JPH0477100A - Adjusting device for hearing aid - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To match a hearing aid with a hearing ability of a person having a difficulty in hearing by adjusting the gain frequency characteristic of the hearing aid in response to the remaining hearing ability of the user of the hearing aid. CONSTITUTION:A test signal corresponding to a lower level and an upper level of a voice at each frequency band is inputted to a hearing aid 320 so as to confirm it that the user 330 of the hearing aid 320 listens to an output test signal of the hearing aid 320 receiving the test signal and whether or not the user can hear the signal comfortably. When the test signal at a lower limit level of the voice at a frequency band is too small to be heard, the gain frequency characteristic of the hearing aid 320 is adjusted so as to increase the gain of the hearing aid 320 at the frequency band. When the test signal of an upper limit level of the voice at a frequency band is too large and unpleasant, the gain frequency characteristic of the hearing aid 320 is adjusted so as to decrease the gain of the hearing aid 320 at the frequency band. Thus, the hearing aid 320 is matched with the hearing ability of a person having a difficulty in hearing.

Description

[Detailed description of the invention] Industrial applications The present invention relates to a hearing aid adjustment device.

Prior Art Conventional hearing aid adjustment devices (such as U.S. Pat.
No. 731850.

FIG. 8 shows a configuration diagram of this conventional hearing aid adjustment device, in which 10 is a hearing aid adjustment device, 20 is a hearing aid adjusted by the hearing aid adjustment device, and 30 is a hearing aid user who uses the hearing aid 20. Reference numeral 40 denotes audiometry means in the hearing aid adjustment device, and 50 denotes a hearing aid adjustment means.

60 is a test signal source that generates test signals such as pure tone and band noise.

70 is a user reaction detection means, 80 is a hearing data determination means, and 90 is a gain characteristic adjustment means.

The operation of the conventional hearing aid adjustment device configured as described above will be explained. First, the residual hearing of the hearing aid user is measured using the hearing measurement means 40. Specifically, after flattening the frequency characteristics of the gain of the hearing aid 20 and making the gain constant, the level of the output of the test signal source 60 and The output signal of the hearing aid 20 is input to the hearing aid 20 while changing the frequency.The hearing aid user 30 is asked to listen to the output signal while wearing the hearing aid, and the subjective level of the test signal sound felt by the hearing aid user is detected by the user's reaction. Detection is performed by means 70. User reaction detection means 70 (friend)
(2) Sounds small (3) Just the right size (4)
) Slightly thick (＼ ＼ (5) Uncomfortably thick (＼) The hearing aid user is asked to respond to the response using a push button, etc. in five stages. , the signal level, and the user's reaction.The minimum audible iMcL (optimal hearing level), UCL (uncomfort threshold), etc. for each frequency of the user are determined based on the user's response. The frequency characteristics of the gain of the hearing aid are determined based on the listening level), UCL (discomfort threshold), etc., and the hearing aid is adjusted so that it has the characteristics closest to that frequency characteristic.

Another conventional hearing aid adjustment device is disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 55-52699, for example.

FIG. 9 shows a configuration diagram of a test signal source of this conventional hearing aid adjustment device, in which 110 is a white noise edge, 120 is a variable band filter, 130 is a variable gain amplifier, and 140 is an adder.

In such a test signal source for a hearing aid adjustment device, the broadband white noise generated by the white noise source 110 is turned into band-limited noise of only a specific frequency component by the variable band filter 120, and is amplified to an appropriate level by a variable gain amplifier. It is then added to white noise in an adder 140. The output signal of adder 140 is input to hearing aid 20 as a test signal. The band-limited noise in the output signal of adder 140 serves as a test signal for testing hearing aid hearing.

Furthermore, the broadband white noise in the output signal of adder 140 masks surrounding environmental noise. In this way, variations in measured hearing data due to the masking effect of environmental noise can be prevented.
There is one shown in Publication No. 9.

FIG. 10 shows a configuration diagram of an adjustment result display device of this conventional hearing aid adjustment device. 210 is an output power data output means, 220 is an auditory data output means, 230 is a data conversion device for two-dimensional display, and 240 is an image display device.

The output power data output means 210 outputs the output power Pout(f) at each frequency when the audio signal of the hearing aid is input.
Output as data. The hearing data output means 220 outputs the UCL measured by the hearing data determining means 80 shown in FIG.
Data conversion device 2 that outputs hearing data such as , MCL, etc.
30 performs data conversion for two-dimensional display so that it can be displayed as a graph as shown in FIG. 11 on the display device 240.

Problem to be Solved by the Invention However, with the above configuration, the hearing aid adjustment device shown in Fig. 8 only determines the frequency characteristics of the gain of the hearing aid, and the amplitude compression characteristics of the hearing aid (residual hearing of the hearing aid user) Also, the frequency characteristics of the gain of the hearing aid are determined after measuring hearing at each frequency individually. The masking effect of environmental noise when there is actual environmental noise and the subjective loudness caused by environmental noise cannot be taken into account when adjusting hearing aids. Hearing aids had problems such as being too noisy to use.Also, when compressing the amplitude of a hearing aid by dividing it into multiple bands, how do you divide the band and how many bands should you divide it into to reduce the amplitude? There is no hearing aid adjustment device that suggests whether compression should be performed.To take into account masking due to noise, as shown in Figure 9, the output signal of the white noise source 110 is added to the test signal. The spectrum is completely different from that of noise, and there is a problem in that hearing aids cannot be adjusted to take into account the masking effect of environmental noise or the subjective loudness of environmental noise.

Furthermore, the display device of the hearing aid adjustment device as shown in FIG. 10 displays the output power of the hearing aid as a function only of frequency. There is a problem in that it is not possible to determine from an image display whether the amplitude compression characteristics of a hearing aid are adapted to the patient's residual hearing ability. It is an object of the present invention to provide a hearing aid adjustment device that also adjusts the amplitude compression characteristics of a hearing aid according to the width of the range and the audible frequency range.

The present invention also provides a hearing aid adjustment method that indicates how to divide the band and how many bands to compress the amplitude in when the amplitude compression of the hearing aid is performed by dividing it into multiple bands. The present invention also aims to provide a device and! It is an object of the present invention to provide a hearing aid adjustment device that can take into account the masking effect caused by environmental noise and the subjective loudness caused by environmental noise when adjusting a hearing aid.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a hearing aid adjustment device that can determine by image display whether the amplitude compression characteristics of the hearing aid are adapted to the patient's residual hearing ability.

Means for Solving the Problems Hearing aid adjustment device 1 of the present invention A test signal consisting of pure tones or narrowband noise corresponding to the lower and upper limits of speech in each frequency band while the hearing aid user is wearing the hearing aid. a means for acoustically or electrically inputting the response to the hearing aid, a means for confirming the response of the hearing aid user, and a means for confirming the response of the hearing aid user to the hearing aid when the test signal at the lower limit level of audio is applied in each frequency band; A function Gl regarding the frequency of the minimum hearing aid gain at which the test signal tone can be comfortably heard by the hearing aid user, as confirmed by means for confirming the user's reaction.
(f), and a means for checking the reaction of the hearing aid user when a test signal of the upper limit level of voice is given in each frequency band. A means for determining the function G2 (f) related to the frequency of the maximum hearing aid gain that can be heard comfortably by a user of No compression is required and the frequency characteristic of the gain of the hearing aid G (f) is changed to Gl (
f) and G2 (f), and when G1-G2<-ε, the amplitude compression of the hearing aid is unnecessary and the frequency characteristic G(f) of the gain of the hearing aid is adjusted to Gl.
(f) and G2 (gain adjustment means temporarily set to a value between Listen to the output test signal of the hearing aid to see if it can be heard comfortably. If the test signal at the lower limit level of the voice in a certain frequency band is too low to hear, then the gain G (f) of the hearing aid in that frequency band is Adjust the frequency characteristics of the hearing aid gain so that the upper limit level test signal in a certain frequency band is too thick and uncomfortable, adjust the hearing aid gain G (
gain characteristic fine adjustment means for adjusting the frequency characteristic of the gain of the hearing aid so that f) is lowered; and when G1-02>ε, it is necessary to compress the amplitude of the hearing aid, and when the reference frequency is F, the frequency characteristic of the gain of the hearing aid is A gain adjustment means for temporarily setting G (f) to a value between Gl (f) and 02 (f), and a hearing aid gain adjustment means for a test signal whose amplitude compression characteristic is at a level corresponding to the lower limit level at the reference frequency F. is Gl (F)
, compression characteristic adjustment means for adjusting the amplitude compression device of the hearing aid so that the gain of the hearing aid becomes 02 (F) for a test signal of a level corresponding to the upper limit level at the reference frequency F.

The hearing aid adjustment device of the present invention also includes acoustically or electrically transmitting a test signal consisting of pure tones or band noise corresponding to the lower and upper limits of speech in each frequency band to the hearing aid while the hearing aid user is wearing the hearing aid. means for inputting the response to the hearing aid user, means for confirming the reaction of the hearing aid user, and means for confirming the reaction of the hearing aid user when the test signal at the lower limit level of audio is applied in each frequency band. The function Gl related to the minimum hearing aid gain frequency at which the test signal tone can be heard comfortably by the hearing aid user is confirmed by
(f), and means for confirming the reaction of the hearing aid user when the test signal at the upper limit level of voice is given in each frequency band. Means for determining the function 02 (f) related to the frequency of the maximum hearing aid gain that can be heard comfortably by the user, and the amplitude compression of the hearing aid when IGI-02|<ε within a certain frequency range when ε is a positive number. is unnecessary and the frequency characteristic G (f) of the hearing aid gain is
(f) and G2 (f), and when G1-G2<-ε, the amplitude compression of the hearing aid is unnecessary and the frequency characteristic G (f) of the gain of the hearing aid is adjusted to Gl (
f) and G2 (f), and test signals corresponding to the lower and upper limits of audio in each frequency band are input to the hearing aid, and the test signals of the hearing aid user are input to the hearing aid. Listen to the output test signal of the hearing aid to check whether it can be heard comfortably Kg L If the test signal at the lower limit of the voice level in a certain frequency band is too low to hear, the gain of the hearing aid in that frequency band G (f)
Adjust the frequency characteristics of the hearing aid gain so that G
gain characteristic fine adjustment means for adjusting the frequency characteristic of the gain of a hearing aid so that (f) is lowered;
In two or more bands separated by i, ..., fN, δG (f 1) = G1 at each frequency
δG (f
1) Means for determining = δ(fi-1), and means for integrating adjacent bands until this value exceeds a threshold, and finally determining the band division for amplitude compression of the hearing aid using the frequencies at both ends of the remaining band. and, in each band, a certain frequency Fi within each band
In this case, the frequency characteristic of the gain of the hearing aid in the band G (
f) to G1(f) and G2 for the intermediate level of the audio signal.
Set the amplitude compression characteristic to a value between The level test signal has a hearing aid gain of 02 (
F1).

The hearing aid adjustment device of the present invention further comprises: a noise source generating background noise such as traffic noise, party noise, conference noise, etc.; a test signal source generating pure tone or band noise for audiometry or hearing aid adjustment; The signal source includes an adder that adds the output signal of the noise source to the output signal of the signal source so that the test signal-to-noise ratio of each actual environment is equal to the signal to noise ratio.

The hearing aid adjustment device of the present invention further includes pure tone or band noise, traffic noise, and party noise at a level corresponding to the lower and upper limits of speech in each frequency band when the hearing aid user is wearing the hearing aid. , a means for adding environmental noise such as noise in a meeting and inputting it to the hearing aid;
means for confirming the reaction of a hearing aid user; 61 user reactions
1 means for determining by changing the frequency characteristics of the gain of the hearing aid a minimum hearing aid gain GI Cf) which is confirmed by means of LR and allows the pure tone or the band noise to be heard comfortably by the hearing aid user; When a pure tone or band noise at a level corresponding to the upper limit level of speech and the background noise are input into the hearing aid, the reaction of the hearing aid user is checked by means for checking the reaction of the hearing aid user, and the pure tone or the A method for determining the maximum hearing aid gain 02 (f) at which band noise can be heard comfortably by the hearing aid user by changing the frequency characteristics of the hearing aid gain, and a frequency range when ε is a positive number. When G1-G2|
f) and 02 (f), and when G1-G2<-ε, the amplitude compression of the hearing aid is unnecessary and the frequency characteristic of the gain of the hearing aid G(f) is set to Gl (
gain adjustment means that temporarily sets the value between f) and 02 (f), and inputs test signals corresponding to the lower and upper limit levels of audio in each frequency band into the hearing aid, and inputs these test signals to the hearing aid user. Listen to the output test signal of the hearing aid to check whether it can be heard comfortably. If the test signal of the lower limit level of the voice in a certain frequency band is too low to hear, the gain of the hearing aid in that frequency band, G, (f) If the test signal at the upper limit level of the voice in a certain frequency band is too loud and uncomfortable, the gain of the hearing aid in that frequency band is adjusted to increase the gain G (f).
A gain characteristic fine adjustment means adjusts the frequency characteristic of the gain of the hearing aid so that the frequency characteristic of the gain of the hearing aid decreases, and when G1-G2>ε, it is necessary to compress the amplitude of the hearing aid. f) to Gl (f) and G2
The gain adjustment means temporarily sets the amplitude compression characteristic to a value between (f) and the test signal whose level corresponds to the lower limit level at the reference frequency F. The hearing aid adjustment device of the present invention is equipped with compression characteristic adjustment means for adjusting the amplitude compression device of the hearing aid so that the gain of the hearing aid becomes G2 (F) for the test signal of the level corresponding to the upper limit level. Furthermore, the image display device, the input test signal level/lz, frequency, gain, or output level are taken on each axis, and the ideal characteristics consisting of the hearing aid input signal frequency, input signal level, optimal gain, or optimal output power are adjusted in practice. and a means for three-dimensionally displaying the characteristics of the hearing aid using the three-axis coordinates.4.Operation The present invention has the above-described configuration. A test signal corresponding to the lower limit level of sound is input to the hearing aid, and while checking the reaction of the hearing aid user, the test signal tone at each frequency of the hearing aid is calculated by the function Gl ( Find f). next
The gain of the hearing aid is adjusted while checking the response of the hearing aid user when a test signal at the upper limit level of audio is applied to each frequency band. Find the frequency-related function 02 (f) of the hearing aid gain of 4. When ε is a positive number, within a certain frequency range, when |G|<ε, the audio signal can be amplified with a constant amplification factor. Therefore, the amplitude compression of the hearing aid is unnecessary and the frequency characteristic of the gain of the hearing aid G (f
) is set to a value between Gl (f) and G2 (f).

When G1-G2<-ε, the dynamic range of the residual hearing is sufficiently wide compared to the dynamic range of the audio signal1. Gl (f
) and G2 (f) It is unclear whether the wide range of residual hearing ability is fully utilized.

Therefore, make fine adjustments using the following steps. First, test signals corresponding to the lower and upper limit levels of audio in each frequency band are input to the hearing aid, and the hearing aid user listens to the output test signals of the hearing aid for these test signals to check whether the hearing aid can be heard comfortably.KRL If the test signal at the lower limit level of the voice in a certain frequency band is too small to be heard, the frequency characteristics of the gain of the hearing aid are adjusted so that the gain G (f) of the hearing aid in that frequency band is increased. Next If the test signal of the upper limit level of the voice in a certain frequency band is too loud and uncomfortable, the gain G of the hearing aid in that frequency band (
Adjust the frequency characteristics of the gain of the hearing aid so that f) is lowered.

When G1-G2>ε (upper) The dynamic range of residual hearing is 1.% narrower than the dynamic range of the audio signal.
In this case, if the amplitude compression of the hearing aid is required and the reference frequency is F, then the frequency characteristic of the gain of the hearing aid G
(f) is temporarily set to a value between Gl (f) and G2 (f), and the gain of the hearing aid is G1(
F) is characterized in that the hearing aid is adjusted so that the gain of the hearing aid becomes G2 (F) for a test signal of a level corresponding to the upper limit level at the reference frequency F. As mentioned above, the dynamic range of residual hearing and the dynamic range of the audio signal are expressed as hearing aid gains Gl (f) and G2 (f).
It is possible to adjust the compression characteristics of a hearing aid according to the hearing ability of a hearing-impaired person by comparing the characteristics of the hearing aid. The background noise and a test signal source that generates pure tone or band noise for audiometry or hearing aid adjustment are added to equal the test signal-to-noise ratio of the actual environment and used as a signal source. The masking effect caused by environmental noise and the subjective loudness caused by environmental noise can be taken into account when adjusting hearing aids. If there is little change in the characteristics, reduce the set value of the number of bands divided for compression, and if the ideal compression characteristics change greatly at both ends of the band, use amplitude compression to reduce the change. Setting the hearing aid to divide the frequency band of the hearing aid When compressing the amplitude of the hearing aid into multiple bands, how should the band be divided and how many bands should the amplitude be compressed? I can suggest what is best.

Further, according to the present invention, with the above-described configuration, the input test signal level, frequency, gain, or output level is taken on each axis, and the ideal characteristics and actually adjustable characteristics of the hearing aid are displayed three-dimensionally using the three-axis coordinates. Therefore, it can be easily determined from the image display whether the amplitude compression characteristics of the hearing aid are adapted to the patient's residual hearing ability.

Embodiment FIG. 1 shows a configuration diagram of a hearing aid adjustment device in use in a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a flowchart of the operation of the hearing aid adjustment device configured as shown in FIG. 1. In FIG.
, 320 are hearing aids, and 330 are hearing aid users. 34
0 is the test signal source. Reference numeral 350 denotes an audio lower limit level adjusting means for adjusting the output level of the test signal source 340 to the lower limit level of audio according to the frequency of the signal and outputting the adjusted result.Specifically, it can be realized by a digital filter or the like. Reference numeral 360 denotes an audio upper limit level adjusting means for adjusting the output level of the test signal source 340 to the upper limit level of audio according to the frequency of the signal, and outputting the adjusted output level.Specifically, it can be realized by a digital filter or the like.

For example, the lower and upper limits of the audio level can be found in the magazine Hearing.
In5truIIlent 1978, 29.1
2-16 ancl 39. 365 is a switch for changing the test signal output. 370
is a user reaction detection means, and it determines the loudness of the sound from (1) I can't hear (2) I can't hear it (2) I can't hear it (3) Just the right size, (4) I can't hear it. k (5) Uncomfortably large1. The hearing aid user is asked to respond by pressing a button or the like in five stages:

380 is a gain adjustment means, and a user reaction detection means 37
The minimum gain Gl (f
) at each frequency to determine and store the frequency characteristics of the hearing aid gain. 390 is a gain adjustment means, which determines the maximum gain G2(f) at each frequency at which the test signal can be heard at a level that is just right for the reaction of the hearing aid user 330 detected by the user reaction detection means 370, and adjusts the gain of the hearing aid. Determine and store the frequency characteristics of 400 is a switch, which is linked to switch 365. When the switch 365 is connected to the a terminal side, the switch 400 is connected to the C terminal side, and when the switch 365 is connected to the b terminal side, the switch 400 is also connected to the d terminal side. 410
is a switch. 420 is a gain comparison means, and when 01-021<5a13 (5 dB corresponds to ε in claim 1) in a certain frequency range, the gain adjustment means 43
0, but when G1-G2<-5 dB, the gain adjustment means 440 is activated. When G1 - G2 > 5 dBO, the gain adjustment means 450 is activated.
(f))/2 The gain adjustment means 440 sets the frequency characteristic G(f) of the gain of the hearing aid to a (r)=(G1
(f) 10G2 (f))/2 and starts the hearing aid gain characteristic fine adjustment means 460a The hearing aid gain characteristic fine adjustment means 460 generates test signals corresponding to the lower and upper limit levels of the audio in each frequency band. These test signals are input to the hearing aid and the hearing aid user listens to the output test signals of the hearing aid to check whether the user can listen comfortably based on the response results to the user response detection device 370. If the test signal is too small to be heard, adjust the frequency characteristics of the hearing aid gain so that the gain G (f) of the hearing aid in that frequency band is increased. If it is too uncomfortable, the frequency characteristics of the gain of the hearing aid are adjusted so that the gain G (f) of the hearing aid in that frequency band is lowered. After adjusting the hearing aid so that the amplitude compression of the hearing aid is eliminated, the gain adjustment means 450 adjusts the frequency characteristic of the gain of the hearing aid G (
f) to G (f) −(Gl (f> 10G2 (f
))/2 and starts the compression characteristic adjustment means 470. The compression characteristic adjusting means 470 determines the amplitude compression characteristic of the hearing aid with respect to the reference frequency F within the signal band of the hearing aid. Node plate The gain of the hearing aid is G1 (F) for a test signal at a level corresponding to the lower limit level at reference frequency F, and the gain of the hearing aid is G2 (F) for a test signal at a level corresponding to the upper limit level at reference frequency F. ) Adjust the compression characteristics of the hearing aid so that

The operation of the hearing aid adjustment device of this embodiment configured as described above will be described below. Magic switch 410
Connect to the contact e side. Hearing aid 3 for hearing aid user 330
20 is worn, the switch 365 is connected to the a contact side, and a test signal corresponding to the lower limit level of the voice in each frequency band is input to the hearing aid 320. The above operation is 5 in Figure 2.
It corresponds to 10. While checking the reaction of the hearing aid user 330 with the user reaction detection means 370, a function Gl (
Find f). The above operation corresponds to 520 in FIG.

Similarly, switch 365 to b contact side switch 400
When a test signal with the upper limit level of audio is applied in each frequency band (corresponding to 530 in Figure 2), the test signal sound is at the maximum hearing aid gain frequency that is comfortable and audible to the hearing aid user. Find the function 62 (f) related to . The above operation corresponds to 540 in FIG. Next Connect the switch 410 to the contact f side. Then, the gain comparing means 420 calculates Gl (f) - G2 (f) and compares it with a threshold value of 5 dB. This corresponds to 550 in FIG.

Table 3 When lG+-G21<5 dB, even if the dynamic range of the residual hearing that can be heard comfortably matches the dynamic range of the audio signal, in this case, the gain adjustment means 430 eliminates the need for amplitude compression of the hearing aid and adjusts the gain of the hearing aid. Using the gain control means 430, the frequency characteristic G (f) is calculated as G (f) = (Gl (f) +G2 (f))/
By setting it to 2, it becomes possible to fit all the audio signals within the dynamic range. This is Figure 2 5
It corresponds to 60. When G1-02<-5 dB, the dynamic range of the residual hearing is sufficiently wide compared to the dynamic range of the audio signal (therefore, the amplitude compression of the hearing aid is unnecessary. The gain adjustment means 440 is used to adjust the gain of the hearing aid. The frequency characteristic G(f) is expressed as G(f)=(Gl(
Temporarily set as f)+G2 (r))/2. This is the second
4 corresponding to Fig. 570 It is unclear whether the wide dynamic range of residual hearing ability is fully utilized.

Therefore, the frequency characteristics of the hearing aid 320 are finely adjusted using the gain adjustment means 460. This is Fig. 2 580, 590
, 600, 610, 620, 630 7), G1
1 when -02 > 5 dB The dynamic range of residual hearing is narrower than the dynamic range of the audio signal uXo
In this case, it is necessary to perform amplitude compression using a hearing aid to bring the audio signal into the narrow dynamic range of the hearing-impaired person.

The frequency characteristic of the hearing aid gain G (f) without amplitude compression is G (f) = (Gl (f) + 0
2 (f))/2 This is 640 in Figure 2.
The gain of the hearing aid is G1 for the test signal whose amplitude compression characteristic corresponds to the lower limit level at the reference frequency F.
(F), the compression characteristic of the hearing aid is adjusted so that the gain of the hearing aid becomes G2 (F) for a test signal of a level corresponding to the upper limit level at the reference frequency F. This corresponds to 650 in FIG. 2.

As described above, according to this embodiment, the dynamic range of the residual hearing and the dynamic range of the audio signal are determined by the gains G1 (f) and G2 of the hearing aid that are suitable for the lower limit signal level and the upper limit signal level of the audio signal of the hearing aid. (f) and adjust the gain frequency characteristics and amplitude compression characteristics of the hearing aid using different methods depending on the results. It is possible to adjust it accordingly.

FIG. 3 shows a configuration diagram of a hearing aid adjustment device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. Components that are the same as those in FIG. 1 will be explained using the same numbers. The configuration of the hearing aid adjustment device signal source section 312 is exactly the same as the embodiment shown in FIG. A variable gain amplifier 710 and a variable characteristic filter 720 are inserted between the hearing aid adjustment device signal source section 312 and the hearing aid adjustment section 315, and the hearing aid adjustment section 315 has a gain that flattens the frequency characteristics of the gain of the hearing aid. This hearing aid adjustment device differs from the hearing aid adjustment device shown in FIG. 1 in that it includes characteristic flattening means 730.

In the hearing aid adjustment device of this embodiment configured as described above, the gain frequency characteristic of the hearing aid 320 is also flattened to L gain Gs by the gain characteristic flattening means 730. The switch 365 is connected to the a contact side and a test signal corresponding to the lower limit level of the voice in each frequency band is input to the hearing aid 320. Variable gain amplifier 71 built into hearing aid adjustment device
By changing the gain Ga of 0 and the frequency characteristic Gb (f) of the gain of the variable characteristic filter 720, the hearing aid 320
Adjust the input level. Here, G(f)=Gs-
Let it be Ga-Gb. Frequency characteristics Gb of the gain Ga of the variable gain amplifier 710 with gains Gl(f) and G2(f) built into the hearing aid adjustment device and the gain of the variable characteristic filter 720
Adjust the input power by changing (f).

G (f) -Gs-Ga-Gb Hearing aid user 3
The test signal sound at each frequency of the hearing aid is detected by the hearing aid user 3 while checking the response of the hearing aid user 3 using the user response detection means 370.
Find the minimum gain G (f) that can be heard comfortably at '30. Let this G (f) be Gl (f). Similarly, switch 365 is set to the B contact side, and switch 400 is set to the contact d side.
When a test signal at the upper limit level of audio is applied in each frequency band, the function G (f )=G2 (f).As above, the gain G1 (f), G2 (f)
By determining , the gains G1(f) and G2(f) can be determined without frequently changing the hearing aid program, and the characteristics of the hearing aid 320 can be adjusted at high speed.

As described above, according to this embodiment, the gain frequency characteristic Gl (f
), G2 (f) can be determined at high speed, and the time required for adjusting hearing aids can also be shortened.

FIG. 4 (Top) shows a configuration diagram of the compression characteristic adjustment means of the hearing aid adjustment device in the third embodiment of the present invention. The gain characteristic adjustment means 450 and the compression characteristic adjustment means used in the embodiment of FIG. If the compression characteristic adjusting means 810 shown in FIG. 5 is used instead of 470, it becomes possible to set an efficient multi-channel amplitude compression characteristic.In FIG.
When a small amount of amplitude compression is required, the compression characteristic adjusting means shown in FIG. 5 is activated. In FIG. 5, 820 indicates three or more different frequencies f1, f2,..., fi,...
・In two or more frequency bands separated by fN,
At each frequency δG (1) = G1 (f 1
)G2 (f 1). 830 is fi of the frequencies at both ends of each band, δG (1) δ at fi-1
This is a means of calculating G(i-1) and integrating adjacent bands until a threshold value is exceeded. Joint plate First, let j=j and δG(
”)=δG If (i-1) does not exceed the threshold, then l;!
, replace j+1 with J and get δG(j)=δG(i-1)
Compare L with the threshold. Repeat this until the threshold is exceeded.

If the threshold is exceeded, the frequency fj is stored in the storage device 8.
Then, substitute j for i and repeat the same operation. In this way, δG(
1) Determine the band division of the amplitude compression of the hearing aid into a plurality of bands in which the difference exceeds the threshold value. 860 is a compression characteristic determination means for each band. In each band, when the center frequency Fk in each band is set, the frequency characteristic G (f) of the gain of the hearing aid in the band is set as the input signal at the intermediate level of the audio signal. On the other hand, G (f−) = (Gl (r)+G2 (f
))/2, and the gain of the hearing aid is Gl (Fk) for the test signal whose level corresponds to the lower limit level at the reference frequency Fk, and the amplitude compression characteristic at the frequency Fk is set to the level corresponding to the upper limit level at the reference frequency F. For the test signal of Compression characteristics also differ greatly. Therefore, it is necessary to divide the frequency band into multiple parts and adjust the amplitude compression characteristics independently for each part. Also, the hearing aid gain Gl (f
) and gain G2 (f) do not vary much depending on the frequency, there is no need to divide the frequency band into multiple parts and adjust the amplitude compression characteristics independently for each part (-Therefore,
In the hearing aid adjustment device of this embodiment configured as described above, a means 83 for integrating bands using an appropriate threshold value is provided.
0, the difference between Gl(f) and gain G2(f) is divided into multiple bands in which the difference between Gl(f) and gain G2(f) is not very large.
60, the compression characteristics are determined. As a result, it is possible to flexibly set the boundary frequency between channels in multi-channel amplitude compression, and to obtain the optimum amplitude compression characteristics with a minimum number of channels.As described above, according to this embodiment, the gain Gl ( f)
When the difference between the gain G2 (f) and the gain G2 (f) differs greatly depending on the frequency, the means 830 for integrating the bands uses Gl (f
) and the gain G2 (f) are divided into a plurality of bands in which the difference between them is not too large, and the compression characteristics are determined by the compression characteristics determining means 860. As a result, the boundary frequency between channels of multi-channel amplitude compression can be flexibly set. Furthermore, optimum amplitude compression characteristics can be obtained with a minimum number of channels.

FIG. 5 shows a configuration diagram of a signal source of a hearing aid adjustment device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. Components that are the same as those in FIG. 1 are given the same numbers and will be explained.
uses white noise band-limited to a critical bandwidth as a test signal source. Reference numeral 850 denotes an audio lower limit level adjusting means for adjusting the output level of the test signal source 340 to the lower limit level of audio and outputting the result. Specifically, it can be realized by a digital filter or the like. Reference numeral 360 denotes an audio upper limit level adjusting means for adjusting the output level of the test signal source 340 to the upper limit level of audio and outputting the result.Specifically, it can be realized by a digital filter or the like. 365 is a switch for changing the test signal output. 910 is an environmental noise generating means for generating background noise such as traffic noise, party noise, conference noise, etc. The environmental noise generating means is a tape recorder that records actual environmental noise, a digital audio tape recorder,
This can be realized using a ROM, a D/A converter, etc. 920 is an attenuator for adjusting the environmental noise to the same level as the environmental noise actually input to the hearing aid in real life, and 4930 is an analog adder.

In the signal source of the hearing aid adjustment device of this embodiment configured as described above, the output signal of the attenuator 920, which is an environmental noise signal at a level that is actually input to the hearing aid, is at the lower limit level or upper limit level of the speech spectrum. If the signal source for the hearing aid adjustment device shown in FIG. 3 is replaced with the signal source section 312 for the hearing aid adjustment device shown in FIG. It is now possible to input an audio signal containing environmental noise in the same way as the test signal source 340, making it possible to adjust the hearing aid taking into account the masking effect of the environmental noise and the subjective loudness of the environmental noise. Using white noise band-limited to a critical bandwidth does not cause auditory fatigue as would be the case when using pure tones, and it also reduces the energy of the test signal source 340 without considering loudness sunmension effects. It is possible to treat it as input energy as it is 4 Even for hearing-impaired people with degraded frequency resolution, it can be handled without changing the frequency characteristics of the hearing aid filter.
(f), G2 < f), the masking effect of environmental noise can be evaluated under conditions close to the actual usage conditions of the hearing aid, and practical adjustment of the hearing aid becomes possible.

As described above, according to this embodiment, an environmental noise source is provided in the signal source of the hearing aid adjustment device, and by adding to the test signal the same level of environmental noise as the environment in which the hearing aid is actually used, the environmental noise can be reduced. It is possible to adjust the hearing aid taking into account the masking effect caused by noise and the subjective loudness caused by environmental noise. Determine G1 (f) and G2 (f) (Shibu) The masking effect of environmental noise can be evaluated under conditions close to the actual usage of the hearing aid, making it possible to make practical adjustments to the hearing aid.

FIG. 6 shows a configuration diagram of the adjustment result display device of the hearing aid adjustment device in the fifth embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 7 shows an example of the display. Gl (f,
Pl1), G2 (f, Pu1) data output means. Here, Pli is the lower limit level of audio at each frequency,
Pui is the upper limit level of audio at each frequency. , 1st
The output power data output means 41020 corresponds to the hearing aid adjustment unit 315 etc. of the hearing aid adjustment device shown in the figure, and 41020 outputs the hearing aid adjustment result as a function of frequency and input signal level G(f, P
in) is a hearing aid adjustment result output means.

Here, Pin is the input power, and the minimum Pli, Pu
It is necessary to display the case where two levels of signals of i are input. 1030J, t Gl (f,
This is a three-dimensional display data conversion device for displaying P11), G2 (f, Pu1), and G (f, Pin) on an image display device 1040 in a three-dimensional display of gain, frequency, and input level.

In the adjustment result display device of the hearing aid adjustment device of this embodiment configured as described above, data Gl (f, Pl1), G2 (
f, Pu1) are displayed three-dimensionally on the left side of the screen of the image display device 1040 as ideal characteristics of the hearing aid as shown in FIG. Fish: Because the amplitude compression of hearing aids requires only a small number of divided channels, it is difficult to achieve ideal hearing aid characteristics that match the hearing ability of the hearing aid user.

Therefore, by comparing the ideal hearing aid characteristics and the hearing aid adjustment results in a three-dimensional display that includes the input signal level, the difference between the ideal hearing aid characteristics and the hearing aid adjustment results, including the compression characteristics, can be seen at a glance.

As described above, according to this embodiment, the data Gl (f, Pl1), G2 that depend on the hearing ability of the hearing aid user are
By displaying (f, Pu1) and G(f, Pin) on the image display device 1040 in a three-dimensional display of gain, frequency, and input level using the three-dimensional display data conversion device 1030, the amplitude compression characteristics of the hearing aid can be determined. It becomes possible to provide a hearing aid adjustment device that can determine whether the hearing aid is adapted to the patient's residual hearing ability by displaying an image.

In the embodiment of FIG. 3, the gain adjustment means 4
Gain G (f) at 30.440.450
- (Gl (f) + G2 (f)) Any value is acceptable as long as &G (f) is between Gl (f) and G2 (f) - In the example of Fig. 6, regarding the gain Instead of displaying, the output signal level of the hearing aid may be displayed. 1 @ 3 Plate The hearing aid adjustment device of the embodiment shown in FIG. 4 may be used in combination with the hearing aid adjustment device signal source of FIG. 5 and the adjustment result display device of the hearing aid adjustment device of FIG. 6. Needless to say, the effects of the invention According to the present invention, the amplitude compression characteristics of the hearing aid are adjusted according to the residual hearing ability of the hearing aid user (wide dynamic range and audible frequency range). According to the present invention, it is also possible to provide a device for performing amplitude compression of an IL hearing aid by dividing it into multiple bands, and how to divide the band and how many bands to compress the amplitude. It is possible to provide a hearing aid adjustment device that suggests what should be done.

Furthermore, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide a hearing aid adjustment device that can take into account the masking effect due to environmental noise when there is actual environmental noise and the subjective loudness due to environmental noise when adjusting the hearing aid. According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a hearing aid adjustment device that can determine whether the amplitude compression characteristics of an IL hearing aid are adapted to the patient's residual hearing ability by displaying an image.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

Figure 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the hearing aid adjustment device in use in the first embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 is the flow of operation of the hearing aid adjustment device configured as in Figure 1; FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a hearing aid adjustment device according to a second embodiment of the present invention; FIG.
FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a signal source of a hearing aid adjustment device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an adjustment result display device of a hearing aid adjustment device according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. Block @ Fig. 7 shows an example of the display. Fig. 8 shows the block diagram showing the configuration of a conventional hearing aid adjustment device. Fig. 9 shows the configuration of the test signal source of this conventional hearing aid adjustment device. The figure shows the configuration of the adjustment result display device of a conventional hearing aid adjustment device.
FIG. 1 shows an example of the display. 310... Hearing aid adjustment device 320... Hearing aid 3
30...Hearing aid user, 340...Test signal 1lt
370...User reaction detection means, 350...Sound lower limit level adjustment half-immersion 360...Sound upper limit level adjustment means, 380, 390, 430.440, 450...
Gain adjustment means, 365, 400, 410... Switch, 420... Gain comparison means, 460... Hearing aid gain characteristic fine adjustment hand ratio 470... Compression characteristic adjustment means,
710... Variable gain amplification edge 720... Variable characteristic filter 730... Gain characteristic flattening means, 710.
... Compression characteristic adjuster ratio 830 ... Means for integrating adjacent bands until a threshold value is exceeded, 840 ... Storage device 860 ... Compression characteristic determining means, 910 ... Environmental noise generation means, 920 ... ...Attenuator 930...Analog addition 1010-Gl (f, PI 1)
, G2 (f, Pu1) data output means, 1020... Hearing aid adjustment result output means, 1030.
...Three-dimensional display data conversion device [1040... Name of image display device agent Patent attorney Shigetaka Awano Haka 1] Figure 5 Figure 8/θ Figure 5 Ward 6 Figure 1αρ / Figure Figure/C Hearing aid, z” Lean! Figure 10 2Zθ 11th Closed ρ2S Churokyo? CKHz)

Claims (9)

[Claims] (1) Means for acoustically or electrically inputting test signals consisting of pure tones or narrowband noise corresponding to the lower and upper limits of audio levels in each frequency band to the hearing aid while the hearing aid user is wearing the hearing aid. and a means for checking the reaction of the hearing aid user, and a means for checking the reaction of the hearing aid user when the test signal at the lower limit level of audio is given in each frequency band. Means for determining a function G1(f) related to the minimum hearing aid gain frequency at which a signal sound can be heard comfortably by a hearing aid user, and the response of a hearing aid user when a test signal of the upper limit level of voice is given in each frequency band is confirmed by means for confirming the reaction of the hearing aid user, and a function G related to the frequency of the maximum hearing aid gain at which the test signal sound can be comfortably heard by the hearing aid user.
2(f), and when |G1-G2|<ε within a certain frequency range when ε is a positive number, the amplitude compression of the hearing aid is unnecessary and the frequency characteristic of the gain of the hearing aid G(f) G1(f)
and G2(f), and when G1-G2<-ε, the amplitude compression of the hearing aid is unnecessary and the frequency characteristic G(f) of the gain of the hearing aid is set to a value between G1(f).
A gain adjustment means is temporarily set to a value between Listen to the output test signal to see if it can be heard comfortably, and if the test signal at the lower limit of the audio level in a certain frequency band is too low to hear, increase the gain G(f) of the hearing aid in that frequency band. The frequency characteristics of the hearing aid gain are adjusted to reduce the gain G(f) of the hearing aid in that frequency band if the test signal of the upper limit level of the voice in a certain frequency band is too loud and uncomfortable. A gain characteristic fine adjustment means for adjusting the frequency characteristic of the gain, and when G1-G2>ε, it is necessary to compress the amplitude of the hearing aid, and when the reference frequency is F, the frequency characteristic G(f) of the gain of the hearing aid is ) and G2(f), and for a test signal whose amplitude compression characteristic is at a level corresponding to the lower limit level at the reference frequency F, the gain of the hearing aid is set to G1(F) and the reference frequency. For a test signal with a level corresponding to the upper limit level at F, the gain of the hearing aid is G2 (
F) A hearing aid adjustment device comprising compression characteristic adjustment means for adjusting the amplitude compression device of the hearing aid so as to achieve the following. (2) having a means for changing the gain of the hearing aid or the frequency characteristics of the gain, adjusting the hearing of the test signal of the hearing aid user by changing the gain of the hearing aid, and adjusting the hearing of the test signal by the hearing aid user;
(f), the hearing aid adjustment device according to claim 1, wherein the function G2(f) is determined. (3) An amplifier that amplifies a test signal consisting of pure tone or narrowband noise at a level corresponding to the lower and upper limits of audio in each frequency band while the hearing aid user is wearing the hearing aid, and a filter that filters the test signal. and a means for keeping the gain of the hearing aid constant and flattening the frequency characteristic of the gain, wherein the gain of the hearing aid is kept constant and the frequency characteristic is flattened by the means for keeping the gain of the hearing aid constant and the frequency characteristic of the gain flat. After flattening, the gain of the amplifier,
The hearing aid user's hearing of the test signal is adjusted by changing the frequency characteristics of the gain of the filter, and the function G1
(f), the hearing aid adjustment device according to claim 1, wherein the function G2(f) is determined. (4) Means for acoustically or electrically inputting test signals consisting of pure tones or band noise corresponding to the lower and upper limits of audio levels in each frequency band to the hearing aid while the hearing aid user is wearing the hearing aid; , a means for checking the reaction of a hearing aid user, and a means for checking the reaction of the hearing aid user when the test signal at the lower limit level of audio is given in each frequency band, and a test signal for checking the reaction of the hearing aid user. Means for determining a function G1(f) related to the minimum hearing aid gain frequency at which sound can be heard comfortably by a hearing aid user, and the response of the hearing aid user when the test signal at the upper limit level of sound is given in each frequency band. is confirmed by means for confirming the reaction of the hearing aid user, and the function G2 is related to the frequency of the maximum hearing aid gain at which the test signal sound can be comfortably heard by the hearing aid user.
(f), and when |G1-G2|<ε within a certain frequency range when ε is a positive number, the amplitude compression of the hearing aid is unnecessary and the frequency characteristic G(f) of the hearing aid gain is G1(f)
and G2(f), and when G1-G2<-ε, the amplitude compression of the hearing aid is unnecessary and the frequency characteristic of the gain of the hearing aid G(f) is set to a value between G1(f). A gain adjustment means that temporarily sets a value between G2(f) and a test signal corresponding to the lower and upper limit levels of audio in each frequency band are input to the hearing aid, and the hearing aid user's hearing aid is adjusted using these test signals. Listen to the output test signal to see if it can be heard comfortably, and if the test signal at the lower limit of the audio level in a certain frequency band is too low to hear, increase the gain G(f) of the hearing aid in that frequency band. The frequency characteristics of the hearing aid gain are adjusted to reduce the gain G(f) of the hearing aid in that frequency band if the test signal of the upper limit level of the voice in a certain frequency band is too loud and uncomfortable. gain characteristic fine adjustment means for adjusting the frequency characteristics of the gain; and when G1-G2>ε, two or more different frequencies f1, f2, ..., f1, ..., fN separated by three or more different frequencies; In the above bands, there is a means for calculating δG(f1)=G1(fi)-G2(fi) at each frequency, and δG(fi) at fi and fi-1 at both ends of each band.
fi) = δ(fi-1), and means to integrate adjacent bands until this value exceeds a threshold and finally determine the band division for amplitude compression of the hearing aid using the frequencies at both ends of the remaining band. and, in each band, a certain frequency F within each band
i, the frequency characteristic G of the gain of the hearing aid in the band
(f) is G1(f) and G for the intermediate level of the audio signal.
2(f), and the amplitude compression characteristic is set to a test signal with a level corresponding to the lower limit level at reference frequency F, the gain of the hearing aid is G1 (Fi), which corresponds to the upper limit level at reference frequency F. The gain of the hearing aid is G2(
A hearing aid adjustment device characterized by comprising means for adjusting the hearing aid so that Fi). (5) A noise source that generates background noise such as traffic noise, party noise, conference noise, etc., a test signal source that generates pure tone or band noise for audiometry or hearing aid adjustment, and an output signal of the test signal source. 1. A hearing aid adjustment device comprising a signal source comprising an adder that adds the output signal of the noise source so as to be equal to the test signal-to-noise ratio of each actual environment. (6) The hearing aid adjustment device according to claim 2, wherein band noise narrower than the critical bandwidth at each frequency is used as a test signal source for audiometry or hearing aid adjustment. (7) When a hearing aid user is wearing a hearing aid, pure tone or band noise at a level corresponding to the lower and upper limits of voice in each frequency band and environmental noise such as traffic noise, party noise, and conference noise are detected. In addition, there is a means for inputting the input into the hearing aid, a means for checking the reaction of the hearing aid user, and a means for inputting the input into the hearing aid by adding pure tone or band noise at a level corresponding to the lower limit level of speech in each frequency band and the environmental noise. The reaction of the hearing aid user at the time is confirmed by means for confirming the reaction of the hearing aid user, and the minimum hearing aid gain G1 (f) at which the pure tone or the band noise can be heard comfortably by the hearing aid user is determined as the hearing aid gain. means for determining the response by changing the frequency characteristics, and the hearing aid user's reaction when the background noise is input to the hearing aid by adding pure tone or band noise at a level corresponding to the upper limit level of the voice in each frequency band and the background noise to the hearing aid. The maximum hearing aid gain G2 (f
) by changing the frequency characteristics of the gain of the hearing aid, and a method that eliminates the need for amplitude compression of the hearing aid when |G1-G2|<ε within a certain frequency range when ε is a positive number; gain characteristic adjusting means for setting the frequency characteristic G(f) of the gain to a value between G1(f) and G2(f); A gain adjustment means for temporarily setting the gain frequency characteristic G(f) to a value between G1(f) and G2(f), and a test signal corresponding to the lower and upper limit levels of audio in each frequency band to the hearing aid. Check whether the hearing aid user can listen to these test signals comfortably and listen to them comfortably. Adjust the frequency characteristics of the hearing aid gain so that the gain G(f) of the hearing aid in the frequency band increases, and if the test signal at the upper limit level of the voice in a certain frequency band is too loud and uncomfortable, adjust the gain G(f) in that frequency band. gain characteristic fine adjustment means for adjusting the frequency characteristic of the gain of the hearing aid so that the gain G(f) of the hearing aid is lowered; A gain adjustment means for temporarily setting the frequency characteristic G(f) of the gain of the hearing aid to a value between G1(f) and G2(f), and testing of the amplitude compression characteristic to a level corresponding to the lower limit level at the reference frequency F. The hearing aid gain is G1(F) for the signal, and the hearing aid gain is G2(F) for the test signal at a level corresponding to the upper limit level at the reference frequency F.
F) A hearing aid adjustment device comprising compression characteristic adjustment means for adjusting the amplitude compression device of the hearing aid so as to achieve the following. (8) Image display device, input test signal level, frequency,
The gain or output level is taken on each axis, and the ideal characteristics consisting of the frequency of the input signal of the hearing aid, the input signal level, the optimum gain or the optimum output power, and the characteristics of the actually adjusted hearing aid are displayed three-dimensionally using the three-axis coordinates. A hearing aid adjustment device characterized by comprising: means. (9) Equipped with an image display device and means for three-dimensionally displaying G1 (f), G2 (f), and the characteristics of the actually adjusted hearing aid by taking the input test signal level, frequency, and gain or output level on each axis. The hearing aid adjustment device according to any one of claims 1, 4, 5, or 6, characterized in that: