EP0689755A1 - Remotely controlled, especially remotely programmable hearing aid system - Google Patents

Remotely controlled, especially remotely programmable hearing aid system

Info

Publication number
EP0689755A1
EP0689755A1 EP94906176A EP94906176A EP0689755A1 EP 0689755 A1 EP0689755 A1 EP 0689755A1 EP 94906176 A EP94906176 A EP 94906176A EP 94906176 A EP94906176 A EP 94906176A EP 0689755 A1 EP0689755 A1 EP 0689755A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
hearing aid
memory
data
aid system
control device
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.)
Granted
Application number
EP94906176A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP0689755B1 (en
Inventor
Jan Topholm
Soren Westermann
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Topholm and Westermann ApS
Original Assignee
Topholm and Westermann ApS
Priority date (The priority date 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 date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Topholm and Westermann ApS filed Critical Topholm and Westermann ApS
Publication of EP0689755A1 publication Critical patent/EP0689755A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP0689755B1 publication Critical patent/EP0689755B1/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

Links

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
    • H04R25/55Deaf-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
    • H04R25/558Remote control, e.g. of amplification, frequency
    • 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
    • H04R25/556External connectors, e.g. plugs or modules
    • 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

Definitions

  • Remote control devices in particular programmable hearing aid systems
  • the invention relates to a remotely controllable, in particular by remote control to different transmission properties, programmable hearing aid system according to the preamble of claim 1.
  • Such a hearing aid system is known for example from DE-A 39 00 588.7.
  • the determination of the hearing curve is normally carried out e.g. B. performed by a hearing aid acoustician with the aid of an audiometer, the headset being transmitted to the patient via headphones sequences of discrete sound signals with ascending and descending sequence, each with a steadily increasing amplitude, the patient signaling this to the hearing aid acoustician when the respective hearing threshold is reached , for example by pressing a button.
  • the acoustic properties of this type of sound transmission to the drumhead 1 are so different from those with an open ear canal when using headphones that an uncertainty of up to 20 dB can be expected at higher frequencies. This uncertainty results from the calculation of the desired amplification values of the hearing aid, which is normally carried out, if one starts from the values of the audiogram determined with headphones.
  • the object on which the invention is based is to create a hearing aid system of the type mentioned at the outset, with which either the hearing aid acoustician or the wearer of the hearing aid himself can determine a hearing curve which is substantially better suited to the actual conditions and at the same time can adjust his hearing aid accordingly. since the actual conditions when wearing the hearing aid are present when determining the threshold values.
  • FIG. 1 a remote-controllable hearing aid system according to the invention
  • FIG. 2 a further embodiment of the remote-controllable hearing aid system.
  • Fig. 1 is shown purely schematically and without any scale relationships, a remotely controllable hearing aid system.
  • This system exists initially from an external control device 1, as is already known from the prior art.
  • This external control device 1 contains a keyboard 2, which can contain several rows of keys, push buttons or the like, and a display device 3, which can be, for example, a liquid crystal display.
  • the keyboard 2 and the display device 3 are connected to a data processing device * 4, which purely schematically identifies at least one microprocessor labeled uP, a memory 5 for audiometric data, a control parameter memory 6 and a memory 7 for storing some environmental situations drawing data or parameters.
  • the external control device 1 also contains a transmitter 8, which is designed, for example, for transmitting high-frequency signals and which is connected to an antenna, which is indicated purely schematically.
  • the hearing aid 9 which is also indicated purely schematically, has a receiver 10 which serves to receive the signals emitted or transmitted by the transmitter 8 and which effects suitable signal processing which serves to control the transmission characteristics of the actual hearing aid.
  • the essentially new part of the hearing aid system constructed according to the invention consists in that a signal generator 11 is provided in the external control unit, which is also connected to the data processing device 4 and in particular to its memory 5 for audiometric data.
  • This signal generator 1 1 is able, controlled by the keyboard, in connection with the data processing device and in connection with corresponding programs / algorithms, to generate signals of all kinds, preferably sound signals, noise signals, signal mixtures of all kinds, individually, in any Result, in any mixture, with selectable and controllable intensity.
  • 2 different keys are provided in the keyboard with which the Ampl itude, i.e.. the volume of the signals generated by the signal generator 11 can be changed continuously. This can be monitored on the display device 3.
  • the external control device 1 also has a detachable connection to the hearing device 9.
  • the signal generator 1 1 is provided with an output socket 12 attached to the housing of the external control device 1 for a plug connection into which a flexible connecting line 13 can be inserted, which has a plug at its other end, which plugs into a corresponding socket 14 of the Hearing aid 9 is insertable.
  • Such sockets are also called audio shoes.
  • the hearing aid 9 also has a microphone 15, a preamplifier 16 and a preferably digitally controllable filter circuit 17, which may also consist of a number of such filters, be it in a single-channel version or in a multi-channel version, which can be controlled by a control unit 18 which is connected on the input side to the output of the receiver 10.
  • An output amplifier 19 is provided at the output of the filter circuit 17 and its volume can also be controlled by the control unit 18, preferably digitally.
  • An output transducer 20 is connected to the output amplifier 19, which is preferably, but not necessarily, an electroacoustic transducer.
  • the wearer of a hearing aid either to be worn behind the ear or connected to the ear canal via an earpiece or a concha device or a device that can be inserted directly into the ear canal, or a hearing aid acoustician can use the keyboard with the assistance of the data Control device 4 control the signal generator 11 for emitting acoustic signals, i.e. Signals that can be made audible by an electroacoustic transducer.
  • the output of the signals by the signal generator 11 can be monitored on the display device 3, in particular the respective frequency or the respective signal. or frequency mix and its increasing or decreasing volume. Signals other than sinusoidal signals could be represented, for example, by arbitrarily chosen symbols on the display device.
  • the signal generator 1 1 is caused by a sequence of z. B. sinusoidal signals are generated in the audio frequency range.
  • the sound signals generated in this way reach the hearing aid simultaneously via the plug-cable connection 12, 13, 14.
  • a switch is indicated purely schematically, with which a switchover from the audio input to the preamplifier 16 is possible, while at the same time the microphone 15 is in position.
  • the cable connection 12, 13, 14 should cause the microphone to not be effective when sound signals occur at this cable connection.
  • the amplitude of each of the signals initially increases with increasing frequency Loudness changes until the wearer of the hearing aid perceives the signal or no longer perceives it when the volume decreases again and thus either by himself or by the hearing care professional via the keyboard 2 causes this signal amplitude in digital form, i.e. e.g. B. in the form of numerical values in the memory 5 for audiometric data.
  • the signal generator can also be used to generate other signals, in particular, however, of signal mixtures, for example to simulate sequences of sound signals disturbed over the entire area or only over partial areas. In this way, adjustments can also be made to disturbed conditions.
  • the hearing curve thus determined and coded can then be called up via the keyboard 2, whereupon the corresponding control parameters for the hearing aid can be calculated from this hearing curve by means of predetermined mathematical operations, which are then stored in the control parameter memory 6.
  • these control parameters can then be transmitted via the keyboard 8 by means of the transmitter 8 to the hearing aid 9, the receiver 10 of which together with the control unit 18 then controls the transmission characteristic of the hearing aid between the microphone 15 and the output converter 20.
  • this external control device 1 can also contain a memory 7 for data or characteristic values of different environmental situations. This enables control of the hearing aid 9 Using the keyboard 2 in such a way that corresponding control parameters for controlling the hearing aid 9 can be derived from the control parameters contained in the control parameter memory 6 and derived from the audiogram and from the data or data groups contained in the memory 7 for environmental situations.
  • control parameters for this transmission characteristic are determined from the audiometric data in the memory 5 with the aid of predetermined mathematical operations and stored in the control parameter memory 6, and from there via the transmitter 8 to the Transfer hearing aid 9.
  • the hearing aid is to be set to a transmission characteristic for one of the environmental situations, then the audiometric data from the audiogram memory 5 and the corresponding values for the environmental situation are converted into new control parameters using predetermined mathematical operations stored and transmitted to the hearing aid 9 via the transmitter 8.
  • a serial interface 21 is also provided, which can be connected to an external computer via a connector 22 and is internally connected to the data processing device.
  • This serial interface 21 can be used, for example, for storing measured data / parameters in the database of a computer.
  • this interface can also be used for storing parameters characterizing different environmental situations in the memory 7.
  • the entire range of functions of this external one can be accessed via this interface Control remote control device so that al le processes and operations can be controlled via the keyboard of a computer connected to the interface 21.
  • This type of control has the advantage that the audiogram itself is retained in digital form in the memory 5 and can be queried again at any time via the keyboard 2, for example via the serial interface 21 and read out to an external data processing system.
  • the in Fig. 2 dargestel lte external control device I have a further plug 23, which is connected to a measuring amplifier 24, the output of which is connected to the data processing device 4 via an analog-to-digital converter 25.
  • the plug 23 is used to connect a cable (not shown), which leads to a small test microphone, which is in the remaining volume between the earmold or. Otoplasty and ear drum l is introduced and is used to measure the sound pressure generated in this residual volume.
  • This is a very interesting addition to this external control unit, since it enables the conditions within this residual volume to be determined even more precisely using the signals generated by the signal generator 1 1. In this respect, this extension also serves for an even better and more precise determination of the hearing curve or the audiogram of the hearing device wearer.
  • the invention thus provides an external control device for a hearing aid system which can be remotely controlled and which can be remotely programmed for its transmission properties, with which the hearing aid system can be determined not only from various aspects, but also, if necessary, to a later one
  • the device can be adapted accordingly.
  • the initial setting up of the device is particularly easy to carry out. It is particularly important that the audio gram in the memory 5 is always retained until it is replaced by a new audiogram.

Abstract

PCT No. PCT/EP94/00261 Sec. 371 Date May 10, 1995 Sec. 102(e) Date May 10, 1995 PCT Filed Jan. 29, 1994 PCT Pub. No. WO94/22276 PCT Pub. Date Sep. 29, 1994In a remotely controllable, especially remote-control-programmable heating aid with an external control device (1) with a keyboard (2), display device (3) and a data processing device (4) and also a hearing aid (9) controllable by the control device (1), in the control device there is a signal generator (11) actuatable and controllable via the keyboard (2) and the data processing device (4). This generator is releasably connected by a cable (12, 13, 14) to the heating aid so that the control device (1) can be used together with a heating aid to determine the hearing curve or, in general, the audiometric values of the wearer of the hearing aid in real conditions.

Description

Fernsteuerbαres, insbesondere programmierbares Hörgerätesystem Remote control devices, in particular programmable hearing aid systems
Die Erfindung betrifft ein fernsteuerbares , insbesondere durch Fernsteuerung auf unterschiedl iche Ubertragungseϊgenschaften fernprogrammierbares Hörge¬ rätesystem gemäß dem Oberbegriff des Patentanspruches 1 .The invention relates to a remotely controllable, in particular by remote control to different transmission properties, programmable hearing aid system according to the preamble of claim 1.
Ein derartiges Hörgerätesystem ist beispielsweise aus der DE - A 39 00 588.7 bekannt.Such a hearing aid system is known for example from DE-A 39 00 588.7.
Bei al len bisher bekannten Hörgeräten, seien es Hinter-dem-Ohr-Geräte oder an der Concha zu tragende oder weitgehend in den Ohrkanal einsetzbare Hörgeräte , wird die Ermittlung der Hörkurve normalerweise z . B . durch einen Hörgeräteakustϊker mit Hilfe eines Audiometers durchgeführt, wobei dem Patienten über Kopfhörer Folgen von diskreten Tonsignalen mit auf- und ab¬ steigender Folge, jeweils mit stetig ansteigender Amplitude übermittelt werden, wobei der Patient beim Erreichen der jeweiligen Hörschwel le diese dem Hörge- räteakustiker signalisiert, beispielsweise durch Betätigung eines Tasters .In all previously known hearing aids, whether behind-the-ear devices or hearing aids to be worn on the concha or largely used in the ear canal, the determination of the hearing curve is normally carried out e.g. B. performed by a hearing aid acoustician with the aid of an audiometer, the headset being transmitted to the patient via headphones sequences of discrete sound signals with ascending and descending sequence, each with a steadily increasing amplitude, the patient signaling this to the hearing aid acoustician when the respective hearing threshold is reached , for example by pressing a button.
Dieses Verfahren weist jedoch eine große Unsicherheit des im übrigen in jedem Fal l subjektiven Ergebnisses auf, wobei auch psychologische Einflüsse eine Rol le spielen . Die Hauptursache für die Unsicherheit und Ungenauigkeit des Ergebnisses liegt jedoch zum einen darin, daß bei Ermittlung des Audiogramms oder der Hör¬ kurve normalerweise nie ganz dichte Kopfhörer verwendet werden, während bei Benutzung eines Hörgerätes der Schall dem Ohr über einen engen Schlauch und eine den Gehörgang nach außen abdichtende Ohrolive oder über ein entpsrechen- des Ohrpaßstück bzw . eine entsprechende Otoplastik zugeführt wird, die den Ohrkanal gegen die Außenwelt abdichtend verschl ießt . D. h . der Schal l wird durch ein dünnes Röhrchen in eine oft geschlossene Kammer (ein Restvolumen) vor dem Trommelfel l abgegeben . Die akustischen Eigenschaften dieser Art von Schall Übertragung an das Trommel¬ fel l sind von denen bei offenem Ohrkanal bei Benutzung von Kopfhörern so stark verschieden, daß bei höheren Frequenzen eine Unsicherheit der ermittelten Werte von bis zu 20 dB erwartet werden kann . Diese Unsicherheit ergibt sich aus der normalerweise durchgeführten Berechnung der gewünschten Verstärkungswerte des Hörgerätes, wenn man dabei von den mit Kopfhörern-ermittelten Werten des Audiogramms ausgeht .However, this method shows a great degree of uncertainty in the result, which is otherwise subjective in every case, and psychological influences also play a role. The main cause of the uncertainty and inaccuracy of the result is, on the one hand, that when the audiogram or the hearing curve is being determined, the headphones are normally never very tight, whereas when using a hearing aid, the sound is transmitted to the ear through a narrow tube and the ear canal to the outside sealing ear olive or via a corresponding earmold or. a corresponding otoplastic is supplied which seals the ear canal against the outside world. That is, the scarf l is released through a thin tube into an often closed chamber (a residual volume) in front of the drum head l. The acoustic properties of this type of sound transmission to the drumhead 1 are so different from those with an open ear canal when using headphones that an uncertainty of up to 20 dB can be expected at higher frequencies. This uncertainty results from the calculation of the desired amplification values of the hearing aid, which is normally carried out, if one starts from the values of the audiogram determined with headphones.
Die der Erfindung zugrunde liegende Aufgabe besteht darin, ein Hörgerätesystem der eingangs genannten Art zu schaffen, mit dem entweder der Hörgeräteakusti- ker oder der Träger des Hörgerätes selbst eine den wirklichen Verhältnissen we¬ sentlich besser entsprechende Hörkurve ermitteln und gleichzeitig sein Hörgerät darauf einstellen kann, da bei der Ermittlung der Schwel lwerte die tatsächlichen Bedingungen beim Tragen des Hörgerätes vorliegen .The object on which the invention is based is to create a hearing aid system of the type mentioned at the outset, with which either the hearing aid acoustician or the wearer of the hearing aid himself can determine a hearing curve which is substantially better suited to the actual conditions and at the same time can adjust his hearing aid accordingly. since the actual conditions when wearing the hearing aid are present when determining the threshold values.
Dies wird erfiήdungsgemäß durch die Merkmale des Patentanspruches 1 erreicht.This is achieved according to the invention by the features of claim 1.
Weitere Merkmale der Erfindung sind den weiteren Ansprüchen zu entnehmen .Further features of the invention can be found in the further claims.
Die Erfindung wird nunmehr anhand eines Ausführungsbeispieles in Verbindung mit der beigefügten Zeichnung im einzelnen näher erläutert.The invention will now be explained in more detail using an exemplary embodiment in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
In der Zeichnung zeigtIn the drawing shows
Fig . 1 ein fernsteuerbares Hörgerätesystem gemäß der Erfindung und Fig. 2 eine weitere Ausführungsform des fernsteuerbaren Hör¬ gerätesystems .Fig. 1 a remote-controllable hearing aid system according to the invention and FIG. 2 a further embodiment of the remote-controllable hearing aid system.
In Fig . 1 ist rein schematϊsch und ohne irgendwelche maßstäblichen Ver¬ hältnisse ein fernsteuerbares Hörgerätesystem gezeigt . Dieses System besteht zunächst aus einem externen Steuergerät 1 , wie es bereits aus dem Stand der Technik vorbekannt ist. Dieses externe Steuergerät 1 enthält eine Tastatur 2, die mehrere Reihen von Tasten, Druckknöpfen oder dergleichen enthalten kann, sowie eine Anzeigevorrichtung 3, die beispielsweise eine Fl üssigkeitskristal lanzeige sein kann . Die Tastatur 2 und die Anzeigevorrich¬ tung 3 sind mit einer Daten verarbeitenden Vorrichtung *4 verbunden, die rein schematϊsch mindestens einen mit uP bezeichneten Mikroprozessor, einen Speicher 5 für audiometrische Daten, einen Steuerparameterspeicher 6 und einen Speicher 7 zur Speϊcherung von einigen Umgebungssϊtuationen kenn¬ zeichnenden Daten oder Parametern enthält . Außerdem enthält das externe Steuergerät 1 noch einen Sender 8, der beispielsweise zur Aussendung von Hochfrequenzsignalen ausgelegt ist, und der mit einer rein schematisch an¬ gedeuteten Antenne verbunden ist .In Fig. 1 is shown purely schematically and without any scale relationships, a remotely controllable hearing aid system. This system exists initially from an external control device 1, as is already known from the prior art. This external control device 1 contains a keyboard 2, which can contain several rows of keys, push buttons or the like, and a display device 3, which can be, for example, a liquid crystal display. The keyboard 2 and the display device 3 are connected to a data processing device * 4, which purely schematically identifies at least one microprocessor labeled uP, a memory 5 for audiometric data, a control parameter memory 6 and a memory 7 for storing some environmental situations drawing data or parameters. In addition, the external control device 1 also contains a transmitter 8, which is designed, for example, for transmitting high-frequency signals and which is connected to an antenna, which is indicated purely schematically.
Das ebenfalls rein schematisch angedeutete Hörgerät 9 weist einen zur Auf¬ nahme der vom Sender 8 ausgestrahlten oder übermittelten Signale dienenden Empfänger 10 auf, der eine geeignete Signalverarbeitung bewirkt, die der Steuerung der Ubertragungscharakteristik des eigentlichen Hörgerätes dient.The hearing aid 9, which is also indicated purely schematically, has a receiver 10 which serves to receive the signals emitted or transmitted by the transmitter 8 and which effects suitable signal processing which serves to control the transmission characteristics of the actual hearing aid.
Der wesentlich neue Teil des erfindungsgemäß aufgebauten Hörgerätesystems besteht darin, daß in dem externen Steuergerät ein Signal generator 1 1 vorge¬ sehen ist, der ebenfal ls an der Daten verarbeitenden Vorrichtung 4 und insbe¬ sondere an deren Speicher 5 für audiometrische Daten angeschlossen ist.The essentially new part of the hearing aid system constructed according to the invention consists in that a signal generator 11 is provided in the external control unit, which is also connected to the data processing device 4 and in particular to its memory 5 for audiometric data.
Dieser Signalgenerator 1 1 ist in der Lage, gesteuert durch die Tastatur, in Verbindung mit der Daten verarbeitenden Vorrichtung und in Verbindung mit entsprechenden Programmen / Algorithmen, Signale al ler Art zu erzeugen, vorzugsweise Tonsignale, Rauschsignale, Signalgemische aller Art, einzeln, in beliebiger Folge, in beliebiger Mischung, mit wähl- und steuerbarer In¬ tensität. Zu diesem Zweck sind in der Tastatur 2 verschiedene Tasten vorgesehen, mit denen die Ampl itude, d .h . die Lautstärke der vom Signal generator 1 1 erzeug¬ ten Signale kontinuierlich veränderbar ist . Dies kann an der A nzeigevorrichtung 3 überwacht werden .This signal generator 1 1 is able, controlled by the keyboard, in connection with the data processing device and in connection with corresponding programs / algorithms, to generate signals of all kinds, preferably sound signals, noise signals, signal mixtures of all kinds, individually, in any Result, in any mixture, with selectable and controllable intensity. For this purpose, 2 different keys are provided in the keyboard with which the Ampl itude, i.e.. the volume of the signals generated by the signal generator 11 can be changed continuously. This can be monitored on the display device 3.
Das externe Steuergerät 1 weist weiterhin eine lösbare Verbindung zu dem Hörgerät 9 auf . Zu diesem Zweck ist der Sϊgnalgenerator 1 1 mit einer am Gehäuse des externen Steuergerätes 1 angebrachten Ausgangsbuchse 12 für eine Steckverbindung versehen, in die eine flexible Verbindungsleitung 13 eingesteckt werden kann, die an ihrem anderen Ende einen Stecker aufweist, der in eine entsprechende Buchse 14 des Hörgerätes 9 eϊnsetzbar ist . Derartige Buchsen werden auch als Audio-Schuh bezeichnet .The external control device 1 also has a detachable connection to the hearing device 9. For this purpose, the signal generator 1 1 is provided with an output socket 12 attached to the housing of the external control device 1 for a plug connection into which a flexible connecting line 13 can be inserted, which has a plug at its other end, which plugs into a corresponding socket 14 of the Hearing aid 9 is insertable. Such sockets are also called audio shoes.
Das Hörgerät 9 weist ferner ein Mikrophon 15, einen Vorverstärker 16 und eine vorzugsweise digital steuerbare Filterschaltung 17 auf, die ebenfal ls vor¬ zugsweise aus einer Reihe von derartigen Filtern, sei es in einkanaliger Aus¬ führung oder in mehrkana liger Ausführung bestehen kann, die durch eine Steu¬ ereinheit 18 steuerbar sind, die eingangsseitig mit dem Ausgang des Empfängers 10 verbunden ist . Am Ausgang der Filterschaltung 17 ist ein Ausgangsverstärker 19 vorgesehen, der ebenfal ls durch die Steuereinheit 18, vorzugsweise digital , in seiner Lautstärke steuerbar ist . An de Ausgangsverstärker 19 ist ein Ausgangs- wandler 20 angeschlossen, der vorzugsweise, aber nicht notwendigerweise, ein elektroakustischer Wandler ist .The hearing aid 9 also has a microphone 15, a preamplifier 16 and a preferably digitally controllable filter circuit 17, which may also consist of a number of such filters, be it in a single-channel version or in a multi-channel version, which can be controlled by a control unit 18 which is connected on the input side to the output of the receiver 10. An output amplifier 19 is provided at the output of the filter circuit 17 and its volume can also be controlled by the control unit 18, preferably digitally. An output transducer 20 is connected to the output amplifier 19, which is preferably, but not necessarily, an electroacoustic transducer.
Diese neuartige Schaltungsanordnung arbeitet nun wie folgt:This new type of circuit arrangement now works as follows:
Der Träger eines entweder hinter dem Ohr zu tragenden oder über ein Ohrpa߬ stück mit dem Ohrkanal in Verbindung stehenden Hörgerätes oder eines Concha- gerätes oder eines unmittelbar in den Ohrkanal einsetzbaren Gerätes, oder aber ein Hörgeräteakustiker kann über die Tastatur unter Mitwirkung der Daten verαrbeitenden Vorrichtung 4 den Signαlgenerαtor 1 1 zur Abgabe von akusti¬ schen Signalen steuern, d .h . Signalen, die über einen elektroakustischen Wa ndler hörbar gemacht werden können . Die Abgabe der Signale durch den Signalgenerator 1 1 kann an der Anzeigevorrichtung 3 überwacht werden, insbesondere die jeweil ige Frequenz oder das jewei lige Signal . oder Frequenz¬ gemisch sowie dessen zu- oder abnehmende Lautstärke . Andere als sinusför¬ mige Signale könnten beispielsweise durch wil lkürlich zu wählende Symbole auf der Anzeigevorrichtung dargestel lt werden .The wearer of a hearing aid either to be worn behind the ear or connected to the ear canal via an earpiece or a concha device or a device that can be inserted directly into the ear canal, or a hearing aid acoustician can use the keyboard with the assistance of the data Control device 4 control the signal generator 11 for emitting acoustic signals, i.e. Signals that can be made audible by an electroacoustic transducer. The output of the signals by the signal generator 11 can be monitored on the display device 3, in particular the respective frequency or the respective signal. or frequency mix and its increasing or decreasing volume. Signals other than sinusoidal signals could be represented, for example, by arbitrarily chosen symbols on the display device.
Ohne auf die vielfältigen Möglichkeiten zur Erzeugung der unterschiedlichsten Signale durch den Signalgenerator 1 1 näher einzugehen, sol l die bisher übliche Ermittlung einer Hörkurve oder eines Audiogramms mit dem neuen Gerät be¬ schrieben werden .Without going into more detail about the various possibilities for generating the most varied signals by the signal generator 11, the determination of an auditory curve or an audiogram that has been customary up to now will be described with the new device.
Durch Betätigung entsprechender Tasten der Tastatur 2 wird bewirkt, daß der Signal generator 1 1 eine Folge von z . B . sinusförmigen Signalen im Hörfre- que nzbereϊch erzeugt.By pressing the corresponding keys on the keyboard 2, the signal generator 1 1 is caused by a sequence of z. B. sinusoidal signals are generated in the audio frequency range.
Die so erzeugten Tonsignale gelangen dabei gleichzeitig über die Stecker- Kabelverbindung 12, 13, 14 an das Hörgerät . In diesem Hörgerät 9 ist rein schematisch ein Schalter angedeutet, mit dem eine Umschaltung von dem Audioeϊngang auf den Vorverstärker 16 möglich ist, während gleichzeitig das Mikrophon 15 sti l lgelegt ist . Dazu gibt es technisch verschiedene Möglichkei¬ ten, auf die im einzelnen nicht näher eingegangen werden soll , da diese nicht zur Erfindung gehören . In jedem Fal l sol l dabei über die Kabelverbindung 12, 13, 14 bewirkt werden, daß beim Auftreten von Tonsignalen an dieser Kabel¬ verbindung das Mikrophon nicht wirksam ist .The sound signals generated in this way reach the hearing aid simultaneously via the plug-cable connection 12, 13, 14. In this hearing aid 9, a switch is indicated purely schematically, with which a switchover from the audio input to the preamplifier 16 is possible, while at the same time the microphone 15 is in position. There are various technical options for this, which will not be discussed in detail since these are not part of the invention. In any case, the cable connection 12, 13, 14 should cause the microphone to not be effective when sound signals occur at this cable connection.
Bei diesem an sich bekannten Verfahren zur Ermittlung eines Audiogrammes wird die Amplitude eines jeden der Signale so lange zunächst mit zunehmender Lαutstärke verändert bis der Träger des Hörgerätes das Signal wahrnimmt oder bei wieder abnehmender Lautstärke nicht mehr wahrnimmt und damit ent¬ weder selbst oder durch den Hörgeräteakustiker über die Tastatur 2 bewirkt, daß diese Signalamplitude in digitaler Form, d .h . z . B. in Form von Zahlwer¬ ten in dem Speicher 5 für audiometrische Daten abgespeichert wird . Man geht dabei normalerweise so vor, daß eine ganz bestimmte Folge von Signalen nacheinander in ansteigender Form, d .h . in ansteigenden Frequenzen oder Frequenzbereichen und danach in absteigender Form erzeugt wird . Dies ist notwendig, um Zufälligkeiten und subjektive Einflüsse bei der Ermittlung der Hörschwel le des Trägers nach Möglichkeit auszuschalten .In this known method for determining an audiogram, the amplitude of each of the signals initially increases with increasing frequency Loudness changes until the wearer of the hearing aid perceives the signal or no longer perceives it when the volume decreases again and thus either by himself or by the hearing care professional via the keyboard 2 causes this signal amplitude in digital form, i.e. e.g. B. in the form of numerical values in the memory 5 for audiometric data. One usually proceeds in such a way that a very specific sequence of signals successively in increasing form, i.e. is generated in increasing frequencies or frequency ranges and then in decreasing form. This is necessary in order to eliminate randomness and subjective influences when determining the wearer's hearing threshold as far as possible.
Wie bereits erwähnt, kann der Signalgenerator auch zur Erzeugung anderer Signale, insbesondere aber von Signa Igemischen verwendet werden, um bei¬ spielsweise Folgen von über den gesamten Bereich oder nur über Teilbereiche gestörten Tonsignalen zu simulieren . Auf diese Weise lassen sich dann auch Anpassungen an gestörte Verhältnisse durchführen .As already mentioned, the signal generator can also be used to generate other signals, in particular, however, of signal mixtures, for example to simulate sequences of sound signals disturbed over the entire area or only over partial areas. In this way, adjustments can also be made to disturbed conditions.
Die so ermittelte und codiert, beispielsweise digital gespeicherte Hörkurve kann dann über die Tastatur 2 abgerufen werden, worauf aus dieser Hörkurve die entsprechenden Steuerparameter für das Hörgerät mittels vorgegebener mathematischer Operationen berechnet werden können, die dann im Steuer¬ parameterspeicher 6 gespeichert werden . Zur Übertragung an das Hörgerät 9 können dann über die Tastatur 2 diese Steuerparameter vermittels des Senders 8 an das Hörgerät 9 übertragen werden, dessen Empfänger 10 zusammen mit der Steuereinheit 18 dann die Ubertragungscharakteristϊk des Hörgerätes zwischen Mikrophon 15 und dem Ausgangswandler 20 steuert.The hearing curve thus determined and coded, for example digitally stored, can then be called up via the keyboard 2, whereupon the corresponding control parameters for the hearing aid can be calculated from this hearing curve by means of predetermined mathematical operations, which are then stored in the control parameter memory 6. For transmission to the hearing aid 9, these control parameters can then be transmitted via the keyboard 8 by means of the transmitter 8 to the hearing aid 9, the receiver 10 of which together with the control unit 18 then controls the transmission characteristic of the hearing aid between the microphone 15 and the output converter 20.
Nur der Vol lständigkeit halber sei erwähnt, daß dieses externe Steuergerät 1 auch einen Speicher 7 für Daten oder Kennwerte unterschiedlicher Umgebungs¬ situationen enthalten kann . Dies ermöglicht eine Steuerung des Hörgerätes 9 über die Tastatur 2 in der Weise, daß aus den im Steuerparameterspeicher 6 enthaltenen, aus dem Audiogramm abgeleiteten Steuerparametern und aus den im Speicher 7 enthaltenen Daten oder Datengruppen für Umgebungssituationen entsprechende Steuerparameter zur Steuerung des Hörgerätes 9 ableitbar sind .For the sake of completeness, it should be mentioned that this external control device 1 can also contain a memory 7 for data or characteristic values of different environmental situations. This enables control of the hearing aid 9 Using the keyboard 2 in such a way that corresponding control parameters for controlling the hearing aid 9 can be derived from the control parameters contained in the control parameter memory 6 and derived from the audiogram and from the data or data groups contained in the memory 7 for environmental situations.
D.h . mit anderen Worten, daß in diesem Fall überhaupt kein Speicher für die Parameter für Umgebungssituationen vorhanden sein muß, sondern nur ein Datenspeicher für unterschiedliche Umgebungssituationen .I.e. in other words, in this case there is no need to have a memory for the parameters for environmental situations at all, but only a data memory for different environmental situations.
Jedesmal , wenn das Hörgerät auf die Normal Übertragung eingestel lt werden sol l, werden mit Hilfe vorgegebener mathematischer Operationen aus den audϊometrischen Daten im Speicher 5 Steuerparameter für diese Ubertragungs- charakteristik ermittelt und im Steuerparameterspeicher 6 abgelegt, sowie von dort über den Sender 8 an das Hörgerät 9 übertragen .Each time the hearing aid is to be set to normal transmission, control parameters for this transmission characteristic are determined from the audiometric data in the memory 5 with the aid of predetermined mathematical operations and stored in the control parameter memory 6, and from there via the transmitter 8 to the Transfer hearing aid 9.
Sol l das Hörgerät auf eine Ubertragungscharakteristik für eine der Umgebungs¬ situationen eingestellt werden, dann werden die audiometrischen Daten aus dem Audiogrammspeicher 5 und die entsprechenden Werte für die Umgebungs¬ situation mittels vorgegebener mathematischer Operationen zu neuen Steuer¬ p paarraammeetteerrnn mmooddiiffiizziieerrtt,, ddiiee iimm SStteeuueerrppaarraammeetteerrssppeeiiicher gespeichert und über den Sender 8 an das Hörgerät 9 übertragen werden .If the hearing aid is to be set to a transmission characteristic for one of the environmental situations, then the audiometric data from the audiogram memory 5 and the corresponding values for the environmental situation are converted into new control parameters using predetermined mathematical operations stored and transmitted to the hearing aid 9 via the transmitter 8.
In Fig . 1 ist außerdem noch eine seriel le Schnittstel le 21 vorgesehen, die über einen Stecker 22 mit einem externen Computer verbunden werden kann, und intern an der Daten verarbeitenden Vorrichtung angeschlossen ist. Diese seriel le Schnittstel le 21 kann beispielsweise zur Speicherung von gemessenen Daten/ Parametern in der Datenbank eines Rechners verwendet werden . Außerdem läßt sich diese Schnittstel le auch für die Speicherung von verschiedene Umgebungs¬ situationen kennzeichnende Parameter im Speicher 7 benutzen . Schließl ich läßt sich über diese Schnittstel le die gesamte Funktionsvielfalt dieses externen Fernsteuergerätes steuern, so daß al le Abläufe und Operationen über die Tastatur eines an der Schnittstel le 21 angeschlossenen Computers steuerbar sind .In Fig. 1, a serial interface 21 is also provided, which can be connected to an external computer via a connector 22 and is internally connected to the data processing device. This serial interface 21 can be used, for example, for storing measured data / parameters in the database of a computer. In addition, this interface can also be used for storing parameters characterizing different environmental situations in the memory 7. Finally, the entire range of functions of this external one can be accessed via this interface Control remote control device so that al le processes and operations can be controlled via the keyboard of a computer connected to the interface 21.
Diese Art der Steuerung hat den Vorzug, daß das Audiogramm selbst in digitaler Form im Speicher 5 erhalten bleibt und jederzeit über die Tastatur 2 wieder abgefragt werden kann, beispielsweise über die seriel le Schnittstel le 21 ausgelesen und an eine externe Datenverarbeitungsanlage abgegeben werden , kann .This type of control has the advantage that the audiogram itself is retained in digital form in the memory 5 and can be queried again at any time via the keyboard 2, for example via the serial interface 21 and read out to an external data processing system.
Das in Fig . 2 dargestel lte externe Steuergerät weist zusätzl ich einen weiteren Stecker 23 auf, der mit einem Meßverstärker 24 verbunden ist, dessen Ausgang über einen Analog-Dϊgϊtalwandler 25 mit der Daten verarbeitenden Vorrichtung 4 verbunden ist. Der Stecker 23 dient dem Anschluß eines (nicht gezeigten) Kabels, das zu einem kleinen Probemikrophon führt, das in das Restvolumen zwischen Ohrpaßstück bzw . Otoplastik und Trommelfel l eingeführt wird und zum Messen des in diesem Restvolumen erzeugten Schalldruckes dient . Dies ist eine sehr interessante Eigänzung für dieses externe Steuergerät, da damit die Verhältnisse innerhalb dieses Restvolumens unter Verwendung der durch den Signal generator 1 1 erzeugten Signale noch genauer ermittelt werden können . Insofern dient also diese Erweiterung ebenfalls einer noch besseren und noch genaueren Ermittlung der Hörkurve oder des Audiogrammes des Hörgeräteträgers .The in Fig. 2 dargestel lte external control device I have a further plug 23, which is connected to a measuring amplifier 24, the output of which is connected to the data processing device 4 via an analog-to-digital converter 25. The plug 23 is used to connect a cable (not shown), which leads to a small test microphone, which is in the remaining volume between the earmold or. Otoplasty and ear drum l is introduced and is used to measure the sound pressure generated in this residual volume. This is a very interesting addition to this external control unit, since it enables the conditions within this residual volume to be determined even more precisely using the signals generated by the signal generator 1 1. In this respect, this extension also serves for an even better and more precise determination of the hearing curve or the audiogram of the hearing device wearer.
Durch die Erfindung wurde somit ein externes Steuergerät für ein fernsteuer¬ bares, durch Fernsteuerung auf seine Ubertragungseigenschaften fernprogram¬ mierbares Hörgerätesystem geschaffen, mit dem nicht nur unter verschiedensten Aspekten die Ersteϊnstel lung eines Hörgerätes ermittelt werden kann, sondern auch, falls erforderlich, zu einem späteren Zeitpunkt bei einer Veränderung der Hörsituation des Trägers das Gerät entsprechend angepaßt werden kann . Prinzipiell ist aber die Ersteinstellung des Gerätes besonders einfach durch¬ zuführen . Dabei ist vor al lem wichtig, daß das im Speicher 5 liegende Audio¬ gramm immer erhalten bleibt bis es durch ein neues Audiogramm ersetzt wird . The invention thus provides an external control device for a hearing aid system which can be remotely controlled and which can be remotely programmed for its transmission properties, with which the hearing aid system can be determined not only from various aspects, but also, if necessary, to a later one When the wearer's hearing situation changes, the device can be adapted accordingly. In principle, however, the initial setting up of the device is particularly easy to carry out. It is particularly important that the audio gram in the memory 5 is always retained until it is replaced by a new audiogram.

Claims

P A T E N T A N S P R U C H E PATENT CLAIMS
1 . Fernsteuerbαres, insbesondere durch Fernsteuerung auf seine Uber- tragungseigenschaften fernprogrammierbares Hörgerätesystem, be¬ stehend aus einem externen Steuergerät (1 ) mit einer Tastatur (2) für Eingabe- und Steuerfunktionen und einer Anzeigevorrichtung1 . Remote control devices, in particular by remote control of its transmission properties, a hearing aid system that can be programmed remotely, consisting of an external control device (1) with a keyboard (2) for input and control functions and a display device
(3) zur Bedϊenerführung sowie mit einer Daten verarbeitenden Vor¬ richtung (4) mit zugeordneten Programmspeichern und Datenspeichern sowie mit einem Sender (8) für die drahtlose Übertragung von Gruppen von Steuerparametern an ein mit einem Empfänger (10) sowie weiteren Signalverarbeitungsschaltungen versehenes Hörgerät (9), gekennzeϊcliτ net durch einen in dem Steuergerät (1 ) enthaltenen, durch die Daten verarbeitende Vorrichtung (4) steuerbaren Signalgenerator (1 1), zur Erzeugung von im wesentlichen im Hörfrequenzbereich liegenden Signalen und mit einer lösbaren, leitenden Verbindung (12, 13, 14) zwischen dem Ausgang des Signa Igenerators (1 1) und einem Audio¬ eingang des Hörgerätes, sowie mit einem in dem Steuergerät angeord¬ neten Speicher (5) für audiologische oder audiometrische Daten, welcher Speicher ebenfal ls mit der Daten verarbeitenden Vorrichtung(3) for operation and with a data processing device (4) with assigned program memories and data memories and with a transmitter (8) for the wireless transmission of groups of control parameters to a hearing aid provided with a receiver (10) and further signal processing circuits ( 9), gekennzeϊcliτ net by a signal generator (1 1) contained in the control device (1) and controllable by the data processing device (4), for generating signals lying essentially in the hearing frequency range and with a releasable, conductive connection (12, 13 , 14) between the output of the signal generator (1 1) and an audio input of the hearing aid, as well as with a memory (5) for audiological or audiometric data arranged in the control device, which memory also with the data processing device
(4) operativ verbunden ist.(4) is operationally linked.
2. Hörgerätesystem nach Anspruch 1 , dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß der Signalgenerator (1 1 ) mittels der Tastatur (2) durch die Daten verarbei¬ tende Vorrichtung (4) in Verbindung mit entsprechenden Programmen/ Algorithmen zur Erzeugung und Abgabe von Tonsignalen, Rauschsignalen, Signalgemischen aller Art, einzeln, in beliebiger Folge, in beliebiger Mischung, mit wähl- und steuerbarer Intensität betätigbar ist . 2. Hearing aid system according to claim 1, characterized in that the signal generator (1 1) by means of the keyboard (2) through the data processing device (4) in conjunction with corresponding programs / algorithms for generating and delivering sound signals, noise signals, signal mixtures of all kinds, individually, in any order, in any mixture, with selectable and controllable intensity.
3 . Hörgerätesystem nach Anspruch 1 und 2, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß die jeweils ermittelten Intensitätswerte oder Amplituden der vom Signalgenerator (1 1 ) erzeugten und an das Hörgerät (9) über die leitende Verbindung (12, 13, 14) abgegebenen Signale über die Tastatur (2) unmittelbar als audiologische oder audiometrische Daten in dem Speicher (5) abspeicherbar sind, und daß aus diesen Daten mittels vorgegebener mathematischer Operationen Gruppen von Steuerparametern für die Steuerung der Ubertragungscharak- teristik des Hörgerätes ermittelbar und in einem Steuerparameter¬ speicher (6) speicherbar sind .3rd Hearing aid system according to Claims 1 and 2, characterized in that the respectively determined intensity values or amplitudes of the signals generated by the signal generator (1 1) and output to the hearing aid (9) via the conductive connection (12, 13, 14) via the keyboard (2 ) can be stored directly in the memory (5) as audiological or audiometric data, and that groups of control parameters for controlling the transmission characteristics of the hearing aid can be determined from these data by means of predetermined mathematical operations and can be stored in a control parameter memory (6).
4. Hörgerätesystem nach Anspruch 1 und 2, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß die Intensitätswerte oder Amplituden der vom Signalgenerator (1 1 ) erzeugten und an das Hörgerät (9) abgegebenen Signale einzeln, über die Tastatur (2) gesteuert, jeweils unmittelbar mittels vorgege¬ bener mathematischer Operationen in eine entsprechende Gruppe von Steuerparametern für die Steuerung der Ubertragungscharak- terϊstik des Hörgerätes ermittelbar und in dem Steuerparameterspeicher (6) speicherbar sind .4. Hearing aid system according to claim 1 and 2, characterized in that the intensity values or amplitudes of the signals generated by the signal generator (1 1) and output to the hearing aid (9) are individually controlled by the keyboard (2), each directly by means of predetermined mathematical operations can be determined in a corresponding group of control parameters for controlling the transmission characteristics of the hearing aid and can be stored in the control parameter memory (6).
5. Hörgerätesystem nach Anspruch 1 bis 4, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß außer dem die audiometrischen Daten speichernden ersten Speicher (5) und dem Steuerparameterspeicher (6) ein dritter Speicher (7) für die Aufnahme, Speϊcherung und Wiedergabe von unterschiedliche Umgebungssϊtuationen kennzeichnenden Daten vorgesehen ist, und daß durch die Daten verarbeitende Vorrichtung aus den gespeicherten audiometrϊschen Daten und den die Umgebungssituationen kennzeich¬ nenden Daten mittels vorgegebener mathematischer Operationen Gruppen von Steuerparametern zur Einstellung von Ubertragungseigen- schaften des Hörgerätes (9) ermittelbar sind . 5. Hearing aid system according to claim 1 to 4, characterized in that in addition to the audiometric data storing first memory (5) and the control parameter memory (6), a third memory (7) is provided for the recording, storage and playback of different environmental data characterizing , and that the data processing device can be used to determine groups of control parameters for setting transmission properties of the hearing device (9) from the stored audiometric data and the data characterizing the environmental situations by means of predetermined mathematical operations.
6. Hörgerätesystem nach Anspruch 1 bis 5, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß in dem externen Steuergerät (1) als Daten verarbeitende Vor¬ richtung (4) ein Mikroprozessor vorgesehen ist, der mit der Tasta¬ tur (2) und der Anzeigevorrichtung (3) , dem Speicher (5) für die audiometrischen Daten, dem Steuerparameterspeicher (6) , dem Speicher (7) für unterschiedliche Umgebungssituationen kennzeich¬ nende Daten, mit dem Signa Igenerator (1 1 ) und mit dem Sender6. Hearing aid system according to claim 1 to 5, characterized in that in the external control device (1) as a data processing device (4) a microprocessor is provided, which with the keyboard (2) and the display device (3), the memory (5) for the audiometric data, the control parameter memory (6), the memory (7) for data characterizing different environmental situations, with the signal generator (11) and with the transmitter
(8) verbunden ist .(8) is connected.
7. Hörgerätesystem nach Anspruch 1 bis 6, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß der Speicher für die audiometrischen Daten, der Speicher für die Steuerparameter und der Speicher für die verschiedene Umge¬ bungssituationen kennzeichnende Daten sowie ein Speicher für die die mathematischen Operationen steuernden Algorithmen / Programme in dem Mikroprozessor integriert sind .7. Hearing aid system according to claim 1 to 6, characterized in that the memory for the audiometric data, the memory for the control parameters and the memory for the different environmental situations characterizing data and a memory for the algorithms / programs controlling the mathematical operations in the Microprocessor are integrated.
8. Hörgerätesystem nach Anspruch 1 bis 7, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß in dem externen Steuergerät (1 ) eine serielle Schnittstel len¬ schaltung (21 ) vorgesehen ist, die über einen Anschluß (22) an¬ schaltbar und im Steuergerät mit dem Mikroprozessor verbunden ist.8. Hearing aid system according to claim 1 to 7, characterized in that a serial interface len¬ circuit (21) is provided in the external control device (1), which can be switched on via a connection (22) and is connected in the control device to the microprocessor .
9. Hörgerätesystem nach Anspruch 1 , dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß das externe Steuergerät (1 ) einen weiteren Eingang (23) enthält, der über einen Meßverstärker (24) und einen Analog/Digitalwandler (25) mit der Daten verarbeitenden Vorrichtung (4) verbunden ist, und daß ein damit über ein Kabel anschließbares Miniaturmikrophon vorgesehen ist, mit dessen Hi lfe der in dem Restvolumen zwischen einem Ohrpaßstück, einer Otoplastik oder einem im Ohrkanal ein¬ gesetzten Hörgerät und dem Trommelfel l auftretende Schal ldruck meßbar, an das externe Steuergerät übertragbar und dort speicherbar ist. 9. Hearing aid system according to claim 1, characterized in that the external control device (1) contains a further input (23) which is connected via a measuring amplifier (24) and an analog / digital converter (25) to the data processing device (4) and that a miniature microphone that can be connected via a cable is provided, with the help of which the sound pressure occurring in the residual volume between an earmold, an earmold or a hearing aid inserted in the ear canal and the ear drum 1 can be measured, transmitted to the external control device and can be stored there.
EP94906176A 1993-03-15 1994-01-29 Remotely controlled, especially remotely programmable hearing aid system Expired - Lifetime EP0689755B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE4308157A DE4308157A1 (en) 1993-03-15 1993-03-15 Remote controllable, in particular programmable hearing aid system
DE4308157 1993-03-15
PCT/EP1994/000261 WO1994022276A1 (en) 1993-03-15 1994-01-29 Remotely controlled, especially remotely programmable hearing aid system

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0689755A1 true EP0689755A1 (en) 1996-01-03
EP0689755B1 EP0689755B1 (en) 1996-09-25

Family

ID=6482819

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP94906176A Expired - Lifetime EP0689755B1 (en) 1993-03-15 1994-01-29 Remotely controlled, especially remotely programmable hearing aid system

Country Status (9)

Country Link
US (1) US5710819A (en)
EP (1) EP0689755B1 (en)
JP (1) JP2782475B2 (en)
AT (1) ATE143564T1 (en)
AU (1) AU676538B2 (en)
CA (1) CA2150220C (en)
DE (2) DE4308157A1 (en)
DK (1) DK0689755T3 (en)
WO (1) WO1994022276A1 (en)

Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US7929723B2 (en) 1997-01-13 2011-04-19 Micro Ear Technology, Inc. Portable system for programming hearing aids
US8300862B2 (en) 2006-09-18 2012-10-30 Starkey Kaboratories, Inc Wireless interface for programming hearing assistance devices
US9344817B2 (en) 2000-01-20 2016-05-17 Starkey Laboratories, Inc. Hearing aid systems

Families Citing this family (65)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US8085959B2 (en) * 1994-07-08 2011-12-27 Brigham Young University Hearing compensation system incorporating signal processing techniques
US6885752B1 (en) 1994-07-08 2005-04-26 Brigham Young University Hearing aid device incorporating signal processing techniques
DE4427044A1 (en) * 1994-07-29 1996-02-01 Geers Hoergeraete Procedure for optimizing the fitting of hearing aids
DE4438976A1 (en) * 1994-10-31 1996-05-02 Geers Hoergeraete Methods for interactive fitting of hearing aids
DE19523552C1 (en) * 1995-06-28 1996-09-19 Siemens Audiologische Technik In-ear programmable hearing aid
US6118877A (en) * 1995-10-12 2000-09-12 Audiologic, Inc. Hearing aid with in situ testing capability
DE19600234A1 (en) * 1996-01-05 1997-07-10 Auric Hoersysteme Gmbh & Co Kg Hearing aid adjustment and adapting method and arrangement
DK0814634T3 (en) * 1996-06-21 2003-02-03 Siemens Audiologische Technik Programmable hearing aid system and method for determining optimal parameter sets in a hearing aid
DE29615554U1 (en) * 1996-09-06 1998-01-08 Tuerk & Tuerk Electronic Gmbh Hearing aid and control device for programming the hearing aid
DE19639236A1 (en) * 1996-09-24 1998-03-26 Geers Hoergeraete Process for the direct setting of programmable hearing aids via a defined data interface
US5909497A (en) * 1996-10-10 1999-06-01 Alexandrescu; Eugene Programmable hearing aid instrument and programming method thereof
US6449662B1 (en) * 1997-01-13 2002-09-10 Micro Ear Technology, Inc. System for programming hearing aids
US6424722B1 (en) * 1997-01-13 2002-07-23 Micro Ear Technology, Inc. Portable system for programming hearing aids
US6144748A (en) * 1997-03-31 2000-11-07 Resound Corporation Standard-compatible, power efficient digital audio interface
US6684063B2 (en) * 1997-05-02 2004-01-27 Siemens Information & Communication Networks, Inc. Intergrated hearing aid for telecommunications devices
US6366863B1 (en) * 1998-01-09 2002-04-02 Micro Ear Technology Inc. Portable hearing-related analysis system
US6201875B1 (en) 1998-03-17 2001-03-13 Sonic Innovations, Inc. Hearing aid fitting system
EP0964603A1 (en) * 1998-06-10 1999-12-15 Oticon A/S Method of sound signal processing and device for implementing the method
US6240193B1 (en) * 1998-09-17 2001-05-29 Sonic Innovations, Inc. Two line variable word length serial interface
DE69902687T2 (en) 1999-01-25 2003-04-10 Widex As Vaerloese HEARING AID SYSTEM AND HEARING AID FOR SITU ADAPTATION
US6408318B1 (en) 1999-04-05 2002-06-18 Xiaoling Fang Multiple stage decimation filter
US20030112988A1 (en) * 2000-01-21 2003-06-19 Graham Naylor Method for improving the fitting of hearing aids and device for implementing the method
US7596237B1 (en) * 2000-09-18 2009-09-29 Phonak Ag Method for controlling a transmission system, application of the method, a transmission system, a receiver and a hearing aid
AU6977300A (en) * 2000-09-18 2002-03-26 Phonak Ag Method for controlling a transmission system, use of this method, transmission system, receiving unit and hearing aid
AT411950B (en) * 2001-04-27 2004-07-26 Ribic Gmbh Dr METHOD FOR CONTROLLING A HEARING AID
DE10130524C2 (en) * 2001-06-25 2003-10-30 Siemens Ag Device for reproducing audio signals and method for changing filter data
WO2003023970A2 (en) * 2001-09-07 2003-03-20 Microsemi Corporation Serial data interface with reduced power consumption
US6710744B2 (en) * 2001-12-28 2004-03-23 Zarlink Semiconductor (U.S.) Inc. Integrated circuit fractal antenna in a hearing aid device
US7356153B2 (en) 2002-05-28 2008-04-08 Blumenau Trevor I Hearing assistive apparatus having sound replay capability
WO2004004415A1 (en) * 2002-05-28 2004-01-08 Blumenau Trevor I Hearing aid with sound replay capability
US6839446B2 (en) * 2002-05-28 2005-01-04 Trevor I. Blumenau Hearing aid with sound replay capability
US7336796B2 (en) * 2002-05-28 2008-02-26 Blumenau Trevor I Hearing assistive apparatus having sound replay capability and spatially separated components
DE10361954B4 (en) * 2003-12-23 2007-08-30 Oliver Klammt Hearing system and method for setting such a method for the detection of characteristic sound spectra, and corresponding computer programs and corresponding computer-readable storage media
DE102005032273B8 (en) * 2005-07-11 2009-08-13 Siemens Audiologische Technik Gmbh Hearing aid system, hearing aid and corresponding method for its adjustment
AU2007349196B2 (en) * 2006-03-01 2013-04-04 3M Innovative Properties Company Wireless interface for audiometers
CN101480069A (en) 2006-08-07 2009-07-08 唯听助听器公司 Hearing aid, method for in-situ occlusion effect and directly transmitted sound measurement and vent size determination method
US8224004B2 (en) * 2006-09-08 2012-07-17 Phonak Ag Programmable remote control
WO2007023192A2 (en) * 2006-09-08 2007-03-01 Phonak Ag Programmable remote control
DE102007033484A1 (en) * 2007-07-18 2009-01-22 Ruwisch, Dietmar, Dr. hearing Aid
DE102007035172A1 (en) * 2007-07-27 2009-02-05 Siemens Medical Instruments Pte. Ltd. Hearing system with visualized psychoacoustic size and corresponding procedure
US20090074214A1 (en) * 2007-09-13 2009-03-19 Bionica Corporation Assistive listening system with plug in enhancement platform and communication port to download user preferred processing algorithms
WO2009104126A1 (en) * 2008-02-20 2009-08-27 Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V. Audio device and method of operation therefor
US7929722B2 (en) * 2008-08-13 2011-04-19 Intelligent Systems Incorporated Hearing assistance using an external coprocessor
US20100246866A1 (en) * 2009-03-24 2010-09-30 Swat/Acr Portfolio Llc Method and Apparatus for Implementing Hearing Aid with Array of Processors
US20100290652A1 (en) * 2009-04-14 2010-11-18 Dan Wiggins Hearing aid tuning system and method
US20100290654A1 (en) * 2009-04-14 2010-11-18 Dan Wiggins Heuristic hearing aid tuning system and method
US8437486B2 (en) * 2009-04-14 2013-05-07 Dan Wiggins Calibrated hearing aid tuning appliance
US8165313B2 (en) * 2009-04-28 2012-04-24 Bose Corporation ANR settings triple-buffering
US8184822B2 (en) * 2009-04-28 2012-05-22 Bose Corporation ANR signal processing topology
US8085946B2 (en) * 2009-04-28 2011-12-27 Bose Corporation ANR analysis side-chain data support
US8090114B2 (en) * 2009-04-28 2012-01-03 Bose Corporation Convertible filter
US8345888B2 (en) * 2009-04-28 2013-01-01 Bose Corporation Digital high frequency phase compensation
US8073150B2 (en) * 2009-04-28 2011-12-06 Bose Corporation Dynamically configurable ANR signal processing topology
US8073151B2 (en) * 2009-04-28 2011-12-06 Bose Corporation Dynamically configurable ANR filter block topology
EP2175669B1 (en) 2009-07-02 2011-09-28 TWO PI Signal Processing Application GmbH System and method for configuring a hearing device
AU2009350972A1 (en) * 2009-08-11 2012-02-09 Widex A/S Storage system for a hearing aid
US8542842B2 (en) * 2010-01-21 2013-09-24 Richard Zaccaria Remote programming system for programmable hearing aids
US9124994B2 (en) 2010-04-07 2015-09-01 Starkey Laboratories, Inc. System for programming special function buttons for hearing assistance device applications
US8675900B2 (en) * 2010-06-04 2014-03-18 Exsilent Research B.V. Hearing system and method as well as ear-level device and control device applied therein
WO2012010199A1 (en) 2010-07-19 2012-01-26 Phonak Ag Visually-based fitting of hearing devices
EP2566193A1 (en) * 2011-08-30 2013-03-06 TWO PI Signal Processing Application GmbH System and method for fitting of a hearing device
JP6101811B2 (en) * 2012-12-21 2017-03-22 ヴェーデクス・アクティーセルスカプ Hearing aid fitting system and method for fitting a hearing aid fitting system
KR101976091B1 (en) 2013-01-24 2019-05-09 삼성전자주식회사 Decision method for activity mode of hearing device and the auditory device
US10388297B2 (en) 2014-09-10 2019-08-20 Harman International Industries, Incorporated Techniques for generating multiple listening environments via auditory devices
US11743643B2 (en) * 2019-11-14 2023-08-29 Gn Hearing A/S Devices and method for hearing device parameter configuration

Family Cites Families (13)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
SE428167B (en) * 1981-04-16 1983-06-06 Mangold Stephan PROGRAMMABLE SIGNAL TREATMENT DEVICE, MAINLY INTENDED FOR PERSONS WITH DISABILITY
US4601294A (en) * 1982-01-25 1986-07-22 Minnesota Mining And Manufacturing Company Ear canal electrode
DE8800629U1 (en) * 1988-01-20 1989-05-18 Siemens Ag, 1000 Berlin Und 8000 Muenchen, De
DE3834962A1 (en) * 1988-10-13 1990-04-19 Siemens Ag DIGITAL PROGRAMMING DEVICE FOR HOUR DEVICES
DE3900588A1 (en) * 1989-01-11 1990-07-19 Toepholm & Westermann REMOTE CONTROLLED, PROGRAMMABLE HOUR DEVICE SYSTEM
US5303306A (en) * 1989-06-06 1994-04-12 Audioscience, Inc. Hearing aid with programmable remote and method of deriving settings for configuring the hearing aid
US5526819A (en) * 1990-01-25 1996-06-18 Baylor College Of Medicine Method and apparatus for distortion product emission testing of heating
ATE106651T1 (en) * 1990-03-30 1994-06-15 Siemens Audiologische Technik PROGRAMMABLE ELECTRICAL HEARING AID.
US5226086A (en) * 1990-05-18 1993-07-06 Minnesota Mining And Manufacturing Company Method, apparatus, system and interface unit for programming a hearing aid
US5386475A (en) * 1992-11-24 1995-01-31 Virtual Corporation Real-time hearing aid simulation
US5479522A (en) * 1993-09-17 1995-12-26 Audiologic, Inc. Binaural hearing aid
EP0674462B1 (en) * 1994-03-23 2002-08-14 Siemens Audiologische Technik GmbH Device for the fitting of programmable hearing aids
DK0681411T3 (en) * 1994-05-06 2003-05-19 Siemens Audiologische Technik Programmable hearing aid

Non-Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Title
See references of WO9422276A1 *

Cited By (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US7929723B2 (en) 1997-01-13 2011-04-19 Micro Ear Technology, Inc. Portable system for programming hearing aids
US9344817B2 (en) 2000-01-20 2016-05-17 Starkey Laboratories, Inc. Hearing aid systems
US9357317B2 (en) 2000-01-20 2016-05-31 Starkey Laboratories, Inc. Hearing aid systems
US8300862B2 (en) 2006-09-18 2012-10-30 Starkey Kaboratories, Inc Wireless interface for programming hearing assistance devices

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
ATE143564T1 (en) 1996-10-15
JPH08510602A (en) 1996-11-05
US5710819A (en) 1998-01-20
CA2150220C (en) 1999-05-11
DE59400744D1 (en) 1996-10-31
CA2150220A1 (en) 1994-09-29
WO1994022276A1 (en) 1994-09-29
DK0689755T3 (en) 1997-01-13
AU676538B2 (en) 1997-03-13
EP0689755B1 (en) 1996-09-25
DE4308157A1 (en) 1994-09-22
AU5999994A (en) 1994-10-11
JP2782475B2 (en) 1998-07-30

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
EP0689755B1 (en) Remotely controlled, especially remotely programmable hearing aid system
EP2157815B1 (en) Hearing aid with a transducer protection device
EP1274278B1 (en) Method of operating a digital programmable hearing device and a corresponding digital programmable hearing device
EP1489885B1 (en) Method for operating a hearing aid system as well as a hearing aid system with a microphone system in which different directional characteristics are selectable
DE69837725T2 (en) METHOD FOR IN-SITU MEASURING AND CORRECTING OR ADJUSTING AN OUTPUT SIGNAL OF A HEARING DEVICE WITH THE HELP OF A MODEL PROCESSOR AND HEARING DEVICE FOR CARRYING OUT THE METHOD
EP0453450A1 (en) Remote-controlled, programmable hearing aid system.
DE3512999A1 (en) DIFFERENTIAL HEARING AID WITH PROGRAMMABLE FREQUENCY GEAR
EP2437258B1 (en) Method and device for frequency compression with selective frequency shifting
EP2229010A2 (en) Method for compensating for interference in a hearing aid, hearing aid and method for adjusting same
EP0730811A1 (en) Hearing aids tester and method of operation
EP0031135A2 (en) Electro-acoustic measuring device
EP1746859B1 (en) Apparatus and method for fitting a hearing aid
CH643727A5 (en) ARRANGEMENT FOR GENERATING A SIGNAL SEQUENCE FOR ADAPTING A HOUR DEVICE.
DE102009021855A1 (en) A method for acclimating a programmable hearing device and associated hearing device
DE102016221578B3 (en) Method for detecting a beat by means of a hearing aid
DE102006015497B4 (en) Audio system and method and computer program and data carrier containing the computer program for adapting the transfer function of an audio system by means of voice control
EP3211920B1 (en) Method and device for configuring a user-specific hearing system
DE102007035173A1 (en) Method for adjusting a hearing system with a perceptive model for binaural hearing and hearing aid
EP1976332B1 (en) Method and device for reproducing synthetic generated signals through a binaural hearing system
CH689887A5 (en) Apparatus for hearing assistance.
DE10115430C1 (en) Automatic calibration method for hearing aid adjustment system uses feedback of reproduced tone sequence detected by hearing aid microphone for correction of transmission errors
EP2897383B1 (en) Method and device for analysis of hearing aid settings
DE102022202713B3 (en) Method for operating a hearing aid and hearing aid
DE102016104598A1 (en) Demonstration device for hearing aids
EP0723381B2 (en) Device for hearing assistance

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
PUAI Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 19950503

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): AT CH DE DK GB LI SE

GRAG Despatch of communication of intention to grant

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOS AGRA

GRAH Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOS IGRA

17Q First examination report despatched

Effective date: 19960312

GRAH Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOS IGRA

GRAA (expected) grant

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009210

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: B1

Designated state(s): AT CH DE DK GB LI SE

REF Corresponds to:

Ref document number: 143564

Country of ref document: AT

Date of ref document: 19961015

Kind code of ref document: T

GBT Gb: translation of ep patent filed (gb section 77(6)(a)/1977)

Effective date: 19961001

REF Corresponds to:

Ref document number: 59400744

Country of ref document: DE

Date of ref document: 19961031

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: NV

Representative=s name: PATENTANWAELTE SCHAAD, BALASS, MENZL & PARTNER AG

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DK

Ref legal event code: T3

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: SE

Effective date: 19970130

PLBE No opposition filed within time limit

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009261

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: NO OPPOSITION FILED WITHIN TIME LIMIT

26N No opposition filed
EUG Se: european patent has lapsed

Ref document number: 94906176.6

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: GB

Ref legal event code: IF02

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: AT

Payment date: 20030113

Year of fee payment: 10

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: AT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20040129

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: DK

Payment date: 20110111

Year of fee payment: 18

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: CH

Payment date: 20110112

Year of fee payment: 18

Ref country code: DE

Payment date: 20110126

Year of fee payment: 18

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: GB

Payment date: 20110126

Year of fee payment: 18

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R082

Ref document number: 59400744

Country of ref document: DE

Representative=s name: BETTEN & RESCH, DE

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R082

Ref document number: 59400744

Country of ref document: DE

Representative=s name: BETTEN & RESCH PATENT- UND RECHTSANWAELTE PART, DE

Effective date: 20120119

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R082

Ref document number: 59400744

Country of ref document: DE

Representative=s name: PATENTANWAELTE BETTEN & RESCH, DE

Effective date: 20120119

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R081

Ref document number: 59400744

Country of ref document: DE

Owner name: WIDEX A/S, DK

Free format text: FORMER OWNER: TOPHOLM & WESTERMANN APS, VAERLOESE, DK

Effective date: 20120119

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: PL

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DK

Ref legal event code: EBP

GBPC Gb: european patent ceased through non-payment of renewal fee

Effective date: 20120129

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: CH

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20120131

Ref country code: GB

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20120129

Ref country code: DE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20120801

Ref country code: LI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20120131

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R119

Ref document number: 59400744

Country of ref document: DE

Effective date: 20120801

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: DK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20120131