Physiological detection system and head-mounted device

Abstract

A physiological detection system (10) comprises a first sensor device (12) for detecting a tympanic membrane movement, a neuronal or muscular activity, and a processor unit (8). The processor unit (8) is coupled to the first sensor device (12) for signal transmission and is configured to determine a time offset between a triggering event detected by the first sensor device (12) or a second sensor device (14) and a detected tympanic membrane movement or an optionally further neuronal or muscular activity, to infer a deviation from the norm in a triggering of the tympanic membrane movement or of the neuronal or muscular activity based on the time offset, and to output information about any determined deviation from the norm.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a physiological detection system. Furthermore, the invention relates to a head-worn (in particular, wearable) device, for example a hearing device, particularly one with such a physiological detection system.

[0002] Hearing devices are typically used to output an audio signal to the wearer's ear. This output is achieved via an output transducer, usually acoustically through sound waves transmitted via a loudspeaker (also called a "receiver"). Such hearing devices are frequently used as assistive listening devices (or simply hearing aids). They typically include an acoustic input transducer (especially a microphone) and a signal processor (also called a "processor unit"). This processor is designed to process the input signal (also called the microphone signal) generated from the ambient sound by the input transducer, using at least one user-specific signal processing algorithm, in such a way as to at least partially compensate for the wearer's hearing loss.Particularly in the case of a hearing aid, the output transducer can be a loudspeaker, a bone conduction receiver, or a cochlear implant, all of which are designed to mechanically or electrically couple the sound signal into the wearer's ear. There are also hearing devices that protect or improve the hearing of users with normal hearing, for example, by enabling improved speech understanding in complex listening situations. Such devices are also known as "Personal Sound Amplification Products" (PSAPs). The term "hearing device" also encompasses devices such as tinnitus maskers, headsets, headphones, and similar devices.

[0003] Typical designs of hearing devices, especially hearing aids, are behind-the-ear (BTE) and in-the-ear (ITE) devices. These terms refer to the intended wearing position. Behind-the-ear hearing aids have a (main) housing that is worn behind the ear. A distinction can be made between models whose speaker is located within this housing—sound is typically delivered to the ear via a sound tube placed in the ear canal—and models that have an external speaker positioned in the ear canal. In-the-ear hearing aids, on the other hand, have a housing that is worn in the ear or even entirely within the ear canal.

[0004] Modern hearing aids sometimes include sensors designed to improve or simplify the assessment of the wearer's current situation. This information allows for further action to be taken. For example, settings on the hearing aid can be adjusted. Warnings can also be issued, such as when the sensors indicate a fall of the hearing aid and / or the wearer. In the former case, location tracking can be used to mark the wearer's location on a (virtual) map. In the latter case, particularly for frail individuals, an emergency call can be placed (e.g., to a contact person). Fall monitoring can also be implemented independently of a hearing aid, for example, if the user does not require a hearing device.Besides monitoring falls, monitoring other bodily (physiological) functions can also be beneficial, as it can provide indications that, for example, a medical examination is recommended. In the simplest case, this could be monitoring the pulse.

[0005] The term "head-worn device" encompasses not only the hearing devices described above but also other devices, particularly those with electronic components, that are preferably designed and intended for interaction with the wearer. These include, for example, smart glasses (such as augmented reality (AR) or virtual reality (VR) glasses) as well as devices that incorporate sensors for measuring vital signs and are usually worn on or around the ear.

[0006] The invention is based on the objective of enabling the detection of further physiological characteristics of a person.

[0007] This problem is solved according to the invention by a physiological detection system with the features of claim 1. Furthermore, this problem is solved according to the invention by a hearing device with the features of claim 12. Advantageous and partly inventive embodiments and further developments of the invention are set out in the dependent claims and the following description.

[0008] The physiological detection system according to the invention (hereinafter referred to as: detection system) comprises a first sensor device for detecting a (in particular active, i.e. preferably originating from the ear of a person wearing the detection system, i.e. not caused by incoming sound) eardrum movement, or for detecting neuronal or muscular activity.Furthermore, the detection system has a processor unit that is coupled to the first sensor device via signal transmission and is designed to determine a time delay between a triggering event detected by the first or a second sensor device of the detection system and a tympanic membrane movement or a (optionally further) neuronal or muscular activity detected by the first, second or optionally further sensor device, to infer a deviation from the norm in the triggering of the tympanic membrane movement or the neuronal or muscular activity based on the time delay, in particular its duration, and to output information about any deviation from the norm that may have been determined.

[0009] The triggering event, the eardrum movement and the neuronal or muscular activity are also referred to in the following generally as an “event” or “physiological event” (especially if this originates from the body of the person using the detection system, such as the eardrum movement or the neuronal or muscular activity, or is related to a physiological reaction).

[0010] The detection system thus enables the identification of eardrum movements or neuronal or muscular activities that deviate from the norm. Specifically, it enables the detection of eardrum movements or activities whose time lag relative to the triggering event—which is primarily a (especially physiological) event directly or indirectly causally related to the eardrum movement or activity (i.e., the other physiological event)—does not correspond to a norm (more precisely, a normal value or expected value; for example, an average value for the person wearing the detection system or for a representative part of the population). The system then alerts the user of the detection system accordingly. The detection system can identify and display an indication of a medical condition, a physiological change, or similar phenomenon.This information can then be used, for example, to have medical personnel conduct an examination and / or make a diagnosis. The person using the detection system (user) can be the person wearing the detection system (referred to as the "carrier"), but also, for example, medical or at least caregiving personnel who use the detection system to examine or monitor the carrier. The information can optionally be output to a storage device where information accumulated over a relatively long period (e.g., several hours, days, or preferably weeks) is stored for later analysis.

[0011] Reasons for a change in the aforementioned time lag between two physiological events, such as between eardrum movement and the triggering event, can be caused by neurological disorders. Such disorders can include tumors (e.g., a brain tumor, a neuroma affecting the nerves of the visual or auditory system) and / or nerve damage or diseases (e.g., cranial or peripheral neuropathies). These disorders can therefore be detected by the detection system, or at least an indication of them can be obtained. Furthermore, muscular disorders can also be detected. Since the periauricular muscles are comparatively weak, weaknesses in performance can be considered early indicators of diseases such as motor neuron disease.Furthermore, the detection system can also be used to monitor the intake or abstinence of pharmacologically active substances, as these often affect (especially subconscious) reaction time and thus manifest themselves, for example, in a change in the time delay.

[0012] In a preferred embodiment, the first sensor device is a microphone which, in the intended operating state of the detection system, is directed into the ear canal (or: ear passage) of the person using the detection system (i.e., in particular, the person being examined or monitored by means of the detection system; the aforementioned carrier).

[0013] In a suitable advanced configuration, the processor unit is set up to correlate the detected eardrum movement with an eye movement when a sound event with a volume between 45 and 65 dB SPL, particularly around 55 dB SPL (+ / - 5 dB SPL) at 30 Hz + / - 15 Hz, is detected in the ear canal. Such an eardrum movement correlated with an eye movement is known as an "eye-movement related eardrum oscillation" (EMREO). As can be deduced from the aforementioned characteristics, EMREOs are typically louder and "lower" (lower frequency) than other eardrum movements, such as otoacoustic emissions. This makes it relatively easy to distinguish EMREOs from otoacoustic emissions. EMREOs represent involuntary movements of the eardrum in response to eye movements.Unlike otoacoustic emissions, EMREOs are not directly linked to acoustic stimulation of the ear; therefore, they do not require a prior test tone or the like for the desired triggering, which advantageously allows for an inconspicuous determination or detection for the user.

[0014] To more precisely attribute the tympanic membrane movement to an eye movement (i.e., as belonging to or caused by it), the processor unit, according to an advantageous embodiment, is configured to assign the detected tympanic membrane movement to the eye movement when the (ear canal-internal) sound event occurs approximately 10 ms (+ / - 2 ms) before and up to approximately 5 ms (especially + / - 2 ms) after a detected eye movement or a neuronal or muscular activity associated with the eye movement. These are time periods around this event (eye movement or activity) that are typical for EMREOs. In principle, and preferably, the event considered in this case is the eye movement itself. Optionally, this eye movement or the event associated with it can already constitute the aforementioned triggering event.

[0015] In an alternative, more practical variant, the triggering event is a brain activity or muscle control that precedes the eye movement, e.g., the registration of an external sound event, which is typically followed by a reflexive, i.e., unconscious, eye movement.

[0016] According to another alternative, practical variant, the triggering event (especially by the processor unit) is, for example, a particularly loud, external sound event (i.e., not originating from the ear canal) (e.g., a bang or a comparable noise with a rapidly increasing volume). In the latter case, the assessment of whether a deviation from the norm exists is based, in particular, on the assumption that, in the case of such a loud, external sound event, the test subject (especially the user) is highly likely to direct their gaze, preferably reflexively (i.e., subconsciously), towards the sound source. This external sound event can optionally also be detected by means of the microphone directed into the ear canal, i.e., the first sensor device. Even with a microphone worn in the ear canal, e.g.,With a hearing device such as a hearing aid, such a loud external sound event can be distinguished from EMREOs or otoacoustic emissions.

[0017] In the present context, such an external, loud sound event is also considered a physiological event in the broadest sense, since such a sound event has a direct effect on the body of the person wearing the detection system (especially on their hearing), and in particular also entails reflexive activities.

[0018] In an alternative or optionally additional configuration, the first sensor device is an optical sensor. For example, a laser distance sensor can be used to detect eardrum movement with particular precision, and in principle – especially based on the detected amplitude – a sound pressure level can also be assigned to this movement, at least based on empirical measurements. Optionally, a VCSEL laser sensor can be used for this purpose.

[0019] In another alternative or optional additional version, the first sensor device is a vibration sensor, e.g. a structure-borne sound sensor, in particular an acceleration sensor.

[0020] In yet another alternative embodiment, the first sensor device is a sensor for detecting muscle stimulation and / or excitation of nerve tissue, in particular an EEG, an EOG (“electrooculography”) or an EMG sensor.

[0021] In a suitable embodiment, the second (or optionally a third) sensor device is a microphone, particularly in cases where the trigger event is a loud, external sound (i.e., a noise outside the ear canal) that is expected to cause a change in the direction of gaze. Preferably, this microphone is directed towards the area surrounding the person wearing the detection system in its intended operating state.

[0022] Preferably, the second (or optionally a third) sensor device is additionally or alternatively a sensor for detecting muscle stimulation, in particular an EMG or electrooculography (EOG) sensor. Preferably, this second sensor device, in particular such a sensor, is positioned in its intended operating state such that it is possible to detect muscle stimulation of muscles associated with eye movement, optionally the eye muscles themselves. For example, in its intended operating state, this sensor is positioned at the temple of the person wearing the detection system. Additionally or alternatively, muscle stimulation of periauricular muscles (e.g., facial muscles), which is frequently accompanied by eye movement, can also be detected (i.e., the sensor can be positioned accordingly).In this embodiment, the eye movement itself, or the movement of other muscles associated with it, is preferably used as the triggering event, or at least as a physiological event used to verify the tympanic membrane movement as an EMREO, since these muscle stimulations are known to be causally related to an EMREO (or to another triggering event). In this case, detecting the tympanic membrane movement during the aforementioned period before and after the eye movement is therefore particularly advantageous.As already indicated, EMREOs typically occur over the aforementioned period even before the eye movement (and thus the associated muscle activity) and last until after the eye movement has been completed - provided that such a completion of the eye movement (or the associated muscle activity) can be detected, which is regularly the case, at least in the short term, when the user focuses and keeps their gaze on something.

[0023] Additionally or alternatively, an EEG sensor can also be used – particularly in the case of the second sensor device – to detect, as a triggering event (or, particularly when used as the first sensor device, optionally as a reaction to a triggering event), for example, the activation (stimulation) of nerve tissue, indicating muscle stimulation and / or the processing of altered visual or auditory impressions. For instance, activation of a functional area in a temporal lobe, indicating an intended change in gaze direction, can be detected. This activation also represents a possible triggering event, i.e., a physiological event causally related to EMREO.

[0024] The assignment of a triggering event to the tympanic membrane movement or to other neuronal or muscular activity, in particular the differentiation of various sensor signals (especially EEG, EMG and / or EOG) and the selection of a corresponding sensor signal (or a specific part thereof) as an "identifier" for the triggering event (e.g., the assignment of the EEG sensor signal to a planned activation of nerve tissue), is preferably based on temporal relationships that in turn indicate causal relationships between the individual events (triggering event, tympanic membrane movement, neuronal or muscular activity, and the like). For example, predefined temporal thresholds and / or signal characteristics of the respective sensor device (e.g., EEG, EMG, EMG, EOG) are used for this purpose.An amplitude or amplitude ratio, signal strength, or similar parameters known to be characteristic of activity in specific brain, nerve, and / or muscle regions (particularly those relevant to the present monitoring) are used and analyzed. Optionally, an amplitude ratio within a (particularly predetermined) number of consecutive amplitudes can also be considered characteristic of a triggering event. For example, a procedure known for determining so-called event-related potentials can be chosen for EEG signals.

[0025] Using the aforementioned different or partially identical sensor devices, several events can be recorded in response to an external stimulus, resulting in a reflexive eye movement. These events occur regularly in approximately the following temporal sequence: 1 Loud noise (e.g. a bang; the external stimulus), 2 Activity in the auditory cortex of the brain, 3 Activity in the eye muscle nuclei in the brainstem, 4 Eye movement, 5 EMREO.

[0026] Event 5 can be (and is, according to one embodiment) detected using the microphone directed into the ear canal, vibration sensor, or laser distance sensor as described above. In the present case, event 3 is usually difficult to detect using a device worn on the ear (in particular, an EEG sensor mounted on it). Event 2, however, can be detected using such a device. Event 4 can also be detected using an EOG sensor integrated into such a device. Event 1 can also be detected, as described above, using the microphone directed into the ear canal or another microphone directed into the environment. For event 5, the time offset can then be determined, preferably relative to one (or more) of events 1, 2, and 4.The advantage of such a reflexive event lies in the fact that the associated causal chain regularly occurs subconsciously and cannot be influenced by ordinary people. Therefore, if this time delay deviates from a normal value (expected value), it can indicate a physiological problem. For example, a tumor in the auditory pathway would very likely lead to a delay in all events 2 through 5, whereas the "event pairs" 2 and 4, 2 and 5, and 4 and 5 do not necessarily experience a delay. If there is a disease of the peripheral nerves or muscles, event 4 may be delayed, but event 5 does not necessarily have to be. If there is a problem (e.g., a tumor) in the brainstem, event 4 is usually delayed, so that the time delay to event 5 becomes smaller, whereas the time delay between event 5 and 1 usually remains the same.

[0027] The processor unit is configured – particularly for the context described above – according to a suitable design to use as a triggering event a sound event capable of inducing a reflexive eye movement (e.g., a bang), and / or at least one of the following physiological events: nerve activity in a central nervous system component of an auditory system (cortex; e.g., one of the temporal lobes), nerve activity in a central nervous system area for initiating and controlling eye movements (e.g., in the brainstem), an eye movement, activation of an eye muscle, peripheral nerve activity for initiating a periauricular muscle or an eye movement, or activation or movement of a periauricular muscle. For this purpose, the processor unit utilizes, in particular, the sensor devices described above.

[0028] Preferably, the processor unit is configured to use the aforementioned trigger events to determine the time delay relative to the detected eye movement. Optionally, the processor unit is additionally or alternatively configured to also use time delays between different events (even without eardrum movement) to assess whether a deviation from the norm exists. For example, the processor unit is configured to interpret an unexpected delay between a bang and the eye movement (numbered 1 and 4 above) as an indication of a problem in the brainstem.

[0029] Preferably, in this process (i.e., in the determination of a deviation from the expected value of the respective time offset as described above), not only an upper limit for the respective time offset is specified, but also a lower limit, i.e., such that the time offset may not be shorter than a certain duration.

[0030] According to another preferred variant, the aforementioned expected values ​​for the respective time offset are determined individually for each user, in particular the wearer, of the detection system over several weeks. The processor unit is thus configured to determine the expected value(s) over such a period. Specifically, the respective expected value is statistically determined based on a distribution of individual measurements over the aforementioned period, for example, simply as a mean (optionally with an associated standard deviation or confidence interval). Likewise, a warning or notification of a detected deviation from the norm only occurs when it is "statistically confirmed," i.e., not upon its initial occurrence, but only when such a deviation is recognizable over a period of several days or weeks based on the distribution of the "new" (i.e., deviating) measurements.

[0031] In particular, to assess muscle stimulation or nerve tissue activation as reflexive to an external stimulus, the aforementioned microphone (which can be used to detect the external sound event) and / or an EMG, EOG, or EEG sensor are usefully employed as a second sensor device. If the time difference between the external sound event and a change in the EMG, EOG, or EEG signal for the corresponding tissue (e.g., periauricular muscles or the temporal lobe) is below the typical delay for a conscious reaction (approximately 500 ms to 1500 ms), it can be concluded that the reaction is reflexive, i.e., involuntary.The time delay of an involuntary reaction is particularly suitable for assessing a person's health, as it remains constant within a certain range and is not dependent on their participation or daily condition. Systematic deviations in these time delays (usually increased values) can be a strong indicator of nerve or muscle tissue damage.

[0032] Optionally, the second sensor device (or even a third) can be a gyroscopic sensor (e.g., an IMU sensor) or similar device, which can detect head movement. A head movement can be a reflexive movement (e.g., in response to an external sound event, similar to the eye movement described above), which could then be used as a trigger event. Alternatively, such a head movement can also be a conscious movement, for example, following the eye movement. Such a conscious movement typically exhibits the aforementioned time delay of at least 500–1500 ms (or more).

[0033] If a time delay between the triggering event and the recorded tympanic membrane movement (or one of the other physiological events) is detected with a value that deviates from the expected value, the processor unit, according to a preferred embodiment, is configured to interpret this as a deviation from the norm. Preferably, this is done, as described above, on the basis of statistical validation, in particular by evaluating individual values ​​over a period of several days, especially several weeks. Depending on the specific physiological event observed and the individual person, the expected value can range from a few milliseconds to up to 800 ms, particularly between 20 and 700 ms. In principle, the expected value can be either positive or negative. That is, the triggering event can occur—depending on the physiological event—before or after the tympanic membrane movement. The latter is, for example,This is the case when the trigger event is the eye movement to which the EMREO is assigned, because, as already described, the EMREO regularly occurs before the actual eye movement. A time delay exceeding the expected value can, as described above, indicate a (potentially pathological) disturbance of nerve or muscle functions. Preferably, the processor unit is configured to assign a limit interval to each expected value, so that a slight exceedance of the expected value is not considered a deviation from the norm. For example, this limit interval can be up to 5 or 10 percent of the expected value. If the expected value is, for example, 500 ms, such a deviation of up to 50 ms would not be considered a deviation from the norm.

[0034] In a suitable embodiment, a first and optionally a second sensor device are provided for each side of the user's body or head. That is, the detection system comprises these two first and, if applicable, second sensor devices. The processor unit is preferably configured to determine a further time delay between the trigger event detected by the first or (preferably) second sensor device for the first side of the body or head and the eardrum movement detected by the first sensor device for the second side of the body or head, and to use this delay to assess a deviation from the norm. In this case, a kind of "binaural" measurement is performed, whereby, in particular, the EMREOs described above are measured crosswise for the sides of the body or head (i.e.,The triggering event of one side of the body or head is analyzed in relation to the EMREO of the other side, particularly with regard to the time offset. Equally (and especially additionally or alternatively), the respective time offsets determined for the left and right sides of the body or head using the procedure described above can also be compared to identify deviations between the two halves. A deviation in the time offsets between the two halves, both parallel (i.e., differences between EMREOs determined for each half) and crosswise, can indicate a disturbance of the person's nervous system.

[0035] Preferably, the processor unit is configured to perform the analysis described above immediately after detecting the eardrum movement and the triggering event.

[0036] As already indicated above, according to a further expedient embodiment, the processor unit is configured to determine a systematic change (in particular a deviation from the aforementioned expected value) based on a number of the time offsets described above, recorded over a period of several weeks, preferably analogous to the determination of the respective expected value based on a distribution determined for these time offsets (normal distribution, averaging, and the like). This change is optionally compared with an assigned limit value (in particular the expected value described above plus an upper and / or lower limit), and if the limit value is exceeded, a message is issued to the person using the detection system.

[0037] The head-worn device according to the invention forms, for example, a hearing device, preferably a hearing aid. Alternatively, the head-worn device can also form, in particular, smart glasses (e.g., AR glasses or VR glasses). The head-worn device includes the detection system described above. Optionally, the head-worn device can "only" comprise the detection system, in the sense that, for example, a housing is provided in which the detection system is arranged and mounted on the head for wear. In the case of the "binaural" version of the detection system, the hearing device is also preferably part of a binaural hearing system with two hearing devices, which are in communication with each other during intended operation. The respective hearing device(s) thus comprise the first and second sensor devices as well as the processor unit described above.

[0038] The processor unit optionally includes a microprocessor with dedicated memory and is configured by software (in particular by means of operating software or a comparable application) to perform the functionality described above. Alternatively, the processor unit includes an application-specific chipset, e.g., at least one ASIC, which is configured by circuitry to perform this functionality. Optionally, the processor unit is formed by a signal processor of the hearing device. Also optionally, the processor unit is implemented in a smart mobile device (smartphone, tablet, or the like, in particular by means of a corresponding software application).

[0039] The conjunction “and / or” is to be understood here and in the following in particular as meaning that the features linked by means of this conjunction can be formed both jointly and as alternatives to each other.

[0040] An embodiment of the invention is explained in more detail below with reference to a drawing. The drawing shows: Fig. 1. A physiological detection system is shown in a schematic representation, and Fig. 2 in a schematic diagram a temporal course of an eye movement as well as a tympanic membrane movement.

[0041] In Fig. Figure 1 schematically depicts a hearing device, or hearing aid 1 for short. This device comprises a housing 2 to be worn behind the ear and a loudspeaker 4 to be worn in the ear canal. Furthermore, the hearing aid 1 has two microphones 6, which serve to detect ambient sound. The hearing aid 1 also includes a controller 8, by means of which the sound received by the microphones 6 and converted into electrical signals is processed, e.g., filtered, amplified, etc., and output to the loudspeaker 4 in the form of sound waves.

[0042] Furthermore, the hearing aid 1 has a physiological detection system 10. The detection system 10 comprises a first sensor device in the form of a second microphone 12, which, in the intended use of the hearing aid 1, is directed into the ear canal, specifically towards the eardrum of a person using the hearing aid 1. The detection system 10 also has a second sensor device in the form of an EOG sensor 14. In the intended use, this sensor is positioned on the head of the person wearing the hearing aid 1 in such a way that stimulation of their eye muscles, in this embodiment the eye of the side of the body or head on which the hearing aid 1 is worn, can be detected. The microphone 12 and the EOG sensor 14 are connected to the controller 8 via signal transmission.

[0043] The controller 8 forms a processor unit and is designed to carry out, in particular independently, a method described in more detail below, which also constitutes an independent invention, during the intended operation of the hearing aid 1, specifically the detection system 10.

[0044] Using microphone 12 directed into the ear canal, the controller 8 determines whether eardrum movement is present by specifically detecting a sound (sound event) caused by such eardrum movement. Using the EOG sensor 14, the controller 8 detects a physiological event that is at least potentially related to the eardrum movement. This event is defined as a movement of the person's eyeballs, which is detectable by the stimulation of the eye muscles as measured by the EOG sensor 14. This detected stimulation is thus interpreted as an indication of eye movement. The controller 8 determines a time delay between the detected event and the detected eardrum movement.

[0045] Specifically, Controller 8 is designed to detect so-called EMREOs, i.e., tympanic membrane oscillations associated with eye movement. These occur during eye movements. Fig. Figure 2 schematically illustrates how such EMREOs manifest. It shows two curves: a curve W representing the person's lateral gaze angle and a signal from microphone 12 (solid curve mic) around their respective "resting position" (i.e., a moving average over an approximately displacement-free phase; dashed horizontal line) over time. The curve W shown here exemplifies a movement of the eye to the right. As can be seen, the movement of the eardrum begins shortly before the eye movement, approximately 10 ms, specifically with a displacement opposite to the direction of eye movement. This movement (oscillation of the eardrum) continues until about 5 ms after the end of the eye movement.In the present embodiment, the controller 8 therefore concludes that an EMREO is present if there is a time delay between a corresponding signal change in the signal of the microphone 12 and a signal change that indicates stimulation of the eye muscles in the signal of the EOG sensor 14, comparable to the representation according to . Fig. 2 behaves.

[0046] Controller 8 further verifies that the eardrum movement is an EMREO (Early Resonance Movement Erosion) by checking that the sound pressure level of the eardrum movement is in the range of 45 to 65 dB SPL at a frequency of approximately 30 + / - 15 Hz. Other unconscious eardrum movements, for example in the case of so-called otoacoustic emissions, regularly fall within a different frequency and volume range.

[0047] To detect a deviation from the norm, the controller 8 is configured, according to one variant, to use an external sound event as the trigger event—that is, a sound event originating outside the ear canal and thus captured by the microphones 6. Specifically, the controller 8 only considers a particularly loud sound event, such as a bang, a squeal, or the like, with a sound pressure level of at least 70 dB (especially one that rises relatively quickly or abruptly to this value). Such a sound event regularly leads to a reflexive eye movement. The controller 8 infers a deviation from the norm if the time delay between the captured sound event (trigger event) and the onset of the EMREO is greater than an expected value determined from a series of measurements taken over several weeks, but less than 800 ms (in the present example).This is based on the assumption that, under normal conditions, the person using hearing aid 1 will reflexively, i.e., subconsciously, direct their gaze towards the perceived sound source when such a sound event occurs. If this reaction fails to occur or lasts longer than expected (i.e., the person's usual reaction time), a deviation from the norm is suspected and this information is displayed. For example, the information is conveyed acoustically via speaker 4. The person can then, for example, seek medical advice.

[0048] Alternatively, the detection system 10 can also be trained independently of the hearing aid 1, e.g. to enable a doctor to examine the EMREOs without the person having to own a hearing aid.

[0049] The subject matter of the invention is not limited to the embodiment described above. Rather, further embodiments of the invention can be derived by a person skilled in the art from the above description. Reference symbol list 1 hearing aid 2 cases 4 speakers 6 microphones 8 Controller 10 Detection system 12 microphones 14 EOG sensor W curve mic curve

Claims

[1] Physiological detection system (10), having - a first sensor device (12) for detecting tympanic membrane movement, neuronal or muscular activity, and - a processor unit (8) which is coupled to the first sensor device (12) via signal transmission and is configured to determine a time offset between a triggering event detected by means of the first sensor device (12) or a second sensor device (14) and a detected tympanic membrane movement or, optionally, further neuronal or muscular activity, to infer a deviation from the norm of a triggering of the tympanic membrane movement or of the neuronal or muscular activity based on the time offset, and to output information about any deviation from the norm that may have been determined. [2] Physiological detection system (10) according to claim 1, wherein the processor unit (8) is configured to use as a triggering event a sound event suitable for triggering a reflex eye movement, nerve activity in a central nervous part of an auditory system, nerve activity in a central nervous area for triggering and controlling eye movements, an eye movement, activation of an eye muscle, peripheral nerve activity for triggering a periauricular muscle or an eye movement and / or activation or movement of a periauricular muscle. [3] Physiological detection system (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first sensor device is a microphone (12) which, in the intended operating state of the detection system (10), is directed into the ear canal of a person using the detection system. [4] Physiological detection system (10) according to claim 3, wherein the processor unit (8) is configured to associate the detected tympanic membrane movement with an eye movement when a sound event with a loudness in the range between 45 and 65 dBSPL at 30 + / - 15 Hz is detected in the ear canal. [5] Physiological detection system (10) according to claim 4, wherein the processor unit (8) is configured to associate the detected tympanic membrane movement with the eye movement when the sound event occurs approximately 10 ms before and up to approximately 5 ms after a detected eye movement or neuronal and / or muscular activity associated with the eye movement. [6] Physiological detection system (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the first sensor device is an optical sensor. [7] Physiological detection system (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the first sensor device is a vibration sensor. [8] Physiological detection system (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the first sensor device is a sensor (14) for detecting muscle stimulation and / or excitation of nerve tissue, in particular an EEG, EOG or EMG sensor. [9] Physiological detection system (10) according to one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the second sensor device is a microphone for detecting an external sound event, a sensor (14) for detecting muscle stimulation and / or stimulation of nerve tissue. [10] Physiological detection system (10) according to one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the processor unit (8) is configured to infer the deviation from the norm when the time offset between the triggering event and the detected tympanic membrane movement or neuronal or muscular activity is smaller or larger than an associated characteristic expectation value, wherein this expectation value depends on the selected triggering event and is in particular up to + / - 800 ms. [11] Physiological detection system (10) according to one of claims 1 to 10, wherein a first sensor device (12) and optionally a second sensor device (14) are provided for each half of the person's body or head, wherein the processor unit (8) is configured to determine a further time delay between the trigger event detected by the first or optionally second sensor device (12, 14) for the first half of the body or head and the eardrum movement detected by the first sensor device (12) for the second half of the body or head, and to use this delay to assess a deviation from the norm. [12] Physiological detection system (10) according to one of claims 1 to 11, wherein a first sensor device (12) and optionally a second sensor device (14) are provided for each half of the person's body or head, wherein the processor unit (8) is configured to determine the time offset between the detected trigger event and the eardrum movement detected by means of the first sensor device (12) for the respective half of the body or head and to use it to assess a deviation from the norm, in particular to compare the two time offsets with each other. [13] Physiological detection system (10) according to one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the processor unit (8) is configured to detect a systematic change based on a number of time offsets recorded over a period of several weeks. [14] Head-worn device, preferably a hearing device, in particular a hearing aid, comprising a physiological detection system (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

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