Procedures for fine-tuning a hearing aid and hearing aid

Abstract

The method involves recording an acoustic input signal, converting the acoustic input signal into an electrical input signal, and identifying a hearing situation using the electrical input signal. A parameter relating to signal processing is adjusted based on the hearing situation. A question is selected from a list of questions based on the hearing situation. The selected question is presented to the user, and a user input is acquired as a reaction of the user to the selected question. The parameter of the signal processing is tuned in a behind-the-ear hearing aid (1) based on the user input. An independent claim is also included for a hearing aid or hearing aid system comprising an input transducer.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a method for individually fine-tuning the signal processing of a hearing aid to a user and to a hearing aid for carrying out the method.

[0002] Every hearing aid should be individually adjusted to the wearer in terms of amplification, frequency response, and the effectiveness of adaptive algorithms. The relevant settings depend primarily on the hearing loss, the ear's geometric parameters, and the user's personal preferences. Adjusting the hearing aid settings based on the wearer's individual parameters is challenging. Some input parameters are uncertain or very difficult to measure. Internationally validated formulas or manufacturer-specific algorithms establish a correlation between these input parameters and the hearing aid settings (First Fit). The hearing aid acoustician then performs individual fine-tuning. One problem with fine-tuning is that the wearer's acoustic environment cannot be precisely replicated in the store.This often results in an optimal setting not being found for the living environment of the respective user.

[0003] Several approaches are known to solve this problem:

[0004] In retrospective fitting, the user tells the hearing care professional about their hearing problems, for example: "The refrigerator is too loud." The hearing care professional then tries to adjust the hearing aid based on their knowledge, but without having a precise understanding of the problem. To try out the changed settings, the user must first put themselves back in the relevant situation and, if necessary, visit the hearing care professional again if the sound still does not meet their expectations.

[0005] Interactive customization using sound and video examples attempts to recreate a realistic scenario of typical environments in which the user finds themselves. Through multi-channel audio examples and corresponding video images, the user is given the illusion of being immersed in the presented scene. However, the environment can never be completely realistic, and in particular, the user's personal living environment cannot be replicated. For example, a conversation in the user's kitchen might sound completely different from the one in the corresponding example situation. Therefore, the acoustician can only adapt to general situations and can only address the user's specific needs with difficulty, because they do not know the user's exact preferred listening environments.

[0006] With a trainable hearing aid, the device or its remote control offers various settings that allow the user to adjust the sound of their hearing aid directly in critical situations. Over time, the hearing aid "remembers" the user's preferences in different listening environments. Naturally, the settings are very limited to avoid overwhelming the user (e.g., volume, tone, and noise cancellation).

[0007] German patent application DE 103 47 211 A1 discloses a method for retraining and operating a hearing aid and a corresponding hearing aid, in which a classifier is trained to automatically recognize the current hearing situation by means of a neural network.

[0008] From publication EP 1 453 356 A2, a method for adjusting a hearing aid and a hearing aid are known in which interactive adjustment is performed during operation. A classifier recognizes different listening situations and initiates interactive adjustment procedures in which various settings are evaluated. The presentation of the settings depends on the current listening situation.

[0009] From publication EP 0 814 634 A1, a method for determining optimal parameter sets for a hearing aid is known. In this method, several parameter sets for each of several listening situations are stored in a memory of an adjustment device. The user can then select a specific parameter set from the available parameter sets for a given listening situation.

[0010] A disadvantage of known methods for the individual fine-tuning of hearing aids is, on the one hand, their complexity, which means that they can only be carried out effectively in cooperation with a hearing aid acoustician, or, on the other hand, in the case of simple methods, their narrowly limited adjustment options for the hearing aid.

[0011] The object of the present invention is therefore to provide a method for individually fine-tuning the signal processing of a hearing aid or hearing aid system to a user, as well as a corresponding hearing aid or hearing aid system, in which the fine-tuning can be carried out simply and in particular by the user himself, and which nevertheless offer extensive adjustment options.

[0012] This problem is solved by a method for individually fine-tuning the signal processing of a hearing aid or hearing aid system to a user, comprising the method steps according to claim 1.

[0013] Furthermore, the problem is solved by a hearing aid or hearing aid system with the features according to claim 8.

[0014] A hearing aid according to the invention is understood to be any device that provides or contributes to providing an output signal perceptible to a user as an acoustic signal, and that has means that serve or contribute to compensating for an individual hearing loss of the user. In particular, this includes hearing aids that are wearable on the body or head, especially on or in the ear, as well as those that are wholly or partially implantable. However, it also includes devices whose primary purpose is not to compensate for hearing loss, for example, consumer electronics devices (televisions, hi-fi systems, MP3 players, etc.) or communication devices (mobile phones, PDAs, headsets, etc.) that nevertheless have means to compensate for an individual hearing loss.

[0015] For binaural hearing care, a hearing aid system consisting of two hearing aids, either worn on or in the ear, is typically used. In addition to at least one hearing aid, a hearing aid system can also include at least one other device, such as an external processor unit worn on the user's body. This external processor unit can, for example, serve as a remote control for the hearing aid or hearing aid system, and may also perform other functions, such as analyzing the acoustic environment.

[0016] A hearing aid typically includes an input transducer for receiving an input signal. The input transducer is, for example, a microphone that picks up an acoustic signal and converts it into an electrical signal. However, input transducers can also be units containing a coil or an antenna that pick up an electromagnetic signal and convert it into an electrical signal. Furthermore, a hearing aid usually includes a signal processing unit for processing and frequency-dependent amplification of the electrical signal. Signal processing in the hearing aid is performed by a preferably digital signal processor (DSP), whose operation can be influenced by programs or parameters transferable to the hearing aid. This allows the operation of the signal processing unit to be adapted both to the individual hearing loss of a hearing aid user and to the current listening situation in which the hearing aid is being used.The modified electrical signal is then fed to an output transducer. This is usually designed as a receiver that converts the electrical output signal into an acoustic signal. However, other designs are also possible, for example, an implantable output transducer that is directly connected to an ossicle and causes it to vibrate.

[0017] The hearing aid or hearing aid system according to the invention has means for analyzing the electrical input signal to automatically detect the listening situation in which the hearing aid is currently being operated. These means are commonly referred to as a "classifier." Signal processing in the hearing aid then takes place depending on the listening situation, by automatically adjusting the relevant parameters according to the detected listening situation. These parameters affect, for example, the set gain, frequency response, directional characteristics, certain filter settings, etc. Typically, a large number of parameters are adjusted accordingly, depending on the current listening situation. A set of parameter settings for a specific listening situation is referred to as a listening program.Modern hearing aids have hearing programs for listening situations such as "speech in quiet", "speech in background noise", "driving in a car", "telephoning", "television", etc.

[0018] Fine-tuning the parameter sets to the individual user's preferences previously required numerous fitting sessions with a hearing aid specialist. The user had to answer a multitude of questions to determine in which listening situations and how the individual hearing programs needed to be modified so that the user was satisfied with their hearing aid in all situations. Due to the number of possible questions and the complexity of the adjustment options, it was previously impossible for the user to perform the fine-tuning themselves.

[0019] The hearing aid or hearing aid system according to the invention has storage means, in particular non-volatile memory, in which a question catalog with a large number of questions relevant to different listening situations is stored. Answering all possible questions would be far too confusing, time-consuming, and complex for the user and therefore cannot reasonably be expected to do so.

[0020] The basic idea of ​​the invention is to automatically offer the user, while wearing their hearing aid in their usual environment, a selection of questions from a comprehensive question catalog, specifically tailored to the respective listening situation and addressing problems that typically arise in that particular situation. If the user is dissatisfied with the current hearing aid setting in a given listening situation and therefore perceives a need for fine-tuning, they can easily respond to at least one of the presented questions. The number of questions selected for a specific listening situation, to which the user can respond, can vary. In the simplest case, the hearing aid or hearing aid system selects exactly one question for each listening situation it detects and offers it to the user for a response.It is also possible for several questions to be selected and presented for a specific listening situation. Preferably, the number of questions presented for a given listening situation is variable and adjustable by the user or a hearing aid acoustician. The exact number can also depend on the specific listening situation, so that, for example, only one question is always offered for one listening situation, while three questions from the extensive question catalog are selected for another. If several questions are offered for a specific listening situation, the user can switch between the different questions either by using a control element or via voice control. Furthermore, it is possible that with several selected questions, e.g.,Questions 1 to 3: A user response to the first question (1) automatically triggers the presentation of question 2, followed by question 3, allowing the user to respond to each. After a response to the last question, question 1 is then presented again for a response. Furthermore, if multiple questions are selected, they can be presented sequentially, for example, at 10-second intervals, with the user's response always being attributed to the currently presented question.

[0021] Selection criteria that determine which question(s) are presented in which listening situation can, for example, be implemented using an assignment table stored in the hearing aid or hearing aid system. This assignment can be determined by the hearing aid acoustician or the manufacturer of the respective hearing aid or hearing aid system.

[0022] The following table shows an example of the selection and assignment of different questions to specific listening situations: Current listening situation Audio program Selected questions The user is in the living room. The radio is broadcasting the news. Speech in quiet at a medium volume level Is the speech too quiet? Is the sound too echoey? The user enters the kitchen; the conversation becomes very quiet. Dishes clatter. The refrigerator hums. Speech in background noise with a poor signal-to-noise ratio, Are the background noises too loud? Was this noise too loud for you? A low, quiet interference signal has been detected. Should it remain audible? The phone rings. The user goes to the phone and picks it up. phone An alarm signal has been detected. Should this signal be emphasized next time? Should other sounds be dampened more during phone calls? The user can hear quiet speech in peace. Speech in quiet at a low volume Is the language understandable?

[0023] Advantageous output devices for presenting a question relevant to a particular listening situation include, in particular, a display, preferably located on an external processor unit that can be connected to the hearing aid, or speech output.

[0024] The user responds to a question as needed using input devices located directly on the hearing aid or an external processor unit it incorporates. These include, in particular, controls such as switches, buttons, and knobs, but also, for example, voice input devices. The questions are preferably formulated to allow for simple answers, ideally "yes / no" answers. Answering a question can generally be done with a single press of a control. However, it is also possible for a variety of alternative answers to be available for a given question. Advantageously, the user is then presented with a catalog of answers relevant to the selected question, from which they can easily choose the appropriate predefined answer.

[0025] In a preferred embodiment, different response options are possible for different selected questions. For example, in response to the question "Change volume?", the volume can be adjusted by pressing the + / - buttons according to the duration or frequency with which the respective button is pressed. For other questions, such as "Turn on noise cancellation?", only a yes / no answer may be possible and appropriate.

[0026] The hearing aid or hearing aid system according to the invention further comprises means for adjusting the current hearing program, i.e., at least one parameter relating to signal processing in the hearing aid, depending on the user input. In particular, the hearing aid or hearing aid system comprises a control unit that controls the conversion of the user input into a corresponding parameter setting. Preferably, the assignment of possible answers to the questions to specific parameter values ​​or parameter changes is stored in a table within the hearing aid system.

[0027] In principle, all process steps required in connection with the invention (recording the acoustic input signal, recognizing the listening situation, setting the parameter, providing the question catalog, presenting the selected question, capturing the user input, adjusting the parameter) can be carried out using a hearing aid device according to the invention that is worn on or in the user's ear. However, due to their complexity, it is advantageous to carry out at least some of the process steps using an external device included in the hearing aid system, e.g., an external processor unit. This also significantly improves ease of use.

[0028] An input from the user in response to a question is advantageously applied immediately to the hearing aid's parameter settings in the relevant listening situation. Preferably, the changed setting also affects the settings when the hearing aid later switches back to the corresponding listening program. The hearing aid thus learns the changed setting.

[0029] In a particularly advantageous embodiment of the hearing aid or hearing aid system according to the invention, the last value of a relevant parameter is not directly adopted during the "learning" process. Instead, the value is gradually approximated from its original value to the last set value. The degree of approximation depends in particular on the duration for which the new value was effective and / or on the frequency with which the user changed the original setting within a specific period. Spontaneous, short-term, and infrequent changes to the settings by the user thus have less of an impact than frequent adjustments or adjustments made over a long period.

[0030] The invention is explained in more detail below using exemplary embodiments. These show: Fig. 1a hearing aid system with a hearing aid and an external processor unit, Fig. 2 a flowchart for carrying out a method according to the invention.

[0031] Figure 1The simplified block diagram shows the structure of a hearing aid system with a hearing aid, specifically a behind-the-ear hearing aid 1, and an external processor unit 10. Hearing aids generally have an input transducer, an amplifier, and an output transducer as their essential components. The input transducer is usually designed as a sound receiver, particularly a microphone. Hearing aids often include multiple microphones to form a directional microphone system. Additionally or alternatively, an electromagnetic receiver, such as an induction coil, can also be used as the input transducer. The output transducer is usually implemented as an electroacoustic transducer, such as a miniature loudspeaker or receiver, or as an electromechanical transducer, such as a bone conduction receiver. The amplifier is typically integrated into a signal processing unit.

[0032] In the embodiment according to Figure 1Two microphones 2 are integrated into a hearing aid housing 7 designed to be worn behind the ear for picking up ambient sound. A signal processing unit 3, also located in the hearing aid housing 1, processes and amplifies the microphone signals. The output signal of the signal processing unit 3 is transmitted to a loudspeaker or receiver 4, which emits an acoustic signal. The sound is transmitted, if necessary, via a sound tube, which is fixed in the ear canal with an earmold, to the user's eardrum. The hearing aid, and in particular the signal processing unit 3, is powered by a battery 5, which is also located in the hearing aid housing 1.

[0033] The hearing aid 1 is connected via a signal path for wireless signal transmission to an external processor unit 10, which also serves as a remote control for the hearing aid 1. This unit forms the interface to the user and provides the processing power for the procedure. For wireless signal transmission, the hearing aid 1 has an antenna 6, and the external processor unit 10 has an antenna 13. The external processor unit 10 also includes a microphone 11 for receiving an acoustic input signal and converting it into an electrical input signal, and a signal processing unit 12 for processing the electrical input signal. The external processor unit 10 continuously analyzes the electrical input signal using complex models and numerous classes with respect to a wide variety of listening situations. The well-known MPEG-7 method preferably serves as the starting point for this analysis.In particular, the hearing aid system 1, 10 can thus distinguish between many different listening situations. Due to the complexity of the algorithms used, these cannot be calculated in the hearing aid 1 in the exemplary embodiment, but only in the external processor unit 10.

[0034] In addition to the electrical input signal generated in the external processor unit 10, the input signals generated in the hearing aid 1 or signals resulting therefrom (e.g. the signal level information from the input signals) can also be transferred to the external processor unit 10 and used there at least for classification purposes.

[0035] Based on the detected listening situations, an artificial intelligence derives situation-specific questions that appear continuously on a display 15 of the external processor unit 10 and / or are posed orally via speech output upon request. Specifically, the signal processing unit 12 selects at least one question relevant to the detected listening situation from an extensive question catalog stored in a memory 14. Ideally, the selected question can be answered with "Yes" or "No." Control elements 16 are provided on the external processor unit 10 for this purpose. For some questions, a one-dimensional scale is advantageously provided (more-less, louder-quieter, etc.). The user can change the displayed question or answer at any time using the display 15 and the control elements 16.Answer questions or, if there are several questions selected regarding the current hearing situation, switch between them. However, he only needs to answer if he sees a need for action and wants to immediately address the issue with hearing aid 1.

[0036] Answering a question typically results in a change to a parameter related to signal processing in hearing aid 1. The calculation of the new value of this parameter is preferably performed in the external processor unit 10. This calculation can utilize known algorithms, such as those used by hearing aid acousticians in their fitting software.

[0037] The invention makes it possible to adapt to the user's individual listening environments without the fine-tuning appearing cumbersome.

[0038] The acoustic classification of the listening situation and the subsequent, structured fine-tuning process provide the user with continuous options to fine-tune their hearing aid without confusing or overwhelming them with complex settings. The user is presented with only one or a small number of questions that are relevant to the current acoustic situation and therefore easy to answer.

[0039] Figure 2 shows a flowchart for carrying out a method according to the invention.

[0040] In a first process step S1, an acoustic input signal is received and converted into an electrical input signal. In connection with the invention, this process step preferably takes place in a head-worn hearing aid, in particular a hearing device. However, in connection with the invention, it can also take place in an external processor unit.

[0041] In the subsequent process step S2, the electrical input signal is analyzed by a signal processing unit to identify the current listening situation of the hearing aid or external processor unit. This process is also called "classification," and the corresponding part of the signal processing unit or the software responsible for it is called the "classifier." The classification results in the current listening situation of the hearing aid or hearing aid system, e.g., "speech in background noise."

[0042] In response to the detected listening situation, at least one parameter relating to the signal processing of the acoustic input signal in the hearing aid is adjusted in the subsequent process step S3, depending on the detected listening situation; that is, the parameter value is adapted to the listening situation. The value range can be binary (e.g., noise reduction algorithm on or off) or variable over a large range (e.g., gain between 0 dB and 100 dB). However, usually a whole set of parameters, a so-called listening program, is set in response to the detected listening situation.

[0043] In addition to the listening program, depending on the detected listening situation, at least one question is selected from a comprehensive question catalog in a subsequent step S4. This question catalog addresses a problem typical for the respective listening situation. The question catalog contains a collection of questions for all or a large number of listening situations detectable by the hearing aid or hearing aid system. From this catalog, one question or a small number of questions relevant to the specific listening situation are selected and presented to the user in a subsequent step S5. The presentation preferably takes place via a display on the external processor unit or through speech output. The questions are preferably formulated in such a way that simple answers (yes / no, + / -, etc.) are possible.If a multitude of answers or more complex answers are possible, the hearing aid system preferably provides a catalog of sensible answers to the respective question, from which the correct answer can then be easily selected. This increases ease of use.

[0044] If the user deems a change to the current hearing aid setting appropriate, they can respond to the question(s) presented by entering a corresponding input as an answer in a process step S6. This input can be made manually by operating a control element, preferably via the external processor unit, or advantageously by voice input.

[0045] In process step S7, at least one parameter relating to signal processing in the hearing aid is then adjusted in response to the input made.

[0046] Preferably, the selected question(s) are presented and, if necessary, a reaction to them is recorded until a new listening situation is recognized and, according to the invention, new questions are then selected from the question catalog depending on the listening situation.

Claims

1. Method for individual fine-tuning of the signal processing in a hearing aid to a user by - recording an acoustic input signal and converting it into an electrical input signal, - identifying a hearing situation with the aid of the electrical input signal, - adjusting at least one parameter relating to the signal processing as a function of the identified hearing situation, - providing a list of questions with a multiplicity of relevant questions for various hearing situations, - selecting at least one question from the list of questions as a function of the hearing situation, - presenting the selected question to the user, - registering a user input as a reaction of the user to the selected question, - tuning the parameter as a function of the user input.

2. Method according to Claim 1, wherein an external unit records the acoustic input signal and / or recognizes the hearing situation and / or adjusts the parameter and / or provides the list of questions and / or presents the selected question and / or registers the user input and / or tunes the parameter.

3. Method according to Claim 1 or 2, wherein the selected question is presented by voice output.

4. Method according to Claim 1 or 2, wherein the selected question is presented on a display (15).

5. Method according to one of Claims 1 to 4, wherein the user input is brought about by manual actuation of an operating element (16).

6. Method according to one of Claims 1 to 4, wherein the user input is brought about by voice input.

7. Method according to one of Claims 1 to 6, wherein the user input also affects adjusting the parameter if the relevant hearing situation is subsequently recognized again.

8. Hearing aid or hearing aid system, more particularly a hearing aid or hearing aid system for carrying out a method according to one of Claims 1 to 7, with at least - an input transducer for recording an acoustic input signal and converting the latter into an electrical input signal, - a classifier for identifying a hearing situation with the aid of the electrical input signal, - adjustment means for adjusting at least one parameter relating to the signal processing as a function of the identified hearing situation, - storage means for providing a list of questions with a multiplicity of relevant questions for various hearing situations, - selection means for selecting at least one question from the list of questions as a function of the hearing situation, - output means for presenting the selected question to the user, - input means for registering a user input as a reaction of the user to the selected question, - means for tuning the parameter as a function of the user input.

9. Hearing aid system according to Claim 8, comprising at least one hearing aid (1) that can be worn on or in the ear of the user and an external processor unit (10).

10. Hearing aid system according to Claim 9, wherein the external processor unit (10) is designed as a remote control for the hearing aid.

11. Hearing aid system according to Claim 9 or 10, wherein the external processor unit (10) comprises a display (15) as an output means.

12. The hearing aid system according to one of Claim 9 to 11, wherein the external processor unit (10) comprises at least one operating element (16) as input means.