Acquisition sequence of binaural hearing system comprising hearing implant

Abstract

The invention relates to an acquisition sequence of a binaural hearing system and a corresponding binaural hearing system. A binaural hearing system may include a first hearing device and a second hearing device, such as a head-mounted device worn on a user's ear, and a first hearing implant and a second hearing implant.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to acquisition sequences for a binaural hearing system and a corresponding binaural hearing system. A binaural hearing system may include first and second hearing devices, such as a head-mounted hearing device worn on a user's ear, and a first and second hearing implant. Background Technology

[0002] A binaural hearing system including a pair of cochlear implants may include at least four independent devices connected during normal operation via at least three bidirectional wireless communication links. The first bidirectional wireless communication link must connect the first hearing device (typically installed in or on the user's ear) and the first hearing implant (e.g., a cochlear implant). The second bidirectional wireless communication link must connect the second hearing device (typically installed in or on the user's other ear) and the second hearing implant. Finally, a third bidirectional wireless communication link must connect the first and second hearing devices, i.e., bilateral links, to enable the hearing devices installed on both sides of the user's head to transmit data (e.g., digital audio signals), thereby enabling complex binaural processing algorithms and / or synchronizing the functions of the first and second hearing devices.

[0003] In the acquisition sequence following the activation of a binaural hearing system, acquiring the first, second, and third bidirectional wireless communication links is typically very time-consuming, especially in environments with adverse electromagnetic noise. This can result in the user being unable to hear for an extended period after the binaural hearing system is activated, leading to a loss of auditory awareness. This auditory impairment persists until the acquisition sequence is complete and the binaural hearing system begins to function normally. Therefore, it would be highly beneficial to rapidly provide the user with audible sound through neural stimulation via electrode arrays implanted in the first and second cochleas after the binaural hearing system is activated and before the acquisition sequence is complete. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The first aspect of the present invention relates to a binaural hearing system, comprising:

[0005] A first hearing device, a second hearing device, a first hearing implant, and a second hearing implant; among which...

[0006] A first hearing device can be connected to a first hearing implant via a first bidirectional wireless communication link to exchange first ipsilateral data packets. A second hearing device can be connected to a second hearing implant via a second bidirectional wireless communication link to exchange second ipsilateral data packets. A bilateral bidirectional wireless communication link can be connected between the first and second hearing devices to exchange bilateral data packets. The bilateral bidirectional wireless communication links, as well as the first and second bidirectional wireless communication links, are configured to operate according to a general communication protocol. This general communication protocol may include multiple consecutive frames, each frame including multiple time slots, such as four or more time slots. The general communication protocol includes an acquisition sequence comprising:

[0007] A first processing unit of a first hearing device is used to acquire a first bidirectional wireless communication link, and a second processing unit of a second hearing device is used to acquire a second bidirectional wireless communication link. The first and second processing units are configured to acquire bilateral bidirectional wireless communication links in response to the acquisition of the first and second bidirectional wireless communication links.

[0008] After successfully acquiring the sequence, the binaural hearing system preferably enters a normal operating mode, in which the first hearing device and the first hearing implant are connected via a first bidirectional wireless communication link (e.g., wireless connection). During normal operation, the second hearing device and the second hearing implant are also connected via a second bidirectional wireless communication link (e.g., wireless connection). Finally, during normal operation, the first and second hearing devices are connected via bilateral bidirectional wireless communication links (e.g., wireless connection). Since the first and second hearing devices and the first and second hearing implants are typically relatively small battery-powered devices, or powered by a power source with limited capacity, the general communication protocol can be proprietary and designed to minimize power consumption.

[0009] One of the first and second hearing devices is preferably configured as a master device and the other as a slave device, to acquire and operate bilateral bidirectional wireless communication links using their respective first and second processing units, which will be discussed in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0010] Both the first and second hearing devices may include a head-mounted shell, the shape and size of which are similar to those of conventional hearing aids, such as so-called BTE, ITE, ITC, CIC, or RIC type shells. The shell is shaped and sized to be placed above or inside the user's left or right ear, for example, behind the auricle of the user's left or right ear. The first and second hearing implants may be configured to be placed on corresponding sides of the user's skull and configured to provide corresponding neural stimulation signals to the auditory nerves of the user's left and right ears via implanted electrode arrays.

[0011] The first and second bidirectional wireless communication links, as well as the bilateral bidirectional wireless communication links, can all be based on near-field magnetic coupling (e.g., NFMI) using corresponding magnetic coil antennas installed in the first and second hearing devices. The first and second bidirectional wireless communication links, as well as the bilateral bidirectional wireless communication links, can all use carrier frequencies, for example, between 5 and 50 MHz, as will be discussed in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0012] Both the first and second processing units may include a digital signal processor (DSP) and / or a microprocessor, such as a software-programmable DSP or a software-programmable microprocessor. The software-programmable DSP or microprocessor may be configured to execute a plurality of program instructions configured to implement the acquisition of at least a portion of the first and second bidirectional wireless communication links and the bilateral bidirectional wireless communication links according to a common communication protocol. Both the first and second processing units may include a dedicated digital state machine configured to process certain steps of the acquisition of the first and second bidirectional wireless communication links and the bilateral bidirectional wireless communication links according to a common communication protocol.

[0013] According to one implementation of a general communication protocol, and preferably according to a corresponding implementation of a binaural hearing system, the sequence acquisition includes:

[0014] - During the acquisition of bilateral bidirectional wireless communication links, at least one of the first and second bidirectional wireless communication links is maintained. Maintaining at least one of the first and second bidirectional wireless communication links during the acquisition of bilateral bidirectional wireless communication links can provide the user with sound and general auditory perception on one side of the head until the acquisition sequence is completed and the binaural hearing system can begin to operate normally, as will be discussed in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0015] According to one implementation of a general communication protocol, and preferably according to a corresponding implementation of a binaural hearing system, obtaining a first bidirectional wireless communication link includes:

[0016] - In the first time slot at the first processing unit, the first synchronization marker is sent from the first processing unit to the first hearing implant.

[0017] - Monitor the first synchronization marker in multiple time slots at the first hearing implant site.

[0018] - Using a surround scheme, multiple time slots are slid across multiple consecutive frames at a predetermined time step at the first hearing implant site.

[0019] - Detect the first synchronization marker at the first hearing implant site.

[0020] - In the second time slot at the first hearing implant, confirmation information is sent from the first hearing implant to the first processing unit.

[0021] - Based on the first synchronization marker, multiple time slots at the first hearing implant are synchronized with multiple time slots at the first processing unit.

[0022] - Complete the acquisition of the first two-way wireless communication link;

[0023] and

[0024] Acquiring the second bidirectional wireless communication link includes:

[0025] - In the first time slot at the second processing unit, the second synchronization marker is sent from the second processing unit to the second hearing implant.

[0026] - Monitoring multiple time slots of the second synchronization marker at the second hearing implant site

[0027] - Using a surround scheme, multiple time slots are slid across multiple consecutive frames at a predetermined time step at the second hearing implant.

[0028] - Detect the second synchronization marker at the second hearing implant site.

[0029] - In the second time slot at the second hearing implant, confirmation information is sent from the second hearing implant to the second processing unit.

[0030] - Based on the second synchronization marker, multiple time slots at the second hearing implant are synchronized with multiple time slots at the second processing unit.

[0031] - Complete the acquisition of the second bidirectional wireless communication link.

[0032] According to one implementation of a binaural hearing system, the sequence acquisition includes:

[0033] - First same-side data packets are exchanged using the first and second time slots of corresponding frames in multiple consecutive frames at the first processing unit.

[0034] - Use the first and second time slots at the second processing unit of the corresponding frames in multiple consecutive frames to exchange the second same-side data packets.

[0035] - In the third time slot at the first processing unit, the third synchronization flag is sent from the first processing unit to the second processing unit.

[0036] - Detect the third synchronization flag at the second processing unit.

[0037] - Based on the third synchronization flag, multiple time slots at the second processing unit are synchronized with multiple time slots at the first processing unit.

[0038] - Terminate / complete sequence acquisition,

[0039] - Entering normal operation of the binaural hearing system.

[0040] A general communication protocol may include multiple time slots for each frame, such as at least four time slots, to enable the first and second hearing devices to exchange bilateral data packets in the first and second time slots. The multiple time slots may be non-overlapping. The length of each of the at least four non-overlapping time slots may be between 24 µs and 384 µs. The corresponding lengths (i.e., durations) of the at least four non-overlapping time slots may be the same.

[0041] In the first time slot, the first processing unit can send bilateral data packets to the second hearing device via a bilateral two-way wireless communication link. Correspondingly, the second hearing device can send another bilateral data packet to the first processing unit via the bilateral two-way wireless communication link using the second time slot. In the third time slot, both the first and second processing units can send one of the same-side data packets from the first same-side data packet to their respective hearing implants. In the fourth time slot, both the first and second hearing implants can send one of the same-side data packets from the second same-side data packet to their respective hearing devices.

[0042] In some embodiments of a binaural hearing system, at least a subset of the first and second ipsilateral data packets includes corresponding digital audio signals or audio data, such as real-time digital audio signals, and / or at least a subset of the bilateral data packets includes corresponding digital audio signals or data. The respective subsets of the first and second ipsilateral data packets enable the first and second hearing devices to transmit processed sound to the first and second hearing implants. The digital audio signals may, for example, originate from corresponding microphone devices integrated into the housings of the first and second hearing devices.

[0043] In one implementation of a general communication protocol and a corresponding binaural hearing system, the acquisition of bilateral bidirectional wireless communication links includes:

[0044] - Using a wraparound scheme, the second same-side data packet at the second processing unit is sent with a one-slot shift between frames of multiple consecutive frames.

[0045] - Using a surround scheme at the first processing unit, the third synchronization flag is sent by shifting at a predetermined time step through the third time slot.

[0046] According to one embodiment of the binaural hearing system, the predetermined time step of each of the first, second and third synchronization markers moving or sliding is less than 5% of the length of one of the multiple time slots of the frame.

[0047] According to one embodiment of a binaural hearing system, the second bidirectional wireless communication link is temporarily disconnected during the acquisition of bilateral bidirectional wireless communication links, while the first bidirectional wireless communication link remains unchanged during the acquisition of bilateral bidirectional wireless communication links. In this embodiment, acquiring the bidirectional wireless communication links may include:

[0048] - Monitor the second synchronization flag in the bidirectional wireless communication link at the second processing unit.

[0049] - The second bidirectional wireless communication link is temporarily interrupted by the second processing unit.

[0050] - The time slot shift is interrupted by the second processing unit, while the transmission shift of the synchronization mark is maintained by the first processing unit.

[0051] - The first processing unit detects when the second synchronization flag is located within the third time slot of the first processing unit.

[0052] - The second synchronization flag is detected at the second processing unit, and an acknowledgment message (e.g., as a response) is sent through the second processing unit.

[0053] - Reacquire the second bidirectional wireless communication link before the acquisition sequence is completed (e.g., terminated).

[0054] In one implementation of a binaural hearing system, acquiring the sequence includes:

[0055] - During the acquisition of bilateral bidirectional wireless communication links, the connection of the first bidirectional wireless communication link and the connection of the second bidirectional wireless communication link are maintained. Since the connections corresponding to the first and second bidirectional wireless communication links have been established, the exchange of first and second same-side data packets during subsequent acquisition of bilateral bidirectional wireless communication links can provide binaural sound to users of binaural hearing systems. This function is desirable for a variety of reasons, such as providing auditory perception to users, which will be discussed in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0056] One implementation of a binaural hearing system, wherein the connection of the first and second bidirectional wireless communication links remains unchanged during acquisition of the bilateral bidirectional wireless communication links, includes:

[0057] Using a surround scheme, the second same-side data packet is transmitted at the second processing unit in shifts between frames of multiple consecutive frames at a predetermined time step. This predetermined time step is preferably much shorter than the length of a time slot, for example, less than 5% or less than 1% of the length of a time slot. The first processing unit monitors the two-way bidirectional wireless communication link to obtain acknowledgment information sent by the second processing unit in response to the detection of a third synchronization marker at the second processing unit.

[0058] The time step offset for the second same-side data packet transmission can include:

[0059] - By using multiple time slots, the first round trip can be advanced one or more times in the first time direction.

[0060] - Temporarily suspend one or more advance round-trip shipments.

[0061] - Restarting the transmission in the second time direction via multiple time slots will advance the round trip by one or more times. The first and second time directions are opposite.

[0062] - In response to the transmission of confirmation information, the premature transmission via the second processing unit is interrupted.

[0063] - Based on the second synchronization flag, multiple time slots at the second processing unit are synchronized with multiple time slots at the first processing unit.

[0064] Technicians should understand that, prior to acquiring a two-sided bidirectional wireless communication link, this reverse time sliding or time step of the second same-side data packet transmission can be used to compensate for the misalignment (i.e., non-alignment) of the free-running clock generators and clock signals at the first and second processing units.

[0065] According to one implementation of a binaural hearing system, the synchronization tag includes a unique pairing ID for pairing at least one of the following:

[0066] First hearing device and first hearing implant,

[0067] First hearing device and second hearing device; and

[0068] Second hearing device and second hearing implant.

[0069] Some implementations of binaural hearing systems use three different unique pairing IDs in the synchronization tag to avoid incorrect pairing of binaural hearing system devices, which will be discussed in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0070] A second aspect of the present invention relates to a binaural hearing system, comprising:

[0071] A first hearing device is connected to a first hearing implant via a first bidirectional wireless communication link for exchanging data from the same side.

[0072] A second hearing device is connected to a second hearing implant via a second bidirectional wireless communication link for exchanging data from the same side.

[0073] The first hearing device is connected to the second hearing device via a two-way bidirectional wireless communication link for exchanging bilateral data; wherein

[0074] The dual-sided bidirectional wireless communication link and the first and second bidirectional wireless communication links are configured to operate according to a general communication protocol, which includes multiple consecutive frames, each of which includes multiple time slots.

[0075] The general communication protocol includes an acquisition sequence, which comprises:

[0076] The first processing unit of the first hearing device obtains a first connection through a first bidirectional wireless communication link.

[0077] The second processing unit using the second hearing device acquires a second connection via a second bidirectional wireless communication link, wherein the first processing unit is configured to acquire a third connection via a bilateral bidirectional wireless communication link, in response to the acquisition of a first connection by the first processing unit using the first hearing device via a first bidirectional wireless communication link, and the acquisition of a second connection by the second processing unit using the second hearing device via a second bidirectional wireless communication link.

[0078] The contents of the first, second, and third synchronization markers can all be defined by a common communication protocol and are identical except for the unique pairing ID. This will be discussed in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0079] A third aspect of the invention relates to an acquisition sequence, such as a computer-implemented acquisition method, for acquiring corresponding connections (e.g., wireless connections) between a first hearing device and a first hearing implant, between a second hearing device and a second hearing implant, and between the first hearing device and the second hearing device.

[0080] The sequence to be obtained includes:

[0081] - Establish a first bidirectional wireless communication link between the first hearing device and the first hearing implant.

[0082] - Exchange first same-side data packets via a first bidirectional wireless communication link.

[0083] - Establish a second bidirectional wireless communication link between the second hearing device and the second hearing implant.

[0084] - Exchange second same-side data packets via a second bidirectional wireless communication link; and in response to the acquisition of the first and second bidirectional wireless communication links:

[0085] - In response to the acquisition of the first and second bidirectional wireless communication links, acquire the bidirectional wireless communication link between the first and second hearing devices.

[0086] - Exchange bilateral data packets between the first hearing device and the second hearing device.

[0087] One implementation method for obtaining a sequence includes:

[0088] - Use the first and second time slots of corresponding frames in multiple consecutive frames at the first processing unit to exchange first same-side data packets;

[0089] - Using the first and second time slots of corresponding frames in multiple consecutive frames at the second processing unit, second same-side data packets are exchanged.

[0090] - In the third time slot at the first processing unit, the third synchronization flag is sent from the first processing unit to the second processing unit.

[0091] - Detect the synchronization flag at the second processing unit.

[0092] - Based on the third synchronization flag, multiple time slots at the first processing unit are synchronized with multiple time slots at the second processing unit.

[0093] A fourth aspect of the present invention relates to a binaural hearing system, comprising:

[0094] A first hearing device, a second hearing device, a first hearing implant, and a second hearing implant; and

[0095] A first synchronous connection is established between the first hearing device and the first hearing implant via a first wireless communication link, for exchanging first ipsilateral data packets.

[0096] A second synchronous connection is established between the second hearing device and the second hearing implant via a second wireless communication link for exchanging second ipsilateral data packets.

[0097] A third synchronous connection is established between the first and second hearing devices via a third wireless communication link for exchanging bilateral data packets. Those skilled in the art should understand that the first synchronous connection can be established using any of the acquisition sequences disclosed above regarding the first, second, and third aspects of the present invention and / or using any of the acquisition sequences of the exemplary binaural hearing systems disclosed below.

[0098] Similarly, the second synchronization connection can be established by any acquisition sequence disclosed above with respect to the first, second and third aspects of the present invention and / or by any acquisition sequence of the exemplary binaural hearing system disclosed below.

[0099] Similarly, the third synchronization connection can be established by any acquisition sequence disclosed above with respect to the first, second and third aspects of the present invention and / or by any acquisition sequence of the exemplary binaural hearing system disclosed below.

[0100] According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the first synchronous connection, the second synchronous connection, and the third synchronous connection can all be configured to operate according to a predetermined communication protocol, such as the general communication protocols disclosed above with respect to the first, second, and third aspects of the present invention and / or the general communication protocols disclosed below used by any exemplary binaural hearing system.

[0101] Furthermore, the first hearing device, the second hearing device, the first hearing implant, and the second hearing implant can all be similar to or identical to the corresponding first hearing device, second hearing device, first hearing implant, and second hearing implant disclosed above regarding the first, second, and third aspects of the present invention and / or the embodiments of the exemplary binaural hearing systems disclosed below. Both the first and second hearing implants can include at least four stimulation channels, such as more than eight or more than sixteen stimulation channels, configured to stimulate the user's cochlear nerve. Attached Figure Description

[0102] The exemplary embodiments of the present invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0103] Figure 1 An exemplary binaural hearing system, according to the present invention, is worn on a user's head;

[0104] Figure 2 Schematic block diagrams of a first and second hearing devices and associated first and second hearing implants of an exemplary binaural hearing system are shown respectively. The binaural hearing system preferably operates according to a common communication protocol.

[0105] Figure 3 The process of sending a first synchronization tag from a first hearing device to a first hearing implant during the acquisition of a first bidirectional wireless communication link is illustrated schematically according to an embodiment of an exemplary binaural hearing system.

[0106] Figure 4 The illustration schematically depicts, during the acquisition of a first bidirectional wireless communication link, the detection of a first synchronization marker by a first hearing implant and its response by sending an acknowledgment message, according to an embodiment of an exemplary binaural hearing system.

[0107] Figure 4A This schematically illustrates the exchange of data packets on the same side between the first hearing device and the first hearing implant, and between the second hearing device and the second hearing implant, according to an embodiment of an exemplary binaural hearing system, after the acquisition of first and second bidirectional wireless communication links.

[0108] Figure 5The illustration schematically depicts the exchange of corresponding ipsilateral data packets between a first hearing device and a first hearing implant, and between a second hearing device and a second hearing implant, during the acquisition of bilateral bidirectional wireless communication links, according to an embodiment of an exemplary binaural hearing system (e.g., a first embodiment thereof).

[0109] Figure 6 The use of a sliding synchronization marker during acquisition of bilateral bidirectional wireless communication links is illustrated schematically according to an embodiment of an exemplary binaural hearing system (e.g., a first embodiment).

[0110] Figure 7 The use of a sliding synchronization marker during acquisition of bilateral bidirectional wireless communication links is illustrated schematically according to an embodiment of an exemplary binaural hearing system (e.g., a first embodiment).

[0111] Figure 8 The illustration shows features of an exemplary synchronization marker used during the acquisition of bilateral bidirectional wireless communication links, according to an embodiment of an exemplary binaural hearing system (e.g., the first and second embodiments).

[0112] Figure 9 Exemplary superframe structures are shown according to embodiments of an exemplary binaural hearing system (e.g., first and second embodiments), each superframe structure including frames of multiple same-side data packets and bilateral data packets.

[0113] Figure 10 The diagram schematically illustrates the exchange of ipsilateral and bilateral data packets during normal operation (i.e., payload mode) of the exemplary binaural hearing system after the acquisition sequence is completed, according to an embodiment of the exemplary binaural hearing system (e.g., the first and second embodiments).

[0114] Figure 11 The illustration schematically depicts the exchange of corresponding ipsilateral data packets between a first hearing device and a first hearing implant, and between a second hearing device and a second hearing implant, during the acquisition of bilateral bidirectional wireless communication links according to an embodiment of an exemplary binaural hearing system (e.g., a second embodiment).

[0115] Figure 12 The illustration schematically depicts the exchange of corresponding ipsilateral data packets between a first hearing device and a first hearing implant, and between a second hearing device and a second hearing implant, during the acquisition of bilateral bidirectional wireless communication links, according to an embodiment of an exemplary binaural hearing system (e.g., a second embodiment).

[0116] Figure 13This schematically illustrates the exchange of corresponding ipsilateral data packets between a first hearing device and a first hearing implant, and between a second hearing device and a second hearing implant, during the acquisition of bilateral bidirectional wireless communication links, according to an embodiment of an exemplary binaural hearing system (e.g., a second embodiment); and

[0117] Figure 14 and Figure 15 These are flowcharts illustrating the corresponding steps performed by the first and second processing units of the first and second hearing devices, respectively, during the acquisition of bilateral bidirectional wireless communication links and sequences of the first and second bidirectional wireless communication links, according to an exemplary implementation of a binaural hearing system (e.g., the second implementation). Detailed Implementation

[0118] Various exemplary embodiments of this binaural hearing system will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Those skilled in the art will understand that the drawings are schematic and therefore only show details essential for understanding the invention. For brevity and clarity, other details may have been omitted or simplified. In all the drawings, the same reference numerals denote the same elements. Therefore, it is not necessary to describe the same elements in detail for each drawing.

[0119] Figure 1 An exemplary binaural hearing system 125 worn on a user's head 250 is schematically shown. This exemplary binaural hearing system 125 includes, for example, a second hearing device 100R worn on the right side of the user's head 250 and a second hearing implant 150R. The binaural hearing system 125 also includes a first hearing device (not shown) and a first hearing implant (not shown), both disposed on the opposite side of the user's head 250 and therefore not visible in the figure. The second hearing implant 150R and the first hearing implant are adapted to be surgically implanted into both sides of the user's skull, and therefore are not visible from the outside after implantation.

[0120] Figure 2 This is a block diagram of an exemplary binaural hearing system 125, such as a binaural hearing system according to exemplary embodiments disclosed below (e.g., the first and second embodiments thereof). A first hearing device 100L can be connected to a first hearing implant 150L via a first bidirectional wireless communication link 112L (“first link”) to exchange first ipsilateral data packets. A second hearing device 100R can also be connected to a second hearing implant 150R via a second bidirectional wireless communication link 112R (“second link”) to exchange second ipsilateral data packets.

[0121] The binaural hearing system 125 also includes a bilateral bidirectional wireless communication link 114 (“bilateral link” or “third link”) that can be connected between the first hearing device 100L and the second hearing device 100R for exchanging bilateral data packets. The first hearing device 100L and the second hearing device 100R are preferably configured to wirelessly communicate with the first hearing implant 150L and the second hearing implant 150R using corresponding magnetic coil antennas 116L and 116R.

[0122] The dual-side link 114, the first link 112L, and the second link 112R are preferably configured to use a general data communication protocol, i.e., to operate according to this protocol. This general data communication protocol preferably includes multiple consecutive time frames, each time frame comprising multiple time slots for storing first and second same-side data packets and dual-side data packets. The structure and exchange (e.g., transmission and reception) of the multiple first and second same-side data packets and dual-side data packets are performed according to the general data communication protocol, which will be discussed in detail below.

[0123] Those skilled in the art should understand that certain types of control data packets (such as synchronization tags and acknowledgment messages) can be wirelessly exchanged (i.e. sent and / or received) between the first hearing device 100L and the second hearing device 100R, between the first hearing device 100L and the first hearing implant 150L, ​​and between the second hearing device 100R and the second hearing implant 150R, for example, before the corresponding acquisition of the bilateral links 114, the first link 112L, and the second link 112R is completed.

[0124] The bilateral data packets exchanged via bilateral link 114 may include digital audio signals and control information (e.g., in control data packets), transmitted by the first and second hearing devices 100L and 100R respectively. The first and second hearing devices 100L and 100R may transmit digital audio samples and control data to the first and second hearing implants 150L and 150R respectively. The first and second hearing implants 150L and 150R may also be configured to transmit corresponding control data packets to the first and second hearing devices 100L and 100R respectively via the first link 112L and the second link 112R. In the latter embodiment, both the first link 112L and the second link 112R are suitable for bidirectional data transmission, such as transmitting control data packets.

[0125] In some embodiments of the binaural hearing system 125, the first link 112L, the second link 112R, and the bilateral link 114 may all be based on or include near-field magnetic coupling, such as an NFMI link. Therefore, the first link 112L may include a first magnetic coil antenna 116L of the first hearing device 100L and a first magnetic coil antenna 102L of the first hearing implant 150L. The second link 112R may also include a second magnetic coil antenna 116R of the second hearing device 100R and a second magnetic coil antenna 102R of the second hearing implant 100R. The first link 112L, the second link 112R, and the bilateral link 114 may all use carrier frequencies, for example, between 5 MHz and 50 MHz (e.g., between 9 MHz and 27 MHz), to transmit first and second ipsilateral data packets and bilateral data packets, respectively.

[0126] The first hearing implant 150L includes a first control unit 108L, such as a first implant processor, connected to a first magnetic coil antenna 102L for receiving and processing a first ipsilateral data packet transmitted by the first hearing device 100L. The first control unit 108L is also configured to transmit the first ipsilateral data packet to the first hearing device 100L via a first link 112L. In some embodiments, the first control unit 108L of the first hearing implant 150L may include a digital signal processor (DSP) and / or a microprocessor. Some embodiments of the first hearing implant 150L may include a rechargeable battery assembly 104L. The first rechargeable battery assembly 104L is configured to receive power from a first receiver (Rx) charging coil 110L of the first hearing implant 150L during dedicated charging operations or sessions. During a dedicated charging session, the first receiver (Rx) charging coil 110L may be powered by an external (i.e., external to the user's skull) transmitter (Tx) charging coil (not shown) appropriately placed within a charging device (not shown). This allows power to be wirelessly transmitted to the first rechargeable battery assembly 104L. The first rechargeable battery assembly 104L is preferably coupled to the power input of the first control unit 108L to power the latter, as schematically shown by the first power line or wire 107L. The first control unit 108L may include a microprocessor, such as a software-programmable microprocessor. The second hearing device 100R may include a similar second receiver (Rx) charging coil 110R and / or a similar second rechargeable battery assembly 104R and / or a similar second power line / wire 107R, as shown in the diagram. Figure 2 As shown schematically.

[0127] The first hearing implant 150L also includes a first electrode array 106L for insertion into the user's cochlea during implantation. The first electrode array 106L can be electrically coupled to a first control unit 108L, which provides appropriate electrode stimulation signals to the first electrode array 106L to stimulate the user's cochlear nerve. Those skilled in the art should understand that these electrode stimulation signals can be generated by the first control unit 108L and derived by the latter based on a first ipsilateral data packet (especially a digital audio signal or data embedded in or stored in the first ipsilateral data packet). Those skilled in the art should understand that the corresponding functions, structure, and features of the second hearing implant 150R can be substantially the same as those of the first hearing implant 150L. The second hearing implant 150R may include... Figure 2 A similar second electrode array 106R is schematically shown.

[0128] Figure 2 The block diagram illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a first hearing device 100L. The first hearing device 100L includes a first magnetic coil antenna 116L electrically connected to a first transceiver 118L. The first transceiver 118L is configured to repeatedly switch between Tx and Rx modes to modulate and demodulate incoming and outgoing data packets of a first same-side data packet, and to modulate and demodulate incoming and outgoing data packets of a bilateral data packet. The first transceiver 118L may be configured to convert the first same-side data packet and the bilateral data packet into a format understandable by a first processing unit 120L of the first hearing device 100L. The first transceiver 118L may be electrically connected to the first processing unit 120L, for example, via a first data line or a first data bus 122L, to transmit the first same-side data packet and the bilateral data packet to the first processing unit 120L.

[0129] In some embodiments, the first processing unit 120L may include a digital signal processor (DSP) and / or a microprocessor, such as a software-programmable DSP or microprocessor. The second hearing device 100R may include a similar second transceiver 118R, which is connected to the second processing unit 120R in a similar manner via a second data line or second data bus 122R, for transmitting second same-side data packets and transmitting bilateral data packets to the second processing unit 120R, such as... Figure 2 As shown schematically.

[0130] The first hearing device 100L also includes one or more first microphones 124L connected to corresponding audio interfaces of the first processing unit 120L. The first processing unit 120L can be configured to execute a suitable operating system. The operating system can be configured to manage various hardware and software resources of the first hearing device 100L, such as processing of general communication protocols, calculation of mono- or binaural beamforming microphone signals, hearing loss compensation processing of the first microphone signals, a first transceiver 118L, certain memory resources, etc. The operating system can schedule tasks to efficiently utilize hearing device resources and may also include accounting software for cost allocation, including power consumption, processor time, memory location, wireless transmission, and other resources. The operating system can be stored in and retrieved from non-volatile memory (not shown) of the first processing unit 120L, such as flash memory or EEPROM. The second processing unit 120R of the second hearing device 100R can be configured in a manner corresponding to the first processing unit 120L. The second hearing device 100R may include one or more second microphones 124R connected to corresponding audio interfaces of the second processing unit 120R, such as... Figure 2 As shown schematically.

[0131] Both the first and second hearing devices 100L and 100R may include housing types well-known in the hearing aid industry, such as so-called BTE, ITE, ITC, CIC, or RIC housing types. These housing types are shaped and sized to fit beside or inside the user's ear. The first hearing device 100L also includes a first system clock generator 126L configured to provide a first clock signal to various digital logic circuits and components of the first hearing device 100L, including the schematically shown first processing unit 120L. The nominal value of the clock frequency of the first system clock generator 126L may be between 2 MHz and 64 MHz, for example, between 10 MHz and 50 MHz. The first processing unit 120L may be configured to derive the corresponding lengths of certain time slots and time frames of a common communication protocol for the first link 112L and the dual-side links 114, as discussed in more detail below. The second hearing device 100R may include a similar second system clock generator 126R.

[0132] The first hearing device 100L may also include a second optional wireless communication interface 128L (e.g., a first radio interface) and a first RF antenna 130L, the first RF antenna 130L being configured for joint communication via a second wireless communication link (e.g., a first radio link (not shown)). The first RF antenna 130L, the first radio link, and the first radio interface 128L may be configured to operate in the 2.4 GHz Industrial, Scientific and Medical (ISM) band. The first RF antenna 130L and the first radio interface 128L may comply with the Bluetooth LE standard. Due to the industry standard of Bluetooth LE compatibility, the first radio link can be configured to provide convenient data connectivity to various types of portable communication devices, such as smartphones, mobile phones, tablets, and personal computers. Various types of control data and audio data can be transmitted from portable communication devices to the first hearing device 100L and vice versa. For the same purpose, the second hearing device 100R may include a similar second optional wireless communication interface 128R, such as a second radio interface 128R (of the second hearing device 100R) and a second RF antenna 130R (of the second hearing device 100R), configured for joint communication via a second radio link, such as... Figure 2 As shown.

[0133] In the following description, the first hearing device 100L of the exemplary binaural hearing system 125 is preferably designated as the master device during the execution of a common communication protocol, while the second hearing device 100R is configured as the slave device, and vice versa. Those skilled in the art will understand that the configuration of the first and second hearing devices 100L, 100R as master and slave devices can be combined with the manufacturing process of the binaural hearing system 125. Alternatively, the configuration of the first and second hearing devices 100L, 100R as master and slave devices can also be combined with the installation process of the binaural hearing system 125 on a user, for example, by using a suitably programmed computer connected to the binaural hearing system 125.

[0134] Therefore, the first processing unit 120L of the first hearing device 100L can be configured as the master processing unit 120L, and the second processing unit 120R can be configured as the slave processing unit for acquiring the bilateral link 114, as described in the exemplary embodiment of the binaural hearing system 125 disclosed below. Those skilled in the art should understand that when the first hearing device 100L is configured as the master device, its system clock signal (e.g., the first clock signal) can control the transmission timing of corresponding data packets through the first link 112L, the second link 112R, and the bilateral link 114, at least after acquiring the first link 112L, the second link 112R, and the bilateral link 114 respectively.

[0135] Figure 3The illustration schematically depicts the transmission of a first synchronization tag 465a from a first processing unit 120L to a first hearing implant 150L during acquisition of a first link 112L, according to an implementation of a general communication protocol of an exemplary binaural hearing system 125.

[0136] A "time slot" is the shortest time allocation for a bilateral, bidirectional wireless communication link 114 as defined by a general communication protocol. Both the first and second bidirectional wireless communication links use the shortest time allocation as defined by the general communication protocol. For example, a data packet can be sent in one time slot.

[0137] A "frame" is a data unit that includes a predefined number of time slots defined by a common communication protocol.

[0138] "Connectable" means that the wireless communication link is configured to establish a connection between specified devices, such as a wireless connection, after the wireless communication link is acquired.

[0139] A "two-way wireless communication link" refers to a wireless communication link that supports sending data packets or data messages from a first device to a second device, and from a second device to a first device.

[0140] "Same-side data packets" refer to data packets exchanged between hearing devices and hearing implants worn on the same side of the user's head.

[0141] "Hearing implant" refers to the cochlear implant located inside the user's skull.

[0142] During the acquisition of the first link 112L, the first processing unit 120L operates as a master device facing the first hearing implant 150L. The first processing unit 120L can use one of multiple time slots (e.g., time slots 1-4 of each frame in multiple consecutive frames, such as frame 1, frame 2, etc.) to begin repeatedly sending the first synchronization marker 465a to the first hearing implant 150L. Time slots 1-4 refer to the first processing unit 120L. In this embodiment, time slot 3 at the first processing unit 120L is selected for sending the first synchronization marker 465a, as shown, and according to a common communication protocol. The first hearing implant 150L is simultaneously in receive mode to monitor the first link 112L to detect the arrival of the first synchronization marker 465a. However, in the current step of the sequence acquisition, the corresponding time slots 1-4 at the first processing unit 120L and the first hearing implant 150L are likely to be more or less misaligned or asynchronous. This lack of alignment is caused by the first clock signal at the freely operating first clock generator 126L, the first processing unit 120L, and the first hearing implant 150L. For example... Figure 3As shown, the first hearing implant 150L searches for a first synchronization marker 465a in time slot 471 of the first hearing implant 150L. This marker preferably includes a first unique pairing ID, as described below. Time slot 471 is offset or misaligned relative to the time slot at the first processing unit 120L (e.g., the main processing unit) by approximately one-quarter of the time slot length. This time slot misalignment causes the first hearing implant 150L to fail to detect the first synchronization marker 465a, because the latter spans two adjacent time slots at the first hearing implant 150L.

[0143] Therefore, the first hearing implant 150L uses a surround scheme, advancing or sliding its time slots 1-4 (e.g., exemplary time slot 471) at predetermined time intervals between frames of multiple consecutive frames, as schematically shown by the "time sliding" arrow. The predetermined time interval is preferably much shorter than the length of a time slot, for example, less than 5% or less than 1% of the length of a time slot. The first hearing implant 150L continues to slide its time slots 1-4 until the latter time slot is fully aligned with time slots 1-4 at the first processing unit 120L to detect the first synchronization marker 465a received at the first hearing implant 150L. The first control unit 108L of the first implant 150L can check the unique pairing ID of the received synchronization marker to ensure that it was sent by a paired hearing device (i.e., the first hearing device 100L in the current case). If the received synchronization marker is not sent by a paired device, the first control unit 108L can reject it. In the latter case, the first control unit 108L can then continue searching for the first synchronization marker 465a. When the first synchronization marker 465a is detected, the first hearing implant 150L responds by reading the time slot indicator bit or field of the first synchronization marker 465a, as discussed in more detail below. Based on this time slot identifier, the first hearing implant 150L can align the time slot at its location (e.g., at the first control unit 108L) with the corresponding time slot at the first processing unit 120L of the first hearing device 100L. Therefore, by aligning time slots 1-4 at the first processing unit 120L with time slots 1-4 at the first control unit 108L, the packet exchange or communication between the first hearing implant 150L and the first processing unit 120L via the first link 112L is effectively synchronized. The first control unit 108L can do this by switching to transmit mode and sending an acknowledgment message (ACK) 481 (e.g., a second acknowledgment message) to the first processing unit 120L in time slot 4, as shown below. Figure 4As illustrated schematically. Subsequently, the first processing unit 120L can respond by terminating / completing the acquisition of the first link 112L, since the latter is now properly connected between the first processing unit 120L and the first hearing implant 150L according to the first and second embodiments of the common communication protocol of the binaural hearing system 125. Therefore, the first processing unit 120L and the first hearing implant 150L are prepared to use time slots 3 and 4 to exchange the first ipsilateral data packets 455 and 460, as described below. Figure 4A A further detailed description is provided.

[0144] Those skilled in the art should understand that the acquisition of the second link 112R of the exemplary binaural hearing system 125 can follow a corresponding scheme to establish a proper connection between the second processing unit 120R and the second hearing implant 150R. Preferably, the second processing unit 120R operates as the main unit of the second hearing implant 150R. However, the second processing unit 120R and the second hearing implant 150R preferably use a second synchronization tag (not shown) with a unique pairing ID different from the first synchronization tag 465a to acquire the second link 112R. The unique pairing ID of the first synchronization tag 465a and the second synchronization tag (e.g., stored in...) Figure 8 The difference between the unique pairing ID field 703 ensures that only appropriate pairings of the first processing unit 120L (and the first hearing device 100L) and the first hearing implant 150L are interconnected. Similarly, it ensures that only appropriate pairings of the second processing unit 120R (and the second hearing device 100R) and the second hearing implant 150R are interconnected. Otherwise, communication crosstalk, such as between the first hearing device 100L and the second hearing implant 150R, or vice versa, could lead to incorrect pairings. The first synchronization mark 465a and the second synchronization mark can be distinguished by their unique pairing IDs, which will be discussed in more detail below.

[0145] Figure 4AThe diagram illustrates, in schematic form, the exchange of first and second same-side data packets 455, 460, 405, and 410 between the first and second hearing devices 100L and 100R and their associated hearing implants 150L and 150R, according to an implementation of the general communication protocol of the binaural hearing system 125. The illustrated exchange of the first and second same-side data packets 455, 460, 405, and 410 occurs after the first processing unit 120L acquires a first bidirectional wireless communication link to establish a connection (e.g., a first connection) between the first hearing device 100L and the first hearing implant 150L, ​​as described above. The second processing unit 120R independently and, for example substantially simultaneously, acquires a second bidirectional wireless communication link 112R, as described above, to establish a connection (e.g., a second connection) between the subordinate / second hearing device 100R and the second hearing implant 150R. During the acquisition of the first link 112L, the first processing unit 120L is preferably configured to operate as the master device of the first hearing implant 150L. The acquisition of the first link 112L and the second link 112R, which establish corresponding connections through the first and second links 112L and 112R, can be considered as an intermediate step in the acquisition sequence according to an implementation of a general communication protocol. The subsequent acquisition of the bilateral link 114, which establishes a connection between the first processing unit 120L and the second processing unit 120R, can be considered as the final step in the acquisition sequence. The acquisition of the first link 112L can be achieved by aligning (e.g., synchronizing) multiple time slots at the first processing unit 120L with corresponding time slots at the first hearing implant 150L, ​​thereby establishing a connection between the first processing unit 120L and the first hearing implant 150L. Similarly, the acquisition of the second link 112R can be achieved by aligning (e.g., synchronizing) multiple time slots at the second processing unit 120R with corresponding time slots at the second hearing implant 150R, thereby establishing a connection between the second processing unit 120R and the second hearing implant 150R. The acquisition of the dual-side link 114 can establish a connection between the first and second processing units 120L and 120R by aligning (e.g., synchronizing) multiple time slots at the first processing unit 120L with corresponding time slots at the second processing unit 120R, thereby establishing a connection between the first and second hearing devices 100L and 100R. Therefore, after the acquisition sequence is completed and the binaural hearing system 125 is brought into normal operation, the exchange of corresponding data packets between the first processing unit 120L and the first hearing implant 150L, ​​between the second processing unit 120R and the second hearing implant 150R, and between the first processing unit 120L and the second processing unit 120R can be synchronized. This function particularly reduces power consumption and / or supports stable real-time transmission of digital audio signals from the binaural hearing system 125.

[0146] Combining the intermediate steps of obtaining the sequence, Figure 4AThe exchange of first ipsilateral data packets 455 and 460 between the first processing unit 120L and the first hearing implant 150L is illustrated. Similarly, second ipsilateral data packets 405 and 410 are exchanged between the second processing unit 120L and the second hearing implant 150L. In a frame, such as frame 1, the first processing unit 120L sends the first ipsilateral data packets 455 and 460 to the first hearing implant 150L using corresponding predetermined time slots (e.g., time slots 3 and 4, or any other time slot pair illustrated as time slots 1-4). The first processing unit 120L sends the first ipsilateral data packets 455 and 460 in corresponding consecutive frames (e.g., frame 1, frame 2, etc.). The dominant side of the binaural hearing system 125 can be considered as a combination of the first hearing device 100L and the first hearing implant 150L. The secondary side of the binaural hearing system 125 can be considered as a combination of the second hearing device 100R and the second hearing implant 150R.

[0147] The second processing unit 120R uses a predetermined time slot (e.g., time slots 3 and 4) at the side of the binaural hearing system (e.g., at the second processing unit 120R) to exchange second ipsilateral data packets 405 and 410 with the second hearing implant 150R of the binaural hearing system 125. The transmission scheme and data packet structure are similar to those of the first processing unit 120L.

[0148] Those skilled in the art should understand that other implementations of the general communication protocol may specify more than four time slots per frame, for example, 5 to 16 time slots. Regardless of the actual number of time slots (e.g., at least four time slots), these time slots are preferably non-overlapping. The length of each time slot can be between 24 µs and 384 µs, for example, depending on the number of bits in at least partially exchanged data packets (e.g., first, second, and bilateral data packets). The length of each time slot can be the same. The first bilateral data packets 455, 460 and the second bilateral data packets 405, 410 can each include the same number of bits, for example, between 4 bits and 96 bits, for example, between 6 bits and 24 bits. The number of bits in a particular data packet can depend on its content type, i.e., digital audio signals, control information, or a combination of both.

[0149] At least some of the first same-side data packets 455 and 460 and the second same-side data packets 405 and 410 include digital audio signals and / or control information or data. Control information may be stored in the data packet header, and digital audio signals may be stored in the data packet payload, as described below. Figure 8Further detailed description. The digital audio signals can be perceptually encoded to reduce the amount of audio data in the information (e.g., first same-side data packets 455, 460 and second same-side data packets 405, 410) for transmission. The corresponding digital audio signals of the first same-side data packets 455, 460 and the second same-side data packets 405, 410 can be generated or derived by corresponding first and second microphone devices 124L, 124R of the first and second hearing devices 100L, 100R. The first and second microphone devices 124L, 124R can be integrated with the corresponding housings of the first and second hearing devices 100L, 100R. The corresponding digital audio signals of the first same-side data packets 455, 460 and the second same-side data packets 405, 410 can alternatively be derived by a remote microphone device wirelessly connected to the first and second hearing devices 100L, 100R. The corresponding digital audio signals can include sound, such as speech, noise, or any mixture thereof, such as sound from the user's external environment or sound from an audio stream from an audio-enabled portable device. In some embodiments of the binaural hearing system 125, first and second ipsilateral data packets 460 and 410 exchanged in corresponding time slots 4 are transmitted from the first and second hearing implants 150L and 150R to their corresponding first and second processing units 120L and 120R according to a common communication protocol. In this embodiment, the first processing unit 120L operates in receive mode in time slot 4 and monitors the first link 112L to detect the first ipsilateral data packet 455. The slave / second processing unit 120R operates accordingly to receive data packets 410 transmitted by the second hearing implant 150R in time slot 4 at the second processing unit 120R. The corresponding first and second ipsilateral data packets 460 and 410 transmitted by the first and second hearing implants 150L and 150R in their corresponding time slots 4 may include only control information, i.e., no digital audio signal. Therefore, data packets that include only control information (i.e., control data) can be considered as control data packets. Control information may include certain types of protocol parameters of a general data communication protocol, such as pairing ID information (i.e., unique pairing ID) and error detection codes associated with the first hearing implant 150L and / or the second hearing implant 150R.

[0150] In some embodiments of the binaural hearing system 125, first ipsilateral data packets 455 and 460 are transmitted from the first processing unit 120L to the first hearing implant 150L in time slots 3 and 4, respectively, according to a common communication protocol. In this embodiment, the first processing unit 120L operates in transmit mode (Tx) in both time slots 3 and 4, while the first hearing implant 150L operates in receive mode (Rx) simultaneously in both time slots 3 and 4, and monitors the first link 112L to detect the first ipsilateral data packets 455 and 460. The second processing unit 120R and the second hearing implant 150R operate accordingly to transmit second ipsilateral data packets 405 and 410, and receive these data packets at the second hearing implant 150R and its second processing unit 120R. Furthermore, in some embodiments of the common communication protocol, the content types of the first and second ipsilateral data packets 455, 460, 405, and 410 differ between the frames of multiple consecutive frames. Multiple consecutive frames can be optionally organized into so-called superframes, each superframe comprising multiple independent frames, such as 4 to 32 independent frames, to provide different types of content for the first and second same-side packets 455, 460, 405, and 410, respectively, which will be discussed in more detail below.

[0151] Technical personnel should understand that Figure 4A The exemplary timing shown, in which first and second same-side data packets 455, 460, 405, and 410 are transmitted via first and second links 112L and 112R respectively, is misaligned or asynchronous in the worst case. In this worst-case misalignment, after acquiring the first and second links 112L and 112R, time slots 3 and 4 at the second processing unit 120R are aligned with time slots 1 and 2 at the first processing unit 120L, as indicated by reference numeral 402 and S-time slots 3 and 4. In this worst-case alignment, no unused time slots in the frame are used for data packet transmission during the acquisition of the dual-side link 114, or for dual-side data packet exchange during normal operation of the binaural hearing system 125.

[0152] Those skilled in the art should understand that after acquiring the first and second links 112L and 112R respectively, the alignment between multiple time slots (e.g., time slots 1-4) at the first processing unit 120L and the corresponding time slots at the second processing unit 120R will be random. Therefore, multiple time slots may have any amount of misalignment, such as 0.5 time slots, 1 time slot, 1.5 time slots, or even the worst case shown in the figure, where exactly two of the four time slots 1-4 are misaligned. This random time slot alignment is caused by the free-running clock generators and clock signals at the first and second processing units 120L and 120R. In practice, even if the clock generators are nominally identical, the clock signals of the first and second processing units 120L and 120R will each be slightly different in frequency and phase. Therefore, after the intermediate steps of the acquisition sequence of the binaural hearing system, the time slots at the master side (e.g., the first processing unit 120L) and the slave side (e.g., the second processing unit 120R) are likely to be more or less misaligned, such as misaligned or asynchronous.

[0153] Figure 5 An embodiment of acquiring the dual-link 114 (e.g., a first embodiment) is illustrated schematically, wherein a first processing unit 120L operates as a master processing unit, and a second processing unit 120R is configured as a slave processing unit. Acquisition of the dual-link 114 is performed in response to the acquisition of the first link 112L and the second link 112R (and thus thereafter), and further according to the acquisition order of a general communication protocol. After acquiring the second link 112R, the second processing unit 120R may enter a listening mode or state in unoccupied time slots 1 and 2 at its location. After acquiring the first link 112R, the first processing unit 120L may enter a transmitting mode or state in unoccupied time slots 1 and 2 at its location. Subsequently, the first processing unit 120L may begin transmitting a third synchronization flag 465c in unoccupied time slots via the dual-link 114 for detection of the second processing unit 120R, as described in more detail below.

[0154] As illustrated in the diagram, the corresponding second same-side data packets 405 and 405 in time slots 3 and 4 at the primary side (e.g., the first processing unit 120L), and time slots 3 and 4 at the secondary side (e.g., the second processing unit 120R), are offset or misaligned by approximately two-thirds of the length of one time slot. This is illustrated by the indications of time slots 3 and 4, S-time slot 3, and S-time slot 4 at the second processing unit 120R, with reference to time slots 1-4 at the first processing unit 120L depicted on the time axis. Since the first and second links 112L and 112R are established, the first same-side data packets 455 and 460 are exchanged at the primary side (e.g., the first processing unit 120L) and the second same-side data packets 405 and 410 are exchanged at the secondary side (e.g., the second processing unit 120R) through the connection established by the first and second links 112L and 112R, so that the user of the binaural hearing system hears sound in at least one ear (possibly both ears) during the subsequent acquisition of the bilateral link 114. The latter feature is desirable because the transmission of sound into at least one user's ear provides the user with basic auditory perception, enabling them to hear speech and other sound signals in the surrounding environment.

[0155] Subsequently, by applying complex binaural processing algorithms (such as beamforming, noise reduction, etc.) to the first and second processing units 120L and 120R respectively, the dual-side links 114 are acquired and dual-side data packets are exchanged during the connection, which can further improve the user's listening comfort and improve speech clarity.

[0156] To acquire the dual-side link 114, the second processing unit 120R is configured to shift (e.g., advance) the transmission of the second same-side data packets 405 and 410 at each predetermined frame number (e.g., each of the 8th, 16th, 32nd, or 64th frames) by one time slot at each of multiple consecutive frames. The time shift of the second same-side data packets 405 and 410 employs a wraparound scheme, as indicated by the depicted arrow "time slot skipping". Therefore, the time slot shift at the second processing unit 120L releases different time slots at the second processing unit 120L that vary over time, making it possible to send or receive dual-side data packets. Figure 5 As shown, time slot 1 of frames 1 and 2 is not occupied or is idle at the current time.

[0157] The first processing unit 120L can be configured to simultaneously generate a third synchronization marker 465c and transmit it to the second processing unit 120R via a dual-side link 114 using unoccupied time slots 1 and 2 at the first processing unit 120L. The first processing unit 120L is also configured to employ a surround scheme, moving (e.g., sliding) the transmission of the third synchronization marker 465c frame-by-frame between time slots 1 and 2 at predetermined time steps, as shown by the arrow. As illustrated in the diagram, the wraparound scheme means that when the slide of the third synchronization marker 465c reaches the end of time slot 4, the slide of the third synchronization marker 465c will jump back to the beginning of time slot 1.

[0158] The predetermined time step is preferably much smaller than the time slot length, and therefore much smaller than the frame length. For a frame length of 192 µs, the predetermined time step is... tj can be 250 ns. For other frame lengths, such as those between 100 and 400 µs, the same ratio between the predetermined time step and the frame length can be used. For a frame length of 192 µs, the corresponding time slot length can be approximately 48 µs, where the general communication protocol allocates four time slots of equal length per frame, as in this embodiment.

[0159] Figure 6 The diagram illustrates, in the form of a first embodiment of the previously disclosed binaural hearing system 125, the additional steps of acquiring the bilateral link 114 via a first processing unit 120L and a second processing unit 120R. The second processing unit 120R is configured to monitor the bilateral bidirectional wireless communication link 114 to locate the third synchronization marker 465c transmitted by the first processing unit 120L as described above. In response to the detection of the third synchronization marker 465c, the second processing unit 120R interrupts the above combination. Figure 5 The discussion concerns time slot jumps or shifts. The second processing unit 120R further responds by temporarily disconnecting or interrupting the second link 112R. Therefore, the slave side of the binaural hearing system 125 (e.g., the second processing unit 120R) temporarily ceases transmitting the second same-side data packets 405 and 410, thus ensuring that all four time slots at the slave side (e.g., the second processing unit 120R) are not occupied by the second same-side data packets 405 and 410, such as... Figure 7 As illustrated schematically. However, the first processing unit 120L continues to exchange the first ipsilateral data packets 455 and 460 in time slots 3 and 4, so that even if the acquisition sequence and the second link 112R in the binaural hearing system 125 of this embodiment are temporarily disconnected, sound can be continuously transmitted to the user's first-sided hearing implant 150L.

[0160] The first processing unit 120L preferably continues to transmit the third synchronization marker 465c, while using a wraparound scheme to allow the third synchronization marker 465c to slide across time slots 1 and 2 until the third synchronization marker 465c is located in time slot 1 and transmitted there. The second processing unit 120R monitors and detects the third synchronization marker 465c, which can follow the above two-step scheme: First, the second processing unit 120R identifies the predetermined search sequence 701 (see...). Figure 8Then, a "long packet search" is performed to detect the full contents of the third synchronization mark 465c. Subsequently, the second processing unit 120R reads the slot indicator 709 of the third synchronization mark 465c (see...). Figure 8 The second processing unit 120R aligns time slots 1-4 at the second processing unit 120R with the corresponding time slots at the first processing unit 120L to synchronize the time slots (and frames) at the first and second processing units 120L of the binaural hearing system 125. The second processing unit 120R continues to send acknowledgment messages (ACK) 470, for example, the first acknowledgment message (see...). Figure 7 The signal is returned to the first processing unit 120L via the dual-sided link 114, such as... Figure 8 As illustrated schematically, the first processing unit 120L responds by completing the acquisition of the bilateral link 114, while the second processing unit 120R re-establishes the connection via the temporarily interrupted second link 112R. Subsequently, the first processing unit 120L responds by completing the acquisition sequence, since the first link 112L, the second link 112R, and the bilateral link 114 are now all correctly connected, and the corresponding packet exchanges via these links 112L, 112R, and 114 have been time-aligned or synchronized according to an exemplary implementation (e.g., the first implementation) of the general communication protocol of the binaural hearing system 125.

[0161] In response to the completion of sequence acquisition, the first processing unit 120L, the second processing unit 120R, the first hearing implant 150L, ​​and the second hearing implant 150R enter normal operation mode, i.e., "payload mode," in which the first and second same-side data packets 455, 460, 405, and 410 are exchanged in time slots 3 and 4, respectively. The bilateral data packets 480 and 430 are further exchanged in time slots 1 and 2 of consecutive frames, as follows... Figure 10 As shown schematically.

[0162] Some implementations of common communication protocols include a first processing unit 120L configured to initiate a countdown sequence in response to the reception of a first acknowledgment (ACK) 470 before the payload mode is initiated. The countdown sequence may include multiple rounds of switching; for example, before completing the acquisition sequence and entering payload mode, the first processing unit 120L and the second processing unit 120R may perform two, three, or four rounds of counting down for a third synchronization marker 465c and its accompanying first acknowledgment (ACK) 470. This countdown sequence may be beneficial for further verifying the reliability of the two-sided link 114.

[0163] After the acquisition of the dual-side link 114, the second processing unit 120R will reconnect the temporarily disconnected second link 112R, thereby restarting the exchange of the second same-side data packets 405 and 410 between the second hearing device 100R and the second hearing implant 150R.

[0164] Those skilled in the art should understand that uninterrupted operation of at least one of the first and second links 112L, 112R throughout the acquisition sequence is an advantageous feature. This uninterrupted operation is achieved through the continuous exchange of first and second same-side data packets 455, 460, 405, 410, thereby processing the sound picked up at the first and second hearing devices 100L, 100R and transmitting it to the user of the binaural hearing system 125.

[0165] Figure 8 An exemplary synchronization tag 465 is shown, which can be used by a first synchronization tag (465a), a second synchronization tag (not shown), and a third synchronization tag (465c) for acquiring corresponding dual-side links 114, first link 112L, and second link 112R. The exemplary synchronization tag 465 preferably includes a unique pairing ID field 703. The first, second, and third synchronization tags can use the unique pairing ID field 703 to store corresponding unique pairing IDs. The unique pairing ID can be a code or a number, including a value between 8 and 32 bits. The first unique pairing ID can be used to pair the first hearing device 100L and the first hearing implant 150L with each other. The first unique pairing ID can be stored in the memory of the first processing unit 120L, and further stored in the memory of the first control unit 108L of the first hearing implant 150L. For example, the first unique pairing ID can be stored during the manufacturing process of the first hearing device 100L, or later when installing the binaural hearing system 125 on a user. The first unique pairing ID can be stored in the memory of the first control unit 108L in a similar manner. The second unique pairing ID can be used to pair the second hearing device 100R and the second hearing implant 150R with each other. The second unique pairing ID can be stored in the memory of the second processing unit 120R, and further stored in the memory of the second control unit 108R of the second hearing implant 150R. For example, the second unique pairing ID can be stored in the second processing unit 120R and the second control unit 108R in a manner similar to that described above for the first unique pairing ID.

[0166] A third unique pairing ID can be used to pair the first hearing device 100L and the second hearing device 100R. The third unique pairing ID can be stored in the memory of the first processing unit 120L, and further stored in the memory of the second processing unit 120R. For example, the third unique pairing ID can be stored in the second processing unit 120R and the first processing unit 120L in a manner similar to that described for the first unique pairing ID.

[0167] The distinct pairing IDs ensure that only a suitable pair of hearing devices and implants are connected during the acquisition of the corresponding first link 112L, second link 112R, and bilateral link 114. Otherwise, unintended crosstalk between the first and second hearing implants 150L and 150R of the binaural hearing system 125 could lead to incorrect pairing of the first and second hearing devices 100L and 100R with their corresponding first and second hearing implants 150L and 150R. The unique pairing IDs effectively prevent such unintended crosstalk and potential incorrect pairing between hearing devices in two different but geographically close binaural hearing systems.

[0168] Synchronization mark 465 can be considered a special type of data packet, and its length and bit width may be the same as at least a portion of the first and second same-side data packets. Synchronization mark 465 may also include a predetermined search sequence 701, such as a predetermined binary pattern like 10101010 or the equivalent 01010101. The latter is known in advance to the first processing unit 120L and the second processing unit 120R in a manner similar to a unique pairing ID. The second processing unit 120R can receive and identify this predetermined binary pattern to detect synchronization mark 465 in a currently unoccupied time slot at the second processing unit 120R.

[0169] Synchronization marker 465 may include an optional countdown loop counter 707. Once the second processing unit 120R and the first processing unit 120L have mutually acknowledged each other via the dual-side link 114, the first processing unit 120L and the second processing unit 120R can use the countdown loop counter 707 to provide additional security, as described in further detail below. A time slot indicator 709 informs the second processing unit 120R that synchronization marker 465 is installed in the time slot on the master side so that the second processing unit 120R aligns its time slot with the corresponding time slot at the first processing unit 120L. For example, the second processing unit 120R can determine the time offset between a known time slot at its own location and the corresponding time slot at the first processing unit 120L for alignment. Since the second processing unit 120R knows the length of its time slot (e.g., 48 µs), this time offset can indicate time slot alignment.

[0170] The second processing unit 120R can initiate a "long packet search" in the time slot where the predetermined search sequence 701 was last observed. Once the second processing unit 120R identifies or detects the predetermined binary pattern, it utilizes the long packet search to read and evaluate the entire data content of the third synchronization mark 465c. The third synchronization mark 465c may include a parity bit 711 or any other suitable type of error detection and / or correction code. The second processing unit 120R can utilize the error detection and / or correction code in a well-known manner to evaluate the data integrity of the synchronization mark.

[0171] Figure 9 An exemplary superframe structure is illustrated, wherein each superframe comprises multiple independent frames, such as 4 to 32 independent frames, which are composed of multiple consecutive frames according to one implementation of a common communication protocol. Frames at the first processing unit 120L of the binaural hearing system consist of consecutive first superframes 901, and superframes at the second processing unit 120R of the binaural hearing system consist of consecutive second superframes 951. Each frame (e.g., frame 1) may carry the same type of data, such as digital audio signals, meaning that all data packets in the frame under discussion contain the same type of data, such as digital audio signals, control information, or error correction codes (e.g., CRC and / or forward error correction codes (FEC)). Corresponding superframes at the first and second processing units 120L and 120R may be time-misaligned, i.e., time-offset, as schematically shown by offset arrow 953. The second processing unit 120R may be configured to detect this time offset and send it to the first processing unit 120L. The first processing unit 120L can continue to align the first and second superframes 901 and 951 between the first processing unit 120L and the second processing unit 120R.

[0172] Figure 11 , 12 Figures 1 and 13 illustrate various steps of an acquisition sequence for an alternative (e.g., second) implementation of an exemplary binaural hearing system 125, which utilizes an alternative general communication protocol to establish a connection between first and second hearing devices 100L, 100R via a bilateral link 114. The first hearing device 100L can be configured as a master device, and the second hearing device 100R can be configured as a slave device. Furthermore, the acquisition sequence also establishes connections with first and second hearing implants 150L, ​​150R via first and second links 112L, 112R, respectively.

[0173] Those skilled in the art should understand that the configuration of the first and second hearing devices 100L and 100R as master and slave devices can be integrated with the manufacturing process of the binaural hearing system 125. Alternatively, the configuration of the first and second hearing devices 100L and 100R as master and slave devices can also be integrated with the adaptation process of the binaural hearing system 125 to the user, for example, by using a properly programmed computer connected to the binaural hearing system 125.

[0174] Figure 11 The exchange of the first and second same-side data packets 1055, 1060, 1005, and 1010 shown in the diagram occurs after the first processing unit 120L establishes a connection (e.g., a first connection) with the hearing implant 150L via a first link 112L according to an exemplary embodiment (e.g., a second embodiment) of the binaural hearing system 125, which operates according to a corresponding embodiment of a common communication protocol. The operation of this alternative or second embodiment of the binaural hearing system 125 follows the steps described above for establishing the first link 112L according to the first embodiment of the binaural hearing system 125 and the common communication protocol. The second processing unit 120R has independently (e.g., substantially simultaneously) established a connection (e.g., a second connection) with the second hearing implant 150R via the second link 112R. This establishment may follow the steps described above for establishing the first link 112L according to the first embodiment. After acquiring the first link 112L and the second link 112R respectively, and in response thereto, the subsequent exchange of data packets between the first processing unit 120L and the first hearing implant 150L and between the second processing unit 120R and the second hearing implant 150R may be similar to that described in the first embodiment of the exemplary binaural hearing system 125 above.

[0175] However, as Figure 11 As shown, according to the second embodiment, the acquisition of the subsequent dual-side link 114 performed by the first processing unit 120L and the second processing unit 120R includes: sending a first synchronization marker 1065a in a fixed predetermined time slot (e.g., time slot 1) at the first processing unit 120L. This time slot is not the time slot already occupied by the first same-side data packets 1055 and 1060 as shown in the figure. The first synchronization marker 1065a can be sent in each frame or frame subset (e.g., each of the 4th or 8th frames) of multiple consecutive frames (e.g., frame 1, frame 2, etc.).

[0176] Simultaneously, the second processing unit 120R uses a surround scheme to advance or delay the transmission of the second same-side data packets 1005 and 1010 between frames of multiple consecutive frames at a predetermined time step. The predetermined time step is preferably shorter than the length of a time slot, for example, less than 5% or 1% of the length of a time slot. The second processing unit 120R can advance or slide the transmission of the second same-side data packets 1005 and 1010 two or more times along the first time direction through time slots 1-4, for example from time slots 2 and 3 to time slots 3 and 4. This advance transmission of the second same-side data packets 1005 and 1010 is indicated by the surround arrow 1075. Figure 11 The diagram is shown schematically. The wraparound scheme means that when the second same-side data packets 1005 and 1010 slide to the end of time slot 4, the time slot slide at the second processing unit 120R (e.g., S time slot 3 and S time slot 4) will jump back to time slot 1.

[0177] Subsequently, the second processing unit 120R can temporarily interrupt the predetermined advance transmission of the second same-side data packets 1005 and 1010, but continue to transmit the second same-side data packets 1005 and 1010. Then, the second processing unit 120R can, through time slots 1-4, advance the transmission of the second same-side data packets 1005 and 1010 two to multiple round trips along a second time direction opposite to the first time direction, for example, from time slots 2 and 3 to time slots 1 and 2. The reverse advance or sliding of the transmission of the second same-side data packets 1005 and 1010 is achieved through the reverse looping arrow 1075. Figure 12 The diagram is schematically shown. The second processing unit 120R further monitors the bilateral link 114 during the bidirectional time advance of the second same-side data packets 1005 and 1010 to detect the reception of the first synchronization marker 1065a. Those skilled in the art will understand that this reverse time sliding of the transmission of the second same-side data packets 1005 and 1010 facilitates compensation for the free-running clock generators and clock signals at the first and second processing units 120L and 120R, as previously discussed. Therefore, when the corresponding clock signal frequencies at the first and second processing units 120L and 120R are different, the corresponding reverse time sliding of the transmission of the second same-side data packets 1005 and 1010 ensures alignment.

[0178] As described above, after the intermediate steps of the acquisition sequence in the binaural hearing system 125, the time slots at the primary side (e.g., the first processing unit 120L) and the time slots at the secondary side (e.g., the second processing unit 120R) are likely to be more or less misaligned or asynchronous, such as... Figure 12 As shown, time slots 3 and 4 at the first processing unit 120L and time slots 3 and 4 at the second processing unit 120R are offset or misaligned by about two-thirds of the length of one time slot.

[0179] The first processing unit 120L monitors the dual-side link 114 to locate the acknowledgment message (ACK) 1080 sent by the second processing unit 120R in time slot 2. This acknowledgment message is in response to the detection of the first synchronization flag 1065a sent by the first processing unit 120L in time slot 1. Figure 13 As illustrated schematically, the second processing unit 120R can check the unique pairing ID of the received synchronization tag to ensure that it was sent by the paired device (i.e., the first hearing device 100L in the current case). If the synchronization tag was not sent by the paired device, the second processing unit 120R can reject the synchronization tag. If the second processing unit 120R fails to detect the correct unique pairing ID of the received first synchronization tag 1065a during the bidirectional time-sliding process of the second same-side data packets 1005 and 1010, the second processing unit 120R can be configured to restart and repeat the time-sliding process until the first synchronization tag 1065a is detected. The second processing unit 120R finally interrupts the time-sliding transmission process in response to the acknowledgment message (ACK) 1080 it sends, which confirms to the first processing unit 120L that the second processing unit 120R has detected the first synchronization tag 1065a. The first synchronization mark 1065a preferably includes the previously discussed time slot indicator 709, wherein the first processing unit 120L indicates to the second processing unit 120R which time slot on the master side (e.g., the first processing unit 120L) stores the third synchronization mark 465c, so that the second processing unit 120R can align its time slots 1-4 with the corresponding time slots at the first processing unit 120L.

[0180] The first processing unit 120L responds to the reception of the acknowledgment message (ACK) 1080 by completing the acquisition of the bilateral links 114; the second processing unit 120R continues to acquire the bilateral links 114 in a similar manner. Thereafter, since the first link 112L, the second link 112R, and the bilateral links 114 are all correctly connected, and the corresponding time slots of all links are time-aligned or synchronized in the binaural hearing system 125 according to the common communication protocol, the first processing unit 120L continues to complete the acquisition sequence. In response to the completion of the acquisition sequence, the first processing unit 120L, the second processing unit 120R, the first hearing implant 150L, ​​and the second hearing implant 150R each begin normal operation, i.e., "payload". In payload mode, the first and second ipsilateral data packets 1055, 1060, 1005, and 1010 are exchanged in time slots 3 and 4, respectively. Bilateral data packets 480 and 430 are exchanged in time slots 1 and 2, respectively. Bilateral data packets 480 and 430 are not exchanged in time slots 1 and 2. Figure 13 As shown in the text, but Figure 10 The diagram is shown schematically.

[0181] Figure 14 and Figure 15The flowcharts illustrate, respectively, steps 805–875 performed by the first and second processing units 120L, 120R (“first pu” and “second pu”) of the first and second hearing devices 100L, 100R, according to an alternative embodiment of the exemplary binaural hearing system 125, which relate to the acquisition of the aforementioned bilateral bidirectional wireless communication link 114.

[0182] Reference Symbol List

[0183] 100L Primary / Main Hearing Device

[0184] 100R Second / From Hearing Device

[0185] 102L First magnetic coil antenna of the first hearing implant

[0186] 102R Second Hearing Implant Second Magnetic Coil Antenna

[0187] 104L First Rechargeable Battery Component

[0188] 104R Second Rechargeable Battery Assembly

[0189] 106L First Electrode Array

[0190] 106R Second Electrode Array

[0191] 107L First power cord / wire

[0192] 107R Second Power Cord / Wire

[0193] 108L First Control Unit

[0194] 108R Second Control Unit

[0195] 110L First Receiver (Rx) Charging Coil

[0196] 110R Second Receiver (Rx) Charging Coil

[0197] 112L First bidirectional wireless communication link / First link

[0198] 112R Second Bidirectional Wireless Communication Link / Second Link

[0199] 114 Two-sided bidirectional wireless communication link / Two-sided link / Third link

[0200] 116L First magnetic coil antenna of the first hearing device

[0201] 116R Second Hearing Device Second Magnetic Coil Antenna

[0202] 118L First Transceiver

[0203] 118R Second Transceiver

[0204] 120L First / Main Processing Unit

[0205] 120R Second / Slave Processing Unit

[0206] 122L First Data Bus

[0207] 122R Second Data Bus

[0208] 124L One or more first microphones

[0209] 124R One or more second microphones

[0210] 125 Binaural Hearing System

[0211] 126L First System Clock Generator

[0212] 126R Second System Clock Generator

[0213] 128L First Radio Interface

[0214] 128R Second Radio Interface

[0215] 130L First RF Antenna

[0216] 130R Second RF Antenna

[0217] 150L First Hearing Implant

[0218] 150R Second Hearing Implant

[0219] 250 user headers

[0220] 402 Reference Symbol

[0221] 405,410 Second same-side data packet

[0222] 430,480 bilateral data packets

[0223] 455,460 First same-side data packet

[0224] 465 Synchronization Marker

[0225] 465a First Synchronization Marker

[0226] 465c Third Synchronization Marker

[0227] 470 First Acknowledgment (ACK)

[0228] 471 time slot

[0229] 481 Second Acknowledgment (ACK)

[0230] 701 Pre-selected search sequence

[0231] 703 Unique Matching ID Field

[0232] 709 Time Slot Indicator

[0233] 707 Countdown Loop Counter

[0234] 711 parity bits

[0235] 805-875 Processing Steps

[0236] 901 First Superframe

[0237] 951 Second Superframe

[0238] 953 Offset Arrow

[0239] 1005,1010 Second same-side data packet

[0240] 1055,1060 First same-side data packet

[0241] 1065a First synchronization marker (second implementation)

[0242] 1075 Circling Arrow / Reverse Arrow

[0243] 1080 Confirmation Message (ACK)

[0244] tj is the scheduled time step.

Claims

1. A binaural hearing system, comprising: A first hearing device, a second hearing device, a first hearing implant, and a second hearing implant; among which, The first hearing device can be connected to the first hearing implant via a first bidirectional wireless communication link for exchanging first ipsilateral data packets. The second hearing device can be connected to the second hearing implant via a second bidirectional wireless communication link for exchanging second ipsilateral data packets. The first hearing device and the second hearing device can be connected via a two-way bidirectional wireless communication link for exchanging data packets. The dual-sided bidirectional wireless communication link and the first bidirectional wireless communication link and the second bidirectional wireless communication link are configured to operate according to a general communication protocol, which includes multiple consecutive frames, each frame including multiple time slots; The general communication protocol includes an acquisition sequence, which includes: The first bidirectional wireless communication link is acquired using at least one first processing unit of the first hearing device. At least one second processing unit of the second hearing device is used to acquire the second bidirectional wireless communication link, wherein the first processing unit and the second processing unit are configured to acquire the bidirectional wireless communication link in response to the acquisition of the first bidirectional wireless communication link and the second bidirectional wireless communication link.

2. The binaural hearing system according to claim 1, wherein, The obtained sequence includes: - During the acquisition of the dual-sided bidirectional wireless communication links, at least one of the first bidirectional wireless communication link and the second bidirectional wireless communication link is maintained.

3. The binaural hearing system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: Obtaining the first bidirectional wireless communication link includes: - In a first time slot at the first processing unit, a first synchronization marker is sent from the first processing unit to the first hearing implant. - Monitor the synchronization markers of multiple time slots at the first hearing implant. - Using a surround scheme, multiple time slots are slid across multiple consecutive frames at a predetermined time step at the first hearing implant. - Detect the first synchronization marker at the first hearing implant. - Based on the first synchronization marker, multiple time slots at the first hearing implant are synchronized with multiple time slots of the first processing unit. - Complete the acquisition of the first bidirectional wireless communication link. - In the second time slot at the first processing unit, confirmation information is sent from the first hearing implant to the first processing unit; and The acquisition of the second bidirectional wireless communication link includes: - In the first time slot of the second processing unit, the second synchronization marker is sent from the second processing unit to the second hearing implant. - Monitor the second synchronization marker at the second hearing implant site across multiple time slots. - Using a surround scheme, multiple time slots are slid across multiple consecutive frames at a predetermined time step at the second hearing implant. - Detect the second synchronization marker at the second hearing implant. - Based on the synchronization marker, multiple time slots at the second hearing implant are synchronized with multiple time slots at the second processing unit. - In the second time slot at the second processing unit, confirmation information is sent from the second hearing implant to the second processing unit. - Complete the acquisition of the second bidirectional wireless communication link.

4. The binaural hearing system according to any one of claims 1-3, in, The obtained sequence includes: - Using the first and second time slots of corresponding frames in multiple consecutive frames at the first processing unit, the first same-side data packets are exchanged via the first bidirectional wireless communication link. - Using the first and second time slots of corresponding frames in multiple consecutive frames at the second processing unit, the second same-side data packets are exchanged via the second bidirectional wireless communication link. - In the third time slot at the first processing unit, the third synchronization flag is sent from the first processing unit to the second processing unit. - Detect the third synchronization flag at the second processing unit. - Based on the third synchronization flag, the multiple time slots at the second processing unit are synchronized with the multiple time slots at the first processing unit. - In the second time slot at the first processing unit, the confirmation information is sent from the second processing unit to the first processing unit. - Complete the sequence acquisition process. - Entering normal operation of the aforementioned binaural hearing system.

5. The binaural hearing system according to claim 3 or 4, wherein, The acquisition of the dual-sided bidirectional wireless communication link includes: - At the second processing unit, using a wraparound scheme, the second same-side data packets are transmitted between frames of multiple consecutive frames with a time-slot shift. - At the first processing unit, using a surround scheme, the third synchronization marker is sent by shifting the third time slot at a predetermined time step.

6. The binaural hearing system according to claim 5, wherein, The predetermined time step is less than 5% of the length of one of the multiple time slots of the frame.

7. The binaural hearing system according to any one of claims 2-6, wherein, Obtaining a two-sided, bidirectional wireless communication link includes: - Monitor the third synchronization flag at the second processing unit. - The second bidirectional wireless communication link is temporarily interrupted by the second processing unit. - The second processing unit interrupts the time slot shift, while the first processing unit maintains the transmission shift of the synchronization marker. - The first processing unit detects when the third synchronization marker is located within the third time slot of the first processing unit. - The third synchronization flag is detected at the second processing unit, and confirmation information is sent through the second processing unit; - Reacquire the second bidirectional wireless communication link before the acquisition sequence is completed (e.g., terminated).

8. The binaural hearing system according to any one of claims 1-4, wherein, The obtained sequence includes: - During the acquisition of the two-sided bidirectional wireless communication links, the connection of the first bidirectional wireless communication link is maintained and the connection of the second bidirectional wireless communication link is maintained.

9. The binaural hearing system according to claim 8, wherein, Obtaining a two-sided, bidirectional wireless communication link includes: - At the second processing unit, a wraparound scheme is used to shift and transmit the second same-side data packet between frames of multiple consecutive frames at a predetermined time step, wherein the predetermined time step is shorter than the length of a time slot. - The first processing unit monitors the two-sided bidirectional wireless communication link to obtain acknowledgment information sent by the second processing unit in response to the detection of a third synchronization flag at the second processing unit.

10. The binaural hearing system according to claim 9, wherein, The time step offset for the second same-side data packet transmission includes: - By using multiple time slots, the first round trip can be advanced one or more times in the first time direction. - Temporarily suspend one or more advance round-trip shipments. - By restarting the transmission in the second time direction through multiple time slots, the transmission will be advanced one or more round trips. Among them, the first and second time points are in opposite directions; - In response to the transmission of confirmation information, the premature transmission via the second processing unit is interrupted. - Based on the synchronization marker, multiple time slots at the second processing unit are synchronized with multiple time slots at the first processing unit.

11. The binaural hearing system according to any one of claims 2-10, wherein, Each of the first synchronization marker, the second synchronization marker, and the third synchronization marker includes at least: - Predetermined binary sequence, - A time slot indicator for indicating which of the multiple time slots of the first processing unit stores the synchronization tag.

12. The binaural hearing system according to any one of claims 2-11, wherein, Each of the multiple consecutive time frames includes at least four non-overlapping time slots.

13. The binaural hearing system according to claim 11 or 12, wherein, The lengths of the at least four non-overlapping time slots are all the same.

14. The binaural hearing system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, At least a subset of the first and second same-side data packets includes corresponding digital audio data, such as real-time digital audio signals; and / or, at least a subset of the two-side data packets includes the corresponding digital audio data, such as the real-time digital audio signals.

15. The binaural hearing system according to any one of claims 3-14, wherein, The first synchronization tag, the second synchronization tag, and the third synchronization tag all include a unique pairing ID, such as a unique code or number, for pairing at least one of the following: The first hearing device and the first hearing implant, The first hearing device and the second hearing device; and The second hearing device and the second hearing implant.

16. An acquisition sequence or method according to a general communication protocol, used to acquire corresponding connections between a first hearing device and a first hearing implant, between a second hearing device and a second hearing implant, and between the first hearing device and the second hearing device; the acquisition sequence includes: - Obtain a first bidirectional wireless communication link between the first hearing device and the first hearing implant. - Exchange first same-side data packets through the first bidirectional wireless communication link. - Establish a second bidirectional wireless communication link between the second hearing device and the second hearing implant. - Exchange second same-side data packets via the second bidirectional wireless communication link; and in response to the acquisition of the first bidirectional wireless communication link and the second bidirectional wireless communication link: - In response to the acquisition of the first bidirectional wireless communication link and the second bidirectional wireless communication link, acquire the bidirectional wireless communication link between the first hearing device and the second hearing device. - Exchange bilateral data packets between the first hearing device and the second hearing device.

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