over-ear hearing aids for age-related hearing loss

Abstract

This invention relates to a hearing aid, specifically a hearing aid for elderly people to compensate for and improve hearing loss. The user can select an amplification gain value that matches their hearing level from multiple programs of divided amplification gain values ​​via a selection unit. The user listens by covering their ear with the main body of the hearing aid, thereby improving speech comprehension and sound quality.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of hearing aids designed for elderly people whose hearing loss has led to a decline in their listening ability. More specifically, it relates to an over-ear hearing aid for age-related hearing loss, which allows individuals with mild, moderate, moderate-to-severe, or severe hearing loss, or those with differences in hearing between their two ears, to adjust the volume according to their own hearing level. Background Technology

[0002] The ear, responsible for hearing, is one of the five sensory organs. It can perceive sound when the vibrations of a sound source propagate through a medium.

[0003] However, when hearing ability declines, hearing loss symptoms such as difficulty hearing sounds will occur. This hearing loss manifests according to the severity of symptoms and whether it is congenital or acquired, and there are many different types of hearing loss.

[0004] In the case of hearing loss, there are well-known and commercially available hearing aids as a means of partially overcoming hearing impairment.

[0005] The hearing aid comprises: a microphone that converts sound into an electrical signal; an amplifier that amplifies the electrical signal to obtain a sound level gain value that compensates for hearing threshold (a value representing the minimum stimulus intensity required for the ear to respond to a stimulus) loss; a speaker that converts the electrical signal into a sound signal; and a battery. The amplifier is implemented through digital signal processing.

[0006] The method for amplifying sound to compensate for hearing threshold loss includes a linear approach, namely, amplification based on a specific single input sound level to achieve optimal gain and frequency response curves for each frequency band.

[0007] The linear amplification described applies to hearing aids with the following sound amplifier concept: when a sound that is louder or softer than the reference input sound level is input to the microphone, the sound suddenly becomes louder or softer, thus requiring volume adjustment.

[0008] Another amplification method is non-linear amplification, which adjusts the gain and frequency response according to each frequency band at multiple input sound levels.

[0009] The nonlinear amplification method is characterized by the fact that the average gain and frequency response change with the magnitude of the input sound level, causing the input-output curve to change, thereby amplifying the sound.

[0010] Although the amplification method described above amplifies sound to overcome and compensate for the hearing threshold caused by hearing loss, the use of a hearing aid requires determining the target amplification value and making a prescription based on a formula related to the individual's hearing loss characteristics. Therefore, the amplifier consists of a parameter-based software program that can adjust the amplification gain, frequency, etc. The target amplification value is prescribed for each person with hearing loss through parameter adjustment software such as a computer or smartphone, and the patient can hear the sound output through a speaker through digital signal processing.

[0011] For people with hearing loss to use hearing aids, they must first undergo a hearing test at a professional institution. Based on the test results, they will choose one from various types of hearing aids. Then, according to the characteristics of the chosen hearing aid, and without wearing the hearing aid (i.e., without the actual gain in the ear, but with the insertion gain of the hearing aid in place to transmit sound to the eardrum), they will work with an audiologist to prescribe and adjust the amplification gain and frequency response to suit their individual hearing. This is a necessary process.

[0012] The essential goal of the hearing aid amplification prescription is to enable everyone to gain speech comprehension ability and hear sounds with good sound quality and moderate volume.

[0013] However, as Figure 4 As shown, most hearing aids are worn by inserting them into the external auditory canal or by blocking the external auditory canal, allowing the listener to hear amplified sounds through a tunnel-like channel blocked by the eardrum on one side of the external auditory canal.

[0014] In this case, depending on the structure or shape of the coupler (tube, mold, earmuff, shell, etc.) that serves as the connecting device for the hearing aid, and the specifications and shape of the vent hole that processes sound waves reflected from the tympanic membrane,

[0015] This will produce variations in amplification gain, frequency distortion, etc., and within the external auditory canal, based on the impedance corresponding to the ratio of sound pressure to particle velocity, variations in frequency gain caused by frequency distortion or resonance will occur.

[0016] Furthermore, because the microphone and speaker are positioned close together in the hearing aid's structure, a feedback phenomenon occurs where the speaker's sound is re-received by the microphone, leading to decreased speech comprehension and deteriorated sound quality.

[0017] Therefore, even when using a prescription formula in a hearing aid prescription, multiple variables must be considered and parameters carefully adjusted to ensure that each person with hearing loss obtains the target gain value and frequency response in the frequency band, thereby prescribing an amplification effect that can achieve the essential function of the hearing aid.

[0018] When people with hearing loss first use hearing aids, the sudden amplification of sound transmitted to the eardrum is difficult to adapt to. Therefore, most people tend to choose a hearing aid with a lower gain value and wear a prescribed hearing aid, rather than one with a lower hearing threshold loss. However, as time goes by, after adapting to the prescribed amplification volume, they will realize that the amplification volume is insufficient relative to their own hearing level, and thus visit a professional institution again for a revised prescription to improve the amplification gain value.

[0019] Furthermore, even with hearing aids, hearing loss will continue to progress and worsen over time, thus requiring a readjustment of the amplification gain.

[0020] Existing technical documents

[0021] Patent documents

[0022] Patent Document 1: U.S. Patent Publication No.: US2018-0242090, Publication Date: August 23, 2018, "Hearing Aid Fitting Method and System"

[0023] Patent Document 2: Korean Patent Publication (Patent No.: 10-1756674, Publication Date: July 25, 2017) "Active Noise Cancelling Headphone Device with Hearing Aid Function"

[0024] Patent Document 3: U.S. Patent Publication No.: US2010-0067714, Publication Date: March 18, 2010, "Headphones Convertible to Speaker Mode" Summary of the Invention

[0025] Technical issues

[0026] The purpose of this invention is to provide an over-ear hearing aid for age-related hearing loss, specifically addressing age-related hearing loss (sensory-neural hearing loss) caused by the natural degeneration of hair cells in the cochlea with age, leading to decreased hearing ability and a reduced dynamic range for all sounds. The aim is to eliminate the need for hearing tests as part of the diagnostic process for elderly individuals with declining cognitive and physical abilities who require hearing aids. Furthermore, it eliminates the need for individualized prescriptions to amplify the hearing aid based on a specific formula. It also eliminates the need for multiple steps, such as re-prescribing to increase the amplification gain due to the difference between the amplified sound suddenly transmitted to the eardrum and the adapted sound, thus reducing costs and inconvenience. By changing the hearing aid's wearing method from plugging or inserting into the ear canal to an over-ear wearing method, the amplified sound in digital signal processing improves sound quality and speech discrimination ability, achieving both technical and functional improvements and providing greater convenience and ease of use for the elderly. Additionally, it facilitates the maintenance and repair of the hearing aid.

[0027] Technical solution

[0028] In order to eliminate the process and procedures required for elderly people who want to use hearing aids due to hearing loss, this invention defines the average threshold loss as the value calculated by formula based on the severity of symptoms in hearing threshold loss according to frequency. Based on the calculated average threshold loss, the difference in the degree of loss across the entire range is divided into levels. For each level, multiple preset programs are set. These programs respond within a dynamic range with a specified sound level gain and frequency.

[0029] Users (those with hearing loss) can select an amplification level similar to their own hearing level from multiple preset program levels as a prescription to construct a hearing aid that improves hearing loss. This constitutes a hearing aid body that can be worn over the ear, thereby achieving convenience in maintenance and ease of wearing, thus solving the aforementioned problem.

[0030] The effects of the invention

[0031] This invention addresses the following issues: even elderly people with declining cognitive and physical abilities who experience inconvenience due to hearing loss do not use hearing aids, or stop using them midway through use, due to the cumbersome procedures and costs associated with their use; the inconvenience of wearing them; the maintenance issues such as cleaning or battery charging caused by their small size; and the problems of malfunctions caused by sweat in summer or loss and damage caused by them falling off. Furthermore, anyone can easily use hearing aids when they need to hear accurately. Therefore, its ease of use can improve the quality of life and enhance the self-confidence of the elderly. Attached Figure Description

[0032] Figure 1 This is a side cross-sectional view of a preferred embodiment of the hearing aid of the present invention, showing a partially cut-off side portion.

[0033] Figure 2 This is a perspective view showing the hearing aid of the present invention with a headband attached via an attachment unit.

[0034] Figure 3 This is a virtual implementation diagram of the present invention, which shows multiple charts of prescription formulas for multiple predetermined gain models by dividing the average threshold loss degree into stage levels.

[0035] Figure 4 Product photos of existing hearing aids.

[0036] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0037] 1: Ontology

[0038] 2: Inner cavity

[0039] 3: Headband

[0040] 4: Combined Unit

[0041] 5: Detachable unit

[0042] 6: Compression Pad

[0043] 7: Microphone

[0044] 8: Speaker

[0045] 10: Hearing correction system

[0046] 11: Select Unit

[0047] 12: Output surface

[0048] 13: Vent hole Detailed Implementation

[0049] The over-ear hearing aid provided by this invention is mainly for age-related hearing loss (sensory nerve hearing loss) caused by the natural degeneration of hair cells inside and outside the cochlea with age, resulting in a decline in auditory ability to understand language and a reduction in the dynamic range of hearing all sounds, in order to improve and overcome auditory function.

[0050] In other words, the purpose of this invention is to provide a hearing aid for elderly people whose cognitive abilities and range of daily activities have decreased due to aging. The hearing aid is not only easy to maintain and repair, but also allows users to select a volume with an amplification gain value similar to or close to their own hearing level without the need for professional diagnosis or prescription, thereby improving hearing loss.

[0051] The hearing aid structure is described in detail below: it includes a microphone 7 that converts sound waves into electrical signals, an amplifier that amplifies the electrical signals to obtain a sound level gain value to compensate for hearing threshold loss, a speaker 8 that converts electrical signals into sound signals, and a battery. The amplifier is composed of a hearing correction system 10 made of electrical and electronic components implemented through digital signal processing.

[0052] Age-related hearing loss is characterized by most cases being concentrated in the frequency range of 500Hz to 4000Hz, and the older the age, the greater the threshold loss and the more severe the hearing loss symptoms.

[0053] In this invention, the hearing correction system 10 defines a baseline prescription formula to compensate for each hearing loss based on the differences in hearing level among elderly people, and measures the degree of hearing loss symptoms as a quantitative value.

[0054] The method for calculating the severity of symptoms is as follows: Apply the formula [500Hz + (1000Hz + 2000Hz) × 2 + 4000Hz] ÷ 6 to the threshold loss (dB) value of each frequency band, define the calculated value (dB) as the average threshold loss, and classify hearing levels according to the value.

[0055] Furthermore, the entire range of average threshold loss that constitutes hearing impairment is defined as above 25dB to below 90dB, and it is believed that when the average threshold loss is above 91dB, hearing function cannot be improved by hearing correction system 10 alone.

[0056] When describing the severity of hearing loss symptoms, the average threshold loss can be divided into different ranges, corresponding to mild, moderate, moderate to severe, severe, and profound levels, respectively.

[0057] To improve and overcome hearing loss, speaker 8 needs to output amplified sound level gain and frequency response that can compensate for threshold losses in each frequency band. Since this sound amplification gain and frequency response will naturally vary depending on the severity and characteristics of hearing loss symptoms, the corresponding prescription will also differ. Typically, the current method of using hearing aids involves examining each individual's hearing loss characteristics and adjusting the amplifier according to a prescription formula based on the examination results, creating a customized prescription.

[0058] In contrast, the hearing correction system 10 of the present invention does not target the individual's hearing loss characteristics, but is based on the average threshold loss value calculated for all hearing-impaired individuals, and can improve and overcome hearing problems without the need for individual hearing tests or customized prescriptions based on prescription formulas.

[0059] Therefore, the prescription formula and prescription for the hearing aid in this invention are as follows: within the average threshold loss range, that is, the entire range of average threshold loss, the difference in the degree of loss is divided into stage levels. For each stage, multiple independent preset gain models are configured. These programs adjust the volume within the dynamic range of the corresponding level and set appropriate target amplification values ​​according to each frequency band, and operate with a specified sound level gain and frequency response. These programs are stored in the hearing compensation system hearing correction system 10 according to the level, forming the prescription formula. Figure 3 To arbitrarily divide the loss level of the average threshold loss into multiple preset gain models, a schematic diagram of the prescription formula of the virtual preset gain model is presented in graphical form.

[0060] The prescribed prescription formula consists of multiple preset gain models, which are selected by the elderly hearing-impaired individuals from multiple preset gain models with approximate amplification values ​​close to their own hearing level, and the corresponding volume is then listened to.

[0061] In this case, the specified amplification values ​​(sound level gain and frequency response) stored in the preset gain model program by level may differ from the target amplification values ​​required by each individual based on their own hearing impairment characteristics.

[0062] In order to minimize the error range, preferably, the number of loss degree difference levels in the entire range of average threshold loss is subdivided, usually into more than 5 to about 25 levels, with each level corresponding to a preset gain model program.

[0063] Individuals with severe or profound hearing loss, who have a large average threshold loss, may experience hearing desensitization and hearing blind spots. Furthermore, due to the influence of various complex factors, it is difficult to prescribe an approximate amplification value, thus requiring careful prescription.

[0064] Therefore, the hearing correction system 10 can divide the entire range of average threshold loss into severe and profound hearing loss intervals, or into a specific interval. Within the average threshold loss range of this interval, the degree of loss can be divided into stages, and a corresponding preset gain model can be prescribed more precisely for each stage. For example, different preset gain models can be set within the same stage, or the number of stages can be increased, and preset gain model programs for sound level gain and frequency response belonging to specific intervals can be stored separately in the hearing correction system.

[0065] In hearing aids that divide the average threshold loss range into specific intervals, if the lowest gain model on one side of adjacent hearing aids overlaps with the highest gain model on the other side, forming a program with overlapping gain models, then mutual compatibility can be achieved.

[0066] In the aforementioned gain model program, the amplifier's sound amplification method—whether linear amplification with gain and frequency curves for each frequency band at a specific single input level, or nonlinear amplification with gain and frequency input-output curves for each frequency band at multiple input levels—is identical in achieving the desired amplification gain. However, linear amplification eliminates the need for a volume control.

[0067] The structure of the hearing aid with the built-in hearing correction system 10 is preferably as follows: Figure 1 As shown, the main body 1 is slightly larger than the ear so as to cover the user's ear. It has a certain thickness and is round or oval in shape. It is provided with an inner cavity 2. The inner cavity 2 has a hollow structure inside, which can accommodate the hearing correction system 10.

[0068] The main body 1 of the structure is provided with a connecting unit 4 or a detachable unit 4 for fixing or removing the headband 3 in the thick part or on one side. On one side of the main body 1, a ring of protruding soft material compression pad 6 is provided on the inner edge. When the main body 1 is worn over the ears, the compression pad 6 can fit tightly around the user's ears. The compression pad 6 can be fixed to the main body 1, or it can be detached from the main body 1 by a known fastening unit.

[0069] In addition, such as Figure 2 As shown, the main body 1 is worn in an ear-cup style by a headband 3 (Head Bend, which has been put into practical use in headphone and other head-covering devices). The headband 3 takes the output surface 12 as the inner side and is fixedly connected to the main body 1 by a connecting unit 4 set on the upper part of the main body 1, or adopts a known detachable structure, and is connected by a detachable unit 4 set on the headband 3 and a detachable unit 4 set on the upper part of the main body 1.

[0070] The main body 1 of the headband 3 wraps around the head and is placed on the top of the head. When the user wears the main body 1 to cover the ears and the compression pad 6 is in close contact with the ears, the surface part of the output surface 12 will remain in a non-contact state with the external auditory canal due to the thickness of the compression pad 6 and always maintain a certain distance. At the same time, an open space is formed in the compression pad 6 so as to listen to the sound output by the speaker 8.

[0071] In this invention, the main body 1 serves as an ear-cup type listening unit that listens to amplified sounds in a non-contact manner with the external auditory canal to improve and overcome hearing loss, thus providing a clear functional improvement and technology for the device that listens to amplified sounds to improve hearing.

[0072] The functional improvements and technical solutions are as follows:

[0073] First, the main body 1 can block reflected sound and surrounding noise, improve the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), and enable the sound amplified by the speaker 8 to be heard clearly, thereby improving speech recognition ability.

[0074] Second, by omnidirectionally arranging the microphone toward the sound-generating direction of the main body 1, the frequency resolution, a key issue in age-related hearing loss, can be improved, and the amount of ambient noise entering the microphone can be reduced, thereby improving speech comprehension.

[0075] Third, it can accurately transmit the amplified sound to the eardrum with a natural resonance gain and no frequency distortion output in a free sound field.

[0076] Fourth, compared with hearing aids that contact the external auditory canal, the distance between the microphone 7 and the speaker 8 is much larger, which will not cause feedback phenomena that lead to hearing aid sound quality problems, thereby improving speech recognition ability.

[0077] Fifth, the receiver diameter, which is related to the diameter of the external auditory canal, can be set to a speaker specification with a wide frequency response, so that the amplified digital sound can be listened to with a near-original, comfortable sound quality.

[0078] Sixth, its large size allows for the design of a large-capacity built-in battery, enabling long-term use.

[0079] Seventh, based on average threshold loss and multiple preset gain models categorized according to the degree of loss, under the same conditions after the hearing aid is worn, the amplified volume can be transmitted to the tympanic membrane through natural resonance gain. Simultaneously, the specified sound level gain and frequency response are standardized. The combined effect of these multiple technical functional elements improves speech comprehension and sound quality, thereby improving hearing. Therefore, the main body 1 of this invention constitutes the best and only method for achieving the prescription purpose of this hearing aid.

[0080] However, if a hearing aid is designed to block or insert into the external auditory canal, the actual gain will differ from the insertion gain due to differences in the structure or characteristics of the connecting components, i.e., the coupler (earmold, ear shell, ear cover, cannula), resulting in various variables in the amplification gain value. In addition, since the diameter of each person's external auditory canal is different, it is difficult to predict variables such as frequency distortion, resonance gain value, and amplification gain value due to factors such as the specifications of the vent, impedance, and wearing posture. Therefore, the volume of multiple preset gain models based on the average threshold loss and the level of loss difference cannot be transmitted to the tympanic membrane without variation under the same conditions and environment, and the essential purpose of the hearing aid of this invention cannot be achieved.

[0081] In the main body 1 of the structure, as one of the structural elements of the hearing correction system 10, the speaker 8 has a surface portion with a compression pad 6 as the output surface 12. The speaker 8 can penetrate through the wall of the output surface 12, or have a hole in the wall of the inner cavity 2 and be located near the inner periphery of the wall.

[0082] In addition, the microphone 7, as another structural element, is disposed on the wall of the main body 1 other than the output surface 12. It can be built into the wall with the sound wave inlet or protrude outward. Preferably, the microphone 7 is disposed in a position facing the direction in which the user wants to listen.

[0083] The loudspeaker 8 can be provided on the output surface 12 in multiple ways according to the output capacity, and the microphone 7 can also be provided in multiple ways according to the directional or omnidirectional requirements.

[0084] In addition, a selection unit 11 is provided in the main body 1, which is mainly used to select one from multiple preset gain model programs and output it. It can adopt a known unit method such as a button to facilitate use by the elderly.

[0085] Therefore, hearing-impaired individuals can use the selection unit 11 to choose a preset gain model with a volume that is appropriate, similar to, or close to their own hearing level from multiple preset gain models stored in the program. By processing the listening sound, they can improve and overcome hearing loss.

[0086] The hearing aid can also be adjusted and selected to suit individual needs via an application software on an external support device.

[0087] The battery (not shown) built into the inner cavity 2 of the main body 1 can be either a dry cell battery or a rechargeable battery. In addition, in order to prevent the main body 1 from producing a howling sound due to the sealing effect when the user wears it over their ears, a vent 13 can be provided on the output surface 12 so that the sound of the speaker 8 can leak to the outside of the main body through the vent 13.

[0088] As described above, an audio playback device can also be built into the inner cavity 2 of the main body 1. The device can receive voice signals and play sound via wired means (connected to external audio source devices such as mobile phones via cables) or wireless means (supporting slave devices).

[0089] When the multiple preset gain model programs are composed of a hearing correction system 10 independently stored in digital circuits, the software program can be stored in the following two file formats to process speech signals: First, only independent functions are used as executable files for speech signal processing to directly process speech; second, since the tone information of different languages ​​(tonal languages ​​and non-tonal languages) varies according to different frequencies, in order to deal with this situation, it is necessary to adjust and correct the preset gain model programs of optimal gain and frequency response to improve speech clarity. Therefore, a dual-file format is adopted, which combines a linked file containing function information with an executable file for speech signal processing.

[0090] Of course, in order to attenuate external noise or echoes when they enter the inner cavity 2 through the main body 1, it is possible to fill the inner cavity 2 with known sound-absorbing materials or to set multiple walls in the inner cavity 2.

[0091] The embodiments and experimental examples of the present invention have been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, those skilled in the art should understand that the present invention can be implemented in other specific forms without changing the technical concept or essential features.

[0092] Therefore, the embodiments and experimental examples described above are exemplary in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of the invention as described in the detailed description is indicated by the scope of the claims. All modifications or variations derived from the meaning of the scope of the claims and their equivalents should be interpreted as being included within the scope of the invention.

[0093] This invention can be implemented in various forms, and the embodiments described herein are not limited. It should be noted that the accompanying drawings are schematic diagrams and not drawn to scale. The relative dimensions and proportions of the parts in the drawings have been enlarged or reduced for clarity and convenience; any dimensions are merely exemplary and not limiting. Furthermore, the same reference numerals are used to denote similar features when the same structures, elements, or components appear in more than two drawings.

Claims

1. An over-ear hearing aid for age-related hearing loss, characterized in that, include: The main body, with a compression pad located on its inner periphery forming an internal cavity, improves hearing without contacting the outer ear; and The hearing correction system includes a preset gain model within the cavity. This preset gain model responds to each frequency band with sound level gain within the dynamic range of the hearing threshold loss of the hearing-impaired individual, when the input level sound wave is amplified linearly or nonlinearly. The hearing correction system also includes a microphone, a speaker, an amplifier, functional components, and a battery. The preset gain model divides the difference in the degree of hearing loss within the entire range of the average threshold loss of hearing-impaired individuals, or within a specified interval of the entire range of the average threshold loss, into multiple levels. Each preset gain model program corresponds to a sound level gain and frequency response for each of the divided levels. The loss level of the preset gain model program is divided into one level from 5 to 25. The device includes a selection unit that allows the user to output a level from the levels to improve hearing.

2. The over-ear hearing aid for age-related hearing loss according to claim 1, characterized in that, The preset gain model program sets the loss level to 25~90 dB for the entire range of average threshold loss or within a specified range of the entire range of average threshold loss, thereby improving hearing without contact with the outer ear.

3. The over-ear hearing aid for age-related hearing loss according to claim 1, characterized in that, A connecting unit or a detachable unit is provided on the upper part of the main body, with the output surface with compression pads as the inner side, and the headband is connected to the connecting unit or the detachable unit, thereby improving hearing without contact with the outer ear.

4. The over-ear hearing aid for age-related hearing loss according to claim 1, characterized in that, A vent hole extending to the outside of the main body is provided on the output surface of the main body, thereby improving hearing without contact with the outer ear.

5. The over-ear hearing aid for age-related hearing loss according to claim 1, characterized in that, The hearing correction system of the device is adjusted for performance through application software of an external support device, thereby improving hearing without contact with the outer ear.

6. The over-ear hearing aid for age-related hearing loss according to claim 1, characterized in that, An audio playback device for receiving sound signals from a sound source device in a wired / wireless manner is provided inside the body, thereby improving hearing without contact with the outer ear.

Images