Method for configuring battery charging profile for each of pair of hearing aids and related hearing system

Abstract

The present application discloses a method for configuring a battery charging profile for each of a pair of hearing aids and a related hearing system wherein the method comprises: for each of the pair of hearing aids, acquiring a charging configuration indicative of a respective battery charging profile, the method includes determining an operation window including a plurality of initial charging configuration points associated with coulombic efficiencies greater than or equal to a threshold, selecting one initial charging configuration point from the operation window based on a first target value and a charging time, determining a first voltage reference value based on a first current reference value and the first target value, determining a second current reference value based on the maximum current value; and executing a first charging program based on the corresponding charging configuration, including: applying a charging current to the corresponding battery based on the first current reference value; and when it is determined that the corresponding battery voltage reaches the first voltage reference value, maintaining the corresponding battery voltage at the first voltage reference value by controlling the charging current until the charging current reaches the second current reference value.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of hearing aids with rechargeable batteries. The present invention relates to a method for configuring a battery charging profile for each of a pair of hearing aids and a related hearing system. Background Art

[0002] Charging the lithium-ion (Li-Ion) batteries of electronic devices can take a long time, during which time the electronic device cannot be used optimally. One option to shorten charging time is to increase the charging current supplied to the electronic device. However, this increase can cause greater wear on the battery, which in turn shortens the life of the electronic device.

[0003] Therefore, a charging process is needed that can quickly charge the battery without depleting the battery. Summary of the Invention

[0004] method

[0005] A method for configuring a battery charging profile for each hearing aid in a pair of hearing aids (e.g., two electronic devices) is disclosed. The battery of each hearing aid in the pair is characterized by a battery model. The battery models of each hearing aid in the pair are different from each other. The hearing aids in the pair are of the same type.

[0006] The pair of hearing aids may form a binaural hearing system.

[0007] The method includes obtaining a charging profile for each of the pair of hearing aids that indicates a charging curve (eg, characteristics) of a corresponding battery. The charging profile includes at least a first current reference value, a first voltage reference value, a first target value, and a second current reference value.

[0008] The charging profile includes at least a first current reference value, a first voltage reference value, and a second current reference value.

[0009] Obtaining a charging configuration includes determining an operating window including a plurality of initial charging configuration points associated with a coulombic efficiency greater than or equal to a threshold value. Each of the plurality of initial charging configuration points indicates a current value, a voltage value, and a temperature value.

[0010] Determining the operating window may include performing an iterative charging and discharging procedure based on a maximum voltage value and a maximum current value for the temperature value. Obtaining the charging profile may include obtaining the temperature value.

[0011] Alternatively, obtaining the charging profile may include obtaining one or more temperature values. For example, determining the operating window may include performing an iterative charging and discharging procedure based on a maximum voltage value and a maximum current value for each of the one or more temperature values.

[0012] Obtaining a charging configuration includes selecting an initial charging configuration point from an operating window based on a first target value and a charging time. The first target value indicates an amount of charge or energy required for a hearing aid to be used for one day. The charging time indicates a time required to charge a hearing aid to be used for one day. One day of use may include 14 to 18 hours (e.g., 14, 15, 16, 17, or 18 hours).

[0013] The first current reference value is a current value of the selected initial charging configuration point.

[0014] Acquiring the charging profile includes determining a first voltage reference value based on the first current reference value and the first target value.

[0015] Obtaining the charging profile includes determining a second current reference value based on the maximum current value. The operating window includes the second current reference value.

[0016] The method includes executing a first charging procedure for each pair of hearing aids based on a corresponding charging profile. Executing the first charging procedure includes applying a charging current to a battery of the corresponding hearing aid based on a first current reference value. The charging current is constant. Applying the charging current to the battery causes the battery voltage to increase.

[0017] Executing the first charging procedure includes determining whether a battery voltage of the corresponding hearing aid reaches a first voltage reference value. Executing the first charging procedure includes, upon determining that the battery voltage reaches the first voltage reference value, controlling a charging current to maintain the battery voltage at the first voltage reference value until the charging current reaches a second current reference value.

[0018] In one or more example methods, the method may be used to configure a battery charging profile for each of at least two hearing aids scheduled for charging (eg, for testing purposes).

[0019] In one or more example methods, each of the pair of hearing aids may be scheduled for charging when the charge level of the corresponding battery falls below a threshold (e.g., is depleted). In one or more example methods, a user of the pair of hearing aids may initiate the charging procedure by connecting the corresponding hearing aid to a power source. For example, the method may include determining that a power source is connected to each of the pair of hearing aids or a corresponding hearing aid in the pair of hearing aids.

[0020] In one or more example methods, the pair of hearing aids are identical to each other except for the battery (e.g., component and / or unit) and / or battery type. In other words, the pair of hearing aids being of the same type can be understood as having the same structure (e.g., the same components) except for the battery type and / or battery (e.g., component). For example, the pair of hearing aids may include different battery types, such as batteries from different manufacturers and / or suppliers. For example, the pair of hearing aids may include different batteries (e.g., different in structure).

[0021] In one or more example methods, obtaining the charging configuration includes obtaining a temperature value, one or more temperature values, or a range of temperature values. For example, the temperature value (e.g., one or more temperature values) may be selected from a temperature range of 15-35 degrees Celsius. For example, the temperature used for the aforementioned initialization procedure may be 15 degrees Celsius. The method may include selecting the temperature value from the range of temperatures based on the type of the pair of hearing aids and / or the intended use of the pair of hearing aids.

[0022] For example, the operating window of each of the pair of hearing aids is related to a battery electrochemical system of a respective hearing aid of the pair of hearing aids.

[0023] For example, the first target value may include a first charging capacity target (e.g., indicating the amount of charge (in mAh) required for the corresponding hearing aid to be used for one day). For example, the first target value may include a first energy target (e.g., indicating the amount of energy (in mWh) required for the corresponding hearing aid to be used for one day).

[0024] In one or more example methods, the iterative charging and discharging procedure may be considered a coulomb counting technique (eg, by measuring the amount of charge transferred into and out of the corresponding hearing aid battery during the charge and discharge cycles, eg, for calculating the battery charge of the corresponding hearing aid).

[0025] In one or more example methods, each of the plurality of initial charging configuration points is associated with a Coulombic efficiency greater than or equal to a threshold value (e.g., the initial charging configuration point may result in no or only minimal lithium plating, such as minimal electrolyte decomposition, in the battery of each hearing aid in the pair of hearing aids). An initial charging configuration point with a Coulombic efficiency greater than or equal to the threshold value may be understood as a current value, voltage value, and temperature value that results in efficient performance and minimal energy loss during charge and discharge cycles of the batteries of the pair of hearing aids. The threshold value may be one or more of the following: 98%, 99%, and 100%. The threshold value may be in a range between 98% and 100% or between 99% and 100%.

[0026] In one or more example methods, the charging profile may include parameters characterizing the operating conditions of the battery. In one or more example methods, the charging profile may include charging characteristics specified by the manufacturer of the corresponding hearing aid and / or the manufacturer of the corresponding hearing aid battery (e.g., nominal and / or maximum charge characteristics of the battery).

[0027] In one or more example methods, a charging profile can be considered a charging curve for a battery and / or a hearing aid (e.g., an electronic device). For example, the charging curve can be characterized by at least a current reference value and a voltage reference value. The voltage reference value can be considered a reference voltage for the hearing aid, for example, either specified by the manufacturer (e.g., of the corresponding hearing aid and / or the corresponding hearing aid battery) or adjusted based on an initial voltage reference value provided by the manufacturer (e.g., of the corresponding hearing aid and / or the corresponding hearing aid battery). The current reference value can be considered a maximum current value that the hearing aid battery can withstand. The current reference value can be considered a reference current for the hearing aid, for example, either specified by the manufacturer (e.g., of the corresponding hearing aid and / or the corresponding hearing aid battery) or adjusted based on an initial current reference value provided by the manufacturer (e.g., of the corresponding hearing aid and / or the corresponding hearing aid battery). For example, the first current reference value can be a predetermined value. For example, the first voltage reference value can be a predetermined value.

[0028] In one or more example methods, the first current reference value and the first voltage reference value may not be a reference current and / or a reference voltage specified by a manufacturer of the corresponding hearing aid and / or the corresponding hearing aid battery. For example, the method may include establishing the first current reference value and / or the first voltage reference value so that a battery in one of the pair of hearing aids can have a higher charging performance than a battery in the other hearing aid of the pair of hearing aids, the batteries of the pair of hearing aids being from different suppliers and / or manufacturers. In one or more example methods, a charging current applied to the corresponding hearing aid battery based on the first current reference value exceeds a maximum charging current used in a conventional CC-CV charging procedure (e.g., a charging current suitable for fully charging the battery).

[0029] In one or more example methods, a first voltage reference value may be selected so that a battery in one of the pair of hearing aids can have a higher charging performance similar to a battery in the other of the pair of hearing aids, where the batteries in the pair of hearing aids are from different suppliers and / or manufacturers. In one or more example methods, a first current reference value may be selected so that a battery in one of the pair of hearing aids can have a higher charging performance similar to a battery in the other of the pair of hearing aids, where the batteries in the pair of hearing aids are from different suppliers and / or manufacturers. In other words, the first voltage reference value and the first current reference value may be determined to minimize differences between the charging behavior of the battery in one of the pair of hearing aids and the charging behavior of the battery in the other of the pair of hearing aids. For example, the present invention determines an operating window that includes a plurality of initial charging configuration points, where one or more of the initial charging configuration points is associated with a Coulombic efficiency below a threshold, and also provides a charging procedure that can match the charging behavior of different battery types (e.g., the batteries in the pair of hearing aids). For example, determining an operating window for each of the pair of hearing aids enables appropriate determination (e.g., selection) of a first current reference value by selecting an initial charging configuration point from one or more initial charging configuration points based on the first target value and the charging time. For example, determining an operating window for each of the pair of hearing aids enables appropriate determination (e.g., selection) of a first voltage reference value by determining a first voltage reference value based on the first current reference value and the first target value.

[0030] In one or more example methods, determining the first voltage reference value includes applying a charging current to a battery of a corresponding hearing aid in the pair of hearing aids based on the first current reference value until a charge capacity of the corresponding battery reaches a first target value (e.g., a first charge capacity target). In one or more example methods, determining the first voltage reference value includes applying a charging current to a battery of a corresponding hearing aid in the pair of hearing aids based on the first current reference value until an energy of the battery reaches a first target value (e.g., a first energy target). For example, the method includes determining the first voltage reference value as a voltage of the battery of the corresponding hearing aid when the charge capacity or energy of the battery reaches the first target value.

[0031] In one or more example methods, the second reference current value may be considered a current value that fully charges a battery of a corresponding hearing aid in the pair of hearing aids. In one or more example methods, the operating window includes the second reference current value because the operating window requires such a current value to be feasible for the battery electrochemical system of the corresponding hearing aid in the pair of hearing aids.

[0032] In one or more example methods, when the first target value is a first charging capacity target, for example, when the first target value indicates an amount of charge required for a hearing aid to be used for a day, the first current reference value of one hearing aid in the pair of hearing aids is the same as the first current reference value of the other hearing aid in the pair of hearing aids.

[0033] In one or more example methods, when the first target value includes a first energy target, for example, when the first target value indicates energy required for a day's use of the hearing aid, the first current reference value of one hearing aid in the pair of hearing aids is different from the first current reference value of the other hearing aid in the pair of hearing aids.

[0034] In one or more example methods, the method includes performing a first charging procedure based on a first current reference value and a first voltage reference value. In one or more example methods, the first charging procedure is a constant current-constant voltage (CC-CV) charging procedure. In other words, the method may include performing a first CC-CV charging procedure. The first CC-CV charging procedure may include a first CC charging phase and a first CV charging phase. In other words, the first CC-CV charging procedure may include a first CC charging phase and a first CV charging phase.

[0035] In one or more example methods, the CC charging phase includes charging the rechargeable battery with a constant current, for example, with a constant charging current. In other words, performing the CC charging procedure may include supplying (e.g., applying) a charging current to the battery. For example, applying the charging current to the battery includes charging the battery using the charging current. The applied charging current may be determined based on a first current reference value. In other words, the method may include supplying the charging current to the battery in a manner that matches (e.g., approximately matches) the first current reference value, for example, matching the charging characteristics and / or specifications of the battery. In one or more example methods, applying the constant charging current to the battery based on the first current reference value enables prevention of an overcurrent charging condition. In other words, applying the constant charging current to the battery based on the first current reference value enables charging the battery with a charging current that is suitable for its specifications (e.g., manufacturer specifications).

[0036] In one or more example methods, the charging current may include slight fluctuations during the charging time, for example, during the first CC charging stage. In other words, the charging current may be substantially constant and / or approximately constant. In one or more example methods, the charging current including slight fluctuations may be considered constant. In one or more example methods, applying a substantially constant charging current to the battery may be considered a CC charging procedure at a current reference value (e.g., a first current reference value). For example, applying a substantially constant charging current to the battery may be considered a first CC charging procedure. In one or more example methods, the charging current may be understood as the current at the time of initial charging of the battery of the electronic device under the CC charging procedure, for example, before switching to the CV charging procedure. In one or more example methods, the charging current supplied to the battery may be considered a first charging current, for example, the current at the time of initial charging of the battery of the electronic device under the first CC charging procedure.

[0037] In one or more example methods, applying the charging current to the battery may increase the battery voltage. In other words, applying the charging current to the battery may allow the battery to be charged at a higher charging current, e.g., higher than the charging current supplied to the battery during a constant voltage (CV) charging phase and / or a subsequent charging procedure (e.g., a second charging procedure).

[0038] In one or more exemplary methods, the battery voltage may be understood as the voltage of the battery when charged to a first capacity level, for example, a voltage corresponding to a first amount of charge accumulated (e.g., stored) during a first constant current (CC) charging process. The first capacity level may be less than the full capacity of the battery, for example, 50%-70% of the full capacity of the battery.

[0039] In one or more example methods, determining whether the battery voltage has reached a first voltage reference value includes determining whether the battery voltage has reached the first voltage reference value. For example, the battery voltage is considered to have reached the first voltage reference value if it approximately (e.g., roughly) reaches the first voltage reference value. For example, the battery voltage is considered to have reached the first voltage reference value if the difference between the battery voltage and the first voltage reference value is within a range of 0.05%-1.5%.

[0040] In one or more example methods, the method includes maintaining the battery voltage at the first voltage reference value upon determining that the voltage reaches the first voltage reference value. In one or more example methods, the first voltage reference value may be considered to be the voltage of the battery when it is charged to a first capacity level. In one or more example methods, the first voltage reference value may be considered to be the voltage of the battery when it is charged to a first charging current.

[0041] In one or more example methods, determining that the battery voltage reaches a first voltage reference value may be considered a condition for executing a CV charging procedure. In one or more example methods, maintaining the battery voltage at the first voltage reference value may be considered a CV charging procedure at a voltage reference value (e.g., the first voltage reference value). In one or more example methods, the method includes executing a first CV charging procedure. For example, the first CV charging procedure may be considered a CV charging phase of a first charging procedure. In one or more example methods, the CV charging phase includes charging a rechargeable battery at a constant voltage. For example, executing the CV charging procedure may include supplying (e.g., applying) a charging current to the battery that varies with time (e.g., charging time). For example, executing the CV charging procedure may include supplying (e.g., applying) a charging current that gradually decreases relative to the first current reference value.

[0042] In one or more example methods, a battery voltage is maintained at a first voltage reference value by controlling a charging current until the charging current reaches a second current reference value. In one or more example methods, the method includes controlling the charging current based on the battery voltage while maintaining the battery voltage at the first voltage reference value. For example, the battery voltage may be the same as and / or approximately the first voltage reference value.

[0043] In one or more example methods, controlling the charging current based on the battery voltage (e.g., and / or the first voltage reference) includes reducing the charging current supplied to the battery. For example, controlling the charging current based on the battery voltage (e.g., and / or the first voltage reference) may cause the charging current to decrease steadily over time. In other words, controlling the charging current based on the battery voltage may cause the charging current to gradually decrease (e.g., over time) during the first CV charging procedure. For example, by controlling the charging current based on a constant voltage, a gradually increasing charging speed may be provided to the battery.

[0044] In one or more example methods, the method includes maintaining the battery voltage at a first voltage reference value until a first charging procedure ends, for example, until a first CV charging procedure ends. In other words, at the end of the first charging procedure, for example, until a first CN charging procedure ends, the charging current reaches a second current reference value.

[0045] In one or more example methods, determining whether the battery voltage has reached a first voltage reference value includes determining that the battery voltage has not reached the first voltage reference value. In one or more example methods, the method includes applying a charging current to the battery based on a first current reference value when it is determined that the voltage has not reached the first voltage reference value. In other words, the method includes continuing to supply charging current to the battery based on the first current reference value. In one or more example methods, the method includes determining whether the battery voltage has reached the first voltage reference value when it is determined that the voltage has not reached the first voltage reference value. That is, the method may include applying a charging current to the battery until it is determined that the battery voltage has reached the first voltage reference value.

[0046] In one or more example methods, determining that the battery voltage has reached a first voltage reference value may be considered a condition for executing a first CV charging procedure (e.g., switching from a first CC charging procedure to a first CV charging procedure). In one or more example methods, determining that the battery voltage has not reached the first voltage reference value may be considered a condition for continuing to execute the first CC charging procedure. In one or more example methods, determining that the charging current has reached a second current reference value may be considered a condition for initiating a second charging procedure.

[0047] Implementations of the present invention can advantageously provide a charging procedure that can balance the charging time between two or more hearing aids and / or a pair of hearing aids (e.g., electronic devices) equipped with batteries from different suppliers. Uneven charging times in a pair of hearing aids may be misinterpreted by the user as an error, resulting in unnecessary after-sales repairs. In other words, uneven charging in a pair of identical hearing aids or at least two identical hearing aids (e.g., including identical components except for the battery model, such as except for operating with different battery models) may give the user a perception of poor product quality and, in some cases, may cause the user to doubt whether the system is operating properly. Implementations of the present invention can advantageously provide a charging procedure by combining an initialization procedure (e.g., an iterative charge and discharge procedure) that customizes the charging curve using a two-step CC-CV charging procedure or an n-step CC-CV charging procedure (e.g., more than 2 steps) to ensure charging consistency between the battery (e.g., cell) models of at least two hearing aids. Specifically, selecting an initial charging configuration point from one or more initial charging configuration points shared by at least two hearing aids (setting a first current reference value and a first voltage reference value to the current and voltage values of the selected initial charging configuration point), and controlling the first voltage reference value and the first current reference value in conjunction with gradually decreasing the charging current to a second current reference value, can ensure coordinated charging procedures between two devices equipped with rechargeable batteries (e.g., a pair of hearing aids) while achieving a fast charging function. For example, a fast charging function can be achieved in a first charging procedure (e.g., a first CC charging procedure and a first CV charging procedure). In other words, gradually decreasing the charging current in the first CV charging procedure can minimize differences in charging behavior (e.g., charging patterns) between the two or more electronic devices. The two or more hearing aids can be electronic devices intended to be used together for a specific purpose, such as intended to be charged simultaneously. Implementation of the present invention can even out the charging procedures of the two or more hearing aids, thereby enabling the two or more hearing aids to be fully charged in approximately the same time. Implementation of the present invention is particularly useful for two or more hearing aids equipped with rechargeable batteries from different manufacturers (e.g., with different specifications) that are intended to be used together and therefore preferably charged simultaneously.

[0048] To ensure charging consistency between at least two hearing aids (e.g., a pair of hearing aids using batteries from different manufacturers), implementations of the present invention may adjust the charging current and target charging voltage in multiple charging steps to keep the charging capacity or energy consistent over time.

[0049] Implementations of the present invention enable faster charging of batteries in corresponding hearing aids of at least two hearing aids while ensuring minimal battery degradation over time. For example, maintaining the battery voltage at a first voltage reference value (e.g., charging the battery at a constant voltage) can prevent overcharging. In other words, maintaining the battery voltage at the first voltage reference value can prevent the power supply from supplying an excessively high voltage. In other words, maintaining a low charging current when the battery voltage is below the first voltage reference value can prevent the power supply from supplying an excessively high voltage. In other words, the battery voltage and charging current are maintained at levels suitable for the charging specifications of the battery and / or electronic device (e.g., the first voltage reference value, the first current reference value), thereby extending the battery's service life.

[0050] Implementation of the present invention can advantageously extend the life of a battery, thereby extending the life and overall performance of an electronic device containing the battery. The present application can extend the life of a battery by performing a fast charging procedure only when needed (e.g., only when the battery level of the corresponding hearing aid falls below a threshold, such as when the battery level of the electronic device is depleted).

[0051] Implementation of the present invention ensures consistency between two or more hearing aids while allowing each hearing aid's battery to be charged faster than the fastest charging mode allowed by the electronic device. In other words, the battery's charging speed gradually increases with charging time, thereby extending the battery's lifespan.

[0052] Implementations of the present invention can advantageously charge the battery of a corresponding hearing aid in a faster manner, but not as fast as the fastest speed achievable by the electronic device.

[0053] Implementation of the present invention can extend the service life of batteries while ensuring coordination of charging procedures between two or more electronic devices, each hearing aid being equipped with batteries from different manufacturers (eg, having different specifications).

[0054] Implementation of the present invention advantageously provides the possibility of seamlessly applying the disclosed method in a hearing aid, since the hearing aid can use existing hardware (eg, an existing processor) to perform the above-described charging procedure.

[0055] In one or more example methods, the charging profile further includes a second voltage reference value and a second target value indicating an amount of charge or energy required to fully charge the corresponding hearing aid (e.g., a battery state of health (SOH)). In one or more example methods, the method includes performing a second charging procedure for each of the pair of hearing aids based on the charging profile.

[0056] In one or more example methods, the first and second charging procedures are performed for a temperature value or a temperature value selected from a temperature range.

[0057] In one or more example methods, a charging profile includes one or more of: a first voltage reference value, a first current reference value, a second voltage reference value, a second current reference value, a first target value, and a second target value.

[0058] In one or more example methods, the second voltage reference value can be considered as an electronic device reference voltage adjusted based on the second target value. In one or more example methods, the second voltage reference value can be adjusted before obtaining the charging configuration. In one or more example methods, the second voltage reference value can be adjusted after obtaining the charging configuration. For example, the second voltage reference value can be adjusted based on the second target value included in the charging configuration.

[0059] In one or more example methods, the second current reference value may be considered as a maximum current value to be applied to the corresponding hearing aid batteries in the pair of hearing aids, for example in the form of a charging current, when the corresponding battery voltage is higher than the first voltage reference value. For example, the second current reference value depends on the second voltage reference value. In other words, the second current reference value may be adjusted based on the adjusted second voltage reference value. In one or more example methods, the second current reference value may be adjusted before obtaining the charging configuration. In one or more example methods, the second current reference value may be determined before executing the second charging procedure, for example based on the adjusted second voltage reference value. In one or more example methods, the second current reference value may be lower than a reference value (e.g., a maximum rated value) provided by the battery supplier. Having the second current reference value lower than the reference value provided by the battery supplier helps to reduce battery degradation and / or coordinate charging times for other battery types.

[0060] In one or more example methods, the second target value indicates a state of health (SOH) of the battery. In one or more example methods, the state of health of the battery can be considered as a measure of the overall health and performance of the battery over time. In one or more example methods, the state of health of the battery is a ratio of the current maximum capacity of the battery to the rated capacity (e.g., initial full capacity). For example, the second target value indicates the amount of charge or energy required to fully charge the corresponding hearing aid. The second target value can be a second charge capacity target or a second energy target. In one or more example methods, the second target value is a predetermined value. In one or more example methods, the memory of each hearing aid in the pair of hearing aids contains a respective second target value.

[0061] In one or more example methods, the method includes executing a second charging procedure based on a second voltage reference value, a second current reference value, and a target value. In one or more example methods, the second charging procedure is a CC-CV charging procedure. In other words, the method may include executing the second CC-CV charging procedure. The second CC-CV charging procedure may include a second CC charging phase and a second CV charging phase. In other words, the second CC-CV charging procedure may include a second CC charging phase and a second CV charging phase.

[0062] Implementations of the present invention can extend the service life of a battery by performing a second charging procedure based on a second current reference value, a second voltage reference value, and a target value. In other words, applying a charging current to the battery based on the second current reference value includes performing a second CC charging procedure with a charging current suitable for the battery requirements (e.g., suitable for the health state of the battery). For example, a higher constant charging current can be supplied to the battery, e.g., higher than the second current reference value. However, applying such a high charging current to the battery may result in increased degradation of the battery over time. Implementations of the present invention provide a charging procedure that can extend the service life of a battery because the second current reference value is adjusted according to the health state of the battery.

[0063] In one or more example methods, performing the second charging procedure includes determining that the charging current reaches a second current reference value.

[0064] In one or more example methods, the method includes determining whether the charging current reaches a second current reference value. In one or more example methods, determining whether the charging current reaches the second current reference value includes determining that the charging current does not reach the second current reference value. In one or more example methods, the method includes, when it is determined that the charging current does not reach the second current reference value, maintaining the battery voltage at a first voltage reference value by controlling the charging current until the charging current reaches the second current reference value. In one or more example methods, the method includes, when it is determined that the current does not reach the second current reference value, determining whether the charging current reaches the second current reference value. In other words, the method may include maintaining the battery voltage at the first voltage reference value until it is determined that the charging current reaches the second current reference value. In one or more example methods, determining that the charging current does not reach the second current reference value may be considered a condition for continuing to execute the first CV charging procedure.

[0065] In one or more example methods, determining whether the charging current has reached the second current reference value includes determining that the charging current has reached the second current reference value. In one or more example methods, determining that the charging current has reached the second current reference value may be considered a condition for initiating (e.g., and / or executing) a second charging procedure. In one or more example methods, determining that the charging current has reached the second current reference value may be considered a condition for executing a second CC charging procedure (e.g., switching from a first CV charging procedure to a second CC charging procedure).

[0066] In one or more example methods, executing the second charging procedure includes, when determining that the charging current reaches a second current reference value, applying a charging current to the battery based on the second current reference value. In one or more example methods, the charging current is constant.

[0067] In one or more example methods, the method includes executing a second CC charging procedure. In one or more example methods, executing the second CC charging procedure includes charging the battery at a constant current, such as a constant charging current. In one or more example methods, the method includes supplying the charging current to the battery in a manner that matches (e.g., approximately matches) a second current reference value, such as to match charging characteristics of the battery.

[0068] In one or more example methods, the charging current may have slight fluctuations during the charging period, for example, during the second CC charging phase. In other words, the charging current may be substantially constant and / or approximately constant. In one or more example methods, the charging current including slight fluctuations may be considered constant. In one or more example methods, the charging current supplied to the battery may be considered a second charging current, for example, the current used when the battery of the electronic device is charged during a second CC charging procedure (for example, after a first charging procedure, such as after a first CC-CV charging procedure). In one or more example methods, applying the charging current to the battery increases the battery voltage. In one or more example methods, applying the charging current to the battery includes increasing the battery voltage. In one or more examples, applying the charging current to the battery during the first CC charging procedure increases the battery voltage more than applying the charging current to the battery during the second CC charging procedure. In other words, the first charging current may be higher than the second charging current. The battery may be charged to a second capacity level, for example, a second amount of charge accumulated during the second CC charging procedure. For example, the second capacity level may be less than or equal to the full capacity of the battery. For example, the second capacity level may be higher than the first capacity level, for example, between 50% and 100% of the full capacity of the battery. For example, the second capacity level may be 75%-85% of the battery's full capacity.

[0069] In one or more example methods, performing the second charging procedure includes determining whether the voltage reaches a second voltage reference value.

[0070] In one or more example methods, determining whether the battery voltage has reached the second voltage reference value includes determining that the battery voltage has not reached the second voltage reference value. In one or more example methods, the method includes, when it is determined that the battery voltage has not reached the second voltage reference value, applying a charging current to the battery based on the second current reference value. In other words, the method includes continuing to supply the charging current to the battery based on the second current reference value. In one or more example methods, the method includes, when it is determined that the battery voltage has not reached the second voltage reference value, determining whether the battery voltage has reached the second voltage reference value. That is, the method may include applying a charging current to the battery until it is determined that the battery voltage has reached the second voltage reference value. In one or more example methods, determining that the battery voltage has not reached the second voltage reference value may be considered a condition for continuing to execute the second CC charging procedure.

[0071] In one or more example methods, determining whether the battery voltage has reached the second voltage reference value includes determining that the battery voltage has reached the second voltage reference value. For example, the battery voltage is considered to have reached the second voltage reference value if it approximately (e.g., roughly) reaches the second voltage reference value. For example, the battery voltage is considered to have reached the second voltage reference value if the difference between the battery voltage and the second voltage reference value is within a range of 2%-5%. In one or more example methods, determining that the battery voltage has reached the second voltage reference value can be considered a condition for executing a second CV charging procedure (e.g., switching from a second CC charging procedure to a second CV charging procedure).

[0072] In one or more example methods, executing the second charging procedure includes, upon determining that the voltage reaches the second voltage reference value, maintaining the battery voltage at the second voltage reference value.

[0073] In one or more example methods, the second voltage reference value may be considered as the voltage of the battery when it is charged to the second capacity level. In one or more example methods, the second voltage reference value may be considered as the voltage of the battery when it is charged to the second charging current. In one or more example methods, maintaining the battery voltage at the second voltage reference value may be considered as a CV charging procedure at a voltage reference value (e.g., the second voltage reference value).

[0074] In one or more example methods, the method includes performing a second CV charging procedure. For example, the second CV charging procedure can be considered as a CV charging phase of the second charging procedure. For example, performing the CV charging procedure can include supplying (e.g., applying) a charging current that gradually decreases relative to a second current reference value. In one or more example methods, the charging current gradually decreases relative to the second current reference value until the charging current reaches a current termination value. In one or more example methods, the current termination value indicates that the battery has been charged to a second capacity level. For example, the current termination value indicates that the battery has been charged to its current maximum capacity. The current maximum capacity can be considered as a (desired) target capacity. When the battery has an SOH that is higher than the maximum capacity when charged to the maximum rated voltage by the power supply, the battery can be charged to its current maximum capacity (e.g., its (desired) target capacity).

[0075] In one or more example methods, the second voltage reference value may be considered a charging voltage, for example, the voltage of the battery when it is charged to full capacity (e.g., its current maximum capacity). In one or more example methods, the method includes stopping the second charging procedure (e.g., a second CV charging procedure) when the charging current (e.g., approximately) reaches a current termination value. In one or more example methods, the method includes maintaining the battery voltage until the charging current (e.g., approximately) reaches the current termination value. When the charging current (e.g., approximately) reaches the current termination value, the battery may be considered fully charged. When the internal voltage of the battery reaches a second voltage reference value (e.g., terminal voltage and / or charging voltage), the battery may be considered fully charged.

[0076] Implementations of the present invention can extend the useful life of a battery by performing a second charging procedure based on a second current reference value, a second voltage reference value, and a target value. In other words, maintaining the battery voltage at the second voltage reference value includes performing the second CV charging procedure at a constant voltage tailored to the battery's requirements (e.g., tailored to the battery's state of health). For example, the battery voltage can reach a higher voltage, e.g., above the second voltage reference value. However, allowing the battery voltage to rise to such a high voltage may result in increased battery degradation over time. Implementations of the present invention provide a charging procedure that can extend the useful life of a battery because the second voltage reference value is adjusted based on the battery's state of health. For example, implementations of the present invention advantageously enable charging the battery of each hearing aid in the pair of hearing aids at a faster rate, but not as fast as the fastest rate achievable by the corresponding hearing aid in the pair of hearing aids (e.g., the second voltage reference value is adjusted based on the battery's state of health, e.g., not based on the battery's initial requirements).

[0077] In one or more example methods, the method includes determining a second voltage reference value based on a second target value. In one or more example methods, the second target value includes one or more of: a second energy target and a second charge capacity target. In one or more example methods, the method includes storing the second voltage reference value in a memory of a corresponding hearing aid in the pair of hearing aids.

[0078] In one or more example methods, the method includes determining a second voltage reference value based on a second target value before acquiring a charging configuration. The charging configuration may include a second voltage reference value determined based on the second target value. In one or more example methods, the method includes adjusting the second voltage reference value based on the second target value after acquiring the charging configuration. In one or more example methods, the charging configuration includes at least a second target value and a second voltage reference value. In one or more example methods, the second voltage reference value included in the charging configuration is not adjusted according to the second target value. In one or more example methods, determining the second voltage reference value based on the second target value may be understood as adjusting the second voltage reference value based on the second target value. In one or more example methods, the target value is a predetermined value.

[0079] In one or more example methods, the second voltage reference value is a voltage value configured to match a constant capacity target (e.g., a constant charge capacity target) and / or a constant energy target. In other words, the second voltage reference value is adjusted according to the constant charge capacity target and / or the constant energy target. In one or more example methods, the charge capacity target indicates the relationship between the battery voltage (e.g., the internal voltage of the battery) and the battery discharge capacity (e.g., the discharged battery charge and / or battery capacity). In other words, the charge capacity target can be derived based on the relationship between the battery voltage and the battery discharge capacity. In one or more example methods, the charge capacity target value can be expressed in ampere-hours (Ah). The energy target can be regarded as the total energy that the battery can store and / or accumulate. In one or more example methods, the energy target value can be expressed in watt-hours (Wh).

[0080] In one or more example methods, the method includes storing a first current reference value and a first voltage reference value for each of the at least two hearing aids in a memory of the respective hearing aid and / or the auxiliary device.

[0081] In one or more example methods, the charging profile for each pair of hearing aids is associated with one or more of: a hearing aid type, a battery type, and first and second target values (eg, state of health) of the corresponding batteries.

[0082] In one or more example methods, the first current reference value, the first voltage reference value, the second current reference value, and the second voltage reference value are associated with application requirements, for example, with a hearing aid type and a battery type. In one or more example methods, the first current reference value and the second current reference value are associated with a hearing aid type. In one or more example methods, the first current reference value and the first voltage reference value may be predetermined. In one or more example methods, the second voltage reference value may be adjusted based on a second target value. In one or more example methods, the second voltage reference value and the second current reference value may be associated with a hearing aid type, a battery type, and a health status of the corresponding battery.

[0083] For example, the method may be performed by the pair of hearing aids. For example, the method may be partially performed by the pair of hearing aids, in the sense that the steps comprising determining the operating window, selecting the initial charging configuration point, and determining the first current reference value, the first voltage reference value, the second current reference value, and the second voltage reference value may be performed by an auxiliary device (e.g., a computer). Alternatively, the method may be performed in whole or in part by a charging device (e.g., a smart charging device). The method may be partially performed by the charging device, in the sense that the steps comprising determining the operating window, selecting the initial charging configuration point, and determining the first current reference value, the first voltage reference value, the second current reference value, and the second voltage reference value may be performed by an auxiliary device (e.g., a computer). In one or more example methods, the charging device may be an external charger, for example, a charger that charges the battery of each hearing aid in the pair of hearing aids.

[0084] In one or more example methods, the method includes obtaining a manufacturer charge profile indicating a manufacturer charge curve for a corresponding hearing aid battery. For example, the manufacturer charge profile includes a maximum voltage value and a maximum current value. In one or more example methods, the method includes obtaining the manufacturer charge profile (e.g., from a memory of the auxiliary device).

[0085] In one or more example methods, the maximum voltage value may be considered as an initial voltage reference value provided by the manufacturer (e.g., a maximum and / or recommended voltage value that a corresponding hearing aid battery can withstand). In one or more example methods, the maximum current value may be considered as an initial current reference value provided by the manufacturer (e.g., a maximum and / or recommended current value that a corresponding hearing aid battery can withstand).

[0086] In one or more example methods, the method includes determining a minimum voltage value based on a maximum voltage value. For example, the maximum voltage value may be 4.2V and the minimum voltage value may be 3.8V. In one or more example methods, the method includes determining a plurality of voltage values based on the maximum and minimum voltage values. For example, the method includes determining a range of voltage values, such as from 3.8V to 4.2V. The range of voltage values may include 3.8V, 3.9V, 4V, 4.1V, and 4.2V. The range of voltage values may include 3.8V, 3.85V, 3.9V, 3.95V, 4V, 4.05V, 4.1V, 4.15V, and 4.2V.

[0087] In one or more example methods, the method includes determining a minimum current value based on a maximum current value. For example, the maximum current value may be determined to allow a C-rate of 0.5C (e.g., typically provided by the manufacturer), and the minimum current value may be determined to allow a C-rate of 0.3C. In one or more example methods, the method may include determining a second minimum current value based on the minimum current value (e.g., provided by the manufacturer). The second minimum current value exceeds (e.g., is greater than) the minimum current value provided by the manufacturer and is used to map (e.g., determine) how to charge the battery at a higher current when not charging to the maximum voltage. For example, the maximum current value (e.g., based on the second minimum current value) may be determined to allow a C-rate of 1.0C, and the minimum current value may be determined to allow a C-rate of 0.3C.

[0088] In one or more example methods, the method includes determining a plurality of current values based on a maximum and a minimum current value. Optionally, performing the iterative charging and discharging routine includes determining a plurality of current values based on the maximum current value and a second minimum current value.

[0089] For example, the method includes determining a range of current values that allows for a range of C-rates, such as from 0.3C to 0.5C or from 0.3C to 1.0C. The range of C-rates may include 0.3C, 0.4C, 0.5C. The range of C-rate values may include 0.3C, 0.35C, 0.4C, 0.45C, 0.5C. The range of C-rate values may include 0.3C, 0.4C, 0.5C, 0.6C, 0.7C, 0.8C, 0.9C, 1.0C. The range of C-rate values may include 0.3C, 0.35C, 0.4C, 0.45C, 0.5C, 0.55C, 0.6C, 0.65C, 0.7C, 0.75C, 0.8C, 0.85C, 0.9C, 0.95C, 1.0C.

[0090] In one or more example methods, performing the iterative charging and discharging procedure includes setting the auxiliary voltage to a minimum voltage value. For example, the auxiliary voltage value becomes equal to the minimum voltage value.

[0091] In one or more example methods, performing the iterative charging and discharging procedure includes setting the assist current to a minimum current value. For example, the assist current value becomes equal to the minimum current value.

[0092] In one or more example methods, performing the iterative charging and discharging procedure includes iteratively (e.g., repeatedly) performing the following steps for each of a plurality of current values until the auxiliary voltage value reaches a maximum voltage value:

[0093] - determining (e.g., measuring) a charge capacity of the corresponding battery by applying (e.g., supplying) a charging current to the corresponding battery based on the auxiliary current value until the battery voltage reaches the auxiliary voltage value;

[0094] - determining (e.g., measuring) a discharge capacity of the corresponding battery by applying a discharge current to the corresponding battery until the battery voltage reaches a shutdown voltage;

[0095] - determining the coulombic efficiency based on the charge and discharge capacity of the corresponding battery; and

[0096] -Determine whether the Coulombic efficiency is greater than or equal to a threshold value.

[0097] In one or more example methods, applying a charging current to the corresponding battery based on the auxiliary current value includes charging the corresponding battery with a constant current (e.g., an approximately constant current, such as a current approximately equal to the auxiliary current value). For example, applying (e.g., supplying) the charging current to the corresponding battery can be considered a charging cycle. In one or more example methods, the charge capacity of the corresponding hearing aid indicates an amount of charge that can be stored in the battery of the corresponding hearing aid during a charging cycle.

[0098] In one or more example methods, applying a discharge current to the corresponding battery includes discharging the corresponding battery with a constant current (e.g., an approximately constant current). The discharge current may be based on current values that allow C-rates of 0.5C, 0.2C, and 0.05C. For example, the discharge current may be based on a series of current values that allow C-rates of 0.05C to 0.5C. For example, the discharge current may be based on a current value for a lithium plating test (e.g., detection) that allows a C-rate of 0.2C. Slower discharge of the corresponding battery by a lower discharge current may be more accurate than a higher discharge current. For example, applying (e.g., supplying) a discharge current to the corresponding battery may be considered a discharge cycle. In one or more example methods, the discharge capacity indicates the amount of charge that can be extracted (e.g., consumed) from the battery during a discharge cycle (e.g., the amount of charge stored in the battery during a charging cycle).

[0099] In one or more example methods, the shutdown voltage may be considered to be a voltage value when the corresponding hearing aid is configured to shut down or enter a low power state. The shutdown voltage may be based on a voltage value of 3V or 2.5V.

[0100] In one or more example methods, coulombic efficiency can be considered as the ratio of discharge capacity to charge capacity. Determining coulombic efficiency includes comparing the discharge capacity (e.g., the amount of charge extracted from the corresponding battery during a discharge cycle) to the charge capacity (e.g., the amount of charge that can be stored in the corresponding battery during a charge cycle).

[0101] In one or more example methods, the threshold value may be a percentage. The threshold value may be one or more of the following: 98%, 99%, and 100%. The threshold value may be in a range between 98% and 100% or between 99% and 100%.

[0102] In one or more example methods, determining whether the coulombic efficiency is greater than or equal to the threshold includes determining that the coulombic efficiency is greater than or equal to the threshold.

[0103] In one or more example methods, determining whether the Coulombic efficiency is greater than or equal to the threshold includes storing the auxiliary current value, the auxiliary voltage value, and the temperature value as an initial charging configuration point in a memory of the corresponding hearing aid and / or auxiliary device when determining that the Coulombic efficiency is greater than or equal to the threshold.

[0104] In one or more example methods, determining whether the Coulombic efficiency is greater than or equal to the threshold includes determining whether the auxiliary voltage value is less than a maximum voltage value (eg, determining whether the auxiliary voltage value reaches the maximum voltage value) when determining that the Coulombic efficiency is greater than or equal to the threshold.

[0105] In one or more example methods, determining whether the auxiliary voltage value is less than the maximum voltage value includes determining that the auxiliary voltage value is less than the maximum voltage value. In one or more example methods, the method includes setting the auxiliary voltage to a next voltage value of the plurality of voltage values (e.g., and repeating the above steps) when determining that the auxiliary voltage value is less than the maximum voltage value.

[0106] In one or more example methods, determining whether the auxiliary voltage value is less than the maximum voltage value includes determining that the auxiliary voltage is equal to the maximum voltage value (e.g., determining that the auxiliary voltage value reaches the maximum voltage value). For example, the method includes setting the auxiliary current value (e.g., previously set to the minimum current value) to a next current value among the plurality of current values upon determining that the auxiliary voltage reaches the maximum voltage value. For example, the method includes stopping the iterative charging and discharging procedure for the corresponding current value among the plurality of current values and starting the iterative charging and discharging procedure for the next current value among the plurality of current values upon determining that the auxiliary voltage reaches the maximum voltage value.

[0107] In one or more example methods, determining whether the coulombic efficiency is greater than or equal to a threshold value includes determining that the coulombic efficiency is less than a threshold value. In one or more example methods, determining whether the coulombic efficiency is greater than or equal to a threshold value includes determining whether the auxiliary current value is less than a maximum current value when the coulombic efficiency is determined to be less than the threshold value. In one or more example methods, determining whether the auxiliary current value is less than a maximum current value includes determining that the auxiliary current value is less than a maximum current value. In one or more example methods, determining whether the auxiliary current value is less than a maximum current value includes setting the auxiliary current value to a next current value among a plurality of current values when the auxiliary current value is determined to be less than the maximum current value.

[0108] In one or more example methods, determining whether the auxiliary current value is less than the maximum current value includes determining that the auxiliary current value is equal to the maximum current value. In one or more example methods, determining whether the auxiliary current value is less than the maximum current value includes stopping the iterative charging and discharging procedure (e.g., stopping the iterative charging and discharging procedure for a corresponding temperature in the one or more temperatures and starting the iterative charging and discharging procedure for a next temperature value in the one or more temperature values, e.g., when the auxiliary temperature value (e.g., previously set to a lowest temperature value in the one or more temperature values) is set to the next temperature value in the one or more temperature values) upon determining that the auxiliary current value is equal to the maximum current value.

[0109] For example, when the coulombic efficiency (CE) decreases (eg, below a threshold, such as indicating lithium plating at the anode), the method includes shifting to a next current value and performing operations for the next current value until the auxiliary voltage value reaches a maximum voltage value.

[0110] In one or more example methods, determining the first voltage reference value includes determining a voltage value corresponding to the first target when applying a charging current to a battery of the corresponding hearing aid based on the first current reference value.

[0111] In one or more example methods, the method may also be used to configure a battery charging profile for each hearing aid in the pair of hearing aids when the battery model of each hearing aid is the same. In other words, the battery model of each hearing aid in the pair of hearing aids may be the same.

[0112] In one or more example methods, the first target value and the second target value of one hearing aid in the pair of hearing aids are the same as the first target value and the second target value of the other hearing aid in the pair of hearing aids. For example, the second target value of one hearing aid in the pair of hearing aids may be different from the second target value of the other hearing aid in the pair of hearing aids.

[0113] Hearing system

[0114] A hearing system is disclosed herein, comprising a pair of hearing aids of the same type, a charging device, and an auxiliary device. The battery of each hearing aid in the pair of hearing aids is characterized by a battery model. The battery model of each hearing aid in the pair of hearing aids is different from each other.

[0115] The auxiliary device includes an interface, a processor and a memory.

[0116] The interface (e.g., a wired or wireless interface) is configured to obtain a temperature value. The interface is configured to provide a charging profile to each hearing aid in the pair of hearing aids, indicating a corresponding battery charging profile for each hearing aid in the pair of hearing aids. The charging profile includes at least a first current reference value, a first voltage reference value, a first target value, and a second current reference value.

[0117] The processor is configured to determine an operating window comprising a plurality of initial charging configuration points associated with a Coulombic efficiency greater than or equal to a threshold. Each of the plurality of initial charging configuration points indicates a current value, a voltage value, and a temperature value. Determining the operating window includes performing an iterative charging and discharging routine based on a maximum voltage value and a maximum current value for the temperature value.

[0118] The processor is configured to select an initial charging configuration point from the operating window based on a first target value and a charging time. The first target value indicates an amount of charge or energy required for a hearing aid to be used for one day. The charging time indicates the time required to charge the hearing aid for a planned one-day use. The first current reference value is a current value at the selected initial charging configuration point.

[0119] The processor is configured to determine a first voltage reference value based on the first current reference value and the first target value.

[0120] The processor is configured to determine a second current reference value based on the maximum current value. The operating window includes the second current reference value.

[0121] The memory is configured to store one or more of: a plurality of initial charging configuration points, a selected initial charging configuration point, and a charging configuration.

[0122] The charging device is configured to operate as a power source for each hearing aid of the pair of hearing aids.

[0123] Each hearing aid in the pair of hearing aids includes an input unit, a processing unit, an output unit, and a battery. The input unit is configured to receive an acoustic signal and convert the acoustic signal into an input signal. The processing unit is configured to process the input signal using a hearing loss profile of a user. The output unit is configured to transmit the processed signal having the hearing loss profile to an ear of the user.

[0124] The input unit is configured to receive a charging configuration from the auxiliary device.

[0125] The processing unit is configured to execute a first charging procedure based on the received charging configuration. Executing the first charging procedure includes applying a charging current to the battery of the corresponding hearing aid based on a first current reference value. The charging current is constant. Applying the charging current to the battery of the corresponding hearing aid increases the battery voltage of the corresponding hearing aid in the pair of hearing aids. Executing the first charging procedure includes determining whether the battery voltage of the corresponding hearing aid reaches a first voltage reference value. Executing the first charging procedure includes, upon determining that the battery voltage has reached the first voltage reference value, controlling the charging current to maintain the battery voltage of the corresponding hearing aid at the first voltage reference value until the charging current reaches a second current reference value.

[0126] The hearing system may be adapted to establish a communication link between at least two hearing aids and the charging device so that information (e.g. charging configurations, some or all parameters of the charging configurations, control and status signals, or any other information applicable to the charging procedure) can be exchanged or forwarded to each other.

[0127] The auxiliary device may be composed of or may include one or more of the following: a smartphone, a computer, a server, or other portable or wearable electronic devices such as a smart watch, or a battery testing device (for testing the batteries of the pair of hearing aids).

[0128] The auxiliary device may be constituted by or include an audio gateway device that is suitable for receiving a variety of audio signals (e.g. from an entertainment device such as a television or music player, a telephone device such as a mobile phone, a computer such as a personal computer, a wireless microphone, etc.) and is suitable for performing an initialization procedure (e.g. an iterative charging and discharging procedure) to correctly select an initial charging configuration.

[0129] The at least two hearing aids may be adapted to implement a binaural hearing system, such as a binaural hearing aid system.The at least two hearing aids may be two independent hearing aids used only for testing the charging procedure disclosed herein.

[0130] The charging device may be configured to charge (eg a rechargeable battery of) each hearing aid of the pair of hearing aids.The charging device may comprise an integrated circuit (IC) charger.

[0131] When appropriately replaced by corresponding procedures, some or all of the structural features of the hearing aid described above, described in detail in the "Detailed Description of the Invention", or defined in the claims may be combined with the implementation of the method, and vice versa. The implementation of the method has the same advantages as the corresponding hearing system.

[0132] Computer readable medium or data carrier

[0133] The present invention further provides a tangible computer-readable medium (data carrier) storing a computer program including program code (instructions), which, when the computer program is run on a data processing system (computer), causes the data processing system to perform (implement) at least part (such as most or all) of the steps of the method described above, described in detail in the "Specific Implementation Methods" and defined in the claims.

[0134] By way of example and not limitation, the aforementioned tangible computer-readable media may include RAM, ROM, EEPROM, CD-ROM or other optical disk storage, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage device, or any other medium that can be used to execute or store the desired program code in the form of instructions or data structures and that can be accessed by a computer. As used herein, disks include compact disks (CDs), laser disks, optical disks, digital versatile disks (DVDs), floppy disks, and Blu-ray disks, wherein these disks typically reproduce data magnetically, while these disks can reproduce data optically with lasers. Other storage media include storage in DNA (e.g., in synthetic DNA chains). Combinations of the above disks are also intended to be included within the scope of computer-readable media. In addition to being stored on tangible media, computer programs can also be transmitted via transmission media such as wired or wireless links or networks such as the Internet and loaded into a data processing system to be run at a location different from the tangible media.

[0135] computer program

[0136] Furthermore, the present application provides a computer program (product) comprising instructions, which, when executed by a computer, such as a processing unit of the hearing aid described above, causes the computer to perform (the steps of) the method described above, described in detail in the "Detailed Description of the Invention" and defined in the claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0137] Various aspects of the present invention will be best understood from the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. For clarity, the drawings are schematic and simplified, showing only the details necessary for understanding the present invention and omitting other details. Throughout the specification, the same reference numerals are used for identical or corresponding parts. The various features of each aspect may be combined with any or all features of the other aspects. These and other aspects, features, and / or technical effects will be apparent from and elucidated in conjunction with the following figures, in which:

[0138] Figures 1A-1D is a flow chart of an example method for configuring a battery charging profile for each of a pair of hearing aids according to the present invention;

[0139] Figure 2 An example charging device according to the present invention is shown;

[0140] Figures 3A-3B An example hearing aid according to the present invention is shown;

[0141] Figure 4 shows a chart illustrating an example first charging procedure and an example second charging procedure according to the present invention;

[0142] Figures 5A-5B shows a chart illustrating an example first charging procedure and an example second charging procedure for a pair of hearing aids according to the present invention; and

[0143] Figure 5C Shown is a graph illustrating the consistency of charge capacity between a pair of hearing aids according to the present invention.

[0144] By the detailed description provided below, the further scope of application of the present invention will be apparent. However, it should be understood that while the detailed description and specific examples indicate the preferred embodiments of the present invention, they are provided for illustrative purposes only. For those skilled in the art, based on the following detailed description, other embodiments of the present invention will be apparent. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0145] The detailed description presented below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings serves as a description of a variety of different configurations. The detailed description includes specific details for providing a thorough understanding of a plurality of different concepts. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that these concepts can be implemented without these specific details. Several aspects of the apparatus and method are described by a plurality of different blocks, functional units, modules, components, circuits, steps, processes, algorithms, etc. (collectively referred to as "elements"). Depending on the specific application, design limitations or other reasons, these elements may be implemented using electronic hardware, computer programs or any combination thereof.

[0146] The electronic hardware may include microelectromechanical systems (MEMS), (e.g., application specific) integrated circuits, microprocessors, microcontrollers, digital signal processors (DSPs), field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), programmable logic devices (PLDs), gating logic, discrete hardware circuits, printed circuit boards (PCBs) (e.g., flexible PCBs), and other suitable hardware configured to perform the various functions described in this specification, such as sensors for sensing and / or recording physical properties of the environment, device, user, etc. A computer program shall be construed broadly to mean instructions, an instruction set, code, a code segment, program code, a program, a subroutine, a software module, an application, a software application, a software package, a routine, a subroutine, an object, an executable, a thread of execution, a program, a function, or the like, whether referred to as software, firmware, middleware, microcode, a hardware description language, or otherwise.

[0147] Figures 1A-1Dis a flow chart of an example method 100 for configuring a battery charging profile for a pair (eg, at least two) of hearing aids according to the present invention. Figures 1A-1D A flow chart illustrating an example method 100 for configuring a battery in each hearing aid of a pair of hearing aids that is scheduled for charging (e.g., when the battery level of each hearing aid is below a threshold, such as when the battery level of the respective hearing aid is about to be depleted). The battery of each hearing aid in the pair of hearing aids is characterized by a battery model, and the battery models of the pair of hearing aids are different. The pair of hearing aids are of the same type.

[0148] Method 100 may be performed by a hearing system comprising a pair of hearing aids, a charging device, and an auxiliary device. For example, each of the pair of hearing aids may include a rechargeable battery. The auxiliary device may include one or more of the following: a smartphone (e.g., a mobile phone), a portable electronic device, a wearable electronic device (e.g., a smartwatch), a tablet computer, a computer, a battery testing device, and any other suitable auxiliary device.

[0149] The method 100 comprises step S104 of obtaining a charging profile indicating a corresponding battery charging curve (eg, characteristics) for each of the pair of hearing aids, the charging profile comprising at least a first current reference value, a first voltage reference value, a second current reference value, and a first target value.

[0150] For example, step S104 of acquiring the charging configuration may include step S104A: acquiring one or more temperature values.

[0151] In one or more example methods, the method 100 includes step S104B: obtaining a manufacturer charging configuration indicating manufacturer charging characteristics of the corresponding hearing aid battery. In one or more example methods, the manufacturer charging configuration includes a maximum voltage value and a maximum current value.

[0152] In one or more example methods, the method 100 includes step S104C: determining a minimum voltage value based on the maximum voltage value. In one or more example methods, the method 100 includes step S104D: determining a plurality of voltage values based on the maximum and minimum voltage values.

[0153] In one or more example methods, the method 100 includes step S104E: determining a minimum current value based on the maximum current value. In one or more example methods, the method 100 includes step S104F: determining a plurality of current values based on the maximum and minimum current values.

[0154] Step S104 of obtaining a charging configuration includes step S104G of determining an operating window comprising a plurality of initial charging configuration points. Each of the plurality of initial charging configuration points indicates a current value, a voltage value, and a temperature value. Each initial charging configuration point is associated with a coulombic efficiency greater than or equal to a threshold.

[0155] The step S104G of determining the operating window includes a step S104GA of performing an iterative charging and discharging procedure based on a maximum voltage value and a maximum current value (eg, a manufacturer charging profile) for each of the one or more temperature values.

[0156] The step S104 of obtaining a charging configuration includes a step S104H of selecting an initial charging configuration point from an operation window based on a first target value and a charging time. The first target value indicates the amount of charge or energy required for a day's use of the hearing aid. The charging time indicates the time required to charge the hearing aid for a planned day's use.

[0157] The first current reference value is a current value of the selected initial charging configuration point.

[0158] The step S104 of acquiring the charging profile includes a step S104I of determining a first voltage reference value based on the first current reference value and the first target value.

[0159] The step S104 of acquiring the charging profile includes a step S104J of determining a second current reference value based on the maximum current value. The operation window includes the second current reference value.

[0160] In one or more example methods, step S104GA of performing the iterative charging and discharging procedure includes step S104GAA of setting the auxiliary voltage value and the auxiliary current value to a minimum voltage value and a minimum current value, respectively.

[0161] In one or more example methods, step S104GA of performing the iterative charging and discharging procedure includes repeatedly performing the following steps for each of the plurality of current values until the auxiliary voltage value reaches a maximum voltage value:

[0162] -Step S104GAB, determining the charging capacity of the corresponding battery by applying a charging current to the corresponding battery based on the corresponding current value until the battery voltage reaches the auxiliary voltage value;

[0163] -Step S104GAC, determining the discharge capacity of the corresponding battery by applying a discharge current to the corresponding battery until the battery voltage reaches a shutdown voltage;

[0164] - Step S104GAD, determining the coulombic efficiency based on the charge and discharge capacity of the corresponding battery; and

[0165] -Step S104GAE, determining whether the Coulombic efficiency is greater than or equal to a threshold.

[0166] In one or more example methods, the step of determining whether the coulombic efficiency is greater than or equal to a threshold value S104GAE includes:

[0167] -Step S104GAEA, determining that the Coulombic efficiency is greater than or equal to a threshold;

[0168] - Based on determining that the Coulombic efficiency is greater than or equal to the threshold value (step S104GAEA):

[0169] Step S104GAEAA: storing the current value, auxiliary voltage value, and temperature value in the form of an initial charging configuration point in a memory of the corresponding hearing aid and / or auxiliary device;

[0170] --Step S104GAEAB, determining whether the auxiliary voltage value is less than the maximum voltage value.

[0171] In one or more example methods, the step S104GAEAB of determining whether the auxiliary voltage value is less than the maximum voltage value includes the step S104GAEABA of determining that the auxiliary voltage value is less than the maximum voltage value.

[0172] In one or more example methods, when it is determined that the auxiliary voltage value is less than the maximum voltage value (step S104GAEABA), in step S104GAEABAA, the auxiliary voltage value is set to the next voltage value among the multiple voltage values (e.g., and the above steps are repeated).

[0173] In one or more example methods, determining whether the auxiliary voltage value is less than the maximum voltage value ( S104GAEAB ) includes determining that the auxiliary voltage is equal to the maximum voltage value (e.g., determining that the auxiliary voltage value reaches the maximum voltage value) in step S104GAEABB. For example, the method includes, upon determining that the auxiliary voltage reaches the maximum voltage value (step S104GAEABB), setting the auxiliary current value (e.g., previously set to the minimum current value) to a next current value among the plurality of current values in step S104GAEABBA. For example, the method includes, upon determining that the auxiliary voltage reaches the maximum voltage value, stopping the iterative charging and discharging procedure for the corresponding current value among the plurality of current values and starting the iterative charging and discharging procedure for the next current value among the plurality of current values.

[0174] In one or more example methods, step S104GAE of determining whether the coulombic efficiency is greater than or equal to a threshold value includes step S104GAEB of determining whether the coulombic efficiency is less than a threshold value.

[0175] In one or more example methods, step S104GAE of determining whether the Coulombic efficiency is greater than or equal to a threshold includes: when determining that the Coulombic efficiency is less than the threshold (step S104GAEB), if the auxiliary current value has not reached the maximum current value, then in step S104GAEBA, setting the auxiliary current value to the next current value among multiple current values.

[0176] For example, step S104GAE of determining whether the coulombic efficiency is greater than or equal to a threshold value includes: when determining that the coulombic efficiency is less than the threshold value (step S104GAEB), determining whether the auxiliary current value is less than a maximum current value. In one or more example methods, determining whether the auxiliary current value is less than the maximum current value includes determining that the auxiliary current value is less than the maximum current value. In one or more example methods, determining whether the auxiliary current value is less than the maximum current value includes: when determining that the auxiliary current value is less than the maximum current value, setting the auxiliary current value to a next current value among the plurality of current values.

[0177] For example, the step of determining whether the Coulombic efficiency is greater than or equal to the threshold value S104GAE includes: when it is determined that the Coulombic efficiency is less than the threshold value (step S104GAEB), if the auxiliary current value reaches the maximum current value, stopping the iterative charging and discharging procedure for the temperature value. For example, determining whether the auxiliary current value is less than the maximum current value includes determining that the auxiliary current value is equal to the maximum current value. For example, determining whether the auxiliary current value is less than the maximum current value includes: when it is determined that the auxiliary current value is equal to the maximum current value, stopping the iterative charging and discharging procedure (e.g., stopping the iterative charging and discharging procedure for the corresponding temperature in the one or more temperatures and starting the iterative charging and discharging procedure for the next temperature value in the one or more temperature values, for example, when the auxiliary temperature value (e.g., previously set to the lowest temperature value in the one or more temperature values) is set to the next temperature value in the one or more temperature values).

[0178] In one or more example methods, determining the first voltage reference value S104I includes, when applying a charging current to a battery of the corresponding hearing aid based on the first current reference value, determining a voltage value corresponding to a first target in step S104IA.

[0179] The method 100 comprises step S106 of performing a first charging procedure for each of the pair of hearing aids based on a corresponding charging profile.

[0180] Step S106 of executing the first charging procedure includes step S106A of applying a charging current to a battery of the corresponding hearing aid in the pair of hearing aids based on a first current reference value. The charging current is constant. Applying the charging current to the battery (step S106A) causes the battery voltage of the corresponding hearing aid in the pair of hearing aids to increase.

[0181] Step S106 of executing the first charging procedure includes step S106B: determining whether the battery voltage reaches a first voltage reference value.

[0182] Determining whether the battery voltage of the corresponding hearing aid in the pair of hearing aids has reached a first voltage reference value (step S106B) includes step S106BA: determining that the battery voltage has reached the first voltage reference value. In one or more example methods, determining whether the battery voltage of the corresponding hearing aid in the pair of hearing aids has reached the first voltage reference value (step S106B) includes step S106BB: determining that the battery voltage of the corresponding hearing aid in the pair of hearing aids has not reached the first voltage reference value.

[0183] Step S106 of executing the first charging procedure includes: when it is determined that the voltage reaches the first voltage reference value (step S106BA), maintaining the battery voltage of the corresponding hearing aid in the pair of hearing aids at the first voltage reference value by controlling the charging current (step S106CA) until the charging current reaches a second current reference value (step S106C).

[0184] In one or more example methods, step S106 of performing the first charging procedure includes: upon determining that the battery voltage of the corresponding hearing aid in the pair of hearing aids has not reached a first voltage reference value (step S106BB), applying a charging current to the battery based on a first current reference value (step S106A). In one or more example methods, step S106 of performing the first charging procedure includes: upon determining that the battery voltage of the corresponding hearing aid in the pair of hearing aids has not reached the first voltage reference value (step S106BB), determining whether the battery voltage of the corresponding hearing aid in the pair of hearing aids has reached the first voltage reference value (step S106B). In other words, method 100 may include applying the charging current to the battery (step S106A) until determining that the battery voltage of the corresponding hearing aid in the pair of hearing aids has reached the first voltage reference value (step S106BB).

[0185] In one or more example methods, the charging profile further includes a second voltage reference value and a second target value indicating an amount of charge or energy required to fully charge the corresponding hearing aid (e.g., indicating a battery state of health (SOH)). In one or more example methods, method 100 includes step S108 of performing a second charging procedure for each of the pair of hearing aids based on the charging profile.

[0186] In one or more example methods, the method 100 includes step S108A: determining whether the charging current reaches a second current reference value.

[0187] In one or more example methods, determining whether the charging current reaches the second current reference value (step S108A) includes step S108AA: determining whether the charging current reaches the second current reference value.

[0188] In one or more example methods, performing the second charging procedure (step S108 ) includes determining whether the charging current reaches a second current reference value (step S108AA).

[0189] In one or more example methods, method 100 includes, upon determining that the current reaches a second current reference value (step S108AA), applying a charging current to the battery based on the second current reference value (step S108B). In one or more example methods, the charging current is constant. In one or more example methods, applying the charging current to the battery of the corresponding hearing aid (step S108B) causes the battery voltage to increase.

[0190] In one or more example methods, determining whether the charging current reaches the second current reference value (step S108A) includes determining that the charging current does not reach the second current reference value (step S108AB).

[0191] In one or more example methods, method 100 includes, upon determining that the charging current has not reached the second current reference value (step S108AB), maintaining the battery voltage of the corresponding hearing aid at the first voltage reference value by controlling the charging current (step S106CA) until the charging current reaches the second current reference value (step S106C). In one or more example methods, method 100 includes, upon determining that the current has not reached the second current reference value (step S108AB), determining whether the charging current has reached the second current reference value (step S108A). In other words, method 100 may include maintaining the battery voltage of the corresponding hearing aid at the first voltage reference value (step S106C) until determining that the charging current has reached the second current reference value (step S108AA).

[0192] In one or more example methods, executing the second charging procedure (step S108 ) includes step S108C: determining whether the voltage reaches a second voltage reference value.

[0193] In one or more example methods, determining whether the voltage reaches the second voltage reference value (step S108C) includes step S108CA: determining whether the voltage reaches the second voltage reference value.

[0194] In one or more example methods, the method 100 includes, upon determining that the voltage reaches the second voltage reference value (step S108CA), maintaining the battery voltage at the second voltage reference value (step S108D).

[0195] In one or more example methods, determining whether the voltage reaches the second voltage reference value (step S108C) includes step S108CB: determining that the voltage does not reach the second voltage reference value.

[0196] In one or more example methods, method 100 includes, upon determining that the voltage has not reached the second voltage reference value (step S108CB), applying a charging current to the battery of the corresponding hearing aid based on the second current reference value (step S108B). In one or more example methods, method 100 includes, upon determining that the voltage has not reached the second voltage reference value (step S108CB), determining whether the voltage has reached the second voltage reference value (step S108C). In other words, method 100 may include applying the charging current to the battery (step S108B) until determining that the voltage has reached the second voltage reference value (step S108CA).

[0197] In one or more example methods, method 100 includes step S109A: determining a second voltage reference value based on a second target value. In one or more example methods, method 100 includes step S109B: storing the second voltage reference value in a memory of the corresponding hearing aid. In one or more example methods, the second target value includes an energy target value or a charge capacity target value.

[0198] In one or more example methods, method 100 may include determining and storing a first current reference value, a first voltage reference value, a second voltage reference value, and a second current reference value in a memory of a corresponding hearing aid.

[0199] In one or more example methods, the charging profile of each hearing aid in the pair of hearing aids is associated with one or more of: a hearing aid type, a battery type, a first target value, and a second target value for the corresponding battery.

[0200] Figure 2 An example charging device 800 according to the present invention is shown. Figure 2 The schematic diagram shows an electronic device such as a charging device 800 according to the present invention. The charging device 800 can be configured to configure a battery charging curve for a pair of hearing aids and charge the batteries of the pair of hearing aids, for example Figures 3A-3B The charging device 800 may be configured to charge the battery BAT of the hearing aid 500 (each of the pair of hearing aids may have the same structure as the hearing aid 500). Figures 1A-1D Part or all of the steps of the method disclosed in.

[0201] When the battery charge of a pair of hearing aids 900A, 900B is below a threshold (e.g., when both hearing aids are about to be depleted), charging is scheduled. The user of the hearing aids 900A, 900B can initiate configuration of a charging profile and / or a charging procedure for each of the pair of hearing aids by connecting the pair of hearing aids 900A, 900B to a charging device 800. For example, the pair of hearing aids 900A, 900B is configured to determine that the charging unit of each of the pair of hearing aids 900A, 900B has established communication with a power source (e.g., battery 807) by connecting to the charging device 800. For example, the charging device 800 is configured to initiate a configuration procedure and / or a charging procedure by detecting a connection with each of the pair of hearing aids 900A, 900B. For example, the charging device 800 is configured to perform a charging procedure by detecting a connection with each of the pair of hearing aids 900A, 900B. In one or more exemplary charging devices, each of the pair of hearing aids 900A, 900B is configured to be charged by the charging device 800. In one or more exemplary charging devices, a power source is configured to provide energy 9 to the charging unit 806. The power source can be considered a battery 807 of the charging device 800. The power source can be a 5V power source.

[0202] Charging device 800 includes memory 801, processor 802, interface 803, power supply 804, and battery 807. Processor 802 may include controller 805 and charging unit 806. Optionally, charging device 800 includes memory 801, interface 803, power supply 804, controller 805, charging unit 806, and battery 807. In other words, controller 805 and charging unit 806 may not be part of processor 802. Charging unit 806 may include controller 805. That is, controller 805 may be integrated into charging unit 806. For example, charging unit 806 may be an integrated circuit (IC) charger.

[0203] Each of the pair of hearing aids may be Figures 3A-3B The hearing aids in the pair have similar structures (e.g., may be of the same type), and each of the pair of hearing aids includes a battery 904. The type of battery 904 in the first hearing aid 904A of the pair of hearing aids is different from the type of battery 904 in the second hearing aid 900B of the pair of hearing aids.

[0204] The charging device 800 is configured to obtain a charging profile 20A, 20B indicative of charging characteristics of a battery 907 of each hearing aid in the pair of hearing aids 900A, 900B. The charging profile 20A, 20B comprises at least a first current reference value, a first voltage reference value and a second current reference value.

[0205] In one or more example charging devices, the interface 803 is configured to retrieve (e.g., receive) the charging configuration 20A, 20B from a memory of each hearing aid in the pair of hearing aids 900A, 900B. In one or more example charging devices, the memory 801 is configured to store the charging configurations 20A, 20B. In one or more example charging devices, the processor 802 is configured to retrieve (e.g., receive) the charging configurations 20A, 20B from the memory 801.

[0206] For example, the charging device 800 is configured to obtain (via the interface 803) one or more temperature values from an auxiliary device and / or one of the pair of hearing aids 900A, 900B (e.g., from a memory of the auxiliary device and / or a memory of either of the pair of hearing aids 900A, 900B). The auxiliary device may be one or more of the following: a telephone device, a mobile phone, a computer, a server, and a battery testing device.

[0207] The charging device 800 (e.g., the processor 802, e.g., the charging unit 806) is configured to determine an operating window for each of the pair of hearing aids 900A and 900B, the operating window comprising a plurality of initial charging configuration points. Each of the plurality of initial charging configuration points indicates a current value, a voltage value, and a temperature value. Each of the plurality of initial charging configuration points is associated with a Coulombic efficiency greater than or equal to a threshold.

[0208] The charging device 800 is configured to determine the operating window by performing an iterative charging and discharging procedure based on maximum voltage and maximum current values (eg, manufacturer charging profiles 40A, 40B). The manufacturer charging profile indicates the manufacturer charging characteristics or curve of the corresponding hearing aid battery.

[0209] In one or more example charging devices, the processor 802 is configured to perform iterative charging and discharging procedures based on the manufacturer charging configurations 40A, 40B.

[0210] For example, the controller 805 is configured to retrieve the manufacturer charging configuration 40A, 40B from the memory 801 .

[0211] For example, the controller 805 is configured to control the charging unit 806. The controller 805 can be configured to control the charging unit 806 so that an iterative charging and discharging procedure is performed for each of the at least two hearing aids and each of the one or more temperature values. Optionally, the charging unit 806 can include the controller 805. In one or more example charging devices, the charging unit 806 can also function as a controller. In one or more example charging devices, the charging unit 806 is configured to retrieve the charging configuration 20 from the memory 801. For example, the charging unit 806 is configured to perform an iterative charging and discharging procedure for each of the at least two hearing aids and each of the one or more temperature values.

[0212] exist Figure 2 In the embodiment of FIG. 8 , the controller 805 is configured to retrieve the manufacturer charging configuration 40A, 40B from the memory 801 , for example the manufacturer charging configuration of each of the pair of hearing aids 900A, 900B.

[0213] The controller 805 may be configured to control the charging unit 806 to perform an iterative charging and discharging procedure. In one or more exemplary charging devices, the iterative charging and discharging procedure is an initialization procedure, such as a coulomb counting technique (e.g., by measuring the charge flowing into and out of the corresponding hearing aid battery 907 during a charge and discharge cycle, e.g., for calculating the battery charge of the corresponding hearing aid).

[0214] In one or more example charging devices, the controller 805 is configured to send a control message 42 to the charging unit 806, which instructs the charging unit 806 to perform an iterative charging and discharging procedure. The control message 42 may indicate a request from the controller 805 to the charging unit 806 to perform the iterative charging and discharging procedure.

[0215] In one or more example charging devices, the manufacturer charging configuration 40A, 40B includes a maximum voltage value and a maximum current value. For example, the charging unit 806 is configured to obtain the manufacturer charging configuration from the controller 805. For example, the charging unit 806 is configured to determine a minimum voltage value based on the maximum voltage value. For example, the charging unit 806 is configured to determine multiple voltage values based on the maximum and minimum voltage values. For example, the charging unit 806 is configured to determine a minimum current value based on the maximum current value. For example, the charging unit 806 is configured to determine multiple current values based on the maximum and minimum current values.

[0216] In one or more example charging devices, the charging device 800 (eg, the charging unit 806 ) is configured to perform an iterative charging and discharging procedure by setting the auxiliary voltage value to a minimum voltage value.

[0217] In one or more example charging devices, the charging device 800 (eg, the charging unit 806 ) is configured to perform an iterative charging and discharging procedure by setting the assist current value to a minimum current value.

[0218] In one or more example charging devices, the charging device 800 (e.g., the charging unit 806) is configured to perform an iterative charging and discharging procedure by repeatedly performing the following steps for each of a plurality of current values until the auxiliary voltage value reaches a maximum voltage value:

[0219] determining a charge capacity of the battery 907 of the respective hearing aid in the pair of hearing aids 900A, 900B by applying (e.g., providing) a charging current 44 to the battery 907 of the respective hearing aid in the pair of hearing aids 900A, 900B based on the respective current value (e.g., and the energy 9 provided by a power source (e.g., power source 804)) until the voltage 48 of the battery 907 reaches an auxiliary voltage value;

[0220] determining a discharge capacity of the battery 907 of the corresponding hearing aid of the pair of hearing aids 900A, 900B by applying a discharge current 46 to the battery 907 until the voltage 48 of the battery 907 reaches a shutdown voltage;

[0221] - determining the coulombic efficiency based on the charge and discharge capacity of the corresponding battery; and

[0222] -Determine whether the Coulombic efficiency is greater than or equal to a threshold value.

[0223] For example, the charging device 800 (e.g., the charging unit 806) is configured to determine whether the voltage 48 of the battery 907 of the corresponding hearing aid in the pair of hearing aids 900A, 900B has reached an auxiliary voltage value. In one or more exemplary charging devices, the charging device 800 (e.g., the interface 803) is configured to receive the battery voltage 48 (e.g., a measured value of the battery voltage) from each of the pair of hearing aids 900A, 900B (e.g., from an output unit of each of the pair of hearing aids 900A, 900B). In one or more exemplary charging devices, the charging unit 806 is configured to determine whether the voltage 48 of the battery 907 of the corresponding hearing aid in the pair of hearing aids 900A, 900B has reached the auxiliary voltage value.

[0224] For example, the charging device 800 (eg, the charging unit 806 ) is configured to determine whether the voltage 48 of the battery 907 of the corresponding hearing aid in the pair of hearing aids 900A, 900B has reached a shutdown voltage.

[0225] In one or more example charging devices, the charging device 800 (eg, the charging unit 806 ) determines whether the coulombic efficiency is greater than or equal to a threshold by determining that the coulombic efficiency is greater than or equal to a threshold.

[0226] In one or more example charging devices, the charging device 800 (eg, the charging unit 806 ) is configured to store the current value, the auxiliary voltage value, and the temperature value in the form of an initial charging configuration point in the memory 801 when determining that the coulombic efficiency is greater than or equal to a threshold.

[0227] In one or more example charging devices, charging device 800 (eg, charging unit 806 ) is configured to determine whether the auxiliary voltage value is less than a maximum voltage value when determining that the coulombic efficiency is greater than or equal to a threshold value.

[0228] In one or more example charging devices, the charging device 800 (eg, the charging unit 806 ) is configured to determine whether the auxiliary voltage value is less than the maximum voltage value by determining that the auxiliary voltage value is less than the maximum voltage value.

[0229] In one or more example charging devices, the charging device 800 (eg, the charging unit 806 ) is configured to set the auxiliary voltage value to a next voltage value among the plurality of voltage values upon determining that the auxiliary voltage value is less than the maximum voltage value.

[0230] In one or more example charging devices, charging device 800 (eg, charging unit 806 ) is configured to determine whether the coulombic efficiency is greater than or equal to a threshold by determining that the coulombic efficiency is less than a threshold.

[0231] In one or more example charging devices, the charging device 800 (eg, the charging unit 806 ) is configured to determine whether the auxiliary current value is less than a maximum current value when determining that the coulombic efficiency is less than a threshold value.

[0232] For example, the charging device 800 (e.g., the charging unit 806) is configured to determine that the auxiliary current value is less than the maximum current value. For example, the charging device 800 (e.g., the charging unit 806) is configured to set the auxiliary current value to the next current value among the multiple current values when determining that the auxiliary current value is less than the maximum current value.

[0233] For example, the charging device 800 (e.g., the charging unit 806) is configured to determine that the auxiliary current value is equal to the maximum current value. For example, the charging device 800 (e.g., the charging unit 806) is configured to stop performing the iterative charging and discharging procedure (e.g., for a corresponding temperature value of the one or more temperature values) when determining that the auxiliary current value is equal to the maximum current value.

[0234] The charging device 800 (e.g., the processor 802, e.g., the charging unit 806) is configured to select an initial charging configuration point (for each of the pair of hearing aids 900A, 900B) from an operating window based on a first target value and a charging time. The first target value represents an amount of charge or energy required for a day's use of the respective hearing aid. The charging time represents the time required to charge the respective hearing aid for a planned day's use.

[0235] The first current reference value is a current value of the selected initial charging configuration point.

[0236] The charging device 800 (eg, the processor 802 , eg, the charging unit 806 ) is configured to determine a first voltage reference value based on a first current reference value and a first target value.

[0237] The charging device 800 (eg, the processor 802 , eg, the charging unit 806 ) is configured to determine a second current reference value based on the maximum current value. The operation window includes the second current reference value.

[0238] When the first target value is a charge capacity target, the first current reference value and the second current reference value may be the same for the pair of hearing aids 900A and 900B. When the first target value is an energy target, the first current reference value and the second current reference value may be different for the pair of hearing aids 900A and 900B.

[0239] Optionally, the charging device 800 may be configured to transmit multiple initial charging configuration points to the auxiliary device and / or each of the pair of hearing aids. In other words, the charging device 800 may not select an initial charging configuration point from the operation window. Each of the pair of hearing aids and / or the auxiliary device connected to the charging device 800 may be configured to perform these steps and, after performing these steps, provide the selected initial charging configuration point to the charging device 800. The charging device 800 may be configured to initiate the charging procedure after obtaining the selected initial charging configuration point and determining the first voltage reference value and the second current reference value.

[0240] For example, the first voltage reference value may be determined by determining a voltage value corresponding to the first target when a charging current is applied to a battery of the corresponding hearing aid based on the first current reference value (eg, determined by the charging device 800 or the auxiliary device).

[0241] The charging device 800 is configured to perform a first charging procedure for each of the at least two hearing aids 900A, 900B based on the corresponding charging configuration 20A, 20B (e.g., for a temperature value of a selected initial charging configuration point for each hearing aid in the pair of hearing aids and). In one or more example charging devices, the processor 802 is configured to perform the first charging procedure based on the corresponding charging configuration 20A, 20B. For example, the controller 805 is configured to retrieve the charging configuration 20A, 20B from the memory 801. For example, the controller 805 is configured to control the charging unit 806. The controller 805 may be configured to control the charging unit 806 so that the first charging procedure is performed for the temperature value of the selected initial charging configuration point and for each of the at least two hearing aids. The temperature value may be the same for the hearing aids 900A, 900B.

[0242] Optionally, the charging unit 806 may include a controller 805. In one or more exemplary charging devices, the charging unit 806 may also function as a controller. In one or more exemplary charging devices, the charging unit 806 is configured to retrieve the charging configuration 20 from the memory 801. For example, the charging unit 806 is configured to execute a first charging procedure.

[0243] exist Figure 2 In an embodiment of the present invention, the controller 805 is configured to obtain corresponding charging configurations 20A, 20B from the memory 801. The controller 805 may be configured to control the charging unit 806 to execute a first charging procedure. In one or more example charging devices, the first charging procedure is a constant current-constant voltage (CC-CV) charging procedure. In other words, the charging unit 806 may be configured to execute a first CC-CV charging procedure. In one or more example charging devices, the first CC-CV charging procedure includes a first constant current (CC) charging procedure 22A and a first constant voltage (CV) charging procedure 22B. In one or more example charging devices, the controller 805 is configured to send a control message 22 to the charging unit 806, which indicates the first charging procedure to be executed by the charging unit 806. The control message 22 may represent a request issued by the controller 805 to the charging unit 806 to execute the first charging procedure.

[0244] The charging device 800 (e.g., the charging unit 806) is configured to perform a first charging procedure by applying a charging current 24 to a battery 907 based on a first current reference value. In one or more exemplary charging devices, the charging device 800 (e.g., the charging unit 806) is configured to perform the first charging procedure by applying the charging current 24 to the battery 907 of a respective hearing aid in a pair of hearing aids 900A and 900B based on the first current reference value and energy 9 provided by a power source (e.g., the power source 804). The charging current 24 is (e.g., substantially and / or approximately) constant. Applying the charging current 24 to the battery 907 of the respective hearing aid in the pair of hearing aids 900A and 900B increases the voltage of the battery 907. In one or more exemplary charging devices, the charging unit 806 is configured to perform the first charging procedure based on the control message 22.

[0245] In one or more example charging devices, the charging unit 806 is configured to perform a first CC charging procedure 22A. In other words, the charging unit 806 is configured to charge the battery 907 of the corresponding hearing aid in the pair of hearing aids 900A and 900B with a constant current, for example, by supplying a charging current 24 to the battery 907 of the corresponding hearing aid in the pair of hearing aids 900A and 900B. For example, the controller 805 is configured to control the charging unit 806 to perform the first charging procedure. For example, the controller 805 is configured to instruct the charging unit 806 to perform the first charging procedure. In other words, the control message 22 may indicate the first charging procedure to be performed by the charging unit 806. In one or more example charging devices, the charging unit 806 is configured to perform the first CC charging procedure 22A based on the charging configurations 20A and 20B. In one or more example charging devices, the charging unit 806 is configured to perform the first CC charging procedure 22A based on a first current reference value for the temperature value of the selected initial charging configuration point and for each of the at least two hearing aids.

[0246] The charging device 800 (e.g., the charging unit 806) is configured to perform a first charging procedure by determining whether the voltage 28 of the battery 907 of the corresponding hearing aid in the pair of hearing aids 900A and 900B has reached a first voltage reference value. In one or more exemplary charging devices, the charging device 800 (e.g., the interface 803) is configured to receive the battery voltage 28 (e.g., a measured value of the battery voltage) from each of the pair of hearing aids 900A and 900B (e.g., an output unit of each of the pair of hearing aids 900A and 900B). In one or more exemplary charging devices, the charging unit 806 is configured to perform the first charging procedure by determining whether the voltage 28 of the battery 907 of the corresponding hearing aid in the pair of hearing aids 900A and 900B has reached the first voltage reference value. In one or more exemplary charging devices, the charging unit 806 is configured to determine whether the voltage 28 of the battery 907 of the corresponding hearing aid in the pair of hearing aids 900A and 900B has reached the first voltage reference value during the first CC charging procedure 22A.

[0247] In one or more example charging devices, determining whether the voltage 28 of the battery 907 of the corresponding hearing aid in the pair of hearing aids 900A, 900B reaches the first voltage reference value includes determining that the voltage 28 of the battery 907 of the corresponding hearing aid in the pair of hearing aids 900A, 900B does not reach the first voltage reference value.

[0248] In one or more example charging devices, the charging device 800 (e.g., the charging unit 806) is configured to apply a charging current 24 to the battery 907 of the corresponding hearing aid in the pair of hearing aids 900A, 900B based on a first current reference value when it is determined that the voltage 28 of the battery 907 of the corresponding hearing aid in the pair of hearing aids 900A, 900B has not reached a first voltage reference value. In one or more example charging devices, the charging device 800 (e.g., the charging unit 806) is configured to determine whether the voltage 28 of the battery 907 of the corresponding hearing aid in the pair of hearing aids 900A, 900B has reached the first voltage reference value when it is determined that the voltage 28 of the battery 907 of the corresponding hearing aid in the pair of hearing aids 900A, 900B has not reached the first voltage reference value. For example, the charging device 800 (e.g., the charging unit 806) includes applying the charging current 24 to the battery 907 of the corresponding hearing aid in the pair of hearing aids 900A, 900B until it is determined that the voltage 28 of the battery 907 of the corresponding hearing aid in the pair of hearing aids 900A, 900B has reached the first voltage reference value. In one or more example charging devices, determining that the voltage 28 of the battery 907 of the corresponding hearing aid in the pair of hearing aids 900A, 900B has not reached the first voltage reference value may be considered a condition for continuing the first CC charging procedure 22A.

[0249] In one or more example charging devices, determining whether the voltage 28 of the battery 907 of the corresponding hearing aid in the pair of hearing aids 900A, 900B reaches the first voltage reference value includes determining that the voltage 28 of the battery 907 of the corresponding hearing aid in the pair of hearing aids 900A, 900B reaches the first voltage reference value.

[0250] The charging device 800 (e.g., the charging unit 806) is configured to, upon determining that the voltage 28 of the battery 907 of the respective hearing aid in the pair of hearing aids 900A, 900B has reached a first voltage reference value, execute a first charging procedure by maintaining the voltage 28 of the battery 907 of the respective hearing aid in the pair of hearing aids 900A, 900B at the first voltage reference value. The charging device 800 (e.g., the charging unit 806) is configured to maintain the voltage 28 of the battery 907 of the respective hearing aid in the pair of hearing aids 900A, 900B at the first voltage reference value by controlling the charging current 24 until the charging current 24 reaches a second current reference value. In one or more exemplary charging devices, determining that the voltage 28 of the battery 907 of the respective hearing aid in the pair of hearing aids 900A, 900B has reached the first voltage reference value can be considered a condition for executing the first CV charging procedure 22B (e.g., switching from the first CC charging procedure 22A to the first CV charging procedure 22B).

[0251] In one or more example charging devices, determining that the charging current 24 reaches the second current reference value may be considered a condition for initiating the second charging procedure.

[0252] In one or more example charging devices, the charging device 800 (e.g., the charging unit 806) is configured to determine whether the charging current 24 has reached a second current reference value. In one or more example charging devices, the charging device 800 (e.g., the charging unit 806) is configured to determine whether the charging current 24 has reached the second current reference value by determining that the charging current 24 has not reached the second current reference value. In one or more example charging devices, the charging device 800 (e.g., the charging unit 806) is configured to maintain the voltage 28 of the battery 907 of the corresponding hearing aid in the pair of hearing aids 900A and 900B at a first voltage reference value by controlling the charging current 24 until the charging current 24 reaches the second current reference value when determining that the charging current 24 has not reached the second current reference value. In one or more example charging devices, the charging device 800 (e.g., the charging unit 806) is configured to determine whether the charging current 24 has reached the second current reference value when determining that the charging current 24 has not reached the second current reference value. In other words, the second charging device 800 (e.g., the charging unit 806) may be configured to maintain the voltage 28 of the battery 907 of the corresponding hearing aid in the pair of hearing aids 900A and 900B at the first voltage reference value until it is determined that the charging current 24 has reached the second current reference value. For example, determining that the charging current 24 has not reached the second current reference value may be considered a condition for continuing the first CV charging procedure 22B.

[0253] In one or more example charging devices, charging device 800 (e.g., charging unit 806) is configured to determine whether charging current 24 has reached the second current reference value by determining that charging current 24 has reached the second current reference value. In one or more example charging devices, determining that charging current 24 has reached the second current reference value can be considered a condition for initiating (e.g., and / or executing) a second charging procedure. In one or more example charging devices, determining that charging current 24 has reached the second current reference value can be considered a condition for executing second CC charging procedure 26A (e.g., switching from first CV charging procedure 22B to second CC charging procedure 26A).

[0254] In one or more exemplary charging devices, the charging configuration 20A, 20B further includes a second voltage reference value and a second target value indicating a state of health (SOH) of the battery 907. The second target value indicates the amount of charge or energy required to fully charge the corresponding hearing aid. In one or more exemplary charging devices, the charging device 800 (e.g., the charging unit 806) is configured to perform a second charging procedure based on the charging configuration 20A, 20B.

[0255] The second voltage reference value and the second target value may be the same for the pair of hearing aids 900A, 900B. The second voltage reference value and the second target value may also be different for the pair of hearing aids 900A, 900B.

[0256] In one or more example charging devices, the second charging procedure is a CC-CV charging procedure. In other words, the charging unit 806 may be configured to execute the second CC-CV charging procedure. In one or more example charging devices, the second CC-CV charging procedure includes a second CC charging procedure 26A and a second CV charging procedure 26B. In one or more example charging devices, the controller 805 may be configured to control the charging unit 806 to execute the second charging procedure. In one or more example charging devices, the control message 22 also indicates the second charging procedure to be executed by the charging unit 806. The controller 805 may instruct the charging unit 806 to execute the second charging procedure via the control message 22. The control message 22 may include the charging configurations 20A and 20B. In one or more example charging devices, the charging unit 806 is configured to execute the second charging procedure based on the control message 22.

[0257] In one or more example charging devices, the charging device 800 (eg, the charging unit 806 ) is configured to perform a second charging procedure by determining that the charging current 24 reaches a second current reference value.

[0258] In one or more exemplary charging devices, the charging device 800 (e.g., the charging unit 806) is configured to, upon determining that the charging current 24 reaches a second current reference value, apply the charging current 24 to the battery 907 of the corresponding hearing aid in the pair of hearing aids 900A, 900B based on the second current reference value to perform a second charging procedure. In one or more exemplary charging devices, the charging current 24 is constant. In one or more exemplary charging devices, applying the charging current 24 to the battery 907 of the corresponding hearing aid in the pair of hearing aids 900A, 900B causes the voltage 28 of the battery 907 to increase.

[0259] In one or more example charging devices, the charging device 800 (e.g., the charging unit 806) is configured to perform a second CC charging procedure 26A. In one or more example charging devices, the charging device 800 (e.g., the charging unit 806) is configured to perform the second CC charging procedure 26A by charging the battery 907 of the corresponding hearing aid in the pair of hearing aids 900A and 900B with a constant current, for example, by supplying a charging current 24 to the battery 907 of the corresponding hearing aid in the pair of hearing aids 900A and 900B. For example, the controller 805 is configured to control the charging unit 806 to perform the second CC charging procedure 26A. For example, the controller 805 is configured to instruct the charging unit 806 to perform the second CC charging procedure 26A. In one or more example charging devices, the charging unit 806 is configured to perform the second CC charging procedure 26A based on the charging configurations 20A and 20B. In one or more example charging devices, the charging unit 806 is configured to perform the second CC charging procedure 26A based on a second current reference value.

[0260] In one or more example charging devices, the charging device 800 (eg, the charging unit 806 ) is configured to perform a second charging procedure by determining whether the voltage 28 of the battery 907 of a corresponding hearing aid in the pair of hearing aids 900A, 900B reaches a second constant voltage reference value.

[0261] In one or more example charging devices, the charging device 800 (e.g., the charging unit 806) is configured to determine whether the voltage 28 of the battery 907 of the corresponding hearing aid in the pair of hearing aids 900A, 900B has reached the second voltage reference value by determining that the voltage 28 has not reached the second voltage reference value.

[0262] In one or more example charging devices, the charging device 800 (e.g., the charging unit 806) is configured to, upon determining that the voltage of the battery 907 of the corresponding hearing aid in the pair of hearing aids 900A, 900B has not reached the second voltage reference value, apply the charging current 24 to the battery 907 of the corresponding hearing aid in the pair of hearing aids 900A, 900B based on the second current reference value. In other words, the charging device 800 (e.g., the charging unit 806) may be configured to continue supplying the charging current 24 to the battery 907 of the corresponding hearing aid in the pair of hearing aids 900A, 900B based on the second current reference value. In one or more example charging devices, the charging device 800 (e.g., the charging unit 806) is configured to, upon determining that the voltage 28 of the battery 907 of the corresponding hearing aid in the pair of hearing aids 900A, 900B has not reached the second voltage reference value, determine whether the voltage 28 has reached the second voltage reference value. In other words, the charging device 800 (e.g., the charging unit 806) may be configured to apply the charging current 24 to the battery 907 of the corresponding hearing aid in the pair of hearing aids 900A, 900B until it is determined that the voltage 28 of the battery 907 has reached the second voltage reference value. In one or more example charging devices, determining that the voltage 28 of the battery 907 of the corresponding hearing aid in the pair of hearing aids 900A, 900B has not reached the second voltage reference value may be considered a condition for continuing the second CC charging procedure 26A.

[0263] In one or more example charging devices, the charging device 800 (e.g., the charging unit 806) is configured to determine whether the voltage 28 of the battery 907 of the corresponding hearing aid in the pair of hearing aids 900A and 900B has reached the second voltage reference value. In one or more example charging devices, determining that the voltage 28 of the battery 907 of the corresponding hearing aid in the pair of hearing aids 900A and 900B has reached the second voltage reference value can be considered a condition for executing the second CV charging procedure 26B (e.g., switching from the second CC charging procedure 26A to the second CV charging procedure 26B).

[0264] In one or more example charging devices, the charging device 800 (e.g., the charging unit 806) is configured to perform a second charging procedure by maintaining the voltage 28 of the battery 907 at the second constant voltage reference value upon determining that the voltage 28 of the battery 907 of the corresponding hearing aid in the pair of hearing aids 900A, 900B reaches the second constant voltage reference value.

[0265] In one or more example charging devices, the charging device 800 (e.g., the charging unit 806) is configured to perform a second CV charging procedure 26B. In one or more example charging devices, the charging current 24 supplied by the charging unit 806 to the battery 907 of the corresponding hearing aid in the pair of hearing aids 900A, 900B is configured to gradually decrease relative to a second current reference value until the charging current 24 reaches a current termination value. The charging configuration 20A, 20B of the corresponding hearing aid in the pair of hearing aids 900A, 900B may further include a current termination value 28. For example, the current termination value 28 indicates that the battery 907 of the corresponding hearing aid in the pair of hearing aids 900A, 900B has been charged to its current maximum capacity or initial full capacity. In other words, when the battery 907 of the corresponding hearing aid in the pair of hearing aids 900A, 900B has been charged to its initial full capacity or current maximum capacity, the charging device 800 (e.g., the charging unit 806) is configured to stop performing the second charging procedure.

[0266] In one or more example charging devices, the charging device 800 (e.g., the charging unit 806 and / or the controller 805) is configured to determine a second voltage reference value based on a second target value. In one or more example charging devices, the charging device 800 (e.g., the charging unit 806 and / or the controller 805) is configured to adjust the second voltage reference value included in the charging configuration 20A, 20B of the corresponding hearing aid in a pair of hearing aids 900A, 900B based on the second target value. In one or more example charging devices, the charging device 800 (e.g., the memory 801) is configured to store the second voltage reference value. In one or more example charging devices, the second target value includes one or more of the following: an energy target and a charging capacity target. In one or more example charging devices, the second target value is a predetermined value.

[0267] In one or more example charging devices, the charging device 800 (e.g., the controller 805) is configured to determine a second voltage reference value based on the target value before the charging unit 806 retrieves the corresponding charging configuration 20A, 20B from the memory 801 via the controller 805. Alternatively, each of the pair of hearing aids 900A, 900B can be configured to determine a second voltage reference value based on a second target value. The charging configuration 20A, 20B of the corresponding hearing aid in the pair of hearing aids 900A, 900B can include the second voltage reference value determined based on the second target value, e.g., adjusted to the second target value. The controller 805 can be configured to provide the charging configuration 20A, 20B of the corresponding hearing aid in the pair of hearing aids 900A, 900B to the charging unit 806 after being updated with the adjusted second voltage reference value. In one or more example charging devices, the charging device 800 (e.g., the charging unit 806) is configured to adjust the second voltage reference value based on the second target value after the charging unit 806 retrieves the charging configurations 20A, 20B of the respective hearing aids in the pair of hearing aids 900A, 900B from the memory 801 via the controller 805. Optionally, the controller 805 is configured to adjust the second voltage reference value based on the second target value and provide the adjusted second voltage reference value to the charging unit 806.

[0268] In one or more example charging arrangements, the charging configurations 20A, 20B of respective hearing aids in a pair of hearing aids 900A, 900B are associated with one or more of: a hearing aid type, a battery type, and first and second target values for the battery of each hearing aid in the pair of hearing aids 900A, 900B.

[0269] Optionally, when each of the pair of hearing aids 900A, 900B includes a controller (e.g. similar to Figure 2 805 in the controller) and a charging unit (e.g. similar to Figure 2 When the charging unit 806 is connected to the charging device 800, the charging device 800 can act as a power source relative to other electronic devices 900. Such an embodiment is not described in detail. Figures 3A-3B In other words, each of the pair of hearing aids 900A, 900B may be configured to perform a first charging procedure (e.g., similar to Figure 2 The charging device 800 in FIG. 1 and the second charging procedure (e.g., similar to Figure 2 The charging device 800 in FIG.

[0270] In one or more example charging arrangements, when each of a pair of hearing aids includes a controller (e.g., similar to Figure 2 A processor (e.g., similar to the controller 805 in Figure 2 802 in the processor) and a charging unit (e.g. similar to Figure 2When the charging device 800 is connected to the charging unit 806 in the pair of hearing aids 900A and 900B, the charging device 800 can function as a power source for each of the pair of hearing aids 900A and 900B. For example, each of the pair of hearing aids is configured to perform a charging procedure by detecting a connection with the charging device 800. In one or more example charging devices, the charging device 807 communicates with each of the pair of hearing aids. In other words, the charging device 800 communicates with the controller and / or charging unit of each of the pair of hearing aids 900A and 900B. The charging device 800 communicates with the processor of each of the pair of hearing aids 900A and 900B. When the charging device 800 functions solely as a power source for each of the pair of hearing aids 900A and 900B, the charging device 800 can deactivate functions associated with the processor 802, controller 805, and / or charging unit 806. The charging device 800 can, for example, use the battery 907 to provide energy to the charging unit of each of the pair of hearing aids 900A and 900B.

[0271] Interface 803 can be configured for wired or wireless communication. Interface 803 can be configured for wireless communication via a wireless communication system, such as a short-range wireless communication system such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Zigbee, IEEE 802.11, IEEE 802.15, infrared, etc. Optionally, interface 803 can include a connector for wired communication, such as by using a cable. This connector can connect each of the pair of hearing aids 900A, 900B to charging device 800, such as for a wired connection.

[0272] Figures 3A-3B An example hearing aid 500 according to the present invention is shown. Hearing aid 500 can be considered as any one of at least two hearing aids or a pair of hearing aids included in a hearing system. The batteries of the at least two hearing aids are characterized by a battery model number, and the battery model number of each of the at least two hearing aids is different from that of the other. In other words, the structure of hearing aid 500 corresponds to the structure of each of the at least two hearing aids. Figures 3A-3B Each of the hearing aids 900A, 900B in FIG. 5 may include the same structure as the hearing aid 500 .

[0273] The hearing device 500 may be configured to be worn on the ear of a user. The hearing device 500 may be a wearable device. The hearing aid 500 may include a hearing instrument, such as a hearing instrument adapted to be positioned at the ear of a user or positioned completely or partially within the ear canal of a user, such as a headset, an earphone, an ear protector, or a combination thereof.

[0274] A hearing aid, such as a hearing instrument, may refer to a device configured to improve, enhance, and / or protect a user's hearing ability by receiving acoustic signals from the user's environment, generating corresponding audio signals, possibly modifying the audio signals, and providing the possibly modified audio signals as audible signals to at least one ear of the user. The audible signals may be provided, for example, in the form of acoustic signals radiated into the user's outer ear and / or acoustic signals transmitted as mechanical vibrations through bony structures of the user's head and / or through portions of the middle ear to the user's inner ear.

[0275] The hearing aid can be configured to be worn in any known manner, such as as a unit worn behind the ear (with a tube that directs the radiated acoustic signal into the ear canal or with an output transducer, such as a loudspeaker, arranged close to or in the ear canal), as a unit arranged entirely or partially in the auricle and / or ear canal, as a unit connected to a fixed structure implanted in the skull, such as a vibrator, etc. The hearing aid can comprise a single unit or several units that communicate with each other (e.g., acoustically, electrically, or optically). The loudspeaker can be arranged in the housing together with the other components of the hearing aid, or it can itself be an external unit (possibly in combination with a flexible guiding element, such as a dome-shaped element).

[0276] The hearing device 500 may be behind-the-ear (BTE), in-the-ear (ITE), in-the-canal (ITC), receiver-in-the-canal (RIC), or receiver-in-the-ear (RITE). The hearing aid 500 may be a binaural hearing aid. A binaural hearing aid may be considered a hearing system, for example, a system comprising two hearing aids adapted to provide signals to both ears of a user in a coordinated manner.

[0277] Figure 3A An embodiment of a behind-the-ear hearing device 500 according to the present invention is shown, comprising a behind-the-ear portion with a loudspeaker and an in-the-ear portion comprising a (possibly custom-made) ear mold, both connected by a sound transmission element. The behind-the-ear portion (BTE) is configured to be located at or behind the user's ear, and the in-the-ear portion (ITE) is configured to be located in or at the user's ear canal and comprises a through-opening that allows sound to be transmitted to the user's eardrum (see sound field SED) via the connection element. The behind-the-ear portion and the in-the-ear portion are connected (e.g., electrically connected) by a connection element (IC) comprising a sound transmission channel (e.g., a hollow tube). The present invention is not limited to behind-the-ear hearing aids.

[0278] In one or more exemplary hearing aids, the behind-the-ear portion includes a speaker SP for emitting sound to the connected element. In one or more exemplary hearing aids, the speaker is connected to the relevant electronic circuitry of the hearing device 500, such as the processor (DSP), via internal wiring in the behind-the-ear portion (e.g., schematically represented as wiring Wx in the behind-the-ear portion). In one or more exemplary hearing aids, the behind-the-ear portion includes first and second input transducers, such as microphones (MBTE1 and MBTE2), for picking up sounds from the environment surrounding the user wearing the hearing device 500 (see sound field SBTE). In an embodiment, the in-the-ear portion may include an ear mold designed to provide a relatively large sound pressure level to the eardrum of a user (e.g., a user with severe to profound hearing loss).

[0279] In one or more exemplary hearing aids, the hearing device 500 (here, the behind-the-ear portion) further includes two (e.g., individually selectable) wireless receivers (WLR1, WLR2) for providing direct reception of auxiliary audio input and / or control or information signals. These wireless receivers can be configured to receive signals from another hearing device (e.g., in a binaural hearing system) or any other communication device (e.g., a phone, such as a smartphone), or from a wireless microphone or T-coil. The wireless receivers can be capable of receiving (and also capable of transmitting) audio and / or control or information signals. The wireless receivers can be based on Bluetooth or similar technology, or can be based on near-field communication (e.g., inductive coupling).

[0280] In one or more exemplary hearing aids, the behind-the-ear portion includes a substrate SUB on which a plurality of electronic components (MEM, FE, DSP) are mounted. In one or more exemplary hearing aids, the behind-the-ear portion includes a configurable signal processor (DSP) and a memory (MEM) accessible therefrom. The signal processor (DSP) may be part of an integrated circuit, such as (primarily) a digital integrated circuit.

[0281] The behind-the-ear portion comprises an output transducer (SP) for providing an enhanced output signal as a stimulus perceivable as sound to the user based on the enhanced (e.g. amplified, frequency shaped) audio signal from the signal processor (DSP) or a signal derived therefrom. Figure 3A In the embodiment of the present invention, the output transducer is in the form of a speaker (receiver) (SP) for converting the electrical signal into an acoustic signal. Alternatively or additionally, the enhanced audio signal from the signal processor (DSP) can be further processed and / or transmitted to another device according to the specific application scenario.

[0282] exist Figure 3A In the embodiment, the (far-field) (target) sound source S propagates (and mixes with other sounds (e.g., noise) in the environment) to the corresponding sound field at the behind-the-ear microphones (MBTE1, MBTE2) in the behind-the-ear part.

[0283] The hearing device 500, such as a hearing aid (e.g. a processor (DSP)), may be configured to provide frequency-dependent gain and / or level-dependent compression and / or frequency conversion of one or more frequency ranges to one or more other frequency ranges (with or without frequency compression), e.g. to compensate for a hearing impairment of a user.

[0284] In one or more example hearing aids, the hearing aid 500 is a portable device comprising a battery BAT, such as a rechargeable battery, eg based on lithium-ion battery technology, for powering electronic components of the behind-the-ear part and possibly the in-the-ear part.

[0285] In one or more exemplary hearing aids, the charging processing unit 550 may include a battery of the hearing aid 500. The charging processing unit 550 may be configured to execute a charging procedure, such as charging the battery BAT. In one or more exemplary hearing aids, the charging processing unit 550 may also include other components suitable for executing the charging procedure, such as a charging unit, a controller, a memory, and / or a power supply.

[0286] Figure 3B FIG. 5 shows a charging processing unit 505 of a hearing aid 500. In one or more exemplary hearing aids, the charging processing unit 505 includes one or more of the following components: a memory 501, a processor 502, an interface, a power supply 504, and a battery 507. The battery 507 is Figure 3A In one or more example hearing aids, the memory 501, the processor 502, the power supply 504, and the battery 507 may not be integrated into the charging processing unit 500. In one or more example hearing aids, the memory 501, the processor 502, the interface 503, the power supply 504, and the battery 507 may be integrated by the hearing aid 500 as a single unit.

[0287] exist Figures 3A-3B In an embodiment of the present invention, the charging processing unit 500 includes a memory 501, a processor 502, a power supply 504, and a battery 507. The processor 502 may include a controller 505 and a charging unit 506. Alternatively, the hearing aid 500 and / or the charging processing unit 500 includes the memory 501, an interface (e.g., an input unit), the power supply 504, the controller 505, the charging unit 506, and the battery 507. In other words, the controller 505 and the charging unit 506 may not be part of the processor 502. The charging unit 506 may include the controller 505. That is, the controller 505 may be integrated into the charging unit 506.

[0288] The charging processing unit 550 may be configured to perform Figures 1A-1D Some or all of the steps of the method disclosed in.

[0289] The hearing aid 500 may be configured to charge the battery 507 (e.g., when the battery level of the hearing aid 500 is below a threshold, e.g., when the hearing aid 500 is depleted). The user of the hearing aid 500 may initiate the charging process by connecting the hearing aid 500 to a power source. The power source may be a 5V power source. In other words, the supply voltage entering the charging port (e.g., the power supply unit 504) may be 5V. The user of the hearing aid 500 may initiate the charging process by connecting the hearing aid 500 to a charging device (e.g., Figure 2 The user of the hearing aid 500 may start the charging process by connecting the hearing aid 500 to a charging device that acts only as a power source (e.g., as in combination with Figure 2 As discussed above. For example, the hearing aid 500 is configured to determine that a power source is connected to the hearing aid 500. For example, the power source 504 can be considered a power source. For example, the hearing aid 500 is configured to determine that a charging procedure (e.g., an iterative charge and discharge procedure and / or an n-step CC-CV charging procedure) has been initiated by detecting activation of the power source 504. In one or more example hearing aids, the power source (e.g., the power source 504) is configured to provide energy 7 to the charging unit 506.

[0290] The hearing aid 500 (eg the charging processing unit 550) is configured to obtain a charging profile 30 indicating a charging curve of the battery 507. The charging profile 30 comprises at least a first current reference value, a first voltage reference value, a first target value and a second current reference value.

[0291] In one or more example hearing aids, the processor 502 is configured to retrieve (eg, receive) the charging configuration 30 from the memory 501 . In one or more example hearing aids, when the hearing aid 500 is configured to charge the battery 507 , the processor 502 is configured to receive the charging configuration 30 from the memory 501 .

[0292] For example, the hearing device 500 is configured to obtain (via the input unit) one or more temperature values from an auxiliary device and / or the other hearing aid in a pair of hearing aids (e.g., from a memory of the auxiliary device and / or from a memory of the other hearing aid in the pair of hearing aids). The auxiliary device may be one or more of the following: a telephone device, a mobile phone, a computer, a server, and a battery testing device.

[0293] The hearing device 500 (e.g., the processor 502, e.g., the charging unit 506) is configured to determine an operating window, the window comprising a plurality of initial charging configuration points. Each of the plurality of initial charging configuration points indicates a current value, a voltage value, and a temperature value, and each of the plurality of initial charging configuration points is associated with a coulombic efficiency greater than or equal to a threshold.

[0294] The hearing device 500 (e.g., the processor 502, e.g., the charging unit 506) is configured to determine an operating window comprising a plurality of initial charging configuration points by performing an iterative charging and discharging procedure based on a manufacturer charging configuration 50. The manufacturer charging configuration indicates the manufacturer charging characteristics of the hearing aid battery. The memory 501 or a memory of the auxiliary device may be configured to store the manufacturer charging configuration 50 upon acquiring (e.g., receiving) the manufacturer charging configuration.

[0295] In one or more example hearing aids, the processor 502 is configured to perform an iterative charging and discharging procedure based on the manufacturer charging configuration 50 .

[0296] For example, the controller 505 is configured to retrieve the manufacturer charging configuration 50 from the memory 801 .

[0297] For example, the controller 505 is configured to control the charging unit 506. The controller 505 may be configured to control the charging unit 506 to perform an iterative charging and discharging procedure for each of the one or more temperature values. Optionally, the charging unit 506 may include the controller 505. In one or more example hearing aids, the charging unit 506 may also function as a controller. In one or more example hearing aids, the charging unit 506 is configured to retrieve the charging configuration 50 from the memory 501. For example, the charging unit 506 is configured to perform an iterative charging and discharging procedure for each of the one or more temperature values.

[0298] The controller 505 may be configured to control the charging unit 506 to perform an iterative charging and discharging procedure. In one or more exemplary hearing aids, the iterative charging and discharging procedure is an initialization procedure, such as a coulomb counting technique (e.g., for calculating the battery charge of the hearing aid 500 by measuring the amount of charge flowing into and out of the corresponding hearing aid battery 507 during a charge and discharge cycle).

[0299] In one or more example hearing aids, the controller 505 is configured to send a control message 52 to the charging unit 506 indicating an iterative charging and discharging procedure to be performed by the charging unit 506. The control message 52 may indicate a request sent by the controller 505 to the charging unit 506 to perform the iterative charging and discharging procedure.

[0300] In one or more example hearing aids, the manufacturer charging configuration 50 includes a maximum voltage value and a maximum current value. For example, the charging unit 506 is configured to obtain the manufacturer charging configuration from the controller 505. For example, the charging unit 506 is configured to determine a minimum voltage value based on the maximum voltage value. For example, the charging unit 506 is configured to determine multiple voltage values based on the maximum and minimum voltage values. For example, the charging unit 506 is configured to determine a minimum current value based on the maximum current value. For example, the charging unit 506 is configured to determine multiple current values based on the maximum and minimum current values.

[0301] In one or more example hearing aids, the hearing aid 500 (eg, the charging unit 506 ) is configured to perform an iterative charging and discharging procedure by setting the auxiliary voltage value to a minimum voltage value.

[0302] In one or more example hearing aids, the hearing aid 500 (eg, the charging unit 506 ) is configured to perform an iterative charging and discharging procedure by setting the auxiliary current value to a minimum current value.

[0303] In one or more example hearing aids, the hearing aid 500 (e.g., the charging unit 506) is configured to perform an iterative charging and discharging procedure by iteratively performing the following steps for each of a plurality of current values until the auxiliary voltage value reaches a maximum voltage value:

[0304] - determining a charge capacity of the battery 507 by applying (e.g. supplying) a charging current 54 to the battery 507 based on the corresponding current value (e.g. and the energy 7 provided by the power source) until the voltage of the battery 507 reaches an auxiliary voltage value;

[0305] - determining the discharge capacity of the battery 507 by applying a discharge current 56 to the battery 507 until the voltage of the battery 507 reaches the shutdown voltage;

[0306] - determining the coulombic efficiency based on the charge and discharge capacity of the corresponding battery; and

[0307] -Determine whether the Coulombic efficiency is greater than or equal to a threshold value.

[0308] For example, the hearing aid 500 (eg, the charging unit 506) is configured to determine whether the voltage of the battery 507 reaches an auxiliary voltage value. In one or more example hearing aids, the hearing aid 500 is configured to determine whether the voltage of the battery 507 reaches an auxiliary voltage value.

[0309] For example, the hearing aid 500 (eg, the charging unit 506 ) is configured to determine whether the voltage of the battery 507 has reached a shutdown voltage.

[0310] In one or more example hearing aids, the hearing aid 500 (eg, the charging unit 506 ) is configured to determine whether the Coulombic efficiency is greater than or equal to a threshold by determining that the Coulombic efficiency is greater than or equal to the threshold.

[0311] In one or more example hearing aids, the charging device 500 (eg, the charging unit 506 ) is configured to store the current value, the auxiliary voltage value, and the temperature value in the memory 501 as an initial charging configuration point when determining that the Coulombic efficiency is greater than or equal to a threshold.

[0312] In one or more example hearing aids, the charging device 500 (eg, the charging unit 506 ) is configured to determine whether the auxiliary voltage value is less than a maximum voltage value when determining that the Coulomb efficiency is greater than or equal to a threshold value.

[0313] In one or more example hearing aids, the hearing aid 500 (eg, the charging unit 506 ) is configured to determine whether the auxiliary voltage value is less than the maximum voltage value by determining that the auxiliary voltage value is less than the maximum voltage value.

[0314] In one or more example hearing aids, the hearing aid 500 (eg, the charging unit 506 ) is configured to set the auxiliary voltage value to a next voltage value among the plurality of voltage values upon determining that the auxiliary voltage value is less than the maximum voltage value.

[0315] In one or more example hearing aids, the charging device 500 (eg, the charging unit 506 ) is configured to determine whether the Coulombic efficiency is greater than or equal to a threshold by determining that the Coulombic efficiency is less than a threshold.

[0316] In one or more example hearing aids, the hearing aid 500 (eg, the charging unit 506 ) is configured to determine whether the auxiliary current value is less than a maximum current value when determining that the Coulombic efficiency is less than a threshold value.

[0317] For example, the hearing aid 500 (e.g., the charging unit 506) is configured to determine that the auxiliary current value is less than the maximum current value. For example, the hearing aid 500 (e.g., the charging unit 506) is configured to set the auxiliary current value to the next current value among the multiple current values when determining that the auxiliary current value is less than the maximum current value.

[0318] For example, the hearing aid 500 (e.g., the charging unit 506) is configured to determine that the auxiliary current value is equal to the maximum current value. For example, the hearing aid 500 (e.g., the charging unit 506) is configured to stop performing the iterative charging and discharging procedure (e.g., for a corresponding temperature value of the one or more temperature values) when determining that the auxiliary current value is equal to the maximum current value.

[0319] For example, hearing aid 500 is configured to provide a plurality of initial charging configuration points to an auxiliary device (e.g., a computer). The auxiliary device may be configured to receive the plurality of initial charging configuration points from a pair of hearing aids, including hearing aid 500 and another hearing aid having the same structure as hearing aid 500 but a different battery type. The auxiliary device (e.g., a processor of the device) may determine one or more initial charging configuration points common to the pair of hearing aids by comparing the plurality of initial charging configuration points of the pair of hearing aids.

[0320] For example, the auxiliary device (e.g., a processor of the apparatus) is configured to select an initial charging configuration point from the operating window based on a first target value and a charging time. The first target value represents an amount of charge or energy required for one day's use of the hearing aid. The charging time represents the time required to charge the hearing aid to meet one day's use.

[0321] The first current reference value is a current value of the selected initial charging configuration point.

[0322] The auxiliary device (such as a processor of the apparatus) is configured to determine a second current reference value based on the maximum current value. The operation window includes the second current reference value.

[0323] When the first target value is a charge capacity target, the first current reference value and the second current reference value may be the same for the pair of hearing aids 900A and 900B. When the first target value is an energy target, the first current reference value and the second current reference value may be different for the pair of hearing aids 900A and 900B.

[0324] For example, the auxiliary device (eg, a processor of the apparatus) is configured to provide the selected initial charging configuration point (eg, first current reference value, first voltage reference value, second current reference value) to each of the pair of hearing aids.

[0325] Optionally, the hearing aid 500 may be configured to receive a corresponding plurality of initial charging configuration points from the other hearing aid of the pair of hearing aids.The hearing aid (eg the processor 502, eg the charging unit 506) may be configured to determine an operating window.

[0326] For example, the hearing aid 500 (eg, the processor 502 , eg, the charging unit 506 ) is configured to select an initial charging configuration point from the operating window based on the first target value and the charging time.

[0327] For example, the hearing aid is configured to provide the selected initial charging configuration point to the other hearing aid in the pair. Each of the pair of hearing aids may be configured to determine a respective first voltage reference value and a respective second current reference value. One of the pair of hearing aids may be configured to determine a first voltage reference value and a second current reference value for each of the pair of hearing aids and provide its first voltage reference value and second current reference value to the other hearing aid in the pair.

[0328] For example, the first voltage reference value may be determined by determining a voltage value corresponding to the first target when a charging current is applied to a battery of the corresponding hearing aid based on the first current reference value (e.g., determined by each, one of the pair of hearing aids, or by the auxiliary device).

[0329] The hearing aid 500 (e.g., the charging processing unit 550) is configured to execute a first charging procedure based on the charging configuration 30 for a temperature value at a selected initial charging configuration point. In one or more exemplary hearing aids, the processor 502 is configured to execute the first charging procedure based on the charging configuration 30. For example, the controller 505 is configured to retrieve the charging configuration 30 from the memory 501. For example, the controller 505 is configured to control the charging unit 506. The controller 505 may be configured to control the charging unit 506 to execute the first charging procedure for the temperature value at the selected initial charging configuration point. The temperature value may be the same for both hearing aids in the pair of hearing aids.

[0330] Optionally, the charging unit 506 may include a controller 505. In one or more exemplary hearing aids, the charging unit 506 may also function as a controller. In one or more exemplary hearing aids, the charging unit 506 is configured to retrieve the charging configuration 30 from the memory 501. For example, the charging unit 508 is configured to execute a first charging procedure. For example, the charging unit 506 including the controller 505 may be considered an integrated circuit charger.

[0331] exist Figure 3B In an embodiment of the present invention, the controller 505 is configured to obtain a charging configuration 30 from the memory 501. The controller 505 may be configured to control the charging unit 506 to execute a first charging procedure. In one or more example hearing aids, the first charging procedure is a CC-CV charging procedure. In other words, the charging unit 506 may be configured to execute the first CC-CV charging procedure. In one or more example hearing aids, the first CC-CV charging procedure includes a first CC charging procedure 32A and a first CV charging procedure 32B. In one or more example hearing aids, the controller 505 is configured to send a control message 32 to the charging unit 506, which indicates the first charging procedure to be executed by the charging unit 506. The control message 32 may indicate that the controller 505 requests the charging unit 506 to execute the first charging procedure.

[0332] The hearing aid 500 (e.g., the charging unit 506) is configured to apply a charging current 34 to the battery 507 based on a first current reference value to perform a first charging procedure. In one or more exemplary hearing devices, the hearing aid 500 (e.g., the charging unit 506) is configured to apply the charging current 34 to the battery 507 based on the first current reference value and energy 7 provided by a power source (e.g., the power source 504) to perform the first charging procedure. The charging current 34 is (e.g., substantially and / or approximately) constant. Applying the charging current 34 to the battery 507 increases the voltage of the battery 507. In one or more exemplary hearing devices, the charging unit 506 is configured to perform the first charging procedure based on the control message 32.

[0333] In one or more example hearing aids, the charging unit 506 is configured to perform a first CC charging procedure 32A. In other words, the charging unit 506 is configured to charge the battery 507 at a constant current, for example by supplying a charging current 34 to the battery 507. For example, the controller 505 is configured to control the charging unit 506 to perform the first charging procedure. For example, the controller 505 is configured to instruct the charging unit 506 to perform the first charging procedure. In other words, the control message 32 may indicate the first charging procedure to be performed by the charging unit 506. In one or more example hearing aids, the charging unit 506 is configured to perform the first CC charging procedure 32A based on the charging configuration 30. In one or more example hearing aids, the charging unit 506 is configured to perform the first CC charging procedure 32A based on a first current reference value.

[0334] The hearing aid 500 (e.g., the charging unit 506) is configured to perform a first charging procedure by determining whether the voltage of the battery 507 reaches a first voltage reference value. In one or more exemplary hearing aids, the charging unit 506 is configured to perform a first charging procedure by determining whether the voltage of the battery 507 reaches the first voltage reference value. In one or more exemplary hearing aids, the charging unit 506 is configured to determine whether the voltage of the battery 507 reaches the first voltage reference value during the first CC charging procedure 32A.

[0335] In one or more example hearing aids, determining whether the voltage of the battery 507 reaches the first voltage reference value includes determining that the voltage of the battery 507 does not reach the first voltage reference value.

[0336] In one or more exemplary hearing aids, the hearing aid 500 (e.g., the charging unit 506) is configured to apply the charging current 34 to the battery 507 based on the first current reference value upon determining that the voltage of the battery 507 has not reached the first voltage reference value. In one or more exemplary hearing aids, the hearing aid 500 (e.g., the charging unit 506) is configured to determine whether the voltage of the battery 507 has reached the first voltage reference value upon determining that the voltage of the battery 507 has not reached the first voltage reference value. For example, the hearing aid 500 (e.g., the charging unit 506) may include applying the charging current 34 to the battery 507 until determining that the voltage of the battery 507 has reached the first voltage reference value. In one or more exemplary hearing aids, determining that the voltage of the battery 507 has not reached the first voltage reference value may be considered a condition for continuing the first CC charging procedure 32A.

[0337] In one or more hearing devices, determining whether the voltage of the battery 507 reaches the first voltage reference value includes determining that the voltage of the battery 507 reaches the first voltage reference value.

[0338] The hearing aid 500 (e.g., the charging unit 506) is configured to, upon determining that the voltage of the battery 507 has reached a first voltage reference value, execute a first charging procedure by maintaining the voltage of the battery 507 at the first voltage reference value. The hearing aid 500 (e.g., the charging unit 506) is configured to maintain the voltage of the battery 507 at the first voltage reference value by controlling the charging current 34 until the charging current 34 reaches a second current reference value. In one or more exemplary hearing aids, determining that the voltage of the battery 507 has reached the first voltage reference value may be considered a condition for executing the first CV charging procedure 32B (e.g., switching from the first CC charging procedure 32A to the first CV charging procedure 32B).

[0339] In one or more exemplary hearing aids, determining that the charging current 34 reaches the second current reference value may be considered a condition for initiating the second charging procedure.

[0340] In one or more example hearing aids, the hearing aid 500 (e.g., the charging unit 506) is configured to determine whether the charging current 34 has reached a second current reference value. In one or more example hearing aids, the hearing aid 500 (e.g., the charging unit 506) is configured to determine whether the charging current 34 has reached the second current reference value by determining that the charging current 34 has not reached the second current reference value. In one or more example hearing aids, the hearing aid 500 (e.g., the charging unit 506) is configured to, upon determining that the charging current 34 has not reached the second current reference value, maintain the voltage of the battery 507 at a first voltage reference value by controlling the charging current 34 until the charging current 34 reaches the second current reference value. In one or more example hearing aids, the hearing aid 500 (e.g., the charging unit 506) is configured to, upon determining that the charging current 34 has not reached the second current reference value, determine whether the charging current 34 has reached the second current reference value. In other words, the hearing aid 500 (e.g., the charging unit 506) may be configured to maintain the voltage of the battery 507 at the first voltage reference value until it is determined that the charging current 34 has reached the second current reference value. For example, determining that the charging current 34 has not reached the second current reference value may be considered a condition for continuing the first CV charging procedure 32B.

[0341] In one or more example hearing aids, the hearing aid 500 (e.g., the charging unit 506) is configured to determine whether the charging current 34 has reached the second current reference value by determining that the charging current 34 has reached the second current reference value. In one or more example hearing aids, determining that the charging current 34 has reached the second current reference value can be considered a condition for initiating (e.g., and / or executing) a second charging procedure. In one or more example hearing aids, determining that the charging current 34 has reached the second current reference value can be considered a condition for executing the second CC charging procedure 36A (e.g., switching from the first CV charging procedure 32B to the second CC charging procedure 36A).

[0342] In one or more exemplary hearing aids, the charging configuration 30 further includes a second voltage reference value and a second target value indicating a state of health (SOH) of the battery 507. The second target value represents an amount of charge or energy required to fully charge the hearing aid 500. In one or more exemplary hearing aids, the hearing aid 500 (e.g., the charging unit 506) is configured to perform a second charging procedure based on the charging configuration 30.

[0343] In one or more example hearing aids, the second charging procedure is a CC-CV charging procedure. In other words, the charging unit 506 may be configured to perform the second CC-CV charging procedure. In one or more example hearing aids, the second CC-CV charging procedure includes a second CC charging procedure 36A and a second CV charging procedure 36B. In one or more example hearing aids, the controller 505 may be configured to control the charging unit 506 to perform the second charging procedure. In one or more example hearing aids, the control message 32 also indicates the second charging procedure to be performed by the charging unit 506. In other words, the control message 32 may include the charging configuration 30. In one or more example hearing aids, the charging unit 506 is configured to perform the second charging procedure based on the control message 32.

[0344] In one or more example hearing aids, the hearing aid 500 (eg, the charging unit 506 ) is configured to perform a second charging procedure by determining that the charging current 34 reaches a second current reference value.

[0345] In one or more exemplary hearing aids, the hearing aid 500 (e.g., the charging unit 506) is configured to, upon determining that the charging current 34 has reached a second current reference value, apply the charging current 34 to the battery based on the second current reference value to perform a second charging procedure. In one or more exemplary hearing aids, the charging current 34 is constant. In one or more exemplary hearing aids, applying the charging current 34 to the battery 507 increases the voltage of the battery 507.

[0346] In one or more example hearing aids, the hearing aid 500 (e.g., the charging unit 506) is configured to perform the second CC charging procedure 36A. In one or more example hearing aids, the hearing aid 500 (e.g., the charging unit 506) is configured to perform the second CC charging procedure 36A by charging the battery 507 with a constant current, for example, by supplying the charging current 34 to the battery 507. For example, the controller 505 is configured to control the charging unit 506 to perform the second CC charging procedure 36A. For example, the controller 505 is configured to instruct the charging unit 506 to perform the second CC charging procedure 36A. In one or more example hearing aids, the charging unit 506 is configured to perform the second CC charging procedure 56A based on the charging configuration 30. In one or more example hearing aids, the charging unit 506 is configured to perform the second CC charging procedure 36A based on the second current reference value.

[0347] In one or more example hearing aids, the hearing aid 500 (eg, the charging unit 506 ) is configured to perform a second charging procedure by determining whether the voltage of the battery 507 reaches a second constant voltage reference value.

[0348] In one or more example hearing aids, the hearing aid 500 (eg, the charging unit 506 ) is configured to determine whether the voltage of the battery 507 reaches the second voltage reference value by determining that the voltage of the battery 507 does not reach the second voltage reference value.

[0349] In one or more exemplary hearing aids, the hearing aid 500 (e.g., the charging unit 506) is configured to, upon determining that the voltage of the battery 507 has not reached the second voltage reference value, apply the charging current 34 to the battery 507 based on the second current reference value. In other words, the hearing aid 500 (e.g., the charging unit 506) may be configured to continue supplying the charging current 34 to the battery 507 based on the second current reference value. In one or more exemplary hearing aids, the hearing aid 500 (e.g., the charging unit 506) is configured to, upon determining that the voltage of the battery 507 has not reached the second voltage reference value, determine whether the voltage of the battery 507 has reached the second voltage reference value. That is, the hearing aid 500 (e.g., the charging unit 506) may be configured to apply the charging current 34 to the battery 507 until determining that the voltage of the battery 507 has reached the second voltage reference value. In one or more exemplary hearing aids, determining that the voltage of the battery 507 has not reached the second voltage reference value may be considered a condition for continuing the second CC charging procedure 36A.

[0350] In one or more exemplary hearing aids, the hearing aid 500 (e.g., the charging unit 506) is configured to determine whether the voltage of the battery 507 has reached the second voltage reference value by determining that the voltage of the battery 507 has reached the second voltage reference value. In one or more exemplary hearing aids, determining that the voltage of the battery 507 has reached the second voltage reference value may be considered a condition for executing the second CV charging procedure 36B (e.g., switching from the second CC charging procedure 36A to the second CV charging procedure 36B).

[0351] In one or more example hearing aids, the hearing aid 500 (eg, the charging unit 506 ) is configured to perform a second charging procedure by maintaining the voltage of the battery 507 at a second voltage reference value upon determining that the voltage of the battery 507 reaches a second CV reference value.

[0352] In one or more example hearing aids, the hearing aid 500 (e.g., the charging unit 506) is configured to perform the second CV charging procedure 36B. In one or more example hearing aids, the charging current 34 supplied by the charging unit 506 to the battery 507 is configured to gradually decrease relative to a second current reference value until the charging current 34 reaches a current termination value 38. The charging configuration 30 may also include the current termination value 38. For example, the current termination value 38 indicates that the battery 507 has been charged to its current maximum capacity or initial full capacity. In other words, when the battery 507 has been charged to its initial full capacity or current maximum capacity, the hearing aid 500 (e.g., the charging unit 506) is configured to stop performing the second charging procedure.

[0353] In one or more example hearing aids, the hearing aid 500 (e.g., the charging unit 506 and / or the controller 505) is configured to determine a second voltage reference value based on a second target value. In one or more example hearing aids, the hearing aid 500 (e.g., the charging unit 506 and / or the controller 505) is configured to adjust the second voltage reference value included in the charging configuration 30 based on the second target value. In one or more example hearing aids, the hearing aid 500 (e.g., the memory 501) is configured to store the second voltage reference value. In one or more example hearing aids, the second target value includes one or more of the following: an energy target and a capacity target. In one or more example hearing aids, the second target value is a predetermined value.

[0354] In one or more example hearing aids, the hearing aid 500 (e.g., the controller 505) is configured to determine the second voltage reference value based on the second target value before the charging unit 506 retrieves the charging configuration 30 from the memory 501 via the controller 505. The charging configuration 30 may include a second voltage reference value determined based on the target value, for example, adjusted to the second target value. The controller 505 may be configured to provide the charging configuration 30 updated with the adjusted second voltage reference value to the charging unit 506. In one or more example hearing aids, the hearing aid 500 (e.g., the charging unit 506) is configured to adjust the second voltage reference value based on the target value after the charging unit 506 retrieves the charging configuration 30 from the memory 501 via the controller 505.

[0355] In one or more example hearing aids, the charging profile 30 is associated with one or more of: hearing aid type, battery type, and first and second target values (eg, state of health SOH of the battery 507 ).

[0356] Figure 4 A diagram 1000 is shown illustrating an example first charging procedure and an example second charging procedure according to the present invention. For example, the first charging procedure and the second charging procedure may be performed by an electronic device (e.g., Figure 2 The charging device 800, Figures 3A-3BFIG5 illustrates a CC-CV-CC-CV charging procedure. The first charging procedure includes a first CC charging procedure CC1 and a first CV charging procedure CV1. The second charging procedure includes a second CC charging procedure CC2 and a second CV charging procedure CV2. A first vertical axis 1001 represents voltage in millivolts (mV). A second vertical axis 1002 represents current in milliamperes (mA). A horizontal axis 1003 represents charging time in minutes. Curve 1010 illustrates how the charging current changes over the charging time, for example, during the CC-CV-CC-CV charging procedure. Curve 1012 illustrates how the voltage of the electronic device battery changes over the charging time, for example, during the CC-CV-CC-CV charging procedure.

[0357] The electronic device may be configured to execute a first CC charging procedure CC1. For example, executing the first CC charging procedure CC1 includes applying a charging current Icharge to the battery based on a first current reference value ICC1 (e.g., charging current Icharge = ICC1). The charging current Icharge may have slight fluctuations during the charging time, such as during the first CC charging phase CC1. In other words, the charging current Icharge may be substantially constant and / or approximately constant. The charging current Icharge, including slight fluctuations, may be considered constant. FIG5 illustrates that applying the charging current Icharge to the battery (e.g., Icharge = ICC1) causes the battery voltage Vbat to increase.

[0358] The electronic device is configured to determine whether the battery voltage Vbat reaches a first voltage reference value VCC1. For example, the battery can withstand charging with a higher current, such as charging with a constant charging current Icharge=ICC1, until the battery voltage Vbat reaches the first voltage reference value VCC1 (e.g., Vbat=VCC1). For example, determining that the battery voltage Vbat reaches the first voltage reference value VCC1 can be regarded as a condition for executing the first CV charging program CV1 (e.g., switching from the first CC charging program CC1 to the first CV charging program CV1). In one or more example methods, determining that the battery voltage Vbat does not reach the first voltage reference value VCC1 can be regarded as a condition for continuing to execute the first CC charging program CC1. In the embodiment of Figure 5, the battery is powered with a charging current Icharge of 25 milliamperes (mA) (e.g., Icharge=ICC1=25mA) until the battery voltage Vbat reaches 4.05 volts (V) (e.g., Vbat=VCC1=4.05V).

[0359] The electronic device is configured to maintain the battery voltage at the first voltage reference value VCC1 (e.g., Vbat = VCC1) upon determining that the battery voltage Vbat has reached the first voltage reference value VCC1. The first electronic device maintains the battery voltage at the first voltage reference value VCC1 by controlling the charging current Icharge until the charging current reaches the second current reference value ICC2 (e.g., Icharge = ICC2). As can be seen from FIG. 5 , the charging current Icharge gradually decreases until it reaches the second current reference value ICC2.

[0360] For example, determining that the charging current Icharge reaches the second current reference value ICC2 can be considered as a condition for starting the second charging process. For example, determining that the charging current Icharge does not reach the second current reference value ICC2 can be considered as a condition for continuing the first CV charging process CV1.

[0361] When it is determined that the charging current Icharge reaches the second current reference value ICC2, the electronic device may be configured to execute the second CC charging procedure CC2. For example, determining that the charging current Icharge reaches the second current reference value ICC2 may be considered a condition for executing the second CC charging procedure CC2 (e.g., switching from the first CV charging procedure CC1 to the second CC charging procedure CC2).

[0362] The electronic device may be configured to, upon determining that the charging current Icharge reaches a second current reference value ICC2 (e.g., Icharge=ICC2), apply a charging current Icharge=ICC2 to the battery based on the second current reference value ICC2. In one or more example methods, the charging current Icharge is constant. In other words, the charging current Icharge may be substantially constant and / or approximately constant. A charging current Icharge that includes minor fluctuations may be considered constant. FIG5 illustrates that applying a charging current Icharge (e.g., Icharge=ICC2) to the battery causes the battery voltage Vbat to increase.

[0363] The electronic device may be configured to determine whether the battery voltage Vbat reaches the second voltage reference value VCC2. For example, determining that the battery voltage Vbat has not reached the second voltage reference value VCC2 may be regarded as a condition for continuing to execute the second CC charging program CC2. For example, determining that the battery voltage Vbat reaches the second voltage reference value VCV2 may be regarded as a condition for executing the second CV charging program CV2 (for example, switching from the second CC charging program CC2 to the second CV charging program CV2). The electronic device may be configured to maintain the battery voltage Vbat at the second voltage reference value VCV2 (for example, Vbat=VCV2) when determining that the battery voltage Vbat reaches the second voltage reference value VCV2. The electronic device may be configured to execute the second CV charging program CV2. In other words, the battery voltage Vbat is caused to rise with the charging current Icharge=ICC2 until the battery voltage Vbat reaches the second voltage reference value VCV2. In the embodiment of FIG. 5 , the battery voltage is increased with a charging current Icharge of 8 mA (eg, Icharge=ICC2=8 mA) until the battery voltage Vbat reaches 4.2 V (eg, Vbat=VCC2=4.2 V).

[0364] For example, executing the second CV charging procedure CV2 may include gradually decreasing the charging current Icharge supplied to the battery relative to the second current reference value ICC2. For example, the charging current Icharge is gradually decreased relative to the second current reference value ICC2 until the charging current Icharge reaches the current termination value Iterm. In other words, the battery voltage Vbat may be maintained at VCV2 by gradually (e.g., smoothly) decreasing the charging current Icharge until the charging current Icharge reaches the current termination value Iterm. When the charging current Icharge (e.g., approximately) reaches the current termination value Iterm, the battery may have been charged to its initial full capacity or current maximum capacity.

[0365] For example, the first charging procedure may be considered a fast charging procedure, and the second charging procedure may be considered a standard charging procedure.

[0366] For example, when the charging current Icharge reaches the current termination value Iterm, the charging procedure ends. For example, the charging procedure shown in Figure 5 results in a charging time of 110 minutes. A typical (e.g., classic) procedure for charging an electronic device battery is a CC-CV charging procedure. The CC-CV charging procedure includes charging the battery with a constant charging current of, for example, 8 milliamperes (mA) until the battery voltage reaches 4.2 volts (V), which results in a charging time of approximately 145 minutes. The difference between the charging procedure of the present invention (e.g., CC-CV-CC-CV charging procedure) and the classic charging procedure (e.g., CC-CV charging procedure) can be calculated as (145-110) / 145. The charging procedure of the present invention is 24% faster than the classic method. Implementation of the present invention enables charging batteries for electronic devices in a faster manner.

[0367] Figures 5A-5B A diagram illustrating an example first charging procedure and an example second charging procedure for a pair of hearing aids is shown. The battery of each hearing aid in the pair is characterized by a battery model. The battery model of each hearing aid in the pair is different from that of the other hearing aid. The pair of hearing aids are of the same type (e.g., have the same structure).

[0368] The first hearing aid of the pair comprises battery A. The second hearing aid of the pair comprises battery B.

[0369] Batteries A and B have different rated capacities and different maximum charging voltages (eg, different maximum voltage values related to the manufacturer's charging configuration).

[0370] Figures 5A-5B A CC-CV-CC-CV charging procedure for each hearing aid in the pair of hearing aids is shown. The first charging procedure includes a first CC charging procedure and a first CV charging procedure. The second charging procedure includes a second CC charging procedure and a second CV charging procedure. The first vertical axis 3001 represents the voltage (e.g., battery voltage) in volts (V). The second vertical axis 3002 represents the charging current in milliamperes (mA) and the charging capacity in milliampere hours (mAh). The horizontal axis 3003 represents the charging time in minutes. For example, the charging time can be expressed as the time required to charge the hearing aid for a day's use or a full charge. The charging capacity measures the amount of current that the battery can provide during a period of time without recharging.

[0371] Figure 5AThe CC-CV-CC-CV charging procedure of battery A is shown. Curve 3010 shows the change of the battery voltage of the first hearing aid during the charging time, for example, during the CC-CV-CC-CV charging procedure. Curve 3012 shows the change of the charging current during the charging time, for example, during the CC-CV-CC-CV charging procedure. Curve 3014 shows the change of the charge capacity of battery A during the charging time, for example, during the CC-CV-CC-CV charging procedure. Line 3016 represents a second target value, for example, a second charge capacity target (unit: mAh). For example, a second energy target (unit: mWh) may be used instead of the second charge capacity target (unit: mAh). Figure 5A (not shown). For example, the second target value may represent the amount of charge or energy required to fully charge the first hearing aid. Line 3018 represents the first target value, such as a first charge capacity target (unit: mAh). For example, a first energy target (unit: mWh) may be used instead of the first charge capacity target (unit: Figure 5A (not shown in the figure). For example, the first target value may represent the amount of charge or energy required for the first hearing aid to be used for one day.

[0372] Figure 5B The CC-CV-CC-CV charging procedure of Battery B is shown. Curve 3020 shows the change in the battery voltage of the second hearing aid during the charging time, for example, during the CC-CV-CC-CV charging procedure. Curve 3024 shows the change in the charge capacity of Battery B during the charging time, for example, during the CC-CV-CC-CV charging procedure. Line 3026 represents a second target value, for example, a second charge capacity target (unit: mAh). For example, a second energy target (unit: mWh) may be used instead of the second charge capacity target (unit: mAh). Figure 5B (not shown). For example, the second target value may represent the amount of charge or energy required to fully charge the second hearing aid. Line 3028 represents the first target value, such as a first charge capacity target (unit: mAh). For example, a first energy target (unit: mWh) may be used instead of the first charge capacity target (unit: Figure 5B (not shown in the figure). For example, the first target value may represent the amount of charge or energy required for the second hearing aid to be used for one day.

[0373] Figure 5C A graph illustrating the consistency of charge capacity between a pair of hearing aids is shown. Figure 5C Shown respectively Figures 5A-5B Curves 3014 and 3024 in the graph show the charge capacity (eg, or energy) of battery A and battery B, respectively, over the charge time.

[0374] exist Figures 5A-5CIn an embodiment, the first and second target voltages of the first and second hearing aids are the same.

[0375] Figure 5C It is shown that the charging current and the target charging voltage can be adjusted in multiple steps (by determining parameters of the charging profile) such that the pair of hearing aids have (eg almost) the same charging capacity or energy over time.

[0376] In other words, by adjusting the first and second charging target voltages in the two-step CC-CV charging procedure, while appropriately selecting the initial charging configuration point (e.g., resulting in determining the first current reference value, the first voltage reference value, and the second current reference value), the charging capacities between the first and second hearing aids can be made similar.

[0377] Implementations of the present invention can achieve charging consistency between battery (cell) models from different suppliers by using an initialization procedure for configuring the battery charging curve and using an n-step CC-CV charging procedure to customize the battery charging curve.

[0378] The structural features of the apparatus described above, described in detail in the "Detailed Description of the Invention" and defined in the claims may be combined with the steps of the method of the present invention when appropriately replaced by corresponding processes.

[0379] Unless expressly stated otherwise, the singular forms "a", "the" and "the" used herein include the plural form (i.e., having the meaning of "at least one"). It should be further understood that the terms "having", "including" and / or "comprising" used in the specification indicate the presence of the described features, integers, steps, operations, elements and / or parts, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, parts and / or combinations thereof. It should be understood that, unless expressly stated otherwise, when an element is referred to as being "connected" or "coupled" to another element, it may be directly connected or coupled to the other element, or there may be an intermediate intervening element. The term "and / or" as used herein includes any and all combinations of one or more listed related items. Unless expressly stated otherwise, the steps of any method disclosed herein do not have to be performed in the exact order disclosed.

[0380] It should be understood that references in this specification to "an embodiment," "an embodiment," "an aspect," or features that "may" include, mean that the specific features, structures, or characteristics described in conjunction with that embodiment are included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, or characteristics may be combined as appropriate in one or more embodiments of the present invention. The foregoing description is provided to enable those skilled in the art to practice the various aspects described herein. Various modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

[0381] The claims are not limited to the aspects shown herein, but rather have the full scope consistent with the claim language in which, unless expressly stated otherwise, elements referred to in the singular do not mean "one and only one" but rather "one or more." Unless expressly stated otherwise, the term "some" means one or more.

Claims

1. A method for configuring a battery charging profile for each of a pair of hearing aids that are scheduled for charging, wherein the battery of each hearing aid in the pair is characterized by a battery model number, the battery models of each hearing aid in the pair are different from each other, and the pair of hearing aids are of the same type, the method comprising: - for each of the pair of hearing aids, obtaining a charging profile indicating a corresponding battery charging curve, wherein the charging profile includes at least a first current reference value, a first voltage reference value, a first target value, and a second current reference value, wherein obtaining the charging profile comprises: determining an operating window comprising a plurality of initial charging configuration points associated with a Coulombic efficiency greater than or equal to a threshold, each of the plurality of initial charging configuration points indicating a current value, a voltage value, and a temperature value, wherein determining the operating window comprises performing an iterative charging and discharging procedure based on a maximum voltage value and a maximum current value for the temperature value, --selecting an initial charging configuration point from the operation window based on a first target value and a charging time, wherein the first target value represents the amount of charge or energy required for the corresponding hearing aid to be used for one day, and the charging time represents the time required to charge the corresponding hearing aid to meet one day's use, wherein the first current reference value is the current value of the selected initial charging configuration point, --determining a first voltage reference value based on the first current reference value and the first target value, and - determining a second current reference value based on the maximum current value, wherein the operating window includes the second current reference value; and - performing a first charging procedure for each of the pair of hearing aids based on the corresponding charging configuration, wherein performing the first charging procedure comprises: - applying a charging current to a battery of the corresponding hearing aid based on a first current reference value, wherein the charging current is constant, wherein applying the charging current to the battery of the corresponding hearing aid causes a battery voltage of the corresponding hearing aid to increase; --determining whether the battery voltage of the corresponding hearing aid reaches a first voltage reference value; and When it is determined that the voltage reaches the first voltage reference value, the voltage of the corresponding hearing aid battery is maintained at the first voltage reference value by controlling the charging current until the charging current reaches the second current reference value.

2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the charging profile further comprises a second voltage reference value and a second target value indicating an amount of charge or energy required to fully charge the respective hearing aid, wherein the method comprises performing a second charging procedure based on the charging profile for each of the pair of hearing aids. 3 . The method of claim 2 , wherein executing the second charging procedure comprises determining that the charging current reaches a second current reference value.

4. The method according to claim 2, wherein executing the second charging procedure comprises: When it is determined that the charging current reaches the second current reference value, a charging current is applied to the battery of the corresponding hearing aid based on the second current reference value. The charging current is constant and the battery voltage is increased by applying the charging current to the battery of the corresponding hearing aid. The method according to claim 2 , wherein executing the second charging procedure comprises determining whether the voltage reaches a second voltage reference value.

6. The method according to claim 2, wherein executing the second charging procedure comprises: When it is determined that the voltage reaches the second voltage reference value, the voltage of the corresponding hearing aid battery is maintained at the second voltage reference value.

7. The method according to claim 2, wherein the method comprises: A second voltage reference value is determined based on the second target value and stored in a memory of the corresponding hearing aid.

8. The method of claim 2, wherein the charging configuration of each hearing aid in the pair of hearing aids is associated with one or more of: a hearing aid type, a battery type, and a first target value and a second target value of the corresponding battery.

9. The method according to claim 1, wherein the method comprises: - obtaining a manufacturer charging profile indicative of a manufacturer charging curve for a corresponding hearing aid battery, wherein the manufacturer charging profile comprises the maximum voltage value and the maximum current value; -determining a minimum voltage value based on the maximum voltage value; - determining a plurality of voltage values based on the maximum and minimum voltage values; - determining a minimum current value based on the maximum current value; and - Determining a plurality of current values based on the maximum and minimum current values.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein performing an iterative charging and discharging procedure comprises: - Set the auxiliary voltage value to the minimum voltage value; - Set the auxiliary current value to the minimum current value; Iteratively performing the following steps for each current value in the plurality of current values until the auxiliary voltage value reaches a maximum voltage value: - determining a charge capacity of the corresponding battery by applying a charging current to the corresponding battery based on the corresponding current value until the battery voltage reaches an auxiliary voltage value; --Determine the discharge capacity of the corresponding battery by applying a discharge current to the corresponding battery until the battery voltage reaches a shutdown voltage; --Determine the coulombic efficiency based on the charge and discharge capacity of the corresponding battery; as well as --Determine if the coulombic efficiency is greater than or equal to a threshold.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein determining whether the Coulombic efficiency is greater than or equal to a threshold comprises: - determining that the Coulombic efficiency is greater than or equal to a threshold value; -When determining that the Coulombic efficiency is greater than or equal to a threshold value, - storing the current value, auxiliary voltage value and temperature value in the form of an initial charging configuration point in a memory of the corresponding hearing aid and / or auxiliary device, and --Determine whether the auxiliary voltage value is less than the maximum voltage value, wherein determining whether the auxiliary voltage value is less than the maximum voltage value includes: ---Make sure the auxiliary voltage value is less than the maximum voltage value, and ---When it is determined that the auxiliary voltage value is less than the maximum voltage value, the auxiliary voltage value is set to the next voltage value among the multiple voltage values.

12. The method of claim 10, wherein determining whether the Coulombic efficiency is greater than or equal to a threshold comprises: - determining that the Coulombic efficiency is less than a threshold value; and - when it is determined that the coulombic efficiency is less than the threshold, determining whether the auxiliary current value is less than the maximum current value, wherein determining whether the auxiliary current value is less than the maximum current value includes: -- Ensure that the auxiliary current value is less than the maximum current value, and When it is determined that the auxiliary current value is less than the maximum current value, the auxiliary current value is set to a next current value among the multiple current values. 13 . The method of claim 1 , wherein determining the first voltage reference value comprises determining a voltage value corresponding to the first target when a charging current is applied to a battery of the corresponding hearing aid based on the first current reference value.

14. A computer program product comprising a computer program comprising instructions for causing the computer to perform the steps of the method according to claim 1 when the computer program is executed by a computer.

15. A hearing system comprising a pair of hearing aids of the same type, a charging device, and an auxiliary device, wherein the battery of each hearing aid in the pair of hearing aids is characterized by a battery model, the battery model of each hearing aid in the pair of hearing aids being different from each other, wherein the auxiliary device comprises: -Interface, configured as: --Get a temperature value, and providing, to each of the pair of hearing aids, a charging profile indicative of a respective battery charging profile for each of the pair of hearing aids, wherein the charging profile comprises at least a first current reference value, a first voltage reference value, a first target value, and a second current reference value; - A processor configured to: determining an operating window comprising a plurality of initial charging configuration points associated with a Coulombic efficiency greater than or equal to a threshold, each of the plurality of initial charging configuration points indicating a current value, a voltage value, and a temperature value, wherein determining the operating window comprises performing an iterative charging and discharging procedure based on a maximum voltage value and a maximum current value for the temperature value, --selecting an initial charging configuration point from the operation window based on a first target value and a charging time, wherein the first target value represents the amount of charge or energy required for the corresponding hearing aid to be used for one day, and the charging time represents the time required to charge the corresponding hearing aid to meet one day's use, wherein the first current reference value is the current value of the selected initial charging configuration point, --determining a first voltage reference value based on the first current reference value and the first target value, and --determining a second current reference value based on the maximum current value, wherein the operating window includes the second current reference value; - a memory configured to store one or more of: a plurality of initial charging configuration points, a selected initial charging configuration point, and a charging configuration; wherein the charging device is configured to operate as a power source for each of the pair of hearing aids; wherein each of the pair of hearing aids comprises: - an input unit configured to receive an acoustic signal and convert the acoustic signal into an input signal; - a processing unit configured to process the input signal according to a hearing loss profile of the user; - an output unit configured to transmit the signal processed with the hearing loss curve to the user's ear; and -Battery, wherein the input unit is configured to receive a charging configuration from an auxiliary device, wherein the processing unit is configured to execute a first charging procedure based on the received charging configuration, wherein executing the first charging procedure comprises: - applying a charging current to a battery of the corresponding hearing aid based on a first current reference value, wherein the charging current is constant, wherein applying the charging current to the battery of the corresponding hearing aid causes a battery voltage of the corresponding hearing aid to increase; - determining whether the battery voltage of the corresponding hearing aid reaches a first voltage reference value; and - upon determining that the voltage reaches the first voltage reference value, maintaining the voltage of the corresponding hearing aid battery at the first voltage reference value by controlling the charging current until the charging current reaches a second current reference value.

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