Detection of hearing device status

Abstract

A hearing device is disclosed, comprising an input transducer configured to be arranged in an ear canal of a user and to provide an input signal. The hearing device further comprises a signal processing unit configured to receive the input signal from the input transducer and to generate a processed signal. The signal processing unit comprises an adaptive feedback filter characterized by filter coefficients thereof. The filter coefficients are configured to change in response to a change in the input signal. The signal processing unit is configured to monitor the filter coefficients. The signal processing unit is further configured to determine a state of the hearing device based on a threshold value and the filter coefficients.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to hearing devices. More specifically, this disclosure relates to a hearing device comprising: an input transducer configured to be disposed in a user's ear canal; and an adaptive feedback filter disposed to be connected to said input transducer. Background Technology

[0002] Hearing devices, including hearing aids, earplugs, hearing protection devices, and audio enhancement devices, are designed to enhance auditory perception and provide users with a seamless hearing experience. These devices typically contain one or more microphones, particularly in-ear microphones, to capture ambient sounds and sounds closer to the eardrum, which are then processed, amplified, and transmitted to the user's ear.

[0003] A persistent challenge with hearing devices featuring in-ear microphones is the acoustic feedback, commonly perceived as a high-pitched howling. This feedback loop occurs due to the proximity of the in-ear microphone to the receiver and the acoustically enclosed nature of the ear canal, when amplified sound from the speaker re-enters the microphone. This problem is particularly noticeable during transitions such as inserting the device into the ear, removing it from the ear, or placing it in a charging dock.

[0004] Existing methods for mitigating feedback include various algorithms, accelerometers, and tone generation. These methods are either computationally expensive or require additional components to be included in already tightly packed hearing devices.

[0005] Therefore, there is a need for an alternative solution to reduce unwanted feedback howling in hearing devices with in-ear microphones, especially during transitions or dynamic states, and a solution to overcome the problems of current solutions. Summary of the Invention

[0006] Currently, there is no simple method for identifying whether a hearing device is being removed from a user's ear or whether it is placed in or removed from a charger. Therefore, the object of this invention is to provide a simple way to determine whether a hearing device is being removed from a user's ear and whether it has been placed in the ear. Similarly, the object of this invention is to provide a simple way to determine whether a hearing device has been placed / removed from a charger.

[0007] A further object of the present invention is to prevent unnecessary operation of the hearing device when it is outside the user's ear or when it is in the charger but the user forgets to turn it off.

[0008] A further objective of this invention is to prevent feedback howling during the reinsertion of a hearing device with an in-ear microphone into a user's ear.

[0009] A further objective of this invention is to prevent feedback howling that occurs when the hearing device is being guided in the charger.

[0010] A further objective of this invention is to prevent incorrect adaptation of the adaptive algorithm when the hearing device is removed from the ear / charger.

[0011] A further objective of this invention is to provide a solution that does not have high computational costs and does not require additional components beyond those already implemented in the hearing device.

[0012] To achieve the above objectives, a hearing device is disclosed, comprising: an input transducer configured to be disposed in a user's ear canal and provide an input signal. The hearing device further comprises: a signal processing unit configured to receive the input signal from the input transducer and generate a processed signal. The signal processing unit includes an adaptive feedback filter, characterized by its filter coefficients. The filter coefficients are configured to change in response to changes in the input signal. The signal processing unit is configured to monitor the filter coefficients. The signal processing unit is further configured to determine the state of the hearing device based on a threshold and the filter coefficients.

[0013] The hearing device disclosed herein is typically an audio device configured to be worn in, above, directly above, and / or in, a user's ear. At least a portion of the hearing device may be configured to be positioned in, on, directly above, in, or behind the user's ear, in the ear canal, or in the concha of the ear. The hearing device may be a device configured to communicate with one or more other devices (e.g., configured to communicate with another hearing device, an accessory device, or a peripheral device). A user may wear two hearing devices, one in each ear. The two hearing devices (e.g., a binaural hearing device system including first and second hearing devices) may be connected (e.g., wirelessly and / or via a wired connection).

[0014] Hearing devices can be configured for audio communication (e.g., enabling a user to listen to media (e.g., music or radio) and / or enabling a user to make telephone calls). Hearing devices can be configured to perform noise cancellation.

[0015] Hearing devices can be audible devices (e.g., headsets, headphones, handsets, earbuds, hearing aids, personal sound amplification products (PSAPs), over-the-counter (OTC) hearing devices, audio enhancement devices, hearing protection devices, universal hearing devices, custom-made hearing devices, or another head-worn hearing device). Hearing devices can include both prescription and over-the-counter devices. Hearing devices can be ear-hook headphones or over-ear headphones. Those skilled in the art are familiar with different types of hearing devices and different options for placing hearing devices in, above, directly above, and / or at the ear of a hearing aid wearer. Hearing devices (or pairs of hearing devices) can be custom-fit, standard-fit, open-fit, and / or closed-fit.

[0016] The hearing device disclosed herein includes at least one input transducer configured to be disposed in a user's ear canal when the hearing device is in use. The input transducer may include one or more microphones. The input transducer may include one or more vibration sensors configured to detect bone vibrations. In this application, the input transducer may be referred to as an in-ear microphone (MIE). Typically, the MIE is positioned in a predefined location within the ear when the hearing device is in use. A signal processing unit may be preset to operate according to this predefined location when the hearing device is in use. More than one MIE may be present in a hearing device. Furthermore, the hearing device may include other input transducers that may be disposed within the hearing device, but are not necessarily provided in the ear canal. One or more input transducers may be configured to convert an acoustic signal into a first electrical input signal. The first electrical input signal may be an analog signal. The first electrical input signal may be a digital signal. One or more input transducers may be coupled to one or more analog-to-digital converters configured to convert the analog first input signal into a digital first input signal. The MIE provides the input signal to the signal processing unit (SPU), which is an electrical signal representing the acoustic signal received by the MIE.

[0017] Hearing devices may include external input transducers (e.g., microphones or analog-to-digital converters) to generate one or more microphone output signals based on received audio signals. The audio signal may be an analog signal. Therefore, the external input transducer can convert an analog audio signal into a digital microphone output signal. All signals may be sound signals or signals that include information about sound.

[0018] The Signal Processing Unit (SPU) can be configured to process a first and / or second electrical input signal. Processing may include: performing feedback cancellation, beamforming, tinnitus reduction / masking, noise reduction, noise cancellation, speech recognition, bass adjustment, treble adjustment, and / or processing of user input. The SPU can be a processor, integrated circuit, application, functional module, etc. The SPU can be implemented in a signal processing chip or printed circuit board (PCB). The SPU may include: compensating for a user's hearing loss (i.e., applying a frequency-dependent gain to the input signal based on the user's frequency-dependent hearing impairment). The SPU can be configured to: provide a first electrical output signal based on the processing of the first and / or second electrical input signals. The SPU can be configured to provide a second electrical output signal. The second electrical output signal may be based on the processing of the first and / or second electrical input signals. The SPU may include components such as amplifiers, compressors, and / or noise reduction systems, filters, etc.

[0019] The SPU is configured to receive input signals from the input transducers and generate processed signals. These processed signals can be based not only on the input signals but also on signals from other input transducers, feedback signals, etc. The processed signals are modified input signals.

[0020] In addition to the input signal, one or more microphone output signals can be provided to the SPU for processing. This signal processing can compensate for the user's hearing loss or impairment. The SPU can be included within the housing of an in-the-ear (ITE) or behind-the-ear (BTE) unit.

[0021] Adaptive feedback filters dynamically reduce acoustic feedback from the MIE by modeling the feedback path and subtracting its effects from the microphone signal in real time. In other words, the feedback filter removes excessive gain from the feedback path between the output (i.e., the receiver) and the input to the hearing device. The acoustic feedback path is the route sound takes from the speaker back to the MIE. Adaptive feedback filters are typically used for residual feedback paths that are not captured and compensated for by static filters (e.g., slight re-insertion differences and common changes in the feedback path). Removing excessive gain breaks the feedback loop, thereby keeping the hearing device under stable conditions based on the known maximum stable gain of the hearing device. For example, when the MIE moves or the environmental conditions used for the MIE change, the characteristics of the adaptive feedback filter are dynamically updated to match the change in the feedback path. The SPU, and especially the feedback filter (e.g., the adaptive feedback filter), continuously monitors the signal to adapt to changes, ensuring effective suppression even in dynamic environments. Adaptive feedback filters are typically implemented in addition to static feedback filters. Adaptive filters are therefore typically called fast adaptive filters to distinguish them from static filters, which are typically slower than adaptive feedback filters in adapting their signals. The adaptive filter continuously operates to adapt the receiver's output in the ear to changes in the sound received by the MIE, which may be caused by changes in the external environment. These changes can involve variations in how the receiver is positioned, the slow buildup of earwax in the ear, changes in the position of the BTE shell behind the ear, the user wearing glasses, a hat, holding something (e.g., hand or phone) close to the ear, tilting against a wall or cushion, hugging someone, etc., all of which alter the impact response of the acoustic path.

[0022] An adaptive filter is characterized by its filter coefficients. Filter coefficients are numerical values ​​that define the behavior of an adaptive feedback filter. They determine how the adaptive filter manipulates the signal at its input to produce an adapted output signal for eliminating acoustic feedback from the MIE and the loudspeaker. These coefficients represent the weights applied to the current input signal and are directly related to the filter's impulse response, defining its frequency response.

[0023] The filter coefficients change in response to changes in the input signal from the MIE. The input signal changes when the MIE moves only inside the ear, and when the MIE moves violently (e.g., when it moves outside the ear). These changes occur as the acoustic path's impact response changes, and the adaptive filter is configured to dynamically follow these changes.

[0024] Filter coefficients may also include delays in adaptive filters. These delays are continuously acquired as part of the filter update. When, for example, a hearing device is placed on a table or in a free field, the delay of the feedback path changes drastically.

[0025] The signal processing unit is configured to monitor filter coefficients. The SPU can also be configured to monitor changes in the coefficients of the adaptive feedback filter.

[0026] The SPU is also configured to determine the status of the hearing device based on a threshold and filter coefficients. By determining the status of the hearing device, it can determine, for example, whether the hearing device is being removed from the ear, or whether the hearing device is being guided into the charger, or whether the user is placing the hearing device in the ear, or whether the user is removing the hearing device from the charger.

[0027] The placement of the MIE (Mean Interchange Electrode) defines the state of the hearing device. For example, when the MIE is placed inside the ear, the hearing device will typically operate in an active state. When the MIE is outside the ear, the hearing device will normally operate in an idle state or sleep mode, or should be turned off. When the MIE is surrounded by the charging cavity, the hearing device can be turned off.

[0028] The hearing device can operate in a first state, which is the active state of the hearing device (i.e., when the hearing device is in use and correctly placed in the user's ear, especially when the MIE is placed in the ear canal (e.g., in a predefined position)). The hearing device can also operate in the first state when the MIE is slightly offset from its predefined / optimal position but is still placed in the user's ear.

[0029] The hearing device can operate in a second state. This second state can be an idle or sleep state, or it can be off. The second state can refer to the state when the hearing device is not in use and / or when it is neither placed in the user's ear nor in the charging device's cavity. In this state, while the SPU typically operates normally, it may be necessary to disable the hearing device's speaker.

[0030] The hearing device can operate in a third state. The third state can be the charging state of the hearing device (i.e., when the hearing device is placed in the charging device and the MIE is thus surrounded by the charging cavity).

[0031] The threshold can be a scalar or a vector. Typically, the threshold is predetermined and stored in the SPU memory. The threshold can be defined to correspond to a scenario where the hearing device, particularly the MIE, is either surrounded by the ear canal or by the charger. The SPU can continuously perform functions dependent on the threshold and the current filter coefficients, and provide an output indicator indicating the state of the hearing device. The indicator can take multiple values, each corresponding to a state (e.g., 0 indicates a state not corresponding to the assumed state, 1 indicates the hearing device is placed in the ear, 2 indicates the hearing device is not surrounded by the ear / charger, and 3 indicates the hearing device is surrounded by the charger).

[0032] The threshold can be calculated continuously based on the filter coefficients. For example, the threshold can be calculated as the p-norm based on a smoothed version of an adaptive feedback filter that represents a long-term change in the feedback path.

[0033] Thresholds can be calculated by transforming the adaptive feedback filter into the frequency domain, with individual thresholds set for each frequency bin. For example, for the case where the hearing device is in the ear, each individual threshold can be 20% lower than the corresponding value for each frequency bin. Furthermore, this can be, for example, a frequency-weighted threshold for the feedback filter calculated based on the known frequency distribution during the engagement of the hearing device. That is, the frequency distribution of the entire feedback path can be determined when performing feedback suppression calibration. When the hearing device is in use, the lowest point of the MIE frequency response can indicate the critical frequency region for the feedback canceller in the feedback path. At these critical frequency regions, the hearing device may have feedback with 0dB gain without active feedback cancellation. Therefore, those frequency regions are likely to be most affected when the hearing device is removed from the ear. Therefore, the thresholds can be weighted, and more importance can be given to those critical frequency bins. Additionally, a static filter associated with the MIE can also be used for this frequency analysis.

[0034] Thresholds can be calculated based on filter delay. For example, when the delay change with respect to the maximum filter coefficient is greater than, say, 2 samples, the SPU determines that the hearing device should remove the ear.

[0035] In some implementations, the SPU can define multiple predetermined thresholds (e.g., a first predetermined threshold associated with a first state, a second predetermined threshold associated with a second state, a third predetermined threshold associated with a third state, etc.). The first predetermined threshold can be predefined at the factory or determined during fitting of the hearing device if the hearing device requires special cooperation with the user. The first predetermined threshold can refer to a restriction that should be met when the hearing device is in its active mode and placed in the user's ear. If the hearing device is operating in active mode (i.e., generating an acoustic signal for the user), the SPU can use the first predetermined threshold in determining the state. If the hearing device is charging, the SPU can use the third predetermined threshold in determining the state. The SPU can thus be configured to determine whether the state and (optionally) the position of the MIE are changing relative to the assumed state or relative to a predefined position in response to a change in the input signal and thus a change in the filter coefficients.

[0036] Determining the status of a hearing device is advantageous because knowing whether it is being inserted into or removed from the user's ear or its charger can help prevent unwanted sounds generated in response to erroneous operation of the feedback loop. According to the invention, this determination is performed solely by the SPU and its adaptive feedback filter, which are already part of the hearing device with a MIE (Media Access Filter). Furthermore, from a computational perspective, the calculation is simple and undemanding, as it involves only filter coefficients and thresholds that can be predefined or calculated based on these coefficients.

[0037] When the state is determined, the signal processing unit (SPU) can be configured to control the hearing device based on the determined state. The SPU can be configured to adjust the settings of the hearing device or control the hearing device in another way based on the determined state. By controlling the hearing device based on the determined state, unwanted feedback from the hearing device can be prevented, especially when the hearing device changes its state. Specifically, by controlling the hearing device based on the determined state, feedback during the reinsertion of a hearing device with an MIE into the user's ear can be prevented. Furthermore, feedback feedback can be prevented when the hearing device is being guided into the charger. Additionally, misfitting of the adaptive algorithm can be prevented when the hearing device is removed from the ear / charger.

[0038] The signal processing unit (SPU) can be configured to determine changes in the position of the input transducer based on filter coefficients. For example, the SPU can determine whether the MIE changes its state from being in the ear canal to being removed from the ear canal, or when the hearing device changes its state from being in the ear to being guided into the charger, or when the hearing device changes its state from being outside the ear to being placed inside the ear. As the MIE changes its position in the ear canal, the filter coefficients of the adaptive filter also change to compensate for the position change reflected in the feedback loop. The SPU monitors the filter coefficients and can be configured to compare the filter coefficients from a first time slot with the filter coefficients from a second time slot. In this scenario, the threshold can be a value defined by the filter coefficients from the first time slot. If there is a difference between the filter coefficients from the first time slot and those from the second time slot, the SPU can provide an indicator of how the MIE has changed its position over time. The SPU can determine the degree of deviation of the filter coefficients from the two time slots. If the filter coefficients of the adaptive filter suddenly undergo a significant change, this can be used as an easily detectable indication that the hearing device has changed its state. If at least one filter coefficient deviates by 20% from its corresponding filter coefficient in other time slots, the SPU can generate an indicator indicating a drastic change in the MIE's position, such as from the MIE being outside the ear to inside the ear. The position change can also be determined based on a threshold and filter coefficients. If the current position of the MIE is inside the ear, a threshold can be defined based on the filter coefficients when the MIE is in a predefined position. This threshold can be pre-calculated during hearing device fitting and stored in the signal processing unit / hearing device's memory. If the current position of the MIE is in the charger, a threshold can be defined based on the filter coefficients when the MIE is in the charger. This threshold can be pre-calculated during hearing device manufacturing and stored in the signal processing unit / hearing device's memory. The SPU can be configured to use a threshold corresponding to the latest state of the hearing device. By determining the MIE's position change, unwanted feedback from the hearing device during reinsertion into the user's ear can be prevented. Furthermore, feedback feedback can be prevented when the hearing device is being guided into the charger. Additionally, misfitting of the adaptive algorithm can be prevented when the hearing device is removed from the ear / charger. When the location change is not drastic (e.g., a 10-20% deviation from a threshold), the SPU can be configured to generate an indicator for the user, notifying them of the location change. For example, if the hearing device is not properly placed in the charger, the SPU can generate a pre-set alarm to alert the user to incorrect charging.

[0039] Hearing devices may include an output transducer configured to receive a processed signal from the SPU and output an acoustic signal. When the hearing device is in use, the acoustic signal is output to the user's ear (i.e., into the user's ear canal). The output transducer may also be referred to as a speaker, receiver, or external speaker. The output transducer may be connected to the output of the signal processor. A receiver is essentially a digital-to-analog converter that converts the processed signal (which is a digital signal) from the SPU into an analog signal (e.g., an acoustic signal). The receiver may be included in an ITE unit or an earpiece (e.g., a RIE unit or an M&RIE unit). In other words, the receiver is typically configured to be placed in the user's ear when the hearing device is in use. Since the MIE is also placed in the user's ear during hearing device use, the acoustic sound generated by the receiver is picked up by the MIE and may be amplified within the hearing device. To prevent this feedback, both static and adaptive feedback filters are typically formed as part of the SPU.

[0040] In some implementations, the output transducer can be part of the printed circuit board (PCB) of the hearing device. The output transducer can be positioned on the hearing device's PCB (e.g., at a designated location / area on the PCB). The output transducer can be positioned through vias in the PCB.

[0041] In response to the determined state, the signal processing unit (SPU) can be configured to suppress at least a portion of the acoustic signal from the output transducer. Alternatively or additionally, the SPU can be configured to turn off the output transducer, thereby controlling the hearing device to operate in a second state. Acoustic signal suppression can occur when the SPU determines that the hearing device changes its state from being in the ear to being removed from the ear, and / or when the SPU determines, based on filter coefficients, a change in the position of the MIE from being in the ear to being outside the ear, or vice versa. When the SPU determines that the MIE is removed from the ear, the hearing device can be set to a second operating mode (i.e., it can be set to a sleep / idle mode). Suppressing acoustic signals from the speaker when the hearing device is removed from the ear is beneficial because this prevents feedback signals and thus the generation of any unwanted acoustic signals. Furthermore, when the SPU determines that the MIE is being placed in the ear, the SPU can suppress acoustic signals from the receiver.

[0042] In response to the determined state, the signal processing unit can be configured to adjust the hearing device settings to conform to the determined state. The adjustment of the settings may include gain adjustment. This allows for the mitigation of feedback without completely suppressing the signal destined for the receiver. The adjustment of the settings may involve signals from further hearing devices and / or another electronic device wirelessly connected to the hearing device. In some examples, this will allow the hearing device to, for example, use an ear-to-ear link between hearing devices to steer towards monoaural performance.

[0043] In response to the determined state, the signal processing unit can be configured to: disable the adaptive feedback filter, thereby controlling the hearing device to operate in a second state. Disabling the adaptive feedback filter occurs when the SPU determines that the hearing device changes its state from being in the ear to being removed from the ear, and / or when the SPU determines, based on filter coefficients, a change in the position of the MIE from when it is in the ear to when it is outside the ear, or vice versa. Alternatively or additionally, at least some parts of the hearing device can be turned off in response to detecting a change in the position of the MIE relative to a predefined position. The signal processing unit can be adapted to: change the hearing aid settings to OFF in response to detecting a change in the position of the MIE relative to a predefined position. This will, for example, generate battery savings if the user forgets to turn off the hearing aid when removing it, as this will occur automatically. Alternatively, only a portion of the hearing aid can be turned off, and battery savings will still occur. Another adjustment to the settings may include, for example, activating the ear-to-ear link to another hearing aid and providing monoaural performance from the signal introduced from the other hearing aid. One adjustment to the settings may include a gain reduction when it is detected that the hearing aid is being removed. Reducing the gain will help suppress unpleasant howling that may occur during the process.

[0044] Similarly, in response to determining that the hearing device is in a third state (i.e., it is placed in the charger), the signal processing unit can be configured to either disable the adaptive feedback filter or adjust the hearing device settings so that the hearing device operates according to the determined state.

[0045] An adaptive feedback filter can be configured to output an adapted signal. The adapted signal can be understood as a cancellation signal, which is the inverse of the estimated feedback. This signal can be subtracted from the microphone input (i.e., the input signal going to the SPU) to neutralize the feedback. The adapted signal is essentially derived from the processed signal and takes the input signal into account through the processed signal.

[0046] The signal processing unit can be configured to generate a processed signal based on the input signal and the adapted signal from the adaptive feedback filter. The processed signal may also include other signals from other input transducers and their corresponding feedback systems.

[0047] The signal processing unit may include at least one static feedback filter. The static feedback filter may be associated with a MIE (Media Access Equipment). Alternatively or additionally, the static feedback filter may be associated with another input transducer. Acoustic feedback occurs when sound output from a hearing device via a speaker is picked up by its microphone, creating a feedback loop. Since the hearing device may include several microphones, each microphone may have a corresponding static feedback filter. The static feedback filter is typically a preset, fixed filter programmed to suppress specific frequencies when feedback is likely to occur. These frequencies are typically identified during testing of the hearing device (or, if the hearing device is a hearing aid, during the hearing aid fitting process). Unlike adaptive feedback filters, static filters do not change dynamically in real time. They are typically tuned based on the specific feedback characteristics of the hearing device. In the case of hearing aids, the static feedback filter is typically tuned based on the acoustic characteristics of the user's ear during the initial fitting. Static filters typically do not handle changes in the feedback path (e.g., changes that occur when the user moves or adjusts the hearing device).

[0048] Hearing devices can be hearing aids. Signal processing units can also be configured to compensate for a user's hearing loss. Specifically, hearing devices can be in-ear microphone (MIE) type hearing aids, and more specifically, but not exclusively, in-ear microphone and receiver (M&RIE) type hearing aids. Typically, a BTE unit may include at least one input transducer, a power supply, and a processing unit. The term BTE hearing aid can refer to a hearing aid in which a receiver (i.e., an output transducer) is included in the BTE unit, and sound is directed to the ITE unit via a sound tube connecting the BTE and ITE units. The terms RIE, RIC, and M&RIE hearing aids refer to hearing aids in which a receiver may be included in the ITE unit, which is coupled to the BTE unit via a connector cable or wire configured to transmit electrical signals between the BTE and the ITE unit.

[0049] Hearing aids can be in-the-ear (ITE) hearing aids, completely in-the-canal (CIC) hearing aids, or invisible in-the-canal (IIC) hearing aids. These hearing aids may include an ITE unit, wherein the ITE unit may include at least one input transducer, a power supply, a processing unit, and an output transducer. These hearing aids are typically custom-made hearing devices, meaning that the ITE unit may include a shell molded to an external shape conforming to the shape of a particular user's ear canal, with a housing made of a rigid material (e.g., a rigid polymer or metal) or a soft material (e.g., a rubber-like polymer).

[0050] The signal processing unit can be configured to calculate the p-norm of the filter coefficients. Calculating the p-norm is advantageous because it is fast and simple, and does not require significant computational power. The p-norm is calculated using a well-known formula:

[0051]

[0052] Here, p can take any natural number from 1 to ∞, x[n] represents the filter coefficients x[1], ..., x[n], and n is any natural number from 1 to N. For p=1, there exists a 1-norm. The 1-norm is advantageous because it is the simplest of all norms, and it imposes an equal penalty on all filter coefficients (e.g., for peak filter coefficients, it linearly scales the output, while the 2-norm scales it quadratically). The 2-norm can be used to calculate the energy of the filter itself (i.e., a representation of the energy content represented by the coefficients).

[0053] As an alternative to or supplement to the p-norm calculation, the SPU can be configured to perform cross-correlation or frequency content analysis of the filter coefficients. To add robustness to any solution and the p-norm calculation, weighting of the filter coefficients and analysis of the filter delay can be performed. Furthermore, the impulse response of adaptive filters for other input transducers, for example, can be included in the weighted summation.

[0054] When the p-norm is greater than a threshold, the SPU determines that the hearing device is surrounded. If the hearing device is charging, the SPU determines that the hearing device is in a third state. If the hearing device is not charging, the SPU determines that the hearing device is in a first state. Therefore, the state of the hearing device can be calculated by combining the simple p-norm of the adaptive filter coefficients with a threshold and latent smoothing. When the p-norm is greater than the threshold, the SPU can be configured to control the hearing device to operate in the first state. If the latest state of the hearing device is the second state, the SPU can control the gain of the output signal, thereby preventing unwanted whistling when the hearing device is placed in the ear.

[0055] When the p-norm is less than a threshold, the SPU determines that the hearing device is not surrounded. If the hearing device is charging, the SPU determines that the hearing device is not properly placed on the charger and can send information about it to the user. If the hearing device is not charging and the p-norm is less than the threshold, the SPU determines that the hearing device is in a second state. When the p-norm is less than the threshold, the signal processing unit can be configured to control the hearing device to operate in the second state. In some scenarios, it can be determined whether the feedback path has changed to the extent caused solely by the removal of the hearing device, and the hearing device can be set to sleep or idle mode. Once the p-norm returns to a value greater than the threshold, the SPU determines that the hearing device is either back in use or in the charger, and the SPU can control the hearing device to operate in normal activity mode or charging mode.

[0056] Various methods can be used to calculate filter coefficients. The method can be selected based on the type of adaptive filter implemented in the hearing device. For example, for a finite impulse response (FIR) filter, the filter coefficients can be calculated using normalized least mean square (nLMS). nLMS is a simple and efficient way to calculate filter coefficients. In another example, the filter coefficients of an FIR adaptive filter can be calculated using a windowing method, a frequency sampling method, a recursive least squares (RLS) method, or various optimization techniques (e.g., least squares optimization).

[0057] A threshold can be defined based on the energy content of the adaptive feedback filter. The energy content of the filter typically refers to the total energy of its impulse response, calculated as the sum (or integral) of the squared amplitudes of the impulse response coefficients. This threshold can be predetermined during the manufacturing of the hearing device, or, in the case of a hearing aid, during fitting. The threshold is defined based on the energy content of the adaptive feedback filter because the adaptive feedback filter has a minimum energy content when the MIE is outside the ear / charger and a maximum energy content when the MIE is placed inside the ear / charger cavity.

[0058] The threshold can be at least 20% lower than the p-norm used for the first state. The signal processing unit can be configured to determine the state of the hearing device by comparing the threshold with the p-norm of the filter coefficients. If the p-norm of the filter coefficients decreases by 20% of its value calculated in the ear / charger, the SPU determines that the MIE is not enclosed and therefore the hearing device is not in the ear. Setting the threshold at least 20% lower than the p-norm used for the first state is an easy and reliable value that can be used to determine whether the MIE has changed its position from being in the ear charger to being outside of it.

[0059] The threshold can be at least 30% lower than the filter coefficient with the largest absolute value among all filter coefficients used for the first state. The signal processing unit can be configured to determine the state of the hearing device by comparing the threshold with the absolute values ​​of the filter coefficients. If at least one filter coefficient is greater than the threshold, the SPU determines that the MIE is enclosed. If all filter coefficients (i.e., their absolute values) are less than the threshold, the hearing device is outside the ear / charger.

[0060] The threshold can be defined based on the filter coefficients corresponding to the first state and the filter coefficients corresponding to the second state. The threshold can be set between the maximum filter coefficients used for the first state and the maximum filter coefficients used for the second state. The threshold can also be set as a value with a p-norm between the filter coefficients used for the first state and the filter coefficients used for the second state. For example, the threshold could be the mean of these two p-norms. Determining the threshold in this way requires very little computational power from the SPU.

[0061] The hearing device may include a power source. The power source may include a battery providing a first voltage. The battery may be a replaceable battery. The power source may include a power management unit. The power management unit may be configured to convert the first voltage to a second voltage. The battery may be a rechargeable battery. The power source may include a charging coil. The charging coil may be provided by a magnetic antenna. The hearing device may be configured to be charged by a charger.

[0062] When the hearing device is placed in the charger and is charging, the hearing device is in its third state. The threshold can also be defined based on the filter coefficients corresponding to the third state.

[0063] Feedback issues can occur when a user is placing the hearing device into the charger or removing it from the charger. If the hearing device is in motion, the close proximity of the speaker and microphone within the enclosed space of the charger can create a feedback loop. That is, sound from the speaker can loop back into the microphone, repeatedly amplifying the sound and producing a high-pitched howl.

[0064] To prevent this behavior, the SPU can be configured to control the hearing device, for example, by turning off the hearing device or by disabling the speaker, based on the current adaptive filter coefficients of the adaptive feedback filter and a threshold defined based on the filter coefficients corresponding to a third state. According to a second aspect, a method for operating a hearing device is disclosed, the hearing device comprising at least: an input transducer disposed in a user's ear canal; and a signal processing unit including an adaptive feedback filter, characterized by its filter coefficients. The method includes the steps of: providing an input signal by the input transducer; receiving the input signal by the signal processing unit; and generating a processed signal by the signal processing unit. Furthermore, the method includes the step of: at the signal processing unit, monitoring filter coefficients configured to change in response to changes in the input signal. The method includes the step of: at the signal processing unit, determining a state of the hearing device based on the filter coefficients and a threshold. The method may include the step of: the signal processing unit controlling the hearing device based on the determined state. Therefore, the SPU can control the settings of the hearing device, thereby preventing potential howling that may occur, for example, during removal of the hearing device from the user's ear and / or placement of the hearing device in a charger.

[0065] Advantageously, based on the determination of the hearing device's status, the hearing device can be controlled to prevent the generation of unwanted sounds.

[0066] Hearing devices may include a Resonant Electronic Receiver (RIE) unit. A RIE unit typically includes an earpiece (e.g., a housing, a plug connector, and a wire / tube connecting the plug connector and the earpiece). The earpiece may include an in-ear housing, a receiver (e.g., a receiver configured for delivery in the user's ear), and an open or closed cover. The cover may support proper placement of the earpiece in the user's ear. The RIE unit may include an input transducer (e.g., a microphone or receiver), an output transducer (e.g., a speaker), one or more sensors, and / or other electronic devices. Some electronic components may be housed in the earpiece, while others may be housed in the plug connector. The receiver may come with different intensities (i.e., low power, medium power, or high power). The wire / tube provides electrical connection between the electronic components provided in the earpiece of the RIE unit and the electronic components provided in the BTE unit. The wire / tube, as well as the RIE unit itself, may have different lengths.

[0067] In an embodiment, the hearing device may include one or more wireless communication units. The one or more wireless communication units may include one or more wireless receivers, one or more wireless transmitters, one or more transmitter-receiver pairs, and / or one or more transceivers. At least one of the wireless communication units may be coupled to one or more antennas. The wireless communication unit may be configured to convert a wireless signal received by at least one of the one or more antennas into a second electrical input signal. The hearing device may be configured for wired / wireless audio communication (e.g., enabling a user to listen to media (e.g., music or radio) and / or enabling a user to make telephone calls).

[0068] In embodiments, the wireless signal may originate from one or more external sources and / or external devices (e.g., a spouse microphone device, a wireless audio transmitter, a smart computer, and / or a distributed microphone array associated with the wireless transmitter). The wireless input signal may originate from another hearing device (e.g., as part of a binaural hearing system) and / or one or more accessory devices (e.g., a smartphone and / or a smartwatch).

[0069] Hearing devices may include one or more antennas for radio frequency communication. One or more antennas may be configured for operation in the ISM band. One or more antennas may be an electric antenna. One or more antennas may be magnetic induction coil antennas. Magnetic induction, or near-field magnetic induction (NFMI), typically provides communication including the transmission of voice, audio, and data in the frequency range between 2 MHz and 15 MHz. At these frequencies, electromagnetic radiation passes through and propagates around the human head and body without significant loss in tissue.

[0070] The magnetic induction coil can be configured to operate at frequencies below 100 MHz during use (e.g., below 30 MHz, e.g., below 15 MHz). The magnetic induction coil can be configured to operate in a frequency range between 1 MHz and 100 MHz (e.g., between 1 MHz and 15 MHz, e.g., between 1 MHz and 30 MHz, e.g., between 5 MHz and 30 MHz, e.g., between 5 MHz and 15 MHz, e.g., between 10 MHz and 11 MHz, e.g., between 10.2 MHz and 11 MHz). The frequency can also include a range from 2 MHz to 30 MHz (e.g., from 2 MHz to 10 MHz, e.g., from 5 MHz to 10 MHz, e.g., from 5 MHz to 7 MHz).

[0071] An electric antenna can be configured for operation at frequencies of at least 400 MHz (e.g., at least 800 MHz, for example, at least 1 GHz, for example, frequencies between 1.5 GHz and 6 GHz, for example, frequencies between 1.5 GHz and 3 GHz, for example, frequencies at 2.4 GHz). The antenna can be optimized for operation at frequencies between 400 MHz and 6 GHz (e.g., between 400 MHz and 1 GHz, between 800 MHz and 1 GHz, between 800 MHz and 6 GHz, between 800 MHz and 3 GHz, etc.). Therefore, an electric antenna can be configured for operation in the ISM band. The electric antenna can be any antenna capable of operating at these frequencies, and the electric antenna can be a resonant antenna (e.g., a monopole antenna, for example, a dipole antenna, etc.). The length of the resonant antenna can be λ / 4 ± 10% or any multiple thereof, where λ is the wavelength corresponding to the emitted electromagnetic field.

[0072] Hearing devices may include one or more wireless communication units or radios. The one or more wireless communication units are configured for wireless data communication and are interconnected in this regard with one or more antennas for transmitting and receiving electromagnetic fields. Each of the one or more wireless communication units may include a transmitter, a receiver, a transmitter-receiver pair (e.g., a transceiver), and / or a radio unit. The one or more wireless communication units may be configured for communication using any protocol known to those skilled in the art, including Bluetooth, WLAN standards, manufacturing-specific protocols (e.g., custom proximity antenna protocols, proprietary protocols, e.g., low-power wireless communication protocols, RF communication protocols, magnetic induction protocols, etc.). The one or more wireless communication units may be configured for communication using the same communication protocol or the same type of communication protocol, or the one or more wireless communication units may be configured for communication using different communication protocols.

[0073] The wireless communication unit can be connected to the hearing device SPU and antenna for communication with one or more external devices (e.g., one or more external electronic devices including at least one smartphone, at least one tablet, at least one hearing accessory device including at least one spouse microphone, remote control, audio testing device, etc.) or, in some embodiments, with another hearing device (e.g., another hearing device located in the other ear, typically in a binaural hearing device system).

[0074] In embodiments, the hearing device may include memory (including memory in volatile and non-volatile forms). In embodiments, the hearing device may include an outlet. An outlet is a physical channel (e.g., a channel or conduit primarily positioned to provide pressure equalization across a housing placed in the ear (e.g., an ITE hearing device, an ITE unit of a BTE hearing device, a CIC hearing device, a RIE hearing device, a RIC hearing device, an M&RIE hearing device, or a cover tip / earmold). An outlet may be a pneumatic outlet with a small cross-sectional area, preferably acoustically sealed. An outlet may be an acoustic outlet configured for closed-off cancellation. An outlet may be an active outlet that enables opening or closing of the outlet during use of the hearing device. An active outlet may include a valve.

[0075] The present invention relates to various aspects of hearing devices and methods described above and below, and corresponding device portions, each portion receiving one or more of the benefits and advantages described in conjunction with the first mentioned aspects, and each portion having one or more embodiments corresponding to the embodiments described in conjunction with the first mentioned aspects and / or disclosed in the appended claims. Attached Figure Description

[0076] The above and other features and advantages will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0077] Figure 1 An exemplary embodiment of a hearing device according to the present disclosure is illustrated schematically.

[0078] Figure 2 Another exemplary embodiment of the hearing device according to this disclosure is illustrated schematically.

[0079] Figure 3 Another exemplary embodiment of the hearing device according to the present disclosure is illustrated schematically.

[0080] Figure 4 A perspective view of an ear with a hearing device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is shown schematically.

[0081] Figure 5 A perspective view of a hearing device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is shown schematically.

[0082] Figure 6 The filter coefficients of the adaptive feedback filter associated with MIE are shown.

[0083] Figure 7 The filter coefficients of three different adaptive feedback filters are shown, associated with three different microphones placed in several different locations.

[0084] Figure 8 A method for operating a hearing device according to this disclosure is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0085] Various embodiments are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The same reference numerals refer to the same elements throughout. Therefore, the description of each drawing will not describe the same elements in detail. It should also be noted that the drawings are intended only to facilitate the description of embodiments. They are not intended as an exhaustive description of the claimed invention or a limitation on the scope of the claimed invention. Furthermore, the illustrated embodiments need not possess all the aspects or advantages shown. Aspects or advantages described in conjunction with a particular embodiment are not necessarily limited to that embodiment and may be practiced in any other embodiment even if not shown or explicitly described therein.

[0086] Figure 1 An exemplary embodiment of a hearing device 1 according to the present disclosure is schematically illustrated. The hearing device 1 includes an input transducer 10 configured to be disposed in a user's ear canal and provide an input signal 15. The hearing device 1 also includes a signal processing unit 6 configured to receive the input signal 15 from the input transducer 10 and generate a processed signal 16. The signal processing unit 6 includes an adaptive feedback filter 24. The adaptive feedback filter 24 is characterized by its filter coefficients, which are configured to change in response to changes in the input signal 15. The signal processing unit 6 is configured to monitor the filter coefficients and determine the state of the hearing device 1 based on a threshold and the filter coefficients.

[0087] Typically, the adaptive feedback filter 24 outputs an adapted signal 19, and the signal processing unit 6 generates a processed signal 16 based at least on the input signal 15 and the adapted signal 19. The hearing device typically also includes an output transducer 4 configured to receive the processed signal 16 and output an acoustic signal 12.

[0088] Determining the status of a hearing device is advantageous because knowing whether it is being inserted into or removed from the user's ear or its charger can help prevent unwanted sounds generated in response to erroneous operation of the feedback loop. According to the invention, this determination is performed solely by the SPU and its adaptive feedback filter, which are already part of the hearing device with a MIE (Media Access Filter). Furthermore, from a computational perspective, the calculation is simple and undemanding, as it involves only filter coefficients and thresholds that can be calculated based on these coefficients.

[0089] Figure 2 Another exemplary embodiment of the hearing device 1A according to the present disclosure is illustrated schematically. Figure 2 Including combination Figure 1 All the features described previously will not be described again here. Figure 2 In this embodiment, the signal processing unit 6 further includes a static feedback filter 21. The static feedback filter 21 is associated with the input transducer 10. The hearing device 1A also includes a second input transducer 8 and a third input transducer 9. The feedback filter 20 may be associated with both the second input transducer 8 and the third input transducer 9. The hearing device 1A may include only one of the second input transducer 8 or the third input transducer 9. The hearing device 1A may include additional input transducers. The signal processing unit 6 is configured to monitor filter coefficients and determine the state of the hearing device 1A based on a threshold and the filter coefficients of the first input transducer 10. Furthermore, the characteristics of the feedback filter 20 may also be considered when determining the state of the hearing device 1A. The signal processing unit 6 can control the hearing device 1A to operate according to the determined state. For example, in response to the determined state, the signal processing unit 6 may be configured to suppress at least a portion of the acoustic signal 12 from the output transducer 4, or to turn off the output transducer 4, thereby controlling the hearing device 1A to operate according to the determined state.

[0090] Figure 3 Another exemplary embodiment of the hearing device 1B according to the present disclosure is illustrated schematically. Figure 3 The hearing device 1B includes a combination of Figure 2 All the features described differ in that the feedback filters for the second and third input transducers are divided into a static feedback filter 32 and separate adaptive feedback filters 34 and 36 for the second input transducer 8 and the third input transducer 9, respectively. The signal processing unit also includes a threshold field 25, an analysis section 26, and a hearing device state change indicator 27. Using these units, the SPU 6 can monitor the filter coefficients and determine the state of the hearing device 1B based on the thresholds stored or determined in the threshold field 25 and the filter coefficients provided by the functions run in the analysis section 26. However, the actual processing in the SPU 6 can be performed differently (e.g., involving more sub-units).

[0091] Figure 4 A perspective view of an ear 3 with a hearing device 1C according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is shown schematically. The hearing device 1C includes an output transducer 4 disposed in the ear canal of the user's ear 3. The hearing device 1C may be a hearing aid. The hearing device may include a BTE unit 2. The BTE unit 2 may include a receiver 4, and sound generated by the receiver may be guided into the ear 3 through a tube 5. In another implementation, the hearing device 1C may be an M&RIE type hearing device and may include a receiver 4 also disposed in the ear canal.

[0092] Figure 5A perspective view of a hearing device 1D according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is shown schematically. The hearing device 1D includes a first input transducer 10, a second input transducer 8, and a third input transducer 9. It also includes a signal processing unit 6 and an output transducer 4 configured to be placed in a user's ear canal. The hearing device 1D may be a hearing aid.

[0093] Figure 6 The filter coefficients of the adaptive feedback filter are shown. The adaptive feedback filter is related to MIE.

[0094] Figure 6 a shows the filter coefficients in a scenario when the hearing device is in use (i.e., when the MIE is positioned in its predefined location (i.e., in the user's ear)). In this scenario, the hearing device can operate in a first state, which can be the active state of the hearing device. Figure 6 Example a shows a setup with 20 filter coefficients. Filter coefficient 3 has a significantly higher value than the other coefficients, reflecting the high energy of the filter, because the MIE is surrounded by the ear canal. The peak occurs because the adaptive feedback filter is modeling the remainder not included in the static filter (e.g., changes that have occurred since the fitting at the clinic). When the hearing device is correctly placed in the ear, the static filter is more or less positioned in the same way it was placed at the clinic, so the remaining (or residual) feedback path is very small, which translates to an incremental filter ("1" followed by several zeros) in the time domain. Figure 6 In the example shown, there is a 2-coefficient delay. When the hearing device is removed from the ear, the feedback path looks very different, and the residual feedback path, represented by the adaptive filter, has to work hard to be modeled, the peaks disappear, and the filter energy, represented by the coefficients, decreases.

[0095] Figure 6 b shows the filter coefficients in a scenario where the hearing device is also operating in the first state (i.e., the first input transducer 10 is in the ear canal but slightly offset from its predefined / optimal position). It can be seen that the main filter coefficients, reflecting the energy of the filter, remain essentially unchanged, while changes occur only in the filter coefficients carrying less energy.

[0096] Figure 6 c shows the filter coefficients in the scenario when the hearing device is removed from the ear (i.e., the first input transducer 10 is removed from the ear canal). It can be seen that all filter coefficients are now at very low levels, indicating that the overall energy of the adaptive feedback filter is drastically reduced compared to the scenario when the MIE is placed in the ear. In other words, as the MIE changes its position, the filter coefficients of the adaptive filter are also changing to compensate for the positional change reflected in the feedback loop.

[0097] To determine the state of the hearing device, SPU 6 performs the determination based on a threshold and filter coefficients. For example, the threshold may be at least 20% lower than the value of the maximum filter coefficient. Signal processing unit 6 can be configured to determine the state of hearing device 1 by separately comparing the threshold with each filter coefficient. If all filter coefficients are below the threshold, SPU 6 determines that MIE 10 is not enclosed, and therefore hearing device 1 is not in the ear. Figure 7 The filter coefficients of three different adaptive feedback filters are shown, associated with three different microphones placed in several different locations. Figure 7 a(1) shows the filter coefficients of the adaptive feedback filter associated with the first input transducer 10 when the hearing device 1 is in use and the first input transducer 10 is placed in a predefined position in the ear canal. Figure 7 a(2) shows the filter coefficients of the adaptive feedback filter associated with the second input transducer 8 when the hearing device is in use and the second input transducer 8 is placed in the hearing device 1 closer to the user's face but outside the user's ear canal. Figure 7 a(3) shows the filter coefficients of the adaptive feedback filter associated with the third input transducer 9 when the hearing device 1 is in use and the third input transducer 9 is placed in the hearing device 1 closer to the user's back but outside the user's ear canal.

[0098] Figure 7 b illustrates a scenario where the hearing device 1 is also operating in the first state (i.e., the first input transducer 10 is in the ear canal (1), but the user is wearing glasses and has put them down, thus interfering with the feedback of the second input transducer 8 and the third input transducer 9). It can be seen that in this scenario, the filter coefficients of the first adaptive feedback filter do not change drastically, unlike the other two adaptive filters associated with the other two input transducers. Figure 7 c illustrates a scenario when the user removes the hearing device from their ear. It can be seen that in this scenario, the filter coefficients of all three adaptive feedback filters change drastically. Therefore, based on the filter coefficients of the feedback filters associated with the MIE, the state change of hearing device 1 can be determined, and SPU 6 can accordingly adapt to the operation of hearing device 1 to avoid any malfunctions of hearing device 1 (e.g., generating any unwanted sounds).

[0099] Figure 8 A method 500 for operating a hearing device 1 according to this disclosure is shown. The hearing device can be used with... Figures 1-5This corresponds to any hearing device shown. Method 500 includes the steps of: 502 - providing an input signal by an input transducer; 504 - receiving the input signal by a signal processing unit; 506 - monitoring filter coefficients by the signal processing unit. The filter coefficients are configured to change in response to changes in the input signal. The method also includes the steps of: 508, determining the hearing device state based on the filter coefficients and a threshold; and 510, generating a processed signal by the signal processing unit.

[0100] While specific features have been shown and described, it should be understood that they are not intended to limit the claimed invention, and it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the claimed invention. The specification and drawings should therefore be regarded in an illustrative rather than limiting sense. The claimed invention is intended to cover all alternatives, modifications, and equivalents.

[0101] entry:

[0102] 1. A hearing device, comprising:

[0103] - An input transducer is configured to be placed in the user's ear canal and provide an input signal (15).

[0104] - A signal processing unit is configured to receive the input signal (15) from the input transducer and generate a processed signal (16).

[0105] The signal processing unit includes:

[0106] - An adaptive feedback filter, characterized by its filter coefficients, which are configured to change in response to changes in the input signal.

[0107] The signal processing unit is configured to monitor the filter coefficients and determine the state of the hearing device based on a threshold and the filter coefficients.

[0108] 2. The hearing device as described in item 1, wherein the signal processing unit is configured to control the hearing device based on a determined state.

[0109] 3. The hearing device as described in item 1 or 2, wherein the signal processing unit is configured to: determine the position change of the input transducer based on the filter coefficients.

[0110] 4. The hearing device as described in any one of items 1-3, comprising an output transducer configured to receive the processed signal and output an acoustic signal, wherein, in response to a determined state, the signal processing unit is configured to suppress at least a portion of the acoustic signal from the output transducer or to turn off the output transducer, thereby controlling the hearing device to operate in a second state.

[0111] 5. The hearing device as described in any one of items 1-3, wherein, in response to a determined state, the signal processing unit is configured to: turn off the adaptive feedback filter, thereby controlling the hearing device to operate in a second state.

[0112] 6. The hearing device as described in any of the preceding entries, wherein the adaptive feedback filter is configured to output an adapted signal (19).

[0113] 7. The hearing device as described in item 6, wherein the signal processing unit is configured to generate the processed signal (16) based on the input signal (15) and the adapted signal (19).

[0114] 8. The hearing device as described in any of the preceding entries, wherein the signal processing unit further comprises at least one static feedback filter.

[0115] 9. The hearing device as described in any of the preceding entries, wherein the hearing device is a hearing aid, and wherein the signal processing unit is configured to compensate the user for hearing loss.

[0116] 10. The hearing device as described in any of the preceding entries, wherein the signal processing unit is configured to calculate the p-norm of the filter coefficients.

[0117] 11. The hearing device as described in item 10, wherein,

[0118] When the p-norm is higher than the threshold, the signal processing unit is configured to control the hearing device to operate in a first state, and

[0119] When the p-norm is below the threshold, the signal processing unit is configured to control the hearing device to operate in a second state.

[0120] 12. The hearing device as described in any of the preceding entries, wherein the filter coefficients are calculated using normalized least mean square (nLMS).

[0121] 13. The hearing device as described in any of the preceding entries, wherein the threshold is defined based on the energy content of the adaptive feedback filter.

[0122] 14. The hearing device as described in any of the preceding entries, wherein the threshold is defined based on filter coefficients corresponding to a first state and filter coefficients corresponding to a second state.

[0123] 15. The hearing device as described in any one of items 10-14 above, wherein the threshold is at least 20% lower than the p-norm for the first state, and wherein the signal processing unit is configured to determine the state of the hearing device by comparing the threshold with the p-norm of the filter coefficients.

[0124] 16. The hearing device as described in any of the preceding entries, wherein the threshold is at least 30% lower than the filter coefficient with the largest absolute value among all filter coefficients for the first state, and wherein the signal processing unit is configured to determine the state of the hearing device by comparing the threshold with the absolute value of the filter coefficient.

[0125] 17. The hearing device as described in any of the preceding entries, wherein the hearing device includes a rechargeable battery, and wherein the hearing device is configured to be charged by a charger.

[0126] 18. The hearing device as described in item 17, wherein the threshold is defined based on filter coefficients corresponding to the third state.

[0127] 19. The hearing device as described in any of the preceding entries, wherein, in response to a determined state, the signal processing unit is configured to adjust the hearing device settings to conform to the determined state.

[0128] 20. A method of operating a hearing device, the hearing device comprising at least: an input transducer disposed in a user's ear canal; and a signal processing unit including an adaptive feedback filter, the adaptive feedback filter being characterized by its filter coefficients, the method comprising the steps of:

[0129] - The input signal (15) is provided by the input transducer;

[0130] - The input signal is received by the signal processing unit;

[0131] At the signal processing unit,

[0132] - Monitor the filter coefficients, which are configured to change in response to changes in the input signal;

[0133] - Determine the state of the hearing device based on the filter coefficients and thresholds;

[0134] - The processed signal (16) is generated by the signal processing unit.

[0135] List of reference numerals

[0136] 1 Hearing equipment

[0137] 2 behind-the-ear units

[0138] 3 ears

[0139] 4-output transducer

[0140] 5 tubes

[0141] 6 signal processing units

[0142] 7 Rechargeable batteries

[0143] 8 Second Input Transducer

[0144] 9 Third Input Transducer

[0145] 10 First Input Transducer

[0146] 12 acoustic signals

[0147] 15 Input Signals

[0148] 16 processed signals

[0149] 17 Input signal from the second input transducer

[0150] 18 Input signals from the third input transducer

[0151] 19 Adapted Signals

[0152] 20 feedback filter

[0153] 21 Static Feedback Filter

[0154] 24 Adaptive Feedback Filter

[0155] 25 threshold fields

[0156] 26 Analysis Section

[0157] 27 Hearing device status change indicator

[0158] 500 Methods for Operating Hearing Devices

[0159] Step 502: The input signal is provided by the input transducer.

[0160] Step 504: The input signal is received by the signal processing unit.

[0161] Step 506: Monitor the filter coefficients, which are configured to change in response to changes in the input signal.

[0162] Step 508: Determine the status of the hearing device based on filter coefficients and thresholds.

[0163] Step 510: The signal processing unit generates the processed signal.

Claims

1. A hearing device, comprising: - An input transducer is configured to be placed in the user's ear canal and provide an input signal (15). - A signal processing unit is configured to receive the input signal (15) from the input transducer and generate a processed signal (16). The signal processing unit includes: - An adaptive feedback filter, characterized by its filter coefficients, which are configured to change in response to changes in the input signal. The signal processing unit is configured to monitor the filter coefficients and determine the state of the hearing device based on a threshold and the filter coefficients.

2. The hearing device as described in claim 1, wherein, The signal processing unit is configured to: The hearing device is controlled based on the determined state.

3. The hearing device as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein, The signal processing unit is configured to: Based on the filter coefficients, the position change of the input transducer is determined.

4. The hearing device as claimed in any one of claims 1-3, further comprising an output transducer configured to: receive the processed signal and output an acoustic signal. in, In response to the determined state, the signal processing unit is configured to: Suppressing at least a portion of the acoustic signal from the output transducer or turning off the output transducer controls the hearing device to operate in the second state.

5. The hearing device as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein, In response to the determined state, the signal processing unit is configured to: The adaptive feedback filter is turned off, thereby controlling the hearing device to operate in the second state.

6. The hearing device as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein, The adaptive feedback filter is configured to output an adapted signal (19), and The signal processing unit is configured to generate the processed signal (16) based on the input signal (15) and the adapted signal (19).

7. The hearing device as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein, The hearing device is a hearing aid, and The signal processing unit is configured to compensate the user for hearing loss.

8. The hearing device as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein, The signal processing unit is configured to calculate the p-norm of the filter coefficients.

9. The hearing device as claimed in claim 8, wherein, When the p-norm is higher than the threshold, the signal processing unit is configured to control the hearing device to operate in a first state, and When the p-norm is below the threshold, the signal processing unit is configured to control the hearing device to operate in a second state.

10. The hearing device as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein, The filter coefficients are calculated using normalized least mean square nLMS.

11. The hearing device as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein, The threshold is defined based on the energy content of the adaptive feedback filter.

12. The hearing device as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein, The threshold is defined based on the filter coefficients corresponding to the first state and the filter coefficients corresponding to the second state.

13. The hearing device as described in any one of claims 10-12, wherein, The threshold is at least 20% lower than the p-norm for the first state, and The signal processing unit is configured as follows: The state of the hearing device is determined by comparing the threshold with the p-norm of the filter coefficients.

14. The hearing device as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein, The threshold is at least 30% lower than the filter coefficient with the largest absolute value among all filter coefficients for the first state, and The signal processing unit is configured as follows: The state of the hearing device is determined by comparing the absolute value of the threshold with the filter coefficient.

15. A method of operating a hearing device, said hearing device comprising at least: The input transducer is placed in the user's ear canal; The method (500) includes a signal processing unit, comprising an adaptive feedback filter characterized by its filter coefficients, and the following steps: - The input signal (15) is provided by the input transducer; - The input signal is received by the signal processing unit (6); At the signal processing unit, - Monitor the filter coefficients, which are configured to change in response to a change in the input signal (15); - Determine the state of the hearing device (1) based on the filter coefficients and thresholds; - The processed signal (16) is generated by the signal processing unit (10).

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