific test signal 32 is generated and/or specific fitting parameters 20 may be fitted.
The test signal 32 may be selected dependent on the sound program. For example, the test signal 32 may comprise at least one of music, traffic noise, restaurant noise. In this case, the second hearing device 10b even may classify the test signal 32 and may start the sound program dependent on the classification.
While the invention has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, such illustration and description are to be considered illustrative or exemplary and not restrictive; the invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments. Other variations to the disclosed embodiments can be understood and effected by those skilled in the art and practicing the claimed invention from a study of the drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims. In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite article "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality. A single processor or controller or other unit may fulfill the functions of several items recited in the claims. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage. Any reference signs in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope.

LIST OF REFERENCE SYMBOLS

10: hearing device
10a: old hearing device
10b: new hearing device
12: microphone
14: signal processor
16: loudspeaker/receiver
18: processor
20: fitting parameter
22: fitting system
24: ear canal / coupler device
26: microphone
28: fitting station
30: loudspeaker
32: test signal
34: modified test signal
34a: first modified test signal
34b: second modified test signal
36a: first performance indicator
36b: second performance indicator
38: maximal gain factor

Claims

A method for programming a second hearing device (10b) for a user based on a first hearing device (10a) of the user, the method comprising:
receiving a first performance indicator (36a) of the first hearing device (10a), which first performance indicator (36a) encodes, how the first hearing device (10a) modifies a test signal (32) by processing the test signal (32) and/or conducting the test signal (32) through at least a part of the first hearing device (10a);

programming the second hearing device (10b) by:
applying the test signal (32) to the second hearing device (10b), which modifies the test signal (32) into a modified test signal (34b) by processing the sound signal (32) and outputting the processed sound signal by a loudspeaker (16) of the second hearing device after processing and/or by conducting the test signal (32) through at least a part of the second hearing device (10b);

acquiring the modified test signal (34b) with a probe microphone (26) and determining a second performance indicator (36b) from the modified test signal (34b);

adapting at least one fitting parameter (20) of the second hearing device (10b) until a difference between the first performance indicator (36b) and second performance indicator (36b) is below a matching threshold.
The method of claim 1, further comprising:
generating the test signal (32) and providing the test signal (32) to the first hearing device (10a);

acquiring a first modified test signal (34a), which is output by a loudspeaker (16) of the first hearing device (10a) and/or conducted through at least a part of the first hearing device (10a);

determining the first performance indicator (36a) from the first modified test signal (34a).
The method of claim 1 and 2,
wherein the first performance indicator (36a) is determined from a first modified test signal (34a), which is acquired, when the first hearing device (10a) is inserted into an ear canal of the user;

wherein the second performance indicator (36b) is determined from a second modified test signal (34b), which is acquired, when the second hearing device (10b) is inserted into the ear canal of the user.
The method of claim 1 and 2,
wherein the first performance indicator (36a) is determined from a first modified test signal (34a), which is acquired, when the first hearing device (10a) is inserted into a coupler device (24);

wherein the second performance indicator (36b) is determined from a second modified test signal (34b), which is acquired, when the second hearing device (10b) is inserted into the coupler device (24).
The method of one of the previous claims,
wherein the test signal (32) comprises at least one of:
the International Speech Test Signal (ISTS);

noise;

narrow band noise;

unmodulated noise;

modulated noise;

pure tone;

filtered noise;

filtered speech; and/or

wherein the test signal (32) is an acoustic signal or a streamed signal.
The method of one of the previous claims,
wherein the first performance indicator (36a) and the second performance indicator (36b) comprise a target function, which comprises gain factors at a plurality of frequencies and/or at a plurality of sound levels; and/or

wherein the first performance indicator (36a) and the second performance indicator (36b) are determined from a test signal (32), which has been processed by the first hearing device (10a) and the second hearing device (10b), respectively, with a frequency dependent gain;

wherein the at least one fitting parameter (20) comprise frequency dependent gains.
The method of one of claims 1 to 5,
wherein the first performance indicator (36a) and the second performance indicator (36b) are determined from a test signal (32), which has been conducted through at least a part of the first hearing device (10a) and the second hearing device (10b), respectively, wherein the first hearing device (10a) is turned off;

wherein the at least one fitting parameter (20) comprise parameters for an occluded gain.
The method of one of the previous claims,
wherein the first performance indicator (36a) and the second performance indicator (36b) encode a shift of sound levels, which encode a compression of the test signal (32);

wherein the at least one fitting parameter (20) comprise parameters for sound compression.
The method of claim 8,
wherein the first performance indicator (36a) and the second performance indicator (36b) comprise a time constant, a static compression ratio and/or a dynamic compression ratio.
The method of one of the previous claims,
wherein the first performance indicator (36a) and the second performance indicator (36b) encode a shift of frequencies of the test signal (32);

wherein the at least one fitting parameter (20) comprise parameters for frequency shifting.
The method of one of the previous claims,
wherein a specific sound program is selected for the second hearing device (10b) and the second hearing device (10b) processes the test signal (32) with the specific sound program;

wherein at least one fitting parameter (20) of the specific sound program is adapted.
The method of claim 11,
wherein the test signal (32) is selected dependent on the sound program;

wherein the test signal (32) comprises at least one of music, traffic noise, restaurant noise.
A computer program for programming a second hearing device (10b) for a user based on a first hearing device (10a) of the user, which, when being executed by a processor, is adapted to carry out the steps of the method of one of the previous claims.
A computer-readable medium, in which a computer program according to claim 13 is stored.
A system (22) for programming a second hearing device (10b) for a user based on a first hearing device (10a) of the user, the system comprising:
a loudspeaker (30) for providing a test signal (32);

a probe microphone (26) for acquiring a processed sound signal (34a, 34b);

a fitting station (28) for performing the method of one of claims 1 to 11.