JP2021197635A - Hearing aid fitting system, hearing aid fitting method, and hearing aid fitting control program - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a technology to improve the efficiency of hearing aid fitting.SOLUTION: Under the control of a control unit 5, inspection sound of a measurement frequency is first generated in a sound generation unit 1, amplified by an amplifier unit 2 to a set sound pressure, and presented by a presentation unit 3 (S200 to S203). When a response button is not pressed by a subject even after the lapse of a predetermined time (S205: Yes), the control unit 5 considers that the current gain setting is inappropriate and controls to raise the gain setting by one step (S206), the procedures of S204 to S206 is repeated depending on whether the response button is pressed. On the other hand, when the response button is pressed while the inspection sound is being presented (S204: Yes), the control unit 5 considers that the current gain setting is appropriate, stops the output of the inspection sound (S207), and starts the next frequency measurement (S208: Yes), and performs the steps S200 to S207 for all frequencies. In this way, the sound field wearing threshold measurement and the readjustment of the hearing aid proceed automatically, such that the fitting work can be made more efficient.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

The present invention relates to the fitting of the hearing aid, and more particularly to the measurement of the hearing aid wearing threshold (measurement of the functional gain) in the sound field performed in the process.

When fitting a hearing aid in Japan, it is common to confirm the effect of wearing a hearing aid in accordance with the "Guidelines for Hearing Aid Conformity Inspection (2010)" published by the Japan Audiological Society (Non-Patent Document 1). See.). In this guideline, two items, "measurement of speech intelligibility curve or speech intelligibility" and "conformity inspection using the tolerance of environmental noise as an index", are defined as essential items, and "the threshold for wearing hearing aids in the sound field". Six items such as "Measurement (measurement of functional gain)" are defined as reference items to be added as needed, and guidelines for these eight items are shown.

Japan Audiological Society, "Guidelines for Hearing Aid Conformity Testing (2010)", Audiology Japan Vol.53 No.6, p.708-726, 2010

In confirming the effect of wearing a hearing aid, the threshold when the hearing aid is not worn and the threshold when the hearing aid is worn are measured using an audiometer or a hearing aid effect measuring device connected to a speaker whose sound pressure in the sound field is calibrated at the hearing level. , Their difference (functional gain) is measured. The threshold value when the hearing aid is not worn and the threshold value when the hearing aid is worn can be obtained by increasing or decreasing the sound pressure output from the speaker for each predetermined frequency and measuring the smallest audible sound pressure. Before measuring the wearing threshold, the hearing aid fitter adjusts the gain of the hearing aid based on an audiogram or the like (procedure 1), and then the adjusted gain is appropriate for the target hearing aid wearing threshold. In order to confirm this, the threshold value at the time of wearing is measured (procedure 2).

Specifically, the gain setting of the hearing aid is adjusted from the threshold value (Δ) when the hearing aid is not worn shown in the audiogram illustrated in FIG. 9 to the threshold value (▲) when the hearing aid is worn through steps 1 and 2. To go. If the adjusted gain does not reach the desired hearing aid wearing threshold, steps 1 and 2 will be repeated manually, which poses a problem in terms of work efficiency. In addition, if the measurement and adjustment are repeated many times, the burden on the hearing aid fitter and the hearing aid wearer (subject) will increase both temporally and mentally, so the measurement and adjustment should be minimized. Is desirable.

Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a technique for improving the efficiency of fitting of a hearing aid.

In order to solve the above problems, the present invention employs the following hearing aid fitting system, hearing aid fitting method, and hearing aid fitting control program. The wording in the following parentheses is merely an example, and the present invention is not limited thereto.

That is, the hearing aid fitting system of the present invention amplifies and outputs a sound generating unit that generates a sound having a frequency for measuring the hearing aid wearing threshold and a sound pressure corresponding to the target value of the hearing aid wearing threshold of the hearing aid wearer. The amplifier unit, the presentation unit that presents the output sound, the response unit that can accept operations by the hearing aid wearer, and the response unit that controls each operation of the sound generation unit and the amplifier unit and is presenting the sound. It is equipped with a control unit that controls the setting of the hearing aid according to the reception status of the operation.

Further, the hearing aid fitting method of the present invention includes a presentation step of presenting a sound having a frequency for measuring the hearing aid wearing threshold at a sound pressure according to a target value, and a monitoring step of monitoring the acceptance status of operations performed by the hearing aid wearer. , Includes an adjustment process that automatically adjusts the hearing aid settings according to the acceptance status of the operation.

The hearing aid fitting control program of the present invention includes at least a sound control unit that controls sound generation, output, and sound pressure at a frequency used for measuring the hearing aid wearing threshold, and an operation performed by the hearing aid wearer during sound output. The purpose is to make the computer function as a monitoring unit that monitors the reception status of the computer and a hearing aid control unit that controls the setting of the hearing aid according to the reception status of the operation.

When measuring the hearing aid wearing threshold value (measurement of functional gain) in the sound field in the hearing aid fitting, the hearing aid wearing threshold value is measured using a device such as an audiometer, and based on the result, the hearing aid fitter measures the hearing aid. The gain setting of is adjusted. Then, if the desired wearing threshold is not reached, this procedure is repeated until the desired wearing threshold is reached. Since the measurement is interrupted each time the hearing aid is readjusted, the longer the number of repetitions, the longer the time required for the hearing aid fitting, which puts a heavy burden on both the hearing aid wearer and the hearing aid fitter. In addition, this may lead to an erroneous response (erroneous operation) by the hearing aid wearer to the presented sound or an erroneous adjustment of the hearing aid by the hearing aid fitter, which leads to a vicious circle.

On the other hand, according to the hearing aid fitting system, the hearing aid fitting method, and the hearing aid fitting control program of the present invention, the setting of the hearing aid is automatically set according to the acceptance status of the operation performed by the hearing aid wearer during the presentation (outputting) of the sound. Hearing aid fitting can be made more efficient. Further, since the time required for the hearing aid fitting is shortened, the load on the hearing aid wearer and the hearing aid fitter can be reduced.

Preferably, in the hearing aid fitting system described above, the control unit continuously performs a series of controls relating to sound generation and output and hearing aid setting adjustment for all preselected frequencies for measuring the hearing aid wearing threshold. .. Further, the control unit may repeat a series of controls until the hearing aid wearing threshold reaches a target value.

According to this aspect, a series of controls by the control unit is continuously performed for all frequencies to be measured, and such controls can be repeated until the hearing aid wearing threshold reaches the target value, so that the hearing aid fitting can be repeated. Can be further improved, and the load on the hearing aid wearer and the hearing aid fitter can be further reduced.

More preferably, in the hearing aid fitting system described above, the control unit controls to adjust the setting regarding the acoustic gain of the hearing aid. Further, the control unit controls to adjust the setting related to the acoustic gain within a predetermined range.

According to this aspect, since the setting regarding the acoustic gain of the hearing aid is automatically adjusted according to the measurement of the hearing aid wearing threshold value without human intervention, the hearing aid fitting can be further made more efficient. In addition, since the setting related to the acoustic gain is adjusted within a predetermined range, it is possible to prevent a significantly large value from being set due to some malfunction or abnormality, and it is possible to reliably protect the hearing of the hearing aid wearer. It becomes possible to plan.

More preferably, in the hearing aid fitting system described above, the control unit controls to invalidate the setting related to the function of the hearing aid that may affect the measurement of the hearing aid wearing threshold value during the measurement, in addition to the setting related to the acoustic gain.

According to this aspect, settings related to functions such as noise suppression, directivity, sudden sound suppression, and howling suppression that may affect the measurement of the hearing aid wearing threshold are invalidated during the measurement, so that the hearing aid wearing threshold is set more appropriately. It becomes possible to measure.

Further, preferably, in the above-mentioned hearing aid fitting system, the response unit vibrates as the operation is accepted.

While measuring the hearing aid threshold, the hearing aid wearer often closes his eyes and undergoes an examination to focus on the sound presented, but according to this aspect, the response section vibrates as the operation is accepted. Even if the operation is performed with the eyes closed, the hearing aid wearer can be made aware that the operation has been performed correctly.

More preferably, in the above hearing aid fitting system, when measuring the hearing aid wearing threshold of one ear in a hearing aid wearer who wears the hearing aid in both ears, a masking sound corresponding to the above sound is generated from the non-measured ear hearing aid. Further provided with a masking sound generating unit to be presented, the control unit controls each operation of the sound generating unit, the amplifier unit, the masking sound generating unit, and the setting adjustment of the hearing aid of the measuring ear.

According to this aspect, when the hearing device wearer wears the hearing device in both ears, the sound presented from the presentation unit, that is, the masking sound corresponding to the measurement sound (inspection sound) is the hearing device of the non-measurement ear (non-inspection ear). Since it is output from, it is possible to mask the non-measurement ear from the measurement sound so that the measurement sound cannot be heard, and it is possible to more appropriately measure the hearing aid wearing threshold for the measurement ear (inspection ear). Become.

As described above, according to the present invention, the fitting of the hearing aid can be made more efficient.

It is a block diagram of the environment in which a hearing aid fitting system operates. It is a functional block diagram which shows the structure of a hearing aid fitting system. It is a figure which shows the example of the communication mode between a hearing aid and a control part. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of fitting of a hearing aid. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a pure tone audiometry. It is a figure which shows an example of the audiogram of a pure tone audiometry. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure example of the sound field threshold value measurement processing in an embodiment. It is a figure explaining an example of the function and setting of a hearing aid. It is a figure which shows an example of the audiogram of a sound field threshold measurement. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure example of the sound field wearing threshold value measurement processing in the comparative example. It is a figure which shows the structure of the hearing aid fitting system of the modification 1. FIG. It is a figure which shows the structure of the hearing aid fitting system of the modification 2. It is a figure which shows the structure of the hearing aid fitting system of the modification 3. It is a figure which shows the structure of the hearing aid fitting system of the modification 4.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The following embodiments are preferable examples, and the present invention is not limited to this example.

[Operating environment of hearing aid fitting system]
FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of an environment in which the hearing aid fitting system 100 of one embodiment operates.

The hearing aid fitting system 100 is a system that automatically adjusts the settings of the hearing aid so as to obtain a desired hearing aid wearing threshold. In the process of hearing aid fitting, a pure tone audiometry and a hearing aid wearing threshold measurement are performed on a hearing aid wearer or a prospective wearer (hereinafter referred to as "subject"), but these are all external. It is performed in an anechoic room or a soundproof room that is not easily affected by environmental sounds (hereinafter referred to as "measurement room").

The sound used for inspection or measurement (hereinafter referred to as "inspection sound") is set and output by the audiometer 10 or the hearing aid effect measuring device 12 (hereinafter, these are collectively referred to as "measuring device"). .. Further, when the measurement sound used for measuring the hearing aid wearing threshold value is output from the measuring device 10 (12), it is presented from the speaker 20 arranged in the measuring room. The measuring device is not limited to the audiometer and the hearing aid measuring device, and may be any device capable of outputting the calibrated sound.

When the speaker 20 is used in combination with the measuring device 10 (12), the accuracy in outputting a small sound (sound pressure corresponding to 0 dBHL) to a loud sound (sound pressure corresponding to 90 dBHL or 100 dBHL) at the measurement frequency. (For example, the sound pressure level is stable, the harmonic distortion and noise level are sufficiently small, etc.) are used so that the inspection sound reaches the subject as a free-traveling plane wave. It should be at the same height as the center of the subject's head and placed in front of the subject. Further, it is desirable that the distance from the speaker 20 to the position where the subject sits is about 1 m.

The speaker 20 may be installed in the measurement room or a mobile speaker with casters may be used, but in either case, the speaker 20 is set at a position corresponding to the center of the subject's head. Acoustic calibration of the measuring device 10 (12) is performed in advance so that the sound pressure becomes sound pressure.

The subject wears the hearing aid HA in one or both ears when measuring the hearing aid wearing threshold. In the case of a subject who wears a hearing aid HA in one ear, the ear that does not wear a hearing aid is usually sound-insulated by using an ear muff or an ear plug, but in the case of a subject who wears a hearing aid in both ears, the untested ear The hearing aid may present a masking sound according to the test frequency of the test ear.

In addition, the subject is holding the response device 30. The response device 30 includes a response button 30a that is pressed when an inspection sound is heard, and a light 30b that emits light when the response button 30a is pressed. Since the light 30b emits light when the response button 30a is pressed, the subject can recognize that the operation is correct and can obtain a sense of security that the press is transmitted to the inspector. In addition, since the subject often closes his eyes to undergo the examination in order to concentrate on the examination sound, the subject vibrates as the response button 30a is pressed in addition to the light emission, which causes the subject to undergo the examination. You may be able to recognize that you have operated correctly. However, it is desirable that the vibration does not emit a sound that affects the inspection or measurement and does not affect the frequency of the inspection sound.

The response device 30 is wiredly connected to the measuring device 10 (12), and when the subject presses the response button 30a, this is detected by the computer 40 via the measuring device 10 (12). A wireless response button may be used instead of the wired response button.

The computer 40 is a program for controlling measurement by the measuring device 10 (12) and adjustment of the hearing aid HA on a computer having general functions such as a CPU, RAM, HDD, various I / Fs, and a monitor (hereinafter,). It is called a "control program"). The measuring device 10 (12) is equipped with an interface that can be controlled by an external computer or the like in advance, and by connecting to the computer 40 after making predetermined settings, the measuring device 10 (12) can be controlled. It can be controlled by the computer 40. Further, a communication device 50 is also connected to the computer 40, and the communication device 50 is wirelessly connected to a hearing aid HA equipped with a wireless communication function. During the measurement of the hearing aid wearing threshold value, the computer 40 controls the hearing aid HA to be adjusted according to the state of the response device 30 via the communication device 50.

For communication with the hearing aid, it is also possible to use a communication device by a wired connection instead of the communication device 50. The mode of communication with the hearing aid will be further described later.

[Hearing aid fitting system configuration]
FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram showing the configuration of the hearing aid fitting system 100.

The hearing aid fitting system 100 includes, for example, a sound generation unit 1, an amplifier unit 2, a presentation unit 3, a response unit 4, a control unit 5, a hearing aid communication unit 6, and the like.

The sound generation unit 1 sets the frequency of the inspection sound according to the instruction of the control unit 5, and electrically generates the inspection sound. The amplifier unit 2 amplifies the inspection sound generated by the sound generation unit 1 to the sound pressure as instructed by the control unit 5 and outputs it. The presentation unit 3 presents the inspection sound output from the amplifier unit 2. The response unit 4 receives a response to the inspection sound by the subject and transmits a signal to that effect to the control unit 5. The control unit 5 controls the frequency setting and generation of the inspection sound by the sound generation unit 1 and the amplification and output of the inspection sound by the amplifier unit 2, and a predetermined algorithm depending on the presence or absence of a signal input from the response unit 4. Controls the adjustment of the internal settings of the hearing aid HA based on. The hearing aid communication unit 6 controls communication between the control unit 5 and the hearing aid HA, transmits a control signal from the control unit 5 to the hearing aid HA, and controls signals such as data information from the setting storage unit of the hearing aid HA. It is transmitted to the part 5.

The calibration value considered at the time of output of the inspection sound is obtained for each frequency in the acoustic calibration performed in advance, and is held in the amplifier unit 2. Then, when the amplifier unit 2 sets the sound pressure corresponding to the wearing threshold value of a certain frequency, the calibration value at the frequency is applied, and the amplifier unit 2 amplifies the sound pressure to the calibrated sound pressure. The calibration value may be held in the control unit 5 and sent from the control unit 5 to the amplifier unit 2.

In the present embodiment, the sound generation unit 1 and the amplifier unit 2 are provided in the measuring device 10 (12), the presentation unit 3 is provided in the speaker 20, and the response unit 4 is provided in the response device 30. The control unit 5 (control program) is provided in the computer 40, and the hearing aid communication unit 6 is provided in the communication device 50.

Since the response device 30 is connected to the measurement device 10 (12), the signal input from the response unit 4 (response device 30) to the control unit 5 (computer 40) is accurately performed by the measurement device 10 (12). ), But the illustration is omitted in FIG. 2 for convenience. Further, the control unit 5 and the hearing aid communication unit 6 may be mounted in the measuring device (in that case, the computer 40 and the communication device 50 are unnecessary). The details of the processing executed by the control unit 5 will be described in detail later with reference to another drawing.

[Example of communication mode with hearing aid]
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a communication mode between the hearing aid and the control unit 5 (computer 40), and shows three modes using a communication device generally used in the hearing aid industry.

FIG. 3 (A): Communication mode 1 is shown. In this embodiment, the computer 40 and the communication device 50 are connected by wire with a USB cable or the like, and the communication device 50 and the hearing aid are wirelessly connected. In commercial communication equipment, Noahlink Wireless corresponds to communication mode 1.

In FIG. 3 (B): Communication mode 2 is shown. In this embodiment, the communication device 52 is divided into a communication dongle 52a and a main body 52b, the communication dongle 52a is connected to the computer 40 by USB, and the main body 52b is wiredly connected to the hearing aid by a CS cable or the like to connect with the communication dongle 52a. The main body 52b is wirelessly connected. In commercial communication equipment, NOAHlink (registered trademark) corresponds to communication mode 2.

FIG. 3 (C): Communication mode 3 is shown. In this embodiment, the communication device 54 is connected to the computer 40 by wire with a USB cable or the like, and is also connected to the hearing aid by wire with a CS cable or the like. In commercial communication equipment, HI-PRO corresponds to communication mode 3.

For the subject, the fewer devices that are directly or indirectly connected to the hearing aid by wire, the more comfortable it feels. Comparing the above three communication modes, the degree of comfort is as follows: communication mode 1> communication mode 2>. It becomes smaller in the order of communication mode 3. Although the communication mode 1 is the most comfortable for the subject, its use is possible only when the hearing aid is equipped with a wireless communication function.

In addition, instead of the above-mentioned commercial communication device, a unique communication device may be used to communicate with the hearing aid. Further, when the computer 40 is equipped with a wireless communication function compatible with WiFi (registered trademark), Bluetooth (registered trademark), etc., communication with the hearing aid may be performed according to each communication protocol. However, a device such as a wireless chip or an antenna mounted for wireless communication may be used to communicate with the hearing aid by a unique control protocol. In such a configuration, since the computer 40 also serves as a communication device (the computer 40 is provided with the hearing aid communication unit 6), an independent communication device becomes unnecessary.

[Hearing aid fitting]
FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the flow of fitting the hearing aid.
In FIG. 4, the procedure normally performed is shown by enclosing it in a solid line frame, and the procedure performed according to the situation is shown by enclosing it in a broken line frame. Hereinafter, the explanation will be given along the flow.

Step S10: First, a pure tone hearing test is performed. The pure tone audiometry is a test that uses pure tones to determine how quiet a sound can be heard.

Step S20: If necessary, a pure tone hearing test is followed by a speech hearing test. The speech audiometry is a test that examines the ability to hear and distinguish words.

In the pure tone hearing test and the speech hearing test, air conduction hearing and bone conduction hearing are tested. In the air conduction hearing test, sound is output from the air conduction handset, and in the bone conduction hearing test, the vibrator of the bone conduction handset is vibrated, and the hearing ability of the subject's bare ear is measured. The pure tone audiometry will be described later.

Step S30: Next, the gain setting of the hearing aid and the like are adjusted according to the result of the hearing test.

Step S40: Then, the sound field wearing threshold measurement (measurement of the hearing aid wearing threshold in the sound field) is performed. The sound field wearing threshold measurement measures the hearing ability in the sound field while wearing a hearing aid, and the inspection sound is emitted from the speaker. Then, the hearing aid is readjusted according to the result of the sound field wearing threshold measurement. In this embodiment, the threshold measurement for wearing the sound field and the readjustment of the hearing aid are automatically performed in parallel at the same time. The sound field wearing threshold measurement will be described in detail later with reference to another flowchart.

Step S50: After finishing the sound field wearing threshold measurement, if necessary, a sound field speech audiometry is performed. The sound field speech audiometry is a test for examining the ability to hear words in the sound field, and the test sound (word) is emitted from the speaker in the same manner as the sound field wearing threshold measurement.

After completing the above procedure, the fitting of the hearing aid is completed.

The hearing aid fitter that adjusts the hearing aid is usually the same person as the person who performs the inspection or measurement (hereinafter referred to as the "inspector"), and is responsible for all the procedures for hearing aid fitting, but some procedures. May be carried by another person. For example, in hearing aid fitting in a medical institution, the hearing aid may be adjusted by a speech therapist, while examinations and measurements may be performed by a clinical inspector.

[Pure tone hearing test]
FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the flow of a pure tone audiometry.

In Japan, the sound pressure, frequency, accuracy, etc. used in the pure tone audiometry are specified in JIS T1201-1, and the pure tone audiometry is carried out in accordance with this specification. In the pure tone hearing test, after the air conduction hearing test, the bone conduction hearing test is performed as needed. In addition, each test is performed for each ear, for example, in the order of right ear → left ear. That is, when both air conduction hearing and bone conduction hearing tests are performed, for example, air conduction hearing in the right ear → air conduction hearing in the left ear → bone conduction hearing in the right ear → bone conduction hearing in the left ear. Inspections will be carried out in order.

The flowchart illustrated in FIG. 5 represents an example of the order of frequencies measured in each inspection. In JIS T1201-1, 11 frequencies of 125 Hz to 8 kHz are specified. Of these, the frequencies normally measured are shown by enclosing them in a solid line frame, and the frequencies measured according to the situation are shown by enclosing them in a broken line frame. ing. The flow of examining the air conduction hearing of the right ear will be described below.

Step S100: First, the frequency is set to 1 kHz, and the sound pressure is gradually increased (for example, by 5 dB) from a small sound pressure. The subject presses the response button when he / she hears the inspection sound from the air conduction handset (hereinafter, such a method is referred to as "ascending method"). When the response button is pressed, the sound pressure is once lowered by 20 dB and then gradually increased again, and the subject presses the response button again when the test sound is heard. After confirming the subject's response three times, set a threshold at 1 kHz. The determined threshold value is recorded in an audiogram.

Steps S102 to S112: Subsequently, the frequency is increased by one octave, the response of the subject is confirmed for each frequency of 2 kHz, 4 kHz, and 8 kHz by the same procedure as in step S100, and the threshold value at each frequency is determined. If necessary, a required frequency may be selected from 1.5 kHz, 3 kHz, and 6 kHz for further confirmation.

Step S114: After confirming up to 8 kHz, the process returns to 1 kHz. It should be noted that the 1 kHz may be confirmed again here, or the frequency may be shifted to the next frequency without confirmation.

Steps S116 to S122: This time, the frequency is lowered by one octave, the response of the subject is confirmed for 500 Hz, 250 Hz, and 125 Hz by the same procedure as in step S100, and the threshold value at each frequency is determined. If necessary, 750 Hz may be confirmed.

After completing the above procedure, the air conduction hearing test of the right ear is completed, and then the air conduction hearing test of the left ear is performed in the same flow as that of the right ear. The non-inspected ear is usually insulated by using earmuffs or earplugs, but a masking sound may be output from the handset on the non-inspected ear side. However, if the hearing of the untested ear is significantly lower than the hearing of the tested ear, sound insulation may not be achieved.

The frequency order described above is merely an example, and is not limited thereto. For example, the frequency surrounded by the solid line frame may be checked first, and if the result determines that it is necessary, one of the frequencies surrounded by the broken line frame may be checked. Further, if necessary, the measurement frequency may be added or deleted. In the bone conduction hearing test, the confirmation at 8 kHz and 125 Hz is not performed in consideration of the accuracy of the bone conduction oscillator and the importance of the frequency.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of an audiogram of a pure tone audiometry.

In the illustrated example, test results for both air-conducted hearing and bone-conducted hearing are recorded. In the table, "○" indicates the air conduction hearing of the right ear, "×" indicates the air conduction hearing of the left ear, "[" indicates the bone conduction hearing of the right ear, and "]. "Indicates the bone conduction hearing of the left ear. From this audiogram, it can be seen that the average hearing level of the subject is 45.0 dB for the right ear and 21.7 dB for the left ear by the trisection method, and the hearing level of the right ear is lower than that of the left ear.

Based on the results of such a pure tone audiometry, the hearing aid fitter sets the target value (target level) of the hearing aid wearing threshold value at each frequency and the gain of the hearing aid to be encouraged. The recommended hearing aid gain is calculated using an appropriate formula selected from a variety of formulas, including the half-gain method and the NAL-NL1 method. Then, in order to hear the target level sound, the gain setting recommended for the hearing aid is first performed (step S30 in FIG. 4), and then the sound field wearing threshold measurement and the hearing aid are readjusted. It becomes.

In this embodiment, the gain setting value of the hearing aid set first is encouraged in consideration of hearing protection when the gain setting is erroneously set to a large value and the measurement of the threshold value by the ascending method. It is preferable to set the gain lower than the gain setting. For example, the gain setting value initially set is preferably a value about 3 to 7 dB lower than the recommended gain setting. This is because it may be possible to hear the target level sound with a gain smaller than the set gain. However, the lower the initially set gain setting value (for example, 10 dB lower value), the lower the risk associated with the setting, but the longer the measurement time, so the range and measurement time to be reduced compared to the recommended gain setting. It is necessary to make the setting in consideration of an appropriate balance with.

[Sound field wearing threshold measurement processing]
FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a procedure example of the sound field threshold measurement process in the present embodiment.

The sound field threshold value measurement process is a process in which the gain adjustment of the hearing aid is executed without human intervention by the cooperation of the functional units 1 to 6 constituting the hearing aid fitting system 100 so as to obtain the desired hearing aid wearing threshold value. The execution of the process is controlled by the control unit 5 (control program implemented in the computer 40). Hereinafter, a procedure example will be described.

Step S200: The control unit 5 causes the sound generation unit 1 to set the measurement frequency (sound control unit). The frequency measured in the sound field threshold measurement process is basically the same as in the above-mentioned pure tone threshold test (FIG. 4). For example, at the first execution of the step, the sound generation unit 1 sets the measurement frequency to "1 kHz".

Step S202: The control unit 5 causes the amplifier unit 2 to set the sound pressure according to the target level at the measurement frequency based on the calibration value (sound control unit).

Step S203: The control unit 5 starts outputting the inspection sound (sound control unit). Specifically, the control unit 5 generates the inspection sound of the measurement frequency in the sound generation unit 1, and the amplifier unit 2 amplifies the inspection sound to the set sound pressure and outputs it. As a result, the inspection sound is presented by the presentation unit 3.

Step S204: The control unit 5 confirms whether or not the response button has been pressed (monitoring unit). The control unit 5 monitors the state of the response button, that is, the presence or absence of a signal input from the response unit 4, and if there is a signal input, it can detect that the response button has been pressed. If the response button is not pressed as a result of the confirmation (step S204: No), the control unit 5 executes step S205.

On the other hand, when the response button is pressed (step S204: Yes), the control unit 5 executes step S207, assuming that the current gain setting is appropriate. It should be noted that step S203 and step S204 may be repeated a plurality of times, and after confirming that the response button has been pressed by a majority, the process proceeds to step S207, and the process may proceed to step S205 by a majority or less.

Step S205: The control unit 5 confirms whether or not the predetermined time has elapsed (monitoring unit). If the predetermined time has not yet elapsed (step S205: No), the control unit 5 returns to step S204. On the other hand, when the predetermined time has elapsed (step S205: Yes), the control unit 5 determines that the current gain setting is inappropriate and executes step S206. Regarding the setting of the predetermined time, it is preferable to set the time required for the sound to be presented, the subject to recognize the sound, and to operate the response button. It is preferable that the control unit 5 can change the setting of a predetermined time. An example of a predetermined time is about 2 seconds. However, it is expected that it will take time due to sound recognition and button operation reaction due to aging. In such a case, it is preferable to set it to about 3 to 4 seconds. On the other hand, if the predetermined time becomes too long, the overall measurement time becomes long, and it is expected that the time burden on the subject and the inspector will increase. Therefore, consider the balance between the burden and the accuracy of the reaction. It is preferable to set it appropriately.

Step S206: The control unit 5 adjusts the gain setting of the hearing aid according to a predetermined algorithm (hearing aid control unit). For example, the control unit 5 updates the gain setting stored in the internal memory of the hearing aid by one step through the hearing aid communication unit 6. The functions of the hearing aid and the setting values corresponding to those functions will be described later with reference to another drawing.

Step S207: The control unit 5 causes the amplifier unit 2 to stop the output of the inspection sound (sound control unit). As a result, the inspection sound is not presented by the presentation unit 3.

Step S208: The control unit 5 confirms whether or not an unmeasured frequency remains (sound control unit). Specifically, the control unit 5 returns to step S200 when a frequency that has not yet been measured remains among the frequencies to be measured by the sound field wearing threshold value (step S208: Yes), and the remaining frequencies are returned to step S200. The procedure of steps S200 to S207 is repeated for the frequency. For example, when the frequency to be measured is 7 frequencies of 1 kHz, 2 kHz, 4 kHz, 8 kHz, 500 Hz, 250 Hz, and 125 Hz, the procedures of steps S200 to S207 are executed for each of these 7 frequencies.

On the other hand, when there is no unmeasured frequency remaining, that is, when the measurement for all the frequencies to be measured is completed (step S208: No), the sound field wearing threshold measurement process is completed.

As described above, in the sound field threshold measurement process of the present embodiment, the inspection sound with the sound pressure of the target level is presented at each frequency, and if there is a response from the subject (if the response button is pressed). ), Assuming that the gain setting is appropriate, move on to the next frequency measurement. On the other hand, if there is no response from the subject within the specified time (if the response button is not pressed), the gain setting is considered inappropriate, and the gain setting of the hearing aid is increased to give the subject a response again. Check and repeat this procedure until you have the proper gain settings. Therefore, according to the sound field threshold value measurement process, the gain setting of the hearing aid for all frequencies progresses automatically, and at the same time, the hearing aid wearing threshold value is also obtained.

The sound field threshold measurement process may be terminated once all frequencies to be measured are measured once, or the sound field may be terminated again for all frequencies or only frequencies that require confirmation for confirmation. The threshold measurement process may be executed. If it is necessary to reconfigure the hearing aid based on the measurement results, it will be carried out as appropriate.

The above procedure example is merely an example, and is not limited to this. For example, it is possible to configure the above series of steps to be repeated until the hearing aid gain setting reaches the desired sound field threshold, but the execution may be repeated endlessly due to an unexpected situation. In order to avoid this, it is preferable to configure the execution to be terminated at a predetermined number of times.

In addition, the frequency targeted for sound field wearing threshold measurement is basically the same as the frequency in pure sound audiometry, but it can be measured more finely by adding a frequency according to the specifications of the gain adjustment of the hearing aid. It may be configured, or for specific frequencies (eg, 125 Hz and 8 kHz in the case of a hearing device that does not have a gain adjustment point corresponding to 125 Hz or 8 kHz), the sound field wearing threshold measurement process does not perform measurement. , Exclude from the sound field wearing threshold measurement, or, as in the case of pure sound audiometry, gradually increase the test sound pressure and measure the sound field wearing threshold according to the response by the subject. May be configured so that can be selected in advance.

How finely the measurement of the wearing threshold value and the readjustment of the hearing aid are repeated depends on the fineness of the gain setting of the hearing aid, the degree of overlap of the filter banks, and the like. For example, by making a measurement at 1 kHz and adjusting the gain setting, and then making a measurement at 2 kHz and adjusting the gain setting, the 2 kHz gain setting drags the effect on the 1 kHz acoustic gain. In that case, the confirmation at 1 kHz may be performed again, and if the desired state is not obtained, the measurement of the wearing threshold value and the readjustment of the hearing aid may be controlled to be performed again.

In the above procedure example, the gain setting of the hearing aid is increased when the response button is pressed, but in addition to this, when the response button is continuously pressed for a predetermined time, the hearing aid is used. It may be controlled to lower the gain setting. Further, a range (upper limit value and lower limit value of the gain setting) that enables the gain setting may be defined, and control may be performed to raise or lower the gain setting within the range. In such a configuration, if the upper limit value or the lower limit value has been reached by control but has not converged to the target level, a notification to that effect may be displayed as an alert on the screen of the computer 40.

Further, in the above procedure example, only the gain adjustment of the hearing aid is controlled, but the set value other than the gain may also be controlled. For example, it is configured to control the settings for the noise suppression function, directivity function, sudden sound suppression function, howling suppression function, etc. that may affect the sound field wearing threshold measurement, and these functions are turned off before the measurement starts. , You may control to return to the original setting again after the measurement is completed. Alternatively, if the incentive settings for those functions differ from the original settings due to the results of the gain settings, control may be made to set each setting to an appropriate value based on the gain setting value based on the measurement.

In the case of a subject who wears a hearing aid in both ears, a masking sound is presented from the hearing aid of the non-tested ear according to the test frequency of the test ear, but such control may be performed based on a predetermined algorithm. .. For example, when measuring 1 kHz with the test ear, even if the hearing aid of the non-test ear is controlled to present band noise corresponding to 1 kHz at an appropriate sound pressure according to the hearing level of the non-test ear. good.

[Functions and settings of hearing aids]
FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of the function and setting of the hearing aid.

Currently, many hearing aids are equipped with a DSP (Digital Signal Processor). In such a hearing aid, various settings related to sound quality and volume adjustment are stored in the internal memory, and the sound quality and volume of the hearing aid are adjusted by performing digital signal processing based on these settings.

FIG. 8A: is a functional block diagram relating to digital signal processing in a hearing aid. The sound input to this hearing aid is converted into an electric signal by two microphones, further converted into a digital signal by an A / D converter, and then various functions implemented in the DSP by digital signal processing are applied to obtain sound quality. After the volume is adjusted, the digital signal is converted into an electric signal by the D / A converter, and finally converted into sound by the earphone and output.

As shown in the figure, this hearing aid has an acoustic gain adjustment function (Band1-10) for each frequency band divided by a filter bank, an acoustic compression processing function (CH1-4: AGC-i), and an output limiting function (CH1-4: AGC-i). CH1-10: AGC-o) and the like are installed, and the sound quality and volume are adjusted by these functions. In addition, a directivity function, a noise suppression function (NR), a sudden sound suppression function (PNS), and a howling suppression function (AFBC) are installed.

FIG. 8 (B): It is a figure which shows an example of the setting corresponding to each function. As a setting for each function shown in FIG. 8 (A), for example, the sound gain (Band Gain) of Band 4 (1 kHz) is set to “12” in 32 steps, and the sound of Band 5 (1.5 kHz) is set. The gain is set to "13" out of 32 steps. These settings are represented by tables, graphs, etc. using decimal notation settings as shown in FIG. 8 (B) so that humans can easily understand them on the monitor of the computer that fits the hearing aid. Will be done.

On the other hand, in the internal memory of the hearing aid, the binary value corresponding to the value corresponding to each set value, specifically, the binary value corresponding to the value indicating the stage of each set value within the set range is stored and concatenated. It is stored as a character string in which "0" and "1" are enumerated. For example, the set value "12" of the acoustic gain of Band 4 (1 kHz) is stored as "01101" in the memory, and the set value "13" of the acoustic gain of Band 5 (1.5 kHz) is stored in the memory as "01101". It is stored as "01110". Each setting value can be referred to or updated by specifying the address on the stored memory.

Consider the case of fitting using such a hearing aid. For example, for 1 kHz, the acoustic gain is calculated from the hearing level of the subject and the prescription formula, and when the initial setting value of the acoustic gain is calculated as "12", the hearing aid in the stage before the sound field wearing threshold measurement is performed. In the adjustment (step S30 in FIG. 4), the sound field wearing threshold measurement process (FIG. 7) is executed after setting the acoustic gain of 1 kHz to “12”.

In the sound field wearing threshold measurement process, when the target level at 1 kHz is 35 dBHL, first, the measurement frequency is set to "1 kHz" in the sound generation unit 1, the inspection sound is generated, and the target in the amplifier unit 2. A sound pressure corresponding to the level "35 dBHL" is set, and the inspection sound is amplified by the sound pressure (steps S200 to S203 in FIG. 7), whereby the inspection sound is presented by the presentation unit 3. After that, if the response button is not pressed by the subject even after the lapse of a predetermined time (step S205: Yes in FIG. 7), the control unit 5 controls to raise the gain setting of the hearing aid by one step, that is, the set value is set to ". Control is performed to raise the value from "12" to "13" (step S206 in FIG. 7), and the set value stored in the memory changes from "01101" corresponding to "12" to "01110" corresponding to "13". Will be updated. If the response button is not pressed even after a lapse of a predetermined time, the control unit 5 controls to raise the gain setting of the hearing aid by one step, that is, to raise the set value from "13" to "14", and the memory is used. The setting value stored above is updated from "01110" corresponding to "13" to "01111" corresponding to "14". After that, if the response button is not pressed, the same control is repeated. On the other hand, if the response button is pressed, it is assumed that the current set value is appropriate, and the measurement proceeds to the next frequency (step S208: Yes in FIG. 7). The gain setting adjusted at one time is not limited to one step. For example, if the acoustic gain that changes by changing the gain setting by one step is equivalent to 0.5 dB, adjust two steps (equivalent to 1.0 dB) or three steps (equivalent to 1.5 dB) at once. You may build an algorithm. More specifically, in step S206 in FIG. 7, control may be performed to raise the set value from "12" to "14" by one adjustment.

The 2.5 kHz of Band 7 in this hearing aid is a frequency that is not normally measured in a pure tone audiometry, but such a frequency may be measured by a sound field wearing threshold measurement process or is close to it. The acoustic gain may be set by taking an average value based on the measurement results of 2 kHz and 3 kHz, or by weighting according to a predetermined method. At this time, the range of the frequency to be referred to may be further expanded to consider 1.5 kHz, 4 kHz, or the like.

On the other hand, 1.5 kHz of Band 5 in this hearing aid is a frequency included in the measurement candidates of the pure tone audiometry, but even if it is such a frequency, if the simplification of the measurement is prioritized, the sound is dared. The acoustic gain may be set based on the measurement results of the adjacent 1 kHz and 2 kHz without being the measurement target of the field wearing threshold measurement process. At this time, the range of the frequency to be referred to may be further expanded to consider 500 Hz, 4 kHz, or the like.

By the way, the communication method between the control unit 5 and the hearing aid depends on the specifications of the hearing aid. For example, in the case of a method of changing the data in the memory in block units, the entire block data including the set value data to be changed is transmitted and changed via the hearing aid communication unit 6. Further, for example, in the case of a method in which the data in the memory can be changed in bit units, only the set value bit to be changed is transmitted and changed via the hearing aid communication unit 6. In any case, the control unit 5 controls the set value of the hearing aid based on the predetermined algorithm through the hearing aid communication unit 6 by the communication method according to the specifications of the hearing aid.

The setting of the hearing aid shown in FIG. 8 is given as an example only. The functions installed in the hearing aid vary depending on the model, and the settings corresponding to those functions are stored. Further, the mode of dividing the frequency band may also differ depending on the model.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an audiogram of sound field threshold measurement.

In the table, "△" indicates the threshold value when the hearing aid is not worn (sound is heard when the hearing aid is not worn), and "▲" indicates the threshold value when the hearing aid is worn (when the hearing aid is worn). (Hearing of the sound) is shown. The audiogram exemplified in FIG. 9 is that of a subject different from the audiogram of the pure tone audiometry illustrated in FIG.

By executing the sound field wearing threshold measurement process of the present embodiment, the sound field wearing threshold measurement and the readjustment of the acoustic gain of the hearing aid can be automatically advanced, and all the measurements performed after the initial setting of the acoustic gain of the hearing aid are performed. It is possible to complete a series of processing for frequency without human intervention.

[Comparative example: Sound field wearing threshold measurement processing]
FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a procedure example of a general sound field wearing threshold measurement process including automation as a comparative example, and shows a flow of a conventional general sound field wearing threshold measurement. In addition, in FIG. 10, a procedure involving human intervention is shown surrounded by a double line frame. In some cases, all the procedures are performed manually, and they are still widely practiced. Hereinafter, a procedure example will be described.

Step S300: The measurement frequency is set by the audiometer (or the hearing aid effect measuring device). For example, in the first measurement, the measurement frequency is set to "1 kHz".

Step S302: In the audiometer (or the hearing aid effect measuring device), the sound pressure corresponding to the target level at the measurement frequency is set based on the calibration value.

Step S303: The output of the inspection sound by the measurement frequency and sound pressure set by the audiometer (or the hearing aid effect measuring device) is started. As a result, the inspection sound is presented from the speaker.

Step S304: The audiometer (or the hearing aid effect measuring device) confirms whether or not the response button is pressed. If the response button is not pressed as a result of the confirmation (step S304: No), step S305 is executed.

On the other hand, when the response button is pressed (step S304: Yes), step S307 is executed. In some cases, the measurement sound is presented a plurality of times, and after confirming that the response button has been pressed by a majority, the process proceeds to step S307.

Step S305: The audiometer (or the hearing aid effect measuring device) confirms whether or not the predetermined time has elapsed. If the predetermined time has not yet elapsed (step S305: No), the process returns to step S304. On the other hand, when the predetermined time has elapsed (step S305: Yes), the process proceeds to step S306.

Step S306: The hearing aid fitter determines that the current gain setting of the hearing aid is inappropriate.

Step S307: The output of the test sound is stopped by the audiometer (or the hearing aid effect measuring device). As a result, the inspection sound is not presented from the speaker.

Step S308: The audiometer (or hearing aid effect measuring device) confirms whether or not unmeasured frequencies remain. As a result of the confirmation, if an unmeasured frequency remains (step S308: Yes), the process returns to step S300, and the procedure of steps S300 to S307 is repeated for the remaining frequency.

On the other hand, when there is no unmeasured frequency remaining, that is, when the measurement for all the frequencies to be measured is completed (step S308: No), the process proceeds to step S310.

Step S310: The hearing aid fitter checks for frequencies with improper gain settings. The hearing aid fitter can confirm the presence or absence of frequencies with inappropriate gain settings by referring to the record of the determination made in step S306 above. As a result of the confirmation, if there is a frequency for which the gain setting is inappropriate (step S310: Yes), the process proceeds to step S312. On the other hand, when there is no frequency for which the gain setting is inappropriate, that is, when the gain setting for all frequencies is appropriate (step S310: No), the sound field wearing threshold measurement process ends.

Step S312: The hearing aid fitter readjusts the hearing aid. Specifically, the hearing aid fitter sets the acoustic gain for a frequency determined to be inappropriate for the gain setting.

Step S314: The hearing aid fitter selects the frequency to be remeasured. Specifically, the hearing aid fitter lists the frequencies whose gain settings have been readjusted in the previous step S312 and sets them in the audiometer (or hearing aid effect measuring device).

After that, the process returns to step S300, and steps S300 to S308 are repeatedly executed for the frequency to be remeasured. Then, such a series of processes will be repeated until the gain settings for all frequencies are appropriate.

In this way, in the sound field wearing threshold measurement process of the comparative example, the hearing aid fitter determines whether or not the gain setting of the hearing aid is inappropriate, and the hearing aid fitter readjusts the gain setting for that frequency. , The measurement is interrupted each time, so it is very inefficient. In addition, if the measurement time is lengthened due to interruption, a decrease in concentration is unavoidable, and the subject may give an erroneous response to the presented test sound, and the hearing aid fitter may be a hearing aid. There is a possibility that the wrong gain setting will be made. As described above, the sound field wearing threshold measurement process of the comparative example imposes a load on both the hearing aid fitter and the subject. The more times the hearing aid is interrupted and readjusted, the greater the mental and physical burden.

On the other hand, according to the sound field wearing threshold measurement process (FIG. 7) of the above-described embodiment, the sound field wearing threshold measurement for all frequencies and the readjustment of the gain setting of the hearing aid are automatically performed without going through the hearing aid fitter. Therefore, it is possible to efficiently measure the threshold value for wearing the sound field and readjust the hearing aid. As a result, the measurement time is shortened, so that the load on the subject and the hearing aid fitter can be reduced. Therefore, it is possible to suppress an erroneous response to the inspection sound by the subject and erroneous adjustment of the hearing aid by the hearing aid fitter, and it is possible to contribute to the reduction of the readjustment rate of the hearing aid.

[Modification 1]
FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a modification 1 (hearing aid fitting system 102) of the above-described embodiment.

In the first modification, in addition to the sound generation unit 1 and the amplifier unit 2, the presentation unit 5 (control program) is provided in the measuring device 60 (62), and the presentation unit 3 is provided in the speaker 20. The response unit 4 is provided in the response device 30, and the hearing aid communication unit 6 is provided in the communication device 50. That is, the modification 1 is different from the above-described embodiment in that the presentation unit 5 (control program) is provided in the measuring device 60 (62) and a computer is not required.

[Modification 2]
FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a modification 2 (hearing aid fitting system 104) of the above-described embodiment.

In the second modification, the sound generation unit 1 and the control unit 5 (control program) are provided in the computer 70, the amplifier unit 2 is provided in the amplifier 80, and the presentation unit 3 is provided in the speaker 20. The response unit 4 is provided in the response device 30, and the hearing aid communication unit 6 is provided in the communication device 50. That is, the second modification is the same as the above-described embodiment in that the sound generation unit 1 is provided in the computer 70 and the amplifier unit 2 is provided in the amplifier 80, and an audiometer (or a hearing aid effect measuring device) is not required. It's different.

In the second modification, the inspection sound is generated by the computer 70, but the amplifier 80 is separately used because the sound pressure cannot be output sufficiently for the measurement. The amplifier 80 is not limited to a dedicated amplification device, and if it has sufficient performance for measurement (requirements such as stability of inspection sound frequency and output sound pressure, noise level and small harmonic distortion). (If it meets). For example, an audio amplifier or the like capable of appropriately controlling the sound pressure from the computer 70 may be used.

[Modification 3]
FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a modification 3 (hearing aid fitting system 106) of the above-described embodiment.

In the third modification, the sound generation unit 1, the control unit 5 (control program), and the hearing aid communication unit 6 are provided in the tablet terminal 90, the amplifier unit 2 is provided in the amplifier 80, and the presentation unit 3 is a speaker. The response unit 4 is provided in the wireless response device 32.

Generally, the tablet terminal is equipped with a wireless communication function compatible with WiFi, Bluetooth, and the like. In the third modification, the wireless communication function mounted on the tablet terminal 90 is used, and the communication with the amplifier unit 2, the communication with the response unit 3, and the communication with the hearing aid HA are all wireless communication. It is done in. That is, in the third modification, since the tablet terminal 90 also serves as a communication device, an independent communication device becomes unnecessary.

[Modification 4]
FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a modification 4 (hearing aid fitting system 108) of the above-described embodiment.

In the modified example 4, the sound generation unit 1, the response unit 4, the control unit 5 (control program), and the hearing aid communication unit 6 are provided in the tablet terminal 92, and the amplifier unit 2 is provided in the amplifier 80. The unit 3 is provided in the speaker 20.

A response button is displayed on the screen of the tablet terminal 92. The subject holds the tablet terminal 92 during the measurement, and when he / she hears the inspection sound, he / she responds by tapping the response button on the screen. That is, in the modified example 4, since the tablet terminal 92 also serves as a response button, an independent response device becomes unnecessary.

The tablet terminal 92 may vibrate the vibrator as the response button is tapped. As the vibrator, one installed in the tablet terminal 92 in advance may be used, or if it is not installed, the vibrator may be separately installed and used.

Modification 4 is an embodiment assuming that the tablet terminal 92 is operated by the subject from the start to the end of the measurement. Therefore, for example, one examiner (hearing aid fitter) can simultaneously take charge of a plurality of examinees in different measurement rooms and perform measurement.

A remote controller for controlling the tablet 92 may be separately provided in case of an emergency. According to such a configuration, for example, when the tablet terminal 92 malfunctions and an unexpectedly loud sound is presented, the examiner (hearing aid fitter) operates the remote controller from the outside of the measurement room. By controlling the tablet 92, it is possible to take measures such as interrupting or forcibly terminating the measurement, or forcibly cutting off the output from the amplifier unit 3.

[Superiority of the present invention]
As described above, according to the above-described embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.

(1) In order to continuously and automatically proceed with sound field wearing threshold measurement and hearing aid adjustment including control of inspection sound for all frequencies to be measured, sound field wearing threshold measurement and hearing aid adjustment, and eventually hearing aid fitting. Work can be streamlined.

(2) Since the work of sound field wearing threshold measurement and hearing aid adjustment is streamlined, the time required for hearing aid fitting can be shortened compared to the past, and hearing aid wearers (subjects) and hearing aid fitters (inspectors) can be shortened. It is possible to reduce the burden on the patient and the time constraint.

(3) Since the burden on the hearing aid wearer and the hearing aid fitter is reduced, it is possible to suppress erroneous response to the inspection sound by the hearing aid wearer and erroneous adjustment of the hearing aid by the hearing aid fitter, and the readjustment rate of the hearing aid is reduced. It becomes possible to contribute to.

(4) Since the hearing aid fitting work is streamlined and the required time is shortened, it is possible to reduce the treatment and customer service time per customer of the hearing aid fitter, and it is possible to handle more customers.

The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and can be variously modified and implemented in addition to the modified examples 1 to 4.

For example, the mode of automatically controlling the measurement (inspection) and the hearing aid adjustment in the above-described embodiment can be applied to the scene of the sound field speech hearing test. For example, when a hearing aid wearer is subjected to a sound field speech hearing test and the results are significantly different from the results of a recent speech hearing test, it is suspected that the hearing aid gain setting is not appropriate. In such a case, instead of the threshold measurement in the above-described embodiment, the speech audiometry is performed based on an algorithm that automatically performs the speech audiometry (for example, Japanese Patent Application No. 2020-015001), and at the same time, the gain of the hearing aid is set. May be controlled to automatically adjust.

In addition, the configurations and numerical values given in the process of explaining the hearing aid wearing threshold adjustment system 100, 102, 104, 106, 108 are merely examples, and it goes without saying that they can be appropriately modified when the present invention is carried out.

1 Sound generator (presentation process)
2 Amplifier section (presentation process)
3 Presentation section (presentation process)
4 Response unit 5 Control unit (monitoring process, sound control unit, monitoring unit, hearing aid control unit)
6 Hearing Aid Communication Unit 10 Audiometer 12 Hearing Aid Effect Measuring Device 20 Speaker 30 Response Device 40 Computer 50 Communication Equipment 80 Amplifier 90 Tablet Terminal 100 Hearing Aid Fitting System

Claims (11)

A sound generator that generates sound with a frequency that measures the hearing aid wearing threshold,
An amplifier unit that amplifies and outputs the sound to a sound pressure corresponding to the target value of the hearing aid wearing threshold value of the hearing aid wearer, and
A presentation unit that presents the output sound, and
A response unit that can accept operations by hearing aid wearers,
It is provided with a control unit that controls each operation of the sound generation unit and the amplifier unit, and controls the setting of the hearing aid according to the acceptance status of the operation in the response unit during the presentation of the sound. Hearing aid fitting system. In the hearing aid fitting system according to claim 1,
The control unit
A hearing aid fitting system comprising continuously performing a series of controls relating to the generation and output of the sound and the setting adjustment of the hearing aid for all preselected frequencies for measuring the hearing aid wearing threshold. In the hearing aid fitting system according to claim 2,
The control unit
A hearing aid fitting system characterized in that the series of controls can be repeated until the hearing aid wearing threshold reaches the target value. In the hearing aid fitting system according to any one of claims 1 to 3.
The control unit
A hearing aid fitting system that provides control to adjust settings for the acoustic gain of a hearing aid. In the hearing aid fitting system according to claim 4,
The control unit
A hearing aid fitting system characterized by performing control for adjusting the setting related to the acoustic gain within a predetermined range. In the hearing aid fitting system according to claim 4 or 5.
The control unit
A hearing aid fitting system characterized in that, in addition to the setting related to the acoustic gain, the setting related to the function of the hearing aid that may affect the measurement of the hearing aid wearing threshold value is invalidated during the measurement. In the hearing aid fitting system according to any one of claims 1 to 6.
The response unit
A hearing aid fitting system characterized in that it vibrates as the operation is accepted. In the hearing aid fitting system according to any one of claims 1 to 7.
When measuring the hearing aid wearing threshold of one ear in a hearing aid wearer who wears a hearing aid in both ears, a masking sound generator that generates a masking sound corresponding to the sound and presents it from a non-measured ear hearing aid is further provided.
The control unit
A hearing aid fitting system characterized in that each operation of the sound generating unit, the amplifier unit, and the masking sound generating unit, and setting adjustment of the hearing aid of the measuring ear are controlled. A hearing aid fitting method using the hearing aid fitting system according to any one of claims 1 to 8. A presentation process that presents the sound of the frequency at which the hearing aid wearing threshold is measured at the sound pressure according to the target value, and
A monitoring process that monitors the acceptance status of operations performed by hearing aid wearers,
A hearing aid fitting method comprising an adjustment step of automatically adjusting the hearing aid settings according to the acceptance status of the operation. Computer, at least
A sound control unit that controls the generation, output, and sound pressure of sound at the frequency used to measure the hearing aid wearing threshold.
A monitoring unit that monitors the acceptance status of operations performed by the hearing aid wearer during the sound output, and
A hearing aid fitting control program that functions as a hearing aid control unit that controls adjustment of hearing aid settings according to the acceptance status of the operation.

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