Technical device for the simultaneous application of different hearing system technologies

Abstract

Device for the simultaneous application of different hearing system technologies, designed to simulate a compensation of a hearing impairment for end users, wherein microphones are arranged in microphone pairs (microphone module (7)), wherein each microphone pair is designed to generate a stereo signal and can be selectively activated via an electrical switching device (7).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a technical device for the simultaneous application of various hearing system technologies, in particular to support customer consultation in the field of hearing acoustics.

[0002] The selection and evaluation of suitable hearing systems by end users represents a recurring challenge. Despite transparent advice from specialists, customers often find it difficult to immediately recognize the technological added value of high-quality hearing system technology or to understand the differences between price and device categories.

[0003] A practical comparison of different hearing systems is also difficult, as identical listening situations cannot be reliably reproduced over extended periods in the customer's everyday environment. This makes objective comparison of the performance of different systems difficult.

[0004] This technical device is designed to improve the customer experience when selecting and evaluating hearing systems. The goal is to simplify consultations with professional staff and to support the selection process for end customers by providing a direct, acoustically tangible representation of the technical differences between different hearing system categories.

[0005] The device enables, for example, direct acoustic output of the currently active microphone signal of a hearing system via headphones, with a switching device allowing seamless switching between different hearing system technologies. This technically enables a simultaneous comparison under controlled conditions, particularly with regard to performance in background noise or complex acoustic scenarios.

[0006] The technical implementation allows family members to be involved in the decision-making process, as they can listen in parallel and share their hearing impressions. This leads to greater transparency, facilitates decision-making, and thus increases customer satisfaction.

[0007] The device can be supplemented with media content to support information transfer. This allows customers to explore specific content independently and without the active involvement of a professional.

[0008] Additional presentation areas for current products can optionally be integrated into the fixture or the surrounding store image to further enhance the consulting experience and promote decision-making.

[0009] A first general aspect of the present disclosure relates to a device for simultaneously applying different hearing system technologies, wherein microphones are arranged in microphone pairs (microphone module (3)), each microphone pair generating a stereo signal and being selectively activated via an electrical switching device (7). The device can be designed to simulate the compensation of hearing loss by hearing systems and to make this experience tangible for the end user.

[0010] In one example, the switching device (7) can be modularly connectable to a motherboard via connections, thereby enabling flexible arrangement on the terminal device. In some examples, the switching device (7) can comprise a housing or be sealed to provide vandal-proof protection.

[0011] In one example, the processing of the signals of the digital and analog inputs and outputs can be implemented via a physical computing platform consisting of software and hardware.

[0012] In one example, the switching device (7) can be designed such that the activation of the respective microphone pairs can be switched without acoustically audible artifacts, with only one microphone pair being active.

[0013] In examples, the switching device (7) can be designed such that when a switching unit is activated, optical feedback is provided by a light integrated in the switch, wherein all lights can be controlled via detachable connections.

[0014] In one example, the stereo signal of each active microphone pair may be amplified via digital amplifiers, whereby linear amplification may be achieved in the frequency range from 20 Hz to 15 kHz up to a maximum output level of 110 dB, and the amplified signal may be fed to headphones with an acoustic attenuation of at least 20 dB.

[0015] In one example, it may be provided that a continuously adjustable volume control (8) can be provided for each stereo signal, the control range of which is distributed from 0 dB to 110 dB, whereby the volume control can also be connected modularly to the main board via connections.

[0016] In one example, a headphone output may additionally be provided with a balance control (6) by means of which the right / left channels can be adjusted, whereby an even signal distribution can be achieved in the middle position of the control.

[0017] In one example, the sound signals of the device may be output to headphones (5).

[0018] In one example, the maximum output level may be limited to 110 dB for all headphones, with automatic emergency shutdown occurring if this value is exceeded. In some examples, this limit may be set via software and customized through subsequent adjustments.

[0019] In one example, to prevent feedback, an analysis device can monitor and evaluate frequency, current consumption, and the frequency of characteristic frequency components. In one example, the analysis device shuts off the output of signals within a specific time period, which can be specified and customized via software adjustments. In one example, the analysis of the characteristic frequency components can cover a frequency range of 3,500 Hz to 6,000 Hz, which can be specified and customized via software adjustments.

[0020] In one example, it may be possible to simulate the compensation of asymmetric hearing losses by individual adjustments of volume and balance (6 & 8), whereby the changes can be applied via a potentiometer (6) and an adjustable change in the volume ratios of the left and right stereo signals (8).

[0021] In one example, an integrated playback device is provided (4), via which predefined acoustic listening situations can be reproduced.

[0022] In one example, the headphones can simulate the acoustic effect of individual earpieces (otoplasties) through their capsule insulation.

[0023] In one example, an interface may be provided for direct connection to external audio sources, in particular televisions or hearing aid accessories.

[0024] In one example, it may be possible to simulate passive hearing protection filters on the sound coupler (3a-3).

[0025] In one example, a reference auditory channel without amplification may be provided, via which a comparative assessment can be carried out without hearing aids.

[0026] In one example, a software connection may be provided via which a quick hearing test can be carried out and the amplification behavior of the device can be adjusted automatically.

[0027] In one example, the device can be used to simulate and test in-ear monitoring systems, particularly for applications in the field of music and stage technology, whereby these are connected to the sound coupler via the connecting piece (3a-3) via a precise coupling. In some examples, this connection can be achieved via additional coupling pieces. List of reference symbols 1 wooden substructure, three-part 2 tablets for consultation 3 Microphone module 3a Sound coupler & hearing aid support surface 3a-1 Body sound coupler 3a-2 Support surface 3a-3 Hearing aid connection piece, universal 3b Light ring 4 Integrated player 5 headphones 6 balance controls 7 Switching device 8 volume controls

Claims

[1] Device for the simultaneous application of different hearing system technologies, designed to simulate a compensation of a hearing impairment for end users, wherein microphones are arranged in microphone pairs (microphone module (7)), wherein each microphone pair is designed to generate a stereo signal and can be selectively activated via an electrical switching device (7). [2] The device of claim 1, wherein the microphones are connected to a circuit board via detachable connections to enable modular replacement. [3] Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the processing of the signals is realized digitally and analogously via a physical computing platform consisting of software and hardware, which controls the digital and analogue inputs and outputs. [4] Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the switching device (7) is designed to switch the activation of the respective microphone pairs without audible artifacts, wherein only one microphone pair is active at a time. [5] Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the switching device (7) is designed to be vandal-proof and can be connected modularly to a main board via connections, thereby enabling flexible arrangement on the terminal device. [6] Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the device is designed to output an optical feedback signal by means of a light integrated in the switch and by means of additional lights upon activation of a switching device, wherein all lights can be controlled via detachable connections. [7] Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the stereo signal of each active microphone pair is amplified by digital amplifiers, with linear amplification in the frequency range from 20 Hz to 15 kHz up to a maximum output level of 110 dB, and the amplified signal is fed to headphones with an acoustic attenuation of at least 20 dB. [8] Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that for each stereo signal a continuously adjustable volume control (8) is provided, the control range of which is distributed from 0 dB to 110 dB, whereby the volume control is also connected modularly via connections to the main board. [9] Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that a headphone output is additionally provided with a balance control (6), designed to adjust the right / left channels, whereby an even signal distribution occurs in the middle position of the control. [10] Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the sound signals of the device are output to headphones (5). [11] Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the maximum output level is limited to 110 dB for all headphones, and if this value is exceeded, an automatic emergency shutdown occurs, which is set and controlled via software. [12] Device according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising an analysis device for avoiding acoustic feedback, which is designed to monitor and evaluate frequency, current consumption and frequency of characteristic frequency components, wherein the analysis of the characteristic frequency components covers a frequency range of 3,500 Hz to 6,000 Hz, which is determined and individualized via software adaptations. [13] Device according to one of the preceding claims, designed to simulate the compensation of asymmetric hearing losses by individual adjustment of volume by means of a potentiometer (6) and balance circuit (8), wherein the balance circuit (8) consists of a shift in the weighting of the stereo signal (left - right). [14] Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that an integrated playback device is provided (4) via which predefined acoustic listening situations are reproduced. [15] Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the headphones simulate the acoustic effect of individual earpieces (otoplasties) through their capsule insulation. [16] Device according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising an interface for connection to external audio sources, in particular televisions or accessories for hearing aids. [17] Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that passive hearing protection filters can be simulated using an adapter on the sound coupler (3a-3). [18] Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that a stereo reference hearing channel is provided, via which a comparative assessment can be carried out without hearing aids. [19] Device according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising a software connection designed to perform a quick hearing test and to automatically adapt the amplification behavior of the device. [20] Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the device can be used for simulating and testing in-ear monitoring systems, in particular for applications in the field of music and stage technology, whereby these are connected to the sound coupler via the connecting piece (3a-3) via a precisely fitting coupling.

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