Hearing aids for alarms and other sounds

Abstract

Implementations generally relate to hearing aids. In some implementations, a method includes receiving a sound at a hearing aid, the sound being an alarm. The method further includes determining a type of the alarm. The method further includes generating a notification based on the type of alarm.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] [Cross - Reference to Related Applications] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Patent Application No. 17 / 693,139, filed Mar. 11, 2022, "HEARING AID FOR ALARMS AND OTHER SOUNDS" (Attorney Docket No. 020699 - 119500US / Client Docket No. SYP346746US01), which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety for all purposes as if fully set forth herein.

[0002] This application is related to U.S. Patent Application No. 17 / 693,142, filed Mar. 11, 2022, "HEARING AID IN - EAR ANNOUNCEMENTS" (Attorney Docket No. 020699 - 119600US / Client Docket No. SYP346747US01), and U.S. Patent Application No. 17 / 693,145, filed Mar. 11, 2022, "HEARING AID FOR COGNITIVE HELP USING SPEAKER RECOGNITION" (Attorney Docket No. 020699 - 119700US / Client Docket No. SYP346748US01), which are hereby incorporated by reference herein in their entireties for all purposes as if fully set forth herein.

Background Art

[0003] Hearing aids assist users by amplifying sounds to a level that can be heard by users with hearing impairments. Hearing aids typically detect ambient sounds and amplify all detected ambient sounds. However, there may still be some sounds that cannot be heard. For example, if the original sound is too soft, the hearing aid may not be able to pick up the sound sufficiently and may not be able to amplify the sound to a level that can be heard by the user.

Summary of the Invention

Means for Solving the Problems

[0004] The implementations generally relate to hearing aids. In some implementations, the system includes one or more processors and includes logic encoded in one or more non-temporary computer-readable storage media for execution by the one or more processors. The logic is operable at runtime to cause the one or more processors to perform an action, the action including receiving a sound in a hearing aid, wherein the sound is an alarm; determining the type of alarm; and generating a notification based on the type of alarm.

[0005] Furthermore, in some implementations of the system, the generation of the notification is based on urgency. In some implementations, the logic is further operable at runtime to cause one or more processors to perform an action, the action of which includes providing the notification at an urgency-based time. In some implementations, the logic is further operable at runtime to cause one or more processors to perform an action, the action of which includes playing the alarm through the speaker of the hearing aid. In some implementations, the notification is a second alarm derived from the alarm. In some implementations, the notification is an audible message. In some implementations, the notification includes haptic feedback.

[0006] In some implementations, a non-temporary computer-readable storage medium is provided that stores program instructions. The instructions are operable, when executed by one or more processors, to cause the one or more processors to perform an action, the action including receiving a sound with a hearing aid, wherein the sound is an alarm; determining the type of alarm; and generating a notification based on the type of alarm.

[0007] Furthermore, with respect to the computer-readable storage medium, in some implementations, the generation of the notification is based on urgency. In some implementations, the instruction is further operable at runtime to cause one or more processors to perform an action, the action including providing the notification at a time based on urgency. In some implementations, the instruction is further operable at runtime to cause one or more processors to perform an action, the action including playing the alarm through the speaker of the hearing aid. In some implementations, the notification is a second alarm derived from the alarm. In some implementations, the notification is an audible message. In some implementations, the notification includes haptic feedback.

[0008] In some implementations, the method includes the steps of: receiving a sound with a hearing aid, wherein the sound is an alarm; determining the type of alarm; and generating a notification based on the type of alarm.

[0009] Furthermore, in some implementations of the method, the generation of the notification is based on urgency. In some implementations, the method further includes the step of providing the notification at a time based on urgency. In some implementations, the method further includes the step of playing the alarm through the speaker of the hearing aid. In some implementations, the notification is a second alarm derived from the alarm. In some implementations, the notification is an audible message.

[0010] Further understanding of the characteristics and advantages of the specific implementations disclosed herein can be achieved by referring to the remainder of this specification and the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] [Figure 1] This is an exemplary block diagram of a hearing aid and environment that can be used for the implementation described herein, enabling a user to hear alarms and other sounds through the hearing aid. [Figure 2A] This figure shows an exemplary image of a hearing aid that can be used for the implementation described herein. [Figure 2B] This figure shows images of hearing aids worn on the ear, representing several different implementations. [Figure 3A] This figure shows an exemplary image of a hearing aid that can be used for the implementation described herein. [Figure 3B] This figure shows images of hearing aids fitted into the ear canal, based on several different implementations. [Figure 4] This is an illustrative flowchart illustrating several implementations to facilitate users hearing alarms and other sounds through their hearing aids. [Figure 5] This is a block diagram of an exemplary network environment that can be used for some of the implementations described herein. [Figure 6] This is a block diagram of an exemplary computer system that can be used for some of the implementations described herein. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0012] The implementation described herein enables and facilitates the user to hear alarms and other sounds through a hearing aid. In various implementations, as will be described in more detail herein, the system receives a sound in the hearing aid, and that sound is an alarm. The system further determines the type of alarm. The system further generates a notification to the user of the hearing aid based on the type of alarm.

[0013] The implementation allows users to receive such notifications in real time while walking around at home or in other locations (e.g., in the city). In various implementations, the system provides in-ear notifications so that the hearing aid user hears the notification, but others nearby do not. This allows for discreet notifications to the user without disturbing others or interrupting conversations between the user and others.

[0014] Figure 1 is a block diagram of an exemplary hearing aid 100 and environment that can be used for the implementation described herein, enabling a user to hear alarms and other sounds through the hearing aid. As shown in the figure, the environment includes the hearing aid 100, which includes a system 102, a microphone 104, and a speaker 106.

[0015] In various implementations, the hearing aid system 102 can communicate directly with the internet or via a mobile device such as a smartphone or computer. By enabling the hearing aid 100 to connect to a mobile device that connects to the internet or other networks, the hearing aid 100 can continuously stream audio to the internet for analysis by a web server. The system 102 can communicate with the internet or other devices such as mobile devices via any suitable communication network, such as a Bluetooth network or a Wi-Fi network.

[0016] As will be described in more detail herein, the system 102 of the hearing aid 100 receives external sounds, including various types of sounds from the surrounding environment. The hearing aid 100 can generally amplify and / or attenuate the detected sounds, according to the implementations described herein. In various implementations, the sounds may include alarm sounds. In various implementations, the system 102 provides notifications to the user wearing the hearing aid 100. The notifications may provide information about the alarm, such as the type of alarm and any urgency associated with the alarm.

[0017] In some implementations, system 102 attenuates the detected sound so that the user wearing the hearing aid 100 can better hear any alarm information provided by system 102. Further implementations of the operation of the hearing aid 100 are described in more detail herein, for example, in relation to Figure 4.

[0018] For ease of explanation, Figure 1 shows one block for each of the system 102, microphone 104, and speaker 106. Blocks 102, 104, and 106 can represent multiple systems, microphones, and speakers, depending on the specific implementation. In other implementations, the hearing aid 100 may not have all the components shown and / or may have other elements, including other types of elements, instead of or in addition to the components shown herein. Also, while some implementations are described herein in the context of a single hearing aid, these implementations are also applicable to multiple hearings. For example, in some scenarios, a user may wear a single hearing aid in one ear. In some scenarios, a user may wear a hearing aid in one ear and a second hearing aid in the other ear.

[0019] System 102 executes the implementations described herein, but in other implementations, any suitable component or combination of components associated with System 102, or any suitable single or plural processors associated with System 102, can facilitate the execution of the implementations described herein.

[0020] FIG. 2A is an image of an exemplary hearing aid 200 that can be used for the implementations described herein. FIG. 2B is an image of the hearing aid 200 worn on ear 202 according to some implementations. As shown, the hearing aid 200 is worn outside ear 202 and wraps around the upper part of ear 202. In various implementations, the hearing aid receiver is inserted into the ear canal of the ear.

[0021] FIG. 3A is an image of an exemplary hearing aid 300 that can be used for the implementations described herein. FIG. 3B is an image of the hearing aid 300 worn in the ear canal of ear 302 according to some implementations. As shown, the hearing aid 300 inserted into the ear canal of ear 302 is not visible. The hearing aids shown in FIGS. 2A, 2B, 3A, and 3B are exemplary implementations of hearing aid hardware. The specific type of hearing aid hardware can vary depending on the implementation.

[0022] FIG. 4 is an exemplary flowchart for facilitating a user to hear alarms and other sounds via a hearing aid according to some implementations. Referring to both FIGS. 1 and 4, the method starts at block 402, and a system such as System 102 receives sound with a hearing aid. In various implementations described herein, the sound is an alarm. Although various implementations are described in the context of an alarm sound herein, the sound can mean any sound that can require the attention of a user wearing the hearing aid.

[0023] In various implementations, hearing aids such as hearing aid 100 can detect sounds including very faint or almost imperceptible sounds that the user may not notice. In various implementations, examples of sounds detected and received by hearing aid 100 may include fire alarms, carbon monoxide alarms, chimes / alarms at the end of a washing machine or dryer cycle, sounds at the end of a microwave oven cooking cycle, kettle whistles, fire engine sirens, police sirens, emergency alert messages, car horns, the sound of a user's car alarm, a baby crying, a dog barking, a cat meowing, door knocking, doorbells, motor sounds, glass breaking, security alarms, splashes of water (e.g., if a child is around a pool), collision sounds, groans, cries, screams, people's names, and the ringtone or chime of a user's mobile phone. These are just examples of sounds, and hearing aid 100 can detect other types of sounds.

[0024] In block 404, the system determines the type of alarm based on the sound of the alarm. In various implementations, the system can be configured to listen for certain types of alarms that the user considers important and that might otherwise be missed (e.g., fire alarms, carbon monoxide alarms, etc.). The system can allow the user to configure such sounds via a software application on a device such as a mobile device that controls hearing aids. In various implementations, the system can detect and distinguish new sounds and record samples of such sounds. The system can then analyze the sounds locally and / or transmit them over the internet for further processing and analysis.

[0025] In block 406, the system generates a notification based on the type of alarm. In various implementations, the system generates and / or provides in-ear notifications at an instant based on one or more predetermined notification policies. For example, in various implementations, the system may generate notifications based on urgency as a predetermined policy. In some implementations, an emergency message may be delivered immediately as a predetermined notification policy. For example, the system may determine that a particular sound is a fire alarm, which has a high degree of urgency. Once generated, the system may provide the notification based on the notification policy, as described below.

[0026] In various implementations, the system may, as per a given policy, provide notifications at a time based on urgency. In various implementations, the system may be configured to allow users to receive emergency alerts immediately. In the case of a fire alarm, the system may provide immediate notification to the user so that the user can take immediate action (e.g., evacuate the building, call the fire department).

[0027] In some implementations, a predetermined notification policy allows non-urgent messages to be delivered at a delayed time (e.g., on the hour, between conversations). For example, the system may determine that a particular sound is the sound of a dryer, which may have a low level of urgency. In various implementations, the system may be configured to provide non-urgent alarms immediately or with a delay. In the example of an alarm indicating that a dryer cycle has completed, the system can provide immediate notification to the user if the user so desires.

[0028] In some implementations, a predetermined notification policy allows the system to provide notifications when the hearing aid is not detecting any other sounds (e.g., conversation). For example, if the user is having a conversation with someone else, the system may wait for a lull in the conversation before delivering a specific alarm (e.g., a non-urgent alarm). In another example, the system may provide a notification at the following time; the specific delay may vary depending on the specific implementation.

[0029] In various implementations, a system can estimate the distance of a given alarm sound as part of a predetermined notification policy. For example, an indoor fire alarm can be estimated to be nearby because it is loud. The system can assign a high urgency level to the fire alarm and deliver the alarm and / or alarm notification accordingly (e.g., immediately). In another example, a fire truck siren can be estimated to be far away because it is quiet. The system can assign a low urgency level to the fire truck siren and deliver the alarm and / or alarm notification accordingly (e.g., delayed, indicating not urgent).

[0030] In various implementations, the system plays the alarm through the hearing aid's speaker. In various implementations, the system can increase the alarm volume to a level higher than other non-alarm sounds. The played alarm can be simply louder or significantly louder than other sounds to effectively alert the user in a timely manner. In some implementations, the alarm sound can be played by simply amplifying the alarm sound. In some implementations, the alarm sound can be played by recording the alarm sound and then playing it immediately or with a delay.

[0031] In various implementations, the notification is a second alarm derived from the first alarm. For example, instead of amplifying or recording a given sound or alarm, the system can determine the type of alarm and generate a second alarm that represents the first alarm. For instance, if the system determines that the alarm is a fire alarm, it can generate a second alarm that is a verbal announcement (e.g., "Fire!", "Evacuate! Fire!"). This is an example where the notification is an audible message.

[0032] In various implementations, the system may provide the user with a glossary of sounds that the user can assign to specific types of sounds detected. The system may also allow the user to customize verbal messages to assign to specific types of sounds. For example, if the alarm is for a microwave oven, the system may generate a suitable second alarm, which may also be a verbal announcement (e.g., "Dinner is ready"). Alternatively, for any given type of alarm, the system may generate a second alarm that is a special sound. For example, the second alarm for a microwave oven may be one type of sound (e.g., a beeping sound). The second alarm for a doorbell may be another type of sound (e.g., a doorbell sound).

[0033] In various implementations, notifications include haptic feedback. For example, the system can be used with motion sensors and / or direction sensors. If the sensor is worn while the user is sleeping, the hearing aid worn by the user can use haptic feedback (e.g., vibration, pulse, etc.) to wake the user, optionally combined with sound to wake the user, allowing the user to respond to an emergency.

[0034] In another example, the system can be configured to respond to people's names. These names could be the names of the hearing aid users / wearers. For example, if someone is calling out to the hearing aid user, the system will detect the user's name. The system can then amplify the user's name or emit a corresponding sound to attract the user's attention. The system can be trained on people's names using artificial intelligence and machine learning. Other detectable names are also possible. For example, a hearing aid user might want to hear, for various reasons, whether someone else is calling out the name of another person or pet.

[0035] In some implementations, the system can attenuate or filter out certain sounds that may not be important to the user. For example, the system can attenuate background noise such as wind or traffic. This makes it easier for the user to distinguish between important sounds (e.g., alarms, notifications, announcements, etc.) and less important sounds (e.g., wind, traffic, etc.). The system can utilize any appropriate frequency attenuation or noise cancellation technique.

[0036] In some implementations, if a user wears hearing aids in both ears, the system can provide alarms, notifications, and alerts to the user through one hearing aid while not providing them through the other. This allows the system to provide different types of information simultaneously. In such scenarios, the system can increase the volume of alarms, notifications, and alerts to a higher level than other ambient sounds.

[0037] As described above, the system establishes communication between the hearing aid and the mobile device, and also allows access to the internet via the mobile device. Therefore, the system enables the hearing aid to send and receive data to and from the internet via the mobile device. This is beneficial in that the hearing aid can utilize the power and other resources of the mobile device.

[0038] In some implementations, hearing aids can be configured to receive emergency broadcast system alerts, such as evacuation notices during natural disasters, which may be transmitted to the hearing aids if the mobile device is connected to the internet. Additionally, in some implementations, hearing aids can be configured to listen for specific safe words (e.g., "Help!"). Such safe words can trigger a call to emergency services via a mobile device (e.g., a smartphone). This could be useful if a user falls and is unable to reach their phone to call emergency services.

[0039] Steps, operations, or calculations may be presented in a specific order, but this order may be changed in a particular implementation. Other orders of steps are possible depending on the particular implementation. In some particular implementations, multiple steps presented sequentially herein may be executed simultaneously. Furthermore, some implementations may not have all the steps presented and / or may have other steps instead of, or in addition to, those presented herein.

[0040] The implementation described herein offers various benefits. For example, the implementation enables and facilitates users to hear alarms and other sounds through their hearing aids. Furthermore, the implementation described herein determines the type of alarm and provides notification to the user.

[0041] Figure 5 is a block diagram of an exemplary network environment 500 that can be used for several implementations described herein. In some implementations, the network environment 500 includes a system 502 which includes a server device 504 and a database 506. For example, the system 502 can be used to implement a system for a mobile device that communicates with a hearing aid as described herein, and to perform the implementations described herein.

[0042] The network environment 500 also includes client devices 510 and 520 that can represent two hearing aids worn by user U1. For example, one client device can represent a hearing aid for the right ear, and the other client device can represent a hearing aid for the left ear. Client devices 510 and 520 can communicate with system 502 and / or communicate with each other directly or via system 502. The network environment 500 also includes a network 550 through which system 502 and client devices 510 and 520 communicate. Network 550 can be any suitable communication network, such as a Wi-Fi network, a Bluetooth network, or the Internet.

[0043] Although system 502 is shown separately from client devices 510 and 520, variations of system 502 can also be integrated into client devices 510 and / or 520. This allows each of client devices 510 and 520 to communicate directly with the Internet or another network.

[0044] For ease of explanation, Figure 5 shows one block for each of the system 502, server device 504, and network database 506. Blocks 502, 504, and 506 can represent multiple systems, server devices, and network databases. Any number of client devices can also exist. In other implementations, the environment 500 may not have all the components shown and / or may have other elements, including other types of elements, instead of or in addition to the components shown herein.

[0045] The server device 504 of system 502 performs the implementation described herein, but in other implementations, any suitable component or combination of components associated with system 502, or any suitable single or multiple processors associated with system 502, can be made to perform the implementation described herein.

[0046] Figure 6 is a block diagram of an exemplary computer system 600 that can be used for several implementations described herein. For example, the computer system 600 can be used to implement the server device 504 in Figure 5 and / or the system 102 in Figure 1, and to perform the implementations described herein. In some implementations, the computer system 600 may include a processor 602, an operating system 604, memory 606, and an input / output (I / O) interface 608. In various implementations, the processor 602 can be used to implement various functions and features described herein, and to perform implementations of the methods described herein. Although the processor 602 is described as performing the implementations described herein, any suitable component or combination of components of the computer system 600, or any suitable single or multiple processors associated with the computer system 600 or any suitable system, can perform the steps described. The implementations described herein can be performed in a user device, a server, or a combination of both.

[0047] The computer system 600 also includes a software application 610, which can be stored in memory 606 or any other suitable storage location or computer-readable medium. The software application 610 provides instructions, which the processor 602 can use to perform the implementations and other functions described herein. The software application 610 may also include engines, such as a network engine, for performing various functions associated with one or more networks and network communications. The components of the computer system 600 can be implemented by any combination of one or more processors or hardware devices, and any combination of hardware, software, firmware, etc.

[0048] For ease of explanation, Figure 6 shows one block for each of the following: processor 602, operating system 604, memory 606, I / O interface 608, and software application 610. These blocks 602, 604, 606, 608, and 610 can represent multiple processors, operating systems, memory, I / O interfaces, and software applications. In various implementations, the computer system 600 may not have all the components shown and / or may have other elements, including other types of components, instead of or in addition to the components shown herein.

[0049] While the explanation has been based on specific implementations, these are merely illustrative and not limiting. The concepts presented in the examples can be applied to other examples and implementations.

[0050] In various implementations, the software is encoded into one or more non-temporary computer-readable media for execution by one or more processors. When executed by one or more processors, the software is operable to perform the implementations and other functions described herein.

[0051] Any suitable programming language, including C, C++, C#, Java, JavaScript, and assembly language, can be used to implement routines in a particular implementation. Different programming techniques, such as procedural or object-oriented programming, can be used. Routines can be executed on a single processing device or on multiple processors. Steps, operations, or calculations can be presented in a specific order, but this order can be changed in different specific implementations. In some specific implementations, multiple steps presented sequentially herein can be executed simultaneously.

[0052] Certain implementations may be implemented on non-temporary computer-readable storage media (also known as machine-readable storage media) for use by or in connection with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device. Certain implementations may be implemented in the form of control logic in software, hardware, or a combination of both. The control logic is operable to perform the implementations and other functions described herein when executed by one or more processors. For example, control logic containing executable instructions can be stored using tangible media such as hardware memory.

[0053] Specific implementations can be implemented by using programmable general-purpose digital computers and / or by using application-specific integrated circuits, programmable logic devices, field-programmable gate arrays, optical, chemical, biological, quantum, or nanoengineering systems, components, and mechanisms. In general, the functionality of a particular implementation can be achieved by any means known in the art. Distributed, networked systems, components, and / or circuits can be used. Communication or transfer of data can be by wired, wireless, or any other means.

[0054] A “processor” can include any suitable hardware and / or software system, mechanism, or component that processes data, signals, or other information. A processor can include a system with a general-purpose central processing unit, multiple processing units, dedicated circuits for implementing a function, or other systems. Processing does not need to be limited to a geographical location or have temporal constraints. For example, a processor can perform its functions in “real-time,” “offline,” “batch mode,” etc. Parts of the processing can be performed by different (or the same) processing systems at different times and in different locations. A computer can be any processor that communicates with memory. Memory can be any suitable data storage, memory, and / or non-temporary computer-readable storage medium, including electronic storage devices such as random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), magnetic storage devices (such as hard disk drives), flash memory, optical storage devices (such as CDs and DVDs), magnetic or optical discs, or other tangible media, suitable for storing instructions (e.g., programs or software instructions) to be executed by the processor. For example, control logic that may include executable instructions can be stored using tangible media such as hardware storage devices. Instructions can also be supplied as electronic signals, for example, in the form of software as a service (SaaS) delivered from a server (e.g., a distributed system and / or a cloud computing system).

[0055] Furthermore, it will be understood that one or more of the elements shown in the drawings / figures may be implemented in a more separated or integrated manner, or may be deleted or disabled in some cases, to be useful for a particular application. Implementing a program or code that can be stored in a machine-readable medium to cause a computer to perform any of the above methods is also within the spirit and scope of the present invention.

[0056] As used in this specification and the following claims, “a,” “an” (indefinite articles), and “the” (definite article) include multiple references unless otherwise explicitly specified by the context. Furthermore, as used in this specification and the following claims, “in” includes both “in” and “on” unless otherwise explicitly specified by the context.

[0057] Therefore, while specific implementations have been described herein, freedom of modification, alteration, and substitution is intended in the foregoing disclosure, and it will be understood that, in some cases, certain features of a particular implementation may be used without corresponding use of other features, without departing from the scope and intent described. Thus, many modifications can be made to adapt specific circumstances or content to the substantial scope and intent. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0058] 100 hearing aids 102 System 104 Microphone 106 speakers 200 hearing aids 202 Ear 300 hearing aids 302 Ear 402 Hearing aid receives sound. The sound is a type of alarm. Determine the type of 404 alarm. Generate notifications based on the type of 406 alarm. 500 Network Environment 502 System 504 Server Device 506 Databases 510,520 Client devices 550 Network 600 Computer Systems 602 Processors 604 Operating Systems 606 memory 608 Input / Output (I / O) Interfaces 610 Software Applications U1 User

Claims

1. It is a system, One or more processors, Logic encoded in one or more non-temporary computer-readable storage media for execution by the one or more processors, and which is operable at runtime to cause the one or more processors to perform an operation, The operation includes, The process involves receiving sound with a hearing aid, and the sound is an alarm. Determining the type of alarm, Based on the type of alarm, generate a notification, Includes, The generation of the aforementioned notification is based on urgency, Based on the volume of the alarm received by the hearing aid, the distance of the alarm is estimated. Based on the estimated alarm distance, the urgency of the alarm is assigned. Including providing the notification at a time based on the assigned urgency, A system characterized by the following features.

2. The system according to claim 1, wherein the logic is further operable at runtime to cause the one or more processors to perform an operation, the operation including playing the alarm through the speaker of the hearing aid.

3. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that the notification is a second alarm derived from the alarm.

4. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that the notification is an audible message.

5. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that the notification includes haptic feedback.

6. A non-temporary computer-readable storage medium storing program instructions, wherein the program instructions are operable to cause one or more processors to perform an operation when executed by one or more processors, and the operation is: The process involves receiving sound with a hearing aid, and the sound is an alarm. Determining the type of alarm, Based on the type of alarm, generate a notification, Includes, The generation of the aforementioned notification is based on urgency, Based on the volume of the aforementioned alarm, the distance of the alarm is estimated. Based on the estimated alarm distance, assign an alarm urgency level. Including providing the notification at a time based on the assigned urgency, A computer-readable storage medium characterized by the following features.

7. The computer-readable storage medium according to claim 6, characterized in that the program instruction is further operable at runtime to cause one or more processors to perform an operation, the operation including playing the alarm through the speaker of the hearing aid.

8. The computer-readable storage medium according to claim 6, characterized in that the notification is a second alarm derived from the alarm.

9. The computer-readable storage medium according to claim 6, characterized in that the notification is an audible message.

10. The computer-readable storage medium according to claim 6, characterized in that the notification includes haptic feedback.

11. A computer implementation method, A step of receiving a sound with a hearing aid, wherein the sound is an alarm, and Steps to determine the type of alarm, The steps include generating a notification based on the type of alarm, Includes, The generation of the aforementioned notification is based on urgency, The steps include: estimating the distance of the alarm based on the volume of the alarm received by the hearing aid; A step of assigning the urgency of the alarm based on the estimated distance of the alarm, The steps include providing the notification at a time based on the assigned urgency, This also includes, A method characterized by the following:

12. The method according to claim 11, further comprising the step of playing the alarm through the speaker of the hearing aid.

13. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that the notification is a second alarm derived from the alarm.

14. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that the notification is an audible message.

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