Capture sequence of binaural hearing system comprising hearing implant

Abstract

The invention relates to a capture 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 (e.g., a head-mounted device at a user's ear) and a first hearing implant and a second hearing implant.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to capture sequences for binaural hearing systems and corresponding binaural hearing systems. A binaural hearing system may include a first hearing device and a second hearing device (e.g., a head-mounted device at the user's ear) and a first hearing implant and a second hearing implant. Background Technology

[0002] A binaural hearing system including a pair of hearing implants (e.g., a cochlear implant) may include at least four separate devices connected during normal operation via at least three bidirectional wireless communication links. A first bidirectional wireless communication link must connect the first hearing device (typically located in, inside, or on one of the user's ears) to the first hearing implant (e.g., a cochlear implant). A second bidirectional wireless communication link must connect the second hearing device (typically located in, inside, or on the other ear) to the second hearing implant. Finally, a third bidirectional wireless communication link must connect the first and second hearing devices, i.e., bilateral links, to allow the first and second hearing devices, located on either side of the user's head, to transmit data (e.g., configured as packets). This data may include, for example, digital audio signals and / or control information to enable complex binaural processing algorithms and / or other functions of the first and second hearing devices.

[0003] There is a need for a binaural hearing system that uses a common communication protocol, for example, between a first hearing device and a second hearing device and their respective first and second hearing implants. Additionally or alternatively, there is a need for a binaural hearing system that rapidly and energy-efficiently acquires a first bidirectional wireless communication link and a second bidirectional wireless communication link, as well as bilateral links, upon startup of the binaural hearing system. Additionally or alternatively, during normal operation of the binaural hearing system, there is a need for energy-efficient operation of the first and second hearing devices, as well as energy-efficient operation of the first and second hearing implants (particularly in terms of data exchange). This energy-efficient operation of the binaural hearing system is advantageous because each of the first and second hearing devices, and each of the first and second hearing implants, is typically a relatively small device powered by a power source with limited capacity (e.g., a rechargeable battery). Summary of the Invention

[0004] A first aspect of the present invention relates to a binaural hearing system, comprising: a first hearing device, a second hearing device, a first hearing implant, and a second hearing implant; wherein,

[0005] 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.

[0006] 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.

[0007] A two-way bidirectional wireless communication link can be connected between the first hearing device and the second hearing device for exchanging two-way data packets. The two-way bidirectional wireless communication link, as well as the first and second bidirectional wireless communication links, are preferably configured to operate according to a common communication protocol. The common communication protocol includes multiple consecutive frames and capture sequences, each frame including multiple time slots. The capture sequence includes:

[0008] At least a first processing unit of the first hearing device and a second processing unit of the second hearing device are used to capture bilateral bidirectional wireless communication links.

[0009] In response to the capture of the bilateral bidirectional wireless communication link, at least the first processing unit of the first hearing device is used to capture the first bidirectional wireless communication link.

[0010] In response to the capture of the bilateral bidirectional wireless communication link, at least the second processing unit of the second hearing device is used to capture the second bidirectional wireless communication link.

[0011] After successfully completing the acquisition sequence of the binaural hearing system, the system preferably enters a normal operating mode, such as "payload 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 after the successful completion of the acquisition sequence, 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 after the successful completion of the acquisition sequence, the first hearing device and the second hearing device are connected via bilateral bidirectional wireless communication links (e.g., wireless connection).

[0012] Public communication protocols can be proprietary and designed to minimize power consumption, as the first and second hearing devices, as well as the first and second hearing implants, are typically powered by relatively small batteries or by power supplies with limited capacity.

[0013] One of the first hearing device and the second hearing device is preferably configured as a master device and the other as a slave device, so as to use their respective first processing unit and second processing unit (e.g., master processing unit and slave processing unit) to capture and operate a bilateral bidirectional wireless communication link, as discussed in further detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0014] 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. These shells may be designed to be placed in or within 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 either side of the user's skull and configured to supply neural stimulation signals to the user's left and right auditory nerves respectively via implanted electrode arrays.

[0015] Each of the first bidirectional wireless communication link, the second bidirectional wireless communication link, and the bilateral bidirectional wireless communication link can be based on near-field magnetic coupling (e.g., NFMI) and utilize a magnetic coil antenna installed in the first hearing device and the second hearing device, respectively. Each of the first bidirectional wireless communication link, the second bidirectional wireless communication link, and the bilateral bidirectional wireless communication link can use a carrier frequency, for example, between 5 MHz and 50 MHz, as discussed in further detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0016] According to one embodiment of a binaural hearing system, at least a subset of the first ipsilateral data group and the second ipsilateral data group includes corresponding digital audio data (e.g., real-time digital audio signals); and / or at least a subset of the bilateral data groups includes corresponding digital audio signals or data (e.g., real-time digital audio signals), as discussed in further detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0017] Each of 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 at least a portion of the capture of the first bidirectional wireless communication link, the second bidirectional wireless communication link, and the bilateral bidirectional wireless communication link, according to a common communication protocol. Each of the first and second processing units may include a dedicated digital state machine configured to: process certain steps of the capture of the first bidirectional wireless communication link, the second bidirectional wireless communication link, and the bilateral bidirectional wireless communication link, according to a common communication protocol.

[0018] According to an embodiment of a common communication protocol and a corresponding binaural hearing system, the acquisition of bilateral bidirectional wireless communication links includes:

[0019] - In the first time slot of the first processing unit, the first synchronization flag is sent from the first processing unit to the second processing unit.

[0020] - Monitor the first synchronization marker in multiple time slots of the second processing unit.

[0021] - Using a wraparound scheme, multiple time slots of the second processing unit are slid frame-by-frame between multiple consecutive frames at predetermined time steps.

[0022] - Detect the first synchronization flag at the second processing unit.

[0023] - In the second time slot of the first processing unit, the confirmation message is sent from the second processing unit to the first processing unit.

[0024] - Based on the first synchronization flag, the multiple time slots of the second processing unit are synchronized with the multiple time slots of the first processing unit.

[0025] - Complete the acquisition of the two-sided bidirectional wireless communication link.

[0026] - In the first and second time slots of consecutive frames, bilateral data packets are exchanged via bilateral bidirectional wireless communication links.

[0027] A "time slot" is the shortest time division between two-way bidirectional wireless communication links, as defined by common communication protocols. A data packet can be transmitted, for example, within one time slot.

[0028] A "frame" is a unit of data containing a predetermined number of time slots, as defined by a communication protocol.

[0029] "Connectable" should mean that the wireless communication link under consideration is configured to establish a wireless connection between the specified devices after the wireless communication link under consideration is acquired.

[0030] A "two-way wireless communication link" is a wireless communication link that supports the transmission of data packets or data messages from a first device to a second device, and the transmission of data packets or data messages from a second device to a first device.

[0031] "Ipsilateral data packets" are data packets exchanged between a hearing device placed on the same side of the user's head and a hearing implant.

[0032] "Hearing implant" should refer to the part of the cochlear implant located inside the user's skull.

[0033] According to an embodiment of a public communication protocol and a corresponding binaural hearing system, capturing the first bidirectional wireless communication link includes:

[0034] - In the third time slot of the first processing unit, the second synchronization marker is sent from the first processing unit to the first implant processor of the first hearing implant.

[0035] - For the reception of the second synchronization marker, monitor multiple time slots of the first implant processor.

[0036] - Using a surround scheme, multiple time slots of the first implanted processor are slid frame-by-frame between multiple consecutive frames at predetermined time steps.

[0037] - Detect the second synchronization marker at the first implant processor.

[0038] - Based on the second synchronization marker, multiple time slots of the first implant processor are synchronized with multiple time slots of the first processing unit.

[0039] - Complete the acquisition of the first two-way wireless communication link.

[0040] - In the fourth time slot of the first processing unit, a confirmation message is sent from the first implant processor to the first processing unit; and,

[0041] Capturing the second bidirectional wireless communication link includes:

[0042] - In the third time slot of the second processing unit, the third synchronization marker is sent from the second processing unit to the second implant processor of the second hearing implant.

[0043] - For the reception of the third synchronization marker, monitor multiple time slots of the second implant processor.

[0044] - Using a surround scheme, multiple time slots of the second implanted processor are slid frame-by-frame between multiple consecutive frames at predetermined time steps.

[0045] - Detect the third synchronization marker at the second implant processor.

[0046] - Based on the third synchronization marker, multiple time slots of the second implant processor are synchronized with multiple time slots of the second processing unit.

[0047] - In the fourth time slot of the second processing unit, the confirmation message is sent from the second implant processor to the second processing unit.

[0048] - Complete the acquisition of the second bidirectional wireless communication link; and

[0049] Complete the capture sequence and enter normal operation of the binaural hearing system.

[0050] Each of a plurality of consecutive time frames may include at least four time slots, for example, four non-overlapping time slots. Each of the at least four time slots may be of the same length, as discussed in further detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0051] In one embodiment, each predetermined time step for sliding multiple time slots is less than 5% (e.g., less than 1%) of the length of one of the multiple time slots of a frame, as discussed in further detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0052] According to an embodiment of a public communication protocol and a corresponding binaural hearing system, the first synchronization tag includes a unique pairing ID for pairing the first hearing device and the second hearing device; and

[0053] - The second synchronization tag includes a unique pairing ID used to pair the first hearing device and the first hearing implant; and

[0054] - The third synchronization tag includes a unique pairing ID used to pair the second hearing device and the second hearing implant.

[0055] The first synchronization tag sent from the first processing unit to the second processing unit during the acquisition of a two-sided bidirectional wireless communication link may include a first unique pairing ID. The second processing unit is configured to:

[0056] - Compare the first unique pair ID of the synchronization tag with the pre-stored unique pair ID.

[0057] - If the first unique pairing ID does not match the pre-stored unique pairing ID, then ignore the first synchronization flag; and

[0058] - If the pre-stored unique pairing ID matches the first unique pairing ID of the first synchronization tag, an acknowledgment message is sent. Some embodiments of the binaural hearing system utilize three unique pairing IDs in the pairings mentioned above: the pairing of the first hearing device with the first hearing implant, the pairing of the first hearing device with the second hearing device, and the pairing of the second hearing device with the second hearing implant. That is, in addition to the first unique pairing ID, there are two additional unique pairing IDs, such as the second and third unique pairing IDs. This embodiment is advantageous because using the unique pairing IDs of the first, second, and third synchronization tags respectively avoids incorrect pairing of the binaural hearing system devices during the capture sequence, as discussed in further detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0059] Synchronization tags may include at least:

[0060] - Pre-order binary pattern,

[0061] - A time slot indicator, used to indicate which of the multiple time slots of the first processing unit stores the synchronization flag, and optionally, an error detection code.

[0062] A common communication protocol may include multiple superframes, each superframe comprising multiple individual frames from multiple consecutive frames, for example, 4 to 32 individual frames. In the latter embodiment, the second processing unit is preferably configured to: determine the frame offset between consecutive superframes.

[0063] - The offset is sent to the first processing unit via a two-way bidirectional wireless communication link. The first processing unit is configured to read the offset and adjust the timing of the superframe of the first processing unit so that the superframes of the first processing unit and the second processing unit are aligned.

[0064] According to one embodiment of a binaural hearing system, the capture sequence includes:

[0065] - Maintain connection via both bidirectional wireless communication links during the acquisition of the first bidirectional wireless communication link and during the acquisition of the second bidirectional wireless communication link.

[0066] A second aspect of the invention relates to a capture sequence according to a common communication protocol, such as a computer-implemented capture method. The capture sequence can be executed by a first processing unit of a first hearing device and a second processing unit of a second hearing device, operating in a parallel and coordinated manner, to capture bilateral bidirectional wireless communication links. The capture sequence is also configured to: capture respective connections between the first hearing device and a first hearing implant, between the second hearing device and a second hearing implant, and between the first hearing device and the second hearing device. The capture sequence includes:

[0067] - At least a first processing unit of the first hearing device and a second processing unit of the second hearing device are used to capture a bilateral two-way wireless communication link between the first hearing device and the second hearing device;

[0068] - Exchange bilateral data packets between the first and second hearing devices.

[0069] - In response to the capture of a bilateral bidirectional wireless communication link, at least a first processing unit of the first hearing device is used to capture a first bidirectional wireless communication link between the first hearing device and the first hearing implant.

[0070] - Exchange first ipsilateral data packets between the first hearing device and the first hearing implant;

[0071] - In response to the capture of the bilateral bidirectional wireless communication link, at least the second processing unit of the second hearing device is used to capture the second bidirectional wireless communication link between the second hearing device and the second hearing implant.

[0072] - Exchange second ipsilateral data packets between the second hearing device and the second hearing implant;

[0073] - Normal operation of entering the binaural hearing system.

[0074] One embodiment of the capture sequence includes:

[0075] - At the first processing unit, bilateral data packets are exchanged in the first and second time slots of each of multiple consecutive frames.

[0076] - At the first processing unit, first same-side data packets are exchanged in the third and fourth time slots of each of multiple consecutive frames.

[0077] - At the second processing unit, second same-side data packets are exchanged in the third and fourth time slots of each of multiple consecutive frames. Attached Figure Description

[0078] Exemplary embodiments of the present invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0079] Figure 1 An exemplary binaural hearing system according to the present invention, mounted on a user's head, is illustrated schematically.

[0080] Figure 2 Schematic block diagrams of a first and second hearing device in an exemplary binaural hearing system, and their respective first and second hearing implants, are shown.

[0081] Figure 3 This schematically illustrates the transmission of a first synchronization tag from a first hearing device to a second hearing device during the acquisition of bilateral bidirectional wireless communication links, according to an embodiment of an exemplary binaural hearing system.

[0082] Figure 4 This schematically illustrates the exchange of bilateral data packets between a first hearing device and a second hearing device after a bilateral bidirectional wireless communication link has been acquired, according to an embodiment of an exemplary binaural hearing system.

[0083] Figure 5 The illustration schematically shows the capture of a first bidirectional wireless communication link and a capture of a second bidirectional wireless communication link according to an embodiment of an exemplary binaural hearing system.

[0084] Figure 6 The illustration schematically depicts, according to an embodiment of an exemplary binaural hearing system, the exchange of a first ipsilateral data packet and a second ipsilateral data packet, as well as the exchange of bilateral data packets, during normal operation of the binaural hearing system (i.e., payload mode) after the completion of the capture sequence.

[0085] Figure 7 This illustrates features of an exemplary synchronization marker utilized during the acquisition of bilateral bidirectional wireless communication links according to an embodiment of an exemplary binaural hearing system.

[0086] Figure 8 This illustrates an exemplary superframe structure according to an embodiment of an exemplary binaural hearing system, each superframe structure including multiple frames of ipsilateral data packets and bilateral data packets.

[0087] Figure 9 and Figure 10 This is a flowchart illustrating the respective processing steps performed by a first processing unit of a first hearing device and a second processing unit of a second hearing device during the acquisition of bilateral bidirectional wireless communication links according to an embodiment of an exemplary binaural hearing system. Detailed Implementation

[0088] Various exemplary embodiments of this binaural hearing system are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Those skilled in the art will understand that the drawings are schematic and therefore only show details necessary for understanding the invention. Other details may have been omitted or simplified for the purpose of brevity. The same reference numerals refer to the same elements throughout the drawings. Therefore, it is not necessary to describe the same elements for every drawing.

[0089] Figure 1 An exemplary binaural hearing system 125 is schematically illustrated, mounted on a user's head 250. The exemplary binaural hearing system 125 includes, for example, a second hearing device 100R mounted 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 and a first hearing implant (not shown), both positioned 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 for surgical implantation into both sides of the user's skull, and are therefore not visible externally after implantation.

[0090] Figure 2 This is a block diagram of a binaural hearing system 125. A first hearing device 100L can be connected to a first hearing implant 150L via a first bidirectional wireless communication link 112L (“first link”) for exchanging 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”) for exchanging second ipsilateral data packets.

[0091] 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 data. Figure 4The bilateral data packets 430 and 480 are shown. 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 first magnetic coil antenna 116L and second magnetic coil antenna 116R, respectively. The bilateral link 114, the first link 112L, and the second link 112R are preferably configured to operate using a common data communication protocol, i.e., according to a common data communication protocol. This common data communication protocol preferably includes multiple consecutive time frames, each frame including multiple time slots that respectively store the first and second same-side data packets 455, 460, 405, and 410, and the bilateral data packets 430 and 480, as shown. Figure 6 As shown. The corresponding first and second same-side data packets 455, 460, 405, 410 and the two-side data packets 430, 480 are constructed, transmitted and received (e.g., exchanged) according to a common data communication protocol, as discussed in further detail below.

[0092] Those skilled in the art will understand that before or during the acquisition of each of the dual-side links 114, the first link 112L, and the second link 112R, certain types of packets (e.g., synchronization tags and acknowledgment messages) can be wirelessly exchanged (e.g., transmitted) 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.

[0093] The bilateral data packets exchanged via bilateral link 114 may include digital audio signals or samples transmitted by the first hearing device 100L and the second hearing device 100R, respectively, and control information. Each of the first hearing device 100L and the second hearing device 100R may transmit digital audio samples and control information or control data to the first hearing implant 150L and the second hearing implant 150R, respectively. Each of the first hearing implant 150L and the second hearing implant 150R preferably utilizes a first control unit 108L and a second control unit 108R (e.g., a first implant processor 108L and a second implant processor 108R), and may also be configured to transmit respective control data to the first hearing device 100L and the second hearing device 100R 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 adapted for bidirectional data transmission.

[0094] In some embodiments of the invention, each of the first link 112L, the second link 112R, and the dual-sided link 114 may be based on or include near-field magnetic coupling (e.g., an NFMI link). Accordingly, 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. Similarly, the second link 112R may 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 150R. Each of the first link 112L, the second link 112R, and the dual-sided link 114 may utilize a carrier frequency, for example, between 5 MHz and 50 MHz (e.g., between 9 MHz and 27 MHz), to wirelessly transmit first and second same-sided data packets 455, 460, 405, 410 and dual-sided data packets 430, 480, respectively. The first hearing implant 150L includes a first control unit 108L connected to a first magnetic coil antenna 102L for receiving and processing first ipsilateral data packets transmitted by the first hearing device 100L. The first control unit 108L is also configured to transmit the first ipsilateral data packets 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 first rechargeable battery assembly 104L. The first rechargeable battery assembly 104L is configured to receive power from a first receiver (Rx) charging coil 110L during dedicated charging operations or sessions. During a dedicated charging session, the first receiver (Rx) charging coil 110L may be powered by a transmitter (Tx) charging coil (not shown) external to a charging device (not shown) located in a suitable position (i.e., outside the user's skull). 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 for powering it, as schematically shown by the first power line or wire 107L. The control unit 108L may include a microprocessor, such as a software-programmable microprocessor.

[0095] The first hearing implant 150L also includes a first electrode array 106L for implantation into a user's cochlea. The first electrode array 106L may be electrically coupled to a first control unit 108L, which supplies appropriate electrode stimulation signals to the first electrode array 106L to stimulate the user's cochlear nerve. Those skilled in the art will understand that these electrode stimulation signals may be generated by the first control unit 108L and derived by the first control unit 108L based on a first ipsilateral data group (particularly digital audio signals or data embedded in or stored in the first ipsilateral data group). Those skilled in the art will understand that the corresponding functions, structures, and features of the second hearing implant 150R (e.g., the second control unit 108R, the second electrode array 116R, etc.) may be substantially the same as or similar to the corresponding functions, structures, and features of the first hearing implant 150L, ​​as indicated by corresponding reference numerals.

[0096] Figure 2 The block diagram also illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the 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 of first same-side data packets and bilateral data packets 430, 480. The first transceiver 118L can be configured to convert the first same-side data packets and bilateral data packets 430, 480 into a format understood by a first processing unit 120L of the first hearing device 100L. The first transceiver 118L can be electrically connected to the first processing unit 120L, for example, via a first data line or a first data bus 122L, for transmitting the first same-side data packets and bilateral data packets to the first processing unit 120L.

[0097] 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.

[0098] The first hearing device 100L also includes one or more first microphones 124L coupled to a suitable audio interface 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 common communication protocols, calculation of monocular or binaural beamforming microphone signals, hearing loss compensation processing of microphone signals, a first wireless data communication interface 118L (e.g., including 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 (e.g., flash memory or EEPROM).

[0099] Each of the first hearing device 100L and the second hearing device 100R may include housings of 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 be placed on or inside the user's ear. The first hearing device 100L also includes a first system clock generator 126L, configured to supply system clock signals to various digital logic circuits and components of the first hearing device 100L (including the first processing unit 120L), as schematically shown. 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 the common communication protocol of the first link 112L and the dual-side links 114, as discussed in further detail below.

[0100] The first hearing device 100L may additionally include an optional second wireless communication interface, such as a first radio interface 128L and a first RF antenna 130L, configured to communicate jointly via the second wireless communication interface (e.g., a first radio link (not shown)). The first radio interface 128L may be configured to operate in the 2.4 GHz Industrial Science and Medical (ISM) band. The first radio interface 128L may comply with Bluetooth standards (e.g., Bluetooth Low Energy). Due to the industry-standard compliant nature of the first radio link, the first radio interface 128L can provide convenient data connectivity to various types of portable communication devices (e.g., smartphones, mobile phones, tablets, and personal computers). Various types of control data and digital audio signals 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 optional second wireless communication interface, such as the second radio interface 128R and the second RF antenna 130R shown. In the following disclosure, the first hearing device 100L of the binaural hearing system 125 is assigned as a master device during the execution of a common communication protocol, while the second hearing device 100R is configured as a slave device. Those skilled in the art will understand that the system clock signal of the first (e.g., master) processing unit 120L can control the timing of the wireless transmission of corresponding data packets through the first link 112L, the second link 112R, and the bilateral link 114, at least after the acquisition of the first link 112L, the second link 112R, and the bilateral link 114 (wherein the acquisition sequence is completed and normal operation of the binaural hearing system 125 begins).

[0101] Figure 3This schematically illustrates an embodiment of the common communication protocol of an exemplary binaural hearing system 125, during the capture of a bilateral link 114, the transmission of a first synchronization marker 465c from a first (or master) processing unit 120L of a first hearing device 100L to a second (or slave) hearing device 100R. During the capture of the bilateral link 114, the master processing unit 120L operates as a master device for the second hearing device 100R, and vice versa. The master processing unit 120L may begin repeatedly transmitting the first synchronization marker 465c to the second hearing device 100R using one of multiple time slots (e.g., time slots 1-4) in each of multiple consecutive frames (frame-1, frame-2, etc.). Time slots 1-4 shown are referenced to the master processing unit 120L. In this example, as shown, at the master processing unit 120L, time slot 1 is selected for transmitting the first synchronization marker 465c, and this is done according to the common communication protocol. The second hearing device 100R is simultaneously in receive mode, causing its second (or slave) processing unit 120R to monitor the dual-link 114 to detect the reception of the first synchronization marker 465c. However, time slots 1-4 at the main processing unit 120L and slave processing unit 120R are likely to be more or less misaligned or out of sync during the current acquisition step of the acquisition sequence. This misalignment of time slots 1-4 at the main processing unit 120L and slave processing unit 120R is caused by the free-running clock generator and system clock signals at the main processing unit 120L and slave processing unit 120R. Figure 3As shown, in which the second hearing device 100R (e.g., the second processing unit 120R) searches for a first synchronization marker 465c in an exemplary time slot 471 of the second hearing device 100R, which is offset or misaligned relative to the time slot at the main processing unit 120L by approximately one-quarter of the time slot length, as indicated by the arrow S-time slot 2. This misalignment of the time slot prevents the second hearing device 100R from detecting the first synchronization marker 465c, because the first synchronization marker 465c extends across two adjacent time slots at the second hearing device 100R. The processing unit 120R uses a wraparound scheme to advance or slide its time slots 1-4 (e.g., exemplary time slot 471) between frames of multiple consecutive frames at predetermined time steps, as schematically indicated by the "time sliding" arrow. The wraparound scheme means that the sliding of the time slot (e.g., S-time slot 2) at the processing unit 120R jumps back to time slot 1 when the sliding operation reaches the end of time slot 4. The predetermined time step for time slot sliding 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, so that time slots 1-4 at the slave processing unit 120R gradually align with time slots 1-4 at the master processing unit 120L. The slave processing unit 120R can continue to slide its time slots 1-4 using a wraparound scheme until the time slots of the slave processing unit 120R are fully aligned with the time slots 1-4 of the master processing unit 120L to detect the reception of the first synchronization mark 465c at the slave processing unit 120R. The slave processing unit 120R can check the unique pairing ID of the received first synchronization mark 465c (…). Figure 7 Field 703 in the text ensures that it is sent from a paired device (i.e., in the current case, the first hearing device 100L). The search for the first synchronization marker 465c from the processing unit 120R may optionally include: identifying a predetermined search sequence 701 for the first synchronization marker 465c (…). Figure 7 (as described in further detail below).

[0102] The slave processing unit 120R can be configured to ignore the first synchronization mark 465c if it was not sent by the paired device, i.e., the unique pairing ID of the received synchronization mark does not match the unique pairing ID of the first synchronization mark 465c. In the latter case, the slave processing unit 120R can then continue searching for the first synchronization mark 465c. When the unique pairing ID of the received synchronization mark matches the unique pairing ID of the first synchronization mark 465c, the slave processing unit 120R can respond by detecting the time slot (e.g., time slot 1) at the master processing unit 120L where the first synchronization mark 465c was sent. The master processing unit 120L can be configured to determine the time slot of the transmission of the first synchronization mark 465c by reading the time slot indicator bit or field of the first synchronization mark, as discussed in further detail below. Based on this timeslot identifier, the processing unit 120R can align (i.e., synchronize) its timeslot (e.g., S-timeslot 2) with the corresponding timeslot at the main processing unit 120L of the first hearing device 100L. Thus, data packet exchange or communication between the processing unit 120R and the main processing unit 120L via the dual-sided link 114 is synchronized.

[0103] Subsequently, the processing unit 120R is configured to: switch to transmission mode and send an acknowledgment message 470 (ACK) to the main processing unit 120L in time slot 2, as follows. Figure 3 As shown. The main processing unit 120L can then respond by completing or terminating the acquisition of the bilateral link 114, since, according to an exemplary embodiment of the common communication protocol of the binaural hearing system 125, the bilateral link 114 is now properly connected between the main processing unit 120L and the slave processing unit 120R. Accordingly, the main processing unit 120L and the slave processing unit 120R are prepared to exchange bilateral data packets 430, 480 using time slots 1 and 2 of multiple consecutive frames, as... Figure 4 As shown. In time slot 1 of frame 1, the main processing unit 120L sends a first bilateral data packet 480 to the slave processing unit 120R, which is in receive mode or state during time slot 1. In time slot 2 of frame 1, the slave processing unit 120R sends a second bilateral data packet 430 to the main processing unit 120L, which has switched to receive mode or state during time slot 2.

[0104] Those skilled in the art will understand that other embodiments of the common communication protocol may specify more than four time slots per frame, such as 5 to 16 time slots. Regardless of the actual number of time slots (e.g., at least 4 time slots), they 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 some of the exchanged data packets. The length of each time slot can be the same. Each of the first same-side data packets 455, 460 and the second same-side data packets 405, 410 may include the same number of bits, for example, between 4 bits and 96 bits (e.g., between 6 bits and 24 bits). The number of bits in a particular data packet may depend on the content type, i.e., digital audio signals, control information, or a combination of both.

[0105] At least some of the first two-sided data packets 480 and the second two-sided data packets 430 include digital audio signals and / or control information. The control information may be stored in the packet header, and the digital audio signals may be stored in the packet payload. The digital audio signals may be perceptually encoded to reduce the amount of audio data in the message to be transmitted. The digital audio signals of each of the first two-sided data packets 480 and the second two-sided data packets 430 may be generated by the respective microphone arrays of the primary hearing device 100L and the secondary hearing device 100R (e.g., one or more first microphones 124L and one or more second microphones 124R). Figure 2 The microphone arrays 124L and 124R can be generated or exported, for example, integrated into the respective housings of the first / master hearing device 100L and the second / slave hearing device 100R. Alternatively, the digital audio signals of the respective bilateral data packets 430 and 480 can be exported from a remote microphone array (not shown) wirelessly coupled to the first / master hearing device 100L and / or the second / slave hearing device 100R. The sound can include speech, noise, or any mixture thereof, such as sounds present in the user's external environment or streaming sound from an audio-enabled portable device.

[0106] Figure 5 The acquisition of a first link 112L and a second link 112R according to an embodiment of an exemplary binaural hearing system 125 are schematically illustrated. As described above, acquisition of both links 114 has been completed, and in response, the main processing unit 120L initiates acquisition of the first link 112L and the second link 112R. Figure 5The diagram illustrates how the main processing unit 120L and the slave processing unit 120R exchange first bilateral data packets 480 and second bilateral data packets 430 using time slots 1 and 2 of a frame, respectively. The main processing unit 120L can also be configured to repeatedly generate a second synchronization marker 465a using an unoccupied time slot (e.g., time slot 3) in a frame of the main processing unit 120L and send it to a first control unit 108L of the first hearing implant 150L. The first control unit 108L operates in receive mode, and therefore the first hearing implant 150L also operates in receive mode, searching for the second synchronization marker 465a in time slot 571 of the first control unit 108L. Exemplary time slot 571 is offset or misaligned relative to the time slot of the main processing unit 120L (time slot indicated on the x-axis) by approximately one-quarter of the time slot length, as indicated by the arrow S-time slot 2. For the reasons discussed above in relation to the first synchronization marker 465c, this time slot misalignment prevents the first control unit 108L from detecting the second synchronization marker 465a. Therefore, the first control unit 108L employs a surround scheme, advancing or sliding its time slots 1-4 frame-by-frame (e.g., exemplary time slot 571) across multiple consecutive frames with a predetermined time step, as schematically shown by the first "time slide" arrow 575. The predetermined time step is preferably shorter than a time slot length, for example, less than 5% or less than 1% of a time slot length. For a time slot length of approximately 48 μs, the predetermined time step could be 250 ns. According to this scheme, the first control unit 108L is configured to gradually align its time slots 1-4 (i.e., the first hearing implant 150L) with the time slots 1-4 of the main processing unit 120L. The first control unit 108L can continue to slide its time slots 1-4 until these time slots are fully aligned with the time slots 1-4 of the main processing unit 120L to detect the reception of the second synchronization mark 465a. The first control unit 108L can optionally check the unique pairing ID of the received second synchronization mark 465a to ensure (e.g., test whether) it was sent from a paired device (i.e., in the current case, the first hearing implant 100L). The first control unit 108L can be configured to ignore the received second synchronization mark 465a if it was not sent by a paired device, i.e., the unique pairing ID of the received synchronization mark does not match the unique pairing ID of the second synchronization mark 465a. In the latter case, the first control unit 108L can then continue searching for the second synchronization mark 465a.When the unique pairing ID of the received second synchronization mark 465a matches, the first control unit 108L can respond by reading the time slot indicator 709 of the second synchronization mark 465a and aligning its time slots 1-4 with the corresponding time slots of the main processing unit 120L to synchronize the same-side data packet exchange between the first hearing implant 150L and the first hearing device 100L via the first link 112L. Afterwards, the first control unit 108L switches to transmission mode and sends an acknowledgment message (not shown) to the main processing unit 120L in the unoccupied time slot 4.

[0107] The main processing unit 120L can respond to the acknowledgment message sent by the first control unit 108L of the first hearing implant 150L by completing the capture of the first link 112L, because, according to an exemplary embodiment of the common communication protocol of the binaural hearing system 125, the first link 112L is now properly connected between the first hearing device 100L and the first hearing implant 150L. Accordingly, the first hearing device 100L and the first implant 150L are ready to exchange first ipsilateral data packets 455, 460 using time slots 3 and 4 of multiple consecutive frames, as... Figure 6 As shown. In time slot 3 of frame 1, the first hearing device 100L sends the first ipsilateral data packet 455 (TxM) to the first hearing implant 150L.

[0108] The first hearing implant 150L is in receive mode or state in time slot 3. In time slot 4 of frame 1, the first hearing implant 150L transmits a second ipsilateral data packet 460 (Txl1) to the main processing unit 120L, which has now switched from the previous transmit mode in time slot 3 to receive mode or state. Furthermore, in time slot 4 of frame 1, the second hearing implant 150R transmits a second ipsilateral data packet 410 (Txl2) to the slave processing unit 120R. The slave processing unit 120R has switched from its previous receive mode in time slot 3 to transmit mode or state. Those skilled in the art will understand that the capture of the second link 112R of the exemplary binaural hearing system 125 can follow a capture scheme corresponding to the first link 112L to establish a connection (e.g., a wireless connection) between the second hearing device 100R and the second hearing implant 150R. Preferably, during the capture of the second link 112R, the second or slave processing unit 120R operates as a master device for the second hearing implant 150R (i.e., the second control unit 108R). In short, the second processing unit 120R can be configured to repeatedly generate a third synchronization marker 465b using unoccupied time slots (e.g., time slot 3) in frames from the master processing unit 120L, and send it to the second control unit 108R of the second hearing implant 150R. The third synchronization marker 465b preferably has a unique pairing ID that is different from both the first synchronization marker 465c and the second synchronization marker 465a. The third synchronization marker 465b is preferably used by the second processing unit 120R and the second control unit 108R of the second hearing implant 150R to capture the second link 112R. The second control unit 108R advances or slides (indicated by the second “time slide” arrow 577) its time slots 1-4 (e.g., exemplary time slot 573) at predetermined time steps, in the same manner as described above in the detailed description of capturing the first link 112L. After completing the capture of the first link 112L and the second link 112R, the main processing unit 120L responds by completing (e.g., terminating) the capture sequence of the exemplary binaural hearing system 125. The main processing unit 120L, the slave processing unit 120R, the first hearing implant 150L, ​​and the second hearing implant 150R enter normal operation, i.e., "payload mode," in which the first ipsilateral data packets 455 and 460 and the second ipsilateral data packets 405 and 410 are exchanged in time slots 3 and 4 of consecutive frames, respectively, while the bilateral data packets 480 and 430 are exchanged in time slots 1 and 2 of consecutive frames, respectively. Figure 6 As shown.

[0109] Some embodiments of the exemplary binaural hearing system 125 and common communication protocols include: a main processing unit 120L configured to initiate a countdown sequence before each link acquisition is completed, for each acknowledgment message received ( Figure 4The countdown sequence may include exchanging the considered synchronization flags and accompanying acknowledgment messages for several rounds (e.g., 2, 3, or 4 rounds) before the link acquisition terminates. Optionally, the countdown sequence can also be used to verify the reliability of the considered wireless link.

[0110] The capture of the first link 112L can be achieved by aligning (e.g., synchronizing) multiple time slots of the first processing unit 120L with corresponding time slots of the first hearing implant 150L, ​​thereby establishing a connection between the first processing unit 120L and the first hearing implant 150L. Similarly, the capture of the second link 112R can be achieved by aligning (e.g., synchronizing) multiple time slots of the second processing unit 120R with corresponding time slots of the second hearing implant 150R, thereby establishing a connection between the second processing unit 120R and the second hearing implant 150R. The capture of the bilateral link 114 can be achieved by aligning (e.g., synchronizing) multiple time slots of the first processing unit 120L with corresponding time slots of the second processing unit 120R, thereby establishing a connection between the first processing unit 120L and the second processing unit 120R, and thus between the first hearing device 100L and the second hearing device 100R. Therefore, after the capture sequence is completed and normal operation of the binaural hearing system 125 is initiated, the first processing unit 120L, the first hearing implant 150L, ​​the second processing unit 120R, and the second hearing implant 150R are configured to synchronously exchange their respective data packets. This feature, in particular, reduces power consumption and / or supports robust real-time transmission of digital audio signals from the binaural hearing system 125.

[0111] As designed by common communication protocols, the time-slot-based scheme for synchronizing the transmission of first ipsilateral data packets 455, 460 and second ipsilateral data packets 405, 410, as well as first bilateral data packets 480 and second bilateral data packets 430 during normal operation of the exemplary binaural hearing system 125 enables efficient use of the respective bandwidths of wireless links 112L, 112R, and 114. This time-slot-based scheme for synchronizing the transmission of corresponding data packets during normal operation of the exemplary binaural hearing system 125 is also energy efficient for the corresponding transceiver circuitry (e.g., the transceivers 118L, 118R of the main processing unit 120L and the slave processing unit 120R, and the transceivers of the first hearing implant 150L and the second hearing implant 150R).

[0112] Figure 7An exemplary synchronization tag 465 is shown, which can be used by a first synchronization tag 465c, a second synchronization tag 465a, and a third synchronization tag 465b for capture of each of the dual-side links 114, the first link 112L, and the second link 112R, respectively. The exemplary synchronization tag 465 preferably includes a unique pairing ID field 703, which can store a unique pairing ID that may include a unique number or code. The unique pairing ID may include 8 bits to 32 bits. The first unique pairing ID can be used to pair the first hearing device 100L with the first hearing implant 150L. The first unique pairing ID can be stored in the memory of the main processing unit 120L and also in the memory of the first control unit 108L of the first hearing implant 150L. The first unique pairing ID can be stored, for example, during the manufacture of the first or main hearing device 100L, or later when fitting the binaural hearing system 125 to the 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 with the second hearing implant 150R. The second unique pairing ID can be stored in the memory of the second processing unit 120R, and also in the memory of the second control unit 108R of the second hearing implant 150R. 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.

[0113] The third unique pairing ID can be used to pair the second hearing device 100R with the first hearing device 100L. The third unique pairing ID can be stored in the memory of the first processing unit 120L, and also in the memory of the second processing unit 120R. 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 above for the first unique pairing ID.

[0114] Using unique pairing IDs (e.g., first, second, and third unique pairing IDs) ensures that only the appropriate pair of devices connects to each other during the capture of each of the first link 112L, the second link 112R, and the bilateral links 114. Otherwise, unintended crosstalk between devices (e.g., crosstalk between the first hearing implant 150L and the second hearing implant 150R of the binaural hearing system 125) could lead to incorrect device pairing. The first, second, and third unique pairing IDs can similarly prevent unintended crosstalk and incorrect pairing between corresponding devices of two different but geographically close binaural hearing systems.

[0115] Synchronization marker 465 can be considered a special type of packet and can have the same length and number of bits as at least some bilateral data packets. Synchronization marker 465 may include a predetermined search sequence 701, such as a predetermined binary pattern, like 10101010 or equivalently 01010101. The predetermined search sequence is known a priori to the master processing unit 120L, slave processing unit 120R, and first control unit 108L and second control unit 108R, for example, by storing it in their respective memories during manufacturing. Slave processing unit 120R can receive and recognize the predetermined binary pattern to detect the first synchronization marker 465c in a currently unoccupied time slot of slave processing unit 120R. Similarly, the first control unit 108L of the first hearing implant 150L can receive and recognize the predetermined binary pattern to detect the second synchronization marker 465a in a currently unoccupied time slot of the first control unit 108L. Similarly, the second control unit 108R of the second hearing implant 150R can receive and recognize the predetermined binary pattern in a similar manner.

[0116] Synchronization mark 465 may include an optional wrap-around count-down number 707. The master processing unit 120L and slave processing unit 120R can utilize the wrap-around count-down number 707 to provide an additional layer of security (described in further detail below) after the slave processing unit 120R and master processing unit 120L have mutually acknowledged each other via the dual-sided link 114. A timeslot indicator 709 tells the slave processing unit 120R which timeslot the synchronization mark 465 is positioned on the master side. This feature allows the slave processing unit 120R to align its timeslot with the corresponding timeslot of the master processing unit 120L. The slave processing unit 120R can, for example, determine the time offset between its known timeslot and the corresponding timeslot of the master processing unit 120L for alignment purposes. Since the timeslot length (e.g., 48 μs) is known to the slave processing unit 120R at least via a common communication protocol, the time offset can indicate timeslot alignment.

[0117] Figure 8An exemplary superframe structure according to an embodiment of a common communication protocol is shown, wherein each superframe comprises multiple individual frames of multiple consecutive frames, such as 4 to 32 individual frames. A master-side frame of the binaural hearing system is constructed in a consecutive first superframe 901, and a slave-side superframe of the binaural hearing system is constructed in a consecutive second superframe 951. Each frame (e.g., frame-1) may carry the same type of data (e.g., digital audio signals), meaning that all data packets considered for that frame store the same type of data (e.g., digital audio signals, control information, or error correction codes (e.g., CRC and / or forward error correction codes (FEC) etc.)). The master-side and slave-side superframes may be time-misaligned (i.e., time-offset), as schematically shown by offset arrow 953. The slave processing unit 120R can be configured to detect this time offset and send it to the master processing unit 120L, which performs alignment of the first superframe 901 and the second superframe 951 between the master and slave sides.

[0118] Figure 9 and Figure 10 This is a flowchart illustrating processing steps 805-875 performed by the main processing unit 120L of the first hearing device 100L and the slave processing unit 120R of the second hearing device 100R in conjunction with the above-described capture sequence, according to an embodiment of the exemplary binaural hearing system 125.

[0119] List of reference numerals

[0120] 100L Primary / Main Hearing Device

[0121] 100R Second / From Hearing Device

[0122] 102L First magnetic coil antenna of the first hearing implant

[0123] 102R Second Hearing Implant Second Magnetic Coil Antenna

[0124] 104L First Rechargeable Battery Component

[0125] 104R Second Rechargeable Battery Assembly

[0126] 106L First Electrode Array

[0127] 106R Second Electrode Array

[0128] 107L First Power Line / Wire

[0129] 107R Second Power Line / Wire

[0130] 108L First Control Unit / First Implant Processor

[0131] 108R Second Control Unit / Second Implant Processor

[0132] 110L First Receiver (Rx) Charging Coil

[0133] 110R Second Receiver (Rx) Charging Coil

[0134] 112L First bidirectional wireless communication link / First link

[0135] 112R Second Bidirectional Wireless Communication Link / Second Link

[0136] 114 Two-sided bidirectional wireless communication link / Two-sided link / Third link

[0137] 116L First magnetic coil antenna of the first hearing device

[0138] 116R Second Hearing Device Second Magnetic Coil Antenna

[0139] 118L First Transceiver

[0140] 118R Second Transceiver

[0141] 120L First / Main Processing Unit

[0142] 120R Second / Slave Processing Unit

[0143] 122L First Data Bus

[0144] 122R Second Data Bus

[0145] 124L One or more first microphones

[0146] 124R One or more second microphones

[0147] 125 Binaural Hearing System

[0148] 126L First System Clock Generator

[0149] 126R Second System Clock Generator

[0150] 128L First Radio Interface

[0151] 128R (Second Hearing Device) First Radio Interface

[0152] 130L First RF Antenna

[0153] 130R Second RF Antenna

[0154] 150L First Hearing Implant

[0155] 150R Second Hearing Implant

[0156] 250 user headers

[0157] 405, 410 Second ipsilateral data grouping

[0158] Two-sided data groups of 430 and 480

[0159] 455, 460 First ipsilateral data grouping

[0160] 465 Layout of Synchronization Tags

[0161] 465a Second Synchronization Marker

[0162] 465b Third Synchronization Marker

[0163] 465c First synchronization marker

[0164] 470 Acknowledgment Message (ACK)

[0165] 471 time slot

[0166] 571 time slot

[0167] 573 time slot

[0168] 575 First-time sliding arrow

[0169] 577 Second time sliding arrow

[0170] 701 Pre-selected search sequence

[0171] 703 Unique Matching ID Field

[0172] 707 Countdown Loop Counter

[0173] 709 Time Slot Indicator

[0174] 711 parity bits

[0175] Processing steps for captured sequences 805–875

[0176] 901 First Superframe

[0177] 951 Second Superframe

Claims

1. A binaural hearing system, comprising: A first hearing device, a second hearing device, a first hearing implant, and a second hearing implant; wherein... 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. A two-way wireless communication link can be connected between the first hearing device and the second hearing device for exchanging two-way data packets; wherein, The dual-sided bidirectional wireless communication links, as well as the first bidirectional wireless communication link and the second bidirectional wireless communication link, are configured to operate according to a common communication protocol, which includes multiple consecutive frames, each frame including multiple time slots. The public communication protocol includes a capture sequence, which includes: The bilateral bidirectional wireless communication link is captured using at least a first processing unit of the first hearing device and a second processing unit of the second hearing device; In response to the capture of the bilateral bidirectional wireless communication link, at least the first processing unit of the first hearing device is used to capture the first bidirectional wireless communication link; In response to the capture of the bilateral bidirectional wireless communication link, at least the second processing unit of the second hearing device is used to capture the second bidirectional wireless communication link.

2. The binaural hearing system according to claim 1, wherein, Capturing the dual-sided bidirectional wireless communication link includes: - In the first time slot of the first processing unit, the first synchronization flag is sent from the first processing unit to the second processing unit; - For the first synchronization marker, monitor multiple time slots of the second processing unit; - Using a wraparound scheme, the multiple time slots of the second processing unit are slid frame by frame between multiple consecutive frames at a predetermined time step; - Detect the first synchronization marker at the second processing unit; - Based on the first synchronization flag, the multiple time slots of the second processing unit are synchronized with the multiple time slots of the first processing unit; - In the second time slot of the first processing unit, an acknowledgment message is sent from the second processing unit to the first processing unit; - Complete the acquisition of the aforementioned two-sided bidirectional wireless communication link. - In the first and second time slots of consecutive frames, bilateral data packets are exchanged through the bilateral bidirectional wireless communication link.

3. The binaural hearing system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: Capturing the first bidirectional wireless communication link includes: - In the third time slot of the first processing unit, the second synchronization flag is sent from the first processing unit to the first implant processor of the first hearing implant; - Monitor multiple time slots of the first implant processor for receiving the second synchronization tag; - Using a surround scheme, multiple time slots of the first implant processor are slid frame-by-frame between multiple consecutive frames at predetermined time steps; - Detect the second synchronization marker at the first implant processor; - Based on the second synchronization marker, the multiple time slots of the first implant processor are synchronized with the multiple time slots of the first processing unit; - In the fourth time slot of the first processing unit, a confirmation message is sent from the first implant processor to the first processing unit; - Complete the acquisition of the first bidirectional wireless communication link.

4. The binaural hearing system according to claim 3, wherein: Capturing the second bidirectional wireless communication link includes: - In the third time slot of the second processing unit, the third synchronization mark is sent from the second processing unit to the second implant processor of the second hearing implant; - Monitor multiple time slots of the second implant processor for receiving the third synchronization marker; - Using a surround scheme, multiple time slots of the second implant processor are slid frame-by-frame between multiple consecutive frames at predetermined time steps; - Detect the third synchronization marker at the second implant processor; - Based on the third synchronization marker, the multiple time slots of the second implant processor are synchronized with the multiple time slots of the second processing unit; - In the fourth time slot of the second processing unit, a confirmation message is sent from the second implant processor to the second processing unit; - Complete the acquisition of the second bidirectional wireless communication link; and The capture sequence is completed, and normal operation of the binaural hearing system is resumed.

5. The binaural hearing system according to any one of claims 2-4, wherein - The first synchronization tag includes a unique pairing ID for pairing the first hearing device and the second hearing device; and - The second synchronization tag includes a unique pairing ID for pairing the first hearing device and the first hearing implant; and - The third synchronization tag includes a unique pairing ID for pairing the second hearing device and the second hearing implant.

6. The binaural hearing system according to claim 4, wherein, The second processing unit is configured as follows: - Compare the unique pairing ID of the first synchronization tag with the pre-stored unique pairing ID; - If the unique pairing ID does not match the pre-stored unique pairing ID, then the first synchronization flag is ignored; as well as - If the pre-stored unique pairing ID matches the unique pairing ID of the first synchronization tag, then send the confirmation message.

7. The binaural hearing system according to any one of claims 2-6, wherein, The public communication protocol includes: Multiple superframes, each superframe comprising multiple individual frames from the multiple consecutive frames, for example, 4 to 32 individual frames.

8. The binaural hearing system according to any one of claims 3-7, wherein, Each predetermined time step used to slide the plurality of time slots is less than 5% of the length of one of the multiple time slots of the frame.

9. The binaural hearing system according to any one of claims 1-8, wherein, The capture sequence includes: - Maintain connection via the bilateral bidirectional wireless communication links during the capture of the first bidirectional wireless communication link and / or the capture of the second bidirectional wireless communication link.

10. The binaural hearing system according to any one of claims 4-9, wherein, The second processing unit is configured as follows: - Determine the frame offset between consecutive superframes; - The offset is transmitted to the first processing unit via the dual-sided bidirectional wireless communication link; - The offset is read by the first processing unit; - Adjust the timing of the superframe of the first processing unit to align the superframes of the first processing unit and the second processing unit.

11. The binaural hearing system according to any one of claims 2-10, wherein, The synchronization marker includes at least: - Pre-defined binary pattern, and / or - A time slot indicator, used to indicate the time slot in the plurality of time slots of the first processing unit that stores the synchronization mark, and / or the error detection code.

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

13. The binaural hearing system according to claim 12, wherein, The length of each of the at least four non-overlapping time slots is the same.

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

15. A capture sequence according to a common communication protocol for capturing respective 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 capture sequence includes: - Using the first processing unit of the first hearing device and the second processing unit of the second hearing device, a two-way bidirectional wireless communication link is captured between the first hearing device and the second hearing device; - Exchange bilateral data packets between the first hearing device and the second hearing device; - In response to the capture of the bilateral bidirectional wireless communication link, a first bidirectional wireless communication link is captured between the first hearing device and the first hearing implant using a first processing unit of the first hearing device; - Exchange first ipsilateral data packets between the first hearing device and the first hearing implant; - In response to the capture of the bilateral bidirectional wireless communication link, a second processing unit of the second hearing device is used to capture a second bidirectional wireless communication link between the second hearing device and the second hearing implant; - Exchange second ipsilateral data packets between the second hearing device and the second hearing implant; - Normal operation of the binaural hearing system.

16. The capture sequence of claim 15, comprising: - At the first processing unit, the bilateral data packets are exchanged in the first and second time slots of each of the plurality of consecutive frames; - At the first processing unit, the first same-side data packets are exchanged in the third and fourth time slots of each of the plurality of consecutive frames; - At the second processing unit, the second same-side data packets are exchanged in the third and fourth time slots of each of the plurality of consecutive frames.

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