Method for operating a hearing device system

Abstract

The invention relates to a method (26) for operating a hearing device system (4) comprising a hearing device (6) and a further device, the hearing device (6) having a sensor (22) and a first radio communication device (20). A manual operation is detected by means of the sensor (22) and a request (32) is sent from the hearing device (6) to the further device as to a request to send a test signal (34). The test signal (34) is transmitted by the further device to the hearing device (6) and received by the hearing device (6) via the first radio communication device (20). The manual operation is verified as a function of a physical property of the received test signal (34). The invention also relates to a hearing device system (4).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for operating a hearing instrument system and a hearing instrument system comprising a hearing instrument having a sensor and a first radio communication device. Background Art

[0002] People with hearing loss typically use hearing aids, or hearing devices. This process typically involves converting ambient sound into electrical (audio / sound) signals using a microphone, an electromechanical sound wave converter, to capture the electrical signals. The captured electrical signals are then processed by an amplifier circuit, and the sound is then directed into the ear canal via an electromechanical transducer in the form of a separate earpiece. The captured sound signals are also typically processed, typically using a signal processor within the amplifier circuit. The amplification is tailored to the wearer's potential hearing loss.

[0003] Depending on the current situation, the user may wish to use different amplification effects. In addition, the user may temporarily want the hearing device to have specific functionality, such as using directional characteristics to preferably amplify ambient sounds from a specific direction. As an alternative or in combination, such functionality may be a noise reduction function, through which sounds such as wind noise can be played at a reduced level. To activate these functions, the user needs to make a corresponding input, which is usually done manually. For this purpose, hearing devices usually have a mechanical switch. However, liquid or the like can penetrate into the hearing device in the area of ​​the switch. Therefore, an alternative solution provides for the use of a capacitive sensor. This sensor can detect the proximity of the user's finger to the hearing device and trigger a specific function based on this.

[0004] For aesthetic reasons, hearing devices are often designed to be small. However, this can result in the hearing device's touch surface, which is assigned to the capacitive sensor, being at least partially obscured or covered by other body parts, such as the pinna. If the sensor's sensitivity is set too high, even slight changes in the hearing device's position relative to the ear, or even slight movements of the ear due to, for example, physical activity, can lead to false triggering of functionality. Conversely, if the sensitivity is set too low, actual touches by the user may not be detected, resulting in the functionality not being activated. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a method which is particularly suitable for operating a hearing instrument system and a particularly suitable hearing instrument system, wherein in particular the operating experience of the user is improved.

[0006] With regard to the method, the technical problem is solved by a method for operating a hearing instrument system comprising a hearing instrument and a further device, the hearing instrument having a sensor and a first radio communication device, in which method:

[0007] - detecting manual operation by means of said sensor,

[0008] - sending a request from the hearing instrument to the further device to emit a test signal,

[0009] - sending the test signal to the hearing instrument via the further device and receiving it by the hearing instrument via the first radio communication means, and

[0010] - verifying said manual operation based on physical characteristics of the received test signal.

[0011] With regard to a hearing instrument system, the technical problem is solved by a hearing instrument system comprising a hearing instrument and a further device, the hearing instrument having a sensor and a first radio communication device, and operating according to a method of the aforementioned type.

[0012] The method is used to operate a hearing device system. The hearing device system includes a hearing device. For example, the hearing device is an earphone or includes an earphone. Alternatively, the hearing device can be a headset, a true wireless headset, a hearable device or a personal sound amplifier. However, it is particularly preferred that the hearing device is a hearing aid. Hearing aids are used to help people with hearing loss. In other words, a hearing aid is a medical device with the help of which a portion of the hearing loss is compensated. The hearing aid is, for example, a "receiver in the canal" hearing aid (RIC; external earpiece hearing aid), an in-the-ear hearing aid, such as an "in-the-ear" hearing aid, an "in-the-canal" hearing aid (ITC) or a "deep in the canal" hearing aid (CIC), hearing glasses, a pocket hearing aid, a bone conduction hearing aid or an implant. In another alternative, the hearing aid is a behind-the-ear hearing aid ("behind-the-ear" hearing aid) that is worn behind the pinna.

[0013] The hearing device is designed and configured to be worn on the human body. In other words, the hearing device preferably includes a retaining device by means of which it can be fixed to the human body. If the hearing device is a hearing aid, the hearing device is designed and configured, for example, to be placed behind the ear or in the ear canal. The hearing device is particularly wireless and, for this purpose, is designed and configured to be at least partially inserted into the ear canal. It is particularly preferred that the hearing device include an energy storage device, by means of which the energy is supplied.

[0014] The hearing device preferably comprises a microphone for recording sound. In particular, during operation, the ambient sound or at least a portion of the ambient sound is recorded by the microphone. The microphone is in particular an electromechanical sound wave converter. The microphone may, for example, comprise only one microphone unit or a plurality of interacting microphone units. Each microphone unit advantageously comprises a diaphragm, which is set to vibrate by sound waves, wherein the vibration is converted into an electrical signal by a corresponding receiving device, such as a magnet moving in a coil. Thus, an audio signal based on the sound reaching the microphone unit can be recorded by the corresponding microphone unit. The microphone unit is in particular of unidirectional design. The microphone is advantageously arranged at least partially within the housing of the hearing device and is therefore at least partially protected.

[0015] The hearing device preferably has an earpiece for outputting an output signal. The output signal is in particular an electrical signal. The earpiece is an electromechanical sound wave converter, preferably a loudspeaker. Depending on the design of the hearing device, the earpiece is usually at least partially located in the ear canal of the hearing device wearer, that is, the person, or at least acoustically connected to it. The wearer is also referred to as the user, hearing device wearer or user below. The hearing device is mainly used to output the output signal via the earpiece, wherein the corresponding sound is generated. In other words, the main function of the hearing device is to output the output signal. The output signal is in particular generated at least partially based on the sound collected by the microphone. Alternatively, the output signal is generated based on a transmitted data signal (audio signal), or the data signal is used for this purpose. In other words, the output signal is generated in particular by a streaming process, or by the playback of a specific sample.

[0016] The hearing device expediently comprises a signal processor, which expediently forms a signal processing unit or at least a component of a signal processing unit. However, the hearing device expediently comprises at least a corresponding signal processing unit. The signal processor is, for example, a digital signal processor (DSP) or is implemented by analog components. The signal processor is used to adjust, in particular, the (audio) signal generated / transmitted by a possible microphone, preferably according to a possible hearing loss of the hearing device wearer. If the signal processor is designed as a digital signal processor, an analog / digital converter is expediently provided between the microphone and the signal processing unit, for example, the signal processor. The signal processor is adjusted, in particular, according to a parameter set. The parameter set predetermines the amplification in different frequency ranges, so that the audio signal generated / transmitted by the microphone is processed according to specific requirements, in particular according to the hearing loss of the hearing device wearer. Particularly preferably, the hearing device also comprises an amplifier, or the amplifier is formed at least partially by the signal processor. The amplifier is connected, for example, upstream or downstream of the signal processor in terms of signal technology.

[0017] The hearing instrument further comprises a first radio communication device, which is preferably connected to the signal processing unit and / or a possible earpiece. The first radio communication device is used, in particular, to receive audio signals / data signals to be transmitted and / or control parameters / settings for a possible signal processing unit or other control device of the hearing instrument. Alternatively or in combination, the radio communication device is used, in particular, to transmit data from the hearing instrument to other devices of the hearing instrument system.

[0018] The hearing device also has a sensor. The sensor is used for manual operation, so that manual operation can be detected by the sensor. The sensor is suitable for, in particular, designed and configured to detect manual operation. To detect manual operation, the sensor suitably generates corresponding measurement data / signals, which are evaluated, for example, by a possible signal processing unit or other components of the hearing device / sensor.

[0019] The additional device is, for example, a portable device, such as a smartphone or a wearable device. Alternatively, the additional device is another hearing device, which, for example, has the same or at least similar structure as the hearing device. In particular, the hearing devices differ only in external dimensions, with one hearing device being intended for the left ear and the other for the right ear. In other words, the two hearing devices are designed to be mirror-symmetrical. Alternatively, the additional hearing device, for example, does not have a sensor. If the additional device is a hearing device, the hearing device system is particularly designed for binaural use. Communication with the additional device can be achieved at least via the first radio communication device of the hearing device, thereby exchanging data / signals between the hearing device and the additional device, i.e., wirelessly.

[0020] In the described method, manual operation is detected by a sensor. To this end, the sensor suitably generates corresponding measurement data, which in particular indicates manual operation. In other words, corresponding signals / measurement data are generated or collected, and these signals / measurement data are collected even during manual operation. However, these signals / measurement data may also be generated due to a fault or other reasons. In other words, after a manual operation is detected, it cannot be determined whether a manual operation by the user actually occurred. In short, although a manual operation may actually be detected, it may not actually have occurred.

[0021] After detecting a manual operation, a request is sent from the hearing device to the further device to send a test signal. This request is received by the further device. For example, the test signal is always the same or adapted according to the request. Alternatively or in combination, the adaptation is performed based on the current state of the hearing device system and / or the hearing device, which is determined by the further device and / or the hearing device and transmitted upon request.

[0022] The test signal is then transmitted to the hearing instrument via the additional device, and received by the hearing instrument via the first radio communication device. In other words, the test signal is transmitted wirelessly from the additional device to the hearing instrument. The test signal is transmitted, for example, within a specific time interval after receiving the request, or particularly preferably immediately, thereby shortening the time it takes for the hearing instrument to receive the test signal.

[0023] The manual operation is verified using the physical properties of the received test signal. For this purpose, the physical properties of the received test signal are advantageously determined, in particular by the hearing instrument. For this purpose, the test signal, for example its reception strength, frequency, length, and / or other properties, are analyzed. For verification, the content of the test signal itself is not considered; for example, the test signal consists only of periodic oscillations. In short, the content of the test signal itself is not considered when verifying the manual operation; for example, the content of the test signal is always the same or is independent of the current state of the hearing instrument.

[0024] If manual operation did occur, the user's hand or other limb was (briefly) within the range of the sensor and, therefore, also within the range of the first radio communication device. Consequently, the test signal transmitted to the hearing instrument was at least partially distorted / changed or at least modified by the hand / limb, which is reflected in the physical properties. Manual operation is then verified based on these physical properties. If no change occurred, the hand was therefore also not within the range of the first radio communication device. In this case, manual operation is not verified. In summary, manual operation is thus verified, especially when the test signal changes.

[0025] Only after a manual operation has been verified is the corresponding function / functionality of the hearing device system executed. In other words, the verified manual operation is used as (user) input. Based on this method, only the actual manual operation is verified and therefore used as input, without reducing the sensitivity of the sensor, so that, for example, the actual manual operation would not be detected. Instead, the sensitivity of the sensor can be increased so that, for example, erroneous manual operations can also be detected with it. Subsequent verification eliminates any detected erroneous manual operations and only verifies the actual manual operation. Therefore, in this method, functions / functionality are not falsely triggered, and all actual manual operations of the user are detected by the hearing device system as verified manual operations. Therefore, the hearing device system operates according to the user's input, improving user comfort. In this case, test signals do not need to be transmitted continuously from another device to the hearing device. Instead, they are transmitted only when there is an indication of actual manual operation, i.e., after a manual operation is detected. This reduces energy consumption and the user's radiation exposure.

[0026] The method is therefore particularly useful for verifying the detection of manual operation of a hearing instrument system, in particular a hearing instrument. For example, a touch or at least a proximity is considered a manual operation, so that the manual operation is particularly contactless. For example, the manual operation corresponds to a gesture and therefore has a time profile. For example, one or more clicks or a continuous touch lasting a specific time period is considered a touch.

[0027] Based on the verified detection of the manual operation, i.e., the input content, a specific function / functionality of the hearing device is executed. In particular, further control parameters are selected and / or further (user) data / (user) signals are received and / or transmitted using the first radio communication device. For example, based on the input, a signal provided to the signal processor and / or the earpiece is selected, so that the hearing device switches between, for example, playing back ambient sounds and outputting signals received via the first radio communication device.

[0028] For example, the request is transmitted to the further device via a wired connection. However, it is particularly preferred that the request is also transmitted wirelessly, in particular by radio. For example, a first radio communication device is used to transmit the request from the hearing instrument to the further device. Alternatively, other radio communication devices, in particular a second (radio) communication device, are conceivable.

[0029] For example, the request complies with a specific standard, such as the WLAN standard, the Bluetooth standard, or the UWB standard. It is particularly preferred that the request be transmitted to the further device via magnetic induction. For this purpose, a second radio communication device is particularly suitable. NFMI ("near-field magnetic induction") is particularly used for this purpose. This type of transmission is relatively robust and is only relatively slightly affected by the possible presence of a user's hand. This ensures that the request is received and the test signal is sent by the further device. Therefore, if the test signal is only weakly or not received by the first radio communication device, this is particularly due to factors that interfere with the functioning of the first radio communication device, such as a hand, and not because the further device did not receive and therefore did not send the request. Furthermore, sending the request requires only a small amount of data, so possible limitations when transmitting by magnetic induction do not have an impact. This also ensures that the request is actually received by the further device.

[0030] For example, the test signal can be transmitted to the hearing instrument via magnetic induction. However, it is particularly preferred that the test signal be transmitted to the hearing instrument via Bluetooth. The first radio communication device thus complies with the Bluetooth standard. This allows the use of existing components for the first radio communication device, thereby reducing manufacturing costs. Furthermore, due to the Bluetooth standard, the first radio communication device can also be used for other functions of the hearing instrument system, such as receiving data signals / audio signals and / or control parameters. This reduces the required hardware. For example, another device that already exists and is designed to transmit Bluetooth signals can also be considered. Due to the Bluetooth standard, the test signal typically has a carrier frequency of 2.4 GHz to 2.5 GHz. Therefore, when a hand or other limb is in the area of ​​the first radio communication device, the test signal is significantly disturbed / modified, which is reflected in the physical properties of the received test signal. This essentially eliminates the possibility of erroneous verification.

[0031] The other device preferably also has a first radio communication device, or at least a radio communication device that complies with the Bluetooth standard. For example, when transmitting the test signal, the radio communication device of the other device remains in operation. However, it is particularly preferred to transmit the test signal with increased signal strength. Since the test signal is relatively short, energy consumption is only slightly increased. However, this method allows for more accurate detection of changes in physical properties.

[0032] For example, the test signal can be transmitted to the hearing instrument via only a single channel. This reduces energy consumption. For example, in this case, the same channel, particularly the same frequency, is always used. This makes it easier to receive the test signal and eliminates the need to monitor multiple channels, which improves robustness and reduces energy consumption. Alternatively, the channel on which the test signal is transmitted can be determined based on specific conditions and / or adjusted based on the current situation. In particular, other, less active channels can be used for this purpose so that the test signal is not interfered with by other influences. Alternatively, the test signal can be transmitted to the hearing instrument via multiple channels. Preferably, the test signal is also received by the hearing instrument via multiple channels. In other words, the test signal includes multiple components, particularly those that always have the same content, but that are assigned to different channels. This allows for more accurate determination of physical properties, and if changes are present, it can be checked whether the change is limited to a single channel, which could indicate, for example, an interference source rather than the presence of a hand. However, if the change is broadband and affects all channels / components, for example, a hand is present in the environment, verifying manual operation is easier. The multi-channel nature of the test signal ensures that even if interference occurs in one of the channels, a portion of the test signal can still be received by the hearing instrument. For example, the physical property of only a single portion of the test signal is evaluated using the hearing instrument. This reduces effort. However, preferably, all received test signal portions are evaluated in order to increase the accuracy in determining the physical property.

[0033] For example, a resonance shift is used as a physical property. When the user's hand is in the area of ​​the sensor, and therefore in the area of ​​the first radio communication device, the resonant frequency of the first radio communication device shifts. While the test signal frequency is particularly constant, the lower the signal strength of the received test signal, the greater its distance from the resonant frequency. Therefore, the resonance shift and, therefore, whether the hand is in the area of ​​the first radio communication device can be inferred from the signal strength. If there is no resonance shift, or the resonance shift is less than the corresponding limit, then the hand is not present. This allows for relatively robust verification without requiring extensive calculations. Alternatively, the first radio communication device can be designed to always operate within its resonant range, especially even when receiving test signals. Therefore, the extent of the resonance shift is already known due to the operation of the first radio communication device, and no additional evaluation is required. This further reduces effort.

[0034] Alternatively or in combination, RSSI ("Received Signal Strength Indication") or the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR; signal-to-noise ratio) is used as the physical property. In other words, the RSSI of the test signal is determined. For verification, it is compared with a comparison value. If the test signal has a relatively low RSSI / strength and / or a low signal-to-noise ratio, a manual operation, in particular, is verified. If the RSSI is less than the comparison value, a manual operation, in particular, is verified. If a hand is present, the test signal is excessively attenuated, so that the RSSI is relatively low. If the RSSI is less than the comparison value, a manual operation is verified. In this case, for example, the RSSI is generated / determined during wireless communication via the first radio communication device, i.e. during normal operation, and the parameters of the first radio communication device are adjusted accordingly. Therefore, there is basically no additional effort and no special adjustments are required. For example, the comparison value is constant or time-dependent. In this case, a gesture, in particular, is verified as a manual operation.

[0035] The comparison value is, for example, specific to the hearing instrument and determined by the hearing instrument manufacturer and stored in the hearing instrument. This is done individually for each hearing instrument or for the corresponding type of hearing instrument, i.e., the hearing instrument type. Alternatively, the comparison value is adapted to the respective user. In this case, the comparison value is determined once or multiple times, for example, during initial startup or during hearing instrument setup. In this case, a procedure is typically performed in which a test signal is transmitted from another device to the hearing instrument, during which the user is prompted to move their hand away from the hearing instrument. During subsequent test signal transmissions, the user is prompted to keep their hand within the hearing instrument or to move it in accordance with a gesture. Based on the changes between the two received test signals, a comparison value is determined and stored in the hearing instrument. The user's request is output, for example, via a possible earpiece. Alternatively, an app is used for this purpose, implemented on a smartphone or wearable device. For example, the app can be a separate device, or the smartphone / wearable device can supplement the separate device. Since the user's physiological characteristics are taken into account, incorrectly detected manual operations are prevented from being falsely verified. This further improves comfort.

[0036] Alternatively, the average value of the RSSIs of additional signals received by the first radio communication device is used as the comparison value. In other words, additional signals are received by the other radio communication device, particularly those with specific content, based on which the hearing device is set or otherwise influenced. In this case, the first radio communication device preferably conforms to the Bluetooth standard, and the additional signals particularly contain data for operating the hearing device. In other words, these signals are user signals. An RSSI is generated for each additional signal, for example, solely due to the method or already during normal operation of the first radio communication device. An average value of these RSSIs is formed, such as an arithmetic mean, a moving average, or an exponential average. This average value then serves as the comparison value, or the average value is additionally multiplied by a factor. Using this average value allows relatively accurate adaptation to the current situation, thus enabling reliable and reliable verification of manual operation even in relatively unfavorable circumstances / environments.

[0037] The hearing device system includes other devices and the hearing device. The hearing device preferably includes a microphone, an output device, and a signal processing unit. These units, in particular, form a signal path, with the microphone preferably being used to collect sound and the output device being suitably used to output sound. For example, the hearing device is a headset or includes headphones. In this case, the hearing device is designed, for example, as a so-called headset. However, it is particularly preferred that the hearing device is a hearing aid. Hearing aids are used to assist people with hearing loss. A hearing aid is a medical device that compensates for some hearing loss. Hearing aids are, for example, receiver-in-the-canal hearing aids (RICs; external earpiece hearing aids), in-the-ear hearing aids, such as in-the-ear hearing aids, in-the-canal hearing aids (ITCs), or deep-in-the-canal hearing aids (CICs), hearing glasses, pocket hearing aids, bone conduction hearing aids, or implants. It is particularly preferred that the hearing aid is a behind-the-ear hearing aid ("behind-the-ear" hearing aid), which is worn behind the pinna.

[0038] The hearing instrument comprises a first radio communication device and a sensor. The further device preferably also comprises a first radio communication device. In this case, the two first radio communication devices preferably conform to the same standard. In this case, the hearing instrument and the further device can be connected in terms of signal technology via a wireless connection, for which purpose the two first radio communication devices are used.

[0039] A hearing instrument system operates according to a method in which a manual operation is detected by a sensor. A request is sent from the hearing instrument to a further device to transmit a test signal, preferably using a second radio communication device of the hearing instrument and / or the further device. The test signal is transmitted to the hearing instrument via the further device, in particular via a possible first radio communication device of the further device, and received by the hearing instrument via the first radio communication device. The manual operation is verified based on the physical properties of the received test signal. If the verification is successful, the manual operation is used as a user input; otherwise, the hearing instrument system operates as if no manual operation was detected.

[0040] The hearing device advantageously comprises a signal processor, which advantageously forms a signal processing unit or is at least part thereof. The signal processor is, for example, a digital signal processor (DSP) or is implemented by analog components. The verification and / or in particular the determination of the physical property is advantageously performed by the signal processing unit.

[0041] For example, the sensor can be formed by a microphone or other microphones. In this case, manual operation is detected, in particular, by the sound produced when a hand strikes or touches the hearing device housing. Alternatively or in combination, wind noise caused by hand movement can be detected. Corresponding noises may also be generated elsewhere, and incorrectly detected manual operations are classified based on the verification.

[0042] In another embodiment, the sensor is an accelerometer. If a hand touches the housing of a hearing device, it briefly moves, and the resulting acceleration is detected by the sensor. The hearing device can also move due to the user's head movements, for example, during physical exercise. These falsely detected manual operations can also be excluded based on the verification.

[0043] The sensor is particularly preferably a capacitive sensor. During operation, it generates a time-varying electromagnetic field and determines the resulting current between the two electrodes of the capacitive sensor. This current depends on the amount and arrangement of conductive materials in the surrounding environment. Therefore, manual operation may be falsely detected, for example due to moisture and / or ear deformation. However, in these cases, the test signal is not excessively distorted, so false detection of manual operation can also be ruled out by verification. Furthermore, such sensors are relatively low-cost, compact, and energy-efficient to operate.

[0044] For example, the additional device is a smartphone / wearable device, on which a corresponding application is executed, which triggers the transmission of a test signal to the hearing device. The smartphone / wearable device can also be used for other purposes, or the user may already own it. This reduces the manufacturing costs of the hearing device system. Alternatively, the additional device is another hearing device. For example, the other hearing device is different from the hearing device. However, it is particularly preferred that the two hearing devices are structurally identical, differing only in their geometric design, with one of the two hearing devices being adapted, particularly designed, and configured for the wearer's left ear, and the other hearing device being adapted, particularly designed and configured, for the wearer's right ear. The hearing device system is thus particularly binaural. This design allows for the detection and verification of corresponding manual operations on both hearing devices, thereby recognizing the corresponding inputs. This applies, for example, only to manually operated hearing devices. Thus, the hearing devices can be operated in different ways. Furthermore, identical components can be used, reducing manufacturing costs.

[0045] The present invention further relates to a hearing device which is suitable, in particular designed and configured, to form a component of such a hearing device system.

[0046] The developments and advantages described in connection with the method also apply mutatis mutandis to the hearing instrument system / hearing instrument and vice versa. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0047] The embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the accompanying drawings:

[0048] Figure 1 schematically illustrates a user wearing a hearing device system,

[0049] Figure 2 A method for operating a hearing device system is shown, and

[0050] Figure 3 The time profile of the RSSI of a signal received by the first radio communication device of the hearing instrument is shown.

[0051] In all the figures, corresponding parts are provided with the same reference numerals. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0052] exist Figure 1 , a schematic top view of a user 2 wearing a hearing device system 4 is shown. User 2 is wearing hearing device system 4, which is designed as a hearing aid system. In other words, hearing device system 4 compensates for a portion of user 2's hearing loss. Hearing device system 4 includes a hearing device 6 and a further hearing device 8, both of which are hearing aids. Hearing device 6 and further hearing device 8 are mirror images of each other and therefore have identical structures. In other words, the two hearing devices 6, 8 differ only in their geometry, with one hearing device 6, 8 being fitted to user 2's left ear and the other to user 2's right ear.

[0053] Each hearing device 6 , 8 has a microphone 10 , which detects ambient sound during operation. Microphones 10 are located in their respective housings 12 and are connected to a signal processing unit 14 for signal processing. The signal generated by microphones 10 based on the ambient sound is processed by the signal processing unit 14 and transmitted to an earpiece 16 . The processed signal is then output as sound via the earpiece 16 into the ear canal of the user 2 . Since the signal processing unit 14 adapts the signal processing to the hearing loss of the user 2 , the user's ability to understand the sound is improved. The housing 12 is designed so that it lies within the ear canal, making the hearing device 6 , 8 only relatively unobtrusive.

[0054] Each hearing instrument 6 , 8 also has a second radio communication device 18 , via which signals can be exchanged between the two hearing instruments 6 , 8 . For this purpose, a magnetic field is utilized, and the second radio communication device therefore uses magnetic induction (NFMI; “near-field magnetic induction”) to transmit data between the two hearing instruments 6 , 8 . The data provided by the microphone 10 is also processed based on the transmitted data, thereby improving the user 2's spatial perception.

[0055] Each hearing instrument 6 , 8 also has a first radio communication device 20 , which is also connected to the signal processing unit 14 . The first radio communication device 20 conforms to the Bluetooth standard and can be used to establish a signaling connection with, for example, a smartphone. A signaling connection can also be established between the two hearing instruments 6 , 8 via the first radio communication device 20 , wherein a larger amount of data can be transmitted compared to the second radio communication device 18 .

[0056] Each hearing instrument 6, 8 also has a sensor 22, which is assigned to the end of the housing 12 facing away from the user 23 and is designed as a capacitive sensor. The sensor detects the proximity of the user's hand 24 or finger 24 to the housing 12, thereby, for example, changing the settings of the signal processing unit 14. In summary, the hearing instrument system 4 thus includes a hearing instrument 6, which includes a first radio communication device 20 and a sensor 22, which is designed as a capacitive sensor. Furthermore, the hearing instrument system 4 includes a further hearing instrument 8, which forms a further device of the hearing instrument system 4 and is mirror-symmetrical to the hearing instrument 6.

[0057] exist Figure 2 , a method 26 for operating the hearing instrument system 4 is shown, which is at least partially executed by the two signal processing units 14. The hearing instrument system 4 is operated according to the method 26 and a further method (not shown in detail) in which the roles of the hearing instrument 6 and the further hearing instrument 8 are reversed.

[0058] In method 26, in a first step 28, manual operation is detected by sensor 22. When hand 24 approaches sensor 22 beyond a certain distance, manual operation is detected based on corresponding measurement data from sensor 22. In other words, manual operation is detected when the measurement signal provided by sensor 22, i.e., a certain current, is greater than a threshold value. However, such measurement data may also be generated when housing 12 is moved in the associated ear canal, for example, when user 2 is engaging in physical activity.

[0059] In a subsequent second step 30, a request 32 is sent from the hearing instrument 6 via the second radio communication device 18 to the further hearing instrument 8, and thus to the further device, requesting the transmission of a test signal 34. Due to the use of the second radio communication device 18, the request 32 is transmitted to the further device by magnetic induction. The request 32 requests / triggers the further device to transmit the test signal 34.

[0060] In a subsequent third step 36, a test signal 34 is transmitted by the further device, namely the further hearing instrument 8, to the hearing instrument 6 and subsequently received by the hearing instrument 6. For transmission / reception, the corresponding first radio communication device 20 is used, so that the test signal 34 is transmitted to the hearing instrument 6 via Bluetooth. During transmission, the transmission power of the first radio communication device 20 is increased compared to normal operation, and the test signal 34 is transmitted by the further hearing instrument 8 on multiple channels and thus transmitted to the hearing instrument 6 on multiple channels. When the hand 24 is in the area of ​​the sensor 20, the test signal 34 is at least partially attenuated by the hand 24, and the resonant frequency of the first radio communication device 20 of the hearing instrument 6 changes.

[0061] In a subsequent fourth step 38, the physical properties of the received test signal 34 are determined. This determination is performed for the test signals 34 of all channels. To this end, the resonant frequency of the first radio communication device 20 when receiving the test signal 34 is determined. This resonant frequency is compared with the resonant frequency of the first radio communication device 20 when the hand 24 is not present and is stored in a memory (not shown further) of the signal processing unit 14. In other words, a resonance (frequency) shift is determined. Thus, the resonant frequency shifts when the hand 24 is present.

[0062] Alternatively or in combination, the RSSI ("Received Signal Strength Indication") of the test signal 34 is determined. Figure 3 , the RSSI of the test signal 34 and the RSSI of a further signal 40 are shown. The further signal 40 is received by a smartphone (not shown further) via the first radio communication device 20 during operation of the hearing instrument 6 and contains control parameters. During normal operation, the hand 24 is not in the area of ​​the hearing instrument 6, so the RSSI is high. When the hand 24 is in the area of ​​the sensor 20, the RSSI decreases and is at least less than the average value 42 of the RSSI of the further signal 40 received by the first radio communication device 20.

[0063] Therefore, average value 42 represents comparison value 44, and a check is performed to determine whether the RSSI of test signal 34 is less than comparison value 44, or whether the resonant frequency has shifted by more than a specific value. In summary, in fourth step 38, the physical characteristic of received test signal 34, namely, the resonant frequency or RSSI, is determined. If the resonant shift exceeds a specific value, manual operation is verified. Manual operation is also verified if the RSSI of test signal 34 is less than comparison value 44, wherein average value 42 of the RSSI of further signals 40 received by first radio communication device 20 is used as comparison value 44.

[0064] If verified, this is used as input and a fifth step 46 is executed. In this step, a specific function of the hearing instrument 6 is executed, for example, a parameter set of the signal processing unit 14 is changed. The executed function in this case corresponds to a type of manual operation, for example, a relatively long, short or multiple movement of the hand 24 to the sensor 22.

[0065] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments. On the contrary, those skilled in the art may derive other variations therefrom without departing from the technical solution of the present invention. In particular, all individual features associated with the embodiments may also be combined in other ways without departing from the technical solution of the present invention.

[0066] Reference Signs List

[0067] 2 users

[0068] 4 Hearing Device Systems

[0069] 6 Hearing devices

[0070] 8 Additional hearing aids

[0071] 10 microphones

[0072] 12 Housing

[0073] 14 Signal Processing Unit

[0074] 16 Receiver

[0075] 18 Second radio communication device

[0076] 20 First radio communication device

[0077] 22 sensors

[0078] 24 hands

[0079] 26 Methods

[0080] 28 First Step

[0081] 30 Step 2

[0082] 32 requests

[0083] 34 Test Signal

[0084] 36 Step 3

[0085] 38 Step 4

[0086] 40 Another signal

[0087] 42 average

[0088] 44 Comparison value

[0089] 46 Step 5

Claims

1. A method (26) for operating a hearing instrument system (4), comprising a hearing instrument (6) and a further device, the hearing instrument (6) having a sensor (22) and a first radio communication device (20), wherein: - detecting manual operation by means of said sensor (22), - sending a request (32) from the hearing device (6) to the further device to emit a test signal (34), - sending the test signal (34) to the hearing instrument (6) via the further device and receiving it by the hearing instrument (6) via the first radio communication device (20), and - verifying said manual operation based on the physical characteristics of the received test signal (34).

2. The method (26) according to claim 1, characterized in that The request (32) is transmitted to the further device by magnetic induction.

3. The method (26) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The test signal (34) is transmitted to the hearing instrument (6) via Bluetooth.

4. The method (26) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that The test signal (34) is transmitted to the hearing instrument (6) via multiple channels.

5. The method (26) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that The resonance shift is used as the physical characteristic.

6. The method (26) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that The RSSI of the test signal (34) is used as the physical characteristic, and the RSSI is compared with a comparison value (44) for verification.

7. The method (26) according to claim 6, characterized in that An average value (42) of the RSSI of a further signal (40) received by the first radio communication device (20) is used as a comparison value (44).

8. A hearing instrument system (4) comprising a hearing instrument (6) and a further device, the hearing instrument (6) having a sensor (22) and a first radio communication device (20), and the hearing instrument system (4) being operated according to the method (26) according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. The hearing device system (4) according to claim 8, characterized in that The sensor (22) is a capacitive sensor.

10. The hearing device system (4) according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that The further device is a further hearing device (8).

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