JP2009253343A - Hearing aid device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a hearing aid device for exchanging batteries at optimal timing by presenting as warning sound the degree of drop of battery voltage value to a user. <P>SOLUTION: The hearing aid device for presenting warning sound when a battery voltage value VB becomes lower than a prescribed value is provided with: a hearing aid processing part 7 for processing an output signal of a microphone 1 according to a user's characteristic; a battery voltage detection part 9 for comparing the battery voltage value VB with first to fourth thresholds V1, V2, V3, and V4 stored in advance to output its result; a warning sound transmission part 10 for selecting a warning sound signal in accordance with an output signal of the battery voltage detection part 9 and outputting the warning sound signal; and a synthesis part 6 for synthesizing the output signal of the warning sound transmission part 10 with an output signal of the hearing aid processing part 7 to output it to an earphone 3. In accordance with the degree of drop in the battery voltage value VB to change how to present the warning sound. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a hearing aid device that presents a user with a degree of decrease in battery voltage value as a warning sound.

  Since a general hearing aid device stops operating when the battery voltage value falls below a DSP (Digital Signal Processor) drive voltage, it needs to be replaced with a new battery before the operation stops. For users of hearing aids, it is extremely important to prepare battery reserves in advance and to know the optimal time for battery replacement. In recent years, a hearing aid device generally presents a warning sound in order to notify a user in advance of an operation stop due to a decrease in battery voltage value. For example, when the voltage value of the battery falls below the threshold value, the display of a warning sound is started, and the warning sound is continuously presented at regular intervals until the operation stops.

  Further, a technique is disclosed in which a usage time of a hearing aid is monitored by a timer and a warning is issued when a predetermined time has elapsed (see, for example, Patent Document 1). Furthermore, a technique for emitting an alarm when the voltage value of the battery falls below a predetermined value is disclosed (for example, see Patent Document 2).

JP-T-2003-505996 Special table 2001-508667 gazette

  However, even if a warning sound is simply presented, there is time until the operation completely stops from the start of the presentation of the warning sound, so for the hearing aid user, if the exact time until the operation can not be estimated, It is difficult to prepare battery reserves in advance. Further, if the battery is replaced without knowing the exact time until the operation is stopped, there is a problem that the battery is wasted. Also, predicting the time from when the warning sound is presented to when the operation is completely stopped for the user is based on the type of battery used, the threshold value setting, individual differences in the energy capacity of the battery itself, and the adjustment status for the user. Difficult due to variations due to differences in current consumption due to, etc.

  The present invention has been made in view of such problems of the prior art, and the purpose of the present invention is to optimize the battery voltage value by presenting the user with a warning sound. It is an object of the present invention to provide a hearing aid device that can change the battery at an appropriate timing.

  In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, the invention according to claim 1 is a hearing aid device that presents a warning sound when the battery voltage value is lower than a predetermined value, so that the output signal of the microphone is adapted to the characteristics of the user. Hearing aid processing unit to process, battery voltage detection unit that compares the battery voltage value with a pre-stored predetermined value and outputs the result, and selects the warning sound signal according to the output signal of this battery voltage detection unit In addition, a warning sound transmission unit that outputs the warning sound signal, and a synthesis unit that combines the output signal of the warning sound transmission unit and the output signal of the hearing aid processing unit or the microphone to output to the earphone or the hearing aid processing unit. The method of presenting the warning sound is changed according to the degree of decrease in the battery voltage value.

  The invention according to claim 2 is a hearing aid device that presents a warning sound based on an estimated time until the operation is stopped due to a decrease in the battery voltage value, and processes the output signal of the microphone so as to conform to the characteristics of the user. A hearing aid processing unit, a calculation unit that predicts the time from the battery voltage value change over time to the operation stop, and a warning sound signal is selected according to the output signal of this calculation unit and the warning sound signal is output A warning sound transmitting unit, and a synthesis unit that combines the output signal of the warning sound transmitting unit and the output signal of the hearing aid processing unit or the microphone and outputs the synthesized signal to the earphone or the hearing aid processing unit, and an estimated time until the operation stops The way of presenting the warning sound is changed according to the situation.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the hearing aid device according to the first or second aspect, the method of presenting the warning sound changes the warning sound presentation time interval, the number of warning sound presentations, and the sound pressure level of the warning sound. Or change the sound quality of the warning sound.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the hearing aid according to the second aspect, the way of presenting the warning sound is an estimated time until the operation is stopped.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the hearing aid according to the first aspect, by inputting a trigger by a switch to the warning sound transmitting unit, the current decrease degree of the battery voltage value is presented with a changing warning sound. .

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the hearing aid device according to the second aspect, an estimated time until the operation is stopped is presented by inputting a trigger by a switch to the warning sound transmitting unit.

  The invention according to claim 7 is a hearing aid device that cuts off the sound when the battery voltage value is lower than a predetermined value, and a hearing aid processing unit that processes the output signal of the microphone so as to match the characteristics of the user; A battery voltage detection unit that compares a battery voltage value with a predetermined value stored in advance and outputs the result, a switch unit that is turned on / off according to an output signal of the battery voltage detection unit, and the switch unit through the switch unit An earphone for converting the output signal of the hearing aid processing unit into an audio signal is provided, and the sound interruption interval is changed according to the degree of decrease in the battery voltage value.

  The invention according to claim 8 is a hearing aid device that presents a warning sound when the battery voltage value is lower than a predetermined value, and processes the output signal of the microphone so as to conform to the characteristics of the user. A recording memory for recording a sound signal, a battery voltage detection unit for comparing the battery voltage value with a predetermined value stored in advance, and outputting the result, and in advance according to the output signal of the battery voltage detection unit An alarm sound transmission unit that selects a sound signal recorded in a recording memory and outputs the sound signal; and an output signal of the warning sound transmission unit and an output signal of the hearing aid processing unit or the microphone to synthesize the earphone Alternatively, a synthesis unit for outputting to the hearing aid processing unit is provided, and a sound signal recorded in the recording memory is presented in accordance with the degree of decrease in the battery voltage value.

  According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in the hearing aid of the eighth aspect, a sound signal input to the microphone when a recording switch is operated is recorded in the recording memory.

  According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in the hearing aid device according to the eighth or ninth aspect, by inputting a trigger by a switch to the warning sound transmitting unit, the current degree of decrease in the battery voltage value is recorded in the recording memory. Presented by the sound signal.

  According to the present invention, the user of the hearing aid can know the degree of decrease in the battery voltage value or the estimated time until the operation is stopped by changing the warning sound, voice, or the like, so that a spare battery can be prepared in advance. The remaining battery can be used effectively and the battery can be replaced at an optimum timing with little waste.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Here, FIG. 1 is a block diagram of the first embodiment of the hearing aid device according to the present invention, FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a change in the warning sound presentation interval, and FIG. 3 is a diagram showing how the warning sound is presented. 4 is a configuration diagram of the second embodiment of the hearing aid device according to the present invention, FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a method of predicting the time until operation stop, and FIG. 6 is a configuration of the third embodiment of the hearing aid device according to the present invention. FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the first embodiment of the hearing aid according to the present invention includes a microphone 1, a DSP (Digital Signal Processor) 2, an earphone 3, a battery 4, and the like. The electric power of the battery 4 is supplied to the DSP 2 and is also supplied to the earphone 3 depending on the type of the earphone 3. The DSP 2 constitutes an A / D conversion unit 5, a synthesis unit 6, a hearing aid processing unit 7, a D / A conversion unit 8, a battery voltage detection unit 9, and a warning sound transmission unit 10.

  Reference numeral 11 denotes an external switch that controls the warning sound transmitter 10. The synthesizing unit 6 can be provided not on the input side of the hearing aid processing unit 7 but on the output side of the hearing aid processing unit 7 or in the middle of the hearing aid processing. The hearing aid processing unit 7 performs signal processing such as amplification and noise removal for each frequency band in accordance with the user's hearing condition of the digital signal output from the A / D conversion unit 5.

  The battery voltage detection unit 9 includes a threshold storage unit 12 and a comparison unit 13, monitors the voltage value VB of the battery 4, and outputs a signal notifying the degree of decrease of the battery voltage value VB to the warning sound transmission unit 10. The threshold storage unit 12 stores first to fourth thresholds V1, V2, V3, and V4. The magnitude relationship between these threshold values is V1> V2> V3> V4. The fourth threshold value V4 is set to a value slightly larger than the voltage value at which the hearing aid device becomes inoperable. The comparison unit 13 compares the battery voltage value VB with the threshold values V1, V2, V3, and V4 stored in the threshold value storage unit 12, and the battery voltage value VB is the first to fourth threshold values V1, V2, V3, and V4. Each time it falls below, a signal informing the warning sound transmitter 10 which threshold value is below is output. The number of threshold values stored in the threshold value storage unit 12 is not limited to four and is arbitrary.

  The warning sound transmission unit 10 includes a setting unit 14, a transmission unit 15, and a timer 16, and outputs a warning sound signal to the synthesis unit 6. The setting unit 14 receives a signal from the battery voltage detection unit 9, and sets a warning sound presentation content in the transmission unit 15 or sets a warning sound presentation interval in the timer 16. When the setting unit 14 receives a signal from the battery voltage detection unit 9 that the battery voltage value VB has fallen below the first threshold value V1 (first warning signal), the first warning sound signal “beep” is transmitted to the transmission unit 15. Is set in the transmission unit 15 so as to be output at a minimum audible threshold value +10 dB, and the timer 16 is set so that the transmission unit 15 repeats transmission at intervals of 3 hours (first presentation interval).

  Further, when the setting unit 14 receives a signal (second warning signal) from the battery voltage detection unit 9 that the battery voltage value VB is below the second threshold value V2, a second warning sound signal “beep” is transmitted. The transmission unit 15 is set to output from the unit 15 at the minimum audible threshold +20 dB, and the transmission unit 15 is set to the timer 16 so as to repeat the transmission at one hour intervals (second presentation interval).

  When the setting unit 14 receives a signal from the battery voltage detection unit 9 that the battery voltage value VB has fallen below the third threshold value V3 (third warning signal), the setting unit 14 transmits a third warning sound signal “beep”. The transmission unit 15 is set to output from the unit 15 at the minimum audible threshold +30 dB, and the transmission unit 15 is set to the timer 16 so as to repeat the transmission at intervals of 30 minutes (third presentation interval).

  Further, when the setting unit 14 receives a signal (fourth warning signal) from the battery voltage detection unit 9 that the battery voltage value VB is lower than the fourth threshold value V4, a fourth warning sound signal “pip pip pip” is generated. The transmitter 15 is set to output from the transmitter 15 at the minimum audible threshold +40 dB, and the timer 16 is set so that the transmitter 15 repeats the transmission at intervals of 10 minutes (fourth presentation interval).

  The transmission unit 15 outputs the set first to fourth warning sound signals to the synthesis unit 6 according to the transmission instruction signal from the timer 16. The timer 16 outputs a transmission instruction signal to the transmission unit 15 at the set first to fourth presentation intervals. The synthesizer 6 synthesizes the output signal of the A / D converter 5 and the output signal of the warning sound transmitter 10.

  The operation of the first embodiment of the hearing aid device according to the present invention configured as described above will be described. When the battery voltage value VB of the battery 4 loaded in the hearing aid falls below the first threshold value V1, a first warning signal is input from the battery voltage detection unit 9 to the setting unit 14. Then, as shown in FIG. 2, the first warning sound signal “beep” set in advance in the transmission unit 15 has a minimum audible threshold value +10 dB and a three-hour interval (first presentation) set in the timer 16 in advance. Is repeatedly output from the transmitter 15 at intervals.

  Further, when the battery voltage value VB of the battery 4 falls below the second threshold value V2 due to a decrease in the battery voltage, a second warning signal is input from the battery voltage detection unit 9 to the setting unit 14. Then, the second warning sound “beep” is repeatedly output from the transmission unit 15 at the minimum audible threshold +20 dB and at an interval of 1 hour (second presentation interval). Similarly, the third warning sound signal “beep” is the minimum audible threshold +30 dB due to the decrease in the battery voltage value VB, and 30 minutes (third presentation interval), and then the fourth warning sound signal “beep” is minimum. It is repeatedly output from the transmission unit 15 at an audible threshold value +40 dB and at an interval of 10 minutes (fourth presentation interval).

  Then, the first to fourth warning sound signals output from the warning sound transmission unit 10 are combined with the output signal of the A / D conversion unit 5 in the combining unit 6. Next, the hearing aid processing unit 7 performs signal processing on the digital signal output from the A / D conversion unit 5 in accordance with the user's hearing condition. Next, the digital signal processed by the hearing aid processing unit 7 and the first to fourth warning sound signals are converted into analog signals by the D / A conversion unit 8, and together with the sound captured by the microphone 1 from the earphone 3, as sound The first to fourth warning sounds are output.

  In addition, the first to fourth warning sound signals output from the warning sound transmitting unit 10 are triggered according to the operation of the external switch 11 (for example, once pressed) according to the degree of decrease in the battery voltage value VB at the present time. It is also possible to make the composition unit 6 input without being controlled by the first to fourth presentation intervals set in the timer 16. By doing so, the remaining battery level can be checked at any time by a warning sound from the earphone 3. In addition, the first to fourth warning sound signals output from the warning sound transmitter 10 can be stopped by a trigger caused by pressing the external switch 11 again. Then, when the warning sound from the earphone 3 feels uncomfortable, the discomfort can be eliminated.

  The warning sound is not limited to a beeping sound, but may be a sound that calls attention and is not found in normal daily life. What is necessary is just to set suitably the number of the threshold values compared with the battery voltage value VB, and the presentation space | interval of a warning sound according to a requirement specification. In addition, as the battery voltage value VB decreases, instead of changing the number of presentations using a dial tone such as “beep”, the sound pressure level of the warning sound can be changed, and a melody is used as the warning sound. The melody may be changed as the battery voltage value VB decreases.

  Also, as the battery voltage value VB decreases, instead of changing the number of presentations using a beep sound such as “beep”, the frequency component is changed as the battery voltage value VB decreases, and amplitude modulation or frequency modulation is performed. The sound quality of the warning sound may be changed by changing the modulation parameter by applying it or changing the frequency change time using a chirp tone.

  Next, as a modification of the first embodiment, one threshold value V5 is stored in the threshold value storage unit 12. The comparison unit 13 compares the voltage VB of the battery 4 with the battery voltage value VB. If the battery voltage value VB falls below the threshold value V5, the comparison unit 13 outputs the battery voltage value VB to the setting unit 14. A sound pressure or frequency of a warning sound corresponding to the battery voltage value VB is set in the setting unit 14 in advance, and a warning sound having a sound pressure or frequency corresponding to the battery voltage value VB is instructed to the transmission unit 15. At the same time, the timer 16 is started, and an instruction is given to the transmission unit 15 according to a preset interval. Other configurations and operations are the same as those of the first embodiment shown in FIG.

  With this configuration, as shown in FIG. 3, the warning sound can be continuously changed according to the voltage drop of the battery 4 over time (solid line). If another threshold value V6 (V5> V6) is stored in the threshold value storage unit 12, as shown in FIG. 3, the sound pressure or frequency is suddenly increased from the point where the battery voltage value VB falls below the threshold value V6. Can be changed (two-dot chain line). As a method of changing the warning sound, the warning sound can be changed in a stepwise manner with a lapse of time from the start of the warning sound presentation to the operation stop (long broken line).

  Next, as shown in FIG. 4, the second embodiment of the hearing aid according to the present invention includes a microphone 1, a DSP (Digital Signal Processor) 2, an earphone 3, a battery 4, and the like, as in the first embodiment. Is done. The electric power of the battery 4 is supplied to the DSP 2 and is also supplied to the earphone 3 depending on the type of the earphone 3. The DSP 2 constitutes an A / D conversion unit 5, a synthesis unit 6, a hearing aid processing unit 7, a D / A conversion unit 8, and a warning sound transmission unit 20. Reference numeral 21 denotes an external switch for controlling the warning sound transmitter 20. The synthesizing unit 6 can be provided not on the input side of the hearing aid processing unit 7 but on the output side of the hearing aid processing unit 7 or in the middle of the hearing aid processing.

  The warning sound transmitter 20 includes a calculation unit 22, a storage unit 23, and a transmitter 24, and outputs a warning sound signal to the synthesizer 6. The calculation unit 22 includes a counter and a memory, and calculates the slope of the voltage drop straight lines L1 and L2 of the battery 4 over time at a predetermined time interval as shown in FIG. Predicted time) T1 and T2. The memory of the calculation unit 22 stores a table representing the relationship between the slope of the voltage drop straight line of the battery 4 and the remaining operable time. FIG. 5 shows two types of voltage drop straight lines L1 and L2 as an example.

  And the calculating part 22 outputs the information to the transmission part 23, when the calculated | required remaining time T1, T2 becomes the preset time, for example, 5th, 3rd, 1st. In accordance with the information received from the calculation unit 22, the transmission unit 23 selects an appropriate piece of audio information stored in the storage unit 23, for example, “Nocoli Ika”, “Nocoli Micca”, “Nocoori Iichinichi”, etc., at a predetermined interval. An audio signal notifying the remaining time is output to the synthesis unit 6. The synthesizer 6 synthesizes the output signal of the A / D converter 5 and the output signal of the warning sound transmitter 20. Other configurations and operations are the same as those of the first embodiment shown in FIG.

  The operation of the second embodiment of the hearing aid according to the present invention configured as described above will be described. When the operable remaining time T1 calculated from the slope of the voltage drop straight line L1 of the battery 4 loaded in the hearing aid by the calculation unit 22 is, for example, 5 days, the calculation unit 22 sends the information to the transmission unit 23. Output to. Then, in accordance with the information received from the calculation unit 22, the transmission unit 23 selects “no cricket” from the voice information stored in the storage unit 23, and sends “no cricket” to the synthesizing unit 6 as a warning sound signal for informing the remaining time. Output.

  The warning sound signal output from the warning sound transmission unit 20 is combined with the output signal of the A / D conversion unit 5 in the combining unit 6. Next, the hearing aid processing unit 7 performs signal processing on the digital signal output from the A / D conversion unit 5 in accordance with the user's hearing condition. Next, the digital signal and the warning sound signal processed by the hearing aid processing unit 7 are converted into an analog signal by the D / A conversion unit 8, and the warning sound “Nokoiritsuka” as a voice together with the voice captured by the microphone 1 from the earphone 3. Is output.

  Similarly, when the remaining operable time T1 is three days, a warning sound “Nocoly Micca” is output as sound together with the sound captured by the microphone 1 from the earphone 3. Further, when the remaining operable time T1 is one day, a warning sound “nocolic nitini” as a sound is output from the earphone 3 together with the sound captured by the microphone 1.

  Further, the warning sound signal output from the warning sound transmission unit 20 by the trigger by the operation of the external switch 21 (for example, pressing once) is not governed by the presentation interval according to the current decrease degree of the battery voltage value VB. Can also be input to the combining unit 6. By doing so, the remaining battery level can be checked at any time by a warning sound from the earphone 3. Moreover, the warning sound signal output from the warning sound transmission part 20 can be stopped by the trigger by pressing the external switch 21 again. Then, when the warning sound from the earphone 3 feels uncomfortable, the discomfort can be eliminated.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 6, the third embodiment of the hearing aid according to the present invention includes a microphone 1, a DSP (Digital Signal Processor) 2, an earphone 3, a battery 4, and the like, as in the first embodiment. Is done. The electric power of the battery 4 is supplied to the DSP 2 and is also supplied to the earphone 3 depending on the type of the earphone 3. The DSP 2 constitutes an A / D conversion unit 5, a hearing aid processing unit 7, a switch unit 30, a D / A conversion unit 8, and a battery voltage detection unit 31.

  The battery voltage detection unit 31 includes a threshold storage unit 32 and a comparison unit 33, and monitors the voltage VB of the battery 4. The threshold storage unit 32 stores first to fourth thresholds V1, V2, V3, and V4. The magnitude relationship between these threshold values is V1> V2> V3> V4. The fourth threshold value V4 is set to a value slightly larger than the voltage value at which the hearing aid device becomes inoperable.

  The comparison unit 33 compares the voltage value VB of the battery 4 with the threshold values V1, V2, V3, V4 stored in the threshold storage unit 32, and the voltage value VB of the battery 4 is the first to fourth threshold values V1, V2. , V3, and V4, the switch unit 30 is turned off and the sound is interrupted. The comparison unit 33 includes a timer and can be turned off at predetermined intervals. For example, when the voltage value VB of the battery 4 is lower than the first threshold value V1, the interval between sound cuts is made smaller when the voltage value VB is lower than the second threshold value V2 in order to call attention. Other configurations and operations are the same as those of the first embodiment shown in FIG.

  The operation of the third embodiment of the hearing aid according to the present invention configured as described above will be described. The comparison unit 33 compares the voltage value VB of the battery 4 loaded in the hearing aid with the threshold values V1, V2, V3, and V4. When the voltage value VB falls below the first threshold value V1, the comparison unit 33 outputs a sound cut command signal to the switch unit 30 to cut sound at a predetermined interval. Further, when the voltage value VB falls below the second threshold value V2, the comparison unit 33 outputs a sound cut command signal to the switch unit 30 to cut sound at shorter intervals than when the voltage value VB falls below the first threshold value V1. The same applies when the voltage value VB falls below the third and fourth threshold values V3 and V4.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 7, the fourth embodiment of the hearing aid according to the present invention includes a microphone 1, a DSP (Digital Signal Processor) 2, an earphone 3, a battery 4, and the like, as in the first embodiment. Is done. The electric power of the battery 4 is supplied to the DSP 2 and is also supplied to the earphone 3 depending on the type of the earphone 3. The DSP 2 constitutes an A / D conversion unit 5, a synthesis unit 6, a hearing aid processing unit 7, a D / A conversion unit 8, a battery voltage detection unit 9, a recording memory 40, and a warning sound transmission unit 41.

  Reference numeral 42 denotes a recording switch that is operated when recording a sound signal input to the microphone 1 in the recording memory 40, and 43 is an external switch that controls the warning sound transmitter 41. The synthesizing unit 6 can be provided not on the input side of the hearing aid processing unit 7 but on the output side of the hearing aid processing unit 7 or in the middle of the hearing aid processing.

  In the recording memory 40, a plurality of types of sound signals (messages) prompting the preparation or replacement of a new battery 4 can be recorded according to the degree of decrease in the battery voltage value VB. Recording to the recording memory 40 is possible only while the recording switch 42 is being pressed. Since the person who records the message in the recording memory 40 is not limited to the user of the hearing aid device, for example, if the user is a young person, the mother who has the voice familiar to that person may be used.

  The warning sound transmission unit 41 includes a transmission unit 45 and a timer 46, and outputs a message recorded in the recording memory 40 to the synthesis unit 6 as a warning sound signal. The transmitter 45 is based on signals (first to fourth warning signals) informing the degree of decrease in the battery voltage value VB output from the battery voltage detector 9 from among a plurality of types of messages recorded in the recording memory 40. The optimum one is selected and output to the synthesis unit 6. The timer 46 outputs a transmission instruction signal to the transmission unit 45 at a set presentation interval. Other configurations and operations are the same as those of the first embodiment shown in FIG.

  The operation of the fourth embodiment of the hearing aid according to the present invention configured as described above will be described. First, a plurality of messages are recorded in the recording memory 40 according to the degree of decrease in the battery voltage value VB. When the battery voltage value VB of the battery 4 loaded in the hearing aid falls below the first threshold value V1, a first warning signal is input from the battery voltage detector 9 to the transmitter 45. Then, the transmission unit 45 selects a message suitable for the first warning signal (a signal indicating that the battery voltage value VB has fallen below the first threshold value V1) from among a plurality of messages recorded in the recording memory 40.

  The message output from the transmitter 45 is combined with the output signal of the A / D converter 5 in the combiner 6. In the hearing aid processing unit 7, the digital signal output from the A / D conversion unit 5 is subjected to signal processing in accordance with the user's hearing level. Next, the digital signal processed by the hearing aid processing unit 7 and the message as the first warning sound signal are converted into an analog signal by the D / A conversion unit 8, and the message is output together with the sound captured by the microphone 1 from the earphone 3. Is done.

  Further, when the battery voltage value VB falls below the second threshold value V <b> 2, a second warning signal is input from the battery voltage detection unit 9 to the transmission unit 45. Then, the transmitter 45 selects a message suitable for the second warning signal (a signal indicating that the battery voltage value VB has fallen below the second threshold value V2) from among a plurality of messages recorded in the recording memory 40. Similarly, when the battery voltage value VB falls below the third threshold value V3 or the fourth threshold value V4, the transmitter 45 also outputs the third warning signal or the fourth warning signal from among the plurality of messages recorded in the recording memory 40. Choose a message that suits your needs. Then, a message is output from the earphone 3 together with the sound captured by the microphone 1.

  In addition, a message output from the warning sound transmission unit 41 by a trigger caused by an operation of the external switch 43 (for example, pressing once) is displayed in the timer 46 according to the current decrease level of the battery voltage value VB. It is also possible to input to the synthesis unit 6 without being controlled by. By doing so, the remaining battery level can be checked at any time by a message from the earphone 3. Moreover, the message output from the warning sound transmission part 41 can be stopped by the trigger by pressing the external switch 43 again. Then, when the message from the earphone 3 feels uncomfortable, the discomfort can be eliminated.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to know the degree of decrease in battery voltage or the estimated time to stop operation from a change in warning sound or voice, so that a spare battery can be prepared in advance, and the remaining battery power is effectively Provided is a hearing aid device that can be used for a battery replacement at an optimal timing without waste.

The block diagram of 1st Embodiment of the hearing aid apparatus which concerns on this invention. Diagram showing change in warning sound presentation interval Diagram showing how to present warning sound The block diagram of 2nd Embodiment of the hearing aid apparatus which concerns on this invention. Diagram showing how to estimate the time until operation stops The block diagram of 3rd Embodiment of the hearing aid apparatus which concerns on this invention. The block diagram of 4th Embodiment of the hearing aid apparatus which concerns on this invention.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Microphone, 2 ... DSP, 3 ... Earphone, 4 ... Battery, 5 ... A / D conversion part, 6 ... Composition part, 7 ... Hearing-aid processing part, 8 ... D / A conversion part, 9, 31 ... Battery voltage detection , 10, 20, 41 ... warning sound transmission unit, 11, 21, 43 ... external switch, 12, 32 ... threshold storage unit, 13, 33 ... comparison unit, 14 ... setting unit, 15, 24, 45 ... transmission unit 16, 46 ... timer, 22 ... calculation unit, 23 ... storage unit, 30 ... switch unit, 40 ... recording memory, 42 ... recording switch, T1, T2 ... operable remaining time (predicted time until operation stop), V1, V2, V3, V4 ... 1st to 4th threshold value (predetermined value), VB ... battery voltage value.

Claims (10)

A hearing aid device that presents a warning sound when the battery voltage value is lower than a predetermined value, a hearing aid processing unit that processes the output signal of the microphone so as to match the characteristics of the user, and a battery voltage value that is stored in advance A battery voltage detector that compares the predetermined value and outputs the result, and a warning sound transmitter that selects the warning sound signal according to the output signal of the battery voltage detector and outputs the warning sound signal; , And a synthesis unit that synthesizes the output signal of the warning sound transmitting unit and the output signal of the hearing aid processing unit or the microphone and outputs the synthesized signal to the earphone or the hearing aid processing unit, and generates a warning sound according to the degree of decrease in the battery voltage value. A hearing aid characterized by changing the way of presentation. A hearing aid device that presents a warning sound based on an estimated time until operation stop due to a decrease in battery voltage value, and a hearing aid processing unit that processes the output signal of the microphone so as to conform to the characteristics of the user, and over time A calculation unit that predicts the time from the battery voltage value change to the operation stop, a warning sound signal that selects the warning sound signal according to the output signal of the calculation unit and outputs the warning sound signal; and A synthesis unit that synthesizes the output signal of the warning sound transmission unit and the output signal of the hearing aid processing unit or the microphone and outputs the synthesized signal to the earphone or the hearing aid processing unit, and presents a warning sound according to the predicted time until the operation is stopped. A hearing aid characterized by changing the way. The method for changing the way of presenting the warning sound is to change the time interval for presenting the warning sound, the number of times the warning sound is presented, the sound pressure level of the warning sound, or the sound quality of the warning sound. 2. A hearing aid according to 2. The hearing aid according to claim 2, wherein a method of presenting the warning sound is an estimated time until the operation is stopped. The hearing aid according to claim 1, wherein by inputting a trigger by a switch to the warning sound transmission unit, a current decrease degree of the battery voltage value is presented as a changing warning sound. The hearing aid according to claim 2, wherein a predicted time until the operation is stopped is presented by inputting a trigger by a switch to the warning sound transmitter. A hearing aid device that cuts off sound when the battery voltage value is lower than a predetermined value, a hearing aid processing unit that processes the output signal of the microphone so as to conform to the characteristics of the user, and a battery voltage value that is stored in advance. A battery voltage detection unit that compares the predetermined value and outputs the result, a switch unit that is turned on / off according to the output signal of the battery voltage detection unit, and the output signal of the hearing aid processing unit through the switch unit A hearing aid device comprising an earphone for converting to a signal and changing a sound-interrupt interval according to a degree of decrease in a battery voltage value. A hearing aid that presents a warning sound when the battery voltage falls below a predetermined value, a hearing aid processing unit that processes the output signal of the microphone to match the user's characteristics, and a recording that records the sound signal A memory, a battery voltage detection unit that compares a battery voltage value with a predetermined value stored in advance, and outputs the result, and recorded in advance in the recording memory according to an output signal of the battery voltage detection unit A warning sound transmission unit that selects a sound signal and outputs the sound signal, and combines the output signal of the warning sound transmission unit with the output signal of the hearing aid processing unit or the microphone and outputs the synthesized signal to the earphone or the hearing aid processing unit A hearing aid device comprising a synthesizing unit and presenting a sound signal recorded in the recording memory in accordance with a degree of decrease in the battery voltage value. 9. The hearing aid according to claim 8, wherein a sound signal input to the microphone when a recording switch is operated is recorded in the recording memory. The input of a trigger by a switch to the warning sound transmission unit, the degree of decrease in the battery voltage value at the present time is presented by a sound signal recorded in the recording memory. The hearing aid device described.