System and method for adjusting the gain limit of a hearing device

Abstract

An exemplary system includes: a memory storing instructions; and a processor communicatively coupled to the memory. The processor is configured to execute the instructions to simultaneously present a gain limit curve and a target gain curve in a graphical user interface displayed by a display device, the target gain curve representing a target gain profile of an available gain of a hearing device over a frequency range, the target gain curve corresponding to a first sound input level and having an initial amplitude greater than an amplitude of a gain limit curve within a frequency subset included in the frequency range. The processor is also configured to: detect a user input representing a request to increase the amplitude of the gain limit curve, increase a portion of the gain limit curve, and update the gain limit profile according to the increased portion of the gain limit curve.

Description

Background Art

[0001] Hearing devices (e.g., hearing aids) are used to improve a user's hearing and / or communication ability. Such hearing devices are configured to process received input sound signals (e.g., ambient sounds) and then provide the processed input sound signals to the user (e.g., via a receiver placed in the user's ear canal or at any other suitable location).

[0002] When a hearing device is initially provided to a user, and during subsequent testing and examinations thereafter, it is often necessary to "fit" the hearing device to the user. Fitting a hearing device to a user is typically performed by an audiologist or the like, who presents various stimuli to the user and relies on subjective feedback from the user as to how such stimuli are perceived. Adjustments may be made to adjust the parameters of the hearing device specifically for the user being fitted.

[0003] An exemplary parameter of a hearing device that may be adjusted while adapting the hearing device to a user is the amount of gain that may be applied by the hearing device. Typically, the amount of gain that may be applied is limited by a set gain limit that indicates the maximum stable gain that the hearing device can provide over a frequency range. However, such a gain limit may limit the available gain to a very safe and well sounding limit, which may unnecessarily limit the available gain of the hearing device. Although it is possible to increase the gain limit of a hearing device, doing so may result in a decrease in audio quality due to feedback and / or audible artifacts that may be generated by employing a feedback cancellation algorithm to mitigate such feedback. Moreover, in such a case, it is difficult for a user, such as an audiologist, to easily determine how adjusting the gain limit affects the performance of the hearing device. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0004] The accompanying drawings illustrate various embodiments and are part of the specification. The embodiments shown are examples only and do not limit the scope of the present disclosure. In all drawings, the same or similar reference numerals represent the same or similar elements.

[0005] Figure 1 An exemplary system according to the principles described herein is shown.

[0006] Figure 2 It shows that the principles described in this article can be implemented Figure 1 An exemplary configuration of a system.

[0007] Figure 3-10 It is shown that according to the principles described herein, a Figure 1 An exemplary graphical user interface displayed by the system.

[0008] Fig.11An exemplary method for adjusting a gain limit of a hearing device according to the principles described herein is shown.

[0009] Fig.12 An exemplary computing device in accordance with the principles described herein is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0010] Systems and methods for adjusting the gain limit of a hearing device are described herein. As will be described in more detail below, an exemplary system includes a memory storing instructions and a processor communicatively coupled to the memory. The processor may be configured to execute instructions to: simultaneously present a gain limit curve and a target gain curve within a graphical user interface displayed by a display device, the gain limit curve may represent a gain limit profile of an available gain of the hearing device over a frequency range, and the target gain curve may represent a target gain profile of the available gain of the hearing device over the frequency range. The target gain curve may correspond to a first sound input level, and the initial amplitude may be greater than the amplitude of the gain limit curve within a frequency subset included in the frequency range. The processor may be further configured to execute instructions to: detect a user input representing a request to increase the amplitude of the gain limit curve; based on the user input, increase a portion of the gain limit curve substantially corresponding to the frequency subset, and update the gain limit profile according to the increased portion of the gain limit curve.

[0011] In another exemplary system, the processor may be configured to execute instructions to: simultaneously present a gain limit curve and a target gain curve in a graphical user interface displayed by a display device, the gain limit curve may represent a gain limit profile of an available gain of the hearing device over a frequency range, and the target gain curve may represent a target gain profile of the available gain of the hearing device over the frequency range. The target gain curve may correspond to a first sound input level, and the initial amplitude may be greater than the amplitude of the gain limit curve within a frequency subset included in the frequency range. The processor may further be configured to execute instructions to: provide an option in the graphical user interface for a user to adjust the amplitude of a portion of the gain limit curve corresponding to the frequency subset upward to a level that matches the target gain curve within the frequency subset, or is within a predefined amount greater than the target gain curve within the frequency subset.

[0012] To illustrate an example, an exemplary system may be implemented in a fitting process during which, for example, a user such as an audiologist fits a hearing device (e.g., a hearing aid) to a user of the hearing device. During such a fitting process, the system may simultaneously present a gain limit curve and a target gain curve in a graphical user interface displayed by a display device (e.g., on a display screen of a laptop computer, a tablet computer, etc. associated with the system), the gain limit curve representing a gain limit profile of an available gain of the hearing device over a frequency range, and the target gain curve representing a target gain profile of an available gain of the hearing device over the frequency range. The amplitude of at least a portion of the target gain profile of the target gain curve may be greater than the amplitude of the gain limit curve within a frequency subset included in the frequency range. Therefore, the current setting of the gain limit curve may prohibit the hearing device from reaching a portion of the target gain profile that falls within the frequency subset. In order to facilitate the hearing device to be able to provide sufficient gain to reach a portion of the target gain profile that falls within the frequency subset, the system may provide a gain limit adjustment option, by which the audiologist may adjust the amplitude of the gain limit curve. For example, the system may provide a graphical object for display within a graphical user interface that the audiologist may select in any suitable manner to increase or decrease the amplitude of the gain limit curve. The system may detect user input regarding such a gain limit adjustment option that represents a request to increase the amplitude of the gain limit curve. Based on the user input, the system may increase the portion of the gain limit curve corresponding to the frequency subset. The system may then update the gain limit profile based on the increased portion of the gain limit curve, such that the updated gain limit profile of the gain limit curve and the target gain curve are simultaneously displayed within the graphical user interface on the display device.

[0013] By providing systems, methods, and graphical user interfaces such as those described herein, a target gain curve can be used as a reference for the adjustable gain limits of a hearing device. In doing so, users of systems such as those described herein (e.g., healthcare professionals, audiologists, etc.) may be able to selectively and appropriately adjust the gain limits to ensure that the available gain of the hearing device is sufficient to reach one or more target gain curves associated with the user of the hearing device. In addition, the systems, methods, and graphical user interfaces (e.g., those described herein) do not unnecessarily limit the gain limits to overly conservative safe and good-sounding gain limits, and at the same time do not allow the gain limits to be adjusted to a level that would cause the hearing device to become unstable. In addition, the systems, methods, and graphical user interfaces (e.g., those described herein) beneficially leave the decision about the gain limits to the user, do not burden the user with further hearing device tuning actions, and / or allow the user to focus on reaching the target gain without having to remember the stability limits of the hearing device. In addition, the systems, methods, and graphical user interfaces (e.g., those described herein) can facilitate user visualization of the compromises or tradeoffs that may occur between gain, stability, and / or sound quality due to adjusting the gain limits of the hearing device. Other benefits of the systems described herein and associated graphical user interfaces will become apparent herein.

[0014] Figure 1 An exemplary system 100 that can be implemented according to the principles described herein is shown. As shown, the system 100 may include, but is not limited to, a memory 102 and a processor 104 that are selectively and communicatively coupled to each other. The memory 102 and the processor 104 may each include or be implemented by hardware and / or software components (e.g., a processor, a memory, a communication interface, instructions stored in the memory for execution by the processor, etc.). In some examples, the memory 102 and the processor 104 may be distributed among multiple devices (e.g., multiple computing devices) and / or multiple locations, as may serve a particular implementation.

[0015] The memory 102 may maintain (e.g., store) executable data used by the processor 104 to perform any operations associated with the hearing device 100 described herein. For example, the memory 102 may store instructions 106, which may be executed by the processor 104 to perform any operations associated with the system 100 described herein. The instructions 106 may be implemented by any suitable application, software, code, and / or other executable data instance.

[0016] like Figure 1As shown, the memory 102 may also store hearing device data 108, which may include any suitable data associated with a hearing device that may be communicatively coupled to the system 100. For example, the hearing device data 108 may include any suitable settings, control parameters, operating procedures, fitting procedures, target gain curves, etc. that may be associated with a hearing device that may be communicatively coupled to the system 100 and / or a user of the hearing device. In some examples, the hearing device data 108 may include data specific to a particular user of the hearing device. For example, the hearing device data 108 may include data associated with one or more target gain profiles associated with a particular user.

[0017] The memory 102 may also maintain any data received, generated, managed, used, and / or transmitted by the processor 104. For example, the memory 102 may maintain any data suitable for facilitating communication (e.g., wired and / or wireless communication) between the system 100 and one or more hearing devices (e.g., those described herein). In other embodiments, the memory 102 may maintain additional or alternative data.

[0018] The processor 104 is configured to perform any suitable processing operations that may be associated with the system 100. For example, the processor 104 may be configured to perform (e.g., execute instructions 106 stored in the memory 102 to perform) various processing operations associated with facilitating a user (e.g., an audiologist) to adjust the gain limit of a hearing device. Such processing operations may include providing one or more graphical user interfaces (e.g., those described herein) to display to the user to facilitate the user to adjust the gain limit of the hearing device. For example, the processor 104 may: simultaneously present a gain limit curve and a target gain curve within a graphical user interface displayed by a display device, the gain limit curve representing a gain limit profile of an available gain of the hearing device over a frequency range, the target gain curve representing a target gain profile of an available gain of the hearing device over a frequency range; detect a user input representing a request to increase the magnitude of the gain limit curve; based on the user input, increase a portion of the gain limit curve that substantially corresponds to a subset of frequencies; and update the gain limit profile according to the increased portion of the gain limit curve. These and other operations that may be performed by the processor 104 are described herein.

[0019] Figure 2 An exemplary configuration 200 is shown in which the system 100 may be implemented. Figure 2As shown, the system 100 is communicatively coupled to a hearing device 202. As used herein, a "hearing device" may be implemented by any device configured to provide or enhance hearing to a user. For example, the hearing device may be implemented by one or more hearing aids configured to amplify audio content to a user, a sound processor included in a cochlear implant system configured to apply electrical stimulation representing audio content to a user, a sound processor included in a stimulation system configured to apply electrical and acoustic stimulation to a user, or any other suitable hearing prosthesis or combination of hearing prostheses. In some examples, the hearing device may be implemented by a behind-the-ear ("BTE") hearing device that is configured to be worn behind the ear of a user and / or at least partially within the ear canal of a user.

[0020] The system 100 may be communicatively coupled to the hearing device 202 in any suitable manner and through any suitable communication interface. For example, the system 100 may be wirelessly connected to the hearing device 202 using any suitable wireless communication protocol. Alternatively, the system 100 may be communicatively coupled to the hearing device 202 through a wired connection.

[0021] Despite Figure 2 Only one hearing device 202 is shown in the figure, but it should be understood that the hearing device 202 can be included in a system that includes more than one hearing device configured to provide or enhance hearing to a user. For example, the hearing device 202 can be included in a binaural hearing system that includes two hearing devices, one for each ear. In such an example, the hearing device 202 can be set behind the user's left ear, for example, and the additional hearing device can be set behind the user's right ear. When the hearing device 202 is included as part of a binaural hearing system, the hearing device 202 can communicate with the additional hearing device via a binaural communication link that interconnects the hearing device 202 with the additional hearing device. Such a binaural communication link can include any suitable wireless or wired communication link, as can serve a specific embodiment.

[0022] While the system 100 is communicatively coupled to the hearing device 202, the system 100 (e.g., the processor 104) may provide various graphical user interfaces for display by a display device to facilitate adapting the hearing device 202 to the user. The system 100 may provide such graphical user interfaces for display at any suitable time and on any suitable display device that may be part of or communicatively coupled to the system 100. For example, such graphical user interfaces may be provided for display to a user via a laptop computer, tablet computer, smartphone, etc. that may be communicatively coupled to the system 100.

[0023] In some examples, the system 100 may provide one or more graphical user interfaces for display on a display device to facilitate the user to adjust the gain limit of the hearing device. To this end, the system 100 may simultaneously present a gain limit curve and a target gain curve in a graphical user interface displayed on the display device. As used herein, a "gain limit curve" represents a gain limit profile of the available gain of the hearing device 202 over a frequency range. The gain limit curve may represent the maximum gain amount that the hearing device 202 is allowed to apply over a frequency range. The gain limit curve may represent the most stable gain limit of the hearing device 202, where the available gain does not cause the hearing device 202 to experience feedback and / or some other audible artifact that reduces the sound quality of the hearing device 202. The gain limit curve may be generated in any suitable manner. For example, the system 100 may generate a gain limit curve based on a feedback test provided for the hearing device 202. Alternatively, the gain limit curve may be pre-generated and may be accessed by the system 100 from any suitable source in any suitable manner.

[0024] In some examples, the gain limit curve may include a portion where the gain limit is adjustable and a portion where the gain limit is fixed. For example, the gain limit curve may include a first portion in a frequency subset included in the frequency range (where the gain limit is adjustable) and a second portion outside the frequency subset (where the limit gain is not adjustable). In some alternative examples, the amplitude of the gain limit may be globally adjustable over the frequency range. An exemplary gain limit curve will be described herein.

[0025] As used herein, a "target gain curve" represents a target gain profile of the available gain of a hearing device over a frequency range. The target gain curve may correspond to a specific sound input level. For example, the target gain curve may have a specific target gain profile that is specific to a soft sound input level (e.g., a 50 dB sound input level), a medium sound input level (e.g., a 65 dB sound input level), a loud sound input level (e.g., an 80 dB sound input level), or any other suitable sound input level. In addition, the target gain curve may be specific to a specific user of the hearing device 202. For example, the target gain curve may be unique to a specific user based on the hearing loss characteristics of the specific user.

[0026] The target gain curve may be generated in any suitable manner. For example, the target gain curve may be generated based on an audiogram of a particular user such that the target gain curve is specific to the hearing loss characteristics of the particular user. In some examples, the system 100 may generate a target gain curve for a particular user. Alternatively, the target gain curve may be pre-generated and may be accessed by the system 100 from any suitable source in any suitable manner. Reference will now be made to Figure 3-10An exemplary graphical user interface including one or more target gain curves and gain limit curves is described.

[0027] System 100 may present both the gain limit curve and the target gain curve in a graphical user interface in any suitable manner. For illustration, Figure 3 An exemplary graphical user interface 302 is shown that includes a graph 304 in which frequency is indicated along the horizontal axis and gain amount is indicated along the vertical axis. Figure 3 As shown, graph 304 includes a gain limit curve 306 and a target gain curve 308 provided over a frequency range shown along the horizontal axis.

[0028] exist Figure 3 In the example shown, the gain limit curve 306 includes a first gain limit curve portion 306-1 and a second gain limit curve portion 306-2. The first gain limit curve portion 306-1 may represent a portion of the gain limit curve 306 where the gain limit amplitude is not adjustable. On the other hand, the second gain limit curve portion 306-2 may represent a portion of the gain limit curve 306 where the gain limit amplitude is adjustable. Figure 3 In the example shown, curve 314 disposed above gain limit curve portion 306 - 2 may represent a maximum gain limit for the closed hearing device system.

[0029] The target gain curve 308 represents the Figure 3 The horizontal axis of the curve 304 in FIG. 1 shows a target gain curve for the available gain of the hearing device 202 over a frequency range. Figure 3 As shown, the target gain curve 308 has an initial amplitude greater than the amplitude of the gain limit curve 306 included in the frequency subset 310 of the frequency range. The portion of the target gain curve 308 having an amplitude greater than the amplitude of the gain limit curve 306 is Figure 3 is represented by a dotted line because Figure 3 The current setting of the gain limit curve 306 shown in prevents the hearing device 202 from having sufficient available gain to reach the target gain curve 308 within the frequency subset 310 .

[0030] To facilitate the hearing device 202 to have sufficient available gain to reach a target gain curve, such as the target gain curve 308, the system 100 may facilitate the user to provide a user input to selectively increase or decrease the gain limit of the hearing device 202. The system 100 may detect any suitable type of user input, as may serve a particular implementation. For example, the system 100 may be configured to detect a touch input, an audible command, a mouse cursor selection, and / or any other suitable type of user input that may be used to provide a request to adjust the gain limit of the hearing device 202.

[0031] In some examples, the system 100 can present a gain limit adjustment option within a graphical user interface and together with the gain limit curve and the target gain curve. Through the gain limit adjustment option, the user can increase or decrease the amplitude of the gain limit curve. For illustration, Figure 3 310 , further includes a gain limit adjustment portion 312 that includes a first icon 312-1 configured to facilitate increasing the magnitude of the portion of the gain limit curve 306 corresponding to the frequency subset 310, and a second icon 312-2 configured to facilitate decreasing the magnitude of the portion of the gain limit curve 306 corresponding to the frequency subset 310. The system 100 can detect a touch input, a mouse cursor selection, etc., for example, with respect to the first icon 312-1 or the second icon 312-2 to detect a request to increase or decrease the gain limit.

[0032] Based on the detected user input regarding the gain limit adjustment portion 312, the system 100 can adjust the amplitude of the gain limit curve. It should be understood that the system 100 can adjust the amplitude of only a portion of the gain limit curve in response to the detected user input. For example, in response to the user input regarding the first icon 312-1, the system 100 can increase the amplitude of only the portion 306-2 of the gain limit curve that falls within the frequency subset 310. The amplitude of the gain limit curve portion 306-1 and the amplitude of the remaining portion of the gain limit curve portion 306-2 outside the frequency subset 310 may not be increased.

[0033] The system 100 may adjust portions of the gain limit curve by any suitable amount, as may serve a particular implementation. In some examples, the system 100 may adjust the gain limit in steps. For example, each time a user input is detected, the system 100 may adjust the gain limit by a predefined amount. In such an example, each time the system 100 detects a user input regarding the first icon 312-1, the system 100 may increase the magnitude of the gain limit by a predefined amount. Similarly, each time the system 100 detects a user input regarding the second icon 312-2, the system 100 may decrease the magnitude of the gain limit by a predefined amount. In such an example, the gain limit within the frequency subset 310 is increased to about the same value as the frequency subset 312-1. Figure 3 The system 100 may detect a plurality of user inputs before the target gain curve 308 is shown to match or be greater than the level of the target gain curve 308 .

[0034] In some alternative examples, the system 100 can increase the gain limit so that the magnitude of the gain limit curve 306 within the frequency subset 310 matches or is greater than a predefined amount of the target gain curve 308 within the frequency subset 310. The system can increase the magnitude of the gain limit curve 306 in such a manner in response to a single user input provided via the first icon 312-1.

[0035] In some examples, the first icon 312-1 and the second icon 312-2 may be visually different from each other, depending on whether it is possible to decrease or increase the gain limit at a given time. Figure 3 In the graphical user interface 302 shown in , the amplitude of the gain limit curve 306 can represent the most stable gain limit of the hearing device 202. As such, it may be impossible or undesirable to reduce the gain limit associated with the gain limit curve 306 below the limit currently shown in the graph 304. Therefore, in such examples, the second icon 312-2 can be disabled, grayed out, or otherwise excluded from the graphical user interface (e.g., those described herein) in any suitable manner. Similarly, in some examples, the amplitude of the second gain limit portion 306-2 can be increased to the setting of the maximum available gain, such that no further increase in amplitude is possible. Therefore, in such examples, the first icon 312-1 can be disabled, grayed out, or otherwise excluded from the graphical user interface (e.g., those described herein) in any suitable manner.

[0036] After the system 100 adjusts the magnitude of the gain limit curve 306, the system 100 can update the gain limit profile according to the increased portion of the gain limit curve 306. To illustrate, Figure 4 4 shows an updated graphical user interface 402 that may be provided to the system 100 for display in response to the system 100 detecting a request to increase the magnitude of the gain limit curve 306. Figure 4 As shown, the increased portion of the gain limit curve 306 within the frequency subset 310 is now greater than the portion of the target gain curve 308 within the frequency subset 310. Thus, the portion of the target gain curve 308 within the frequency subset 310 is greater than the portion of the target gain curve 308 within the frequency subset 310. Figure 4 308 , to indicate that the hearing device 202 now has sufficient available gain to achieve the target gain profile represented by the target gain curve 308 .

[0037] In some examples, after the system 100 updates the gain limit profile, the system 100 can be configured to send information indicating the updated gain limit profile to the hearing device 202. In doing so, the hearing device 202 can be configured to operate according to the updated gain limit profile. The system 100 can send the information indicating the updated gain limit profile to the hearing device 202 in any suitable manner (e.g., as described herein).

[0038] The system 100 may be configured to detect any suitable number of user inputs representing requests to adjust the gain limits of the hearing device 202, as may serve a particular implementation. For example, after the system 100 provides the graphical user interface 402 for display to the user, the system 100 may detect additional user inputs representing additional requests to increase the magnitude of the gain limit curve 306. Based on the additional user inputs, the system 100 may further increase the increased portion of the gain limit curve 306 corresponding to the frequency subset 310. The system 100 may then again update the gain limit profile based on the further increased portion of the gain limit curve 306.

[0039] Alternatively, after system 100 provides graphical user interface 402 for display to the user, system 100 may detect additional user input representing a request to decrease the magnitude of gain limit curve 306. Based on the additional user input, system 100 may decrease the increased portion of the gain limit curve corresponding to frequency subset 310. System 110 may then again update the gain limit profile based on the decreased portion of gain limit curve 306.

[0040] In some examples, adjusting a portion of the gain limit curve may cause a hearing device operating condition that may affect the way the hearing device 202 works. As used herein, a "hearing device operating condition" may correspond to any effect and / or change in the performance of the hearing device 202 that may occur due to adjusting a portion of the gain limit curve. For example, an increase in a portion of the gain limit curve 306 may cause the hearing device 202 to experience feedback. In order to mitigate feedback that may occur, the hearing device 202 may be configured to implement one or more feedback cancellation algorithms. However, such feedback cancellation algorithms may produce audible artifacts in certain regions of frequency and gain. In order to facilitate the user's understanding of when such a hearing device operating condition may occur, the system 100 may be configured to determine whether the hearing device operating condition is predicted to occur. The system 100 may determine whether the hearing device operating condition is predicted to occur in any suitable manner. For example, the system 100 may use the hearing device data 108 in any suitable manner to determine which regions of gain and frequency will be subject to feedback cancellation and by what amount.

[0041] If the system 100 determines that a hearing device operating condition is predicted to occur, the system 100 may present a graphical object in a graphical user interface displayed by a display device, along with the gain limit curve and the target gain curve, that visually indicates the hearing device operating condition. The system may present such graphical objects in a graphical user interface in any suitable manner. To illustrate an example, Figure 5 An alternative updated graphical user interface 502 is shown that may be provided for the system 100 to respond to a request regarding Figure 3 312-1 is displayed based on the detected user input of the first icon 312-1 shown in FIG. Figure 5 As shown, the graphical user interface 502 is similar to Figure 4 , except that the graphical user interface 502 includes a graphical object 504 that visually identifies the gain and / or frequency region in which the hearing device condition is predicted to occur. For example, the graphical object 504 may indicate the gain and / or frequency region in which the hearing device 202 is configured to implement the feedback cancellation algorithm. With such a feature, the system 100 is configured to provide a visual indication of the expected acoustic stability and sound quality of the hearing device 202. In this way, a user of the system 100 can easily and readily determine whether the hearing device 202 is expected to experience a feedback cancellation condition as a result of increasing the gain limit of the hearing device 202 to Figure 5 The magnitudes shown in show which compromises in hearing device performance may occur.

[0042] In some examples, a graphical object that visually indicates a hearing device operating condition may include multiple portions that visually indicate different levels of hearing device operating conditions that may occur due to adjusting a gain limit. For example, a first portion of the graphical object that visually indicates the hearing device operating condition may indicate a first feedback cancellation level that may occur. A second portion of the graphical object that visually indicates the hearing device operating condition may indicate a second feedback cancellation level that may occur, the second feedback cancellation level being relatively more than the first feedback cancellation level. Each portion included in the multiple portions may have a specific shading, and a relatively darker shading portion included in the multiple portions may indicate a gain and frequency region in which relatively more feedback cancellation is configured to be implemented to reduce feedback. To illustrate an example, Figure 6 An alternative updated graphical user interface 602 is shown that may be provided in response to detecting a Figure 3 1 is displayed by the system 100 based on the user input of the first icon 312-1 shown in FIG. Figure 6As shown, the graphical user interface 602 simultaneously presents the updated gain limit curve 306, the target gain curve 308, and the graphical object 604 including the first portion 604-1 and the second portion 604-2. The first portion 604-1 can indicate to the user of the system 100 that a first amount of feedback cancellation will occur in the gain and / or frequency region defined by the first portion 604-1. On the other hand, the second portion 604-2 can indicate to the user of the system 100 that a second amount of feedback cancellation will occur in the gain and / or frequency region defined by the second portion 604-2, and the second amount of feedback cancellation is relatively greater than the first amount of feedback cancellation. Figure 6 In the example shown, the relatively darker cross-hatching of the second portion 604-2 may indicate to a user of the system 100 that relatively more feedback cancellation is predicted to occur in the area defined by the second portion 604-2 compared to the area defined by the first portion 604-1.

[0043] Figure 7 An exemplary graphical user interface 702 is shown, which in some examples may be provided for display by the system 100. Figure 7 As shown, the graphical user interface 702 includes a plurality of target gain curves 308 (eg, target gain curves 308-1 to 308-3). Each target gain curve 308 shown in the graphical user interface 702 may represent a target gain curve 308 of the hearing device 202 at a given time. Figure 7 The available gain over the frequency range shown in Figure 2 is different target gain profiles. Figure 7 Each target gain curve 308 shown in FIG. 308 may correspond to a different sound input level included in the plurality of sound input levels. For example, the target gain curve 308-1 may correspond to a sound input level of 80 dB, the target gain curve 308-2 may correspond to a sound input level of 65 dB, and the target gain curve 308-3 may correspond to a sound input level of 50 dB. Figure 7 Each target gain profile represented in may be specific to a particular user of the hearing device 202 .

[0044] Despite Figure 7 Only three target gain curves are shown in FIG. 1 , but it should be understood that any suitable number of target gain curves may be displayed within the graphical user interface, as serves a particular implementation.

[0045] like Figure 7As shown, each of the target gain curves 308-1 to 308-3 includes a portion, shown as a dashed line, whose amplitude is greater than the current amplitude of the gain limit curve portion 306-2. Thus, with the current setting of the gain limit curve 306, there is not enough available gain to allow the hearing device 202 to reach the dashed line portions of the target gain curves 308-1 to 308-3 included in the frequency subset 310.

[0046] To facilitate the hearing device 202 to reach one or more of the portions of the target gain curve 308-1 to 308-3 included in the frequency subset 310, the system 100 may detect one or more user inputs with respect to the first icon 312-1. In response to the one or more user inputs provided with respect to the first icon 312-1, the system 100 may increase the magnitude of the gain limit curve portion 306-2 and update the graphical user interface 702 accordingly. For illustration, Figure 8 Shown with Figure 7 802 is shown as being similar to graphical user interface 702, except that the amplitude of the portion of gain limit curve portion 306-2 within frequency subset 310 has been increased in response to user input. Based on the increase in amplitude of gain limit curve portion 306-2, target gain curves 308-1 and 308-2 are shown in solid lines to indicate that there is now sufficient available gain to achieve the target gain profiles associated with target gain curves 308-1 and 308-2. System 100 may detect the amount of gain that is associated with the target gain curves 308-1 and 308-2. Figure 8 308 - 3 , and based on such user input, further increases the magnitude of the gain limit curve portion 306 - 2 so that sufficient available gain within the frequency subset 310 is achieved to achieve the target gain profile associated with the target gain curve 308 - 3 .

[0047] Alternatively, the system 100 may detect one or more user inputs regarding the second icon 312 - 2 and, in response, reduce the magnitude of the gain limit curve portion 306 - 2 within the frequency subset 310 in any suitable manner (eg, as described herein).

[0048] Fig. 9 An exemplary alternative graphical user interface 902 is shown that may be provided for display by the system 100 after the system 100 updates the graphical user interface 702. Fig. 9 As shown in FIG. 9 , the graphical user interface 902 includes a graphical object 904, and the graphical object 904 includes a first portion 904-1 and a second portion 904-2. Figure 6, the first portion 904-1 can indicate to a user of the system 100 that a first amount of feedback cancellation will occur in the gain and / or frequency region defined by the first portion 904-1. On the other hand, the second portion 904-2 can indicate to a user of the system 100 that a second amount of feedback cancellation will occur in the gain and / or frequency region defined by the second portion 904-2, the second amount of feedback cancellation being relatively greater than the first amount of feedback cancellation. Additionally, in the graphical user interface 902, the relatively darker cross-hatching of the second portion 904-2 can indicate to a user of the system 100 that relatively more feedback cancellation is predicted to occur in the region defined by the second portion 904-2 as compared to the region defined by the first portion 904-1.

[0049] according to Fig. 9 , a user of system 100 can easily determine the amount of gain that can be achieved by adjusting the amplitude of gain limit curve 306 to Fig. 9 For example, as the portion of the gain limit curve 306-2 increases (e.g. Fig. 9 312-2), a portion of the target gain curve 308-2 passes directly through the second portion 904-2. Thus, relatively more feedback cancellation may be required to achieve all target gain profiles associated with the target gain curve 308-2, which may cause the user of the hearing device 202 to experience relatively more audible artifacts at the sound input level associated with the target gain curve 308-2. The user of the system 100 may determine that such audible artifacts at the sound input level associated with the target gain curve 308-2 are unacceptable. Thus, the user of the system 100 may provide user input regarding the second icon 312-2, the user input representing a request to reduce the gain limit. In response to such user input, the system 100 may reduce the amplitude of the gain limit curve 306 within the frequency subset 310 so that the amplitude of the gain limit curve 306 is, for example, between the target gain curve 308-2 and the target gain curve 308-1 within the frequency subset 310.

[0050] Fig.10 An exemplary updated graphical user interface 1002 is shown that may be provided to be displayed by the system 100 in response to one or more user inputs detected with respect to the first icon 312-1 in some examples. Fig.10As shown, the amplitude of the gain limit curve 306 has been increased to a level above each of the target gain curves 308-1 to 308-3. The graphical user interface 1002 also includes a graphical object 1004 that provides a visual indication of a hearing device operating condition that may result from increasing the amplitude of the gain limit curve 306 to a level above each of the target gain curves 308-1 to 308-3. Fig.10 In some examples, Fig.10 Each different cross-hatched portion of the graphical object 1004 shown in can provide an indication to a user of the system 100 of where and what amount of feedback cancellation may occur as a result of increasing the amplitude of the gain limit curve portion 306-2. Fig.10 In the example shown, relatively darker portions of graphical object 1004 indicate gain and frequency regions where relatively more feedback cancellation will be achieved. Through the combination of gain limit curve 306, target gain curves 308-1 through 308-3, and graphical object 1004, a user of system 100 can easily determine that the gain limit curve portion 306-2 will have a greater amplitude than the target gain curve portion 308-3 due to increasing the amplitude of gain limit curve portion 306-2 to Fig.10 The compromises or trade-offs that may occur at the levels shown.

[0051] Fig.11 An exemplary method for adjusting the gain limit of a hearing device (eg, hearing device 202) is shown. Fig.11 Exemplary operations according to one embodiment are shown, and other embodiments may omit, add, reorder and / or modify Fig.11 Any of the actions shown. Fig.11 One or more of the illustrated operations may be performed by a system, such as system 100 , any components included therein, and / or any implementation thereof.

[0052] In operation 1102, a processor (e.g., processor 104) may simultaneously present a gain limit curve and a target gain curve in a graphical user interface displayed by a display device. The gain limit curve presented in the graphical user interface may represent a gain limit profile of an available gain of a hearing device over a frequency range. The target gain curve presented in the graphical user interface may represent a target gain profile of an available gain of a hearing device over a frequency range. The target gain curve may correspond to a first sound input level, and an initial amplitude may be greater than an amplitude of a gain limit curve within a frequency subset included in the frequency range. Operation 1102 may be performed in any manner described herein.

[0053] In operation 1104, the processor may detect a user input representing a request to increase the magnitude of the gain limit curve. Operation 1104 may be performed in any manner described herein.

[0054] In operation 1106, the processor may increase the portion of the gain limit curve substantially corresponding to the frequency subset based on the user input. In some examples, the processor may only increase the portion of the gain limit curve substantially corresponding to the frequency subset. That is, in response to the user input, the processor may not increase other portions of the gain limit curve that do not substantially correspond to the frequency subset. Operation 1106 may be performed in any manner described herein.

[0055] In operation 1108, the processor may update the gain limit profile according to the increased portion of the gain limit curve. Operation 1108 may be performed in any manner described herein.

[0056] In some examples, a non-transitory computer-readable medium storing computer-readable instructions can be provided according to the principles described herein. The instructions, when executed by a processor of a computing device, can direct the processor and / or computing device to perform one or more operations, including one or more of the operations described herein. Any of a variety of known computer-readable media can be used to store and / or transmit such instructions.

[0057] The non-transitory computer-readable media referenced herein may include any non-transitory storage medium that participates in providing data (e.g., instructions) that can be read and / or executed by a computing device (e.g., by a processor of a computing device). For example, non-transitory computer-readable media may include, but are not limited to, any combination of non-volatile storage media and / or volatile storage media. Exemplary non-volatile storage media include, but are not limited to, read-only memory, flash memory, solid-state drives, magnetic storage devices (e.g., hard disks, floppy disks, magnetic tapes, etc.), ferroelectric random access memory ("RAM"), and optical disks (e.g., compact disks, digital video disks, Blu-ray disks, etc.). Exemplary volatile storage media include, but are not limited to, RAM (e.g., dynamic RAM).

[0058] Fig.12 An exemplary computing device 1200 is shown, which may be specifically configured to perform one or more of the processes described herein. Fig.12 As shown, computing device 1200 may include a communication interface 1202, a processor 1204, a storage device 1206, and an input / output ("I / O") module 1208 that are communicatively connected to each other via a communication infrastructure 1210. Fig.12 An exemplary computing device 1200 is shown in FIG. Fig.12 The components shown are not intended to be limiting. Additional or alternative components may be used in other embodiments. Fig.12 Components of computing device 1200 are shown.

[0059] The communication interface 1202 may be configured to communicate with one or more computing devices. Examples of the communication interface 1202 include, but are not limited to, a wired network interface (e.g., a network interface card), a wireless network interface (e.g., a wireless network interface card), a modem, an audio / video connection, and any other suitable interface.

[0060] The processor 1204 generally represents any type or form of processing unit capable of processing data and / or interpreting, executing, and / or directing the execution of one or more of the instructions, processes, and / or operations described herein. The processor 1204 may perform operations by executing computer-executable instructions 1212 (e.g., applications, software, code, and / or other executable data instances) stored in the storage device 1206.

[0061] The storage device 1206 may include one or more data storage media, devices, or configurations, and may take any type, form, and combination of data storage media and / or devices. For example, the storage device 1206 may include, but is not limited to, any combination of non-volatile media and / or volatile media described herein. Electronic data including data described herein may be temporarily and / or permanently stored in the storage device 1206. For example, data representing computer executable instructions 1212 configured to direct the processor 1204 to perform any operation described herein may be stored within the storage device 1206. In some examples, the data may be arranged in one or more databases residing within the storage device 1206.

[0062] I / O module 1208 may include one or more I / O modules configured to receive user input and provide user output. One or more I / O modules may be used to receive input for a single virtual experience. I / O module 1208 may include any hardware, firmware, software, or combination thereof that supports input and output capabilities. For example, I / O module 1208 may include hardware and / or software for capturing user input, including but not limited to a keyboard or keypad, a touch screen component (e.g., a touch screen display), a receiver (e.g., an RF or infrared receiver), a motion sensor, and / or one or more input buttons.

[0063] The I / O module 1208 may include one or more devices for presenting output to a user, including, but not limited to, a graphics engine, a display (e.g., a display screen), one or more output drivers (e.g., a display driver), one or more audio speakers, and one or more audio drivers. In some embodiments, the I / O module 1208 is configured to provide graphical data to the display for presentation to the user. The graphical data may represent one or more graphical user interfaces and / or any other graphical content, as may be useful for a particular implementation.

[0064] In some examples, any of the systems, hearing devices, and / or other components described herein may be implemented by computing device 1200. For example, memory 102 may be implemented by storage device 1206, and processor 104 may be implemented by processor 1204.

[0065] In the foregoing description, various exemplary embodiments have been described with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, it will be apparent that various modifications and changes may be made thereto, and additional embodiments may be implemented, without departing from the scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims. For example, certain features of one embodiment described herein may be combined with or replace features of another embodiment described herein. Accordingly, the description and drawings should be regarded as illustrative rather than restrictive.

Claims

1. A system comprising: a memory for storing instructions; as well as a processor communicatively coupled to the memory and configured to execute the instructions to: presenting, in a graphical user interface displayed by a display device, a gain limit curve and a target gain curve simultaneously, the gain limit curve representing a gain limit profile of an available gain of the hearing device over a frequency range, the target gain curve representing a target gain profile of the available gain of the hearing device over the frequency range, the target gain curve corresponding to a first sound input level and having an initial amplitude greater than an amplitude of the gain limit curve within a frequency subset included in the frequency range; detecting a user input representing a request to increase the magnitude of the gain limit curve; Based on the user input, increasing a portion of the gain limit curve that substantially corresponds to the frequency subset; and updating the gain limit profile according to the increased portion of the gain limit curve; The processor is further configured to execute the instructions to: determining a hearing device operating condition predicted to occur due to an increase in said portion of said gain limit curve; and concurrently presenting, within the graphical user interface displayed by the display device and together with the updated gain limit profile and the target gain curve, a graphical object visually indicating an operating condition of the hearing device; and wherein the hearing device operating condition is associated with feedback; and the graphical object indicates a region of gain and / or frequency in which feedback cancellation is configured to be implemented to mitigate the feedback.

2. The system according to claim 1, wherein: The target gain profile is specific to a particular user of the hearing device.

3. The system according to claim 1, wherein: The processor is further configured to execute the instructions to: detecting additional user input representing an additional request to increase the magnitude of the gain limit curve; further increasing the increased portion of the gain limit curve corresponding to the subset of frequencies based on the additional user input; and The gain limit profile is updated again as a function of the further increasing portion of the gain limit curve.

4. The system according to claim 1, wherein: The processor is further configured to execute the instructions to: detecting additional user input indicative of a request to decrease the magnitude of the gain limit curve; based on the additional user input, reducing the increased portion of the gain limit curve corresponding to the subset of frequencies; and The gain limit profile is again updated according to the reduced portion of the gain limit curve.

5. The system according to claim 1, wherein: Increasing the portion of the gain limit curve corresponding to the subset of frequencies includes increasing the portion of the gain limit curve by a predefined amount based on the user input.

6. The system according to claim 1, wherein: Increasing the portion of the gain limit curve corresponding to the frequency subset includes increasing the portion of the gain limit curve so that a magnitude of the gain limit curve within the frequency subset matches the target gain curve or is greater than the target gain curve by a predefined amount.

7. The system of claim 1, wherein: The processor is further configured to execute the instructions to simultaneously present a gain limit adjustment option within the graphical user interface displayed by the display device and along with the gain limit curve and the target gain curve; and Detecting the user input indicative of the request includes detecting a user selection of the gain limit adjustment option.

8. The system according to claim 7, wherein: The gain limit adjustment options include: a first icon configured to facilitate increasing the magnitude of the portion of the gain limit curve corresponding to the subset of frequencies; and A second icon is configured to facilitate reducing a magnitude of the portion of the gain limit curve corresponding to the subset of frequencies.

9. The system of claim 1, wherein: The target gain curve includes a plurality of target gain curves; Each target gain curve included in the plurality of target gain curves represents a different target gain profile of the available gain of the hearing device over the frequency range; and Each target gain curve included in the plurality of target gain curves corresponds to a different sound input level included in the plurality of sound input levels.

10. The system according to claim 9, wherein: Each different target gain profile is specific to a particular user of the hearing device.

11. The system according to claim 9, wherein: The plurality of target gain curves include at least one of the following: a first target gain curve corresponding to a sound input level of 80 dB; a second target gain curve corresponding to a sound input level of 65 dB; as well as The third target gain curve corresponds to a sound input level of 50 dB.

12. The system of claim 1, wherein: The graphical object comprises a plurality of parts; and Each section included in the plurality of sections represents a specific region of gain and / or frequency in which a specific amount of feedback cancellation is configured to be achieved to mitigate the feedback.

13. The system of claim 12, wherein: Each portion included in the plurality of portions has a specific shade; and Relatively darker shaded portions included in the plurality of sections indicate gain and frequency regions in which relatively more feedback cancellation is configured to be implemented to mitigate the feedback.

14. The system of claim 1, wherein: The processor is further configured to execute the instructions to send information indicative of the updated gain limit profile to the hearing device.

15. A method comprising: simultaneously presenting, by a processor and in a graphical user interface displayed by a display device, a gain limit curve and a target gain curve, the gain limit curve representing a gain limit profile of an available gain of the hearing device over a frequency range, the target gain curve representing a target gain profile of the available gain of the hearing device over the frequency range, the target gain curve corresponding to a first sound input level and having an initial amplitude greater than an amplitude of the gain limit curve within a frequency subset included in the frequency range; detecting, by the processor, a user input representing a request to increase a magnitude of the gain limit curve; increasing, by the processor based on the user input, a portion of the gain limit curve substantially corresponding to the subset of frequencies; as well as updating, by the processor, the gain limit profile according to the increased portion of the gain limit curve; Wherein, the processor: determining a hearing device operating condition predicted to occur due to an increase in said portion of said gain limit curve; and concurrently presenting, within the graphical user interface displayed by the display device and together with the updated gain limit profile and the target gain curve, a graphical object visually indicating an operating condition of the hearing device; and wherein the hearing device operating condition is associated with feedback; and the graphical object indicates a region of gain and / or frequency in which feedback cancellation is configured to be implemented to mitigate the feedback.

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