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EP2028881B1 - Hearing aid device system with magnetic field sensors - Google Patents

Hearing aid device system with magnetic field sensors Download PDF

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Publication number
EP2028881B1
EP2028881B1 EP08105009A EP08105009A EP2028881B1 EP 2028881 B1 EP2028881 B1 EP 2028881B1 EP 08105009 A EP08105009 A EP 08105009A EP 08105009 A EP08105009 A EP 08105009A EP 2028881 B1 EP2028881 B1 EP 2028881B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
hearing
magnetic field
hearing aid
signal
hearing aids
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Active
Application number
EP08105009A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP2028881A3 (en
EP2028881A2 (en
Inventor
Jens Hain
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Sivantos GmbH
Original Assignee
Siemens Audioligische Technik GmbH
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Publication of EP2028881A2 publication Critical patent/EP2028881A2/en
Publication of EP2028881A3 publication Critical patent/EP2028881A3/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP2028881B1 publication Critical patent/EP2028881B1/en
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Classifications

    • HELECTRICITY
    • H04ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04RLOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; DEAF-AID SETS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS
    • H04R25/00Deaf-aid sets, i.e. electro-acoustic or electro-mechanical hearing aids; Electric tinnitus maskers providing an auditory perception
    • H04R25/43Electronic input selection or mixing based on input signal analysis, e.g. mixing or selection between microphone and telecoil or between microphones with different directivity characteristics
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H04ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04RLOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; DEAF-AID SETS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS
    • H04R25/00Deaf-aid sets, i.e. electro-acoustic or electro-mechanical hearing aids; Electric tinnitus maskers providing an auditory perception
    • H04R25/55Deaf-aid sets, i.e. electro-acoustic or electro-mechanical hearing aids; Electric tinnitus maskers providing an auditory perception using an external connection, either wireless or wired
    • H04R25/552Binaural
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H04ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04RLOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; DEAF-AID SETS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS
    • H04R25/00Deaf-aid sets, i.e. electro-acoustic or electro-mechanical hearing aids; Electric tinnitus maskers providing an auditory perception
    • H04R25/55Deaf-aid sets, i.e. electro-acoustic or electro-mechanical hearing aids; Electric tinnitus maskers providing an auditory perception using an external connection, either wireless or wired
    • H04R25/554Deaf-aid sets, i.e. electro-acoustic or electro-mechanical hearing aids; Electric tinnitus maskers providing an auditory perception using an external connection, either wireless or wired using a wireless connection, e.g. between microphone and amplifier or using Tcoils
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H04ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04RLOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; DEAF-AID SETS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS
    • H04R2225/00Details of deaf aids covered by H04R25/00, not provided for in any of its subgroups
    • H04R2225/31Aspects of the use of accumulators in hearing aids, e.g. rechargeable batteries or fuel cells
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H04ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04RLOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; DEAF-AID SETS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS
    • H04R2225/00Details of deaf aids covered by H04R25/00, not provided for in any of its subgroups
    • H04R2225/41Detection or adaptation of hearing aid parameters or programs to listening situation, e.g. pub, forest
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H04ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04RLOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; DEAF-AID SETS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS
    • H04R2225/00Details of deaf aids covered by H04R25/00, not provided for in any of its subgroups
    • H04R2225/61Aspects relating to mechanical or electronic switches or control elements, e.g. functioning
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H04ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04RLOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; DEAF-AID SETS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS
    • H04R2460/00Details of hearing devices, i.e. of ear- or headphones covered by H04R1/10 or H04R5/033 but not provided for in any of their subgroups, or of hearing aids covered by H04R25/00 but not provided for in any of its subgroups
    • H04R2460/03Aspects of the reduction of energy consumption in hearing devices

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a hearing aid device system having a first and a second on or in the ear of a user portable hearing aid, each having an input transducer for receiving an input signal and conversion to an electrical input signal, a signal processing unit for processing and amplification of the electrical input signal and output of an electrical output signal and an output transducer for converting the electrical output signal into an audible by the user as an audible signal output signal, wherein the hearing aid system further comprises means for wireless signal transmission between the hearing aids.
  • the invention relates to a method for operating such a hearing aid device system.
  • a hearing aid with a reed contact known by a magnetic field of a certain field strength is detected in close proximity to the hearing aid. This is used to detect if the hearing aid is in close proximity to a telephone handset emitting a magnetic field. As a result, the operating mode "telephoning" can be set automatically for the relevant hearing aid device.
  • the publication US2005 / 0117764 relates to a hearing aid device for automatically switching to a telephone operation with a first hearing aid including a first recording device for receiving a first input signal and a second hearing aid including a second recording device for receiving a second input signal.
  • Object of the present invention is to provide a simple to implement and reliable automatic shutdown of the devices in a hearing aid device system of the type mentioned.
  • This object is achieved by a hearing aid device system having the features according to claim 1. Furthermore, this object is achieved by a method with the method steps according to claim 5.
  • an input signal is recorded by means of an input transducer and converted into an electrical input signal.
  • an input transducer usually serves as an input transducer at least one microphone which receives an acoustic input signal and an electrical input signal converts.
  • Modern hearing aids often comprise a microphone system with a plurality of microphones in order to achieve a direction dependent on the direction of arrival of acoustic signals reception, a directional characteristic.
  • telephone coils or antennas for receiving electromagnetic input signals and conversion to electrical input signals are also common as input transducers.
  • the input signals converted by the input transducer into electrical input signals are fed to a signal processing unit for further processing and amplification.
  • the further processing and amplification takes place to compensate for the individual hearing loss of a user usually in response to the signal frequency of the input signal.
  • the signal processing unit supplies at its output an electrical output signal, which is supplied via an output transducer to the hearing of the hearing aid wearer, so that the latter perceives the output signal as an acoustic signal.
  • output transducer conventionally earphones are used, which generate an acoustic output signal.
  • output transducers for generating mechanical vibrations are also known, which directly excite certain parts of the ear, such as the ossicles, to vibrate.
  • output transducers are known which directly stimulate neurons of the ear.
  • a hearing aid further comprises a voltage source (battery or rechargeable battery) for powering the electronic components.
  • controls on / off switch, program switch, volume control, etc. may be present.
  • each hearing aid device of the hearing aid device system comprises a signal transmission and control device, by means of which data and control signals can be transmitted between the hearing aid devices. This allows the signal processing of the two hearing aids are matched.
  • the hearing aids according to the invention each comprise a sensor device, by the magnetic fields in which the hearing aids are located and a specific Field strength exceed, can be detected.
  • the sensor devices are designed in a particularly simple manner as reed contacts.
  • other magnetic field sensors eg Hall sensors, come into consideration.
  • the sensitivity of the sensors is dimensioned so that only a magnetic field is detected when the sensor is in close proximity to the magnetic field generating magnet. As a result, only the hearing aid is automatically switched to the phone mode that supplies the ear to which the phone is held. The hearing aid that supplies the other ear, however, is not immediately switched automatically in the phone mode.
  • a sensor device for detecting an external magnetic field If it is e.g. in a storage box for the hearing aid in question, a permanent magnet, so it can be determined here by a corresponding sensor device that the hearing aid is in the storage box, so that the hearing aid is automatically turned off. Furthermore, it is possible that even when switched off, the sensor device remains active, whereby an automatic restart of the hearing aid in question after removal from the storage box is made possible. The power consumption of the sensor device in the off state is very low and can therefore be neglected.
  • the sensor device when detecting an external magnetic field, the sensor device can not recognize which of the two situations mentioned above exists.
  • a wireless signal transmission between the two hearing aids by a wireless signal transmission between the two hearing aids.
  • at least one of the hearing aid devices transmits the information as to whether an external magnetic field is detected to the other hearing aid device.
  • the magnetic field is only produced by this hearing aid device, but not by the hearing aid device worn in or on the other ear of the user due to the distance between the two hearing aids recognized. It is thus established that the listening situation "telephoning" is present and to which of the two hearing aids the telephone handset is held.
  • both hearing aids detect a relatively strong magnetic field in their immediate surroundings, this is an indication that the hearing aids are in the storage box and can be switched off.
  • the invention can be applied to all common types of hearing aid devices, such as behind the ear portable hearing aids (BTE), in the ear portable hearing aids (IDO) etc ..
  • BTE behind the ear portable hearing aids
  • IDO in the ear portable hearing aids
  • FIG. 1 shows a hearing aid system with a first on the head of a user portable hearing aid 1 and a
  • the hearing aids 1 and 11 each include a microphone 2 and 12 for receiving an acoustic input signal and conversion into an electrical input signal.
  • a signal processing unit 3 or 13 is used for processing and frequency-dependent amplification of the electrical input signal.
  • the electrical output signal generated by the signal processing unit 3 or 13 is converted by an earphone 4 or 14 into an acoustic output signal and supplied to the ear of a user.
  • the signal processing in the signal processing units 3 and 13 can be adapted to different listening environments by setting a plurality of parameters. There are, for example, hearing programs or operating modes "speech at rest", “speech in noise", "telephoning" etc.
  • the adjustment of the parameters of the individual hearing programs and the settings for individual compensation of the hearing loss of a user by means of signal transmission and control units 5 and 15, to which the transmitting and receiving coils 7 and 17 are connected for wireless data transmission, in conjunction with an external programming device (not shown). Furthermore, the status of reed contacts 6 and 16 can be interrogated by the signal transmission and control units 5 and 15, respectively. Are the reed contacts 6 and 16 in the immediate vicinity of a magnetic field whose field strength exceeds a certain threshold, so close the reed contacts 6 and 16. From this recognizes the corresponding hearing aid in a simple manner, whether it is in the immediate Proximity to a magnet is located.
  • both hearing aids 1 and 11 automatically switch off.
  • a residual power supply is maintained in the off state, by the condition of the reed contacts 6 and 16 can still be queried.
  • the hearing aids detect 1 and 11 when they are removed from the storage box.
  • an automatic restart of the hearing aid 1 and 11 can be realized. Manually operated on-off switches are unnecessary.
  • the voltage sources 8 and 18 for powering the hearing aids 1 and 11 are preferably rechargeable and the storage box for the hearing aids 1 and 11 is advantageously also designed as a charger for the voltage sources 8 and 18.
  • the hearing aids 1 and 11 are not only automatically switched off when stored in the storage box, but also recharged beyond.
  • FIG. 2 shows a flowchart for the automatic detection of the hearing situation "telephoning" and for automatically switching off two hearing aids of a hearing aid device system according to the invention.
  • a hearing aid device of a hearing aid device system concerned permanently or cyclically monitors the presence of an external magnetic field. As long as no magnetic field is detected, the hearing aid is in "normal operation". If a magnetic field is detected, this information is transmitted to the second hearing aid device in the hearing aid system. In addition, the hearing aid checks whether the other hearing aid of the hearing aid system sends the information that it is in a magnetic field.
  • the signal processing unit of the hearing aid device is transferred to a telephone mode, in which parameters for controlling the signal processing are specially adapted to the hearing situation "telephoning".
  • an information signal is transmitted to the second hearing aid device, from which it appears that the first hearing aid device is in the operating mode "Telephoning". If appropriate, the second hearing aid device can then also be converted into an operating mode adapted to this operating mode.
  • both hearing aids are in a magnetic field at the same time, this is an indication that the hearing aids are in a storage box equipped with at least one permanent magnet.
  • the hearing aids are then transferred to a shutdown, in which the hearing aids are largely switched off and only a residual power supply for the sensor device is maintained.
  • the hearing aid in question recognizes that it has been removed again from the storage box. It then switches itself on instantly.
  • the hearing aids detect in a simple manner both whether they are in the storage box and whether the hearing situation "telephoning" is present.
  • each hearing aid device only a single magnetic field sensor is required for this distinction.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Acoustics & Sound (AREA)
  • Neurosurgery (AREA)
  • Otolaryngology (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Signal Processing (AREA)
  • Computer Networks & Wireless Communication (AREA)
  • Near-Field Transmission Systems (AREA)
  • Telephone Function (AREA)
  • Circuit For Audible Band Transducer (AREA)
  • Measuring Magnetic Variables (AREA)

Abstract

The system has two hearing aid devices (1, 11) with microphones (2, 12), signal processing units (3, 13) and headsets (4, 14). Transmission-and-control units (5, 15) and transmitting-and-receiving coils (7, 17) are provided for wireless signal transmission between the aid devices. The aid devices exhibit respective sensor units for detecting an outer magnetic field. One aid device is automatically switched into an operating mode when one sensor unit detects the magnetic field. Both the aid devices are switched-off when the sensor units simultaneously detect the magnetic field. An independent claim is also included for a method for operating a hearing aid device system.

Description

Die Erfindung betrifft ein Hörhilfegerätesystem mit einem ersten und einem zweiten am oder im Ohr eines Benutzers tragbaren Hörhilfegerät, die jeweils einen Eingangswandler zur Aufnahme eines Eingangssignals und Wandlung in ein elektrisches Eingangssignal, eine Signalverarbeitungseinheit zur Verarbeitung und Verstärkung des elektrischen Eingangssignals und Abgabe eines elektrischen Ausgangssignals und einen Ausgangswandler zur Wandlung des elektrischen Ausgangssignals in ein von dem Benutzer als akustisches Signal wahrnehmbares Ausgangssignal umfassen, wobei das Hörhilfegerätesystem ferner Mittel zur drahtlosen Signalübertragung zwischen den Hörhilfegeräten umfasst.The invention relates to a hearing aid device system having a first and a second on or in the ear of a user portable hearing aid, each having an input transducer for receiving an input signal and conversion to an electrical input signal, a signal processing unit for processing and amplification of the electrical input signal and output of an electrical output signal and an output transducer for converting the electrical output signal into an audible by the user as an audible signal output signal, wherein the hearing aid system further comprises means for wireless signal transmission between the hearing aids.

Ferner betrifft die Erfindung ein Verfahren zum Betrieb eines derartigen Hörhilfegerätesystems.Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for operating such a hearing aid device system.

Aus der EP 0 941 014 A2 ist ein Hörhilfegerätesystem mit einem ersten und einem zweiten am Kopf eines Benutzers tragbaren Hörhilfegerät bekannt, bei dem zwischen den Hörhilfegeräten eine drahtlose Signalübertragung erfolgt. Dadurch können beispielsweise Steuersignale zwischen den Hörhilfegeräten übertragen werden, so dass beide Hörhilfegeräte im gleichen Betriebsmodus betrieben werden.From the EP 0 941 014 A2 is a hearing aid system with a first and a second portable on the head of a user hearing aid known, in which between the hearing aids wireless signal transmission takes place. As a result, for example, control signals can be transmitted between the hearing aid devices, so that both hearing aids are operated in the same operating mode.

Aus der DE 31 09 049 C2 ist ein Hörhilfegerät mit einem Reed-Kontakt bekannt, durch das ein Magnetfeld einer bestimmten Feldstärke in unmittelbarer Nähe zu dem Hörhilfegerät erkannt wird. Dies wird verwendet um zu erkennen, ob sich das Hörhilfegerät in unmittelbarer Nähe zu einem Telefonhörer, von dem ein Magnetfeld ausgeht, befindet. Dadurch kann bei dem betreffenden Hörhilfegerät der Betriebsmodus "Telefonieren" automatisch eingestellt werden.From the DE 31 09 049 C2 is a hearing aid with a reed contact known by a magnetic field of a certain field strength is detected in close proximity to the hearing aid. This is used to detect if the hearing aid is in close proximity to a telephone handset emitting a magnetic field. As a result, the operating mode "telephoning" can be set automatically for the relevant hearing aid device.

Die Druckschrift US2005/0117764 betrifft eine Hörhilfevorrichtung zum automatischen Schalten in einen Telefonbetrieb mit einem ersten Hörgerät einschliesslich einer ersten Aufnahmeeinrichtung zur Aufnahme eines ersten Eingangssignals und einem zweiten Hörgerät einschliesslich einer zweiten Aufnahmeeinrichtung zur Aufnahme eines zweiten Eingangssignals.The publication US2005 / 0117764 relates to a hearing aid device for automatically switching to a telephone operation with a first hearing aid including a first recording device for receiving a first input signal and a second hearing aid including a second recording device for receiving a second input signal.

Aus der EP 1 398 994 A2 ist ein System und eine Methode zur selektiven Ankopplung von Hörgeräten an ein elektromagnetisches Signal bekannt. Erkennt dabei ein Hörgerät eines Hörgerätesystems mit zwei Hörgeräten, dass es ein starkes induktives Signal empfängt, so wird ein aus dem induktiven Signal resultierendes elektromagnetisches Signal auf das zweite Hörgerät des Hörgerätesystems übertragen und ggf. von diesem weiterverarbeitet. Dadurch wird insbesondere gewährleistet, dass im Telefonmodus, in dem nur ein Hörgerät des Hörgerätesystems ein starkes induktives Signal empfängt, auch in dem zweiten Hörgerät das an das erste Hörgerät übertragene induktive Signal zur Verfügung steht.From the EP 1 398 994 A2 For example, there is known a system and method for selectively coupling hearing aids to an electromagnetic signal. If a hearing device of a hearing aid system with two hearing aids detects that it receives a strong inductive signal, then an electromagnetic signal resulting from the inductive signal is transmitted to the second hearing device of the hearing aid system and possibly further processed by the latter. This ensures in particular that in the telephone mode in which only one hearing device of the hearing device system receives a strong inductive signal, the inductive signal transmitted to the first hearing device is also available in the second hearing device.

Um die Lebensdauer der Spannungsquelle eines Hörhilfegerätes zu erhöhen ist es sinnvoll, das Hörhilfegerät unmittelbar nach jeder Benutzung auszuschalten. Das Ausschalten eines Hörhilfegerätes unmittelbar nach der Benutzung kann jedoch von dem Benutzer leicht vergessen werden. Weiterhin können durch die bei Hörhilfegeräten angestrebte Miniaturisierung nur sehr kleine Bedienelemente an einem Hörhilfegerät angebracht werden, was deren Betätigung und somit auch ein manuelles Ausschalten erschwert.To increase the life of the power source of a hearing aid, it makes sense to turn off the hearing aid immediately after each use. Turning off a hearing aid immediately after use, however, may be easily forgotten by the user. Furthermore, due to the miniaturization aimed at in hearing aid devices, only very small operating elements can be attached to a hearing aid, which makes their operation and thus also a manual switch-off difficult.

Aufgabe der vorliegenden Erfindung ist es, bei einem Hörhilfegerätesystem der eingangs genannten Art eine einfach realisierbare und zuverlässige automatische Abschaltung der Geräte vorzusehen.Object of the present invention is to provide a simple to implement and reliable automatic shutdown of the devices in a hearing aid device system of the type mentioned.

Diese Aufgabe wird durch ein Hörhilfegerätesystem mit den Merkmalen gemäß Anspruch 1 gelöst. Ferner wird diese Aufgabe gelöst durch ein Verfahren mit den Verfahrensschritten gemäß Anspruch 5.This object is achieved by a hearing aid device system having the features according to claim 1. Furthermore, this object is achieved by a method with the method steps according to claim 5.

Bei einem Hörhilfegerät wird mittels eines Eingangswandlers ein Eingangssignal aufgenommen und in ein elektrisches Eingangssignal überführt. Üblicherweise dient als Eingangswandler wenigstens ein Mikrofon, welches ein akustisches Eingangssignal aufnimmt und in ein elektrisches Eingangssignal wandelt. Moderne Hörhilfegeräte umfassen häufig ein Mikrofonsystem mit mehreren Mikrofonen, um einen von der Einfallsrichtung akustischer Signale abhängigen Empfang, eine Richtcharakteristik, zu erreichen. Als Eingangswandler sind jedoch auch Telefonspulen oder Antennen zur Aufnahme elektromagnetischer Eingangssignale und Wandlung in elektrische Eingangssignale üblich. Die durch den Eingangswandler in elektrische Eingangssignale gewandelten Eingangssignale werden zur Weiterverarbeitung und Verstärkung einer Signalverarbeitungseinheit zugeführt. Die Weiterverarbeitung und Verstärkung erfolgt zum Ausgleich des individuellen Hörverlustes eines Benutzers in der Regel in Abhängigkeit der Signalfrequenz des Einganssignals. Die Signalverarbeitungseinheit liefert an ihrem Ausgang ein elektrisches Ausgangssignal, welches über einen Ausgangswandler dem Gehör des Hörhilfegeräteträgers zugeführt wird, so dass dieser das Ausgangssignal als akustisches Signal wahrnimmt. Als Ausgangswandler werden üblicher Weise Hörer verwendet, die ein akustisches Ausgangssignal erzeugen. Es sind jedoch auch Ausgangswandler zur Erzeugung mechanischer Schwingungen bekannt, die direkt bestimmte Teile des Gehörs, wie beispielsweise die Gehörknöchelchen, zu Schwingungen anregen. Weiterhin sind Ausgangswandler bekannt, die direkt Nervenzellen des Gehörs stimulieren. Ein Hörhilfegerät umfasst ferner eine Spannungsquelle (Batterie oder Akku) zur Spannungsversorgung der elektronischen Komponenten. Weiterhin können auch Bedienelemente (Ein-/Ausschalter, Programmumschalter, Lautstärkesteller etc.) vorhanden sein.In a hearing aid, an input signal is recorded by means of an input transducer and converted into an electrical input signal. Usually serves as an input transducer at least one microphone which receives an acoustic input signal and an electrical input signal converts. Modern hearing aids often comprise a microphone system with a plurality of microphones in order to achieve a direction dependent on the direction of arrival of acoustic signals reception, a directional characteristic. However, telephone coils or antennas for receiving electromagnetic input signals and conversion to electrical input signals are also common as input transducers. The input signals converted by the input transducer into electrical input signals are fed to a signal processing unit for further processing and amplification. The further processing and amplification takes place to compensate for the individual hearing loss of a user usually in response to the signal frequency of the input signal. The signal processing unit supplies at its output an electrical output signal, which is supplied via an output transducer to the hearing of the hearing aid wearer, so that the latter perceives the output signal as an acoustic signal. As output transducer conventionally earphones are used, which generate an acoustic output signal. However, output transducers for generating mechanical vibrations are also known, which directly excite certain parts of the ear, such as the ossicles, to vibrate. Furthermore, output transducers are known which directly stimulate neurons of the ear. A hearing aid further comprises a voltage source (battery or rechargeable battery) for powering the electronic components. Furthermore, controls (on / off switch, program switch, volume control, etc.) may be present.

Ferner umfasst jedes Hörhilfegerät des erfindungsgemäßen Hörhilfegerätesystems eine Signalübertragungs- und Steuereinrichtung, durch die Daten und Steuersignale zwischen den Hörhilfegeräten übertragen werden können. Dadurch kann die Signalverarbeitung der beiden Hörhilfegeräte aufeinander abgestimmt werden.Furthermore, each hearing aid device of the hearing aid device system according to the invention comprises a signal transmission and control device, by means of which data and control signals can be transmitted between the hearing aid devices. This allows the signal processing of the two hearing aids are matched.

Darüber hinaus umfassen die Hörhilfegeräte gemäß der Erfindung jeweils eine Sensoreinrichtung, durch die Magnetfelder, in denen sich die Hörhilfegeräte befinden und die eine bestimmte Feldstärke übersteigen, erfasst werden können. Die Sensoreinrichtungen sind in besonders einfacher Weise als Reed-Kontakte ausgeführt. Es kommen jedoch auch andere Magnetfeldsensoren, z.B. Hallsensoren, in Betracht. Durch die jeweilige Sensoreinrichtung kann festgestellt werden, ob sich das Hörhilfegerät in unmittelbarer Nähe zu einem Telefonhörer befindet, von dem ein detektierbares Magnetfeld ausgeht, so dass das Hörhilfegerät ggf. automatisch in den Betriebsmodus "Telefonieren" geschaltet werden kann. Die Empfindlichkeit der Sensoren ist dabei so bemessen, dass nur dann ein Magnetfeld erkannt wird, wenn sich der Sensor in unmittelbarer Nähe zu dem das Magnetfeld erzeugenden Magnet befindet. Dadurch wird nur das Hörhilfegerät automatisch in den Telefon-Modus geschaltet, welches das Ohr versorgt, an das auch der Telefonhörer gehalten wird. Das Hörhilfegerät, welches das andere Ohr versorgt, wird hingegen nicht sofort automatisch in den Telefon-Modus geschaltet.In addition, the hearing aids according to the invention each comprise a sensor device, by the magnetic fields in which the hearing aids are located and a specific Field strength exceed, can be detected. The sensor devices are designed in a particularly simple manner as reed contacts. However, other magnetic field sensors, eg Hall sensors, come into consideration. By the respective sensor device can be determined whether the hearing aid is in close proximity to a telephone receiver, from which a detectable magnetic field, so that the hearing aid may possibly be automatically switched to the operating mode "phone calls". The sensitivity of the sensors is dimensioned so that only a magnetic field is detected when the sensor is in close proximity to the magnetic field generating magnet. As a result, only the hearing aid is automatically switched to the phone mode that supplies the ear to which the phone is held. The hearing aid that supplies the other ear, however, is not immediately switched automatically in the phone mode.

Weiterhin ist es bei Hörhilfegeräten wünschenswert, dass sich diese unmittelbar nach der Benutzung automatisch ausschalten. Dies kann ebenfalls mit einer Sensoreinrichtung zum Erfassen eines äußeren Magnetfeldes erreicht werden. Befindet sich z.B. in einer Aufbewahrungsbox für das betreffende Hörhilfegerät ein Permanentmagnet, so kann auch hier durch eine entsprechende Sensoreinrichtung festgestellt werden, dass sich das Hörhilfegerät in der Aufbewahrungsbox befindet, so dass das Hörhilfegerät automatisch ausgeschaltet wird. Weiterhin ist es möglich, dass auch in ausgeschaltetem Zustand die Sensoreinrichtung aktiv bleibt, wodurch auch ein automatisches Wiedereinschalten des betreffenden Hörhilfegerätes nach der Herausnahme aus der Aufbewahrungsbox ermöglicht wird. Der Stromverbrauch der Sensoreinrichtung im ausgeschalteten Zustand ist sehr gering und kann daher vernachlässigt werden.Furthermore, it is desirable for hearing aids that they automatically turn off immediately after use. This can also be achieved with a sensor device for detecting an external magnetic field. If it is e.g. in a storage box for the hearing aid in question, a permanent magnet, so it can be determined here by a corresponding sensor device that the hearing aid is in the storage box, so that the hearing aid is automatically turned off. Furthermore, it is possible that even when switched off, the sensor device remains active, whereby an automatic restart of the hearing aid in question after removal from the storage box is made possible. The power consumption of the sensor device in the off state is very low and can therefore be neglected.

Problematisch wird es dann, wenn von einem Benutzer sowohl eine automatische Erkennung der Hörsituation "Telefonieren" als auch ein automatisches Abschalten des Hörhilfegerätes nach dem Hineinlegen in die Aufbewahrungsbox gewünscht wird.It is problematic when a user both an automatic detection of the hearing "calling" and an automatic shutdown of the hearing aid is desired after inserting into the storage box.

Die Sensoreinrichtung kann nämlich beim Detektieren eines äußeren Magnetfeldes nicht erkennen, welche der beiden oben genannten Situationen vorliegt.Namely, when detecting an external magnetic field, the sensor device can not recognize which of the two situations mentioned above exists.

Dieses Problem wird gemäß der Erfindung durch eine drahtlose Signalübertragung zwischen den beiden Hörhilfegeräten gelöst. Dabei überträgt wenigstens eines der Hörhilfegeräte die Information, ob ein äußeres Magnetfeld detektiert wird, auf das andere Hörhilfegerät. In diesem liegt somit die Information über das Vorhandensein eines äußeren Magnetfeldes von beiden Hörhilfegeräten vor. Wird ein Telefonhörer, von dem ein Magnetfeld ausgeht, an ein mit einem betreffenden Hörhilfegerät versorgtes Ohr gehalten, so wird das Magnetfeld nur von diesem Hörhilfegerät, bedingt durch den Abstand der beiden Hörhilfegeräte jedoch nicht von dem in oder an dem anderen Ohr des Benutzers getragenen Hörhilfegerät erkannt. Es wird somit festgestellt, dass die Hörsituation "Telefonieren" vorliegt und an welches der beiden Hörhilfegeräte der Telefonhörer gehalten wird. Detektieren hingegen beide Hörhilfegeräte in ihrer unmittelbaren Umgebung ein relativ starkes Magnetfeld, so ist dies Hinweis darauf, dass sich die Hörhilfegeräte in der Aufbewahrungsbox befinden und ausgeschaltet werden können.This problem is solved according to the invention by a wireless signal transmission between the two hearing aids. In this case, at least one of the hearing aid devices transmits the information as to whether an external magnetic field is detected to the other hearing aid device. In this is thus the information about the presence of an external magnetic field of both hearing aids before. If a telephone receiver, from which a magnetic field emanates, is held by an ear supplied with a relevant hearing aid device, then the magnetic field is only produced by this hearing aid device, but not by the hearing aid device worn in or on the other ear of the user due to the distance between the two hearing aids recognized. It is thus established that the listening situation "telephoning" is present and to which of the two hearing aids the telephone handset is held. On the other hand, if both hearing aids detect a relatively strong magnetic field in their immediate surroundings, this is an indication that the hearing aids are in the storage box and can be switched off.

Die Erfindung kann bei allen gängigen Hörhilfegerätetypen, wie hinter dem Ohr tragbaren Hörhilfegeräten (HdO), in dem Ohr tragbaren Hörhilfegeräten (IdO) etc angewendet werden.The invention can be applied to all common types of hearing aid devices, such as behind the ear portable hearing aids (BTE), in the ear portable hearing aids (IDO) etc ..

Die Erfindung wird nachfolgend anhand eines Ausführungsbeispiels näher erläutert. Dabei zeigen:

Figur 1
ein Hörhilfegerätesystem gemäß der Erfindung und
Figur 2
ein Ablaufdiagramm zur Durchführung eines Verfahrens gemäß der Erfindung.
The invention will be explained in more detail with reference to an embodiment. Showing:
FIG. 1
a hearing aid device system according to the invention and
FIG. 2
a flow chart for carrying out a method according to the invention.

Figur 1 zeigt ein Hörhilfegerätesystem mit einem ersten am Kopf eines Benutzers tragbaren Hörhilfegerät 1 und einem zweiten am Kopf eines Benutzers tragbaren Hörhilfegerät 11. Die Hörhilfegeräte 1 und 11 umfassen jeweils ein Mikrofon 2 bzw. 12 zur Aufnahme eines akustischen Eingangssignals und Wandlung in ein elektrisches Eingangssignal. Eine Signalverarbeitungseinheit 3 bzw. 13 dient zur Verarbeitung und frequenzabhängigen Verstärkung des elektrischen Eingangssignals. Das von der Signalverarbeitungseinheit 3 bzw. 13 generierte elektrische Ausgangssignal wird von einem Hörer 4 bzw. 14 in ein akustisches Ausgangssignal gewandelt und dem Gehör eines Benutzers zugeführt. Die Signalverarbeitung in den Signalverarbeitungseinheiten 3 bzw. 13 kann durch die Einstellung einer Vielzahl an Parametern an unterschiedliche Hörumgebungen angepasst werden. Es existieren beispielsweise Hörprogramme bzw. Betriebsmodi "Sprache in Ruhe", "Sprache in Störlärm", "Telefonieren" usw. Die Einstellung der Parameter der einzelnen Hörprogramme sowie die Einstellungen zum individuellen Ausgleich des Hörverlustes eines Benutzers erfolgt mittels der Signalübertragungs- und Steuereinheiten 5 bzw. 15, an die zur drahtlosen Datenübertragung die Sende- und Empfangsspulen 7 bzw. 17 angeschlossen sind, in Verbindung mit einem externen Programmiergerät (nicht dargestellt). Weiterhin kann durch die Signalübertragungs- und Steuereinheiten 5 bzw. 15 der Zustand von Reed-Kontakten 6 bzw. 16 abgefragt werden. Befinden sich die Reed-Kontakte 6 bzw. 16 in unmittelbarer Nähe zu einem Magnetfeld, dessen Feldstärke einen bestimmten Schwellenwert übersteigt, so schließen sich die Reed-Kontakte 6 bzw. 16. Daraus erkennt das entsprechende Hörhilfegerät in einfacher Weise, ob es sich in unmittelbarer Nähe zu einem Magnet befindet. Erkennt eines der beiden Hörhilfegeräte 1 bzw. 11 in der angegebenen Weise, dass es sich in einem Magnetfeld befindet, so wird diese Information mittels der Signalübertragungs- und Steuereinheiten 5 bzw. 15 und der Sende- und Empfangsspulen 7 bzw. 17 auf das andere Hörhilfegerät übertragen. Wird nur von einem der beiden Hörhilfegeräte ein Magnetfeld erkannt, so wird dieses automatisch in den Betriebsmodus "Telefonieren" überführt. Durch ein entsprechendes, an das andere Hörhilfegerät übertragenes Steuersignal kann wahlweise auch dieses in einen an diese Hörsituation ("Telefonhörer am gegenüberliegenden Ohr") angepassten Betriebsmodus überführt werden. FIG. 1 shows a hearing aid system with a first on the head of a user portable hearing aid 1 and a The hearing aids 1 and 11 each include a microphone 2 and 12 for receiving an acoustic input signal and conversion into an electrical input signal. A signal processing unit 3 or 13 is used for processing and frequency-dependent amplification of the electrical input signal. The electrical output signal generated by the signal processing unit 3 or 13 is converted by an earphone 4 or 14 into an acoustic output signal and supplied to the ear of a user. The signal processing in the signal processing units 3 and 13 can be adapted to different listening environments by setting a plurality of parameters. There are, for example, hearing programs or operating modes "speech at rest", "speech in noise", "telephoning" etc. The adjustment of the parameters of the individual hearing programs and the settings for individual compensation of the hearing loss of a user by means of signal transmission and control units 5 and 15, to which the transmitting and receiving coils 7 and 17 are connected for wireless data transmission, in conjunction with an external programming device (not shown). Furthermore, the status of reed contacts 6 and 16 can be interrogated by the signal transmission and control units 5 and 15, respectively. Are the reed contacts 6 and 16 in the immediate vicinity of a magnetic field whose field strength exceeds a certain threshold, so close the reed contacts 6 and 16. From this recognizes the corresponding hearing aid in a simple manner, whether it is in the immediate Proximity to a magnet is located. Detects one of the two hearing aids 1 and 11 in the manner indicated that it is in a magnetic field, then this information by means of the signal transmission and control units 5 and 15 and the transmitting and receiving coils 7 and 17 to the other hearing aid transfer. If only one of the two hearing aid devices detects a magnetic field, this is automatically transferred to the operating mode "Telephoning". By a corresponding, transmitted to the other hearing aid control signal can optionally also this in a to this hearing situation ("Handset on the opposite ear") adapted operating mode are transferred.

Wird jedoch von beiden Hörhilfegeräten 1 und 11 gleichzeitig ein Magnetfeld detektiert, so kann daraus geschlossen werden, dass sich beide Hörhilfegeräte in einer mit wenigstens einem entsprechenden Magnet ausgestatteten Aufbewahrungsbox befinden. Sobald diese Situation erkannt wird, schalten sich die beiden Hörhilfegeräte 1 und 11 automatisch ab. Vorteilhaft wird auch im abgeschalteten Zustand eine Reststromversorgung aufrechterhalten, durch die der Zustand der Reed-Kontakte 6 und 16 weiterhin abgefragt werden kann. Dadurch erkennen die Hörhilfegeräte 1 und 11, wenn sie aus der Aufbewahrungsbox entnommen werden. Damit kann auch ein automatisches Wiedereinschalten der Hörhilfegeräte 1 und 11 realisiert werden. Manuell betätigbare Ein- und Ausschalter erübrigen sich dadurch.However, if a magnetic field is simultaneously detected by both hearing aid devices 1 and 11, then it can be concluded that both hearing aids are in a storage box equipped with at least one corresponding magnet. As soon as this situation is detected, both hearing aids 1 and 11 automatically switch off. Advantageously, a residual power supply is maintained in the off state, by the condition of the reed contacts 6 and 16 can still be queried. As a result, the hearing aids detect 1 and 11 when they are removed from the storage box. Thus, an automatic restart of the hearing aid 1 and 11 can be realized. Manually operated on-off switches are unnecessary.

Die Spannungsquellen 8 und 18 zur Spannungsversorgung der Hörhilfegeräte 1 und 11 sind vorzugsweise wiederaufladbar und die Aufbewahrungsbox für die Hörhilfegeräte 1 und 11 ist vorteilhaft zugleich als Ladegerät für die Spannungsquellen 8 und 18 ausgebildet. Damit werden die Hörhilfegeräte 1 und 11 bei der Aufbewahrung in der Aufbewahrungsbox nicht nur automatisch ausgeschaltet, sondern darüber hinaus auch nachgeladen.The voltage sources 8 and 18 for powering the hearing aids 1 and 11 are preferably rechargeable and the storage box for the hearing aids 1 and 11 is advantageously also designed as a charger for the voltage sources 8 and 18. Thus, the hearing aids 1 and 11 are not only automatically switched off when stored in the storage box, but also recharged beyond.

Figur 2 zeigt ein Ablaufschema zum automatischen Erkennen der Hörsituation "Telefonieren" sowie zum automatischen Abschalten zweier Hörhilfegeräte eines Hörhilfegerätesystems gemäß der Erfindung. Dabei überwacht ein Hörhilfegerät eines betreffenden Hörhilfegerätesystems permanent oder zyklisch das Vorhandensein eines äußeren Magnetfeldes. Solange kein Magnetfeld detektiert wird, befindet sich das Hörhilfegerät im "normalen Betrieb". Wird ein Magnetfeld erkannt, so wird diese Information auf das zweite Hörhilfegerät im Hörhilfegerätesystem übertragen. Darüber hinaus überprüft das Hörhilfegerät, ob auch das andere Hörhilfegerät des Hörhilfegerätesystems die Information sendet, dass es sich in einem Magnetfeld befindet. Erkennt das andere Hörhilfegerät kein Magnetfeld, so wird die Signalverarbeitungseinheit des Hörhilfegerätes in einen Telefonmodus überführt, bei dem Parameter zur Steuerung der Signalverarbeitung speziell an die Hörsituation "Telefonieren" angepasst sind. Darüber hinaus wird ein Informationssignal an das zweite Hörhilfegerät übertragen, aus dem hervorgeht, dass sich das erste Hörhilfegerät im Betriebsmodus "Telefonieren" befindet. Gegebenenfalls kann dann auch das zweite Hörhilfegerät in einen an diese Betriebsart angepassten Betriebsmodus überführt werden. FIG. 2 shows a flowchart for the automatic detection of the hearing situation "telephoning" and for automatically switching off two hearing aids of a hearing aid device system according to the invention. In this case, a hearing aid device of a hearing aid device system concerned permanently or cyclically monitors the presence of an external magnetic field. As long as no magnetic field is detected, the hearing aid is in "normal operation". If a magnetic field is detected, this information is transmitted to the second hearing aid device in the hearing aid system. In addition, the hearing aid checks whether the other hearing aid of the hearing aid system sends the information that it is in a magnetic field. If the other hearing aid device does not detect a magnetic field, then the signal processing unit of the hearing aid device is transferred to a telephone mode, in which parameters for controlling the signal processing are specially adapted to the hearing situation "telephoning". In addition, an information signal is transmitted to the second hearing aid device, from which it appears that the first hearing aid device is in the operating mode "Telephoning". If appropriate, the second hearing aid device can then also be converted into an operating mode adapted to this operating mode.

Wird erkannt, dass sich beide Hörhilfegeräte gleichzeitig in einem Magnetfeld befinden, so ist dies ein Hinweis darauf, dass sich die Hörhilfegeräte in einer mit wenigstens einem Permanentmagnet ausgestatteten Aufbewahrungsbox befinden. Die Hörhilfegeräte werden daraufhin in einen Abschaltbetrieb überführt, in dem die Hörhilfegeräte weitgehend abgeschaltet sind und lediglich eine Reststromversorgung für die Sensoreinrichtung aufrechterhalten wird. Sobald kein äußeres Magnetfeld mehr anliegt, erkennt das betreffende Hörhilfegerät, dass es wieder aus der Aufbewahrungsbox entnommen wurde. Es schaltet es sich dann augenblicklich selbsttätig ein.If it is detected that both hearing aids are in a magnetic field at the same time, this is an indication that the hearing aids are in a storage box equipped with at least one permanent magnet. The hearing aids are then transferred to a shutdown, in which the hearing aids are largely switched off and only a residual power supply for the sensor device is maintained. As soon as there is no external magnetic field, the hearing aid in question recognizes that it has been removed again from the storage box. It then switches itself on instantly.

Durch den gezeigten Ablauf erkennen die Hörhilfegeräte in einfacher Weise sowohl ob sie sich in der Aufbewahrungsbox befinden als auch ob die Hörsituation "Telefonieren" vorliegt. In jedem Hörhilfegerät ist für diese Unterscheidung lediglich ein einziger Magnetfeldsensor erforderlich.As a result of the sequence shown, the hearing aids detect in a simple manner both whether they are in the storage box and whether the hearing situation "telephoning" is present. In each hearing aid device, only a single magnetic field sensor is required for this distinction.

Claims (5)

  1. Hearing-aid system having a first and second hearing aid (1, 11) that can be worn on or in a user's ear and which each include an input transducer (2, 12) for picking up an input signal and converting it into an electric input signal, a signal-processing unit (3, 13) for processing and amplifying the electric input signal and feeding out an electric output signal, and an output transducer (4, 14) for converting the electric output signal into an output signal that can be perceived by the user as an acoustic signal, with the hearing-aid system further including means (5, 7; 15, 17) for transmitting signals wirelessly between the hearing aids (1, 11), characterised in that the hearing aids (1, 11) each have a sensor device for detecting an external magnetic field that exceeds a specific field strength, with data relating to the presence of an external magnetic field being transmittable by at least one of the hearing aids (1, 11) to the other (11, 1), with one of the hearing aids (1, 11) being automatically switchable to an operating mode matched to the "telephoning" hearing situation if its sensor device detects a magnetic field and the second hearing aid simultaneously does not detect a magnetic field, and with both hearing aids (1, 11) being able to be switched off automatically if their sensor devices simultaneously detect a magnetic field.
  2. Hearing-aid system according to claim 1, wherein the sensor device includes a reed contact (6, 16).
  3. Hearing-aid system according to claim 1, wherein the sensor device includes a Hall sensor.
  4. Hearing-aid system according to claim 1, wherein the hearing aids (1, 11) each include at least one rechargeable power source (8, 18) and wherein the hearing aids (1, 11) can be switched automatically to an operating mode for recharging the power sources (8, 18) when their sensor devices each simultaneously detect a magnetic field.
  5. Method for operating a hearing-aid system having a first and second hearing aid (1, 11) that can be worn on or in a user's ear, with, in each of the two hearing aids (1, 11), an input transducer picking up an input signal and converting it into an electric input signal, a signal-processing unit (3, 13) processing the electric input signal and generating an electric output signal and an output transducer (4, 14) converting the electric output signal into an output signal that can be perceived by the user as an acoustic signal, and with signals being transmitted wirelessly between the hearing aids (1, 11), characterised in that each hearing aid (1, 11) detects the presence of an external magnetic field that exceeds a specific field strength and data relating to the presence of an external magnetic field is transmitted by at least one of the hearing aids (1, 11) to the other, with one hearing aid (1) switching automatically to an operating mode matched to the "telephoning" hearing situation if it detects a magnetic field and the other hearing aid (11) simultaneously does not detect a magnetic field, and with both hearing aids (1, 11) being switched off automatically if they simultaneously detect a magnetic field.
EP08105009A 2007-08-21 2008-08-11 Hearing aid device system with magnetic field sensors Active EP2028881B1 (en)

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EP2028881A2 (en) 2009-02-25
US20090052707A1 (en) 2009-02-26

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