Over-ear hearing aid for person with age-related hearing loss

Abstract

The present invention relates to a hearing aid for the elderly to compensate for and improve hearing loss, wherein a user by himself / herself can select, as a selection means, one amplification gain value suitable for the user's own audiogram among a plurality of programs with divided amplification gain values. The hearing aid allows the user to hear by covering the user's ear with a main body of the hearing aid so as to improve speech comprehension and sound quality.

Description

Hearing aids for age-related hearing loss that cover the ears

[0001] The present invention relates to a hearing aid for the elderly whose hearing ability has been reduced due to hearing loss, and more specifically, to a hearing aid for age-related hearing loss that covers the ears so that anyone can select the volume according to their hearing level even if they have mild, moderate, moderately severe, or profound hearing loss, or have different hearing levels in both ears.

[0002] The ear, which is responsible for hearing, is one of the five senses that detects sound when waves from a sound source that spread out in all directions are transmitted to a medium.

[0003] However, when hearing ability declines, hearing loss occurs, making it difficult to hear sounds. This type of hearing loss varies greatly in terms of the degree of symptoms and whether it is congenital or acquired.

[0004] A method to overcome some of the hearing loss in hearing loss described above is through commercially available hearing aids.

[0005] The structure of the hearing aid as above includes a microphone that converts sound into an electrical signal, an amplifier that increases the electrical signal to obtain a sound level gain value that compensates for the loss of hearing threshold (a numerical value indicating the minimum stimulus intensity required for the ear to react to a stimulus), a speaker that converts the electrical signal into a sound signal, and a battery. The amplifier is realized using digital signal processing.

[0006] The method of amplifying sound to compensate for the hearing threshold loss mentioned above is a linear method that amplifies to have an optimal gain and frequency curve for each frequency band based on a specific single input sound level.

[0007] This type of linear amplification is used in hearing aids that use the concept of a sound amplifier to suddenly increase or decrease the volume when a sound louder or softer than the standard input sound level is input to the microphone.

[0008] Another amplification method is nonlinear amplification, which has gain and frequency response for each frequency band at various input sound levels.

[0009] This type of nonlinear amplification method produces amplification in which the average gain and frequency response shape change depending on the input sound level.

[0010] Although the above amplification methods amplify sound to overcome and compensate for the hearing threshold due to hearing loss, in order to use a hearing aid, the target amplification must be prescribed using a prescription formula linked to the characteristics of individual hearing loss. Therefore, the amplifiers are made into a parameter-type software program that has the function of adjusting the amplification gain value, frequency, etc., and the target amplification value is prescribed to each individual with hearing loss by adjusting the parameter software using a computer, smartphone, etc., and the sound is heard through the speaker after digital signal processing.

[0011] In order for a hearing impaired person to use a hearing aid, he or she must first undergo a hearing test at a specialized institution, and based on this, he or she must select one of several types of hearing aids. Based on the characteristics of the selected hearing aid, he or she must prescribe an amplification gain value and frequency response that are suitable for his or her hearing ability so that the sound with the insertion gain of the hearing aid is transmitted to the eardrum, not the actual gain of the ear, in collaboration with a hearing specialist.

[0012] The original goal of this type of hearing aid amplification prescription is to provide each individual with speech understanding and to hear sounds of good quality and appropriate volume.

[0013] However, as shown in Fig. 4, most hearing aids are worn by inserting them into the external auditory canal or by blocking the external auditory canal, and amplified sounds are heard through a tunnel-like passage where one side of the external auditory canal is blocked by the eardrum.

[0014] At this time, depending on the structure or shape of the coupler (tube, mold, dome, ear shell, etc.), which is the connecting device of the hearing aid, and the specifications and shape of the ventilation hole that processes the sound waves reflected from the eardrum,

[0015] Variables in the amplification gain value, frequency distortion, etc. occur, and variables in the frequency gain value due to frequency distortion or resonance occur due to impedance according to the ratio of sound pressure and particle velocity within the external auditory canal.

[0016] In addition, the hearing aid structure places the microphone and speaker close together, which causes the sound from the speaker to re-enter the microphone, resulting in feedback phenomena such as reduced speech understanding and deteriorated sound quality.

[0017] Even when using a prescription formula in hearing aid prescription, the set of functions must be carefully adjusted to achieve the original purpose of the hearing aid by referring to various variables and providing the target frequency band gain value and frequency response for each individual with hearing loss.

[0018] When hearing-impaired people first use hearing aids, they have difficulty adapting to the sudden amplification of sound transmitted to the eardrum, so most of them prefer an amplification volume with a lower gain than their hearing threshold loss and wear it with a prescription. However, as time passes and they become accustomed to the prescribed amplification volume, they realize that the amplification volume is insufficient compared to their hearing level, so they visit a specialist institution again to have the amplification gain prescribe again for correction.

[0019] Additionally, even if you use a hearing aid, hearing loss will continue to progress and worsen over time, so the amplification gain value must be re-prescribed.

[0020] [Prior Art Literature]

[0021] [Patent Document]

[0022] (Patent Document 1) U.S. Patent Publication No.: US2018-0242090, published on August 23, 2018) “Hearing Aid Fitting Method and System”

[0023] (Patent Document 2) Republic of Korea Patent Gazette (Patent No. 10-1756674, Publication Date: July 25, 2017) “Active Noise Cancelling Headset Device with Hearing Aid Function”

[0024] (Patent Document 3) U.S. Patent Publication No.: US2010-0067714, Publication Date: March 18, 2010 “Headphones switchable to sound box mode”

[0025] The present invention is to specify age-related hearing loss (sensorineural hearing loss) in which hearing ability decreases and the dynamic range of hearing all sounds decreases due to natural degeneration of the inner and outer hair cells in the cochlea with age, and to omit the hearing test, which is a clinical procedure, when the elderly with reduced cognitive and physical abilities need a hearing aid, and to omit the prescription process of amplifying the hearing aid with a prescription formula for each individual to wear the hearing aid. In addition, it is to omit the re-prescription to increase the amplification gain value due to the difference in the sound of adaptation and the sound of adaptation to the sensory response from the amplified sound suddenly transmitted to the eardrum during the hearing aid wearing period, thereby reducing the cost and inconvenience required, and to change the method of wearing the hearing aid by blocking or inserting it into the ear canal to wearing it over the ear, so that the sound amplified in digital signal processing improves the sound quality and enhances speech discrimination, and to implement the technical and functional implementation so that it is easy and convenient to use for the elderly. And, it is to provide a hearing aid for age-related hearing loss that covers the ear and is suggested to facilitate repair and maintenance of the hearing aid.

[0026] The present invention defines the average threshold loss as a numerical value that is calculated by formula from the degree of symptoms in the hearing threshold loss according to frequency in order to omit the necessary processes and procedures when the elderly want to use a hearing aid for hearing loss, and divides the difference in the degree of loss in the entire range into grades based on the calculated average threshold loss, and configures multiple regular programs that respond to each grade within the dynamic range and with a specified sound level gain and frequency.

[0027] The user (the hearing impaired) selects one of the multiple regular program levels with amplification values ​​similar to his / her hearing level to improve hearing loss through a prescription hearing aid, and the hearing aid is configured with a main body that can be worn by covering the ear to ensure ease of maintenance and convenience of wearing.

[0028] The present invention can solve the problems of the cumbersome procedure for using a hearing aid and the cost thereof, which are one of the reasons why the elderly with reduced cognitive and physical abilities do not use a hearing aid or stop using it even though they experience inconvenience in their daily lives due to hearing loss, the inconvenience of wearing it, the maintenance problems such as cleaning and battery charging due to the small volume of the hearing aid, and the problems of loss and damage caused by breakdown or falling off due to sweat in the summer. In addition, since anyone can use it easily when it is necessary to hear sounds accurately, it has the effect of improving the quality of life of the elderly and giving them confidence due to the convenience of use.

[0029] Figure 1 is a cross-sectional side view showing a preferred embodiment of the hearing aid of the present invention with a portion of the side cut away.

[0030] Figure 2 is a perspective view showing a headband attached as an attachment means to the hearing aid of the present invention.

[0031] Figure 3 is a virtual implementation diagram of multiple diagrams that illustrate the prescription formulas of each normal gain model that divides the average threshold loss degree of the present invention into multiple grades and defines them as multiple levels.

[0032] Figure 4 is a product photo showing hearing aids that were used in the past.

[0033] [Explanation of symbols]

[0034] 1. Body

[0035] 2. Internal chamber

[0036] 3. Headband

[0037] 4. Combination means

[0038] 5. Attachment / detachment means

[0039] 6. Compression pad

[0040] 7. Microphone

[0041] 8. Speaker

[0042] 10. Hearing Correction System

[0043] 11. Means of selection

[0044] 12. Output surface

[0045] 13. Vent

[0046] The present invention provides a hearing aid for age-related hearing loss that covers the ears and is primarily intended for age-related hearing loss (sensorineural hearing loss) in which hearing ability to understand speech decreases and dynamic range to hear all sounds decreases as the outer and inner ear hair cells in the cochlea naturally degenerate with age, and improves and overcomes hearing function.

[0047] That is, the purpose is to provide a hearing aid that improves hearing loss by allowing the user to select a prescribed volume with an amplification gain value similar to and close to his or her own hearing level without the need for a specialist's diagnosis or prescription, along with ease of maintenance for the elderly whose cognitive abilities and daily life activities have been limited due to aging.

[0048] If we describe in detail the configuration for the above hearing aid, it includes a microphone (7) that converts sound waves into electrical signals, an amplifier that increases the sound level gain value into an electrical signal to compensate for hearing threshold loss, a speaker (8) that converts the electrical signal into a sound signal, and a battery, and the amplifier is configured as an electrically and electronically configured hearing correction system (10) that executes digital signal processing.

[0049] The characteristic of age-related hearing loss is that the majority of frequencies are between 500 Hz and 4,000 Hz, and as one gets older, the threshold loss increases, which aggravates the symptoms of hearing loss.

[0050] In the present invention, the hearing correction system (10) measures the degree of hearing loss symptoms in quantitative numbers to define a prescription formula for compensating for hearing loss in each case by classifying hearing loss in the elderly based on differences in hearing levels.

[0051] The symptom severity value is calculated by applying the threshold loss (dB) value of the frequency band to the formula [500 Hz + (1,000 Hz + 2,000 Hz) × 2 + 4,000 Hz] ÷ 6, and the indicated value (dB) is defined as the average threshold loss, and the audiogram is classified based on the high and low values.

[0052] And the entire range of average threshold loss belonging to hearing loss is defined as from 25 dB to 90 dB, and it is judged that hearing function cannot be improved with only a hearing correction system (10) for average threshold loss of 91 dB or more.

[0053] When indicating the degree of symptoms in hearing loss as described above, the average threshold loss value is divided into zones such as mild, moderate, moderately severe, severe, and profound.

[0054] In order to improve and overcome hearing loss, the sound level gain value and frequency response of the amplification that compensate for the threshold loss lost in each frequency band must be output from the speaker (8). Since the sound level gain value and frequency response of this sound amplification naturally differ depending on the degree of hearing loss symptoms and differences in characteristics, the prescription accordingly also differs. Usually, the characteristics of hearing loss are examined for each individual, and the amplifier is adjusted according to the prescription formula to provide a customized prescription, and this is how existing hearing aids are used.

[0055] In contrast, the hearing correction system (10) of the present invention does not target individual hearing loss characteristics, but is based on an average threshold loss value calculated for all hearing-impaired people, and is designed to improve and overcome hearing without individual hearing tests or customized prescriptions based on prescription formulas.

[0056] Accordingly, the hearing aid prescription formula and prescription in the present invention are a prescription formula that divides the difference in the degree of loss in the average threshold loss range, i.e., the entire range of the average threshold loss, into grades, and for each grade that is divided, the sound level gain is defined by setting an appropriate target amplification value for each frequency band and a sound level gain within the dynamic range in the grade to which it corresponds, and a plurality of independent normal gain model programs that perform frequency response are stored for each grade in the hearing correction system (10). Fig. 3 is a diagram showing the prescription formula of a virtual normal gain model by arbitrarily dividing multiple normal gain models in the degree of loss of the average threshold loss.

[0057] As described above, the multiple normal gain models of the prescribed formula are configured in a way that the hearing impaired elderly person listens to the sound volume by selecting one of the multiple normal gain models with an amplification value close to or approximate to his or her own hearing level.

[0058] At this time, the sound level gain and frequency response, which are the specified amplification values ​​stored by grade in the program of the regular gain model, may differ from the target amplification value required for each individual depending on the hearing loss characteristics.

[0059] In order to minimize this error range, the program is designed as a regular gain model that divides the number of grades of difference in the degree of loss across the entire range of average threshold loss into one of 5 to 25 grades, preferably.

[0060] In the above, patients with severe and profound hearing loss with a large average threshold loss have hearing loss desensitization and dead zones, and it is not easy to prescribe approximate amplification values ​​due to various complex factors, so careful prescription is required.

[0061] Accordingly, the hearing correction system (10) divides the entire range of average threshold loss into a high or profound hearing loss range, or divides the range of average threshold loss into a specific range, and divides the difference in the degree of loss in the range of average threshold loss within a certain range therein into grades, and can more precisely prescribe a corresponding regular gain model for each grade. For example, a program in which the sound level gain and frequency response are regular gain models within a certain range is divided and stored in the hearing correction system, such as by increasing the number of grades or different regular gain models in the same grade.

[0062] Hearing aids that have the average threshold loss range as described above divided into a certain section can be mutually compatible if they are designed as a program in which the lowest gain model on one side and the highest gain model on the other side are overlapped with each other.

[0063] In the above gain model program, the method of amplifying sound using an amplifier is either a linear amplification method with gain and frequency curves for each frequency band at a specific single input level, or a nonlinear amplification method with gain and frequency input / output curves for each frequency band at multiple input levels, which makes no difference in realizing the gain value in amplification. However, linear amplification has a structure that does not require a volume control.

[0064] Looking at the structure of a hearing aid having a hearing correction system (10) built in as described above, preferably, as shown in Fig. 1, a main body (1) formed slightly larger than the ear and having a certain thickness so as to be able to cover the user's ear is formed in a circular or oval shape, and the inside thereof is formed as an empty space, and an internal chamber (2) in which the hearing correction system (10) can be accommodated is provided.

[0065] The main body (1) of the above structure is provided with a connecting means (4) or a detachable means (4) for fixing or detaching a headband (3) to a portion of the width or one side thereof, and a compression pad (6) formed of a soft material and protruding around the inner edge so that the main body (1) covers the ear and adheres closely to the user's ear when worn, is fixed to one side of the main body (1), or is configured to be detachable from the main body (1) using a known fastening means.

[0066] And the main body (1) is a headband (3) (Head Bend) that is put into practical use in headphones that cover the ears as shown in Fig. 2, and is fixedly connected to the main body (1) by a connecting means (4) provided on the upper part of the main body (1) with the output surface (12) facing inward, or is connected by a known detachable structure by a detachable means (4) provided on the headband (3) and a detachable means (4) provided on the upper part of the main body (1).

[0067] As described above, the main body (1) combined with the headband (3) is placed on the head by wrapping the head with the headband (3), and when the user wears the main body (1) by covering the ears with the compression pad (6) so that it is tightly attached to the ears, the face portion of the output face (12) is not in contact with the external auditory canal by the thickness of the compression pad (6) and always maintains a predetermined distance, and secures a space open in all directions within the compression pad (6), so that the output sound of the speaker (8) is heard.

[0068] The main body (1) of the present invention, which is configured as a listening means for improving and overcoming hearing loss by covering the ear and listening to amplified sound in a non-contact manner with the outer ear, imposes clear functional improvements and technologies on a device for listening to amplified sound to improve hearing.

[0069] With these functional improvements and technical solutions,

[0070] First, the sound-to-noise ratio (SNR) is improved by blocking the sound reflection or ambient noise from the main body (1), thereby allowing the amplified sound from the speaker (8) to be heard clearly, thereby increasing the ability to distinguish speech sounds.

[0071] Second, if the microphone is installed omnidirectionally toward the direction in which sound is generated from the main body (1), frequency resolution, which is a problem of age-related hearing loss, can be improved, and speech understanding can be improved by reducing the amount of noise generated in the surroundings that enters the microphone.

[0072] Third, the amplified sound can accurately transmit the amplification gain value to the eardrum without frequency distortion as a natural resonance gain in the free sound field.

[0073] Fourth, compared to the hearing aid method that contacts the external auditory canal, the microphone (7) and speaker (8) are spaced far apart, so there is no feedback phenomenon that causes sound quality problems in the hearing aid, which can improve speech discrimination.

[0074] Fifth, the receiver diameter related to the diameter of the external auditory canal can be set to a speaker standard that provides a wide frequency response so that the amplified digital sound can be heard with a comfortable sound quality close to the original sound.

[0075] Sixth, the battery capacity is designed to be large and can be used for a long time.

[0076] Seventh, each of the multiple regular gain models, which are graded based on the average threshold loss and the difference in loss degree, transmits the amplified sound to the eardrum with the natural resonance gain under the same state and conditions according to the main body wearing, while realizing the prescribed sound level gain and frequency response in a standard manner, and various technical and functional elements can improve hearing by increasing speech intelligibility and sound quality. Therefore, the configuration of the main body (1) of the present invention can be said to be the best and only method for achieving the purpose of prescribing the hearing aid of the present invention.

[0077] However, if the hearing aid is configured to block or insert the external auditory canal, the difference between the real ear gain and the insertion gain varies depending on the structure or characteristics of the coupler (earmole, earshell, dome, tube), which is a connecting member, and thus it is difficult to predict the variables of the frequency distortion, resonance gain, and amplification gain due to various variables in the amplification gain value, factors such as the ventilation hole size, impedance, and wearing style related to the external auditory canal diameter that are different for each person, and the average threshold loss is used as a standard and the difference in the degree of loss is divided into grades, making it difficult to always transmit all of the volumes of multiple normal gain models to the eardrum without variables under constant conditions and environments, making it impossible to achieve the original purpose of the hearing aid of the present invention.

[0078] In the main body (1) of the above configuration, a speaker (8) as one of the components of the hearing correction system (10) is provided with a compression pad (6) as an output surface (12), and the output surface (12) is installed so as to penetrate the wall or form a hole in the wall of the built-in chamber (2) and approach the inner periphery of the wall.

[0079] And another component, a microphone (7), is installed inside or protruding outside a wall having a sound wave entrance in the main body (1) except for the output surface (12). It is preferable to install the microphone (7) in a position where the user can see the sound from the direction he or she wants to hear from the front.

[0080] In the above, the speaker (8) can be installed in multiple speakers (8) on the output surface (12) according to the output capacity, and of course, the microphone (7) can also be installed in multiple numbers for directionality or omnidirectionality.

[0081] And the main body (1) is provided with a selection means (11) to select and output one of a plurality of regular gain model programs. The selection means (11) may be configured in a known means manner, such as a button type, so that it is convenient for the elderly to use.

[0082] Accordingly, the hearing impaired person improves and overcomes his / her hearing loss by listening to the sound by processing the sound by using a selection means (11) among multiple normal gain models stored in the program and selecting the volume of one of the normal gain models prescribed with an approximate amplification value that is suitable for him / her or similar to him / her or close to him / her.

[0083] The hearing aid as described above can also be configured to be controlled by an application program app from an external support device, such as selecting and adjusting the volume that suits the user.

[0084] The battery (not shown) built into the internal chamber (2) of the main body (1) may be either a battery-type or a storage battery-type. In addition, in order to prevent the howling phenomenon that may occur due to the occlusion effect when the main body (1) is worn covering the user's ears, a ventilation hole (13) may be formed in the output face (12) to allow the sound of the speaker (8) to leak out from the body.

[0085] In addition to the above, an audio playback device that can receive audio signals and hear sound by connecting an external audio source device such as a mobile phone with a cable or by wirelessly supporting a slave device may be built into the built-in chamber (2) of the main body (1).

[0086] When the above multiple regular gain model programs are configured as a hearing correction system (10) independently stored in a digital circuit, the software program processes the voice as an executable file that signals the voice using only independent functions, or, since the tone information of the language (tonal language, non-tonal language) is different depending on the frequency in each country, the optimal gain and frequency response regular gain model program are adjusted and corrected to increase speech intelligibility, and the voice is processed by processing by storing the voice as two files: a link file with function information and an executable file that signals the voice.

[0087] It goes without saying that it is possible to selectively fill the built-in room (2) with a known sound-absorbing material or install multiple walls in the built-in room (2) to attenuate external noise or overtones entering the built-in room (2) through the main body (1).

[0088] Although the embodiments and experimental examples of the present invention have been described with reference to the attached drawings, a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains will understand that the present invention can be implemented in other specific forms without changing the technical idea or essential features.

[0089] Therefore, the embodiments and experimental examples described above should be understood as illustrative in all respects and not restrictive, and the scope of the present invention described in the detailed description above is indicated by the claims, and all changes or modified forms derived from the meaning of the claims and their equivalent concepts should be interpreted as being included in the scope of the present invention.

[0090] The present invention can be embodied in various forms, and the embodiments described herein are not limited thereto. It should be noted that the drawings are schematic and not drawn to scale. The relative dimensions and proportions of parts in the drawings have been exaggerated or reduced for clarity and convenience, and any dimensions are for illustrative purposes only and are not limiting. In addition, identical structures, elements, or components appearing in two or more drawings are designated by the same reference numerals to indicate similar features.

Claims

1. A main body having a compression pad on the inner peripheral surface of the body with a built-in chamber formed therein to improve hearing without making contact with the outer ear; A hearing correction system comprising a microphone, a speaker, an amplifier, functional parts and a battery, comprising a regular gain model that responds to each frequency band according to the sound level gain within the dynamic range of the hearing threshold loss of a hearing impaired person when a sound wave of an input level is linearly or nonlinearly amplified in the above-mentioned built-in chamber; The above normal gain model is composed of multiple normal gain model programs that divide the difference in the degree of loss in the entire range of average threshold loss of hearing impaired people or in a certain section of the entire range of average threshold loss into multiple grades, and the sound level gain and frequency response are stipulated to correspond to each grade. The loss level grade of the above regular profit model program is divided into one of 5 to 25 numbers and classified. A hearing aid for age-related hearing loss that covers the ear and improves hearing by providing a selection means on the main body that allows the user to output one of the above grades.

2. In claim 1, The above regular gain model program is configured to have a loss level of 25 to 90 decibels in the entire range of average threshold loss or in a certain section of the entire range of average threshold loss. An age-related hearing loss hearing aid that covers the ear and is characterized by not making contact with the outer ear and improving hearing.

3. In claim 1, A hearing aid for age-related hearing loss that covers the ear and is characterized by having a connecting means or a detaching means provided on the upper part of the main body, an output face provided with a compression pad facing inward, and a headband connected to the connecting means or the detaching means so as not to come into contact with the outer ear and improve hearing.

4. In claim 1, A hearing aid for age-related hearing loss that covers the ear and is characterized by having a ventilation hole penetrating the outside of the body through the output face of the main body, thereby not making contact with the outer ear and improving hearing.

5. In claim 1, A hearing aid for age-related hearing loss that covers the ear and is characterized by improving hearing without contacting the outer ear by adjusting the performance of the hearing correction system of the above main body with an application program app of an external support device.

6. In claim 1, A hearing aid for age-related hearing loss that covers the ear and is characterized by improving hearing without making contact with the outer ear by having an audio reproduction device installed in the built-in chamber of the main body to receive audio signals wirelessly or wiredly from an audio source device.

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