WO2016187721A1

WO2016187721A1 - Hearing aid device

Info

Publication number: WO2016187721A1
Application number: PCT/CA2016/050600
Authority: WO
Inventors: Vladimir Ponomarev
Original assignee: Vladimir Ponomarev
Priority date: 2015-05-26
Filing date: 2016-05-26
Publication date: 2016-12-01
Also published as: CA2892791A1

Abstract

The hearing aid device is related to hearing aids having an earpiece worn in or at the ear and an external unit worn by the user. The earpiece wirelessly receives signals from the external unit consisting of an antenna, a processor, and a transmitter. A microphone can be located in the earpiece, in the external unit or in the wireless microphone unit. The hearing aid device of the present invention does not require batteries because of reduced power consumption of the earpiece by processing the sound signal in an external unit and transmitting a radio frequency signal to the earpiece that does not require further amplification.

Description

Hearing Aid Device

Technical Field The present invention is related to hearing aids, and in particular to a hearing aid devices having an earpiece worn in or at the ear and an external unit worn by or located near the user that wirelessly receives signals from and/or transmits signals to the earpiece.

Background Art

Hearing aids are wearable hearing devices used to assist persons with impaired hearing. To meet the numerous individual requirements different designs of hearing aid have been developed, such as behind-the-ear (BTE), in-the-ear (ITE), in-the-canal (ITC), completely-in-the-canal (CIC), and receiver-in-canal (RIC) hearing aids. The typical hearing aids mentioned are worn on the outer ear or in the auditory canal. There are also bone conduction and implantable hearing aids.

Hearing aids main components are a microphone, an amplifier or digital sound processor (usually combined with an amplifier), and a speaker or electroacoustic converter (transducer).

A power source is usually rechargeable or non-rechargeable batteries of very small size that makes it difficult to replace and/or re-charge in a charging device having metal contacts or coils for inductive charging. Batteries and charging circuitry increase the earpiece dimensions and compete for available space with other components inevitably reducing overall quality and efficiency of the hearing aid due to size limitations. The hearing aid of U.S. Patent Number 8,644,542, issued on February 4, 2014, to Harald Klemenz et al., describes a hearing aid device with wireless charging capability. It comprises a rechargeable battery, a coil and and receiving and rectifying circuitry that uses very limited space in the housing of the hearing aid. The hearing aid of U.S. Patent Number 8,344,689, issued on May 12, 2012, to Mihail Boguslavskij, describes a hearing aid device with wireless charging capability. It comprises a signal processing unit, a rechargeable battery, a coil and and receiving and rectifying circuitry that uses very limited space in the housing of the hearing aid. The closest prior art is the hearing aid with wireless remote processor of Canadian

Patent Number 2224106, issued on December 19, 1996, to James Anderson, describes a hearing aid device with a remote processor and wireless communication link. It requires a battery to process and amplify the signal from the remote processor, therefore must use either rechargeable batteries a charging means or replaceable non- rechargeable batteries.

The prior art does not address an issue of complexity and associated size limitations of the earpiece circuitry related to conversion of electrical and acoustic signals and required power supply. Disclosure of the Invention

The hearing aid device of the present invention addresses the issue of complexity and associated size limitations of the earpiece circuitry related to converting an electrical signal into an acoustic signal (sound) and required power supply by processing and amplifying the signals. Audio signals from the environment received by a microphone are converted into an electrical signal and transmitted by a wired or wireless link to the sound signal processing unit located in the external module, where the audio signals converted to the electrical signal are amplified and modified according to the user's hearing ability requirements and further delivered to the electromagnetic signal transmitter. The radio frequency electromagnetic signal modulated by a sound signal in the electromagnetic signal transmitter is delivered over the wireless link to the earpiece. Type of modulation depends on specific design requirements and can be amplitude modulation, frequency modulation, phase modulation, or various coding. The

microphone can be located in the earpiece, in the external module or in a separate wireless microphone unit.

The earpiece module being worn at the head of a user comprises an receiver unit with an antenna device arranged to receive electromagnetic signals from the

electromagnetic signal transmitter of the external unit, and an electroacoustic transducer (a speaker, a loadspeaker, or elecromechanical converter), converting an electrical output signal of the receiver unit into an acoustical signal. The receiver unit converts the radio frequency electromagnetic signal received by antenna device by demodulating the signal and separating a high frequency signal (radio frequency signal) from the signal carrying useful information. For increased efficiency, the separated high frequency signal can be rectified and its energy used to amplify the signal carrying useful information and increase an acoustical output of the electroacoustic transducer.

Brief Description of Drawings FIG. 1 shows a block diagram of a hearing aid device according to an embodiment having a microphone (acoustic transducer) being part of an external module.

FIG. 2 shows a block diagram of a hearing aid device according to an embodiment having a microphone (acoustic transducer) being part of an earpiece module.

FIG. 3 shows a block diagram of a hearing aid device according to an embodiment having a microphone (acoustic transducer) being part of a wireless microphone unit.

On the drawings, the same numbers are assigned to similar components. The easier understanding of the invention is assured by using the acronyms in addition to the component numbers.

Best Mode of Carrying Out the Invention

Referring of FIG. 1 of the drawings, a hearing aid device comprises an earpiece module 1 being worn at the head of a user and an external module 5. The earpiece module 1 comprises a transducer 2, converting an electrical output signal of the receiver unit 3 (RU) into an acoustical signal (a transducer is also known as an electroacoustic transducer, a speaker, a loadspeaker, or an elecromechanical converter). The transducer 2 is connected to the output of a receiver unit 3 and generates an acoustic signal of the predetermined amplitude and frequency spectrum. The receiver unit 3 converts the electromagnetic signal received by antenna device 4 (AD) by demodulating the signal and separating a high frequency signal (radio frequency signal) from a signal carrying useful information (a sound signal converted in the electric signal). For increased efficiency, the separated high frequency signal can be rectified and its energy used to amplify the signal carrying acoustical information and increase an acoustical output of the transducer 2.

The extrenal module 5 comprises an external module microphone 6 (EMM), a Sound Signal Processing Unit 7 (SSPU), an electromagnetic signal transmitter 8 (EMST), an antenna 9, a power supply unit 10. The acoustical signal from environment is converted by the EMM 6 to an electrical signal and further processed by the SSPU 7. The SSPU 7 is a processor modifying the electrical signal to compensate for the hearing loss of the user as prescribed by a qualified specialist. The processed signal is delivered to the EMST 8 where a high frequency electromagnetic carrier signal is modulated by the processed sound signal and further transmitted by the antenna 9. Power supply unit 10 comprises rechargeable or non-rechargeable batteries providing power supply of required voltage for SSPU 7 and EMST 8.

The receiver unit 3 and the antenna device 4 of the earpiece unit 1 are arranged to receive electromagnetic signals generated by the electromagnetic signal transmitter 8 of the external unit 5, and deliver the signal to the transducer 2 that an acoustical output signal of requried predetermined power level and frequency spectrum.

Referring of FIG. 2 of the drawings, a hearing aid device comprises an earpiece module 1 being worn at the head of a user and an external module 5. The earpiece module 1 comprises a transducer 2, converting an electrical output signal of the receiver unit 3 (RU) into an acoustical signal. The transducer 2 is connected to the output of a receiver unit 3 and generates an acoustic signal of the predetermined amplitude and frequency spectrum. The receiver unit 3 converts the electromagnetic signal received by antenna device 4 (AD) by demodulating the signal and separating a high frequency signal (radio frequency signal) from a signal carrying useful information (a sound signal converted in the electric signal). For increased efficiency the separated high frequency signal can be rectified and its energy used to amplify the signal carrying acoustical information and increase an acoustical output of the transducer 2. The receiver unit 3 and the antenna device 4 of the earpiece unit 1 are arranged to receive electromagnetic signals generated by the electromagnetic signal transmitter 8 of the external unit 5, and deliver the signal to the transducer 2 that an acoustical output signal of requried predetermined power level and frequency spectrum.

The earpiece module radio frequency transmitter 11 (EMRFT) receives the acoustic signal from a earpiece module microphone 12 (EPMM) and modulates a high frequency electromagnetic carrier signal from the signal converter 13. The signal converter 13 The modulated high frequency electromagnetic signal is transmitted by antenna device 4 to the antenna 9 of the external unit 5. The external modile receiver 14 (EMR) converts the electromagnetic signal received by antenna 9 by demodulating the signal and separating a high frequency signal (radio frequency signal) from a signal carrying useful information (an acoustical signal converted in the electric signal). For increased efficiency, the separated high frequency signal can be rectified and its energy used to reduce power consumption of the external unit 5 (not illustrated). The demodulated signal carrying an acoustical signal is further processed by the SSPU 7. The processed signal is delivered to the EMST 8 where a high frequency electromagnetic carrier signal is modulated by the processed sound signal and further transmitted by the antenna 9.

The receiver unit 3 and the antenna device 4 of the earpiece unit 1 are arranged to receive electromagnetic signals generated by the electromagnetic signal transmitter 8 of the external unit 5, and deliver the signal to the transducer 2 that an acoustical output signal of requried predetermined power level and frequency spectrum. The antenna device 4 is also configured to transmit the signal generated by the EMRFT 11 of the earpiece unit 1 . The receiver unit 3 is provided with a means to block the signal generated by the EMRFT 11 (for example, a band-pass filter). Referring of FIG. 3 of the drawings, a hearing aid device comprises an earpiece module 1 being worn at the head of a user and an external module 5. The earpiece module 1 comprises a transducer 2, converting an electrical output signal of the receiver unit 3 (RU) into an acoustical signal. The transducer 2 is connected to the output of a receiver unit 3 and generates an acoustic signal of the predetermined amplitude and frequency spectrum. The receiver unit 3 converts the electromagnetic signal received by antenna device 4 (AD) by demodulating the signal and separating a high frequency signal (radio frequency signal) from a signal carrying useful information (a sound signal converted in the electric signal). For increased efficiency, the separated high frequency signal can be rectified and its energy used to amplify the signal carrying acoustical information and increase an acoustical output of the transducer 2.

The receiver unit 3 and the antenna device 4 of the earpiece unit 1 are arranged to receive electromagnetic signals generated by the electromagnetic signal transmitter 8 of the external unit 5, and deliver the signal to the transducer 2 that an acoustical output signal of requried predetermined power level and frequency spectrum. A wireless microphone unit 14 comprises an antenna unit 16 (AU), electrically connected to a wireless power supply unit 15 (WPSU). The antenna unit 16 and the WPSU 15 are configured to receive a signal emitted by the antenna 9 of the external unit 5. A sound transducer 18 (ST) converts an acoustic signal from the environment into an electrical signal that is used to modulate the radio frequency signal in a radio frequency transmitter 17 (RFT). The modulated high frequency signal is transmitter by the antenna unit 16 to the antenna 9 of the external unit 5. The WPSU 15 can be implemented as a rectifier or a frequency converter and provided with a means to block the signal generated by the RFT 17 being delivered to the antenna unit 16 (for example, a band-pass filter).

The external module receiver 14 (EMR) converts the electromagnetic signal received by the antenna 9 by demodulating the signal and separating a high frequency signal (radio frequency signal) from a signal carrying useful information (an acoustical signal converted in the electric signal). For increased efficiency, the separated high frequency signal can be rectified and its energy used to reduce power consumption of the external unit 5 (not illustrated). The demodulated signal carrying an acoustical signal is further processed by the SSPU 7. The processed signal is delivered to the EMST 8 where a high frequency electromagnetic carrier signal is modulated by the processed sound signal and further transmitted by the antenna 9.

The antenna device 4, antenna 9, and antenna unit 16 can be implemented as an inductive coil and a capacitor forming an LC oscillation circuit. The earpiece module 1 can further comprise a telecoil coupled with the antenna device 4 (not illustrated) allowing to use inductive properties of the telecoil to receive signals being transmitted to the earpiece module 1 by the external unit 5. A telecoil is widely used in hearing aids and is a small wire coil for receiving the voice signal from the electromagnetic field generated by compatible telephones or in public locations equipped with compatible transmitters. The hearing aid device can be provided with a remote control unit comprising a power supply unit (not illustrated). The remote control units are well known in the industry and being practically a standard component of the hearing aids used for various adjustments of the hearing aid device output such as volume and mode of operation that is outside of the scope of this invention. The external module 5 can be combined with a remote control unit in the same housing and use the same power supply unit.

The earpiece module can be positioned in an ear canal of the user and the external module can be positioned behind the ear or worn on the body of the user. The earpiece module can also be positioned behind the ear of the user and the external module can be worn on the body of the user.

Wireless transmission may be implemented by using an amplitude, phase, or frequency modulation, time division or frequency division multiplexed protocols, and other existing methods.

For binaural hearing, the hearing aid device is provided with two identical earpieces 1 positioned in an ear canal of the user or behind the ear of the user and one external unit 5 preferably positioned on the body of the user. For binaural hearing using wireless microphone units, the hearing aid device is provided with two identical earpieces 1 positioned in an ear canal of the user or behind the ear of the user, one external unit 5 preferably positioned on the body close to the head of the user and two identical wireless microphone units positioned on the head or on the body of the user. Wireless transmission will be implemented using different frequencies or different coding such as a time division multiplexed protocols to enable separation of the signals being

transmitted and received.

For operation of the wireless components of the hearing aid device the preferred carrier frequency for the inductive short-range can be selected in a range between 0.5 MHz and 30 MHz depending on national regulations governing the frequency bands available for wireless data transmission.

It should be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and detail may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the claims within their meaning and range of equivalency.

Industrial Applicability The present invention can be used in manufacturing of hearing aids, specifically of hearing aid devices having an earpiece worn in or at the ear and an external unit worn by or located near the user. Production is limited to assembly of the hearing aid devices using already existing electronic components.

Claims

CLAIMS What is claimed is:

1 . A hearing aid device, comprising: an earpiece module suitable for being worn at the head of a user, and an external module, having an output, said earpiece module comprising,

a receiver unit, configured to produce an electrical signal, said receiver unit comprising an antenna device to receive electromagnetic signal from said external module, a transducer responsive to said electrical signal to convert said electrical signal into a sound signal, said transducer being electrically coupled with said receiver unit;

said external module comprising a sound signal processing unit, an electromagnetic signal transmitter comprising an antenna and an output, said electromagnetic signal transmitter being electrically coupled with said sound signal processing unit, wherein said electromagnetic signal transmitter is configured to produce said electromagnetic signal of sufficient power to energize said transducer to produce said sound signal at predetermined acoustic power level, said electromagnetic signal comprising a high frequency signal modulated by a signal carrying acoustical information, said antenna being an output of said external module, a power supply unit electrically coupled with said sound signal processing unit and with said electromagnetic signal transmitter.

2. A hearing aid device according to claim 1 , wherein said external module further comprises an external module microphone, said external module microphone being electrically coupled with said sound signal processing unit.

3. A hearing aid device according to claim 1 , wherein said earpiece module further comprises an earpiece module microphone, an earpiece module radio frequency transmitter being electrically coupled with said earpiece module microphone and with said antenna device, wherein said earpiece module radio frequency transmitter is configured to transmit electromagnetic signal at a frequency being different from the frequency of said electromagnetic signal transmitter, a signal converter being electrically coupled with said receiver unit and said earpiece module radio frequency transmitter, wherein said signal converter is configured to supply power for operation of said earpiece module radio frequency transmitter, wherein said external module further comprises an external module receiver, said external module receiver configured for wireless communication with said earpiece module radio frequency transmitter, wherein said external module receiver electrically coupled with said sound signal processing unit and with said power supply unit.

4. A hearing aid device according to claim 3, wherein said signal converter is a rectifier.

5. A hearing aid device according to claim 3, wherein said signal converter is a frequency converter.

6. A hearing aid device according to claim 1 , further comprising a wireless microphone unit adapted for positioning on the body of the user, comprising a sound transducer having an output, a radio frequency transmitter comprising an antenna unit, and a wireless power supply unit electrically coupled with said antenna unit and configured to use said output signal of said electromagnetic signal transmitter for operation of said wireless microphone unit, said sound transducer configured to convert a sound signal into an electrical signal, said output of said sound transducer electrically coupled with said radio frequency transmitter, wherein said external module further comprises an external module receiver, said external module receiver configured for wireless communication with said wireless microphone unit, wherein said external module receiver is electrically coupled with said sound signal processing unit.

7. A hearing aid device according to claim 1 , wherein said earpiece module configured to be positioned in an ear canal of the user.

8. A hearing aid device according to claim 1 , wherein said earpiece module configured to be positioned behind the ear of the user.

9. A hearing aid device according to claim 7, wherein said external module configured to be worn behind the ear of the user.

10. A hearing aid device according to claim 7, wherein said external module configured to be worn on the body of the user.

11 . A hearing aid device according to claim 1 , wherein said earpiece module further comprises a telecoil coupled with said antenna device.

12. A hearing aid device according to claim 1 , wherein said external module further comprises a remote control unit configured to control operating parameters of said hearing aid device and electrically coupled with said power supply unit.

13. A hearing aid device according to claim 3, wherein said hearing aid device further comprises a first earpice module, a second earpiece module, said external module receiver configured for wireless communication with said first earpiece module and with said second earpiece module at different frequencies, said first earpiece module and said second earpiece module configured for transmission at different

frequencies, wherein said transmitter of said external module is configured to provide an output signal of sufficient power to energize said transducer of said first earpiece module and said transducer of said second earpiece module to produce said sound signal at predetermined acoustic power value.

14. A hearing aid device according to claim 6, wherein said hearing aid device further comprises a first wireless microphone unit, a second wireless microphone unit, a first earpice module, a second earpiece module, said external module receiver configured for wireless communication with said first wireless microphone unit and with said second wireless microphone unit, said transmitter of said external module is configured to provide an output signal at different frequencies of sufficient power to energize said first earpiece module and said second earpiece module to produce said sound signal at predetermined acoustic power value.

15. A hearing aid device according to claim 6, wherein said wireless power supply device of said wireless microphone unit is a frequency converter having an output, said wireless microphone unit further comprising an antenna unit and a radio frequency transmitter, said output of said frequency converter electrically coupled with said radio frequency transmitter, said radio frequency transmitter comprising a modulator configured to modulate the output signal of said frequency converter by said sound transducer.

16. A hearing aid device according to claim 1 , wherein said external module further comprises a telecoil.

17. A hearing aid device according to claim 1 , wherein said telecoil is electrically coupled with said sound signal processing unit.

18. A hearing aid device according to claim 1 , wherein said telecoil is electrically coupled with said antenna device.

19. A hearing aid device according to claim 14, wherein said first wireless microphone unit and said second wireless microphone unit configured for transmission at different frequencies.

20. A hearing aid device according to claim 14, wherein said first wireless microphone unit and said second wireless microphone unit configured for transmission using a time division multiplexed protocol.

21 . A hearing aid device according to claim 1 , wherein said receiver unit of said earpiece module comprises an amplifier and a rectifier, said receiver unit of said earpiece module is arranged to separate high frequency signal from a signal carrying acoustical information, said rectifier is arranged to receive said separated high frequency signal and direct a rectified output signal to said amplifier as a source of power for said amplifier, said amplifier is arranged to amplify said signal carrying acoustical information.