WO2010120243A1 - Hearing aid with environmental compensating circuitry - Google Patents
Hearing aid with environmental compensating circuitry Download PDFInfo
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- WO2010120243A1 WO2010120243A1 PCT/SG2009/000141 SG2009000141W WO2010120243A1 WO 2010120243 A1 WO2010120243 A1 WO 2010120243A1 SG 2009000141 W SG2009000141 W SG 2009000141W WO 2010120243 A1 WO2010120243 A1 WO 2010120243A1
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- WIPO (PCT)
- Prior art keywords
- hearing aid
- environmental state
- state data
- circuitry
- error
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04R—LOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; DEAF-AID SETS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS
- H04R25/00—Deaf-aid sets, i.e. electro-acoustic or electro-mechanical hearing aids; Electric tinnitus maskers providing an auditory perception
- H04R25/70—Adaptation of deaf aid to hearing loss, e.g. initial electronic fitting
Definitions
- Embodiments relate to a hearirLg aid with measurement, correction, and error circuitry.
- Hearing aids are used throughout the world ia varied environmental climates, most of -which differ significantly from the factory conditions the hearing aids were manufactured and tested in. Performance of a hearing aid's components may vary significantly when exposed to environmental factors such as pressure, humidity, temperature, and electromagnetic radiation.
- An embodiment of the invention prrovides a hearing aid that includes measurement circuitry, correction circuitry, and error circuitry.
- the measurement circuitry is configured to measure an environmental state, wherein the measurement circuitry is further configured to transmit environmental state data.
- the correction circuitry is configured to adjust a parameter of a hearing aid component, the adjustment being at least partly based on the envi Tonmental state data.
- the error circuitry is configured to receive the environment state data, wherein the error circuitry is further configured to provide an error signal to a hearing aid user if the environmental state data crosses a pre-determined threshold.
- the measurement circuitry is configured to transmit environmental states data if the measured environmental state crosses a pre—determined threshold. In some embodiments, the measurement circuitry is configured to transmit environmental state data if the measured environmental state crosses a pre—determined threshold for a pre-determined period of time. In some embodiments, the measurement circuitry is configured to measure an environmental state of a hearincj aid cavity. In some embodiments, the measurement circuitry is configured to measure an environmental state of a hearing azLd component. In some embodiments, the measurement circuitry i_s located on the exterior of the hearing aid.
- tine environmental state comprises humidity level, temperature level, pressure level, and/or electromagnetic radiation ILevel.
- the hearing aid component comprises a transducer.
- the transducer comprises a microphone.
- the transducer comprises a loudspeaker.
- the heari_ng aid component comprises an antenna.
- the correction circuitry further comprises a signal processor.
- ⁇ the parameter comprises gain level.
- the parameter comprises signal output of the hearing aid component .
- the parameter comprises signal input of the hearing aid component.
- the parameter comprises resonant frequency. In some embodiments, the resonant frequency is adjusted at least partly by frequency shifting a signal.
- the correction circuitry is further adapted to independently adjust the gain level of two or more frequency bands.
- the hearing aid further includes a memory device configured to store the environmental state data generated by the measurement circuitry. In some embodiments, the hearing aid further includes a memory device configured to store hearing aid component compensation data. In some embodiments, the heading aid component compensation data comprises scalars.
- ttie error circuitry is coupled to a 1 ight emitter, the light emitter configured to provide a vi sual signal when the environmental state data crosses the predetermined threshold.
- the e rror circuitry is coupled. to a loudspeaker, the loudspeaker configured to provide an audible signal ⁇ /hen the environmental state data crosses the pre-determined threshold.
- the hearing aid includes wire less transmitting circuitry configured to transmit the environmental state data. In some embodiments, the wire less transmitting circuitry is further configured to receive a second hearing aid environmental state data.
- Some embodiments of "the invention provide a method for a hearing aid to communicate a warning to a hearing aid ⁇ ser.
- Tn e method includes measuring an environmental state, generating environmental state data, adj usting a parameter of a hearing aid component, the adjustment being at least pa. rtly based on the environmental state data, and providing an e rror signal to a hearing aid user if the environmental state data crosses a pre-determined threshold.
- the method further? comprises wirele ssly transmitting the environmental state data to a second hearing aid, wherein the second hearing aid provides the error signal to the hearing aid user if the environmental state data crosses the pre-determined threshold.
- Figure 1 is a block diagram of hearing aid cirrcuitry in accordance with an embodiment of the invention
- Figure 2 is a graph showing for illustrative purpose s only the change of sensitivity ofT a microphone as humidity increa ses;
- Figure 3 is a block diagram o f measurement cirrcuitry in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
- Figure 4 is a flowchart of a process for adjusting a parameter of a hearing aid component in accordance with an embodiment of the invention
- Figure 5 is a flowchart of prov iding an error si gnal to a hearing aid user in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
- Figure 6 is a flowchart of providing an error signal to a hearing aid user in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
- FIG . 1 is a block diagram o f hearing aid cirrcuitry in accordance with an embodiment of the invention .
- H earing aid cavity 102 ma y be any enclosure or partial enclosu re housing hearing aid components .
- Hearing a id cavity 102 of htearing aid 100 houses battery 104 , antenna 1O 6 , microphone 108 , amplifier 110 , loudspea ker 112 , light 114 , measurement circuitry 116 , memory 118 , co rrection circuitry 1 20 , and error circuitry 122 .
- Battery 10-4 provides power to the hearing aid components and may be housed in a battery compartment (not shown) .
- Battery 104 may be a rechargeable battery.
- Antenna 106 may be configured to communicate vs/ith a base unit placed, for example, in a user's pocket. Antenna 106 may also be used to communicate with other hearing aid devices. For example, antenna 106 may be a part of an e2e (ear-to-ear) wirelessTM system made by Siemens.
- Microphone 108 receives acoustic information which is amplified from a microphone level to a line by amplifier 110.
- the amplified signal is transmitted to the user by loudspeaker 112.
- Hearing aid components e.g. , battery 104, antenna 106, microphone 108 , amplifier 110, and loudspeaker 112.
- high temperatures and/or humidity decrease microphone sensitivity by at least a few decibels (dB) .
- High temperatures also increases noise received by an antenna, thus resulting ⁇ n a lower signal-to-noise ratio.
- Other hearing aid components experience similar drifts in performance .
- hearing aid components may cease functioning or be permanently damage if operated in extreme environments.
- FIG. 2 is a graph 200 showing for illustrative purposes only the change of sensitivity of a microphone as humidity increases.
- Line 202 is the sensitivity curve of a microphone in an environment of A percent relative humidity.
- Line 204 is the sensit ivity curve of a microphone in an environment of 96 percent relative humidity. It can be seen that sensitivity increases as humidity increases. Sensitivity changes of 6 c3B or more have been observed when comparing output of a microphone in a 0% reLative humidity environment with output of a microphone in a ]_00% relative humidity environment. f ⁇ s humidity increases, it has also been observed that a microphone' s resonance frequency lowers aad damping increases .
- measurement circuitry 116 may incILude sensors confi gured to measure an environmental state.
- Environmental states include, but are not limited to, pressure, humidity, temperature, and electromagnetic radiation.
- measurement circuitry 116 may generate environmental state data.
- Environmental state data may include, but is not limited to, pressure level, humidity level, temperature level, and electromagnetic radiation level.
- Environmental state data may be measured from a hearing aid component, a hearing aid cavity, or the exterior of a hearing aid.
- measurement circuitry 116 may measure the temperat ⁇ ure of battery 104, hearing aid cavity 102, or the exterior off hearing aid 100.
- Measurement circuitry 116 may transmit environmental state data to correction circuitry 120. I n some embodiments, measurement circuitry 116 may transmit environmental state data to correction circuitry 120, or elsewhere, only after a measurement crosses a threshold. Correction circuitry 120 may adj ust a parameter of a hearing aid component based at least partially on environmental state data.
- corxection circuitry includes signal processor circuitry (not shewn) .
- corxection circuitry L20 may increase tlie gain level, input level, or output level for microph ⁇ one 108 (or other hearing aid components) in response to a humidity level data transmitted by measurement circuitry 116.
- the change of internal noise of amplifier 110 or speaker 112 due to humidity or temperature may be compensated by correction circuitry 120 adjusting or reducing the noise.
- Another example includes increasing the gain for antenna 106 due to high levels of electromagnetic radiation, humidity, and/or temperature .
- Correction circuitry 120 may also adjust a parameter such as frequency response.
- correction circuitry 120 may frequency shift an input or output signal of a hearing aid component in order to adjust the resonant frequency of the hearing aid component. A combination of both frequency and gain adjustments may be adjusted. The gain may also be adjusted independently in different frequency bands.
- sensitivity curve 204 of ET 1 IG. 2 shows a larg «e dip in the frequencies above 10 kHz.
- correction circuitry 120 may adjust those frequencies differently than the frequencies below 10 kHz.
- the fr&quencies above 10 kHz may be boosted in relation to th_e other frequencies to compensate for a rroll-off in a micr ⁇ ophone' s frequency response. It is one aspect of the invention that the signal processing capability of correction circuitry 120 utilizes the envixonmental state data generated by measurement circuitry 116 to adjust relevant parameters in compensating for changes or drift in a component of a hearing aid.
- memory 118 stores hearing aid component compensation data.
- Hearing aid component compensation data includes data pertaining to compensating for known hearing aid component characteristics (e.cp., frequency response, noise levels, etc..) at certain pressure, humidity, temperature, and/or electromagnetic radiation levels.
- memory 118 may provide the data to correction circuitry 120.
- Correction circuitry 120 may then use the data to adjust a relevant parameter (s ) of a hearing component (s) .
- measurement circuitry 116 may adjust one or? more parameters of: one or more hearing aid components in response to one or i ⁇ ore recorded levels by measurement circuitjry 116.
- a memory may be located within correction circuitrry 120.
- the memory may store the hearing aid component compensation data.
- the hearing aid component compensation data comprises scalars.
- Measurement circuitry 116 may also transmit environmental state data to error circuitry 122. If envirorxmental state data crosses a pre-determined threshold (e.g., humidity level), error circmitry 122 will provide an error signal to a hearing aid user. In some embodiments, an environmental state data must cross and stay above or below the pore-determined threshold over a pre-determiend period of time before error circuitry 1_22 will provide an error signal.
- the error signal includes, taut is not limited to, light 114 flashing, an error tone played by loudspeaker 122, a combination of light and sound, or a. vibration means (not shown) .
- Error signals may be specific to the type of environmental state data received. For example, an error s ⁇ cjnal for high humidity may include a certain color of light . A spoken warning may be played by loudspeaker 112 r indicating performance may be less then optimum or to turn off the hearing aid to prevent damage. Error signals may also indicated that the hearing aid is in need of servicing.
- Measurement circuitry 116 may also transmit environmental state data to memory 118. This may be especially useful for a technician to evaluate when determining which hearing aid component may have failed.
- hearing aid 100 may include a digital-to-analo ⁇ ; converter, and measurement circuitry 116 may be located on the exterior of hearing aid 100 or on individual, components.
- FIG. 3 is a block diagram of measuremeni: circuitry 116 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention .
- Measurement circuitry 116 includes pres sure sensor 302 , temperature sensox 304 , riumidity sensor 30 6 , and electromagnetic sensor 308 .
- Pressure sensor 302 sen ses and may provide environmental stat e data pertaining to atmospheric pressure .
- Temperature senso r 304 senses and may provide environmental st ate data pertainin g to temperature .
- Humidity sensor 306 sens es and may provid e environmental state data pertaining t o humidity levels .
- Electromagnetic sensor 308 senses snd may provid e environmental state data pertaining to electromagneti c radiation 308 .
- Senso rs may measure environmental state dat a for a hearing ai d cavit y/, a hearing aid exterior , or an individual hearing ai d component . All sensors may wor k in paral lel or separately in time . That is , one , several , our all sensors may be operating at any given time . In some embodiments , measurement circuitry 1 16 only transmits sensor measurements if t ⁇ ie measurements cross a threshold .
- Figure 4 is a flowchart of a process for adj usting a parameter of a hearing aid component in accorda nce with an embodiment of the invention .
- 2 ⁇ t 402 process 400 starts .
- Z ⁇ t 404 measurement circuit ry measures an environmental state .
- the environmental state may be measured f rom a hearing aid cavity, a hearing aid component , or an exterrior surface of a hearing aid .
- measurement circuitry transmits environmental state data to correction circuitry.
- correction circuitry receives environmental state data.
- correction circuitry adjusts a parameter of a hearing aid component.
- process 400 ends.
- Figure 5 is a flo-wchart of providing an error signal to a hearing aid user in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
- process 500 starrts.
- measurement circuitry measures an environmental state.
- measurement circuitry transmits environmental state data to error circuitry.
- error circuitry receives environmental state data.
- error circuitry provides an error signa 1 to a hearing aid user.
- process 500 ends.
- Figure 6 i s a flowchart of providing an error signal to a hearing aid user in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
- process 600 starts.
- measurement circuitry measures an environmental state.
- measurement circuitry transmits environmental state data to error circuitry.
- error circuitry A receives environmental state data. Error circuitry A may be located in a left hearing aid of a user; error circuitry B may be located in a right Shearing aid of a user.
- error circuitry A provides environmental state data to error circuitry B.
- environmental state may be provided by transmitting the data over an antenna located in a left hearing aid and received by an antenna located in the right hearing a ⁇ _d.
- error circuitry B provides an error signal to a hearing aid user.
- process 600 ends.
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Abstract
Embodiments relate to a hearing aid with measurement, correction, and error circuitry. The measurement circuitry is configured to measure an environmental state and transmit environmental state data. The correction circuitry is configured to adjust a parameter of a hearing aid component at least partly based on the environmental state data. The error circuitry configured to receive the environment state data and provide an error signal to a hearing aid user if the environmental state data crosses a pre-determined threshold.
Description
DESCRIPTION
HEARING AID WITH ENVIRONMENTAL COMPENSATING CIRCUITRY
Embodiments relate to a hearirLg aid with measurement, correction, and error circuitry.
Hearing aids are used throughout the world ia varied environmental climates, most of -which differ significantly from the factory conditions the hearing aids were manufactured and tested in. Performance of a hearing aid's components may vary significantly when exposed to environmental factors such as pressure, humidity, temperature, and electromagnetic radiation.
An embodiment of the invention prrovides a hearing aid that includes measurement circuitry, correction circuitry, and error circuitry. The measurement circuitry is configured to measure an environmental state, wherein the measurement circuitry is further configured to transmit environmental state data. The correction circuitry is configured to adjust a parameter of a hearing aid component, the adjustment being at least partly based on the envi Tonmental state data. The error circuitry is configured to receive the environment state data, wherein the error circuitry is further configured to provide an error signal to a hearing aid user if the environmental state data crosses a pre-determined threshold.
In some embodiments, the measurement circuitry is configured to transmit environmental states data if the measured environmental state crosses a pre—determined threshold. In some embodiments, the measurement circuitry is configured to transmit environmental state data if the measured environmental state crosses a pre—determined threshold for a pre-determined period of time.
In some embodiments, the measurement circuitry is configured to measure an environmental state of a hearincj aid cavity. In some embodiments, the measurement circuitry is configured to measure an environmental state of a hearing azLd component. In some embodiments, the measurement circuitry i_s located on the exterior of the hearing aid.
In some embodiments, tine environmental state comprises humidity level, temperature level, pressure level, and/or electromagnetic radiation ILevel.
In some embodiments, the hearing aid component comprises a transducer. In some embodiments, the transducer comprises a microphone. In some embodiments, the transducer comprises a loudspeaker. In some embodiments, the heari_ng aid component comprises an antenna.
In some embodiments the correction circuitry further comprises a signal processor. In some embodiments^ the parameter comprises gain level. ICn some embodiments the parameter comprises signal output of the hearing aid component . In some embodiments, the parameter comprises signal input of the hearing aid component. IEn some embodiments, the parameter comprises resonant frequency. In some embodiments, the resonant frequency is adjusted at least partly by frequency shifting a signal.
In some embodiments, the correction circuitry is further adapted to independently adjust the gain level of two or more frequency bands.
In some embodiments, the hearing aid further includes a memory device configured to store the environmental state data generated by the measurement circuitry. In some embodiments, the hearing aid further includes a memory device configured to store hearing aid component compensation data. In some
embodiments, the heading aid component compensation data comprises scalars.
In some embodiments, ttie error circuitry is coupled to a 1 ight emitter, the light emitter configured to provide a vi sual signal when the environmental state data crosses the predetermined threshold. In some embodiments, the e rror circuitry is coupled. to a loudspeaker, the loudspeaker configured to provide an audible signal ΛΛ/hen the environmental state data crosses the pre-determined threshold.
In some embodiments, the hearing aid includes wire less transmitting circuitry configured to transmit the environmental state data. In some embodiments, the wire less transmitting circuitry is further configured to receive a second hearing aid environmental state data.
Some embodiments of "the invention provide a method for a hearing aid to communicate a warning to a hearing aid αser.
Tn e method includes measuring an environmental state, generating environmental state data, adj usting a parameter of a hearing aid component, the adjustment being at least pa. rtly based on the environmental state data, and providing an e rror signal to a hearing aid user if the environmental state data crosses a pre-determined threshold.
In some embodiments, "the method further? comprises wirele ssly transmitting the environmental state data to a second hearing aid, wherein the second hearing aid provides the error signal to the hearing aid user if the environmental state data crosses the pre-determined threshold.
Trie drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis ins tead generally being placed upon illustrating the principles of the invention. In the fol lowing description, various embodiments
of the invention are described with reference to the following drawings, in which:
Figure 1 is a block diagram of hearing aid cirrcuitry in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;
Figure 2 is a graph showing for illustrative purpose s only the change of sensitivity ofT a microphone as humidity increa ses;
Figure 3 is a block diagram o f measurement cirrcuitry in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;
Figure 4 is a flowchart of a process for adjusting a parameter of a hearing aid component in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;
Figure 5 is a flowchart of prov iding an error si gnal to a hearing aid user in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; and
Figure 6 is a flowchart of providing an error signal to a hearing aid user in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
FIG . 1 is a block diagram o f hearing aid cirrcuitry in accordance with an embodiment of the invention . H earing aid cavity 102 ma y be any enclosure or partial enclosu re housing hearing aid components . Hearing a id cavity 102 of htearing aid 100 houses battery 104 , antenna 1O 6 , microphone 108 , amplifier 110 , loudspea ker 112 , light 114 , measurement circuitry 116 , memory 118 , co rrection circuitry 1 20 , and error circuitry 122 .
Battery 10-4 provides power to the hearing aid components and may be housed in a battery compartment (not shown) . Battery 104 may be a rechargeable battery.
Antenna 106 may be configured to communicate vs/ith a base unit placed, for example, in a user's pocket. Antenna 106 may also be used to communicate with other hearing aid devices. For example, antenna 106 may be a part of an e2e (ear-to-ear) wireless™ system made by Siemens.
Microphone 108 receives acoustic information which is amplified from a microphone level to a line
by amplifier 110. The amplified signal is transmitted to the user by loudspeaker 112.
Environmental factors such as pressure, humidity, temperature, and electromagnetic radiation may negatively affect the performance of hearing aid components, e.g. , battery 104, antenna 106, microphone 108 , amplifier 110, and loudspeaker 112. For example, high temperatures and/or humidity decrease microphone sensitivity by at least a few decibels (dB) . High temperatures also increases noise received by an antenna, thus resulting ±n a lower signal-to-noise ratio. Other hearing aid components experience similar drifts in performance . In some cases, hearing aid components may cease functioning or be permanently damage if operated in extreme environments.
FIG. 2 is a graph 200 showing for illustrative purposes only the change of sensitivity of a microphone as humidity increases. Line 202 is the sensitivity curve of a microphone in an environment of A percent relative humidity. Line 204 is the sensit ivity curve of a microphone in an environment of 96 percent relative humidity. It can be seen that sensitivity
increases as humidity increases. Sensitivity changes of 6 c3B or more have been observed when comparing output of a microphone in a 0% reLative humidity environment with output of a microphone in a ]_00% relative humidity environment. f^s humidity increases, it has also been observed that a microphone' s resonance frequency lowers aad damping increases .
As explained in further detail by FIG. 3, measurement circuitry 116 may incILude sensors confi gured to measure an environmental state. Environmental states include, but are not limited to, pressure, humidity, temperature, and electromagnetic radiation. When measurement circuitry 116 measures an environmental state, it may generate environmental state data.
Environmental state data may include, but is not limited to, pressure level, humidity level, temperature level, and electromagnetic radiation level. Environmental state data may be measured from a hearing aid component, a hearing aid cavity, or the exterior of a hearing aid. For example, measurement circuitry 116 may measure the temperat~ure of battery 104, hearing aid cavity 102, or the exterior off hearing aid 100.
Measurement circuitry 116 may transmit environmental state data to correction circuitry 120. I n some embodiments, measurement circuitry 116 may transmit environmental state data to correction circuitry 120, or elsewhere, only after a measurement crosses a threshold. Correction circuitry 120 may adj ust a parameter of a hearing aid component based at least partially on environmental state data. In some embodiments, corxection circuitry includes signal processor circuitry (not shewn) . In one example in accordance with an embodiment, corxection circuitry L20 may increase tlie gain level, input
level, or output level for microphαone 108 (or other hearing aid components) in response to a humidity level data transmitted by measurement circuitry 116.
In another example in accordance "with an embodiment of the invention, the change of internal noise of amplifier 110 or speaker 112 due to humidity or temperature may be compensated by correction circuitry 120 adjusting or reducing the noise. Another example includes increasing the gain for antenna 106 due to high levels of electromagnetic radiation, humidity, and/or temperature .
Correction circuitry 120 may also adjust a parameter such as frequency response. For example, correction circuitry 120 may frequency shift an input or output signal of a hearing aid component in order to adjust the resonant frequency of the hearing aid component. A combination of both frequency and gain adjustments may be adjusted. The gain may also be adjusted independently in different frequency bands. For example, sensitivity curve 204 of ET1IG. 2 shows a larg«e dip in the frequencies above 10 kHz. In s ome embodiments, correction circuitry 120 may adjust those frequencies differently than the frequencies below 10 kHz. Fo r example, the fr&quencies above 10 kHz may be boosted in relation to th_e other frequencies to compensate for a rroll-off in a micr~ophone' s frequency response. It is one aspect of the invention that the signal processing capability of correction circuitry 120 utilizes the envixonmental state data generated by measurement circuitry 116 to adjust relevant parameters in compensating for changes or drift in a component of a hearing aid.
In one embodiment of the invention, memory 118 stores hearing aid component compensation data. Hearing aid component
compensation data includes data pertaining to compensating for known hearing aid component characteristics (e.cp., frequency response, noise levels, etc..) at certain pressure, humidity, temperature, and/or electromagnetic radiation levels. When measurement circuitry 116 recoαrds such levels, memory 118 may provide the data to correction circuitry 120. Correction circuitry 120 may then use the data to adjust a relevant parameter (s ) of a hearing component (s) . Thus, measurement circuitry 116 may adjust one or? more parameters of: one or more hearing aid components in response to one or iαore recorded levels by measurement circuitjry 116. In one embodiment, a memory may be located within correction circuitrry 120. The memory may store the hearing aid component compensation data. In one embodiment, the hearing aid component compensation data comprises scalars.
Measurement circuitry 116 may also transmit environmental state data to error circuitry 122. If envirorxmental state data crosses a pre-determined threshold (e.g., humidity level), error circmitry 122 will provide an error signal to a hearing aid user. In some embodiments, an environmental state data must cross and stay above or below the pore-determined threshold over a pre-determiend period of time before error circuitry 1_22 will provide an error signal. The error signal includes, taut is not limited to, light 114 flashing, an error tone played by loudspeaker 122, a combination of light and sound, or a. vibration means (not shown) .
Error signals may be specific to the type of environmental state data received. For example, an error sάcjnal for high humidity may include a certain color of light . A spoken warning may be played by loudspeaker 112r indicating performance may be less then optimum or to turn off the
hearing aid to prevent damage. Error signals may also indicated that the hearing aid is in need of servicing.
Measurement circuitry 116 may also transmit environmental state data to memory 118. This may be especially useful for a technician to evaluate when determining which hearing aid component may have failed.
It wϋl be understood that the architecture shown in FIG. 1 is only one possible architecture for hearing aid 100, and that there may be many variation or additions to the architecture _ For example, hearing aid 100 may include a digital-to-analoα; converter, and measurement circuitry 116 may be located on the exterior of hearing aid 100 or on individual, components.
Figure 3 is a block diagram of measuremeni: circuitry 116 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention . Measurement circuitry 116 includes pres sure sensor 302 , temperature sensox 304 , riumidity sensor 30 6 , and electromagnetic sensor 308 .
Pressure sensor 302 sen ses and may provide environmental stat e data pertaining to atmospheric pressure . Temperature senso r 304 senses and may provide environmental st ate data pertainin g to temperature . Humidity sensor 306 sens es and may provid e environmental state data pertaining t o humidity levels . Electromagnetic sensor 308 senses snd may provid e environmental state data pertaining to electromagneti c radiation 308 .
Senso rs may measure environmental state dat a for a hearing ai d cavit y/, a hearing aid exterior , or an individual hearing ai d component .
All sensors may wor k in paral lel or separately in time . That is , one , several , our all sensors may be operating at any given time . In some embodiments , measurement circuitry 1 16 only transmits sensor measurements if t±ie measurements cross a threshold .
It will be understood that the archit ecture shown in FICG . 3 i s only one poss ible a rchitecture for measurement circuit ry 116 , and that there may be many variation or additions to the architecture . For example , some sens ors may be located on the exterior of a hearing aid (not shown ) -
Figure 4 is a flowchart of a process for adj usting a parameter of a hearing aid component in accorda nce with an embodiment of the invention . 2\t 402 , process 400 starts . Z\t 404 , measurement circuit ry measures an environmental state . The environmental state may be measured f rom a hearing aid cavity, a hearing aid component , or an exterrior surface of a hearing aid .
At 406, measurement circuitry transmits environmental state data to correction circuitry. At 408, correction circuitry receives environmental state data. At 410, correction circuitry adjusts a parameter of a hearing aid component. At 412, process 400 ends.
Figure 5 is a flo-wchart of providing an error signal to a hearing aid user in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. At 502, process 500 starrts. At 504, measurement circuitry measures an environmental state.
At 506, measurement circuitry transmits environmental state data to error circuitry. At 508, error circuitry receives
environmental state data. At 510, error circuitry provides an error signa 1 to a hearing aid user. At 512, process 500 ends.
Figure 6 i s a flowchart of providing an error signal to a hearing aid user in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. At 602, process 600 starts. At 604, measurement circuitry measures an environmental state.
At 606, measurement circuitry transmits environmental state data to error circuitry. At 608, error circuitry A receives environmental state data. Error circuitry A may be located in a left hearing aid of a user; error circuitry B may be located in a right Shearing aid of a user.
At 610, error circuitry A provides environmental state data to error circuitry B. In some embodiments, environmental state may be provided by transmitting the data over an antenna located in a left hearing aid and received by an antenna located in the right hearing aά_d. One advantage of process 500 is that if a left hearing aid is unable to produce an error signal due to a malfunction, a right hearing aid may be able to notify a user of the left hearing aid's status.
At 612, error circuitry B provides an error signal to a hearing aid user. At 614, process 600 ends.
While the invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to specific embodiments, it should be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and detail may be made therrein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. The scope of the invention is thus indicated by the appended cl_aims and all changes which come within, the meaning
and range of equivalency of the claims are therefore intended to be embraced.
Claims
1. A hearing aid comprising: measurement circuitry configured "to measure an environmental state, wherein the measurement circuitry is further configured to transmit environmental state data; correction circuitry configured to adjust a parameter of a. hearing aid component, the adjustment being at least partly based on the environmental state data; and error circuitry configured to receive the environment state data, wherein "the error circuitry is further configured to provide an error signal to a hearing aid user if the environmental state data crosses a pre -determined threshold.
2. The hearing aid of claim 1, "v/herein the measurement circuitry is configured to transmit environmental state data if the measured envixonmental state crosses a pre-determined threshold.
3. The hearing aid of claim 1, -wherein the measurement circuitry is configured to transmit environmental state data if the measured envixonmental state crosses a pre-determined threshold for a pre- determined period of time.
4. The hearing aid of claim 1, -wherein the measurement circuitry is configured to measure an environmental state of a tiearing aid cavity.
5. The hearing aid of claim 1, "wherein the measurement circuitry is configured to measure an environmental state of a hearing aid component.
6. The hearing aid of claim 1, wherein the measurement circuitry is located, on the exterior of the hearing aid.
7. The hearing aid of claim 1, wherein the environmental state comprises humidity level.
8. The hearing aid of claim 1, wherein the environmental state comprises temperature level.
9. The hearing aid of claim 1, wherein the environmental state comprises pressure level.
10. The hearing aid of claim 1, wherein the environmental state comprises electromagnetic radiation level.
11. The hearing aid of claim 1, wherein the h_earing aid component comprises a transducer.
12. The hearing aid of claim 11, wherein the transducer comprises a microphone.
13. The hearing aid of claim 11, wherein the transducer comprises a loudspeaker.
14. The hearing aid of claim 1, wherein the hiearing aid component comprises an antenna.
15. The hearing aid of claim 1, wherein the correction circuitry comprises a signal processor.
16. The hearing aid of claim 15, wherein the parameter comprises gain level.
17 . The hearing aid of cla im 15 , wherein the parameter comprises signal output of the hearing aid component .
18 . The hearing aid of claim 15 , wherein the parameter comprises signal input of the he aring aid component .
19. The hearing aid of claim 15, wherein the parameter comprises resonant frequency.
20. The hearing aid of claim 16, wherein the correction circuitry is further adapted to independently adjust the gain level of two or more frequency bands.
21. The hearing aid of claim 19, wherein the resonant frequency is adjusted at least partly by frequency shifting a signal.
22. The hearing aid of claim 1, furtheα: comprising a memory device configured to store the environmental state data generated by the measurement circuitry.
23. The hearing aid of claim 1, further comprising a memory device configured to store hearing aid component compensation data.
24. The hearing aid of claim 23, wherein the hearing aid component compensation data comprises scalar s.
25. The hearing aid of claim 1, wherein the error circuitrry is coupled to a light emitter, the light emitter configured to provide a visual signal when the environmental state data crosses the pre -determined thresh_old.
26. The hearing aid of claim 1, wherein the error circuitrry is coupled to a loudspeaker, the Loudspeaker configurred to provide an audible signal when, the environmental state data crosses the pre —determined threshold.
27 _ The hearing aid of claim 1, further comprising wireless transmitting circuitry configured to transmit the environmental state data.
28. The hearing aid of claim 27, wherein the wireless transmitting circuitrry is further configured to receive a second hearing aid environmental state data.
29. A method for a hearing aid to communicate a warning to a hearing aid user:, the method comprising: measuring an environmental state; generating environmental state data; adjusting a parameter of a hearing aid component, the adjustment being at least partly based on the environmental state data; and providing an error signal to a hearring aid user if the environmental state data crosses a pre-determined threshold.
30. The method of claim 29, wherein the method further comprises wirelessly transmitting the environmental state data to a second hearing sid, wherein the second hearing aid provides the error signal to the hearing aid user if the environmental state data crosses the pre-determined threshold.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/SG2009/000141 WO2010120243A1 (en) | 2009-04-17 | 2009-04-17 | Hearing aid with environmental compensating circuitry |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/SG2009/000141 WO2010120243A1 (en) | 2009-04-17 | 2009-04-17 | Hearing aid with environmental compensating circuitry |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| WO2010120243A1 true WO2010120243A1 (en) | 2010-10-21 |
Family
ID=42982724
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/SG2009/000141 Ceased WO2010120243A1 (en) | 2009-04-17 | 2009-04-17 | Hearing aid with environmental compensating circuitry |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| WO (1) | WO2010120243A1 (en) |
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| EP2493215A1 (en) * | 2011-02-24 | 2012-08-29 | Siemens Medical Instruments Pte. Ltd. | Assembly and method for maintaining hearing aids |
| US10524068B2 (en) | 2016-01-07 | 2019-12-31 | Sonova Ag | Hearing assistance device transducers and hearing assistance devices with same |
| US10911867B2 (en) | 2018-02-13 | 2021-02-02 | Oticon A/S | In-the-ear hearing aid device, a hearing aid, and an electro-acoustic transducer |
| US10939215B2 (en) | 2019-03-29 | 2021-03-02 | Sonova Ag | Avoidance of user discomfort due to pressure differences by vent valve, and associated systems and methods |
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| EP2451193A2 (en) | 2010-11-05 | 2012-05-09 | Siemens Medical Instruments Pte. Ltd. | Hearing aid and method for operating a hearing aid with a humidity sensor |
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| US11653145B2 (en) | 2018-02-13 | 2023-05-16 | Oticon A/S | In-the-ear hearing aid device, a hearing aid, and an electro-acoustic transducer |
| US10911867B2 (en) | 2018-02-13 | 2021-02-02 | Oticon A/S | In-the-ear hearing aid device, a hearing aid, and an electro-acoustic transducer |
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| US10939215B2 (en) | 2019-03-29 | 2021-03-02 | Sonova Ag | Avoidance of user discomfort due to pressure differences by vent valve, and associated systems and methods |
| US11647342B2 (en) | 2019-03-29 | 2023-05-09 | Sonova Ag | Avoidance of user discomfort due to pressure differences by vent valve, and associated systems and methods |
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