Covering-the-ear hearing aids for people with aging hearing loss

Abstract

The present invention relates to a hearing aid for the elderly that compensates for and improves hearing loss, wherein the user can select, using a selection means, one of multiple programs with distinguished amplification gain values ​​that is suitable for their audiogram, and the device is designed to allow the user to listen by covering their ears with the main body of the hearing aid to improve speech comprehension and sound quality.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of hearing aids for the elderly whose hearing ability has deteriorated due to hearing loss, and more specifically, to an age-related hearing aid that covers the ears and allows anyone to select the volume themselves according to their level of hearing, regardless of whether they have mild, moderate, severe, or profound hearing loss, or whether there is a difference in hearing between both ears or one ear is close to normal. Background Technology

[0003] The ear, responsible for hearing, is one of the five senses that detects sound when waves from a sound source spreading in all directions are transmitted to a medium.

[0004] However, a decline in hearing ability leads to hearing loss, and such hearing loss manifests in various forms—congenital or acquired—depending on the severity of the symptoms, resulting in a wide variety of hearing loss types.

[0005] There are publicly available and commercially available hearing aids that can partially overcome the hearing deficiency in the aforementioned hearing loss.

[0006] The structure of the hearing aid described above includes a microphone that converts sound into an electrical signal, an amplifier that increases the electrical signal to obtain a sound level gain value that compensates for hearing threshold loss (a numerical value indicating the minimum stimulus intensity required for the ear to respond to a stimulus), a speaker that converts the electrical signal into a sound signal, and a battery, and the amplifier is realized through digital signal processing.

[0007] As mentioned above, a method for amplifying sound to compensate for hearing threshold loss includes a linear method that amplifies to have optimal gain and frequency curves for each frequency band based on a specific single input sound level.

[0008] This type of linear amplification is used in hearing aids based on the concept of a sound amplifier, where the volume must be adjusted as the sound suddenly increases or decreases when a sound louder or softer than the reference input level is input into the microphone.

[0009] Another amplification method is a non-linear amplification scheme that applies gain and frequency response to each frequency band through compression at various input sound levels.

[0010] This type of non-linear amplification method performs amplification in which the average gain and frequency response shape change depending on whether the input sound level is high or low.

[0011] Although sound is amplified to overcome and compensate for hearing thresholds associated with hearing loss using the amplification methods described above, in order to use a hearing aid, a target amplification must be determined and prescribed using a prescription formula linked to the individual's hearing loss characteristics. Therefore, amplifiers are configured as parameter-based software programs that have the ability to adjust amplification gain values, frequencies, etc., and the target amplification value is prescribed to the individual with hearing loss by adjusting the parameter-based software using a computer or smartphone, and the sound is heard through speakers after digital signal processing.

[0012] In order for a person with hearing loss to use a hearing aid, they must first undergo a hearing test at a specialized institution. Based on the results, they select one of several types of hearing aids. Then, according to the characteristics of the selected hearing aid, there is a procedure to prescribe a hearing aid with an audiologist that adjusts the amplification gain and frequency response to suit their hearing, ensuring that the sound delivered to the eardrum is the insertion gain of the state when the hearing aid is worn—that is, the actual ear gain—rather than the state when the hearing aid is not worn.

[0013] The primary goal of such hearing aid amplification prescriptions is to enable each individual to achieve speech comprehension and hear sounds of good quality and appropriate volume.

[0014] However, as shown in Fig. 4, most hearing aids are worn by inserting them into the external auditory canal or by blocking the external auditory canal, allowing the user to hear amplified sound through a tunnel-like passage where one side of the external auditory canal is blocked by the eardrum.

[0015] At this time, depending on the structure or shape of the coupler (tube, mold, dome, earshell, etc.), which is the connecting device of the hearing aid, and the specifications and shape of the vent that processes sound waves reflected from the eardrum,

[0016] Variables in amplification gain values ​​and frequency distortion occur, and within the external auditory canal, frequency distortion or variables in frequency gain values ​​due to resonance occur due to impedance based on the ratio of sound pressure to particle velocity.

[0017] In addition, due to the hearing aid structure having the microphone and speaker placed close together, phenomena such as feedback where sound from the speaker returns to the microphone occur, reducing speech comprehension and degrading sound quality,

[0018] Even when using a prescription formula in hearing aid prescription, the function set must be carefully adjusted by referring to various variables to achieve the frequency band target gain value and frequency response for each individual with hearing loss, thereby ensuring that the hearing aid obtains its intended function.

[0019] When people with hearing loss first use hearing aids, they find it difficult to adapt as the suddenly amplified sound is delivered to the eardrum. Therefore, most prefer an amplification volume with a gain value lower than their hearing threshold loss and receive a prescription to wear them. However, as time passes and they adapt to the prescribed amplification volume, they perceive that the volume is insufficient compared to their audiogram and revisit a specialized institution to have the amplification gain value re-prescribed.

[0020] In addition, even with the use of hearing aids, hearing loss continues to progress and worsen over time, so the amplification gain value must be re-prescribed. Prior art literature

[0022] U.S. Patent Publication (Publication No.: US2018-0242090, Publication Date: August 23, 2018) “Hearing aid fitting method and system” Korean Patent Publication (Patent No.: 10-1756674, Publication Date: July 25, 2017) “Active noise cancellation headset device with hearing aid function” U.S. Patent Publication (Publication No.: US2010-0067714, Publication Date: March 18, 2010) “Headphones capable of switching to sound box mode” The problem to be solved

[0023] The present invention is designed to address age-related hearing loss (sensorineural), characterized by a decrease in hearing ability and a reduced dynamic range for hearing all sounds as the extracorporeal and inner hair cells in the cochlea naturally degenerate with age. It eliminates the need for hearing tests, which are a medical procedure, when elderly individuals with declining cognitive and physical abilities require hearing aids, and also eliminates the need for a prescription process that amplifies hearing aids using a prescription formula tailored to each individual. Furthermore, it reduces costs and inconvenience by eliminating various processes, such as the need for re-prescription to increase the amplification gain value due to the difference between the sound of adaptation and the sound of sensory response to the amplified sound suddenly delivered to the eardrum during the wearing period. Additionally, it is intended for technical and functional implementation to improve sound quality and enhance speech discrimination by changing the method of wearing the hearing aid from blocking or inserting it into the ear canal to wearing it over the ear, thereby providing ease of use and convenience for the elderly. Furthermore, it is intended to provide an over-the-ear hearing aid for age-related hearing loss that is proposed to facilitate repair and maintenance of the hearing aid. means of solving the problem

[0025] The present invention defines the average threshold loss as a value calculated by formulating the degree of symptoms from hearing threshold loss according to frequency, so as to eliminate the necessary processes and procedures when the elderly person wishes to use a hearing aid due to hearing loss. Based on the calculated average threshold loss, it divides the difference in the degree of loss across the entire range into grades, and is composed of multiple regular programs that respond to each frequency band according to sound level gain within a dynamic range to correspond to each classified grade.

[0026] The solution involves configuring a hearing aid that improves hearing loss through a prescription in which the user (person with hearing loss) selects one of the grades of a gain model with approximate amplification values ​​similar to their audiogram, without the need for professional medical consultation or parameter adjustment procedures; and configuring a main body that covers the ears to wear the hearing aid, thereby ensuring ease of maintenance and convenience of wearing. Effects of the invention

[0028] The present invention can solve the problems of cumbersome procedures and associated costs associated with using hearing aids, which are one of the reasons why the elderly with reduced cognitive and physical abilities do not use hearing aids or stop using them despite the inconvenience in daily life caused by hearing loss, as well as the inconvenience of wearing them, maintenance issues such as cleaning and battery charging due to the small size of the hearing aid, and loss and damage caused by malfunction or falling off due to sweat in the summer. Furthermore, since anyone can easily use it when there is a need to hear sounds accurately, it has the effect of improving the quality of life and giving confidence to the elderly due to the convenience of use. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0030] FIG. 1 shows a preferred embodiment of the hearing aid of the present invention, a side cross-sectional view with a portion of the side cut away. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a headband attached to the hearing aid of the present invention as an attachment means. FIG. 3 is a virtual embodiment of a plurality of diagrams illustrating prescription formulas for each normal gain model, in which the degree of average threshold loss of the present invention is divided into step grades and defined in a plurality. Figure 4 is a product photograph showing conventional hearing aids. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0031] The hearing aid for age-related hearing loss of the present invention, which is worn over the ear, is intended to primarily target age-related hearing loss (sensorineural) in which the hearing ability to understand speech decreases and the dynamic range of not being able to hear all sounds decreases as the hair cells in the cochlea and the outer and inner ear naturally degenerate with age, and provides a hearing aid that improves and overcomes hearing function.

[0032] In other words, the purpose is to provide a hearing aid for the elderly whose cognitive abilities and daily activities have diminished with age, enabling them to improve hearing loss by selecting a volume with amplification gain values ​​similar to and close to their audiograms, without the need for professional medical consultation or prescription, while ensuring ease of maintenance.

[0033] To explain in detail the configuration for the hearing aid described above, it is composed of a microphone (7) that converts sound waves into electrical signals, an amplifier that increases sound level gain values ​​into electrical signals to compensate for hearing threshold loss, a speaker (8) that converts electrical signals into sound signals, and a battery and functional components, and an electrically and electronically configured hearing correction system (10) in which the amplifier performs digital signal processing.

[0034] A characteristic of age-related hearing loss is that for the majority, the threshold loss increases as the frequency goes from 500 Hz to 4,000 Hz, and the symptoms of hearing loss worsen.

[0035] In the present invention, the hearing correction system (10) measures the degree of hearing loss symptoms as a quantitative value to define a prescription formula of the standard for compensating for the hearing loss in each case by classifying the hearing loss of the elderly based on differences in audiograms.

[0036] The symptom level value is determined by applying the formula [ 500 Hz + ( 1,000 Hz + 2,000 Hz ) × 2 + 4,000 Hz ] ÷ 6 to the threshold loss (dB) value of the frequency band, defining the resulting value (dB) as the average threshold loss, and classifying the audiogram based on whether the value is high or low.

[0037] And the entire range of average threshold loss classified as hearing loss is defined as from 25 dB or more to 90 dB, and it is determined that hearing function cannot be improved with only the hearing correction system (10) at an average threshold loss of 91 dB or more.

[0038] When indicating the severity of symptoms in the hearing loss described above, the average threshold loss value is divided into zones and classified into mild, moderate, moderately severe, severe, and profound.

[0039] To improve and overcome hearing loss, sound with a frequency response and amplification level gain value that compensates for the lost threshold loss in each frequency band must be output from a speaker (8). Since the sound level gain value and frequency response of such sound amplification naturally differ depending on the degree of symptoms and characteristics of hearing loss, the prescriptions accordingly also differ. Therefore, conventional hearing aids are used by examining the characteristics of hearing loss for each individual and adjusting the amplifier program using a prescription formula based on the results to provide a customized prescription.

[0040] In contrast, the hearing correction system (10) of the present invention does not target the individual hearing loss characteristics, but is based on the average threshold loss value calculated for all hearing-impaired individuals, and is designed to improve and overcome hearing without individual hearing tests or customized prescriptions based on prescription formulas.

[0041] Accordingly, the hearing aid prescription formula and prescription in the present invention are defined by a sound level gain and frequency response specified by multiple independent preset gain model programs that divide the difference in the degree of loss within the average threshold loss range, that is, the entire range of average threshold loss, into step grades, and for each grade, the sound level within the dynamic range, that is, the effective listening range, is determined by setting an appropriate target amplification value for each frequency band. These preset gain model programs are stored in the hearing correction system (10) by grade. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the prescription formula of a virtual preset gain model by arbitrarily distinguishing multiple preset gain models based on the degree of loss of average threshold loss.

[0042] The multiple normal gain models of the prescription formula described above are configured so that the elderly person with hearing loss can listen to the volume by selecting one of the multiple normal gain models with an approximate amplification value that is close to or similar to their own audiogram.

[0043] In this case, the specified approximate amplification values ​​stored by grade in the program of the normalized gain model may differ from the target amplification values ​​required according to the hearing loss characteristics of each individual in terms of sound level gain and frequency response.

[0044] In order to minimize such an error range, the program is structured as a normal gain model that preferably divides the number of loss degree difference grades within the entire range of average threshold loss into one of at least 5 and about 25 grades.

[0045] However, for patients with severe or profound hearing loss who have a large average threshold loss, hearing desensitization and the dead zone are present, and due to various complex factors such as patients with hearing loss in only one ear, prescribing approximate amplification values ​​is not easy, requiring careful prescribing.

[0046] Accordingly, the hearing correction system (10) is configured to finely distinguish between grades by dividing the severe and profound hearing loss sections within the entire range of average threshold loss, or by selecting and separating a specific section within the entire range of average threshold loss, or by increasing the number of grades within the entire range of average threshold loss, and also to cover asymmetric hearing loss in users with hearing loss in only one ear. By doing so, a prescription that is closer to the approximate amplification value required by each individual can be realized.

[0047] Each hearing aid, with an average threshold loss range divided into specific intervals as described above, can achieve mutual compatibility if it is programmed with a superimposed gain model in which the lowest gain model on one side and the highest gain model on the other side overlap between adjacent hearing aids.

[0048] In the above gain model program, regarding the sound amplification method by the amplifier, there is no difference in realizing gain values ​​during amplification whether it is a linear amplification method having gain and frequency curves for each frequency band at a specific single input level or a non-linear amplification method having gain and frequency input / output curves for each frequency band at multiple input levels. However, in the case of linear amplification, the structure becomes one that does not require a volume control.

[0049] Looking at the structure of the hearing aid body in which the hearing correction system (10) as described above is built, preferably, as shown in FIG. 1, the main body (1) is formed slightly larger than the ear and has a certain thickness so as to cover the user's ear, and is formed in a circular or elliptical shape, and has an internal chamber (2) formed as an empty space inside so that the hearing correction system (10) can be accommodated.

[0050] The main body (1) having the above-described structure is configured such that a headband (3) can be fixed or attached / detachable by forming a connecting means (4) or a detachable means (5) on a width / thickness portion or on one side, and a compression pad (6) formed of a soft material that protrudes around the inner edge and is fixed to one side of the main body (1) so that it can be attached / detachable from the main body (1) using a known fastening means so that when the main body (1) covers the ears and is worn, it adheres closely to the user's ears.

[0051] And the main body (1) is fixedly coupled to the main body (1) by means of a coupling means (4) provided on the upper part of the main body (1) with the output surface (12) facing inward, or can be coupled to the detachable means (5) provided on the headband (3) and the detachable means (5) provided on the upper part of the main body (1) by means of a known detachable structure.

[0052] As described above, the main body (1) combined with the headband (3) is placed on the head by wrapping the head with the headband (3), and when the user wears the main body (1) by covering the ears so that the compression pad (6) is in close contact with the ear, the face portion of the output face (12) is not in contact with the external auditory canal by the thickness of the compression pad (6), always maintaining a predetermined distance, and secures a space open in all directions within the compression pad (6) so that the output sound of the speaker (8) is heard.

[0053] The main body (1) of the present invention, configured as a listening means for improving and overcoming hearing loss by covering the ear and listening to amplified sound in a non-contact manner with the outer ear, provides clear functional improvements and technology in a device for listening to amplified sound to improve hearing.

[0054] With such functional improvements and technical solutions

[0055] First, by blocking sound reflections or ambient noise from the main body (1), the sound-to-noise ratio (SNR) is improved, allowing the amplified sound of the speaker (8) to be heard clearly, thereby increasing speech discrimination ability.

[0056] Second, if the microphone is positioned in an omnidirectional manner facing the direction in which sound is generated from the main body (1), the frequency resolution, which is a problem of age-related hearing loss, is improved, and the amount of noise generated in the surroundings entering the microphone is reduced, thereby improving speech comprehension.

[0057] Third, the output amplification gain value, which is produced by combining the amplified sound with the resonance gain of the free sound field, can be accurately delivered to the eardrum without frequency distortion.

[0058] Fourth, compared to a hearing aid method that contacts the external auditory canal, the microphone (7) and the speaker (8) are far apart, so there is no feedback phenomenon that causes sound quality problems in the hearing aid, which can improve sound quality and speech discrimination ability.

[0059] Fifth, the receiver diameter, which matches the external auditory canal diameter, can be freely selected from the internal chamber to match the specifications of a speaker (listener) that provides a wide and precise frequency response, allowing amplified digital sound to be listened to with comfortable sound quality close to the original sound.

[0060] Sixth, due to its large volume, the battery capacity can be designed to be large and built-in, allowing for long-term use.

[0061] Seventh, each of the multiple standard gain models, based on the average threshold loss and classifying the difference in the degree of loss into grades, can improve hearing by enhancing speech comprehension and sound quality through various technical and functional elements. For example, the sound volume amplified along with the gain is always transmitted to the eardrum through the external auditory canal under the same listening environment and conditions while covering the ear and remaining in a non-contact state with the outer ear. Therefore, the configuration of the main body (1) that covers the ear according to the present invention is considered the best and only method to achieve the purpose of the hearing aid prescription according to the present invention.

[0062] However, if the hearing aid is configured to block or insert into the external auditory canal, the difference between real ear gain and insertion gain varies depending on the structure or characteristics of the coupler (earmol, earshell, dome, tube) which is the connecting member. Therefore, it is difficult to predict the variables of frequency distortion, resonance gain, and amplification gain due to various variables in the amplification gain value, ventilation specifications related to the external auditory canal diameter that differs from person to person, impedance, and wearing type. Consequently, it is difficult to deliver all of the multiple normal gain model sound volumes to the eardrum without variables under constant conditions and environments by classifying the difference in the degree of loss based on the average threshold loss, making it impossible to achieve the original purpose of the hearing aid of the present invention.

[0063] In the main body (1) configured as described above, as one of the components of the hearing correction system (10), the speaker (8) is installed such that the output facet (12) is formed by a facet equipped with a compression pad (6), and the output facet (12) penetrates the wall or forms a hole in the wall of the internal chamber (2) and is installed close to the inner circumference of the wall.

[0064] Also, a microphone (7), which is another component, is installed by protruding from the main body (1) excluding the output surface (12) into or out of a wall equipped with a sound wave inlet, and it is preferable to install the microphone (7) in a position where the user can look at the sound from the front in the direction they wish to hear.

[0065] In the above, it is known that a plurality of speakers (8) can be installed on the output surface (12) according to the output capacity, and a plurality of microphones (7) can also be installed for directional or omnidirectional use.

[0066] And the main body (1) is provided with a selection means (11) to select and output one of a plurality of regular gain model programs, and the selection means (11) may be configured in a known means such as a button type so that it is convenient for elderly people to use.

[0067] Therefore, a person with hearing loss improves and overcomes their hearing loss by using a selection means (11) among multiple normal gain models stored in the program and processing the sound by selecting the volume of one of the normal gain models prescribed with an approximate amplification value that is suitable for, similar to, or close to them.

[0068] The hearing aid described above may also be configured to allow adjustments, such as selecting and adjusting the volume suitable for the user, to be controlled via an application app provided by an external support device.

[0069] The battery (not shown) embedded in the internal chamber (2) of the main body (1) is selected from either a battery type or a storage type. In addition, to prevent howling that may occur due to a closing effect when the main body (1) is worn covering the user's ears, a ventilation hole (13) may be formed in the output surface (12) to allow the sound of the speaker (8) to leak out to the outside of the body.

[0070] In addition to the above, an audio playback device capable of receiving a sound signal and listening to sound through a wired method in which an external audio source device, such as a mobile phone, is connected by a cable, or a wireless method in which a slave device is supported, may also be built into the internal chamber (2) of the main body (1).

[0071] When the above-mentioned hearing correction system (10) is configured with multiple regular gain model programs stored independently in a digital circuit, the software program processes speech by using only independent functions to create an executable file that processes speech signals, or, since the tone information of the language (tonal language, non-tonal language) differs by frequency in each country, to respond to this, the optimal gain and frequency response regular gain model program is adjusted and corrected to increase speech clarity, and the speech is processed by processing in a two-file format consisting of a link file containing function information and an executable file that processes speech signals.

[0072] Of course, it is optional to fill the interior chamber (2) with a known sound-absorbing material or install multiple walls in the interior chamber (2) so that external noise or harmonics are attenuated when they enter the interior chamber (2) through the main body (1) as described above.

[0073] Although embodiments and experimental examples of the present invention have been described above with reference to the attached drawings, those skilled in the art will understand that the present invention can be implemented in other specific forms without changing the technical concept or essential features.

[0074] Therefore, the embodiments and experimental examples described above should be understood as illustrative in all respects and not limiting, and the scope of the invention as described in the above detailed description is defined by the claims, and all modifications or variations derived from the meaning of the claims and equivalent concepts should be interpreted as being included within the scope of the invention.

[0075] The present invention may be embodied in various forms, and the embodiments described herein are not limited. It should be noted that the drawings are schematic and not drawn to scale. Relative dimensions and proportions of parts in the drawings are depicted in exaggerated or reduced sizes for clarity and convenience in the drawings, and any dimensions are merely illustrative and not limiting. Also, the same reference numerals are used to denote similar features for the same structure, element, or part appearing in two or more drawings. Explanation of the symbols

[0076] 1. Main body 2. Internal chamber 3. Headband 4. Connecting means 5. Attachment / Detachment Method 6. Compression Pad 7. Microphone 8. Speaker 10. Hearing Correction System 11. Selection means 12. Output facet 13. Vent

Claims

Claim 1 An age-related hearing loss hearing aid worn over the ear, characterized by: a main body having an internal chamber formed therein and a compression pad provided on the inner periphery of the main body to improve hearing without contact with the outer ear; an electric and electronic hearing correction system comprising a microphone, a speaker, an amplifier, functional components, and a battery, wherein the main body includes a regular gain model that responds to each frequency band according to sound level gain within a dynamic range corresponding to the hearing threshold loss of a hearing-impaired person when an input level sound wave is amplified linearly or non-linearly in the internal chamber of the main body; and a selection means provided in the main body to improve hearing by allowing the user to output one of the grades of a gain model with an approximate amplification value similar to their own audiogram without professional medical treatment or parameter adjustment procedures. Claim 2 An age-related hearing loss hearing aid worn over the ear, characterized in that, in claim 1, the normal gain model program is configured to have a loss level of 25 to 90 decibels in the entire range of average threshold loss or in a certain section of the entire range of average threshold loss, thereby improving hearing without contact with the outer ear. Claim 3 An age-related hearing loss hearing aid worn over the ears, characterized in that, in claim 1, the upper part of the main body is provided with a coupling means or a detachable means, and an output surface body equipped with a compression pad is positioned inwardly, so that a headband is coupled to the coupling means or the detachable means to prevent contact with the outer ear and improve hearing. Claim 4 An age-related hearing loss hearing aid worn over the ear, characterized in that, in claim 1, the output surface of the main body has a ventilation hole penetrating to the outside of the body, thereby improving hearing without contact with the outer ear. Claim 5 A hearing aid for age-related hearing loss worn over the ear, characterized in that, in claim 1, the hearing correction system of the main body improves hearing without contact with the outer ear, and its performance can also be adjusted using an application program of an external support device. Claim 6 A hearing aid for age-related hearing loss worn over the ear, characterized in that, in claim 1, a sound reproduction device that receives signals from a sound source device via wired or wireless means is installed in the internal chamber of the main body, and the device improves hearing by being in non-contact with the outer ear.

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