Method for adjusting a hearing device
By integrating motion sensors and display units in the hearing device, and adjusting the signal processing settings using test measurements and motion responses, the problem of poor amplification settings during the first adjustment of the hearing device is solved, and the automatic and accurate measurement of hearing thresholds is realized, especially suitable for young children or people with cognitive impairment.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202380063529.5
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2022-09-08
- Filing Date
- 2023-05-12
- Publication Date
- 2025-03-28
AI Technical Summary
The prior art is difficult to find the optimal time and frequency-related amplification settings for all individuals, especially in the first adjustment of hearing equipment, especially for young children or people with cognitive impairment. Traditional hearing thresholding methods have problems with low data quality and inaccurate responses.
By integrating motion sensors and display units in the listening device, testing and measurements are performed, acoustic test signals are generated, and the settings of the signal processing equipment are adjusted according to the motion reaction of the listening device user, automatic and accurate measurement of the listening threshold is achieved.
This method can effectively adjust the signal amplification settings of the hearing device and improve the adaptability of the hearing device. It is especially suitable for young children or people with cognitive impairment, and improve the reliability and enthusiasm of measurement through visual feedback.
Smart Images

Figure CN119732078A_ABST
Abstract
Description
[0001] The invention relates to a method for adjusting a hearing device, in particular a hearing instrument, as well as a use of the method, a hearing device and software on a data carrier.
[0002] A hearing device is a portable hearing device (hearing aid) used to care for the hearing-impaired or hearing-impaired. In order to meet numerous individual needs, hearing devices of different structural forms are provided, such as behind-the-ear hearing devices (HdO) and external hearing devices with receivers (RIC: receiver in the canal) and in-the-ear hearing devices (IdO), such as concha hearing devices or in-ear hearing devices (ITE: in-the-ear hearing device; CIC: complete in-the-ear hearing device; IIC: invisible in-the-ear hearing device). The exemplary listed hearing devices are worn on the outer ear or in the ear canal of the hearing device user. In addition, there are bone conduction hearing aids, implantable hearing aids or vibrotactile hearing aids on the market. Here, the impaired hearing is mechanically or electrically stimulated.
[0003] In principle, such hearing devices or hearing instruments have an input transducer, an amplifier and an output transducer as main components. The input transducer is usually an acoustic-electric transducer, such as a microphone, and / or an electromagnetic receiver, such as an induction coil or a (radio frequency, RF) antenna. The output transducer is usually implemented as an electroacoustic transducer, such as a miniature loudspeaker (receiver), or an electromechanical transducer, such as a bone conduction receiver. The amplifier is usually integrated in the signal processing device. The energy is usually supplied by a battery or a rechargeable battery.
[0004] The input signal recorded by the input transducer is usually multi-channel, which means that the input signal is divided into a plurality of individual frequency channels, wherein each frequency channel covers a frequency band of a certain spectral width. For example, a hearing device can have 48 (frequency) channels in the frequency range between 0 kHz (kilohertz) and 24 kHz, wherein the individual signal components of the input signal can be processed individually in these channels by a signal processing device, in particular filtered and / or amplified individually.
[0005] By skillfully setting the time- and frequency-dependent amplification of the acoustic input signal by the hearing device, an optimal adaptation to the requirements of the hearing device user can be achieved. The problem here is to determine the best possible time- and frequency-dependent amplification for the hearing device user or hearing device user / hearing device wearer.
[0006] The (first) adjustment of a hearing device aims in particular at finding the best amplification / sound and algorithm settings for all individual hearing device wearers. The most important input is the audiometric data of the hearing device wearer (bone conduction / air conduction thresholds, discomfort). In addition, some adjustment methods also take into account other information of the hearing device wearer, such as age, gender and experience with the hearing device, in order to further optimize the first adjustment.
[0007] Some people, such as young children or people with cognitive impairments, cannot reliably follow the instructions for audiometric measurement. This means that verbal prompts or keystroke procedures, if they are understood and can be followed, lead to a wide spread of responses and test results when pure tones are just audible. As a result, only low data quality of the audiometric thresholds, which are the most important information for proper hearing device adjustment, is available for adjustment.
[0008] Currently, this problem is solved by simple behavioral tests, where different sounds are used as test signals in order to stimulate a specific frequency range, where the reaction of the child / person to the test signal is observed. In order to get any response, a conditioned learning process is set before the approach behavior when the sound is perceived.
[0009] Conditional play testing can also be done if the child or person is able to actively participate, understand and follow simple rules. In this case, the test is introduced in the form of a game to gain motivation for the response.
[0010] There are also tablet-based solutions where, for example, different animals represent different frequencies. Once the child or person hears the corresponding sound, they should click on the corresponding animal. This solution increases motivation, but the prerequisite is still that the instructions can be understood and followed reliably.
[0011] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a particularly suitable method for adjusting a hearing device. The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is also to provide a particularly suitable application of the method, a particularly suitable hearing device and a particularly suitable software on a data carrier.
[0012] According to the invention, this object is achieved with respect to the method by the features of claim 1, with respect to the application by the features of claim 7, with respect to the hearing device by the features of claim 8, and with respect to the software by the features of claim 10. The advantages and embodiments mentioned with respect to the method also apply mutatis mutandis to the application and / or the hearing device and / or the software, and vice versa.
[0013] The conjunction “and / or” here and below is to be understood as meaning that the features connected by this conjunction can be designed both together and as alternatives to one another.
[0014] If method steps are described below, advantageous embodiments of the hearing device result in particular through its configuration for carrying out one or more of these method steps.
[0015] The method according to the invention provides, is suitable and is designed for adjusting a hearing device, in particular a hearing instrument, which has at least a hearing device (hearing aid, English: Hearing Aid, HA) and a motion sensor and a display unit.
[0016] Hearing devices are used in particular to care for hearing-impaired users (hearing device users). The hearing device is designed to pick up sound signals from the environment and output them to the hearing device user. For this purpose, the hearing device has at least one input transducer, in particular an acoustic-electric transducer, such as a microphone.
[0017] During operation of the hearing device or hearing instrument, the input transducer picks up sound signals (noise, sound, speech, etc.) from the environment and converts these sound signals into electrical input signals. In this case, the input signal is particularly embodied as multi-channel. In other words, the acoustic signal is converted into a multi-channel input signal. The input signal thus has a plurality of frequency channels, in particular at least two, preferably at least 20, particularly preferably at least 40, for example 48 (frequency) channels, which respectively cover corresponding frequency bands of the frequency range of the hearing device. For example, the frequency range between 0 kHz and 24 kHz is divided into 48 channels, thereby generating an input signal with 48 channels.
[0018] The hearing device also has an output transducer, in particular an electroacoustic transducer, such as a receiver or a microspeaker. The electrical (multichannel) output signal is generated from the electrical (multichannel) input signal by processing and modifying the input signal or the individual frequencies or signal channels in the signal processing device (e.g. amplifying, filtering, attenuating). The settings of the signal processing device, in particular with regard to the signal amplification, are made during the adjustment according to the invention using the test results of the test measurement.
[0019] According to the method, at least one test measurement is performed, in which an acoustic (test) signal (test stimulus, test sound, test stimulus) is generated. A movement (or lack of movement) of the user of the hearing device as a reaction to the signal is detected by a motion sensor as a test result, wherein a visual feedback is generated on a display unit as a function of the test result.
[0020] According to the method, the signal amplification or signal processing, i.e. the signal processing device, of the hearing device is set as a function of the test result. In other words, the hearing device settings or hearing device parameters are changed as a function of the test measurement or the test result. Thus, the hearing aid device or the hearing device is set or adjusted with the aid of the test result or the determined hearing threshold. This results in a particularly suitable method for adjusting a hearing device, which, due to the visual feedback, is particularly suitable for young children or people with cognitive impairments.
[0021] In an advantageous embodiment, a plurality of test measurements, ie at least two test measurements, are carried out in succession, thereby ensuring a reliable adjustment of the hearing device.
[0022] In a suitable embodiment, the acquired motion sensor data are subjected to a motion analysis in order to determine the hearing threshold, wherein the signal level of the test signal is changed (increased / reduced) as a function of the motion analysis. In particular, the signal level of the following test measurement is thereby changed, so that the subsequent test measurement is based on the previous test results and a progressively more accurate determination of the hearing threshold is thus achieved.
[0023] Advantageously, a plurality of test measurements are performed in order to determine the magnitude of the hearing threshold of the hearing device user. The test results can be evaluated by a person / tester, such as an audiologist, or by software or artificial intelligence, such as a neural network.
[0024] This results in an audiometric method that provides the possibility of an automated, closed audiometric test. The reaction of the hearing device user is objectively evaluated via motion sensor data, which are combined with the knowledge of the presented test signal / test tone. In addition, the hearing device user receives visual feedback about his or her behavior in order to be motivated. The visual feedback provides the tester with objective feedback about the test performance.
[0025] At present, the reaction to the hearing threshold test is evaluated by the tester through the subjective interpretation of the behavior of the person being tested. The proposed technical solution of the method according to the present invention provides objective feedback on the reaction to the perceived test signal based on the motion sensor data. The time for training the response behavior is thus reduced, which improves the reliability of the measurement and increases the motivation. The method is not only suitable for but also particularly suitable for people with limited understanding of the test process, such as young children or cognitively impaired people. In addition, these people can benefit from a method with clear rewards in order to maintain their motivation for the measurement program.
[0026] The data of the motion sensor integrated in the hearing device, other technical device or independent motion sensor are combined with the knowledge obtained by the hearing device or other technical device about the presentation characteristics of the test stimulus. In the background, the algorithm analyzes, for example, the presentation time, volume and frequency of the test tone and derives the hearing thresholds of multiple frequencies or frequency channels of the hearing device from the hit rate and error rate of the response behavior acquired by the motion sensor.
[0027] In one conceivable embodiment, the signal level of the test signal is changed so that the difference between the test signal with the lowest perceptible signal level and the test signal with the highest perceptible signal level reaches or falls below a preset threshold value. In other words, the steps for determining the hearing threshold (motion analysis, level reduction or increase) are repeated until the difference between the test signal with the lightest audible level and the test signal with the strongest inaudible level falls below a preset (e.g. parameterizable) threshold. This threshold value can be, for example, below 6 dB, 3 dB or 1 dB. The hearing threshold of the hearing device user is then between these signal levels.
[0028] In an advantageous embodiment, the test signal is output by the hearing instrument. In other words, the hearing instrument generates the test signal. For this purpose, the hearing instrument has, for example, a signal generator that generates an electrical test signal that is output by the output transducer as an acoustic test signal.
[0029] The advantage of the implementation in a hearing device compared to external loudspeakers or headphones is that no calibration is required. Furthermore, since the microphone or the input transducer can be muted, fewer external sounds interfere with the test process. The hearing device implementation also offers the possibility to perform on-site hearing threshold tests or checks on real ear amplification. Furthermore, automation of the method can be used to collect hearing test data over longer periods of time and in everyday life, such as at home. Typical modern hearing devices have built-in motion sensors, which are a prerequisite for the proposed construction.
[0030] An additional or further aspect of the present invention provides for using the above method as a gamified hearing threshold test (audiology test). In particular, gamified visual feedback is generated or used. This enables a particularly suitable application in determining the hearing threshold of young children or cognitively impaired persons.
[0031] "Gamification" or "gamification" should be understood as the application of typical elements of games in non-game situations. Here, game design principles, game design thinking and game mechanics are transplanted into non-game applications and processes in order to solve problems and engage participants. The goal is to increase the user's motivation to interact with the application or adopt a desired behavior, which is otherwise unchallenging, too monotonous or too complex.
[0032] For example, three methods can be considered for gamified hearing tests that acquire objective behavioral data by motion sensors, which are also referred to as running and jumping, sprinting competitions, and dancing games below.
[0033] The run and jump method is a suggestive method based on natural avoidance behavior: a human model (game character) runs on the screen. Once an obstacle approaches from a certain direction, the subject is asked to jump and shake his head. For example, a previous test tone shows whether the next obstacle will come from the left or the right. When the test tone is perceived, the subject reacts faster to the approaching obstacle. The analysis algorithm calculates the hit rate and error rate of the behavioral response by comparing the auditory expression of the obstacle with the purely visual expression. Visual feedback to the subject, that is, the human model on the screen reflects the subject's behavior, such as jumping or changing direction, is used to keep the subject motivated.
[0034] In a sprint competition, once the test signal is perceived, the instruction to start a "100 meter" sprint (or horse riding, racing / Formula 1...) is given. The frequency and volume of the sound of the test signal varies and is presented in an unpredictable time pattern (random stimulus interval). An algorithm calculates the hearing threshold by comparing correct and incorrect starts, which are shown in the feedback of the motion sensor at the "start". Visual feedback is used to keep the person under test motivated.
[0035] The "Dancing Game" method is an implicit method that exploits intrinsic motivation to adapt to a perceived musical rhythm. The test stimulus is a sequence of sounds defined by a specific pitch and volume. These sets are played with a predefined periodicity (tempo; beats per minute; optionally embedded in a song). An algorithm analyzes the correlation between the subject's rhythmic movements and the presented rhythm. Their coordination indicates the perception of a specific sequence of sounds. The hearing threshold (level) of a specific frequency (pitch) is derived from the information about the pitch and the level of the set. Visual feedback to the subject is used to maintain motivation. In addition, a parallel representation of the rhythmic behavior of the person being tested and the presented rhythm can be used to provide direct objective feedback to the tester.
[0036] In general, all gamified hearing loss assessments can also be performed by untrained people, such as parents or caregivers of the hearing-impaired. For this purpose, an App implementation, such as an App implementation for a smartphone or tablet, can be provided, which is capable of adjusting the hearing device to a measurement mode in order to present test tones and collect motion sensor data. This is particularly advantageous for use in over-the-counter or prescription-free hearing devices, so-called OTC (Over the Counter) hearing devices, in which the hearing device wearer is responsible for the settings of the hearing device, including the adjustment and setting of the sound. Therefore, the hearing device wearer usually has to complete the first adjustment without audiometric input data and professional support. Self-adjustment (i.e., self-fitting, English: Self-Fitting, SF) is facilitated by the method.
[0037] The hearing device according to the invention has a hearing instrument, in particular an OTC hearing instrument, a motion sensor for detecting (body) movements of a hearing device user, a display unit for displaying visual feedback, and a controller, ie a control device, for executing the above method.
[0038] The controller is generally configured in this case to execute the above-described method according to the invention in terms of program and / or circuit technology. Thus, the controller is specifically configured to carry out test measurements, evaluate the acquired movement data of the movement sensor and subsequently set or adjust the hearing device.
[0039] In a preferred embodiment, the controller is formed at least in its core by a microcontroller with a processor and a data memory, in which the functionality for implementing the method according to the invention is programmed in the form of operating software (firmware), so that when the operating software is executed in the microcontroller, the method is automatically implemented, if necessary through interaction with a user of the device. Within the scope of the invention, the controller can alternatively also be formed by non-programmable electronic components, such as application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs) or field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), in which the functionality for implementing the method according to the invention is configured by circuit technology.
[0040] In a suitable embodiment, the display unit and the controller are designed as an operating and display device coupled to the hearing instrument in terms of signal technology. In particular, the mobile operating and display device is, for example, a mobile phone, in particular a mobile phone or smartphone with computer functions or a tablet computer.
[0041] The operating and display device has, for example, stored application software (working software) by means of which audio and / or video material is played and test results of the hearing device user are acquired. The application software then adjusts the settings or amplification of the hearing device based on the test results. The application software is preferably installable or installed on the operating and display device as a so-called App or mobile App (mobile application, smartphone app).
[0042] This embodiment is based on the consideration that modern operating and display devices, such as smartphones or tablet computers, are widely used in today's society and are usually available and accessible to users at any time. In particular, hearing aid users are likely to have such operating and display devices at home.
[0043] The surface of a smartphone or tablet computer is usually designed as a touch screen (display), which also makes the operation of the application software of the operating and display device formed thereby particularly simple and intuitive. As a result, the smartphone or tablet computer can be retrofitted particularly cheaply for adjusting the hearing device. The operating and display device comprises an internal controller, which is at least essentially formed by a microcontroller with a processor and a data memory, in which the functionality for carrying out the method is implemented in programming terms in the form of application software, so that when the application software is implemented in the controller, the method or the determination of the operating state of the hearing device is automatically carried out, if necessary in interaction with a user.
[0044] An additional or further aspect of the invention provides software on a medium or data carrier for implementing or executing the above-described method. This means that the software is stored on a data carrier and is provided, suitable and designed for carrying out the above-described method. This results in particularly suitable software for adjusting a hearing device, by which the functions for carrying out the method according to the invention are implemented in terms of programming. The software is therefore in particular operating software (firmware), wherein the data carrier is, for example, a data memory of a controller.
[0045] The invention is explained in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings:
[0046] Figure 1 A block diagram showing a method according to the present invention;
[0047] Figure 2 showing a hearing device with a hearing device and an additional device; and
[0048] Figure 3 Three tempo-volume graphs are shown.
[0049] Figure 1 The method for adjusting the hearing device 2 ( Figure 2 ) is an overview of a first embodiment of the method. Here, Figure 1 In particular, the sequence of a gamified hearing threshold method is shown. The method is here executed, for example, by a tester 4 (experiment supervisor, test supervisor).
[0050] At least one test measurement is performed by means of the display and operating device 6, in which an acoustic (test) signal 8 (test stimulus, test tone, test stimulus) is generated. The signal 8 can be implemented as one or more sounds, rhythms, frequency sweeps, etc. The display and operating device 6 can be implemented, for example, as a computer or as an app on a smartphone or tablet.
[0051] The hearing device user (test person, subject) 10, for example a child, reacts to the signal 8 in particular by body movements, wherein a distinction is made between movements occurring with the signal 8 and movements not occurring with the signal 8. This reaction is objectified by means of movement sensor data 12, which are combined with knowledge of the test signal / test tone presented. The display and operating device 6 analyses the detected (body) movements with regard to the correlation of the signal 8 with the movement and subsequently adjusts the parameters of the stimulus or signal 8 (volume, frequency, beats / minute, etc.). In addition, the hearing device user 10 receives visual feedback 14 about his behavior from the display and operating device 6 in order to be motivated. Optionally, the hearing device user 10 can also receive acoustic feedback by sound or the like. The visual feedback 14 provides the tester (experiment supervisor, test supervisor) 4 with objective feedback about the test performance. The hearing device 2 is set or adjusted with the aid of the test results or a specific hearing threshold.
[0052] Figure 2 A simplified schematic diagram shows the basic structure of a hearing device 2 .
[0053] The hearing device 2 is designed in particular as a hearing aid in the form of a hearing system having a hearing device 16 and an external additional device in the form of a display and operating device 6. The hearing device 16 is designed as a behind-the-ear hearing device (HdO) by way of example. The hearing device 16 can in particular be an OTC hearing device. The hearing device 16 and the display and operating device 6 are coupled to each other in terms of signal technology via a wireless communication link 18. The communication link 18 is preferably designed as a radio link, for example as a Bluetooth or RFID link.
[0054] As in Figure 2 As schematically shown in FIG. 1 , the hearing device 16 comprises a device housing 20 in which one or more microphones 22 are mounted, also called acoustic-electric (input) transducers. The microphones 22 pick up sounds or acoustic signals in the environment and convert them into electrical audio signals.
[0055] The audio signal is processed by a signal processing device 24 which is also arranged in the device housing 20. The signal processing device 24 generates an output signal with the aid of the audio signal, which is conducted to an input loudspeaker or receiver 26. The receiver 26 is designed as an electroacoustic (output) transducer which converts the electrical output signal into an acoustic signal and outputs it. In the HdO hearing device 16, the acoustic signal is transmitted to the eardrum of the user of the hearing device, if necessary, via a sound-conducting tube or an external receiver (not shown in detail), which is connected to an ear mold located in the ear canal. However, an electromechanical transducer is also conceivable as the receiver 26, for example in the case of a bone conduction receiver.
[0056] The hearing instrument 16 , in particular the signal processing device 24 , is powered by a battery 28 which is accommodated in the device housing 20 .
[0057] The signal processing device 24 is coupled to a motion sensor 30 of the hearing device 16 in terms of signal technology. The motion sensor 30 is provided and arranged for detecting the motion of the hearing device user 10. The motion sensor 30 is provided and arranged for detecting three-dimensional motions, in particular translational motions and / or rotational motions. For example, the motion sensor 30 is designed as an accelerometer and / or a gyroscope, i.e. a gyroscopic (position) sensor. Alternatively, the motion sensor 30 can also be a light sensor for detecting light signals in the environment of the hearing device 16 or a pulse or blood pressure sensor for detecting pulse or blood pressure changes of the hearing device user 10. It is also possible to have a motion sensor 30 with a combination of an accelerometer and / or a gyroscope and / or a pulse sensor and / or a blood pressure sensor and / or a light sensor.
[0058] The signal processing device 24 also conducts signal technology to a transceiver 32 of the hearing instrument 16. The transceiver 32 is used to send and receive wireless signals via the communication link 18. The transceiver 32 can be designed as an induction coil, for example.
[0059] exist Figure 2 In the exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a separate mobile operating and display device 6 is coupled to the hearing device 16 in terms of signaling via a communication link 18. The schematically shown operating and display device 6 is in particular a smartphone. The smartphone 6 has a touch-sensitive display unit (display) 34, which is also referred to as a touch screen in the following text. The smartphone 6 also has at least one loudspeaker 36 for emitting acoustic signals.
[0060] The signal-technical coupling between the smartphone 6 and the transceiver 32 of the hearing instrument 16 is achieved via a corresponding integrated transceiver (not described in detail), for example a radio antenna, of the smartphone 6 .
[0061] The smartphone 6 has an integrated controller which is essentially formed by a microcontroller with implemented application software 38. The application software 38 is preferably a mobile app or smartphone app stored in a data memory of the controller. During operation, the controller displays the application software 38 on the touch screen 34, wherein the hearing device user 10 can operate the application software 38 via the touch-sensitive surface of the touch screen 34.
[0062] A second embodiment of the method according to the present invention for adapting a hearing aid device 2 to the hearing needs of a hearing device user 10 is explained below.
[0063] The core idea of the method is a motion sensor in the hearing device 16 (this is preferred, but the motion sensor can also be integrated into an additional device such as a smartphone 6, for example), by which the rhythm or beat (or rhythm changes) of the reaction of the test person 10 to different test signals or sounds (volume and frequency) is detected. The test signal is reproduced by an internal test signal or sound generator (receiver 26) of the hearing device 16 (this is preferred, but an additional device for sound generation can also be provided as an alternative). According to the method, the hearing threshold of the test person 10 is inferred from the test signal and the detected body movements. The real-time display of the own movement (using bouncing points or a computer human model) on the display unit or touch display 24 improves preparation and concentration for the test.
[0064] The focus group of this application is children and adolescents, who are more receptive to this type of motion-based audiometry than traditional audiometry.
[0065] The method described below is also suitable for OTC / SF cases of adolescents or adults in order to determine the hearing threshold. In this case, the person under test 10 is also the test supervisor 4. Here, a hearing device 16 with an integrated motion sensor 30 and a sound generator 26 is used as the hearing device 2, and a smartphone / tablet is used as a control and display device 6 with a wireless link 18 to the hearing device 16. In one embodiment, a professional test supervisor (e.g., a hearing device acoustician, etc.) can also be connected remotely via the application software 38, or only when necessary in the event of a malfunction.
[0066] The test subject 10 wears a hearing device 16, which is connected to a smartphone / tablet 6. The tester 4 starts the sports audiometry via the application software 38. The application software 38 parameters the sound generator 26 in the hearing device 16 so that the sound generator plays the sound in a rhythmic manner. The rhythm itself changes over time in an unpredictable way. As the rhythm changes, the volume of the sound also changes. This is for example Figure 3 Shown in.
[0067] Figure 3A plurality of test tone sets are shown, representing combinations of level and rhythmic patterns. Figure 3 Three rhythm-volume diagrams are shown, in which the time t is plotted horizontally, i.e. along the abscissa (X-axis), and the volume L is plotted vertically, for example in decibels (dB), along the ordinate (Y-axis). The test signal or test stimulus 8 is shown as a circle with a reference line relative to the time axis, the motion sensor data 12 is shown as a rectangle, and the hearing threshold HS is shown as a horizontal dashed line. Figure 3 In FIG. 1 , the test stimuli 8 and the motion sensor data 12 are provided with reference numerals merely by way of example.
[0068] exist Figure 3 The upper right and lower left figures of the figure show motion sensor data (motion response) 12 of the motion of the subject, which shows the same rhythm as the audible set. The hearing threshold HS can be derived by changing the level of the set. The test stimulus 8 associated with the corresponding motion sensor data 12 is classified as audible or perceptible, that is, above the hearing threshold HS, wherein the test stimulus 8 without corresponding or assignable motion sensor data 12 is classified as inaudible or imperceptible, that is, below the hearing threshold HS. Therefore, the position of the hearing threshold HS can be continuously determined by changing the volume L of the test stimulus 8 and evaluating the motion sensor data 12.
[0069] The person under test 10 should move according to the sound playback. This can be a simple up and down movement or shaking of the whole body or just the head. The motion sensor 30 tracks the movement of the person under test 10 and sends the data to the connected smartphone 6 or application software 38 so that the own movement can be displayed in real time on the display 34. The motion sensor data 12, in particular the movement frequency, is evaluated in the application software 38 or has already been evaluated in the hearing device 16.
[0070] It is not mandatory to synchronize the movements and the sounds (but this synchronization certainly helps the automatic analysis). It is important that the movement frequency of the human subject 10 changes with the changes in the sound stimulus. Optionally, a short training sequence can be performed before the test in order to assess the ability of the human subject 10 to react to changes in the stimulus pattern in terms of regularity and synchronization of the movement pattern and reaction time: "how fast does the human subject react to the changes". These parameters can be used to coordinate the test method and the analysis with the human subject 10.
[0071] If a change in the movement pattern (eg frequency) is detected, it is inferred from this that the human subject 10 is still able to hear the sound at the presented volume and has not reached the hearing threshold HS. The movement audiometry is continued and the level of the sound stimulus is reduced at the next rhythm change.
[0072] If the movement pattern (eg frequency) does not change or no movement is detected at all, it is concluded that the subject 10 cannot hear the sound at the presented volume and is below the hearing threshold HS. The movement audiometry is continued and the level of the sound stimulus is increased at the next rhythm change.
[0073] These steps (motion analysis, lowering or raising the level) are repeated until the difference between the sound with the lightest audible level and the sound with the strongest inaudible level is below a certain (parameterizable) threshold. This threshold can be, for example, below 6 dB, 3 dB or 1 dB. The hearing threshold of the subject is between these levels.
[0074] This process has to be repeated for different audio frequencies in order to determine the hearing thresholds. The determined hearing thresholds are stored for further use, for example for (first) adjustment and / or fine-tuning of HA parameters.
[0075] The claimed invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiments. Instead, those skilled in the art can also derive other different variations of the invention within the scope of the disclosed claims, as long as they do not depart from the technical solution of the invention. In particular, all individual features described in relation to different embodiments can also be combined with each other in different ways within the scope of the disclosed claims, as long as they do not depart from the technical solution of the invention.
[0076] List of Reference Numerals
[0077] 2Hearing Devices
[0078] 4 Testers
[0079] 6Operation and display device / smartphone
[0080] 8 Test Signal
[0081] 10Hearing device users
[0082] 12 Motion sensor data
[0083] 14 Feedback
[0084] 16 Hearing equipment
[0085] 18 Communication Links
[0086] 20 Equipment housing
[0087] 22 Microphones
[0088] 24Signal processing equipment
[0089] 26 Receiver
[0090] 28 batteries
[0091] 30 Motion Sensors
[0092] 32 transceivers
[0093] 34 display units
[0094] 36 speakers
[0095] 38 Application Software
[0096] t time
[0097] L Volume
[0098] HS hearing threshold
Claims
1. A method for adjusting a hearing device (2), the hearing device having at least a hearing instrument (16) and a motion sensor (30) and a display unit (34), -in, At least one test measurement is performed in which: a) generating an acoustic test signal (8); b) acquiring, using a motion sensor (30), a movement of a hearing device user (10) in response to a test signal as a test result; and c) generating visual feedback (14) on a display unit (34) based on the test result, -in, A signal processing device (24) of the hearing device (16) is set according to the test results.
2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that Perform several test measurements in succession.
3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: During at least one test measurement, a hearing threshold (HS) of a hearing device user for an acoustic test signal is determined.
4. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that A motion analysis is performed in order to determine the hearing threshold, wherein the signal level of the test signal is varied as a function of the motion analysis.
5. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that The signal level of the test signal (8) is changed so that the difference between the test signal with the lowest perceptible signal level and the test signal with the highest perceptible signal level reaches or falls below a preset threshold.
6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that The test signal (8) is output by the hearing instrument (16).
7. Use of the method according to any one of claims 1 to 6 as a hearing threshold test for a hearing device user (10), wherein: Use gamified visual feedback.
8. A hearing device (2) comprising at least a hearing instrument (16) and a motion sensor (30) as well as a display unit (34) and a controller for carrying out the method according to any one of claims 1 to 6.
9. The hearing device (2) according to claim 8, characterized in that The display unit (34) and the controller are designed as an operating and display device which is coupled to the hearing instrument (16) in terms of signaling.
10. Software on a data carrier for carrying out the method according to any one of claims 1 to 6 when the software is run on a computer.