Method of operating a hearing aid

Abstract

The present invention relates to a hearing aid (6), in particular a method (44) for operating a hearing aid, the hearing aid comprising a microphone (12), a control unit (16) coupled thereto, and a receiver (20). The microphone (12) generates an audio signal (18) comprising an utterance component (50) of the wearer (2) of the hearing aid (6). Based on the utterance component (50), the health state (56) of the wearer (2) of the hearing aid (6) is estimated. The settings of the hearing aid (6) are changed according to the health state (56). The present invention further relates to a method (42) for operating a hearing aid system (4) and to a hearing aid (6).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a method of operating a hearing aid and a method of operating a hearing aid system including the method of operating a hearing aid. The present invention also relates to a hearing aid. In each case, the hearing aid is preferably a hearing aid.

Background Art

[0002] People suffering from hearing loss usually use hearing aids. This hearing aid usually uses a microphone, that is, an electromechanical sound converter, to convert ambient sound into an electrical (voice / sound) signal, thereby generating an electrical signal. The electrical signal is processed by an amplifier circuit and supplied to a person's external auditory canal by another electromechanical converter in the form of an earphone. The amplifier circuit is part of the control unit of the hearing aid. In most cases, the sound signal is also processed, and for this purpose, a signal processor of the amplifier circuit is usually used. At that time, the amplification is adjusted according to the hearing loss of the hearing aid user.

[0003] Hearing loss is usually due to aging. People who use hearing aids due to aging often also suffer from medical conditions that lead to a deterioration in their health. In addition, hearing loss may also cause diseases such as depression. Therefore, there is a possibility that the willingness to use and correctly operate a hearing aid may decrease to the extent that it becomes impossible, and as a result, it may become impossible to compensate for hearing loss, leading to an increase in depression. Since such depression usually develops gradually, it is relatively slow for the person himself and those around him to notice. When depression is noticed, it is often progressing, and therefore, relatively extensive treatment is required.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The present invention is based on the problem of providing a particularly suitable method of operating a hearing aid, a particularly suitable method of operating a hearing aid system, and a particularly suitable hearing aid, and in particular, comfort and / or functionality are improved.

Means for Solving the Problem

[0005] Regarding the method of operating a hearing aid, this problem is solved according to the present invention by the features of claim 1 for the method of operating a hearing aid system, by the features of claim 8 for a hearing aid, and by the features of claim 9 for a hearing aid. Advantageous further developments and embodiments are the subject matter of the respective dependent claims.

[0006] This method is used for the operation of a hearing aid. For example, the hearing aid is an earphone or includes an earphone. However, the hearing aid is particularly preferably a hearing assistance device. A hearing assistance device is used to support a person suffering from hearing loss. In other words, a hearing assistance device is a medical device used, for example, to compensate for partial hearing loss. Hearing assistance devices include, for example, ear canal hearing aids such as RIC (Receiver-in-the-canal) hearing aids, ITC (In-the-canal) hearing aids or CIC (Complete-in-canal) hearing aids, hearing glasses, pocket hearing aids, bone conduction hearing aids, or implants. The hearing aid is particularly preferably a behind-the-ear hearing aid worn behind the auricle.

[0007] The hearing aid is configured to be worn on the human body. In other words, in the prescribed state, the hearing aid is worn by a wearer, also referred to as a user. Preferably, the hearing aid includes a holding device that enables it to be worn on the human body. When the hearing aid is a hearing assistance device, the hearing aid is intended and configured to be placed, for example, behind the ear or inside the ear canal. In particular, the hearing aid is wireless and is therefore intended and adapted to be at least partially inserted into the ear canal. Particularly preferably, the hearing aid includes an energy storage device for energy supply.

[0008] The hearing aid includes a microphone for acquiring sound. In particular, the microphone is used to acquire ambient sound, or at least a part thereof, during operation. In particular, the microphone is an electromechanical sound transducer. The microphone has, for example, only a single microphone unit or a plurality of mutually interacting microphone units. Each microphone unit preferably has a diaphragm that vibrates by sound waves, and in this case, the vibration is converted into an electrical signal by a suitable pickup device such as a magnet that moves within a coil. Thereby, it becomes possible to generate an audio signal based on the sound hitting the microphone unit using each microphone unit. In particular, the microphone unit is unidirectional. The microphone is preferably at least partially arranged within the housing of the hearing aid, and as a result, is at least partially protected.

[0009] The hearing aid also includes a control unit coupled to the microphone. The control unit preferably includes a signal processing unit or is formed by a signal processing unit. The signal processing unit is used, in particular, to further process or at least analyze the audio signal generated by the microphone. In particular, the processing of the audio signal is performed by the control unit, whereby an output signal changed compared to the audio signal is generated. In particular, in this case, the control unit amplifies a specific frequency of the audio signal, and preferably, adaptation to possible hearing loss of the wearer is performed. For example, the signal processing unit has some analog components. Preferably, the signal processing unit or at least the control unit includes a digital sound processor (DSP). Preferably, the (sound) processor is programmably formed.

[0010] The hearing aid further comprises a receiver, in particular for the output of the output signal. The output signal is in this case in particular an electrical signal. Preferably, the receiver is coupled to the control unit and in particular is signal - technically connected to the control unit. Depending on the configuration of the hearing aid, in the prescribed state, the output device is at least partially arranged in the ear canal of the wearer of the hearing aid, i.e., the person, or is at least acoustically connected to the ear canal.

[0011] According to this method, a microphone is used to generate an audio signal containing the speech component of the hearing - aid wearer. In particular, ambient sound is acquired by the microphone, and based on this, an audio signal containing the speech component is generated. At that time, preferably, the audio signal is analyzed by the control unit, and the speech component of the wearer is identified. For example, for the identification, an analysis of the location where the speech component occurs is performed, and for this purpose, in particular, the directivity characteristics of the microphone are used. As an alternative thereto, the frequency of the wearer's speech is stored in the hearing aid, and the component having this frequency in the audio signal is adopted as the speech component. This method is executed at least when a speech component exists in the audio signal. If it does not exist, this method is canceled.

[0012] The health state of the hearing - aid wearer is estimated based on the speech component. For example, in this case, in particular, the presence of diseases or degenerations caused by aging is estimated. As an alternative or in combination, further, the health state is estimated to be deteriorated due to the presence of diseases associated with possible hearing loss. In particular, in this case, various classifications are possible, and the health state is classified by the speech component. Each individual class corresponds in this case in particular to a predetermined assumed health state. One of the classes corresponds to the health state being good, one of the classes corresponds to the health state of the wearer being slightly deteriorated. For example, one of the classes corresponds to the health state of the wearer being moderately deteriorated, and / or one of the classes corresponds to the health state of the wearer being significantly deteriorated. Thereby, the health state of the hearing - aid wearer is assumed based on the speech component.

[0013] In further operating steps, the settings of the hearing aid are changed according to the state of health, i.e., in particular the estimated state of health. In other words, there is a functional relationship between the change in settings and the estimated state of health. For example, in that case, a continuous adjustment of the settings is made. As an alternative, there are only discontinuous changes to the settings. Particularly preferably, there are individual classes for the state of health, where each class is assigned a particularly corresponding setting. This reduces the effort required for the execution of the method.

[0014] Therefore, according to this method, the state of health of the wearer is at least partially monitored by the hearing aid without the wearer having to perform any special actions. This improves the comfort of the wearer. The settings of the hearing aid are also changed, where the setting change is preferably used for improving the state of health. Thereby, the wearer does not need to perform additional actions, and thus the comfort is improved. At that time, with the hearing aid already worn by the wearer, an additional function, i.e., the adjustment of the settings of the hearing aid to the estimated state of health, is executed, thereby improving the functionality of the hearing aid.

[0015] For example, for the estimation of the state of health, determine the possibility of the presence of depression, in particular a depressive episode. For example, at that time, only a binary determination of the presence of depression is made, or the possibility of the severity of depression is also determined. In other words, in particular, determine the possibility of the presence of mild depression, the possibility of the presence of moderate depression, and / or the possibility of the presence of severe depression. In particular, when the possibility of the presence of depression is high, in particular, the state of health is estimated to be relatively poor.

[0016] To determine the possibility of the existence of depression, in particular, the ratio of the speech component in the audio signal is determined. The ratio of the speech component has a negative correlation with the existence of depression. Therefore, the lower the ratio of the wearer's speech component in the audio signal, the higher the possibility of the existence of depression. Accordingly, it is possible to estimate the health status relatively accurately based on the speech component. Also, due to the use of a hearing aid, the possibility of developing depression is already high, and usually, others notice this at a relatively late stage. By using this method, such a deterioration in health status can be estimated early, and therefore, depression can be treated early. This improves the comfort of the wearer and the functionality of the hearing aid.

[0017] Particularly preferably, the hearing aid is provided with a motion sensor that can be used in particular to detect the movements of the wearer's head. According to this method, the movements of the head are detected and the state of health is also estimated in particular based on the movements of the head. By also using the movements of the head for the estimation of the state of health, the accuracy of the estimated state of health, i.e., the agreement with the actual state of health, is improved. In particular, based on the audio signal and the movements of the head, it is possible to determine to what extent the hearing aid wearer is turning their head in the direction of the sound source. In the case of the presence of depression, it is particularly difficult to understand, and therefore, when the head or ear is overly moved in the direction of the sound source, the likelihood of depression increases. In particular, when there is an increasing lack of movement of the head, similarly, it is estimated that the state of health is relatively poor. This is because, for example, the wearer lacks the motivation to move their head and / or feels pain when moving their head. In that alternative or combination, based on the detected movements of the head, it is determined whether the wearer is performing any physical activity and, if so, which activity is being performed. In so doing, in particular, it is checked whether any of light, moderate, or heavy physical activity is being performed. By these means, in particular, the state of health is also estimated. Preferably, based on the data provided by the motion sensor, i.e., in particular based on the detected movements of the head, a walking pattern and / or a movement pattern is determined. Preferably, in so doing, over a longer period, any possible changes in this regard are determined. Suitably, these and / or the changes are also used for the estimation of the state of health. In that alternative or combination, the hearing aid is provided with a GPS sensor or the motion sensor is configured as a GPS sensor. In particular, based on the data provided by the GPS sensor, the location of the hearing aid wearer is confirmed and for this purpose, in particular, map data is also used. Each location of stay is also used in particular for the estimation of the state of health. In that alternative or combination, in particular, the state of health is estimated based on the settings made in the control unit. In so doing, this is performed, for example, by an audiologist. In particular, the estimation of the state of health is performed based on audiometric measurement data and / or screening.

[0018] In that alternative or combination, the results of the questionnaire are used and / or evaluated for the estimation of the health state. The questionnaire is in that case, for example, filled in by the wearer. The answers to the questionnaire are input into the hearing aid, for example, or preferably transmitted to the hearing aid, in particular by means of a wireless connection. In that alternative or combination, the provision of the questionnaire is effected, for example, by the hearing aid itself, in which case, for example, the questions to which the wearer is to answer are output by the hearing aid, and in that case, based on the analysis of the audio signal, in particular, the answers to the respective questions are determined.

[0019] For example, the directivity is increased to change the settings. In other words, in particular, the directivity is changed, and for that purpose, preferably, the settings of the microphone are changed. When the directivity is increased, preferably, the components of the audio signal transmitted from the preferred direction are amplified, and the remaining components are attenuated or at least reduced. Thereby, for the wearer, in particular, the intelligibility with respect to the audio source in the preferred direction is improved.

[0020] In that alternative or combination, the noise suppression is adjusted, whereby the noise suppression is changed according to the health state. In this case, in particular when the health state is relatively poor, the noise suppression is increased, thereby increasing the intelligibility of the speech. In that alternative or combination, the amplification factor is changed for the change of the settings of the hearing aid, whereby the audio signal is converted into the possible output signal by the amplification factor. For example, the amplification factor is increased uniformly for all frequencies, or the amplification factor is made different for individual frequencies, whereby the amplification factor is adjusted in a frequency-selective manner with respect to the change of the settings.

[0021] In that alternative or combination, a program for getting used to the hearing aid is changed according to the health condition, and at that time, in the program, the amplification for possible hearing loss is adjusted sequentially, in particular. For the change of settings, at that time, for example, the start point or the end point of the program is changed, and therefore, in particular, the frequency-selective amplification that is first used or should be used in normal operation is changed. In a further alternative, for example, the speed of change of the amplification is adjusted according to the health condition, which thereby represents a change of settings.

[0022] For example, the settings of the hearing aid are changed so that the receiver outputs a recommendation. At that time, for example, a recommendation is output so as to perform a specific activity such as meditation, or so as to perform a physical activity such as walking. In that alternative or combination, in particular, it is recommended to go to another place with less noise stress. This can lead to an improvement in the health condition. In that alternative, recommendations are created so that the wearer gets used to handling the hearing aid. For that purpose, for example, when an audio signal is output instructing the wearer to turn the head in a specific direction, such head movement improves the clarity of the wearer, in particular. In particular, the recommendations are adapted to the simple operation or use of the hearing aid, whereby the wearer gets used to the hearing aid, which can also lead to an improvement in health. In particular, the recommendations include hints regarding the operation or use of the hearing aid and / or the motivation for using the hearing aid.

[0023] For example, the receiver outputs what sounds are included in the audio signal, so that the wearer pays attention to the sound and tries to hear the sound as well. In an alternative or combination, the recommendation is to execute training or start a training mode, whereby it becomes easier for the wearer to use the hearing aid. In that alternative or combination, the recommendation also includes a comparison with other hearing aid wearers, and thereby, in particular, a competitive comparison with other wearers is performed, which enhances the motivation for using the hearing aid. In this way, in particular, the health condition is improved.

[0024] In summary, the recommendations encourage the self-help efforts of hearing aid wearers. When the health condition is relatively poor, in particular, recommendations to consult an expert or a doctor are output.

[0025] Preferably, the hearing aid comprises a communication device capable of outputting a wireless signal. In particular, in that case, the communication device / wireless signal complies with the Bluetooth (registered trademark) standard, the WLAN standard, and / or the mobile communication standard. Preferably, the wireless signal is output as a change in the settings by the communication device. When the health condition is relatively poor, it is transmitted by the wireless signal to, for example, a help center or an expert. When the health condition is very poor, preferably, the wireless signal is transmitted in the form of an emergency report, whereby, in particular, the emergency responders are alerted by the wireless signal. For example, the wireless signal is always output, or is only output with the consent of the hearing aid wearer.

[0026] For example, by the communication device, the health condition of other wearers is called from a database, in particular anonymously, and compared with the health condition. Preferably, the comparison result is output as a change in the settings.

[0027] For example, the health condition is estimated only once. However, preferably, the health condition is estimated again after a period, for which, in particular, an audio signal is generated again and / or the health condition is estimated based on further data. In summary, after a period has elapsed, in particular, all data from which the health condition can be estimated is newly determined, and the health condition is estimated based on this data. This period is, for example, constant or determined based on a triggering event. In other words, when a triggering event exists, the period ends.

[0028] At that time, preferably, the settings of the hearing aid are adjusted again correspondingly according to the health condition. The newly estimated health condition is compared with the previously estimated health condition. In particular, the change in the health condition is determined. Preferably, this change is output and / or the two estimated health conditions and / or the change thereof are preferably stored in the memory of the hearing aid. Thereby, the change over time of the wearer's health condition can be determined. Particularly preferably, all the estimated health conditions are stored in the possible memory of the hearing aid.

[0029] A further method is used for the operation of the hearing aid system. The hearing aid system includes a hearing aid, and the hearing aid has a microphone, a control unit coupled thereto, and a receiver. At that time, the receiver is preferably coupled to the control unit. Further, the hearing aid system includes a portable device having a display. In particular, the portable device, also simply referred to as a device, is a mobile phone, preferably a so-called smartphone or other wearable device. Preferably, the display is also configured as an input device, whereby input can be performed via the display.

[0030] This method provides for the hearing aid to be operated according to the method, in which an audio signal including the speech component of the wearer of the hearing aid is generated by the microphone. Based on the speech component, the health condition of the hearing aid wearer is estimated, and the settings of the hearing aid are changed according to the health condition. Further, a notification is created, and in this case, the creation of the notification is, for example, a change in the settings of the hearing aid. As an alternative thereto, in addition to the creation of the notification, a setting change is made. The notification is exchanged between the hearing aid and the device. Preferably, the hearing aid is equipped with a communication device, and the notification is exchanged between the hearing aid and the device, particularly without a cable, preferably wirelessly. Preferably, for this purpose, the Bluetooth standard is used.

[0031] Based on the notification, a message is output by the display of the device. In this case, the message corresponds to the notification, for example, or the message is included in the notification, where the notification includes additional information, for example. In particular, the estimated health state and / or the performed setting changes are output by the display. Thereby, the changed settings can be made understandable to the wearer of the wearable device, in particular to the wearer of the hearing aid, and / or the estimated health state can be recognized.

[0032] The invention further relates to a hearing aid system that operates according to such a method and includes a hearing aid and a portable device. The portable device is worn, in particular, by the wearer of the hearing aid in a prescribed state. Preferably, input is possible by the display, and the input information is transmitted to the hearing aid in particular. Suitably, the health state is estimated based on the input. Preferably, a wireless connection to a remote server or the Internet is realized by the wearable device, and in that case, a data call is made, in particular, from the server, preferably from a database. Suitably, the estimated health state of other wearers is called, and it is output, for example, by the display. In this way, the wearer of the hearing aid is informed of how their health state compares to that of other wearers, thereby, in particular, increasing the willingness to use the hearing aid. Suitably, the estimated health state is also transmitted to the server or at least the database.

[0033] The hearing aid comprises a microphone, a receiver, and a control unit. The microphone is coupled to the control unit, and the control unit is preferably coupled to the receiver. In particular, the signal path is formed by the microphone, the control unit, and the receiver, and the microphone is preferably used for sound acquisition, and the receiver is preferably used for sound output. For example, the hearing aid is an earphone or includes an earphone. In this case, the hearing aid is formed, for example, as a so-called headset. However, the hearing aid is particularly preferably a hearing aid. The hearing aid is used to support people suffering from hearing loss (deafness). In other words, the hearing aid is a medical device used, for example, to compensate for partial deafness. The hearing aid is, for example, an in-the-ear hearing aid such as a RIC (Receiver-in-the-canal) hearing aid, an ITC (In-the-canal) hearing aid, or a CIC (Complete-in-canal) hearing aid, a hearing aid glasses, a pocket hearing aid, a bone conduction hearing aid, or an implant. Particularly preferably, the hearing aid is a behind-the-ear hearing aid worn behind the auricle.

[0034] The hearing aid is operated according to a method in which an audio signal including the speech component of the hearing aid wearer is generated by the microphone, and the health state of the hearing aid wearer is estimated based on the speech component. The settings of the hearing aid are changed according to the health state. Preferably, the method is at least partially executed by the control unit, which is particularly suitable, preferably intended, and configured to execute the method.

[0035] The hearing aid preferably includes a signal processor which preferably forms a control unit or at least a component of the control unit. The signal processor is, for example, a digital signal processor (DSP) or is implemented using analog components. The signal processor is used to adjust the audio signal, in particular preferably in response to the hearing impairment that the hearing aid wearer may have. If the signal processor is formed as a digital signal processor, preferably an A / D converter is arranged between the microphone and the control device, for example the signal processor. Alternatively, the A / D converter is a component of the control device. The signal processor is set in particular according to a parameter set. In this case, the parameter set specifies the amplification in different frequency ranges, whereby the audio signal is processed according to corresponding specific criteria, in particular in response to the hearing impairment of the hearing aid wearer. The processed audio signal corresponds in particular to the output signal output by the receiver. Particularly preferably, the hearing aid further comprises an amplifier or the amplifier is at least partially formed by the signal processor. For example, the amplifier is connected upstream or downstream of the signal processor in terms of signal technology.

[0036] Further forms and advantages described in connection with both methods can also be applied mutatis mutandis to the hearing aid / hearing aid system and vice versa.

[0037] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0038]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0039] All corresponding parts are assigned the same reference signs in all the figures.

[0040] In FIG. 1, the wearer 2 of the hearing aid system 4 is schematically and simplifiedly shown. The wearer 2 is a person suffering from partial hearing loss due to age. To improve this, the wearer 2 wears the hearing aid 6 of the hearing aid system 4. The hearing aid system 4 further includes a portable device 8 in the form of a smartphone, which is similarly carried by the wearer 2. Due to age, the wearer 2 may have other diseases, so-called comorbidities.

[0041] The hearing aid system 4 is shown in more detail in FIG. 2. The hearing aid 6 is formed in the form of a hearing aid intended and configured to be worn behind the ear of the wearer (user, consumer, hearing aid wearer) 2. In other words, it is an earhook-type hearing aid (an "earhook-type" hearing aid). The hearing aid 6 includes a housing 10 made of a plastic material. Inside the housing 10, a microphone 12 having two microphone units 14 in the form of omnidirectional electromechanical sound transducers is arranged. The two microphone units 14, that is, the microphone 12, are signal-coupled to a control unit 16, which includes a signal processing unit having an amplification circuit and a signal processor not shown in detail. The control unit 16 is further formed by circuit elements such as, for example, electrical components and / or electronic components. The signal processor is a digital signal processor (DSP) and is connected to the microphone unit 14 via an A / D converter not shown in detail.

[0042] During operation, each of the microphone units 14 generates its respective electrical signal, and these electrical signals are integrated to form an audio signal 18. By changing the time offset between the electrical signals acquired by the omnidirectional microphone units 14, it is possible to change the directivity characteristics of the microphone 12, thereby realizing a directional microphone.

[0043] The receiver 20 is coupled to, i.e., signal - technically connected to, the control unit 16. During operation, the receiver 20, which is an electromechanical sound transducer, converts the output signal 22 supplied from the control unit 16 into an output sound 24, i.e., into sound waves. The sound waves are sent to the sound tube 26, one end of which is attached to the housing 10. The other end of the sound tube 26 is surrounded by the dome 28, and this dome 28 is, in the prescribed state, arranged in the ear canal of the wearer 2 of the hearing aid 6, not shown in detail. In this case, the dome 28 has a plurality of openings, thereby improving the wearing comfort.

[0044] A motion sensor 30 is further arranged in the housing 10, and this motion sensor 30 includes an inertial measurement unit and a GPS sensor. Thereby, it is possible to determine the position of the hearing aid 6 and thus also the position of the head of the wearer 2 using the motion sensor 30. Further, a communication device 32 is arranged in the housing 10, and this communication device 32 is used to establish a wireless connection 34 with the portable device 8. The communication device 32, and thus the wireless connection 34 as well, in this case meets the Bluetooth standard. The motion sensor 30 and the communication device 32 are controlled by the control unit 16 and are supplied with power. Also, the control unit 16 supplies power to the microphone 12 and the receiver 20. The power supply to the control unit 16 is performed by a battery 36 arranged in the housing 10.

[0045] The portable device 8 configured as a smartphone has a further communication device 38, and this further communication device 38 is connected to the communication device 32 of the hearing aid 6 via the wireless connection 34 during operation. For this purpose, the further communication device 38 meets the Bluetooth standard. Further, the further communication device 38 can establish a connection to the Internet and thereby call data from a server. For this purpose, the further communication device 38 also meets the mobile radio standard. The portable device 8 further has a touch - sensor type display 40. Thereby, it is possible to output information using the display 40, and the wearer 2 can also make an input via the display 40.

[0046] Figure 3 shows a method 42 for operating a hearing aid system 4, which is at least partially executed by a control unit 16 and by a control unit (not shown in detail) of the portable device 8. In the method 42 for operating the hearing aid system 4, first, a method 44 for operating the hearing aid 6 is executed.

[0047] In a first operating step 46, ambient sound 48 is acquired by the microphone 12 and converted into an audio signal 18. In other words, the audio signal 18 is created using the microphone 12. The audio signal 18 also includes a speech component 50 of the wearer 2, i.e., the speech component 50 when the wearer 2 is speaking. Thereby, the ambient sound 48 is at least partially caused by the speech of the wearer 2. The speech component 50 included in the audio signal 18 is identified by the control unit 16, in particular by analyzing the frequency of the audio signal 18. The proportion of the speech component 50 included in the audio signal 18 and the time at which they occur are determined. In the first operating step 46, the movement 52 of the head of the wearer 2 is also detected by the motion sensor 30. A correlation analysis is also performed between the occurrence time of the head movement 52 and the occurrence time of the speech component 50, and a correlation analysis is also performed with other components representing human speech included in the audio signal 18.

[0048] In a subsequent second operating step 54, the health state 56 of the wearer 2 is estimated. In doing so, the estimation of the health state 56 is performed based on the speech component 50 and the head movement 52. For the estimation of the health state 56, the possibility of the presence of depression in the wearer 2 is determined at that time. In that case, the possibility of the absence of depression, the possibility of the presence of mild depression, the possibility of the presence of moderate depression, and the possibility of the presence of severe depression are determined.

[0049] For this purpose, on the one hand, the correlation between the occurrence of the head movement 52 and the occurrence time of the speech component 50 is used. On the other hand, the correlation between the occurrence time of other components representing human speech included in the audio signal 18 and the occurrence time of the head movement 52 is used. When there are more head movements 52 during the occurrence of someone else's speech, this indicates that the wearer 2 has difficulty understanding human speech. Such a situation also exists when depression is present. Therefore, the stronger the head movement 52, the higher the possibility of the presence of depression and the greater the severity of depression. Also, when the proportion of the speech component 52 of the wearer 2 is relatively small, the possibility of the presence of depression also increases. At that time, the smaller the number of occurrences of the speech component 52, the higher the possibility of severe depression.

[0050] When the possibility of the absence of depression is the highest, it is presumed that the health state 56 is good. When the possibility of the presence of mild depression is the highest, it is presumed that the health state 56 has slightly deteriorated. When the possibility of the presence of moderate depression is the highest, it is presumed that the health state 56 has deteriorated. When the possibility of the presence of severe depression is the highest, it is presumed that the health state 56 has significantly deteriorated. Thereby, classification is made, and the presumed health state 56 can be presumed to be one of four different characteristics.

[0051] In the subsequent third operation step 58, the setting of the hearing aid 6 is changed according to the presumed health state 56. When there is a slightly deteriorated health state 56, the directivity is adjusted. In this case, the temporal offset between the electrical signals detected by the omnidirectional microphone unit 14 is changed, whereby the directivity of the audio signal 18, and thus the output signal 22, is changed. At that time, among the components of the ambient sound 48 and thus the components of the audio signal 18, the components derived from the spatial region around the priority direction are amplified, while the other components are attenuated. The opening angle of the spatial region is relatively large in a slightly deteriorated health state 56. On the other hand, when there is a more deteriorated health state 56, conversely, the opening angle becomes smaller.

[0052] To change the settings of the hearing aid 6, the noise suppression that filters the noise included in the audio signal 18 is also adjusted, whereby the proportion of the noise included in the output signal 20 is reduced. At this time, the worse the health state 56 is, the greater the filtering ratio becomes.

[0053] When the health state 56 has significantly deteriorated, a recommendation 60 is output by the receiver 20. For this recommendation 60, the output signal 22 is changed, whereby the output sound 24 includes, for example, a recorded or generated additional speech component. By the recommendation 60, the wearer 2 is required to receive treatment or consult an expert. Alternatively or in combination, a wireless signal 62 is output by the communication device 32. The wireless signal is transmitted to the portable device 8 by the wireless connection 34 and transferred therefrom to an emergency call center or a hospital, whereby, for example, a doctor is dispatched therefrom for the examination of the wearer 2.

[0054] After a period 64 has elapsed since the completion of the third operation step 58, the first operation step 46 is executed again, followed by the second operation step 54 and the third operation step 58. Thereby, after that period 64, the health state 56 is estimated again and the corresponding setting change is executed. Further, in the third operation step 58, a comparison with the previous health state 56 is also made. If the health state 46 has not improved, the settings of the hearing aid 6 are changed as if the health state 56 has deteriorated. If the health state 56 remains slightly deteriorated, for example, the opening angle of the spatial region is selected as if the health state 56 has deteriorated.

[0055] After each execution of the third operation step 58, in the method 42 of operating the hearing aid system 4, a fourth operation step 66 is also executed. In this step, a notification 68 is created by the hearing aid 6, exchanged between the hearing aid 6 and the device 8, and for that purpose, the wireless connection 34 is used. The notification 68 includes the executed setting changes of the hearing aid 6. It also includes the estimated health state 56, and if the health state 56 has already been estimated at least twice, it also includes, if necessary, the changes from the previous estimate.

[0056] Based on the notification 68, a message 70 is output by the display 40, and at that time, the estimated health state 56 is shown to the wearer 2. Also, if a recommendation 60 is output as a setting change of the hearing aid 6, that recommendation 60 is also output by the message 70, whereby the recommendation 60 is visually presented to the wearer 2. At that time, it is also possible to instruct the wearer 2 to perform physical activity by the recommendation 60, whereby the health state 56 of the wearer 2 is improved. The physical training necessary for that is displayed on the display 40.

[0057] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments. Rather, other variations of the present invention can also be derived by those skilled in the art without departing from the object of the present invention. In particular, all of the individual features described in relation to the embodiments can also be combined with each other in other ways without departing from the subject matter of the present invention.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0058] 2 Wearer 4 Hearing aid system 6 Hearing aid 8 Portable device 10 Housing 12 Microphone 14 Microphone unit 16 Control unit 18 Audio signal 20 Receiver 22 Output signal 24 Output sound 26 - tone tube 28 - dome 30 - motion sensor 32 - communication device 34 - wireless connection 36 - battery 38 - additional communication equipment 40 - display 42 - Method for operating a hearing aid system 44 - Method for operating a hearing aid 46 - First operating step 48 - ambient sound 50 - speech component 52 - head movement 54 - Second operating step 56 - health status 58 - Third operating step 60 - recommendation 62 - wireless signal 64 - period 66 - Fourth operating step 68 - notification 70 - message

Claims

1. A hearing aid (6), particularly a method (44) for operating a listening aid, comprising a microphone (12), a control unit (16) coupled thereto, and a receiver (20), wherein: The microphone (12) generates an audio signal (18) including a speech component (50) of the wearer (2) of the hearing aid (6); Based on the speech component (50), the health state (56) of the wearer (2) of the hearing aid (6) is estimated; A method (44) for changing the settings of the hearing aid (6) according to the health state (56).

2. The method (44) according to claim 1, characterized in that for the estimation of the health state (56), the possibility of the presence of depression is determined.

3. The movement sensor (30) of the hearing aid (6) detects the movement (52) of the head of the wearer (2); The method (44) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the health state (56) is estimated based on the head movement (52).

4. The method (44) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the directivity and / or noise suppression is adjusted.

5. The method (44) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that a recommendation (60) is output by the receiver (20).

6. The method (44) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that a wireless signal (62) is output by a communication device (32).

7. The method (44) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that after a period (64), the health state (56) is newly estimated and compared with the previous health state (56).

8. A method (42) for operating a hearing aid system (4) comprising a hearing aid (6) having a microphone (12), a control unit (16) coupled thereto, and a receiver (20), and a portable device (8) having a display (40), wherein: The hearing aid (6) is operated according to the method (44) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, and in so doing, a notification (68) is generated; The notification (68) is exchanged between the hearing aid (6) and the portable device (8); Based on the notification (70), a message (70) is output by the display (40).

9. A hearing aid (6), particularly a listening aid, comprising: A microphone (12); A control unit (16) coupled to the microphone; A receiver (20). A hearing aid (6) operated according to the method (44) according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

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