Applications and systems for assisting the correct

Abstract

The present invention discloses an application and system for assisting in the correct placement of a hearing aid, one of which is configured to be executed by a first electronic device configured to include a camera and a display, the application for assisting in the correct placement of a hearing aid inside and / or outside the ear of a hearing aid wearer, the application is configured to: provide access to a camera application associated with a camera of a first electronic device; enabling a viewfinder of the camera application to display a preview of a field of view of the camera; determining whether the head of the wearer is aligned with the camera; determining whether the head of the wearer has started to rotate relative to the camera; a recording sequence of recording a plurality of images showing at least a portion of the ear of the wearer that arranges hearing aids inside and / or outside the ear as the wearer's head rotates is initiated.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an application and system for assisting in the proper placement of a hearing aid in and / or outside the ear of a hearing aid wearer. The application is executed by a first electronic device having a camera and a display. The system includes the application and also includes a second application executed by a second electronic device. Background Art

[0002] People with varying degrees of hearing loss or hearing impairment can use hearing aids to improve their hearing. Hearing aid settings are flexible, comprehensive, and complex. Therefore, the ideal setting is highly personalized and can be difficult to achieve. These settings are determined during the fitting process, and hearing care professionals (HCPs) adjust the hearing aids based on the hearing aid wearer's preferences.

[0003] A good setting is necessary because less than optimal settings may result in poor hearing aid performance, resulting in a poor experience for the hearing aid wearer.

[0004] The placement of a hearing aid inside and / or outside the hearing aid wearer's ear will affect the performance of the hearing aid.

[0005] Therefore, for the best possible hearing aid performance, the hearing aid must be correctly positioned in the wearer's ear. This presents a challenge for hearing aid wearers, as it can be difficult for them to position the hearing aid correctly without any guidance. This is especially true for new hearing aid wearers who lack experience with proper hearing aid placement. Some hearing aid wearers experience poor hearing aid performance, and this poor performance isn't due to performance issues with the hearing aid components themselves, but rather to improper placement of the hearing aid in the wearer's ear.

[0006] During a teleaudiology session, it's often crucial for a hearing care professional (HCP) to assess a wearer's hearing aid insertion during a live video call. This is a straightforward task when the HCP is able to get close to the hearing aid wearer and observe and / or physically manipulate the hearing aid. However, this is much more difficult during a live video call, as the HCP may need to ask the wearer to reposition their phone or laptop and / or head so that the camera can capture the hearing aid insertion. This can be time-consuming, inconvenient, and uncomfortable for the hearing aid wearer.

[0007] Thus, there exists a need to provide assistance in properly positioning a hearing aid in and / or outside the ear of a hearing aid wearer. Summary of the Invention

[0008] The present invention discloses an application. The application is executed by a first electronic device. The first electronic device includes a camera. The first electronic device includes a display. The application is used to assist in properly placing a hearing aid in an ear and / or outside the ear of a hearing aid wearer. The application is configured to provide access to a camera application associated with the camera of the first electronic device. The application is configured to enable a viewfinder of the camera application to display a preview of the camera's field of view. The application is configured to determine whether the wearer's head is aligned with the camera. The application is configured to determine whether the wearer's head has begun to rotate relative to the camera. The application is configured to initiate a capture sequence that captures multiple images. As the wearer's head rotates, the multiple images show at least a portion of the wearer's ear with the hearing aid placed in the ear and / or outside the ear.

[0009] Advantageously, assistance is provided for the correct placement of a hearing aid in the ear and / or outside the ear of a hearing aid wearer. Thus, acoustic feedback, physical discomfort, gain inaccuracies and other problems caused by improper insertion of a hearing aid in the ear or outside the ear can be eliminated or at least reduced. Advantageously, the hearing aid wearer themselves or a hearing care professional (HCP) can perform a visual assessment to help identify poor insertion or placement in the ear and / or outside the ear of the hearing aid wearer. Advantageously, the insertion or placement of the hearing aid in the ear and / or outside the ear of the hearing aid wearer can be displayed from multiple angles around the ear, thereby providing better context for the visual assessment and further providing a better assessment of the placement of all components of the hearing aid.

[0010] Advantageously, the application allows the user, hearing aid wearer or HCP to manually evaluate images based on multiple shooting angles, thereby enabling a more certain evaluation than, for example, prior art applications that only use a single image to evaluate the placement of the hearing aid in the ear.

[0011] Advantageously, the application is configured to determine whether the wearer's head is aligned with the camera, as this may allow the wearer's head to be centered in the plurality of images, e.g., at least more centered than if the wearer's head were not aligned with the camera. Advantageously, the application is configured to determine whether the wearer's head has begun to rotate relative to the camera, and the application is configured to initiate a capture sequence that captures a plurality of images, as this may allow the plurality of images to be captured of the wearer's head as the wearer's head rotates relative to the camera.

[0012] The application or APP or application program or software application can be a computer program or computer software designed to be executed by the first electronic device. The application can be designed or configured to provide functionality for assisting in the correct placement of a hearing aid in and / or around the ear of a hearing aid wearer. The wearer of the hearing aid can be the user of the application, and in this respect the words "wearer" and "user" can be used interchangeably. The application can be available from different versions of different platforms or operating systems, such as Android (Google) or iOS (Apple). The application can be installed on the first electronic device in various ways. For example, the application can be downloaded onto the first electronic device from an application publishing platform operated by the owner of the operating system, such as the App Store (iOS / Apple) or Google Play Store (Android / Google). The application can be a standalone application, whose only purpose is to assist in the correct placement of a hearing aid in and / or around the ear of a hearing aid wearer. Alternatively, the application can provide additional functionality, such as adjusting hearing parameters or modes that can be relevant to the sound or audio of the hearing aid. The user of the application can experience all the functionality as described below, or the user can choose to use only one functionality of the application.

[0013] The application is configured to be executed by the first electronic device. The first electronic device can be a smartphone, a tablet or a personal computer of the hearing aid wearer. The first electronic device can be in communication with the hearing aid through a wired or wireless connection, such as Bluetooth (BT), Wi-Fi, WLAN or any other wireless communication technology standard for short-range exchange of data known to the skilled person. The first electronic device can comprise the necessary hardware in order to be able to execute the disclosed application, including but not limited to one or more processing units, sufficient memory capacity and / or storage capacity.

[0014] The first electronic device comprises a camera. The camera can be configured to provide a camera stream and / or a video stream, such as a continuous camera stream and / or a video stream. In this respect, an image can be seen as a single static representation taken at a specific point in time, whereas a camera stream and / or a video stream can be seen as a sequence of continuous images. In other words, an image can be seen as a single video frame, whereas a video can be a display of a plurality of consecutive video frames. In some embodiments, the camera is a front-facing camera and / or a back-facing camera.

[0015] The camera can be any type of camera provided in the electronic device, such as any type of built-in or additional peripheral camera of the electronic device. The camera can comprise one or more cameras, such as a front or front-facing camera and / or a back or rear-facing camera. The camera can be a digital camera, a red-green-blue (RGB) camera, an infrared (IR) camera, a structured light scanner camera, a depth camera, a time-of-flight camera, and / or the camera can be a camera providing any type of three-dimensional (3D) scanning or sensing technology. The camera can comprise one or more sensors and / or detectors, such as a complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) image sensor, such as a charge-coupled device (CCD) image sensor. The camera can comprise a lens, such as a double-Gaussian lens, such as a Cooke triplet, such as a molded plastic aspherical lens element. The camera can provide any type of effect, such as different optical effects, such as distortion, such as vignetting, and / or such as various optical aberration corrections. The camera can have one or more zooming functions, such as a digital zooming function and / or an optical zooming function. The structured light scanner camera can use a projected light pattern and a camera system to measure the three-dimensional shape of an object, such as a hearing aid, and / or the ear, and / or the face and / or the head of the wearer. A light source of the scanner head can project a series of light patterns onto the object, which are then photographed by the camera and sent to 3D scanning software for processing, which can provide a 3D image of the object.

[0016] The first electronic device comprises a display. The display can comprise a screen. The display can be an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display. The display can be a liquid crystal display (LCD). The display can comprise a touch screen functionality allowing a user to interact directly with the screen. The display can be a touch screen or a touch sensitive screen.

[0017] The application is used to assist in the correct placement or insertion of a hearing aid in and / or on the ear of a hearing aid wearer. Correct placement of a hearing aid in and / or on the ear is important to ensure optimal performance of the hearing aid and / or comfort for the wearer. The correct placement of a hearing aid can vary slightly depending on the type and specific design of the hearing aid. Furthermore, the correct placement can also vary depending on the anatomy of the wearer and the shape of the ear of the wearer.

[0018] The application is configured to provide access to a camera application associated with a camera of a first electronic device. A camera application or camera APP can be a software application designed for capturing, editing, and managing images and videos using a camera. The camera application includes a viewfinder. The viewfinder can be an interface for a user to construct and compose a photo or video before shooting. The viewfinder can include a variety of functions, such as focus, zoom, and / or flash control or functional affordances. The viewfinder is configured to display a preview of the camera's field of view. The preview allows the user to see what the camera is about to capture before the image is captured. Therefore, in other words, a "preview" or a "preview of the camera's field of view" refers to an image that has not yet been captured. The application is configured to enable the viewfinder of the camera application to display a preview of the camera's field of view on the display.

[0019] The application is configured to determine whether the wearer's head is aligned with the camera. Thus, the application can be configured to determine whether the wearer's head is at the same or a similar height as the camera. In other words, the application can be configured to determine whether the wearer's head is in the correct position relative to the camera for the camera to capture the wearer's head in the image or preview. Determining whether the wearer's head is aligned with the camera should not be construed as limiting the orientation of the head relative to the camera. For example, the wearer may face the camera. Alternatively, another part of the wearer's head, such as the side of the head or one of the ears, may face the camera.

[0020] The application is configured to determine whether the wearer's head has begun to turn relative to the camera. In this regard, turning the head relative to the camera may include pitch, roll and / or yaw or any combination of these. The application may be configured to determine whether the wearer's head has begun to turn to the left or right. Additionally or alternatively, the application may be configured to determine whether the wearer's head has begun to turn up or down. Additionally or alternatively, the application may be configured to determine whether the wearer's head has begun to tilt. Turning the head relative to the camera may include moving the head relative to the first electronic device. Additionally or alternatively, turning the head relative to the camera may include moving the first electronic device relative to the head. Thus, in the event that the wearer is unable to turn his head, the camera may be moved relative to the head.

[0021] The application is configured to initiate a shooting sequence of shooting a plurality of images. In this regard, an image can refer to a visual representation of content shot by a camera. The plurality of images comprises more than one image. Initiating the shooting sequence can start with shooting a first image of the plurality of images. Subsequently, a second image of the plurality of images can be shot, and so on until the plurality of images can contain a desired number or amount of images. The plurality of images can be a plurality of images, a set of images, or a group of images. The plurality of images can be a first plurality of images. The plurality of images can be a second plurality of images if one or more images are removed from the plurality of images. The camera can be configured to provide the plurality of images as part of a camera stream and / or a video stream, e.g. as part of a continuous camera stream and / or video stream. The plurality of images can be consecutive images in a camera stream and / or a video stream provided by the camera. The plurality of images can be a selection of images in a camera stream and / or a video stream provided by the camera, the selection corresponding to a range of the shooting sequence. The plurality of images can be digital images in a Joint Photographic Experts Group (JPEG), Portable Network Graphics (PNG), or RAW format, for example. The plurality of images can be configured to be displayed, stored, and / or shared electronically. The plurality of images can be a first plurality of images.

[0022] The plurality of images show at least an ear or at least a part of an ear of a wearer when the hearing aid arrangement is turned in the head of the wearer in-ear and / or out-of-ear. Thus, in other words, the plurality of images can provide a video showing a multi-angle view of the ear or a change in perspective of the ear.

[0023] According to an aspect, a system for assisting in the correct placement of a hearing aid in and / or out of the ear of a hearing aid wearer is disclosed. The system comprises a disclosed application, which is executed by a first electronic device. In this respect, the application can be referred to as a first application. The first electronic device comprises a camera. The system comprises a second application. The second application can be similar or identical to the first application in terms of functionality and capabilities. However, the second application is different from the first application. The second application is executed by a second electronic device. The first electronic device and the second electronic device are configured to provide a remote audiological consultation session between a hearing aid wearer and a hearing care professional (HCP). The second electronic device can be similar or identical to the first electronic device in terms of functionality and capabilities, but the second electronic device is different from the first electronic device. The term "remote audiology" generally refers to the provision of audiological services remotely using telecommunication technology. Remote audiology can be beneficial in situations where physical distance, travel restrictions, or other factors make it difficult for a hearing aid user to obtain traditional audiological services. During a remote audiological consultation session, the HCP can perform an evaluation of the placement of the hearing aid in and / or out of the ear of the hearing aid wearer. In addition, the HCP can also perform various fittings and adjustments. The remote audiological consultation session can comprise asynchronous testing and / or synchronous testing. The system for assisting in the correct placement of a hearing aid in and / or out of the ear of a hearing aid wearer provides the advantage that it not only provides the advantages as disclosed for the first application, but also enables the HCP to further assist, check and provide hearing care based on the results or outputs or features provided by the first application. Thus, the disclosed system can provide an improved and efficient service delivery during a remote audiological consultation session and can improve the level of audiological care.

[0024] In some embodiments, the photographing sequence is automatically started. In some embodiments, the photographing sequence is automatically started upon determining that the head of the wearer has started to turn relative to the camera. The determination that the head of the wearer has started to turn relative to the camera can be made using computer vision techniques. The computer vision techniques can comprise ear tracking algorithms, and / or face tracking algorithms, and / or head tracking algorithms, and / or object tracking algorithms. The computer vision techniques can be applied to a camera stream and / or a video stream provided by the camera. Additionally or alternatively, the computer vision techniques can be applied to a data stream from a 3D depth sensor comprised by the first electronic device. Advantageously, the photographing sequence can be automatically started, e.g. upon determining that the head of the wearer has started to turn relative to the camera, as this can result in the taking of the plurality of images under more stable photographing conditions as compared to starting the photographing sequence by a user input.

[0025] In some embodiments, the photographing sequence is automatically initiated upon determining that the wearer's head has started to turn more than an angle threshold with respect to the camera. The angle threshold can correspond to photographing the front of the ear, e.g. the angle threshold is a value between 5-85 degrees, such as 15-75 degrees, e.g. 25-65 degrees, such as 35-55 degrees, e.g. 40-50 degrees, and such as 45 degrees. Alternatively and / or additionally, the angle threshold can correspond to photographing the back of the ear, e.g. the angle threshold is a value between 90-180 degrees, such as 100-170 degrees, e.g. 110-160 degrees, such as 120-150 degrees, e.g. 130-140 degrees, and such as 135 degrees. In this regard, the starting point for measuring or determining the angular rotation of the head with respect to the camera can be the position of the head when determining whether the wearer's head is aligned with the camera. Advantageously, the photographing sequence can be automatically initiated upon determining that the wearer's head has started to turn more than an angle threshold with respect to the camera, as this can provide improved image quality of the plurality of images, and can further result in the plurality of images showing the desired angular view or perspective of the ear.

[0026] In some embodiments, the application is further configured to determine whether the wearer's ear is photographed or at least partially photographed by the camera. In some embodiments, the photographing sequence is automatically initiated upon determining that the wearer's ear is photographed or at least partially photographed by the camera. In this regard, the ear can be considered to be photographed or at least partially photographed by the camera when at least a substantial portion of the ear is photographed, e.g. when at least 50-100%, such as 60-90%, e.g. 70-80%, such as 75% of the ear surface area is photographed by the camera. Advantageously, at least the portion of the ear closest to the hearing aid cable in the middle is photographed, as this can provide a better assessment of the placement of the hearing aid in the ear. The determination of whether the wearer's ear is photographed or at least partially photographed by the camera can be made using computer vision techniques. The computer vision techniques can comprise ear tracking algorithms and / or face tracking algorithms. The computer vision techniques can be applied to a camera stream and / or a video stream provided by the camera. Additionally or alternatively, the computer vision techniques can be applied to a data stream from a 3D depth sensor comprised by the first electronic device. Advantageously, the application can be configured to determine whether the wearer's ear is photographed by the camera, as this can provide improved image quality of the plurality of images. Advantageously, the photographing sequence can be automatically initiated upon determining that the wearer's ear is photographed by the camera, as this can provide improved image quality of the plurality of images, and can further result in the plurality of images showing the desired angular view or perspective of the ear.

[0027] In some embodiments, the first electronic device includes one or more input devices. In some embodiments, the application is configured to provide a user interface. The user interface may be further configured to receive user input. The user interface may include a display. In addition, the user interface may include the one or more input devices. The one or more input devices may be included in the display, for example, the display may include touch screen functionality that allows the user to interact directly with the screen. The one or more input devices may be configured to receive user input in the form of finger gestures, such as a touch screen, keyboard and / or fingerprint scanner. The one or more input devices may be separate from the display, such as a touch screen separate from the display. The one or more input devices may be buttons configured to be pressed or clicked. The one or more input devices may be configured to receive user input in the form of audio input, such as voice input.

[0028] In some embodiments, the capture sequence is initiated upon receiving user input. The user input may be provided via a user interface. The user input may be provided via the one or more input devices.

[0029] In some embodiments, the application is further configured to indicate to the wearer that multiple images have been captured. The multiple images may be a first plurality of images or a second plurality of images. The application may be configured to visually indicate to the wearer that multiple images have been captured, for example, by visually indicating on a display. Additionally or alternatively, the application may be configured to indicate to the wearer that multiple images have been captured using audio, tactile, and / or haptic output. This may be advantageous because the wearer may not be able to see the display at this time. Advantageously, the audio, tactile, and / or haptic output may supplement the visual indication, particularly if the wearer is unable to see the display at this time. Indicating to the wearer that multiple images have been captured is advantageous because the wearer is informed that the capture is complete and the wearer may move the first electronic device and / or head.

[0030] In some embodiments, the application is further configured to provide a first visual guide in the viewfinder, the first visual guide being used to assist the wearer in aligning their face with the camera. Additionally or alternatively, the application may be configured to provide guidance or feedback to assist the wearer in aligning their face with the camera using audio, tactile, and / or haptic outputs. The first visual guide and / or guidance to assist the wearer in aligning their face with the camera may be provided automatically or upon receiving user input. Advantageously, the first visual guide may assist the wearer in aligning their face with the camera by positioning their head at an appropriate height or level with the camera. Advantageously, audio (e.g., voice), tactile, and / or haptic outputs may be provided as guidance or feedback to assist the wearer in aligning their face with the camera by positioning their head at an appropriate height or level with the camera, particularly if the wearer is unable to see the display at this time. Advantageously, the audio, tactile, and / or haptic outputs may supplement the first visual guide, particularly if the wearer is unable to see the display at this time.

[0031] In some embodiments, the application is further configured to provide a second visual guide in the viewfinder, the second visual guide being used to assist the wearer in turning their head relative to the camera. Additionally, the application may be configured to provide guidance or feedback to assist the wearer in turning their head relative to the camera using audio, haptic, and / or tactile output. The second visual guide and / or guidance to assist the wearer in turning their head relative to the camera may be provided automatically or upon receiving user input. Advantageously, the second visual guide may assist the wearer in turning their head relative to the camera, as this may allow the wearer to turn their head relative to the camera at an appropriate time for capturing multiple images. Advantageously, audio (e.g., voice), haptic, and / or tactile output may be provided as guidance or feedback to assist the wearer in turning their head relative to the camera, as this may allow the wearer to turn their head relative to the camera at an appropriate time for capturing multiple images, particularly if the wearer is unable to view the display at the time. Advantageously, the audio, haptic, and / or tactile output may supplement the second visual guide, particularly if the wearer is unable to view the display at the time.

[0032] In some embodiments, the application is further configured to define a boundary region in the plurality of images, the boundary region encompassing the ear or a portion of the ear of the wearer. In some embodiments, the application is further configured to crop the plurality of images according to the boundary region. The boundary region can be defined and / or the plurality of images can be cropped according to the boundary region using computer vision techniques. Defining the boundary region and / or cropping the plurality of images according to the boundary region can be performed automatically or can be performed upon receiving a user input. The computer vision techniques can include ear tracking algorithms and / or face tracking algorithms. The computer vision techniques can be applied to a camera stream and / or a video stream provided by the camera. Additionally or alternatively, the computer vision techniques can be applied to a data stream from a 3D depth sensor comprised by the first electronic device. The boundary region can have a shape of, for example, a geometric shape, such as a curved shape, like a circle, or a polygonal shape, like a square. The plurality of images can be the first plurality of images or the second plurality of images. Defining the boundary region and cropping the plurality of images according to the boundary region is advantageous as it can provide a more stable position of the ear when displaying the plurality of images and can further make the ear appear larger when displaying the plurality of images. Thus, it can provide a more stable and coherent view of the ear.

[0033] In some embodiments, the application is further configured to determine an image quality level in one or more images of the plurality of images. In some embodiments, the application is further configured to remove or delete a particular image from the plurality of images if the image quality level of the particular image is below a quality threshold. Determining the image quality level and / or removing the particular image from the plurality of images can be performed automatically or can be performed upon receiving a user input. The plurality of images can be the first plurality of images or the second plurality of images. The image quality level can be related to various parameters, such as resolution, sharpness, contrast, saturation, blurriness, and / or distortion, etc. The image quality level can be determined using computer vision techniques.

[0034] In some embodiments, the application is further configured to determine a level of similarity between each image of the plurality of images and a subsequent image of the plurality of images. In some embodiments, the application is further configured to remove or delete a particular image from the plurality of images if the level of similarity is above a similarity threshold, e.g. if the level of similarity is above a similarity threshold for the particular image, the particular image is removed from the plurality of images. Determining the level of similarity between each image of the plurality of images and a subsequent image of the plurality of images and / or removing a particular image from the plurality of images can be performed automatically or can be performed upon receiving a user input. The plurality of images can be the first plurality of images or the second plurality of images. The level of similarity between each image of the plurality of images and a subsequent image of the plurality of images can be determined using computer vision techniques. The level of similarity between each image of the plurality of images and a subsequent image of the plurality of images can be determined by pixel values, voxel values, color values, intensity values, etc. The level of similarity between images can be measured by comparing histograms of the two images, e.g. histogram intersection and histogram correlation metrics can be used for this purpose.

[0035] In some embodiments, the application is further configured to provide feedback or output if the wearer turns and / or moves the head and / or ear with a rotational speed above or below a threshold and / or beyond a predefined position or area. In other words, the application can be configured to provide feedback if the user moves the head and / or ear in a way that reduces the level of image quality. This is advantageous as it can prevent or at least partly prevent poor image quality. The feedback can be provided automatically or can be provided upon receiving a user input. The feedback can be a visual output. Additionally or alternatively, the feedback can be an audio, haptic and / or tactile output. This is advantageous as the audio, haptic and / or tactile output can complement the visual output, especially if the wearer cannot see the display at the time.

[0036] In some embodiments, the application is further configured to determine a representative image of the plurality of images. In some embodiments, the application is further configured to display the representative image on the display and / or in the user interface as a default image. The representative image can be an image that is representative of the plurality of images. Determining the representative image and / or displaying the representative image can be performed automatically or can be performed upon receiving a user input. The plurality of images can be the first plurality of images or the second plurality of images. The determination of the representative image can be arbitrary or intentional. The representative image can be any one of the plurality of images. For example, the representative image can be the median image of the plurality of images. For example, the representative image can be an image that is in focus and / or does not have motion-induced blur and / or shows the ear in the center of the image. The determination of the representative image can be performed using computer vision techniques. Advantageously, the representative image can aid visual assessment to help identify poor insertion or placement of the hearing aid in the ear of the hearing aid wearer and / or outside the ear.

[0037] In some embodiments, the application is further configured to determine one or more rotation angle images, which illustrate the wearer turning the head relative to the camera at an angle of, for example, between 30-90 degrees, such as 40-80 degrees, such as 50-70 degrees, such as 60 degrees. In some embodiments, the application is further configured to display the one or more rotation angle images on the display and / or in the user interface. Determining the one or more rotation angle images and / or displaying the one or more rotation angle images can be performed automatically or can be performed upon receiving a user input. In some embodiments, the application is further configured to display one or more affordances in the user interface. In some embodiments, the application is further configured to display the one or more rotation angle images in response to the user selecting the one or more affordances by means of the one or more input devices. The one or more affordances can be one or more user-selectable objects in the user interface, such as a button, an icon or a slider bar. The one or more affordances can provide a shortcut to the disclosed functionality of the application. Advantageously, the one or more rotation angle images can assist the visual assessment to help identify a poor insertion or placement of the hearing aid in or out of the ear of the hearing aid wearer.

[0038] In some embodiments, the application is further configured to detect a first type of gesture by means of the one or more input devices. In some embodiments, the application is further configured to display the plurality of images as a video on the display and / or in the user interface in response to detecting the first type of gesture, such as displaying a sequence of consecutive images in the plurality of images or displaying each image individually, such as displaying each image individually in the plurality of images. The plurality of images can be the first plurality of images or the second plurality of images. The first type of gesture can be a user input. The first type of gesture can be a tap gesture on the one or more input devices, such as a tap gesture on a touch screen. A tap gesture can be described as a gesture where one or more fingers briefly touch the one or more input devices. Thus, the fingers involved in the tap gesture should typically not move significantly from the initial point of touch. The first type of gesture as a tap gesture can be a single tap, a double tap or a triple tap, etc. If the one or more input devices are pointer-based devices, such as a mouse, the first type of gesture can also be a "click" gesture. Advantageously, the user can select how to view the plurality of images by means of the first type of gesture, as this can assist the visual assessment to help identify a poor insertion or placement of the hearing aid in or out of the ear of the hearing aid wearer.

[0039] In some embodiments, the application is further configured to detect a second type of gesture via one or more input devices. In some embodiments, the application is further configured to display multiple images on a display and / or in a user interface by moving, browsing, flipping through, or scrolling through the multiple images in response to detecting the second type of gesture. In some embodiments, the movement through the multiple images is dependent on and / or proportional to the direction and / or magnitude of the second type of gesture. The multiple images may be a first plurality of images or a second plurality of images. The second type of gesture may be a user input. The second type of gesture may be a drag, wipe, pan, slide, or pin gesture. The second type of gesture may be a continuous gesture involving one or more fingers, wherein the one or more fingers involved in the second type of gesture may be moved from one or more initial touch points in the one or more input devices, respectively. Advantageously, the user may select how to view the multiple images via the second type of gesture, as this may assist in visual assessment to help identify poor insertion or placement of the hearing aid in and / or outside the hearing aid wearer's ear.

[0040] In some embodiments, multiple images are stitched together to produce or provide a three-dimensional (3D) image. In some embodiments, the application is further configured to display a 3D image on a display and / or in a user interface. The display of the 3D image and / or 3D image can be provided automatically, or can be provided upon receiving user input. The multiple images can be a first plurality of images or a second plurality of images. The 3D image can be provided by stitching the multiple images together to match common features in the multiple images via one or more algorithms, and then blending the multiple images together to create a seamless panoramic 3D image. The 3D image can provide a depth perception along three spatial dimensions: width, height, and depth. Computer vision technology, computer-generated graphics (CGI) can be used to provide the 3D image. It is advantageous to provide a 3D image because this can provide a more realistic visual display of the ear and can allow the user to observe the ear from multiple angles.

[0041] In some embodiments, the camera is a digital camera, and / or an infrared camera, and / or a structured light scanner camera, and / or a time-of-flight sensor that provides 2D images and / or 3D images.

[0042] In some embodiments, the camera is a front-facing camera and / or a rear-facing camera.

[0043] In some embodiments, the first electronic device further comprises a three-dimensional (3D) depth sensor. The three-dimensional (3D) depth sensor can be configured to provide a data stream, such as a continuous data stream. The 3D depth sensor can be configured to measure the distance between the sensor and the wearer and / or ear and provide depth information to the application. The 3D depth sensor can use infrared light patterns, time of flight, or any other technique known to those skilled in the art to obtain depth information.

[0044] In some embodiments, the first electronic device further comprises one or more output devices. The one or more output devices may be configured to provide audio, tactile, and / or haptic output. The one or more output devices may include one or more speakers. The one or more output devices may include one or more vibration motors.

[0045] In some embodiments, a teleaudiology consultation session includes a live video call between a first electronic device and a second electronic device. In some embodiments, a plurality of images are captured during the live video call. In some embodiments, the plurality of images are transmitted from the first electronic device to the second electronic device. In some embodiments, the plurality of images are transmitted to the second electronic device during the teleaudiology consultation session. In some embodiments, the plurality of images are transmitted to the second electronic device before the teleaudiology consultation session. The plurality of images may be transmitted using an online service over the internet, such as a cloud service. The first electronic device may be configured to communicate with the second electronic device via a wired or wireless connection, such as Bluetooth (BT), Wi-Fi, WLAN, or any other wireless communication technology standard known to those skilled in the art. The first electronic device may be configured to communicate with the second electronic device using various communication technologies and protocols, such as internet-based communication (e.g., conferencing applications) and / or cellular networks (e.g., 3G, 4G / LTE, and / or 5G). The plurality of images may be a first plurality of images or a second plurality of images. Advantageously, the plurality of images may be transmitted to the second electronic device before or during the teleaudiology consultation session because this allows the HCP to access the plurality of images and use them to improve the hearing care provided. Advantageously, the teleaudiology consultation session may include a live video call between the first electronic device and the second electronic device, as this provides real-time interaction between the hearing aid wearer and the HCP. This is advantageous because assisting in the proper placement of the hearing aid in and / or outside the wearer's ear can be an iterative process, and / or the HCP can accelerate, enhance, and / or provide input into the process of assisting in the proper placement of the hearing aid in and / or outside the wearer's ear. Advantageously, multiple images can be captured during the live video call, as this provides the HCP with the ability to view the placement of the hearing aid from multiple angles around the ear in real time.

[0046] In one embodiment, the hearing aid is configured to be worn by a user. The hearing aid can be positioned outside the user's ear, on the user's ear, around the user's ear, inside the user's ear, in the user's ear canal, behind the user's ear, and / or inside the user's concha. In other words, the hearing aid is configured to be worn inside, on, around, and / or outside the user's ear. The user can wear two hearing aids, one in each ear. The two hearing aids can be connected to each other, for example, wirelessly and / or wired, such as in a binaural hearing aid system.

[0047] The hearing aid can be a personal sound amplification product (PSAP), an over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aid, a universal hearing aid, or a custom hearing aid. The hearing aid can include both prescription and non-prescription devices.

[0048] The hearing aid can employ various housing styles or form factors. Some of these form factors are a behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aid, a receiver-in-canal (RIC) hearing aid, a receiver-in-ear (RIE) hearing aid, or a microphone-and-receiver-in-ear (MaRIE) hearing aid. These hearing aids can include a BTE unit configured to be worn behind a user's ear and an in-the-ear (ITE) unit configured to be partially or fully inserted into a user's ear canal. Typically, the BTE unit can include at least one input transducer, a power source, and a processing unit. The term BTE hearing aid refers to a hearing aid in which the receiver, i.e., the output transducer, is contained in the BTE unit and sound is directed to the ITE unit through a sound tube connecting the BTE unit and the ITE unit, while the terms RIE, RIC, and MaRIE hearing aid refer to a hearing aid in which the receiver can be contained in the ITE unit that is coupled to the BTE unit through a connector cable or wire configured to transmit electrical signals between the BTE unit and the ITE unit.

[0049] Some of these form factors are an in-the-ear (ITE) hearing aid, a completely-in-canal (CIC) hearing aid, or an invisible-in-canal (IIC) hearing aid. These hearing aids can include an ITE unit, where the ITE unit can include at least one input transducer, a power source, a processing unit, and an output transducer. These form factors can be custom hearing aids, meaning that the ITE unit can include a housing having a shell made of a hard material, such as a hard polymer or metal, or a soft material, such as a rubber-like polymer, that is molded to have an outer shape that conforms to the shape of a specific user's ear canal.

[0050] Some of these form factors are an earplug, an on-ear headphone, or an over-ear headphone. Those skilled in the art are familiar with different kinds of hearing aids and different options for arranging a hearing aid in a hearing aid wearer's ear, on the ear, around the ear, and / or outside the ear. The hearing aid (or pair of hearing aids) can employ custom, standard, open, and / or closed fittings.

[0051] In one embodiment, the hearing aid can include one or more input transducers. The one or more input transducers can include one or more microphones. The one or more input transducers can include one or more vibration sensors configured to detect bone vibrations. The one or more input transducers can be configured to convert acoustic signals into a first electrical input signal. The first electrical input signal can be an analog signal. The first electrical input signal can be a digital signal. The one or more input transducers can be coupled to one or more analog-to-digital converters configured to convert the analog first input signal into a digital first input signal.

[0052] In an embodiment, the hearing aid can comprise one or more antennas configured for wireless communication. The one or more antennas can comprise an electric antenna. The electric antenna can be configured for wireless communication at a first frequency. The first frequency can be above 800 MHz, e.g. a wavelength between 900 MHz and 6 GHz. The first frequency can be 902 MHz to 928 MHz. The first frequency can be 2.4 GHz to 2.5 GHz. The first frequency can be 5.725 GHz to 5.875 GHz. The one or more antennas can comprise a magnetic antenna. The magnetic antenna can comprise a magnetic core. The magnetic antenna can comprise a coil. The coil can be wrapped around the magnetic core. The magnetic antenna can be configured for wireless communication at a second frequency. The second frequency can be below 100 MHz. The second frequency can be between 9 MHz and 15 MHz.

[0053] In an embodiment, the hearing aid can comprise one or more wireless communication units. The one or more wireless communication units can comprise one or more wireless receivers, one or more wireless transmitters, one or more transmitter-receiver pairs, and / or one or more transceivers. At least one of the one or more wireless communication units can be coupled to the one or more antennas. The wireless communication unit can be configured to convert a wireless signal received by at least one of the one or more antennas into a second electrical input signal. The hearing aid can be configured for wired / wireless audio communication, e.g. enabling the user to listen to media (e.g. music or radio) and / or enabling the user to make a phone call.

[0054] In an embodiment, the wireless signal can originate from one or more external sources and / or external devices, e.g. a spouse microphone device, a wireless audio transmitter, a smart computer, and / or a distributed microphone array associated with a wireless transmitter. The wireless input signal can originate from another hearing aid, e.g. as part of a binaural hearing system, and / or from one or more accessory devices, e.g. a smartphone and / or a smartwatch.

[0055] In an embodiment, the hearing aid can comprise a processing unit. The processing unit can be configured to process the first and / or second electrical input signal. The processing can comprise compensating for the user’s hearing loss, i.e. applying frequency dependent gain to the input signal according to the user’s frequency dependent hearing impairment. The processing can comprise performing feedback cancellation, beamforming, tinnitus mitigation / masking, noise reduction, noise cancellation, speech recognition, bass adjustment, treble adjustment, and / or processing of user input. The processing unit can be a processor, an integrated circuit, an application, a functional module, etc. The processing unit can be implemented in a signal processing chip or a printed circuit board (PCB). The processing unit can be configured to provide a first electrical output signal based on the processing of the first and / or second electrical input signal. The processing unit can be configured to provide a second electrical output signal. The second electrical output signal can be based on the processing of the first and / or second electrical input signal.

[0056] In an embodiment, the hearing aid can comprise an output transducer. The output transducer can be coupled to the processing unit. The output transducer can be a receiver. It is noted that in this case the receiver can be a loudspeaker and the wireless receiver can be a device configured to process wireless signals. The receiver can be configured to convert the first electrical output signal into an acoustic output signal. The output transducer can be coupled to the processing unit via a magnetic antenna. The output transducer can be comprised in an ITE unit or an earpiece of the hearing aid, such as a receiver-in-the-ear (RIE) unit or a microphone and receiver-in-the-ear (MaRIE) unit. One or more input transducers can be comprised in the ITE unit or the earpiece.

[0057] In an embodiment, the wireless communication unit can be configured to convert the second electrical output signal into a wireless output signal. The wireless output signal can comprise synchronization data. The wireless communication unit can be configured to transmit the wireless output signal via at least one of the one or more antennas.

[0058] In an embodiment, the hearing aid can comprise a digital-to-analog converter configured to convert the first electrical output signal, the second electrical output signal and / or the wireless output signal into an analog signal.

[0059] In an embodiment, the hearing aid can comprise a vent. The vent is a physical passage, such as a channel or a tube, primarily provided for providing pressure equalization across an in-the-ear housing, such as an ITE hearing aid, an ITE unit of a BTE hearing aid, a CIC hearing aid, a RIE hearing aid, a RIC hearing aid, a MaRIE hearing aid or a dome / ear mold. The vent can be a pressure vent having a small cross-sectional area, which can be acoustically sealed. The vent can be an acoustic vent configured to eliminate occlusion. The vent can be an active vent enabling opening or closing of the vent during use of the hearing aid. The active vent can comprise a valve.

[0060] In an embodiment, the hearing aid can comprise a power source. The power source can comprise a battery providing a first voltage. The battery can be a rechargeable battery. The battery can be a replaceable battery. The power source can comprise a power management unit. The power management unit can be configured to convert the first voltage into a second voltage. The power source can comprise a charging coil. The charging coil can be provided by the magnetic antenna.

[0061] In an embodiment, the hearing aid can comprise a memory, including volatile and non-volatile forms of memory.

[0062] The present invention relates to different aspects, including the above and below mentioned applications and systems as well as corresponding device components, each aspect producing one or more of the advantages and benefits described in connection with the first aspect and each aspect having one or more embodiments corresponding to the embodiments described in connection with the first aspect and / or disclosed in the appended claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0063] The above and other features and advantages will be more readily understood by reference to the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0064] Figure 1 a flowchart illustrating an exemplary application;

[0065] Figure 2 schematically illustrating an exemplary application executed by a first electronic device;

[0066] Figure 3 schematically illustrating an exemplary insertion of a hearing aid in and / or out of an ear of a hearing aid wearer;

[0067] Figure 4 schematically illustrating an exemplary application configured to determine a level of similarity between images;

[0068] Figure 5 schematically illustrating an exemplary application configured to detect a second type of gesture for displaying a plurality of images in a user interface;

[0069] Figure 6 schematically illustrating a system for assisting in a correct placement of a hearing aid in and / or out of an ear of a hearing aid wearer, the system comprising an application configured to provide a remote audiological consultation session.

[0070] LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS

[0071] 2 application

[0072] 4 first electronic device

[0073] 6 camera

[0074] 8 display

[0075] 10 hearing aid

[0076] 12 ear

[0077] 14 wearer

[0078] 16 camera application

[0079] 18 viewfinder

[0080] 20 preview

[0081] 22 head of the wearer

[0082] 24 shooting sequence

[0083] 26 plurality of images

[0084] 28 Second Vision Guide

[0085] 30 Boundary Area

[0086] 32 Rotation Angle Image

[0087] 34 Type 2 Gestures

[0088] 36 User Interface

[0089] 38 User Input

[0090] 40 fingers

[0091] 42 System

[0092] 44 Second Application

[0093] 46 Second electronic device

[0094] 48 Hearing care professionals

[0095] 100 applications

[0096] 102 Provides access to the camera application

[0097] 104 Enable the camera app's viewfinder to show a preview of the camera's field of view

[0098] 106 Determine whether the wearer's head is aligned with the camera

[0099] 108 Determine if the wearer's head has begun to rotate relative to the camera

[0100] 110 starts a capture sequence for capturing a plurality of images. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0101] Various embodiments will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The same reference numerals represent the same elements throughout. Therefore, the description of each figure will not describe the same elements in detail. It should also be noted that the drawings are only used to facilitate the description of the embodiments. The drawings are not intended to be an exhaustive description of the claimed invention or to limit the scope of the claimed invention. In addition, the embodiments shown do not necessarily have all the aspects or advantages shown. An aspect or advantage described in conjunction with a particular embodiment is not necessarily limited to that embodiment, but can be practiced in any other embodiment, even if not shown or explicitly described as such.

[0102] Figure 1A flowchart of an exemplary application 100 is shown. The application 100 is executed by a first electronic device. The first electronic device includes a camera. The first electronic device includes a display. The application 100 is used to assist in properly placing a hearing aid in an ear and / or outside the ear of a hearing aid wearer. The application 100 is configured to provide access to a camera application associated with the camera of the first electronic device (102). The application 100 is configured to enable a viewfinder of the camera application to display a preview of the camera's field of view (104). The application 100 is configured to determine whether the wearer's head is aligned with the camera (106). The application 100 is configured to determine whether the wearer's head has begun to rotate relative to the camera (108). The application 100 is configured to initiate a capture sequence that captures multiple images (110). As the wearer's head rotates, the multiple images show at least a portion of the wearer's ear with the hearing aid placed in the ear and / or outside the ear.

[0103] Figure 2 An exemplary application 2 executed by a first electronic device 4 is schematically shown. The first electronic device 4 includes a camera 6. The first electronic device 4 includes a display 8. The application 2 is used to assist in properly positioning a hearing aid 10 within and / or outside an ear 12 of a hearing aid wearer 14. The application 2 is configured to provide access to a camera application 16 associated with the camera 6 of the first electronic device 4. The application 2 is configured to enable a viewfinder 18 of the camera application 16 to display a preview 20 of the field of view of the camera 6. The application 2 is configured to determine whether the wearer's head 22 is aligned with the camera 6. The application 2 is configured to determine whether the wearer's head 22 has begun to rotate relative to the camera 6. The application 2 is configured to initiate a capture sequence 24 that captures a plurality of images 26. As the wearer's head 22 rotates, the plurality of images 26 depict at least a portion of the wearer's ear 12 with the hearing aid 10 positioned within and / or outside the ear 12.

[0104] The application 2 is further configured to provide a second visual guide 28 in the viewfinder 18 for assisting the wearer 14 in turning the head 22 relative to the camera 6 .

[0105] The application 2 is further configured to define a bounding region 30 in the plurality of images 26, the bounding region 30 surrounding the ear 12 of the wearer 14 or a portion of the ear 12, and to crop the plurality of images 26 according to the bounding region 30. The bounding region 30 may have a shape such as a geometric shape, a curved shape such as a circle, or a polygonal shape such as a square.

[0106] The application 2 is further configured to determine and display one or more rotation angle images 32 showing the wearer's head 22 rotated relative to the camera 6 at angles of, for example, 30 degrees and / or 90 degrees.

[0107] Figure 3Schematic diagrams illustrate exemplary insertion and / or placement of a hearing aid 10 in and / or outside the ear 12 of a hearing aid wearer. The first row shows examples of good insertion and / or placement of the hearing aid 10 in and / or outside the ear 12 of a hearing aid wearer at three different angles around the ear (1A, 1B, and 1C). The second row shows examples of poor insertion and / or placement of the hearing aid 10 in and / or outside the ear 12 of a hearing aid wearer at three different angles around the ear (2A, 2B, and 2C). 1A and 2A show insertion from a front view, 1B and 2B show insertion from a side view, and 1C and 2C show placement from a back view.

[0108] Figure 4 An exemplary application executed by the first electronic device is schematically shown. The application is further configured to determine a similarity level between each image 26' in the plurality of images 26 and a subsequent image 26" in the plurality of images 26, and to remove the particular image 26'" from the plurality of images 26 if the similarity level is above a similarity threshold.

[0109] Figure 4 Six images 26 are captured and compared to determine similarity levels. The first image (i.e., the leftmost image) is compared with the second and third images. The second and third images are found to be too similar to the first image, so the second and third images are removed. The first image is then compared with the fourth image. The first and fourth images are found to be sufficiently different, so the fourth image is retained. The fifth image is found to be too similar to the fourth image, so the fifth image is removed. The fourth image is then compared with the sixth image. The fourth and sixth images are found to be sufficiently different, so the sixth image is retained.

[0110] Figure 5 An exemplary application 2 is schematically shown that is further configured to detect a second type of gesture 34 via one or more input devices, and in response to detecting the second type of gesture 34 , display multiple images 26 in a user interface 36 by moving across the multiple images 26 according to the direction and magnitude of the second type of gesture 34 .

[0111] The second type of gesture 34 may be user input 38. The second type of gesture 34 may be a drag, wipe, pan, slide, or pin gesture. The second type of gesture 34 may be a continuous gesture involving one or more fingers 40, wherein the one or more fingers 40 involved in the second type of gesture 34 may be moved from one or more initial touch points in one or more input devices, respectively.

[0112] Figure 6Schematically illustrated is a system 42 for assisting in the proper placement of a hearing aid in and / or outside the ear of a hearing aid wearer, the system 42 comprising an application 2 executed by a first electronic device 4 and a second application 44 executed by a second electronic device 46. The first electronic device 4 and the second electronic device 46 are configured to provide a remote audiology consultation session between the hearing aid wearer 14 and a hearing care professional 48.

[0113] The plurality of images 26 may be transmitted to the second electronic device 46 before or during the teleaudiology session.

[0114] The teleaudiology session may include a real-time video call between the first electronic device 4 and the second electronic device 46 , wherein the plurality of images 26 may be captured during the real-time video call.

[0115] While certain features have been shown and described, it should be understood that these features are not intended to limit the claimed invention, and that those skilled in the art will appreciate that various changes and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the claimed invention. Accordingly, the specification and drawings should be regarded as illustrative rather than restrictive. The claimed invention is intended to encompass all alternatives, modifications, and equivalents.

[0116] The first group of projects:

[0117] 1. An application configured to be executed by a first electronic device, the first electronic device being configured to include a camera and a display, the application being configured to assist in correctly placing a hearing aid in an ear and / or outside an ear of a hearing aid wearer, the application being configured to:

[0118] providing access to a camera application associated with a camera of the first electronic device;

[0119] Enable the camera app's viewfinder to show a preview of the camera's field of view;

[0120] determining whether the wearer's head is aligned with the camera;

[0121] determining whether the wearer's head has begun to rotate relative to the camera;

[0122] A recording sequence is initiated to record a plurality of images, wherein the plurality of images show at least a portion of the wearer's ear with the hearing aid arranged in the ear and / or outside the ear as the wearer's head rotates.

[0123] 2. The application according to item 1, wherein the shooting sequence is automatically initiated when it is determined that the wearer's head has started to rotate relative to the camera.

[0124] 3. The use according to any of the preceding items, wherein a capture sequence is automatically initiated upon determining that the wearer's head has begun to rotate relative to the camera beyond an angle threshold.

[0125] 4. The application according to any of the preceding items, wherein the application is further configured to determine whether the wearer's ears are captured by the camera.

[0126] 5. The application according to any one of the preceding items, wherein a capture sequence is automatically initiated when it is determined that the wearer's ear is captured by the camera.

[0127] 6. The application according to any of the preceding items, wherein the first electronic device further comprises one or more input devices, and wherein the application is further configured to provide a user interface.

[0128] 7. Application according to any of the preceding items, wherein upon receiving a user input, a capture sequence is initiated.

[0129] 8. The application according to any of the preceding items, wherein the application is further configured to indicate to the wearer that a plurality of images have been captured.

[0130] 9. The application of any of the preceding items, wherein the application is further configured to provide a first visual guide in the viewfinder, wherein the first visual guide is used to assist the wearer in aligning the face with the camera.

[0131] 10. The application according to any of the preceding items, wherein the application is further configured to provide a second visual guide in the viewfinder, wherein the second visual guide is used to assist the wearer in turning his head relative to the camera.

[0132] 11. The application according to any of the preceding items, wherein the application is further configured to define a boundary area surrounding the wearer's ear or a portion of the ear in the plurality of images, and to crop the plurality of images according to the boundary area.

[0133] 12. An application according to any of the preceding items, wherein the application is further configured to determine an image quality level in one or more images of a plurality of images, and to remove a particular image from the plurality of images if the image quality level of the particular image is below a quality threshold.

[0134] 13. An application according to any of the preceding items, wherein the application is further configured to determine a similarity level between each image in the plurality of images and a subsequent image in the plurality of images, and to remove a particular image from the plurality of images if the similarity level is above a similarity threshold.

[0135] 14. An application according to any of the preceding items, wherein the application is further configured to provide feedback if the wearer's head is rotated and / or moved relative to the camera at a rotation speed above or below a threshold and / or beyond a predefined position / area.

[0136] 15. The application according to any of the preceding items, wherein the application is further configured to determine a representative image of the plurality of images and display the representative image as a default image in a user interface.

[0137] 16. An application according to any of the preceding items, wherein the application is further configured to determine one or more rotation angle images, wherein the one or more rotation angle images show the wearer's head rotated relative to the camera, for example, at an angle of 30 degrees and / or 90 degrees; display one or more affordances in a user interface; and display the one or more rotation angle images respectively in response to the user selecting one or more affordances through one or more input devices.

[0138] 17. An application according to any of the preceding items, wherein the application is further configured to detect a first type of gesture through one or more input devices, and in response to detecting the first type of gesture, display multiple images as a video or display each image individually in a user interface.

[0139] 18. An application according to any of the preceding items, wherein the application is further configured to detect a second type of gesture through one or more input devices, and in response to detecting the second type of gesture, display multiple images in the user interface by moving through the multiple images according to the direction and magnitude of the second type of gesture.

[0140] 19. Use according to any of the preceding items, wherein a plurality of images are stitched together to produce a composite 3D image.

[0141] 20. Use according to any of the preceding items, wherein the camera is a digital camera, and / or an infrared camera, and / or a structured light scanner camera and / or a time-of-flight sensor providing 2D images and / or 3D images.

[0142] 21. The use according to any of the preceding items, wherein the camera is a front camera and / or a rear camera.

[0143] 22. The use according to any of the preceding items, wherein the first electronic device further comprises a 3D depth sensor configured to provide a data stream.

[0144] 23. A system for assisting in the correct placement of a hearing aid in an ear and / or outside an ear of a hearing aid wearer, the system comprising:

[0145] An application according to any of the preceding items executed by a first electronic device comprising a camera;

[0146] a second application executed by a second electronic device;

[0147] The first electronic device and the second electronic device are configured to provide a remote audiology consultation session between a hearing aid wearer and a hearing care professional.

[0148] 24. The system of item 23, wherein the plurality of images are transmitted to the second electronic device before or during the teleaudiology consultation session.

[0149] 25. A system according to any of items 23-24, wherein the remote audiology treatment session includes a real-time video call between the first electronic device and the second electronic device, and wherein the plurality of images are captured during the real-time video call.

[0150] The second group of projects:

[0151] 1. An electronic device comprising:

[0152] camera, display, and processing unit;

[0153] wherein the electronic device is configured to assist a hearing aid wearer in correctly positioning the hearing aid in an ear and / or outside an ear of the hearing aid wearer;

[0154] Accessing the camera of an electronic device;

[0155] determining whether the wearer's head is aligned with the camera;

[0156] determining whether the wearer's head has begun to turn relative to the camera; and

[0157] A recording sequence is initiated to record a plurality of images, wherein the plurality of images show at least a portion of the wearer's ear with the hearing aid arranged in the ear and / or outside the ear as the wearer's head rotates.

[0158] 2. The electronic device of item 1, wherein the electronic device is configured to automatically initiate a capture sequence upon determining that the wearer's head has begun to rotate relative to the camera.

[0159] 3. An electronic device according to item 1, wherein the electronic device is configured to automatically initiate a capture sequence upon determining that the wearer's head has rotated relative to the camera beyond an angle threshold.

[0160] 4. The electronic device according to item 1, wherein the electronic device is configured to determine whether the wearer's ear is captured by the camera.

[0161] 5. The electronic device according to item 1, wherein the electronic device is configured to automatically start a shooting sequence when it is determined that the wearer's ear is captured by the camera.

[0162] 6. The electronic device according to item 1, further comprising one or more input devices, and wherein the electronic device is configured to provide a user interface.

[0163] 7. The electronic device of item 1, wherein the electronic device is configured to automatically initiate a capture sequence upon receiving user input.

[0164] 8. The electronic device according to item 1, wherein the electronic device is configured to indicate to the wearer that a plurality of images have been captured.

[0165] 9. An electronic device according to item 1, wherein the electronic device is configured to provide a first visual guide to assist the wearer in aligning the face with the camera.

[0166] 10. The electronic device of item 9, wherein the electronic device is configured to provide a second visual guide to assist the wearer in turning the wearer's head relative to the camera.

[0167] 11. An electronic device according to item 1, wherein the electronic device is configured to define a boundary area in the multiple images, the boundary area surrounding the wearer's ear or a portion of the ear, and wherein the electronic device is configured to crop the multiple images based on the boundary area.

[0168] 12. An electronic device according to item 1, wherein the electronic device is configured to determine an image quality level of one image among the plurality of images, and to remove the one image from the plurality of images if the image quality level of the one image is below a quality threshold.

[0169] 13. An electronic device according to item 1, wherein the electronic device is configured to determine a similarity level between an image in the plurality of images and a subsequent image in the plurality of images, and to remove the subsequent image from the plurality of images if the similarity level is above a similarity threshold.

[0170] 14. An electronic device according to item 1, wherein the electronic device is configured to provide feedback if the wearer's head is rotated and / or moved relative to the camera at a rotation speed above or below a threshold and / or beyond a predefined position / area.

[0171] 15. The electronic device according to item 1, wherein the electronic device is configured to determine a representative image of a plurality of images and provide the representative image as a default image through a display.

[0172] 16. The electronic device according to item 1, wherein the electronic device is configured as:

[0173] determining one or more rotational angle images, the one or more rotational angle images illustrating an orientation of the wearer's head relative to the camera; and

[0174] In response to a user selecting one or more affordances presented via the display, one or more rotation angle images are respectively displayed.

[0175] 17. An electronic device according to item 1, wherein the electronic device is configured to detect a first type of gesture through one or more input devices, and in response to detecting the first type of gesture, provide the image as a video or separately for presentation through a display.

[0176] 18. An electronic device according to item 17, wherein the electronic device is configured to detect a second type of gesture through one or more input devices, and in response to detecting the second type of gesture, provide multiple images for presentation via a display by moving through the multiple images according to the direction and magnitude of the second type of gesture.

[0177] 19. The electronic device of item 1, wherein the electronic device is configured to generate a composite 3D image based on a plurality of images.

[0178] 20. The electronic device according to item 1, wherein the camera is a digital camera, and / or an infrared camera, and / or a structured light scanner camera and / or a time-of-flight sensor providing a 2D image and / or a 3D image.

[0179] 21. The electronic device according to item 1, wherein the camera is a front camera and / or a rear camera.

[0180] 22. The electronic device according to item 1, further comprising a 3D depth sensor configured to provide a data stream.

[0181] 23. A system comprising the electronic device according to item 1, and a second electronic device;

[0182] The first electronic device and the second electronic device are configured to allow a hearing aid wearer to communicate with a hearing care professional during a teleaudiology consultation session.

[0183] 24. The system of item 23, wherein the plurality of images are transmitted to the second electronic device before or during the teleaudiology consultation session.

[0184] 25. The system of claim 23, wherein the teleaudiology consultation session comprises a real-time video call between the first electronic device and the second electronic device, and wherein the plurality of images are captured during the real-time video call.

[0185] 26. A method for assisting a hearing aid wearer in correctly positioning a hearing aid in and / or outside the wearer's ear, the method involving an electronic device including a camera and a display, the method comprising:

[0186] Accessing the camera of an electronic device;

[0187] determining whether the wearer's head is aligned with the camera;

[0188] determining whether the wearer's head has begun to turn relative to the camera; and

[0189] A recording sequence is initiated to record a plurality of images, wherein the plurality of images show at least a portion of the wearer's ear with the hearing aid arranged in the ear and / or outside the ear as the wearer's head rotates.

[0190] 27. The method of item 26, wherein the capture sequence is automatically initiated upon determining that the wearer's head has begun to rotate relative to the camera.

[0191] 28. The method of item 26, wherein the capture sequence is automatically initiated upon determining that the wearer's head has been rotated relative to the camera beyond an angle threshold.

[0192] 29. The method according to item 26 further includes determining whether the wearer's ear is captured by the camera.

[0193] 30. The method according to item 26, wherein the photographing sequence is automatically initiated when it is determined that the wearer's ear is photographed by the camera.

[0194] 31. The method according to item 26 further includes providing a user interface.

[0195] 32. The method of clause 26, wherein the capture sequence is automatically initiated upon receiving user input.

[0196] 33. The method of claim 26, further comprising providing a representation to the wearer that the plurality of images have been captured.

[0197] 34. The method of item 26, further comprising providing a first visual guide to assist the wearer in aligning the face with the camera.

[0198] 35. The method of item 34, further comprising providing a second visual guide to assist the wearer in turning the wearer's head relative to the camera.

[0199] 36. The method according to item 26, further comprising:

[0200] defining a bounding region in the plurality of images, the bounding region surrounding an ear or a portion of an ear of the wearer; and

[0201] Crop multiple images based on boundary regions.

[0202] 37. The method according to item 26, further comprising:

[0203] determining an image quality level of an image in the plurality of images; and

[0204] If the image quality level of the one image is below a quality threshold, the one image is removed from the plurality of images.

[0205] 38. The method according to item 26, further comprising:

[0206] determining a level of similarity between an image in the plurality of images and a subsequent image in the plurality of images; and

[0207] If the similarity level is above a similarity threshold, the subsequent image is removed from the plurality of images.

[0208] 39. The method of item 26, further comprising providing feedback if the wearer's head is rotated and / or moved relative to the camera at a rotational speed above or below a threshold and / or outside a predefined position / area.

[0209] 40. The method according to item 26, further comprising:

[0210] determining a representative image of the plurality of images; and

[0211] A representative image is provided as a default image via the display.

[0212] 41. The method according to item 26, further comprising:

[0213] determining one or more rotational angle images showing the orientation of the wearer's head relative to the camera; and

[0214] In response to a user selecting one or more affordances presented via the display, one or more rotation angle images are respectively displayed.

[0215] 42. The method according to item 26, further comprising:

[0216] detecting a first type of gesture via one or more input devices; and

[0217] In response to detecting the first type of gesture, the image is provided as a video or separately for presentation via the display.

[0218] 43. The method according to item 42, further comprising:

[0219] detecting, via one or more input devices, a second type of gesture; and

[0220] In response to detecting the second type of gesture, the plurality of images are provided for presentation via the display by moving through the plurality of images in accordance with a direction and magnitude of the second type of gesture.

[0221] 44. The method of item 26, further comprising generating a composite 3D image based on the plurality of images.

[0222] 45. The method according to item 26, wherein the camera is a digital camera, and / or an infrared camera, and / or a structured light scanner camera and / or a time-of-flight sensor providing 2D images and / or 3D images.

[0223] 46. ​​The method of item 26, wherein the camera is a front-facing camera and / or a rear-facing camera.

[0224] 47. The method of item 26, wherein the electronic device includes a 3D depth sensor, and wherein the method includes providing the data stream via the 3D depth sensor.

[0225] 48. The method of claim 26, wherein the first electronic device is configured to communicate with the second electronic device during a teleaudiology consultation session.

[0226] 49. The method of item 48, wherein the plurality of images are transmitted to the second electronic device before or during the teleaudiology consultation session.

[0227] 50. The method of claim 48, wherein the remote audiology treatment session comprises a real-time video call between the first electronic device and the second electronic device, and wherein the plurality of images are captured during the real-time video call.

[0228] 51. A processor-readable non-transitory medium storing a set of instructions, wherein execution of the instructions results in a method for assisting a hearing aid wearer in properly positioning a hearing aid in an ear and / or outside the ear of the wearer, the method comprising:

[0229] Accessing the camera of an electronic device;

[0230] determining whether the wearer's head is aligned with the camera;

[0231] determining whether the wearer's head has begun to turn relative to the camera; and

[0232] A recording sequence is initiated to record a plurality of images, wherein the plurality of images show at least a portion of the wearer's ear with the hearing aid arranged in the ear and / or outside the ear as the wearer's head rotates.

[0233] The third group of projects:

[0234] 1. An application configured to be executed by a first electronic device, the first electronic device being configured to include a camera and a display, the application being configured to assist in correctly placing a hearing aid in an ear and / or outside an ear of a hearing aid wearer, the application being configured to:

[0235] providing access to a camera application associated with a camera of the first electronic device;

[0236] Enable the camera app's viewfinder to show a preview of the camera's field of view;

[0237] determining whether the wearer's head is aligned with the camera;

[0238] determining whether the wearer's head has begun to rotate relative to the camera;

[0239] A recording sequence is initiated to record a plurality of images, wherein the plurality of images show at least a portion of the wearer's ear with the hearing aid arranged in the ear and / or outside the ear as the wearer's head rotates.

[0240] 2. The application according to item 1, wherein the shooting sequence is automatically initiated when it is determined that the wearer's head has started to rotate relative to the camera.

[0241] 3. The use according to any of the preceding items, wherein a capture sequence is automatically initiated upon determining that the wearer's head has begun to rotate relative to the camera beyond an angle threshold.

[0242] 4. The application according to any of the preceding items, wherein the application is further configured to determine whether the wearer's ears are captured by the camera.

[0243] 5. The application according to any one of the preceding items, wherein a capture sequence is automatically initiated when it is determined that the wearer's ear is captured by the camera.

[0244] 6. The application according to any of the preceding items, wherein the first electronic device further comprises one or more input devices, and wherein the application is further configured to provide a user interface.

[0245] 7. The application of any of the preceding items, wherein a capture sequence is initiated upon receipt of a user input.

[0246] 8. The application according to any of the preceding items, wherein the application is further configured to indicate to the wearer that a plurality of images have been captured.

[0247] 9. The application of any of the preceding items, wherein the application is further configured to provide a first visual guide in the viewfinder, wherein the first visual guide is used to assist the wearer in aligning the face with the camera.

[0248] 10. The application according to any of the preceding items, wherein the application is further configured to provide a second visual guide in the viewfinder, wherein the second visual guide is used to assist the wearer in turning his head relative to the camera.

[0249] 11. The application according to any of the preceding items, wherein the application is further configured to define a boundary area surrounding the wearer's ear or a portion of the ear in the plurality of images, and to crop the plurality of images according to the boundary area.

[0250] 12. An application according to any of the preceding items, wherein the application is further configured to determine an image quality level in one or more images of a plurality of images, and to remove a particular image from the plurality of images if the image quality level of the particular image is below a quality threshold.

[0251] 13. An application according to any of the preceding items, wherein the application is further configured to determine a similarity level between each image in the plurality of images and a subsequent image in the plurality of images, and to remove the particular image from the plurality of images if the similarity level is above a similarity threshold.

[0252] 14. An application according to any of the preceding items, wherein the application is further configured to provide feedback if the wearer's head is rotated and / or moved relative to the camera at a rotation speed above or below a threshold and / or beyond a predefined position / area.

[0253] 15. The application according to any of the preceding items, wherein the application is further configured to determine a representative image of the plurality of images and to display the representative image as a default image in the user interface.

[0254] 16. An application according to any of the preceding items, wherein the application is further configured to determine one or more rotation angle images showing the wearer's head rotated relative to the camera, for example, at an angle of 30 degrees and / or 90 degrees; display one or more affordances in a user interface; and display one or more rotation angle images respectively in response to a user's selection of one or more affordances through one or more input devices.

[0255] 17. An application according to any of the preceding items, wherein the application is further configured to detect a first type of gesture through one or more input devices, and in response to detecting the first type of gesture, display multiple images as a video or display each image individually in a user interface.

[0256] 18. An application according to any of the preceding items, wherein the application is further configured to detect a second type of gesture through one or more input devices, and in response to detecting the second type of gesture, display multiple images in the user interface by moving through the multiple images according to the direction and magnitude of the second type of gesture.

[0257] 19. Use according to any of the preceding items, wherein a plurality of images are stitched together to produce a composite 3D image.

[0258] 20. Use according to any of the preceding items, wherein the camera is a digital camera, and / or an infrared camera, and / or a structured light scanner camera and / or a time-of-flight sensor providing 2D images and / or 3D images.

[0259] 21. The use according to any of the preceding items, wherein the camera is a front camera and / or a rear camera.

[0260] 22. The use according to any of the preceding items, wherein the first electronic device further comprises a 3D depth sensor configured to provide a data stream.

[0261] 23. A system for assisting in the correct placement of a hearing aid in an ear and / or outside an ear of a hearing aid wearer, the system comprising:

[0262] An application according to any of the preceding items executed by a first electronic device comprising a camera;

[0263] a second application executed by a second electronic device;

[0264] The first electronic device and the second electronic device are configured to provide a remote audiology consultation session between a hearing aid wearer and a hearing care professional.

[0265] 24. The system of item 23, wherein the plurality of images are transmitted to the second electronic device before or during the teleaudiology consultation session.

[0266] 25. A system according to any of items 23-24, wherein the remote audiology treatment session includes a real-time video call between the first electronic device and the second electronic device, and wherein the plurality of images are captured during the real-time video call.

[0267] 26. An electronic device comprising:

[0268] camera, display, and processing unit;

[0269] wherein the electronic device is configured to assist a hearing aid wearer in correctly positioning the hearing aid in an ear and / or outside an ear of the hearing aid wearer;

[0270] Accessing the camera of an electronic device;

[0271] determining whether the wearer's head is aligned with the camera;

[0272] determining whether the wearer's head has begun to turn relative to the camera; and

[0273] Initiating a sequence of capturing a plurality of images, wherein the plurality of images show at least a portion of the wearer's ear with the hearing aid positioned in the ear and / or outside the ear as the wearer's head rotates

[0274] Enables the camera app associated with the camera to provide a preview of the camera's field of view.

[0275] 27. The electronic device of item 26, wherein the electronic device is configured to automatically initiate a capture sequence upon determining that the wearer's head has begun to rotate relative to the camera.

[0276] 28. An electronic device according to item 26, wherein the electronic device is configured to automatically initiate a capture sequence upon determining that the wearer's head has been rotated relative to the camera beyond an angle threshold.

[0277] 29. The electronic device according to item 26, wherein the electronic device is configured to determine whether the wearer's ear is captured by the camera.

[0278] 30. The electronic device according to item 26, wherein the electronic device is configured to automatically start a shooting sequence when it is determined that the wearer's ear is captured by the camera.

[0279] 31. The electronic device of item 26, further comprising one or more input devices, and wherein the electronic device is configured to provide a user interface.

[0280] 32. The electronic device of item 26, wherein the electronic device is configured to automatically initiate a capture sequence upon receiving user input.

[0281] 33. An electronic device according to item 26, wherein the electronic device is configured to indicate to the wearer that multiple images have been captured.

[0282] 34. An electronic device according to item 26, wherein the electronic device is configured to provide a first visual guide to assist the wearer in aligning the face with the camera.

[0283] 35. An electronic device according to item 34, wherein the electronic device is configured to provide a second visual guide to assist the wearer in turning the wearer's head relative to the camera.

[0284] 36. An electronic device according to item 26, wherein the electronic device is configured to define a boundary area in the multiple images, the boundary area surrounding the wearer's ear or a portion of the ear, and wherein the electronic device is configured to crop the multiple images based on the boundary area.

[0285] 37. An electronic device according to item 26, wherein the electronic device is configured to determine an image quality level of one image among the plurality of images, and to remove the one image from the plurality of images if the image quality level of the one image is below a quality threshold.

[0286] 38. An electronic device according to item 26, wherein the electronic device is configured to determine a similarity level between an image in the plurality of images and a subsequent image in the plurality of images, and to remove the subsequent image from the plurality of images if the similarity level is above a similarity threshold.

[0287] 39. An electronic device according to item 26, wherein the electronic device is configured to provide feedback if the wearer's head is rotated and / or moved relative to the camera at a rotation speed above or below a threshold and / or beyond a predefined position / area.

[0288] 40. The electronic device according to item 26, wherein the electronic device is configured to determine a representative image of a plurality of images and provide the representative image as a default image through a display.

[0289] 41. The electronic device according to item 26, wherein the electronic device is configured as:

[0290] determining one or more rotational angle images showing the orientation of the wearer's head relative to the camera; and

[0291] In response to a user selecting one or more affordances presented via the display, one or more rotation angle images are respectively displayed.

[0292] 42. An electronic device according to item 26, wherein the electronic device is configured to detect a first type of gesture through one or more input devices, and in response to detecting the first type of gesture, provide the image as a video or separately for presentation through a display.

[0293] 43. An electronic device according to item 42, wherein the electronic device is configured to detect a second type of gesture through one or more input devices, and in response to detecting the second type of gesture, provide multiple images for presentation via a display by moving through the multiple images according to the direction and magnitude of the second type of gesture.

[0294] 44. An electronic device according to item 26, wherein the electronic device is configured to generate a composite 3D image based on multiple images.

[0295] 45. The electronic device according to item 26, wherein the camera is a digital camera, and / or an infrared camera, and / or a structured light scanner camera and / or a time-of-flight sensor providing a 2D image and / or a 3D image.

[0296] 46. ​​The electronic device according to item 26, wherein the camera is a front camera and / or a rear camera.

[0297] 47. The electronic device of item 26, further comprising a 3D depth sensor configured to provide a data stream.

[0298] 48. A system comprising the electronic device according to item 26, and a second electronic device;

[0299] The first electronic device and the second electronic device are configured to allow a hearing aid wearer to communicate with a hearing care professional during a teleaudiology consultation session.

[0300] 49. The system of item 48, wherein the plurality of images are transmitted to the second electronic device before or during the teleaudiology consultation session.

[0301] 60. The system of claim 48, wherein the teleaudiology consultation session comprises a real-time video call between the first electronic device and the second electronic device, and wherein the plurality of images are captured during the real-time video call.

[0302] 61. A method for assisting a hearing aid wearer in correctly positioning a hearing aid in and / or outside the wearer's ear, the method involving an electronic device including a camera and a display, the method comprising:

[0303] Accessing the camera of an electronic device;

[0304] determining whether the wearer's head is aligned with the camera;

[0305] determining whether the wearer's head has begun to turn relative to the camera; and

[0306] A recording sequence is initiated to record a plurality of images, wherein the plurality of images show at least a portion of the wearer's ear with the hearing aid arranged in the ear and / or outside the ear as the wearer's head rotates.

[0307] 62. A method according to item 61, wherein the capture sequence is automatically initiated upon determining that the wearer's head has begun to rotate relative to the camera.

[0308] 63. A method according to item 61, wherein the shooting sequence is automatically initiated when it is determined that the wearer's head has been rotated relative to the camera beyond an angle threshold.

[0309] 64. The method according to item 61 also includes determining whether the wearer's ears are captured by the camera.

[0310] 65. The method according to item 61, wherein the photographing sequence is automatically initiated when it is determined that the wearer's ear is photographed by the camera.

[0311] 66. The method according to item 61 also includes providing a user interface.

[0312] 67. The method of clause 61, wherein the capture sequence is automatically initiated upon receipt of user input.

[0313] 68. The method of item 61 further comprising providing a representation to the wearer of the plurality of images that have been captured.

[0314] 69. The method of item 61 further comprising providing a first visual guide to assist the wearer in aligning the face with the camera.

[0315] 70. The method of item 69, further comprising providing a second visual guide to assist the wearer in turning the wearer's head relative to the camera.

[0316] 71. The method according to item 61, further comprising:

[0317] defining a bounding region in the plurality of images, the bounding region surrounding an ear or a portion of an ear of the wearer; and

[0318] Crop multiple images based on boundary regions.

[0319] 72. The method according to item 61, further comprising:

[0320] determining an image quality level of an image in the plurality of images; and

[0321] If the image quality level of the one image is below a quality threshold, the one image is removed from the plurality of images.

[0322] 73. The method of item 61, further comprising:

[0323] determining a level of similarity between one of the plurality of images and a subsequent image of the plurality of images; and

[0324] removing the subsequent image from the plurality of images if the level of similarity is above a similarity threshold.

[0325] 74. The method of item 61, further comprising providing feedback if the wearer's head is turning and / or moving relative to the camera at a rotational speed above or below a threshold and / or out of a predefined position / region.

[0326] 75. The method of item 61, further comprising:

[0327] determining a representative image of the plurality of images; and

[0328] providing the representative image as a default image via the display.

[0329] 76. The method of item 61, further comprising:

[0330] determining one or more rotational angle images, the one or more rotational angle images showing an orientation of the wearer's head relative to the camera; and

[0331] displaying the one or more rotational angle images, respectively, in response to a user's selection of one or more affordances presented via the display.

[0332] 77. The method of item 61, further comprising:

[0333] detecting, via the one or more input devices, a first type of gesture; and

[0334] providing the images as a video or individually for presentation via the display in response to detecting the first type of gesture.

[0335] 78. The method of item 77, further comprising:

[0336] detecting, via the one or more input devices, a second type of gesture; and

[0337] providing the plurality of images for presentation via the display by moving through the plurality of images according to a direction and an amplitude of the second type of gesture in response to detecting the second type of gesture.

[0338] 79. The method of item 61, further comprising generating a composite 3D image based on the plurality of images.

[0339] 80. The method according to item 61, wherein the camera is a digital camera, and / or an infrared camera, and / or a structured light scanner camera and / or a time-of-flight sensor providing 2D images and / or 3D images.

[0340] 81. The method of item 61, wherein the camera is a front-facing camera and / or a rear-facing camera.

[0341] 82. A method according to item 61, wherein the electronic device includes a 3D depth sensor, and wherein the method includes providing a data stream through the 3D depth sensor.

[0342] 83. The method of item 61, wherein the first electronic device is configured to communicate with the second electronic device during a teleaudiology consultation session.

[0343] 84. The method of item 83, wherein the plurality of images are transmitted to a second electronic device before or during the teleaudiology consultation session.

[0344] 85. The method of claim 83, wherein the remote audiology treatment session comprises a real-time video call between the first electronic device and the second electronic device, and wherein a plurality of images are captured during the real-time video call.

[0345] 86. A processor-readable non-transitory medium storing a set of instructions, wherein execution of the instructions results in a method for assisting a hearing aid wearer in properly positioning a hearing aid in an ear and / or outside the ear of the wearer, the method comprising:

[0346] Accessing the camera of an electronic device;

[0347] determining whether the wearer's head is aligned with the camera;

[0348] determining whether the wearer's head has begun to turn relative to the camera; and

[0349] A recording sequence is initiated to record a plurality of images, wherein the plurality of images show at least a portion of the wearer's ear with the hearing aid arranged in the ear and / or outside the ear as the wearer's head rotates.

Claims

1. An application configured to be executed by a first electronic device, the first electronic device configured to include a camera and a display, the application being configured to assist in correctly placing a hearing aid in an ear and / or outside an ear of a hearing aid wearer, the application being configured to: providing access to a camera application associated with a camera of the first electronic device; enabling a viewfinder of the camera application to display a preview of the camera's field of view; determining whether the wearer's head is aligned with the camera; determining whether the wearer's head has begun to rotate relative to the camera; A recording sequence is initiated to record a plurality of images, wherein the plurality of images show at least a portion of the wearer's ear with the hearing aid arranged in the ear and / or outside the ear as the wearer's head rotates.

2. The use according to claim 1, wherein When it is determined that the wearer's head has begun to rotate relative to the camera, the capture sequence is automatically initiated.

3. Use according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein Upon determining that the wearer has begun to turn his head relative to the camera beyond an angle threshold, the capture sequence is automatically initiated.

4. Use according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The application is further configured to determine whether the wearer's ears are captured by the camera.

5. Use according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein When it is determined that the wearer's ear is photographed by the camera, the photographing sequence is automatically started.

6. Use according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The first electronic device further comprises one or more input devices, and wherein the application is further configured to provide a user interface.

7. Use according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The capture sequence is initiated upon receiving user input.

8. Use according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The application is further configured to indicate to the wearer that the plurality of images have been captured.

9. Use according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The application is further configured to provide a first visual guide in the viewfinder, the first visual guide being used to assist the wearer in aligning the face with the camera.

10. Use according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The application is further configured to provide a second visual guide in the viewfinder, the second visual guide being used to assist the wearer in turning his head relative to the camera.

11. Use according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The application is further configured to define a bounding region surrounding the wearer's ear or a portion of the ear in the plurality of images, and to crop the plurality of images according to the bounding region.

12. Use according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The application is further configured to determine an image quality level in one or more images of the plurality of images and remove a particular image from the plurality of images if the image quality level of the particular image is below a quality threshold.

13. Use according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The application is further configured to determine a level of similarity between each image in the plurality of images and a subsequent image in the plurality of images, and to remove a particular image from the plurality of images if the level of similarity is above a similarity threshold.

14. Use according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The application is further configured to provide feedback if the wearer's head is rotated and / or moved relative to the camera at a rotational speed above or below a threshold and / or outside a predefined position / area.

15. A system for assisting in the correct placement of a hearing aid in an ear and / or outside an ear of a hearing aid wearer, the system comprising: Application according to any of the preceding claims, executed by a first electronic device comprising a camera; a second application executed by a second electronic device; The first electronic device and the second electronic device are configured to provide a remote audiology treatment session between a hearing aid wearer and a hearing care professional.

Images