EP2028880A2 - Automatic earpiece type detection in hearing aids - Google Patents

Abstract

The hearing aid system comprises a hearing aid (1) with an input transducer for receiving an input signal and transforming the signal into an electrical input signal. A signal processing unit (7) and an earpiece (10) are also provided. The hearing aid is of earpiece type for the automatic recognition.

Description

The invention relates to a hearing aid system comprising at least one hearing aid with 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 a receiver for converting the electrical output signal into an acoustic output signal ,

Hearing aids are offered in different performance classes. These differ in particular by the particular type of handset used, on which the maximum output power and the maximum sound pressure level that can be generated depend. In behind the ear portable hearing aids, in which the listener is worn with hearing aid in an ear piece in the ear canal of the user, so-called RIC-BTE (receiver-in-canal behind-the-ear) hearing aids, different powerful hearing aids in be easily generated by the use of different ear pieces with different listeners. In general, the earpiece is releasably connected by means of plug connection with the hearing aid housing, so that an exchange can be made for example by the acoustician. In this context, it is important that the signal processing unit of the hearing aid in question is adapted to the handset used. If the amplification of an acoustic input signal by the hearing aid device is not adapted to the handset used, it may happen that the user's discomfort threshold is exceeded, or even damage to the hearing. Therefore, there is a desire that an automatic adaptation of the signal processing and in particular the amplification takes place at the listener used.

From the CH 673 366 A5 is a hearing aid with actuators for changing the signal transmission characteristics of the hearing aid known. The known hearing aid can be equipped with a different number of actuators and it can be assigned to a controller different actuator functions. The actuators include actuator contacts, which are soldered to a circuit board of the hearing aid. For hearing aids with different actuator functions, the actuators are coverable with different covers, which comprise contact elements in different coded form. In particular, different actuators are assigned different actuator functions by the number of contact tongues of the actuators respectively assigned contact elements.

Object of the present invention is to avoid a faulty adaptation of the signal processing unit of a hearing aid to the handset used.

This object is achieved by a hearing aid with the features of claim 1.

The basic idea of the invention is to provide means by means of which the type of handset used in each case in the hearing aid can be automatically recognized.

The invention offers the advantage that the probability of a faulty adaptation is minimized by the automatic recognition of the respective type of handset. The relevant type of handset is automatically detected and the adaptation to the recognized handset type is preferably carried out automatically. A faulty adaptation of the signal processing unit to the particular type of handset used is thereby largely excluded.

For differentiating different types of listeners different information carriers come into question, which carry a automatically detectable by the hearing aid system and characteristic of the respective handset type information.

An embodiment for this purpose provides an electrical component associated with the listener with an electrical property dependent on the respective handset type, the hearing aid device having means for detecting the electrical property, by means of which it is possible to deduce the handset type used. The electrotechnical component can be an electrotechnical component which is present in any case with a receiver, e.g. the handset winding. This has a characteristic impedance for the respective type of handset, which can be detected automatically by means of an impedance measurement carried out by the hearing aid system. From the measured impedance can in turn be deduced the used handset type. An Impendanzmessung by the hearing aid system, however, is relatively expensive. It is easier to assign the listeners additional, purely to distinguish different types of listeners electrical components. For example, in or on the housing of each handset, a resistor having a characteristic value for the respective handset type value can be arranged, the value of which can be detected by the hearing aid device system. For example, if the earphones "Type 1", "Type 2" and "Type 3" are to be distinguished, they may be provided with different resistances, e.g. 10 kohm, 100 kohm, 1 MOhm, are linked, so that by determining the resistance value a unique recognition of each type is possible. The resistance measurement and the associated automatic handset type detection are possible with relatively simple means. Of course, however, other electrical components and their electrical properties (inductance, capacitance, electrical connection of several contacts, etc.) as an information carrier possible.

Another embodiment provides mechanical means by which different types of handset can be automatically recognized by a hearing aid device system according to the invention. For example, housing projections or recesses may be considered, by means of which a characteristic of the type of handset used and of the hearing aid system automatically obtainable information is provided.

A particularly easy-to-implement possibility using mechanical means as an information carrier consists in a specific embodiment of the connection pins present on a receiver used, and in particular in the use of connecting pins of different lengths. Different lengths of the connection pins can be detected in a simple manner and derived from this different types of handset.

In a particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention, the hearing aid itself has the necessary means for automatically detecting the type of handset used. But it is also possible that the hearing aid system according to the invention in addition to the at least one hearing aid includes a programmer for programming and / or adjustment of the hearing aid in question and the means for automatically detecting the type of handset used are at least partially outsourced to the programmer. So it is possible, for example, that the hearing aid has only electrical contacts and lines that allow a connection of the listener associated resistance with the programmer, the determination of the resistance value and the associated automatic detection of the handset type but done in the programmer , Furthermore, it is possible that the hearing aid device comprises means for detecting a characteristic for the respective listener information, wherein the hearing aid then only data on this information are stored, which can be read from the hearing aid, and the evaluation of this data outside the hearing aid , eg in the programmer.

Just like the automatic recognition of the type of handset used, the automatic adaptation of the signal processing unit of the hearing aid to the recognized handset type also takes place preferably automatically by the hearing aid. This ensures that the signal processing unit of the hearing aid is always correctly adapted to the particular type of earphone even after an exchange of the handset used.

In addition to the automatic adaptation of the signal processing to the handset used by the hearing aid itself, the information about the type of handset used can also be evaluated in a programmer connected to the respective hearing aid and, if necessary, displayed. Corresponding settings can then be made manually by the operator of the programming device. Advantageously, however, there is an automatic adaptation of the signal processing unit of the hearing aid to the handset used by the programmer. Incorrect settings are thus largely avoided when operating the fitting device.

The invention can be used particularly advantageously in a behind-the-ear hearing aid device in which the earpiece is located in an earpiece that can be worn in the ear (RIC-BTE). Since in these hearing aids the earpiece with the handset is usually detachably connected to the portable behind the ear housing of the hearing aid, the handset can be easily replaced. However, this also increases the risk that the signal processing in a hearing aid in question will not be properly adapted to the handset used. Automatic recognition of the type of handset used and automatic adaptation of the signal processing unit according to the invention counteract this danger.

Furthermore, the invention can be used particularly advantageously in all modular hearing aids in which a receiver module can be detachably connected to the hearing aid. This can be both a hearing aid (IdO) that can be worn in the ear and a hearing aid (BTE) that can be worn behind the ear.

Figur 1

ein hinter dem Ohr tragbares Hörhilfege-rät mit einem in dem Ohr tragbaren Ohrstück,

Figur 2

eine Anschlusseinheit für Hörer unterschiedlichen Typs,

Figuren 3 bis 5

Hörer unterschiedlichen Typs,

Figur 6

eine Tabelle für die Auswertelogik der Hörer-Anschlusseinheit gemäß Figur 2,

Figur 7

eine Hörer-Anschlusseinheit mit mehrstufigen Kontakten, und

Figur 8

ein Hörhilfegerätesystem mit einem Hörhilfegerät und einem Programmiergerät.

The invention will be explained in more detail with reference to embodiments. Show it:

FIG. 1

a behind-the-ear hearing aid with an earpiece portable in the ear;

FIG. 2

a connection unit for earphones of different types,

FIGS. 3 to 5

Handset of different types,

FIG. 6

a table for the evaluation logic of the handset connection unit according to FIG. 2 .

FIG. 7

a handset connection unit with multi-level contacts, and

FIG. 8

a hearing aid system with a hearing aid and a programming device.

FIG. 1 shows a hearing aid device according to the invention, which comprises only a hearing aid 1 with a portable behind the ear device part 2 and a portable ear in the ear 3 piece. To record an acoustic input signal and conversion into an electrical input signal, the microphone 4 with the sound inlet opening 5 is present. This is connected by means of electrical lines 6 to a signal processing unit 7. In the signal processing unit 7, the output from the microphone 4 electrical input signal is processed and amplified in response to the signal frequency and supplied via electrical lines 8 and 13 and contacts 9 to a handset 10, which converts the electrical output signal generated by the signal processing unit 7 into an acoustic output signal and emits a sound channel 11 in the ear canal of a user.

In the hearing aid device 1 according to the exemplary embodiment, the earpiece 10 is located in the earpiece 3. Accordingly, the hearing aid device 1 according to the exemplary embodiment is a so-called RIC-BTE. To connect the behind the ear portable device part 2 with the ear piece 3, which is portable in the ear, there is a connecting piece 12, in which the electrical leads 13 for connecting the signal processing unit 7 to the handset 10 extend. The connector 12 is detachably connected to the device part 2. For this purpose, corresponding contacts 9 are present both on the device part 2 and on the connecting piece 12.

The hearing aid device 1 according to the embodiment further comprises a battery 14 for powering the electronic components of the hearing aid 1 and a switch 15 with which the hearing aid is switched on and off and different hearing programs for adjusting the signal processing unit 7 can be set to different listening environments.

The signal processing unit 7 of the hearing aid 1 is programmable. As a result, the signal processing in the signal processing unit 7 can be adapted to the individual hearing loss of a user. In addition, an adaptation of the signal processing unit 7 to the electronic components used in the hearing aid device 1 and in particular the handset 10 used is possible. For the automatic recognition of the type of handset used in the hearing aid device 1, the hearing aid device 1 comprises a connection unit 20, which in FIG FIG. 2 is explained in more detail.

FIG. 2 shows a schematic representation of the connection unit 20 of the hearing aid 1, which can be connected to headphones of different types and automatically recognizes the respective handset type. The connection unit 20 comprises connection sockets 21 and 22 into which connection pins A and B of a receiver 10 can be inserted. To distinguish different types of listeners, the connection pins A and B can with respect differ in their length. For example, to be able to distinguish four different types of earphones with two connection pins each, two different lengths of the connection pins A and B used are sufficient. In the embodiment according to FIG. 2 a handset 10 with a long pin A and a short pin B is connected to the connector 20. By way of example, this is a type "T3" handset. As can be seen from the figure, the connection pins A and B contact the contacts KA and KB, respectively, after the insertion of the receiver 10 into the connection unit 20. In addition, the miniature switch SA is closed by the connection pin A, however, where the miniature switch SB remains open. The evaluation logic 23 converts the detected switch positions into logic levels, which are transmitted via an interface 24 and the lines 13 and 8 to the signal processing unit 7 of the hearing aid device 1. In the signal processing unit 7 corresponding parameters are generated on the basis of the transmitted logic level to the detected handset type and automatically set in the signal processing unit 7.

In the FIGS. 3 to 5 the three other types of listeners distinguishable with two connection pins A and B, which can each have two different lengths, are shown. Show FIG. 3 a handset of the type "T2" with a short connection pin A and a long connection pin B, FIG. 4 a handset of the type "T1" with a short connection pin A and a short connection pin B and FIG. 5 a "T4" handset with a long pin A and a long pin B

FIG. 6 shows to further illustrate the automatic handset-type detection in tabular form an assignment of the switch positions of the switches SA and SB to the respective, of the hearing aid 1 automatically detectable handset types. The assignment according to the table shown corresponds to the assignment of the types of listeners according to the FIGS. 2 to 5 , With a short connection pin A or B, the corresponding one remains Switch SA or SB in the socket 21 or 22 open (according to the entry "open" in the table according to FIG. 6 ), with a long connection pin A or B, the corresponding switch SA or SB in the socket 21 or 22 is closed (corresponding to the entry "close" in the table according to FIG. 6 ). Due to the special mechanical design of the connection pins A and B, four different types of listener are thus reliably detected in conjunction with the evaluation logic 23. As a result, the signal processing of the relevant hearing aid device can be automatically adapted to the particular type of handset used. Thus, erroneous settings regarding the handset used are prevented by the invention.

As an alternative to the exemplary embodiment shown, the evaluation logic can also be located in the device part 2 of the hearing aid device 1, preferably integrated in the signal processing unit 7.

FIG. 7 shows an alternative embodiment of the connection unit 20 '. In contrast to the embodiment according to FIG. 2 In this case, a multi-stage contact arrangement with consecutive contacts KA1 ', KA2' or KB1 ', KB2' in the connection sockets 21 'and 22' used. The determination of the lengths of the connection pins A and B of the handset 10 used can be determined, for example, by checking whether an electrical connection exists between the contacts KA1 ', KA2' or KB1 ', KB2'. The test can be done, for example, after each turn on the hearing aid in question before an electrical output signal is delivered to the handset 10. Also in this embodiment, the evaluation is preferably carried out by means of a Auswertelogik 23 ', which is located in the embodiment directly in the terminal unit 20'.

The use of differently long receiver connection pins is only one example of a multiplicity of possible mechanical characteristics, on the basis of which the hearing aid system differs Differentiate between listener types. In addition, this expression does not have to be directly on the listener. Thus, for example, the coding with respect to the type of handset used could advantageously also be applied in the area of the contact arrangement 39, in particular if the earpiece 33 and the connecting piece 42 are designed as a structural unit.

Another embodiment of the invention shows FIG. 8 , In this case, the hearing aid device system according to the invention comprises a hearing aid device 31, which corresponds to the hearing aid device 1 according to FIG FIG. 1 a portable behind the ear device part 32 with a microphone 34, a sound inlet opening 35, a signal processing unit 37, a battery 44 and a switch 45 includes. Furthermore, the hearing aid device 31 comprises an ear piece 33 which can be connected detachably to the device part 32 and which comprises a receiver 40 with a sound outlet opening 41. The electrical connection of the ear piece 33 with the device part 32 via a connector 42, in which electrical conductors 43 extend that connect the handset 40 via lines 38 and contacts 39 with the signal processing unit 37 of the hearing aid 31.

To distinguish different types of handset is located in the handset 40, a resistor 46 which can be connected via the electrical conductors 43, 38 and 47, the contacts 39, a programming terminal 48 and a programming cable 49 with a programming device 50. In the programming device 50, the value of the resistor 46 is automatically determined, from which the programming device 50 recognizes the type of handset used. Furthermore, the programming device 50 automatically determines parameters for controlling the signal processing in the signal processing unit 37, which are transmitted from the programming device 50 to the hearing aid device 31 as a function of the detected handset type. Thus, according to the hearing aid apparatus system FIG. 8 comprising the programming device 50 in addition to the hearing aid device 31, an automatic adaptation of the signal processing to the type of handset used.

In an alternative embodiment, the hearing aid device 31 comprises means for determining the value of the resistor 46, wherein the determined value is stored in a memory of the signal processing unit 37. For automatic determination of suitable parameters for controlling the signal processing as a function of the type of handset used, the stored value is transmitted to the programming device 50 via the programming port 48 and the programming cable 49.

The exemplary embodiments show only a small selection of possible mechanical or electrical characteristics which can be automatically recognized by the hearing aid or a programming device connectable thereto by means of corresponding sensors and used in corresponding values of parameters for adapting the signal processing in the hearing aid to the listener used. In particular, it is also not necessary for these impressions, as in the exemplary embodiments (different lengths of the connection pins, connection with different resistances), to be coupled directly to the respective handset. Thus, for example, it is also possible to regard the earpiece with the earpiece and the connecting piece located therein as an independent structural unit which provides the characteristic of the respective earpiece type expression elsewhere than in direct connection with the earpiece. Thus, for example, a particular mechanical expression in the form of a certain number detectable locking lugs in the region of the contacts 9 and 39 are located or a detectable resistance can be located elsewhere in the unit described as in direct contact with the listener.

Claims (12)

Hearing aid system, comprising at least one hearing aid (1, 31) with an input transducer for receiving an input signal and conversion to an electrical input signal, a signal processing unit (7, 37) for processing and amplifying the electrical input signal and outputting an electrical output signal and a receiver (10; 40) for converting the electrical output signal into an acoustic output signal, characterized in that the hearing aid system comprises means for automatically detecting a type of handset used in the hearing aid device (1; Hearing aid system according to claim 1, comprising means for automatically adapting the signal processing unit (7; 37) to the recognized handset type. Hearing aid system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein different types of listeners in each case at least one electrical component is associated with a characteristic of the respective handset type electrical property and the handset type used in the hearing aid is recognizable by the electrical property. Hearing aid system according to claim 3, wherein different types of resistors (46) are assigned to different types of listener and the type of handset used in each case in the hearing aid (1, 31) is recognizable on the basis of the resistance value. Hearing aid system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein different types of listeners in each case at least one characteristic of the respective handset type mechanical expression is assigned and the hearing aid system means for recognizing the type of handset used in the hearing aid device based on the mechanical expression. Hearing aid system according to claim 5, wherein the handset (10; 40) for electrical contacting listener connection pins (A, B) and the hearing aid system comprises means for detecting the type of handset used in the hearing aid based on different lengths of the Höreranschlusspins (A, B). Hearing aid system according to claim 6, wherein the hearing aid device (1) comprises at least one microswitch (SA, SB) for distinguishing different lengths of the receiver connection pins (A, B). Hearing aid system according to claim 6, wherein the hearing aid device (1) comprises a multi-stage contact arrangement for distinguishing different lengths of the receiver connection pins (A, B). Hearing aid system according to one of claims 2 to 8, wherein the automatic adjustment of the signal processing unit by the hearing aid (1, 31) itself takes place. Hearing aid system according to one of claims 2 to 8, comprising a connectable to the hearing aid (31) programmer (50), wherein the automatic adjustment of the signal processing unit (37) by the programming device (50). Hearing aid system according to one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the hearing aid device (1; 31) as behind the ear portable hearing aid (1; 31) with an ear canal projecting into the ear canal (3; 33), in which the listener (10; 40) is arranged, is formed. Hearing aid system according to one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the handset (10; 40) releasably connected to the hearing aid device (1; 31) or the earpiece (3; 33) is connectable.

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