Method in electronic device, system including hearing device and computer readable storage medium

Abstract

A hearing device, system, application and method in an electronic device are disclosed. The method includes receiving first physiological sensor data from a first physiological sensor at an electronic device; receiving second physiological sensor data from a second physiological sensor set in an external device, the external device being configured to detect a user's heart rate using the second physiological sensor; comparing the first physiological sensor data from the first physiological sensor with the second physiological sensor data from the second physiological sensor; determining whether the first physiological sensor data matches the second physiological sensor data; setting reference physiological sensor data based on the first physiological sensor data and / or the second physiological sensor data according to the determination that the first physiological sensor data matches the second physiological sensor data; and providing a notification about adjusting the position of the first physiological sensor at the user's ear according to the determination that the first physiological sensor data does not match the second physiological sensor data.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to hearing devices, systems, applications and methods implemented in electronic devices for monitoring the correct placement of a first physiological sensor in / on / at an ear of a user. The first physiological sensor is arranged in the hearing device. The first physiological sensor in the hearing device is configured to monitor the heart activity, such as the heart rate, of a user wearing the hearing device. Background Art

[0002] A hearing device may be worn by a user to allow the user to receive audio signals. A hearing device may be a hearing aid that compensates for a user's hearing loss. Elderly people with hearing impairments may use hearing aids. Sometimes elderly people also suffer from other diseases, such as heart disease. If a person suffers from heart disease, it may be beneficial for that person to monitor his / her heart rate. Heart rate may be monitored using different devices called heart rate monitors or sensors. A heart rate sensor may be implemented in a hearing device for monitoring the heart rate in / on / at the ear of a user.

[0003] If the hearing device comprises a heart rate sensor for measuring eg the heart rate in the ear of a user, it is important or even necessary that the heart rate sensor is correctly placed in the ear so that a correct heart rate measurement can be made in the ear.

[0004] However, hearing device users may have difficulty properly placing a hearing device including a heart rate sensor in the ear to obtain adequate heart rate monitoring.

[0005] Therefore, there is a need for improved systems and methods for assisting a user in correctly placing a hearing device including a heart rate sensor in / on / at the user's ear. Summary of the invention

[0006] A method in an electronic device is disclosed. The method is for monitoring the correct placement of a first physiological sensor in / on / at an ear of a user. The first physiological sensor is arranged in a hearing device. The first physiological sensor in the hearing device is configured to monitor the heart rate of a user wearing the hearing device. An electronic device is connected to the hearing device. The method includes, at the electronic device, receiving first physiological sensor data from the first physiological sensor. The method includes, at the electronic device, receiving second physiological sensor data from a second physiological sensor disposed in an external device, wherein the external device is configured to detect the heart rate of the user using the second physiological sensor. The method includes, at the electronic device, comparing the first physiological sensor data from the first physiological sensor with the second physiological sensor data from the second physiological sensor. The method includes, at the electronic device, determining whether the first physiological sensor data matches the second physiological sensor data. The method includes, at the electronic device, setting reference physiological sensor data based on the first physiological sensor data and / or the second physiological sensor data according to a determination that the first physiological sensor data matches the second physiological sensor data. The method includes, at the electronic device, providing a notification about adjusting the position of the first physiological sensor in the ear of the user according to a determination that the first physiological sensor data does not match the second physiological sensor data.

[0007] The method has the advantage that it can be used to help a user correctly place a hearing device comprising a sensor for measuring the heart rate in / on / at the user's ear. If the hearing device comprises a heart rate sensor for measuring the heart rate in / on / at the user's ear, it is important or even necessary to correctly place the heart rate sensor in / on / at the ear in order to be able to perform a correct heart rate measurement in / on / at the ear. Since it is difficult for a hearing device user to correctly place a hearing device comprising a heart rate sensor in / on / at his / her ear to obtain a suitable heart rate monitoring, the method has the advantage that it provides monitoring of the correct placement of the heart rate sensor in / on / at the ear.

[0008] The method is for monitoring the correct placement of a first physiological sensor in / on / at the ear of a user. An advantage of the method is that the monitoring comprises determining whether the first physiological sensor is correctly placed in / on / at the ear of the user. The monitoring may comprise measuring the heart rate of the user. The method may comprise determining the quality of fit of the physiological sensor in / on / at the ear of the user. An advantage is that by the method it is possible to suggest to the user to change the orientation / position of the physiological sensor in / on / at the ear.

[0009] The first physiological sensor is arranged in the hearing device. The first physiological sensor in the hearing device is configured to monitor the heart rate of a user wearing the hearing device. The heart rate may also be referred to as a pulse, and the heart rate may be monitored in the form of a photoplethysmographic signal. When the heart rate is equal to or close to the pulse measured at any peripheral point, the first physiological sensor may be a sensor configured to detect blood volume changes in a tissue microvascular bed that are representative of the user's heart rate. The first physiological sensor may be a photoplethysmographic (PPG) sensor.

[0010] Implementing a first physiological sensor configured to monitor a user's heart rate with a hearing device is advantageous because a user who is already a hearing device user, e.g. due to a hearing loss compensated by the hearing device, will get the benefits of hearing loss compensation and heart rate monitoring in one device, i.e. in the hearing device.

[0011] Advantageously, by monitoring the placement of the first physiological sensor in the ear of the user, it may be measured whether the first physiological sensor is correctly placed in / on / at the ear of the user. The first physiological sensor should be placed in a correct or optimal position in / on / at the ear, at which the first physiological sensor can obtain heart rate measurements. For example, the first physiological sensor should be placed close to the skin of the ear, such as close to the ear wall (e.g., the ear canal, the outer ear, the outer ear skin, or the outer ear wall), so that a suitable or best possible heart rate measurement can be obtained. Therefore, advantageously, if it is detected that the first physiological sensor is not correctly placed in / on / at the ear of the user, the user may be notified to change the position of the first physiological sensor in the ear, so that an optimal or better placement of the first physiological sensor may be achieved.

[0012] Advantageously, when the first physiological sensor data matches / is similar to the second physiological data, it is assumed that the first physiological sensor measurement is correct, thereby enabling correct monitoring of the heart rate in the user's ear.

[0013] Advantageously, when the first physiological sensor is detected to be correctly placed in / on / at the user's ear, reference physiological sensor data of the user's heart rate is determined. These reference physiological sensor data can be used to detect whether the user's heart rate or pulse becomes abnormal or changes beyond a threshold, in which case the user can be notified to contact a doctor.

[0014] The method may comprise detecting or obtaining information that the hearing device is inserted in / on / at the ear of the user.

[0015] The method includes receiving first physiological sensor data from a first physiological sensor. The first physiological sensor data indicates a first physiological sensor signal. The first physiological sensor data can be received in an electronic device through a wireless or wired connection to a hearing device. Light emitted from an optical transmitter of the first physiological sensor can be directed to the skin of an ear canal or ear wall, such as the skin of an outer ear or outer ear wall. Some of the light may be absorbed by the tissue and some of the light may be scattered back to the optical transceiver. Since a portion of this received light is affected by pulsating blood in the blood vessels, the heart rate can be determined.

[0016] The method includes receiving second physiological sensor data from a second physiological sensor disposed in an external device. The external device is configured to detect a user's heart rate using the second physiological sensor. The second physiological data indicates a second physiological sensor signal. The second physiological sensor data can be received in the electronic device via a wireless or wired connection with the external device.

[0017] The second physiological sensor data may be obtained from a physical point or part or location on the user's body or skin that is different from the location where the first physiological sensor data is obtained. The first physiological sensor data is obtained in / on / at the user's ear. The second physiological sensor data may be obtained, for example, at the user's chest or wrist or finger. The first physiological sensor data and the second physiological sensor data are configured to be detected simultaneously.

[0018] The external device may be an electronic device, such as a smartphone, a tablet, a PC, a computer, etc., in which case the electronic device is configured to obtain the second physiological sensor data of the user.

[0019] When the external device is an electronic device, the second physiological sensor is provided in the electronic device. The electronic device may be a smart phone, and the second physiological sensor may include a camera lens and an LED light source of the smart phone. The second physiological sensor may be configured to detect a pulse in a user's fingertip when the user places his / her fingertip on the camera lens and the LED light source.

[0020] The external device may be a chest strap or a pulse meter, etc., configured to obtain physiological sensor data of the user. The chest strap is configured to obtain physiological sensor data from the chest or chest skin of the user. The pulse meter is configured to obtain physiological sensor data from the wrist or wrist skin of the user. Chest straps and pulse meters are usually used by the user to measure his / her own heart rate when exercising.

[0021] The external device may be a medical finger sensor configured to obtain physiological sensor data of a user. The medical finger sensor is configured to obtain physiological sensor data from a user's finger or finger skin. The medical finger sensor is typically used by doctors in hospitals to measure a patient's heart rate.

[0022] The method includes comparing first physiological sensor data from a first physiological sensor with second physiological sensor data from a second physiological sensor.The comparison of the first physiological sensor data with the second physiological sensor data may be performed in a comparator or a processing unit of the electronic device.

[0023] The method includes determining whether first physiological sensor data matches second physiological sensor data. A match may be understood as a match within a tolerance of 2-3 beats per minute. There may not be a perfect match because the heart rate is an average of 1-10 heart beats. Therefore, it is determined whether a measured pulse in the user's ear matches a measured pulse from another physiological sensor of the user. The first physiological sensor data may match the second physiological sensor data if the first physiological sensor data and the second physiological sensor data are the same or similar or correspond or are within a threshold of each other.

[0024] The first physiological sensor data may not match the second physiological sensor data if the first physiological sensor data and the second physiological sensor data are different or vary too much from each other, or vary from each other by more than a threshold, or there is too much noise or too much variability in the sensor data, or if the first physiological sensor data and the second physiological sensor data are not the same or similar or do not correspond or are not within a threshold of each other.

[0025] According to this method, it may be assumed that if the first physiological sensor data does not match the second physiological sensor data, this is because the first physiological sensor is not correctly placed in / on / at the user's ear.

[0026] According to this method, it may be assumed that if the first physiological sensor data matches the second physiological sensor data, this is because the first physiological sensor is correctly placed in / on / at the ear of the user.

[0027] In order to obtain reliable first physiological sensor data and second physiological sensor data, the user should be sitting or lying still when obtaining (e.g., receiving, determining, retrieving and / or measuring) the first physiological sensor data and the second physiological sensor data, i.e., the user should not move. Therefore, if the first physiological sensor data does not match the second physiological sensor data, it may be because the hearing device is placed incorrectly, or the user is moving, e.g., not sitting still, or the user is eating, talking, or chewing gum.

[0028] The method may include setting reference physiological sensor data based on a determination that the first physiological sensor data matches the second physiological sensor data.

[0029] The reference physiological sensor data may be the user's resting heart rate. If the reference physiological sensor data should be the user's resting heart rate, the first physiological sensor data and the second physiological sensor data should be obtained when the user is sitting still or stationary rather than moving.

[0030] The method includes setting reference physiological sensor data based on the first physiological sensor data and / or the second physiological sensor data in accordance with a determination that the first physiological sensor data matches the second physiological sensor data. Thus, if the first physiological sensor data matches the second physiological sensor data, the reference physiological sensor data is set.

[0031] The reference physiological sensor data is based on the first physiological sensor data and / or the second physiological sensor data. The first physiological sensor data may be set as the reference physiological sensor data. The second physiological sensor data may be set as the reference physiological sensor data. The first physiological sensor data and the second physiological sensor data may be set as the reference physiological sensor data, for example, if they are similar or equal. The reference physiological sensor data may be a combination or a mixture of the first physiological sensor data and the second physiological sensor data.

[0032] If a medical finger sensor is used as the second physiological sensor, the second physiological sensor data can be set as the reference physiological sensor data because the medical finger sensor can be considered an accurate PPG device, so that the second physiological sensor is considered to perform correct measurement of the user's heart rate. If the finger and the person are stationary, the PPG sensor is considered to be accurate.

[0033] An electrocardiogram (EKG) may be used as a second physiological sensor. Electrocardiography is the process of using electrodes placed on the user's skin to produce an electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG), recording the heart's electrical activity, i.e., a graph of voltage versus time. If an EKG is used as the second physiological sensor, the second physiological sensor data may be set as the reference physiological sensor data, because the EKG may be considered an accurate heart rate device, and thus the second physiological sensor is considered to perform a correct measurement of the user's heart rate.

[0034] Therefore, it can be assumed that the second physiological sensor data is correct, and thus the heart rate measured by the second physiological sensor is correct, that is, the actual / real heart rate of the user, so when the first physiological sensor data matches / similar to the second physiological data, it can be assumed that the first physiological sensor measurement is correct, thereby being able to correctly monitor the heart rate in the user's ear.

[0035] If a chest strap, a pulse meter, or a camera lens and an LED light source of a smartphone are used as the second physiological sensor, the second physiological sensor data may be considered to be less accurate because these types of second physiological sensors may not be calibrated. Therefore, if a chest strap, a pulse meter, or a camera lens and an LED light source of a smartphone are used as the second physiological sensor, the reference physiological sensor data may be set to a combination or mixture of the first physiological sensor data and the second physiological sensor data. Optionally, the reference physiological sensor data may be set to the first physiological sensor data or the second physiological sensor data. When a less accurate second physiological sensor (such as a chest strap, a pulse meter, or a camera lens and an LED light source of a smartphone) is used, the second physiological sensor data may not be considered to be correct, then the heart rate values ​​measured from the first physiological sensor and the second physiological sensor may be within each other's thresholds for matching.

[0036] The method is for monitoring correct placement of a first physiological sensor in / on / at the user's ear. Monitoring for correct placement may include comparing values ​​of the first physiological sensor data and the second physiological sensor data to check or ensure that the values ​​are sufficiently close to each other.

[0037] Monitoring the correct placement of the first physiological sensor in / on / at the user's ear may include calibration of the first physiological sensor and / or the second physiological sensor. To perform the calibration, the method includes using a reference device that is assumed to have a known bias. The reference device may be the second physiological sensor or another physiological sensor.

[0038] The method includes providing a notification about adjusting the position of the first physiological sensor in the user's ear based on a determination that the first physiological sensor data does not match the second physiological sensor data. If the first physiological sensor data and the second physiological sensor data do not match, it can be assumed that the first physiological sensor is not correctly placed in / on / at the user's ear. A notification can be provided to the user. The notification may include instructions to the user for adjusting the position of the first physiological sensor in his / her ear. The first physiological sensor may be implemented in a hearing device, so the notification to the user may involve adjusting the position of the hearing device, whereby the first physiological sensor in the hearing device is also adjusted relative to the user's ear. The purpose of the notification is to enable the user to adjust the position of the first physiological sensor so that the first physiological sensor is correctly placed to monitor the heart rate in / on / at the user's ear.

[0039] The notification may be in the form of a suggestion, an error message and / or an instruction to adjust the position of the first physiological sensor in / on / at the ear and / or to adjust the position of the hearing device in / on / at the ear. The notification may include instructions to the user to change the assembly components of the hearing device to obtain a better assembly of the hearing device in the ear. The notification may be directed to the user or to a hearing care professional (HCP) who helps the user use the hearing device. The notification may be an instruction displayed on a first user interface of an electronic device (e.g., a graphical user interface on a user's smartphone), which is connected to the hearing device and an optional external device. The notification may be visual, audio and / or tactile. The notification may include visual, audio and / or tactile notifications.

[0040] The visual notification may be a text warning, such as stating “Please adjust the position of your hearing device in your ear to improve monitoring of your heart rate”. The visual notification may be a text message, such as stating “Please push your hearing device further into your ear canal” and / or “Please move your hearing device closer to the ear wall / contra-auricular wall / external ear skin”. The visual notification may include a picture of the desired orientation of the hearing device, such as showing that the end / side / surface of the hearing device on which the first physiological sensor is arranged should point to a specific ear wall in / on the ear, such as the ear canal, the concha, the concha skin or the concha wall. The visual notification may be displayed in a graphical user interface of the electronic device.

[0041] The audio notification may be a sound that alerts the user that the hearing device and thus the first physiological sensor is not properly placed in / on / at the ear. The sound may be a tone or a speaking sound. The audio notification may be sent from a speaker in the electronic device.

[0042] The tactile notification may be a tactile feedback or vibration that alerts the user that the hearing device, and thus the first physiological sensor, is not properly placed in / on / at the ear. The tactile notification may be generated by a tactile output generator in the electronic device.

[0043] In order to obtain reliable first physiological sensor data and second physiological sensor data, the user should sit or lie still when obtaining (e.g., receiving, determining, retrieving and / or measuring) the first physiological sensor data and the second physiological sensor data, that is, the user should not move, talk, eat, chew, etc.

[0044] Thus, if the first physiological sensor data does not match the second physiological sensor data, this may be because the user is not sitting still but is moving. Thus, the notification may include instructions to the user to sit or lie still.

[0045] The method is performed in an electronic device. Thus, the electronic device is configured to perform the steps of the method. The electronic device may be a smartphone, a tablet, a PC, a computer or any other electronic device capable of performing a computer-implemented method, i.e. performing data processing, measuring, determining, calculating, etc.

[0046] The electronic device and the hearing device are configured to be connected, such as electrically connected, such as wirelessly connected or wired connected. Therefore, the electronic device and the hearing device can communicate with each other electronically, such as for communicating data and / or electronic signals with other devices. The electronic device and the hearing device can be wirelessly connected via Bluetooth (BT), Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), ZigBee, Wi-Fi, WLAN, LAN, etc. The electronic device and the hearing device can be connected by wire, such as via a USB connection or other hardware connection.

[0047] The hearing device may be a hearing aid for compensating for a user's hearing loss. The hearing aid may be any hearing aid, such as an in-ear hearing aid, such as an ear canal hearing aid, such as a complete ear canal hearing aid, a behind-the-ear hearing aid, an in-ear receiver hearing aid, etc. The first physiological sensor may be arranged in / on / at an in-ear unit of the hearing device.

[0048] An in-ear hearing aid typically includes a housing, such as a polymer or plastic housing, whose shape is configured to be disposed in the ear of a user, in the ear canal, or completely in the ear canal of a user. The housing of the in-ear hearing aid may include a first end that faces the user's eardrum when the hearing aid is worn and a second end opposite to the first end that faces the surrounding environment when the hearing aid is worn. The housing may include a panel in the second end of the housing. The panel is a plate or cover that closes the second end of the hearing aid housing. The hearing aid housing can be opened at the second end, so that the panel provides closure of the hearing aid housing. The panel may include one or more components of the hearing aid. The panel may include a battery door. The panel may be detachable or removed from the hearing aid housing, for example, for replacing batteries and / or replacing or repairing other components in the hearing aid housing.

[0049] The hearing device may include a microphone configured to convert an acoustic sound signal from a sound source into an audio signal. The audio signal is configured to be processed in a processing unit to compensate for the hearing loss of the user. The processed audio signal is configured to be converted into a processed acoustic signal by the receiver.

[0050] Another advantage of the method is that when helping the user to correctly place a hearing device comprising a sensor for measuring the heart rate in the user's ear, optimal placement of the hearing aid may also be obtained in order to provide an optimal acoustic signal from the receiver in the hearing aid.

[0051] Another advantage is that the physiological sensor can be used to determine whether the hearing device is fully inserted into the user's ear. If the hearing device is not inserted into the ear, the audio processing can be turned off to save battery power.

[0052] The hearing device may comprise one or more antennas for radio frequency communication. The one or more antennas may be configured to operate during use in a first frequency range, such as frequencies above 800 MHz, such as frequencies above 1 GHz, such as frequencies at 2.4 GHz, such as frequencies between 1.5 GHz and 3 GHz. Thus, the first antenna may be configured to operate in the ISM band. The first antenna may be any antenna capable of operating at these frequencies, and the first antenna may be a resonant antenna, such as a monopole antenna, such as a dipole antenna, etc. The resonant antenna may have a length of λ / 4 or any multiple thereof, λ being the wavelength corresponding to the emitted electromagnetic field.

[0053] The hearing device may include one or more wireless communication units or radios. The one or more wireless communication units are configured for wireless data communication and in this respect are interconnected with one or more antennas for transmission and reception of electromagnetic fields. Each of the one or more wireless communication units may include a transmitter, a receiver, a transmitter-receiver pair, such as a transceiver, a radio unit, etc. The one or more wireless communication units may be configured to communicate using any protocol known to those skilled in the art, including Bluetooth, WLAN standards, manufacturing specific protocols, such as customized proximity antenna protocols, such as proprietary protocols, such as low power wireless communication protocols, RF communication protocols, magnetic induction protocols, etc. The one or more wireless communication units may be configured to communicate using the same communication protocol or the same type of communication protocol, or the one or more wireless communication units may be configured to communicate using different communication protocols.

[0054] A system is also disclosed, which includes a hearing device and an application configured to be installed / run in an electronic device. The hearing device may be as disclosed above or below. The application is configured to:

[0055] - receiving first physiological sensor data from a first physiological sensor;

[0056] - receiving second physiological sensor data from a second physiological sensor disposed in the external device, wherein the external device is configured to detect a heart rate of the user using the second physiological sensor;

[0057] - comparing first physiological sensor data from the first physiological sensor with second physiological sensor data from the second physiological sensor;

[0058] - determining whether the first physiological sensor data matches the second physiological sensor data;

[0059] - in accordance with a determination that the first physiological sensor data matches the second physiological sensor data, setting reference physiological sensor data based on the first physiological sensor data and / or the second physiological sensor data;

[0060] - Based on a determination that the first physiological sensor data does not match the second physiological sensor data, providing a notification to adjust the position of the first physiological sensor within the user's ear.

[0061] Also disclosed is an application configured to be installed / run in an electronic device. The application is used to monitor the correct placement of a first physiological sensor in / on / at an ear of a user. The first physiological sensor is arranged in a hearing device. The first physiological sensor in the hearing device is configured to monitor the heart rate of a user wearing the hearing device. The electronic device and the hearing device are configured to be connected. The application in the electronic device is configured to:

[0062] - receiving first physiological sensor data from a first physiological sensor;

[0063] - receiving second physiological sensor data from a second physiological sensor disposed in the external device, wherein the external device is configured to detect a heart rate of the user using the second physiological sensor;

[0064] - comparing first physiological sensor data from the first physiological sensor with second physiological sensor data from the second physiological sensor;

[0065] - determining whether the first physiological sensor data matches the second physiological sensor data;

[0066] - in accordance with a determination that the first physiological sensor data matches the second physiological sensor data, setting reference physiological sensor data based on the first physiological sensor data and / or the second physiological sensor data;

[0067] - Based on a determination that the first physiological sensor data does not match the second physiological sensor data, providing a notification to adjust the position of the first physiological sensor in / on / at the user's ear.

[0068] Also disclosed is a computer-implemented method comprising the steps disclosed above in conjunction with the method performed in an electronic device for monitoring the correct placement of a first physiological sensor in / on / at an ear of a user.

[0069] Also disclosed is a data processing apparatus / device / system, which includes an apparatus for executing the method of the present disclosure.

[0070] Also disclosed is a computer program product comprising instructions which, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to perform the method of the present disclosure.

[0071] Also disclosed is a computer-readable storage medium comprising instructions that, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to perform the method of the present disclosure.

[0072] In some embodiments, the method comprises:

[0073] After providing notification regarding adjusting the position of the first physiological sensor:

[0074] - receiving further first physiological sensor data from the first physiological sensor;

[0075] - comparing the further first physiological sensor data from the first physiological sensor with the second physiological sensor data from the second physiological sensor, and

[0076] When it is determined that the first physiological sensor data matches the second physiological sensor data, reference physiological sensor data is set based on the first physiological sensor data and / or the second physiological sensor data.

[0077] The method of receiving the first physiological sensor data and comparing it with the second physiological sensor data and determining whether the data matches can be an iterative process that is repeated one or more times until it is determined that the first physiological sensor data matches the second physiological sensor data. At each repetition of these method steps, the user can be notified to adjust the position of the first physiological sensor in / on / at his / her ear in order to obtain a better position of the first physiological sensor so that reliable first physiological sensor data can be obtained.

[0078] In some embodiments, the first physiological sensor is a photoplethysmography (PPG) sensor. A photoplethysmogram is an optically obtained plethysmogram that can be used to detect changes in blood volume in the microvascular bed of tissue. A photoplethysmogram can be obtained by using a pulse oximeter that illuminates the skin and measures changes in light absorption. Conventional pulse oximeters monitor blood perfusion in the dermis and subcutaneous tissue of the skin. During each cardiac cycle, the heart pumps blood to the periphery. Although this pressure pulse is somewhat attenuated when it reaches the skin, it is sufficient to dilate the arteries and arterioles in the subcutaneous tissue. If the pulse oximeter is attached without squeezing the skin, the pressure pulse can also be seen from the venous plexus as a small secondary peak. By illuminating the skin with light from a light emitting diode (LED) and then measuring the amount of light transmitted or reflected to the photodiode, the volume changes caused by the pressure pulse can be detected. This system is a PPG sensor. Each cardiac cycle appears as a peak. Since blood flow to the skin can be regulated by multiple other physiological systems, the PPG sensor can also be used to monitor respiration, hypovolemia, and other blood circulation conditions.

[0079] Furthermore, the shape of the photoplethysmographic waveform may vary from user to user and may vary with the location and manner in which the PPG sensor is attached. The photoplethysmogram may be obtained from transmission, absorption (such as at a fingertip), or reflection. In a PPG sensor, light may be transmitted to or from the user's skin.

[0080] In some embodiments, the method includes determining a resting heart rate value of the user based on the reference physiological sensor data. The resting heart rate value may be equal to or correspond to the reference physiological sensor data. The resting heart rate value may be defined as 60 to 100 beats per minute.

[0081] In some embodiments, the method includes detecting an abnormal heart condition based on when a first physiological sensor in the hearing device detects that a current heart rate of a user wearing the hearing device is different from a resting heart rate value. The current heart rate of the user may be monitored over a predetermined time period. Detecting whether the current heart rate of the user is different from the resting heart rate value may be accomplished by detecting whether the current heart rate differs from the resting heart rate value by a predetermined threshold.

[0082] Recording the user's resting heart rate value is advantageous because abnormal heart conditions can be detected thereby. For example, if the heart rate value is different from the resting heart rate value, an abnormal heart condition can be detected. An abnormal heart condition can be, for example, a cardiac arrhythmia, such as atrial fibrillation. Atrial fibrillation is a common cardiac arrhythmia and a major risk factor for stroke. In atrial fibrillation, the heart rate may be 100 to 175 beats per minute. An irregular pulse (i.e. heart rate) is used as an indication of a cardiac arrhythmia.

[0083] In some embodiments, the method includes detecting first heart rate variability (HRV) data based on the first physiological sensor data and / or detecting second heart rate variability (HRV) data based on the second physiological sensor data.

[0084] In some embodiments, determining whether the first physiological sensor data matches the second physiological sensor data includes comparing the first heart rate variability (HRV) data to the second heart rate variability (HRV) data. If there is too much noise or variability between the first sensor data and the second sensor data, they do not match. Detecting or determining the first and / or second heart rate variability (HRV) is advantageous because heart rate variability (HRV) detection is used to determine the quality of the heart rate measurement. Therefore, the heart rate variability (HRV) is derived from the measured heart rate.

[0085] In some embodiments, the hearing device comprises a gyro sensor, and wherein the method comprises detecting a three-dimensional (3D) position of the gyro sensor when setting the reference physiological sensor data, and setting the detected 3D position as a reference 3D position of the gyro sensor. When the hearing device is inserted into the ear, the head may be in a known reference position. Advantageously, in this way the user may be further guided to correctly place the first physiological sensor in / on / at his / her ear, since the user thereby also has a reference 3D position to help place the first physiological sensor.

[0086] In some embodiments, the hearing device is configured to monitor the correct placement of the first physiological sensor to guide the user as to the depth at which the hearing device should be placed in the ear. Advantageously, in this way the user can be further guided to correctly place the first physiological sensor in / on / at his / her ear, since the user thus also has a reference depth position to help place the first physiological sensor. This can be performed by using an output signal from a photodetector arranged in the user's ear, wherein the signal is proportional to the reflected electromagnetic (EM) radiation. Electromagnetic radiation can be emitted and the reflected electromagnetic radiation can be measured.

[0087] In some embodiments, the external device is an electronic device, whereby the second physiological sensor is arranged in the electronic device. Thus, the external device may be an electronic device, such as a smart phone.

[0088] Alternatively, the external device is not an electronic device, in which case the external device is, for example, a chest strap, a pulse meter, or a medical heart rate monitor. A medical heart rate monitor can be used in a hospital and placed on a user's fingertip. The second physiological sensor in the external device can be connected to the electronic device via wireless communication (e.g., BT) or wired communication (e.g., a USB cable).

[0089] In some embodiments, the electronic device is a smart phone, and wherein the second physiological sensor includes a camera lens and an LED light source of the smart phone, and wherein the second physiological sensor is configured to detect the pulse in the user's fingertip when the user places his / her fingertip on the camera lens and the LED light source. Advantageously, the second physiological sensor can be arranged in the electronic device as a camera of the electronic device and an LED light source of the electronic device, for example, working as a PPG sensor. The method can be as follows. Use a software application installed in a smart phone, such as an application. Start the application. The user places his / her fingertip in the area of ​​the smart phone camera module on the back of the smart phone. The LED light of the module is thereby turned on, thereby illuminating the user's fingertip. The camera of the module starts recording a video of the illuminated fingertip. After the recording is completed, a peripheral pulse wave can be extracted from the video signal. Based on the peripheral pulse wave, the user's heart rate can be determined. The recording may take seconds or minutes, for example, less than 5 seconds, less than 10 seconds, less than 20 seconds, less than 40 seconds, less than 1 minute, less than 2 minutes, less than 3 minutes, less than 4 minutes or less than 5 minutes. The smart phone can be an iPhone 4S. The pulse wave signal can be derived / extracted from the green spectral channel of the recorded video signal. The signal can be filtered using a bandpass filter with a lower cutoff frequency of 0.5 Hz and an upper cutoff frequency of 7 Hz, respectively. Heartbeat detection can be based on a combination of morphological and frequency analysis of the pulse wave and applied to detect all beat-to-beat intervals (BBI). From the extracted BBI time series, an index representing the variability of the heart rhythm can be calculated and analyzed for its ability to distinguish between atrial fibrillation (AF) and (sinus rhythm) SR. For this analysis, using an adaptive variance estimation algorithm, premature beats and other interferences can be eliminated and corresponding points on the BBI time series can be replaced.

[0090] See for example the following articles:

[0091] David D. McManus, Ki. H. Chon, et al.: “A novel application for the detection of an irregular pulseusing and iPhone 4S in patients with atrial fibrillation,” Journal of Heart Rhythm Society 2012.

[0092] Lian Krivoshei et al.: “Smart detection of atrial fibrillation”, Europace (2017), 753-757.

[0093] In some embodiments, the first PPG sensor in the hearing device is an optical sensor comprising a light emitter and a light detector, and wherein the hearing device comprises a body comprising a window arrangement, the light emitted by the light emitter being configured to pass through the window arrangement.

[0094] In some embodiments, the first PPG sensor in the hearing device is an optical sensor comprising a light emitter and a light detector, and wherein the hearing device comprises a body comprising a first window and a second window, the light emitted by the light emitter is configured to be transmitted to the skin of the ear through the first window, and the reflection of the light emitted by the light emitter from the skin of the ear is configured to be transmitted to the light detector through the second window.

[0095] The first physiological sensor of the hearing device (e.g., a heart rate sensor or a PPG sensor) may include a light emitter and a light detector. The light emitter and the light detector may be arranged in two separate cavities within the PPG sensor, for example, the light emitter and the light detector may be separated by a wall within the PPG sensor. The light emitted from the light emitter is directed to the skin of the ear wall, such as the outer ear wall or the skin of the ear canal. Some of the light may be absorbed by the tissue and some of the light may be scattered back to the optical transceiver. Since some of the received light is affected by the pulsating blood in the blood vessels, the heart rate can be determined. The light detector can convert the backscattered light into a signal, of which only a small part represents the heart rate. Jitter due to the movement of the user may cause a lot of noise to the signal. However, a motion sensor, such as an inertial measurement unit (IMU) in a hearing device can be used to determine the noise signal to be subtracted in order to obtain a reliable heart rate signal. The inertial measurement unit may be an accelerometer. In all cases, it is important to obtain good and clear light sensing.

[0096] The window device may include a third window, and the light emitted by the additional light emitter is configured to be transmitted to the skin of the ear canal through the third window. The additional light emitter may be arranged in a third separate cavity within the PPG sensor. The window device may be made of a material that blocks visible light but allows near-infrared light. The window devices may each be arranged on different wall portions of the body pointing in different directions. The first window and / or the third window may be arranged on a wall portion parallel to and / or opposite to the wall portion on which the second window is arranged. The first window and / or the third window may be arranged on a wall portion perpendicular to and / or adjacent to the wall portion on which the second window is arranged. One or more window devices may abut the skin of the ear wall so that no ambient light enters the second window and interferes with the detected / sensed signal.

[0097] According to an aspect, a hearing device is disclosed comprising a first physiological sensor configured to monitor a heart rate in / on / at an ear of a user wearing the hearing device, wherein the hearing device is configured to be connected to an electronic device, and wherein the hearing device is configured to transmit at least first physiological sensor data from the first physiological sensor to the electronic device for monitoring correct placement of the first physiological sensor in / on / at the ear of the user.

[0098] The present invention relates to different aspects, including the methods described above and below and corresponding systems, applications, electronic devices, hearing devices, methods, devices, networks, kits, uses and / or product arrangements, each of which produces one or more of the benefits and advantages described in conjunction with the first-mentioned aspect, and each of which has one or more embodiments corresponding to the embodiments described in conjunction with the first-mentioned aspect and / or disclosed in the attached claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0099] The above and other features and advantages will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments thereof with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0100] Figure 1 An example of a method configured to be performed in an electronic device is schematically shown.

[0101] Figure 2 A block diagram of a hearing device with a first physiological sensor is schematically shown.

[0102] Figure 3a and Figure 3b Examples of a system, a hearing device, an electronic device, an external device and a method configured to be performed in an electronic device are schematically shown.

[0103] Figure 4a , Figure 4b and Figure 4cAn exemplary embodiment is schematically shown in which the electronic device is a smartphone and the second physiological sensor includes a camera lens and an LED light source of the smartphone.

[0104] Figure 5a , Figure 5b and Figure 5c An example of providing a notification regarding adjusting the position of a first physiological sensor within an ear of a user is schematically illustrated.

[0105] Figure 6 A hearing device comprising a first physiological sensor, eg a PPG sensor, is schematically shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0106] Various embodiments are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The same reference numerals always refer to the same elements. Therefore, for the description of each figure, the same elements will not be described in detail. It should also be noted that the drawings are only for the convenience of describing the embodiments. They are not intended to serve as an exhaustive description of the claimed invention or as a limitation on the scope of the claimed invention. In addition, the illustrated embodiments do not need to have all the aspects or advantages shown. The aspects or advantages described in conjunction with a specific embodiment are not necessarily limited to that embodiment and may be implemented in any other embodiment, even if not shown or not so explicitly described.

[0107] Throughout, the same reference numerals are used for the same or corresponding parts.

[0108] Figure 1An example of a method 100 configured to be performed in an electronic device is schematically shown. The method 100 is for monitoring the correct placement of a first physiological sensor in / on / at an ear of a user. The first physiological sensor is arranged in a hearing device such as a hearing aid. The first physiological sensor in the hearing device is configured to monitor the heart rate of a user wearing the hearing device. The electronic device and the hearing device are configured to be connected. The method 100 includes, at the electronic device, receiving 102 first physiological sensor data from the first physiological sensor. The method includes, at the electronic device, receiving 104 second physiological sensor data from a second physiological sensor provided in an external device, wherein the external device is configured to detect the heart rate of the user using the second physiological sensor. The method includes, at the electronic device, comparing 106 first physiological sensor data from the first physiological sensor with second physiological sensor data from the second physiological sensor. The method includes, at the electronic device, determining 108 whether the first physiological sensor data matches the second physiological sensor data. The method includes, at the electronic device, setting 110 reference physiological sensor data based on the first physiological sensor data and / or the second physiological sensor data in accordance with a determination that the first physiological sensor data matches the second physiological sensor data. The method includes providing 112 , at the electronic device, a notification to adjust a position of the first physiological sensor in / on / at an ear of the user based on a determination that the first physiological sensor data does not match the second physiological sensor data.

[0109] When the first physiological sensor data does not match the second physiological sensor data, then after providing 112 a notification regarding adjusting the position of the first physiological sensor, the method includes receiving 114 additional first physiological sensor data from the first physiological sensor. The method includes comparing 106 the additional first physiological sensor data from the first physiological sensor with the second physiological sensor data from the second physiological sensor. The method includes determining 108 whether the additional first physiological sensor data matches the second physiological sensor data. These steps 106, 108, 112, and 114 may be repeated one or more times until the first physiological sensor data matches the second physiological sensor data. When it is determined that the first physiological sensor data matches the second physiological sensor data; then the method includes setting reference physiological sensor data based on the first physiological sensor data and / or the second physiological sensor data.

[0110] Figure 2A block diagram of a hearing device 1 (e.g. a hearing aid) with a first physiological sensor 41 is schematically shown. The first physiological sensor 41 may be configured to be placed in / on / at the ear of a user. The first physiological sensor 41 may be configured to be placed in the ear canal of a user. The first physiological sensor 41 may be a PPG sensor. The hearing device 1 comprises a microphone 42 for receiving an input signal and converting it into an audio signal. The audio signal is provided to a processing unit 44 for processing the audio signal and providing a processed output signal to compensate for the hearing loss of the user of the hearing device 1. A receiver 46 is connected to the output of the processing unit 44 for converting the processed output signal into an output sound signal, such as a signal 20 modified to compensate for the hearing impairment of the user. Typically, the receiver 46 comprises a transducer, and the receiver 46 is often referred to as a speaker. The processing unit 44 may comprise elements such as an amplifier, a compressor, a noise reduction system, etc. The hearing device 1 comprises a first physiological sensor 41. The hearing device 1 may further comprise a wireless communication unit 48 for wireless data communication, the wireless communication unit 48 being interconnected with an antenna structure 50 for transmitting and receiving electromagnetic fields. A wireless communication unit 48 (e.g., a radio or transceiver) is connected to the processing unit 44 and the antenna structure 50 for communicating with an electronic device, an external device, or typically another hearing device in a binaural hearing system (e.g., another hearing aid located in / on / at the user's other ear). The hearing device 1 may include two or more antenna structures. The first antenna may be used to connect to an electronic device, such as a user's smartphone. The second antenna may be used to connect to another hearing device (e.g., a hearing aid). The third antenna may be used to connect to an external device including a second physiological sensor (e.g., a chest strap, a pulse meter, or a medical heart rate monitor such as attached to a user's finger) to detect the user's heart rate.

[0111] The hearing device 1 may be a behind-the-ear hearing device and may be arranged as a behind-the-ear module. The hearing device 1 may be an in-the-ear hearing device and may be arranged as an in-the-ear module. Alternatively, parts of the hearing device 1 may be arranged in the behind-the-ear module and other parts (such as the receiver 46) may be arranged in the in-the-ear module.

[0112] Figure 3aAn example of a system 60, a hearing device 1, an electronic device 70, an external device 80 and a method configured to be performed in the electronic device 70 is schematically shown. The method is for monitoring the correct placement of a first physiological sensor 41 in / on / at the ear of a user 52. The first physiological sensor 41 is arranged in the hearing device 1. The first physiological sensor 41 in the hearing device 1 is configured to monitor the heart rate of the user 52 wearing the hearing device 1. The electronic device 70 and the hearing device 1 are configured to be wirelessly connected 54, for example via Bluetooth (BT). The method comprises, at the electronic device 70, receiving first physiological sensor data from the first physiological sensor 41. The method comprises, at the electronic device 70, receiving second physiological sensor data from a second physiological sensor 56 provided in the external device 80, wherein the external device 80 is configured to detect the heart rate of the user 52 using the second physiological sensor 56. The electronic device 70 and the external device 80 are configured to be wirelessly connected 54, for example via Bluetooth (BT). The method comprises, at the electronic device 70, comparing the first physiological sensor data from the first physiological sensor 41 with the second physiological sensor data from the second physiological sensor 56. The method includes determining, at the electronic device 70, whether the first physiological sensor data matches the second physiological sensor data. The method includes setting reference physiological sensor data based on the first physiological sensor data and / or the second physiological sensor data at the electronic device 70 in accordance with a determination that the first physiological sensor data matches the second physiological sensor data. The method includes providing, at the electronic device 70, a notification 58 regarding adjusting the position of the first physiological sensor 41 in / on / at the ear of the user 52 in accordance with a determination that the first physiological sensor data does not match the second physiological sensor data.

[0113] A software application, such as an application, installed in the electronic device 70 may be used. The application is started. The application starts listening to and / or requesting the first physiological sensor data from the hearing device 1 and the second physiological sensor data from the external device 80. When the software application receives the first physiological sensor data and the second physiological sensor data, the software application may start the above method.

[0114] The second physiological sensor data may be obtained from a physical point or part or location on the body or skin of the user 52 that is different from the location where the first physiological sensor data is obtained. The first physiological sensor data is obtained in / on / at the ear of the user 52. The second physiological sensor data may be obtained, for example, at the chest or wrist or finger of the user 52. The first physiological sensor data and the second physiological sensor data are configured to be detected simultaneously.

[0115] Figure 3aAn exemplary embodiment is shown in which the external device 80 may be a pulse meter or a medical finger sensor configured to obtain physiological sensor data of a user. The pulse meter is configured to obtain physiological sensor data from the wrist or wrist skin of a user.

[0116] The external device 80 may be a medical finger sensor configured to obtain physiological sensor data of the user 52. The medical finger sensor is configured to obtain physiological sensor data from the user's finger or finger skin. The medical finger sensor is typically used by doctors in hospitals to measure a patient's heart rate.

[0117] Alternatively, the external device 80 may be a chest strap configured to obtain physiological sensor data from the user's chest or chest skin.Chest straps and pulse meters are commonly used by users to measure his / her own heart rate when exercising.

[0118] Figure 3b The following exemplary embodiment is shown: the external device 80 may be an electronic device 70 , such as a smartphone, a tablet, a PC, a computer, etc. In this case, the electronic device 70 is configured to obtain second physiological sensor data of the user 52 .

[0119] When the external device 80 is an electronic device 70, the second physiological sensor 56 is disposed in the electronic device 70. The electronic device 70 may be a smart phone, and the second physiological sensor 56 may include a camera lens and an LED light source of the electronic device 70 (e.g., a smart phone), see Figure 4a , Figure 4b and Figure 4c The second physiological sensor 56 may be configured to detect a pulse in the user's fingertip when the user 52 places his / her fingertip over the camera lens and LED light source, see Figure 4a , Figure 4b and Figure 4c .

[0120] Figure 4a , Figure 4b and Figure 4cAn exemplary embodiment is schematically shown in which the electronic device 70 is a smartphone and the second physiological sensor 56 includes a camera lens 72 and an LED light source 74 of the smartphone 70. The second physiological sensor 56 is configured to detect the pulse in the fingertip 62 of the user 52 when the user 52 places his / her fingertip 62 on the camera lens 72 and the LED light source 74. When the camera 72 of the electronic device 70 and the LED light source 74 of the electronic device 70 work as, for example, a PPG sensor, the second physiological sensor 56 can therefore be provided in the electronic device 70. A method for detecting the second physiological sensor data can be as follows. A software application, such as an application, installed in the smartphone 70 is used. The application is started. The application starts to listen to and / or request the first physiological sensor data from the hearing device 1 and the second physiological sensor data from the electronic device 70. The user 52 places his / her fingertip 62 in the area of ​​the camera module 76 of the smartphone 70. The camera module 76 includes an LED light source 74 and a camera lens 72. The camera module 76 can be placed on the back side of the smartphone 70. The LED light 74 of the camera module 76 is thereby turned on, thereby illuminating the user's fingertip 62. Through the camera lens 72, the camera module 76 starts recording a video of the illuminated fingertip 62. After the recording is completed, the peripheral pulse wave can be extracted from the video signal. Based on the peripheral pulse wave, the heart rate of the user 52 can be determined. The recording may take several seconds or minutes, such as less than 5 seconds, less than 10 seconds, less than 20 seconds, less than 40 seconds, less than 1 minute, less than 2 minutes, less than 3 minutes, less than 4 minutes or less than 5 minutes. The smartphone 70 can be an iPhone 4S. The pulse wave signal can be derived / extracted from the green spectral channel of the recorded video signal. The signal can be filtered using a bandpass filter having a lower cutoff frequency of 0.5 Hz and an upper cutoff frequency of 7 Hz, respectively. Heartbeat detection can be based on a combination of morphological and frequency analysis of the pulse wave and applied to detect all heartbeat intervals (BBI). From the extracted BBI time series, an index representing the variability of the heart rhythm can be calculated and analyzed for its ability to distinguish between atrial fibrillation (AF) and (sinus rhythm) SR. For this analysis, using an adaptive variance estimation algorithm, premature beats and other interferences can be eliminated, and corresponding points on the BBI time series can be replaced. When the software application receives the first physiological sensor data and the second physiological sensor data, the software application can initiate Figure 1 Method 100 is described.

[0121] Figure 5a , Figure 5b and Figure 5cAn example of providing a notification 58 (also referred to as 58a, 58b, and 58c) about adjusting the position of a first physiological sensor in / on / at the ear of a user is schematically shown. The method in the electronic device 70 includes providing a notification 58 about adjusting the position of a first physiological sensor in / on / at the ear of a user based on a determination that the first physiological sensor data does not match the second physiological sensor data. If the first physiological sensor data does not match the second physiological sensor data, it can be assumed that the first physiological sensor is not correctly placed in / on / at the ear of the user. The notification 58 in the electronic device 70 can be provided to the user. The notification 58 can include instructions to the user for adjusting the position of the first physiological sensor in / on / at his / her ear. The first physiological sensor can be implemented in a hearing device, so the notification to the user can involve adjusting the position of the hearing device, whereby the first physiological sensor in the hearing device is also adjusted relative to the user's ear. The purpose of the notification 58 is to enable the user to adjust the position of the first physiological sensor so that the first physiological sensor is correctly placed to monitor the heart rate in the user's ear.

[0122] The notification 58 may be in the form of a suggestion, an error message and / or an instruction to adjust the position of the first physiological sensor in the ear and / or to adjust the position of the hearing device in the ear. The notification 58 may be an instruction to the user to change the fitting member of the hearing device (see Figure 6 ), thereby obtaining a better fit of the hearing device in the ear. The notification 58 may be directed to the user or a hearing care professional (HCP) who assists the user in using the hearing device. The notification 58 may be an instruction 58c in a first user interface of an electronic device 70 (e.g., a graphical user interface on a user's smartphone 70), which is connected to the hearing device. The notification 58 may be visual, audio, and / or tactile. The notification 58 may include a visual, audio, and / or tactile notification 58.

[0123] Figure 5a An example of a tactile notification 58a is shown, which may be tactile feedback or vibration that alerts the user that the hearing device, and thus the first physiological sensor, is not properly placed within the ear. The tactile notification 58a may be generated by a tactile output generator in the electronic device 70 .

[0124] Figure 5b An example of an audio notification 58b is shown, which can be a sound that reminds the user that the hearing device and thus the first physiological sensor are not properly placed in the ear. The sound can be a tone or a speaking sound. The audio notification 58b can be sent from a speaker in the electronic device 70.

[0125] Figure 5cAn example of a visual notification 58c is shown, which may be a text warning, such as stating “Please adjust the position of your hearing device in the ear to improve monitoring of your heart rate”. The visual notification 58c may be a text message, such as stating “Please push your hearing device further into your ear canal” and / or “Please move your hearing device closer to the ear wall / contra-auricular wall / contra-auricular skin”. The visual notification 58c may include a picture of the desired orientation of the hearing device, such as showing that the end / side / surface of the hearing device on which the first physiological sensor is arranged should point toward a specific ear wall in the ear, such as the contra-auricular wall or the contra-auricular skin. The visual notification 58c may be displayed in a graphical user interface of the electronic device 70.

[0126] In order to obtain reliable first physiological sensor data and second physiological sensor data, the user should sit or lie still when obtaining or measuring the first physiological sensor data and the second physiological sensor data, that is, the user should not move. Therefore, if the first physiological sensor data does not match the second physiological sensor data, this may be because the user is not sitting still but moving. Therefore, the notification 58 may include an instruction to the user to sit or lie still.

[0127] Figure 6 A hearing device 1 including a first physiological sensor 41 (not shown), such as a PPG sensor, is schematically shown. The hearing device 1 includes a behind-the-ear (BTE) unit 82 and an in-ear unit 84. In the BTE unit 82, a microphone (or microphones) 42 and a processing unit 44 (not shown) may be arranged. The BTE unit 82 is configured to be arranged behind the ear of the user. A wire or cable or tube 86 connects the BTE unit 82 with the in-ear unit 84. The in-ear unit 84 may include a receiver 46 (not shown). The in-ear unit 84 may include a mounting member 85, such as an earphone or a cap. The mounting member 85 may cover and / or be connected to the receiver 46 (not shown). The in-ear unit 84 includes a first physiological sensor 41. The first physiological sensor 41 is configured to be arranged in an ear canal 88 for measuring first physiological sensor data. The first physiological sensor 41 may be a PPG sensor that measures the heart rate of the user. The PPG sensor is an optical sensor including a light emitter (LED) and a light detector. The first physiological sensor 41 includes a body 18. The body 18 includes a window device, such as a first window 8 and a second window 9, and the light emitted by the light emitter (LED) is configured to be transmitted through the first window 8, and the reflection of the light emitted by the light emitter (LED) is configured to be detected by the light detector through the second window 9. The window devices 8, 9 can be made of a material that blocks visible light but allows near infrared light. Therefore, the body 18 also includes a light detector for detecting reflected light from the skin. In addition, the body 18 can include an inertial measurement unit (IMU), such as an accelerometer.

[0128] Although specific features have been shown and described, it should be understood that they are not intended to limit the claimed invention, and it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the claimed invention. Accordingly, the specification and drawings are to be regarded as illustrative rather than restrictive. The claimed invention is intended to encompass all alternatives, modifications, and equivalents.

[0129] Description of Reference Numerals

[0130] 1Hearing equipment

[0131] 8First Window

[0132] 9 Second Window

[0133] 18 Main Body

[0134] 41 First Physiological Sensor

[0135] 42 Microphones

[0136] 44 processing units

[0137] 46 Receiver

[0138] 48 wireless communication units

[0139] 50 Antenna structure

[0140] 52 users

[0141] 54Wireless Connection

[0142] 56 Second physiological sensor

[0143] 58 Notifications

[0144] 60 systems

[0145] 70 Electronic equipment

[0146] 72 Camera Lenses

[0147] 74LED light source

[0148] 76 Camera Module

[0149] 80 external devices

[0150] 82 Behind the Ear (BTE) Units

[0151] 84 In-ear units

[0152] 85 Assembling components

[0153] 86 Cables, wires, pipes

[0154] 88 ear canal

[0155] 100 Methods

[0156] 102 receiving first physiological sensor data from a first physiological sensor

[0157] 104 receiving second physiological sensor data from a second physiological sensor

[0158] 106 combines the first physiological sensor data from the first physiological sensor with the first physiological sensor data from the second physiological sensor.

[0159] The second physiological sensor data is compared with the physiological sensor

[0160] 108 Determine whether the first physiological sensor data matches the second physiological sensor data

[0161] 110 Setting a reference based on the first physiological sensor data and / or the second physiological sensor data

[0162] Physiological sensor data

[0163] 112 provides notification about adjusting the position of the first physiological sensor in the user's ear

[0164] 114 receives additional first physiological sensor data from the first physiological sensor.

Claims

1. A method in an electronic device, the method for monitoring correct placement of a first physiological sensor at an ear of a user, the first physiological sensor being arranged in a hearing device, the first physiological sensor in the hearing device being configured to monitor a heart rate of the user wearing the hearing device, the electronic device being connected to the hearing device, the method comprising: at the electronic device: - receiving first physiological sensor data from said first physiological sensor; - receiving second physiological sensor data from a second physiological sensor provided in an external device, wherein the external device is configured to detect the heart rate of the user using the second physiological sensor; - comparing the first physiological sensor data from the first physiological sensor with the second physiological sensor data from the second physiological sensor; - determining whether the first physiological sensor data matches the second physiological sensor data; - in accordance with a determination that the first physiological sensor data matches the second physiological sensor data, setting reference physiological sensor data based on the first physiological sensor data and / or the second physiological sensor data; - Based on a determination that the first physiological sensor data does not match the second physiological sensor data, providing a notification about adjusting the position of the first physiological sensor at the user's ear; wherein the method includes detecting first heart rate variability HRV data based on the first physiological sensor data and / or detecting second heart rate variability HRV data based on the second physiological sensor data.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the method comprises: After providing the notification regarding adjusting the position of the first physiological sensor: - receiving further first physiological sensor data from said first physiological sensor; - comparing said further first physiological sensor data from said first physiological sensor with said second physiological sensor data from said second physiological sensor, and When it is determined that the further first physiological sensor data matches the second physiological sensor data, the reference physiological sensor data is set based on the further first physiological sensor data and / or the second physiological sensor data.

3. The method according to the preceding claim 1, wherein the first physiological sensor is a photoplethysmographic (PPG) sensor.

4. The method according to the preceding claim 1, wherein the method comprises determining a resting heart rate value of the user based on the reference physiological sensor data. 5 . The method of claim 1 , wherein determining whether the first physiological sensor data matches the second physiological sensor data comprises comparing the first heart rate variability (HRV) data to the second heart rate variability (HRV) data.

6. The method according to claim 1, wherein the hearing device comprises a gyro sensor, and wherein the method comprises detecting a three-dimensional 3D position of the gyro sensor when setting the reference physiological sensor data, and setting the detected 3D position as a reference 3D position of the gyro sensor. 7 . The method according to claim 1 , wherein the external device is the electronic device, whereby the second physiological sensor is disposed in the electronic device.

8. The method of claim 1 , wherein the electronic device is a smartphone, and wherein the second physiological sensor comprises a camera lens and an LED light source of the smartphone, and wherein the second physiological sensor is configured to detect a pulse in the user's fingertip when the user places his / her fingertip on the camera lens and the LED light source.

9. The method according to claim 3, wherein the PPG sensor in the hearing device is an optical sensor including a light emitter and a light detector, and wherein the hearing device includes a body, the body including a first window and a second window, the light emitted by the light emitter is configured to be transmitted to the skin of the ear through the first window, and the reflection of the light emitted by the light emitter from the skin of the ear is configured to be transmitted to the light detector through the second window.

10. A system comprising a hearing device, the hearing device comprising a first physiological sensor, the first physiological sensor being configured to monitor a heart rate at an ear of a user wearing the hearing device, wherein the hearing device is configured to be connected to an electronic device, and the hearing device is configured to transmit at least first physiological sensor data from the first physiological sensor to the electronic device for monitoring correct placement of the first physiological sensor at the ear of the user, and the electronic device is configured with an application installed / running thereon, the application being configured to perform the method of claim 1 on the electronic device when run by the electronic device.

11. A computer-readable storage medium comprising instructions, which when executed by a computer, cause the computer to perform the method of claim 1.

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