User programmable hearing assistance device
23 claims: 14 independent, 9 dependent
- 1CLAIMS REIVINDICAÇÕES 1. PROGRAMMABLE APPLIANCE TO INCREASE PERCEPTION OF SOUND BY A PERSON, characterized by understanding:1. APARELHO PROGRAMÁVEL PARA AUMENTAR A PERCEPÇÃO · DE SOM POR UMA PESSOA, caracterizado por compreender: a portable shelter configured for use behind the ear or inside the person's ear;um abrigo portátil configurado para uso atrás 5 da orelha ou dentro da orelha da pessoa;a processor arranged in the portable shelter to run one or more available digital audio signal processing programs based on control signals;um processador disposto no abrigo portátil para execução de um ou mais programas disponíveis de processamento de sinais de áudio digitais com base em sinais de controle;10 - a digital to analog converter arranged in the portable shelter to generate analog audio signals emitted based on digital audio signals;10 - um conversor de digital para analógico disposto no abrigo portátil para gerar sinais de áudio analógicos emitidos com base nos sinais de áudio digitais;an audio output section arranged in the portable shelter to receive and amplify the audio signals uma seção de saída de áudio disposta no abrigo portátil para receber e amplificar os sinais de áudio 15 analog signals emitted, generating audible sound based on them and providing audible sound to the person;15 analógicos emitidos, gerando som audível com base neles e fornecendo o som audível para a pessoa;memory arranged in the portable shelter to store a series of programs previously loaded for processing digital audio signals, in which the memory memória disposta no abrigo portátil para armazenar uma série de programas previamente carregados para processamento dos sinais de áudio digitais, em que a memória 20 it is accessible to the processor;20 é acessível para o processador;means arranged in or on the portable shelter that are operated by the person to generate a first control signal for switching from one of the programs previously loaded to another of the programs previously loaded;meios dispostos no abrigo portátil ou sobre ele que são operados pela pessoa para gerar um primeiro sinal de controle para comutação de um dos programas prevíamente carregados para outro dos programas previamente carregados;25 - means arranged on or over the portable shelter that are operated by the person to generate a second signal. control to designate at least one of the previously loaded programs as a selected program;25 - meios dispostos no abrigo portátil ou sobre ele que são operados pela pessoa para gerar um segundo sinal . de controle para designação de pelo menos um dos programas previamente carregados como um programa selecionado;a processor intended to end the execution of one of the previously loaded programs and start the execution of another of the previously loaded programs based on the first control signal;and a processor that is intended to designate by um processador que destina-se a encerrar a 30 execução de um dos programas previamente carregados e iniciar a execução de outro dos programas previamente carregados com base no primeiro sinal de controle;e um processador que destina-se a designar pelo
- 22/16 menos um dos programas previamente carregados como um programa selecionado com base no segundo sinal de controle. 2/16 minus one of the programs previously loaded as a program selected based on the second control signal. 2 .. APPLIANCE, according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that the means of generating the first control signal and the means of generating the second control signal comprise:2.. APARELHO, conforme a reivindicação 1, caracterizado pelo fato de que os meios de geração do primeiro sinal de controle e os meios de geração do segundo sinal de controle compreendem: a temporary key switch that changes from a first state to a second state when activated by the person;and a controller in communication with the temporary key switch and the processor, where the controller is intended to generate control signals based on periods of time during which the temporary key switch is in the second state, the controller to generate the first control signal when the temporary key switch is in the second state for a period of time that exceeds a first time and to generate the second control signal when the temporary key switch is in the second state for a period time that exceeds a second time. uma chave de tecla temporária que altera de um primeiro estado para um segundo estado quando ativada pela pessoa;e um controlador em comunicação com a chave de tecla temporária e o processador, em que o controlador destina-se a gerar os sinais de controle com base em períodos de tempo durante os quais a chave de tecla temporária encontra-se no segundo estado, o controlador para gerar o primeiro sinal de controle quando a chave de tecla temporária estiver no segundo estado por um período de tempo que excede um primeiro tempo e para gerar o segundo sinal de controle quando a chave de tecla temporária estiver no segundo estado por um período de tempo que excede um segundo tempo.
- 5METHOD OF IMPROVING SOUND PERCEPTION BY A PERSON, in which the method is performed by components of a hearing aid contained in a portable shelter configured for use behind the ear or inside the person's ear, in which the method is characterized by 5. MÉTODO DE APRIMORAMENTO DA PERCEPÇÃO DE SOM POR UMA PESSOA, em que o método é realizado por componentes de um aparelho auxiliar auditivo contido em um abrigo portátil configurado para uso atrás da orelha ou dentro da orelha da pessoa, em que o método é caracterizado por 4/16 compreender:4/16 understand: (a) armazenagem em um dispositivo de memória no abrigo portátil de um ou mais programas disponíveis para processamento de sinais de áudio digitais, em que a armazenagem é realizada durante a fabricação do aparelho auxiliar auditivo;(a) storage in a memory device in the portable shelter of one or more programs available for processing digital audio signals, in which storage is performed during the manufacture of the hearing aid;(b) processamento dos sinais de áudio digitais com base na execução do um ou mais programas disponíveis;(b) processing digital audio signals based on the execution of one or more available programs;(c) generation of analog audio signals emitted based on the digital audio signals processed in step (b) ;(d) receiving and amplifying the analog audio signals emitted to generate audible sound based on them;(c) geração de sinais de áudio analógicos emitidos com base nos sinais de áudio digitais processados na etapa (b) ;(d) recebimento e amplificação dos sinais de áudio analógicos emitidos para gerar som audível com base neles;(e) generating a first control signal to switch from one available program to another available program based on the person's operation of a temporary key switch over the portable shelter;(e) geração de um primeiro sinal de controle para comutação de um programa disponível para outro programa disponível com base na operação pela pessoa de uma chave de tecla temporária sobre o abrigo portátil;(f) generation of a second control signal to designate at least one of the available programs as a program selected based on the person's operation of the temporary key switch over the portable shelter;(f) geração de um segundo sinal de controle para designar pelo menos um dos programas disponíveis como um programa selecionado com base na operação pela pessoa da chave de tecla temporária sobre o abrigo portátil;(g) interrupting the execution of one of the available programs and starting the execution of another of the available programs based on the first control signal;and (h) designating at least one of the available programs as a program selected based on the second control signal. (g) interrupção da execução de um dos programas disponíveis e início da execução de outro dos programas disponíveis com base no primeiro sinal de controle;e (h) designação de pelo menos um dos programas disponíveis como um programa selecionado com base no segundo sinal de controle.
- 6PROGRAMMABLE APPLIANCE TO INCREASE THE PERCEPTION OF SOUND BY A PERSON, characterized by understanding:6. APARELHO PROGRAMÁVEL PARA AUMENTAR A PERCEPÇÃO DE SOM POR UMA PESSOA, caracterizado por compreender: a portable shelter configured for use behind the ear or inside the person's ear;um abrigo portátil configurado para uso atrás da orelha ou dentro da orelha da pessoa;a processor disposed in the portable shelter to execute a series of programs available for um processador disposto no abrigo portátil para execução de uma série de programas disponíveis de 5/16 processamento de sinais de áudio digitais;5/16 processing of digital audio signals;a digital to analog converter i arranged in the portable shelter to generate analog audio signals emitted based on digital audio signals;um conversor de digital para analógico i disposto no abrigo portátil para gerar sinais de áudio analógicos emitidos com base nos sinais de áudio digitais;'5 - an audio output section arranged in the portable shelter to receive and amplify the emitted analog audio signals, generating audible sound based on them and providing audible sound to the person. ’ 5 - uma seção de saída de áudio disposta no abrigo portátil para receber e amplificar os sinais de áudio analógicos emitidos, gerando som audível com base neles e fornecendo o som audível para a pessoa. memory arranged in the portable shelter for memória disposta no abrigo portátil para 10 store the series of programs available for processing digital audio signals, where the memory is accessible to the processor;and a counter arranged in the portable shelter to count occurrences of events that indicate the application of 10 armazenar a série de programas disponíveis para processamento dos sinais de áudio digitais, em que a memória é acessível para o processador;e um contador disposto no abrigo portátil para contar ocorrências de eventos que indicam a aplicação de 15 power to the programmable device or its removal and generate a count value based on them;15 potência ao aparelho programável ou a remoção de potência dele e gerar um valor de contagem com base nelas;em que o processador determina, após um tempo decorrido previamente determinado, qual dentre a série de programas disponíveis foi utilizado pelo tempo total mais where the processor determines, after a previously determined elapsed time, which among the series of available programs has been used for the 20 processing of digital audio signals, in which the determination of elapsed time is based, at least in part, on the count value. 20 longo no processamento dos sinais de áudio digitais, em que a determinação do tempo decorrido é baseada, ao menos em parte, no valor de contagem.
- 9PROGRAMMABLE APPLIANCE TO INCREASE THE PERCEPTION OF SOUND BY A PERSON, characterized by understanding:9. APARELHO PROGRAMÁVEL PARA AUMENTAR A PERCEPÇÃO DE SOM POR UMA PESSOA, caracterizado por compreender: a portable shelter configured for use behind the ear or inside the person's ear;um abrigo portátil configurado para uso atrás da orelha ou dentro da orelha da pessoa;memory disposed inside the portable shelter, where the memory is intended to store a series of audio processing programs that include initial tuning programs and fine tuning programs that can be used in the processing of digital audio signals;memória disposta no interior do abrigo portátil, em que a memória destina-se a armazenar uma série de programas de processamento de áudio que incluem programas de sintonia inicial e programas de sintonia fina que podem ser utilizados no processamento de sinais de áudio digitais;a processor disposed inside the portable and memory-connected shelter, in which the processor is operable in a initial tuning mode, in which the processor executes one or more selected initial tuning programs to process digital audio signals, and is operable in a fine-tuning mode, in which the processor runs one or more selected fine-tuning programs to process digital audio signals;um processador disposto no interior do abrigo portátil e conectado à memória, em que o processador é operável em um modo de sintonia inicial, no qual o processador executa um ou mais programas de sintonia inicial selecionados para processar sinais de áudio digitais, e é operável em um modo de sintonia fina, em que o processador executa um ou mais programas de sintonia fina selecionados para processar sinais de áudio digitais;a single temporary key switch arranged on the portable shelter and connected to the processor, in which the isolated temporary key switch is operable by the person to cycle through the initial tuning programs and select one of the initial tuning programs to be used in the processing of digital audio signals while in initial tuning mode;uma única chave de tecla temporária disposta sobre o abrigo portátil e conectada ao processador, em que a chave de tecla temporária isolada é operável pela pessoa para realização de ciclo ao longo dos programas de sintonia inicial e seleção de um dos programas de sintonia inicial a serem utilizados no processamento dos sinais de áudio digitais enquanto no modo de sintonia inicial;means arranged within the portable housing to cause the processor to switch from operation in initial tuning mode to operation in fine tuning mode;meios dispostos no interior do abrigo portátil para fazer com que o processador comute de operação no modo de sintonia inicial para operação no modo de sintonia fina;em que a chave de tecla temporária isolada é adicionalmente operável pela pessoa para realizar ciclo ao longo do programa de sintonia inicial selecionado no modo de sintonia inicial e e o um ou mais programas de sintonia fina e adicionalmente operável pela pessoa para selecionar o programa de sintonia inicial selecionado no modo de sintonia wherein the isolated temporary key switch is additionally operable by the person to cycle through the selected initial tuning program in the initial tuning mode and and one or more fine-tuning programs and additionally operable by the person to select the selected initial tuning program in tuning mode 7/16 inicial ou um dos programas de sintonia fina a serem utilizados no processamento dos sinais de áudio digitais r enquanto no modo de sintonia fina;7/16 initial or one of the fine tuning programs to be used in the processing of digital audio signals r while in fine tuning mode;a digital to analog converter um conversor de digital para analógico 5 disposed in the portable shelter, in which the digital to analog converter is intended to generate analog audio signals emitted based on digital audio signals;and an audio output section arranged inside the portable shelter, in which the audio output section 5 disposto no abrigo portátil, em que o conversor de digital para analógico destina-se a gerar sinais de áudio analógicos emitidos com base nos sinais de áudio digitais;e uma seção de saída de áudio disposta no interior do abrigo portátil, em que a seção de saída de áudio
- 1010 it is intended to receive and amplify the emitted analog audio signals, generating audible sound based on them and providing audible sound to the person. 10 destina-se a receber e amplificar os sinais de áudio analógicos emitidos, gerando som audível com base neles e fornecendo o som audível para a pessoa. 10. PROGRAMMABLE APPLIANCE, according to claim 9, characterized by the fact that the means for 10. APARELHO PROGRAMÁVEL, de acordo com a reivindicação 9, caracterizado pelo fato de que os meios para 15 switching the programmable device from initial tuning mode to fine tuning mode comprises:15 causar a comutação do aparelho programável do modo de sintonia inicial para o modo de sintonia fina compreendem: a counter arranged inside the portable shelter and connected to the processor, where the counter is intended to count occurrences of events that indicate the um contador disposto no interior do abrigo portátil e conectado ao processador, em que o contador destina-se a contar ocorrências de eventos que indicam a 20 applying power to the programmable device or removing power from it while in initial tuning mode and generating a count value based on them;and where the processor is additionally intended to determine whether the count value exceeds a value 20 aplicação de potência ao aparelho programável ou a remoção de potência dele enquanto em modo de sintonia inicial e gerar um valor de contagem com base nelas;e em que o processador destina-se adicionalmente a determinar se o valor de contagem excede um valor 25 previously determined and, when the count value exceeds the previously determined value, the processor is intended to operate in fine tuning mode, in which the processor has access to one or more of the fine tuning programs that are related to the tuning program initial selected in 25 previamente determinado e, quando o valor de contagem exceder o valor previamente determinado, o processador destina-se a operar no modo de sintonia fina, em que o processador tem acesso a um ou mais dos programas de sintonia fina que são relacionados ao programa de sintonia inicial selecionado no 30 initial tuning mode. 30 modo de sintonia inicial.
- 11METHOD OF IMPROVING SOUND PERCEPTION BY A PERSON USING AN AUDIT AID DEVICE, in which the method is performed by device components 11. MÉTODO DE APRIMORAMENTO DA PERCEPÇÃO DE SOM POR UMA PESSOA QUE UTILIZA UM DISPOSITIVO AUXILIAR AUDITIVO, em que o método é realizado por componentes do aparelho 8/16 auxiliar auditivo contido em um abrigo portátil configurado para uso atrás da orelha ou dentro da orelha da pessoa, em · que o método é caracterizado por compreender:8/16 hearing aid contained in a portable shelter configured for use behind the ear or inside the ear of the person, in which the method is characterized by understanding: (a) armazenagem de uma série de programas de 5 processamento de áudio em um dispositivo de memória disposto no abrigo portátil, em que os programas de processamento de áudio incluem programas de sintonia inicial e programas de sintonia fina que podem ser utilizados no processamento de sinais de áudio digitais;(a) storing a series of audio processing programs in a memory device arranged in the portable shelter, where the audio processing programs include initial tuning programs and fine tuning programs that can be used in signal processing digital audio;10 (b) making available the initial tuning programs available for selection by the person;10 (b) disponibilização dos programas de sintonia inicial disponíveis para seleção pela pessoa;(c) selection of one of the initial tuning programs to be used in the processing of digital audio signals while the hearing aid (c) seleção de um dos programas de sintonia inicial a serem utilizados no processamento dos sinais de áudio digitais enquanto o dispositivo auxiliar auditivo 15 it is in an initial tuning mode, in which the selection is made through the operation of a temporary initial key key in the portable shelter by the person using the hearing aid;15 encontra-se em um modo de sintonia inicial, em que a seleção é realizada por meio da operação de uma chave de tecla inicial temporária no abrigo portátil pela pessoa que utiliza o aparelho auxiliar auditivo;(d) operation of the hearing aid (d) operação do dispositivo auxiliar auditivo 20 using the selected tuning program while in the tuning mode;20 utilizando o programa de sintonia inicial selecionado enquanto no modo de sintonia inicial;(e) after a period of time in operation in initial tuning mode, make available one or more of the fine tuning programs and the selected initial tuning program (e) após um período de tempo em operação no modo de sintonia inicial, disponibilizar um ou mais dos programas de sintonia fina e o programa de sintonia inicial selecionado 25 in step (c) available for selection by the person;25 na etapa (c) disponível para seleção pela pessoa;(f) selection of one of the fine tuning programs or the initial tuning program selected in step (c) to be used in the processing of digital audio signals, in which the selection is made by operating the (f) seleção de um dos programas de sintonia fina ou do programa de sintonia inicial selecionado na etapa (c) a ser utilizado no processamento dos sinais de áudio digitais, em que a seleção é realizada por meio de operação da chave de 30 temporary key in the portable shelter by the person using the hearing aid;and (g) operation of the hearing aid using the program selected in step (h). 30 tecla temporária no abrigo portátil pela pessoa que utiliza o aparelho auxiliar auditivo;e (g) operação do dispositivo auxiliar auditivo utilizando o programa selecionado na etapa (h). 9/16 9/16
- 12METHOD OF CONTROL OF AN AUDIT AID AVAILABLE IN A SHELTER, which has a battery compartment door, in which the hearing aid has three controls that are operable to control the hearing aid, the three controls consist of an increase control volume control, a volume reduction control and a key control, a controller for checking open or closed states of the battery compartment door and states of the three controls and a processor for operation in one configuration mode and one or more different operating modes, where the processor is operable to perform a control routine configuration selected from a series of configuration control routines while in configuration mode, where the method is characterized by understanding:12. MÉTODO DE CONTROLE DE UM DISPOSITIVO AUXILIAR AUDITIVO DISPOSTO EM UM ABRIGO, que possui uma porta de compartimento de baterias, em que o dispositivo auxiliar auditivo possui três controles que são operáveis para controlar o dispositivo auxiliar auditivo, os três controles consistem de um controle de aumento de volume, um controle de redução de volume e um controle de tecla, um controlador para verificar estados aberto ou fechado da porta do compartimento de baterias e estados dos três controles e um processador para operação em um modo de configuração e em um ou mais modos operacionais diferentes, em que o processador é operável para executar uma rotina de controle de configuração selecionada a partir de uma série de rotinas de controle de configuração enquanto no modo de configuração, em que o método é caracterizado por compreender: (a) pressing one or more of the three controls continuously for an extended period, while closing the battery compartment door;(a) pressão de um ou mais dos três controles continuamente por um período estendido, fechando ao mesmo tempo a porta do compartimento de baterias;(b) verification by the controller of one or more of the three controls that are pressed continuously for at least a predetermined period during and after the battery compartment door is closed;(b) verificação pelo controlador do um ou mais dos três controles que são pressionados continuamente por pelo menos um período previamente determinado durante e após o fechamento da porta dó compartimento de baterias;(c) generation by the controller of a first control signal based on the completion of step (b);(c) geração pelo controlador de um primeiro sinal de controle com base no término da etapa (b);(d) entrada do processador no modo de configuração com base no primeiro sinal de controle;(d) entry of the processor into the configuration mode based on the first control signal;(e) verification by the controller of the opening and subsequent closing of the battery compartment door;(e) verificação pelo controlador da abertura e subsequente fechamento da porta do compartimento de baterias;(f) generation by the controller of a second control signal based on the completion of step (e);and (g) exiting the processor from the configuration mode and entering one of the other operating modes based on the second control signal. (f) geração pelo controlador de um segundo sinal de controle com base no término da etapa (e);e (g) saída do processador do modo de configuração e entrada em um dos outros modos operacionais com base no segundo sinal de controle. 10/16 10/16
- 14PROGRAMMABLE APPLIANCE TO INCREASE THE PERCEPTION OF SOUND BY A PERSON, characterized by understanding:14. APARELHO PROGRAMÁVEL PARA AUMENTAR A PERCEPÇÃO DE SOM POR UMA PESSOA, caracterizado por compreender: a shelter set up for use behind or inside the person's ear, or on top of it;um abrigo configurado para uso atrás ou dentro da orelha da pessoa, ou sobre ela;memory arranged inside the shelter, where the memory is intended to store a series of audio processing programs that can be used in the processing of digital audio signals;memória disposta no interior do abrigo, em que a memória destina-se a armazenar uma série de programas de processamento de áudio que podem ser utilizados no processamento de sinais de áudio digitais;a processor disposed inside the housing and connected to the memory, where the processor is operable to run one or more selected audio processing programs to process digital audio signals;um processador disposto no interior do abrigo e conectado à memória, em que o processador é operável para executar um ou mais programas de processamento de áudio selecionados para processar sinais de áudio digitais;a selection device arranged on the shelter and connected to the processor, in which the selection device is operable by the person to select one of the audio processing programs to be used to process digital audio signals;um dispositivo de seleção disposto sobre o abrigo e conectado ao processador, em que o dispositivo de seleção é operável pela pessoa para selecionar um dos programas de processamento de áudio a serem utilizados para processar os sinais de áudio digitais;a digital-to-analog converter arranged inside the shelter, where the digital-to-analog converter is intended to generate analog audio signals emitted based on digital audio signals;and an audio output section arranged inside the shelter, where the audio output section is intended to receive and amplify the analog audio signals emitted, generating audible sound based on them and providing audible sound to the person;um conversor de digital para analógico disposto no interior do abrigo, em que o conversor de digital para analógico destina-se a gerar sinais de áudio analógicos emitidos com base nos sinais de áudio digitais;e uma seção de saída de áudio disposta no interior do abrigo, em que a seção de saída de áudio destinase a receber e amplificar os sinais de áudio analógicos emitidos, gerando som audível com base neles e fornecendo o som audível para a pessoa;11/16 em que a seção de saída de áudio destina-se adicionalmente à geração de um ou mais sons audíveis que <» indicam para a pessoa qual dos programas de processamento de áudio é atualmente selecionado para processar os sinais de 11/16 where the audio output section is additionally intended to generate one or more audible sounds that <»indicate to the person which of the audio processing programs is currently selected to process the audio signals 5 digital audio;5 áudio digitais;por meio do quê o programa de processamento de áudio atualmente selecionado pode ser determinado sem a necessidade de conexão do aparelho a nenhum dispositivo externo. whereby the currently selected audio processing program can be determined without the need to connect the device to any external device. 10 15. METHOD OF CONTROL OF THE CONFIGURATION OF A 10 15. MÉTODO DE CONTROLE DA CONFIGURAÇÃO DE UM AUDITORY AUXILIARY DEVICE, in which the hearing aid is arranged in a shelter and includes at least three controls over the shelter that are operable to control the hearing aid, in which the three controls DISPOSITIVO AUXILIAR AUDITIVO, em que o dispositivo auxiliar auditivo é disposto em um abrigo e inclui pelo menos três controles sobre o abrigo que são operáveis para controlar o dispositivo auxiliar auditivo, em que os três controles
- 1515 consist of a volume increase control, a volume reduction control and a key control, the hearing aid includes a controller to check states of the three controls and a processor that is operable to perform a configuration control routine 15 consistem de um controle de aumento de volume, um controle de redução de volume e um controle de tecla, o dispositivo auxiliar auditivo inclui um controlador para verificar estados dos três controles e um processador que é operável para executar uma rotina de controle de configuração 20 selected from a series of configuration control routines, in which the method is characterized by understanding:20 selecionada a partir de uma série de rotinas de controle de configuração, em que o método é caracterizado por compreender: (a) operation of the key control a series of times to select one of the series of (a) operação do controle de tecla uma série de vezes para selecionar uma dentre a série de rotinas de 25 configuration control;25 controle de configuração;(b) execution by the processor of a routine selected from the series of configuration control routines as determined based on the number of times the key control is operated;(b) execução pelo processador de uma rotina selecionada dentre a série de rotinas de controle de configuração conforme determinado com base no número de vezes em que o controle de tecla ê operado;3 0 (c) operation of the volume increase control or volume reduction control to change a configuration setting associated with the selected configuration control routine;and 3 0 (c) operação do controle de aumento de volume ou controle de redução de volume para alterar uma definição de configuração associada à rotina de controle de configuração selecionada;e 12/16 (d) alteração pelo processador da definição de configuração de dispositivo com base na operação do controle de aumento de volume ou controle de redução de volume. 12/16 (d) change by the processor of the device configuration setting based on the operation of the volume increase control or volume reduction control.
- 16PROGRAMMABLE APPLIANCE TO INCREASE PERCEPTION * 5 OF SOUND BY A PERSON, characterized by understanding:16. APARELHO PROGRAMÁVEL PARA AUMENTAR A PERCEPÇÃO *5 DE SOM POR UMA PESSOA, caracterizado por compreender: one or more shelters configured for use behind or inside the person's ear, or over it;um ou mais abrigos configurados para uso atrás ou dentro da orelha da pessoa, ou sobre ela;memory arranged inside at least one of the shelters, where the memory is intended to store a memória disposta no interior de pelo menos um dos abrigos, em que a memória destina-se a armazenar uma 10 series of available audio processing programs that can be used to process digital audio signals;10 série de programas de processamento de áudio disponíveis que podem ser utilizados no processamento de sinais de áudio digitais;a processor disposed inside at least one of the shelters and connected to the memory, in which the um processador disposto no interior de pelo menos um dos abrigos e conectado à memória, em que o 15 processor is operable to run one or more of the audio processing programs available to process digital audio signals;15 processador é operável para executar um ou mais dos programas de processamento de áudio disponíveis para processar os sinais de áudio digitais;a multipurpose control device disposed on one of the shelters and connected to the processor, in which the um dispositivo de controle multiuso disposto sobre um dos abrigos e conectado ao processador, em que o 20 multipurpose control device is intended for operation in a program switching mode in which the multipurpose control device is operable by the person to switch from one of the available audio processing programs to another of the available audio processing programs, in 20 dispositivo de controle multiuso destina-se a operação em um modo de comutação de programas no qual o dispositivo de controle multiuso é operável pela pessoa para comutar de um dos programas de processamento de áudio disponíveis para outro dos programas de processamento de áudio disponíveis, em 25 that the multipurpose control device is additionally intended for operation in a volume control mode in which the multipurpose control device is operable by the person to adjust the volume of audible sound generated by an audio output section;25 que o dispositivo de controle multiuso destina-se adicionalmente a operação em um modo de controle de volume no qual o dispositivo de controle multiuso é operável pela pessoa para ajustar o volume de som audível gerado por uma seção de saída de áudio;3 0 - a digital to analog converter arranged inside at least one of the shelters, where the digital to analog converter is intended to generate analog audio signals emitted based on the audio signals 3 0 - um conversor de digital para analógico disposto no interior de pelo menos um dos abrigos, em que o conversor de digital para analógico destina-se a gerar sinais de áudio analógicos emitidos com base nos sinais de áudio 13/16 digitais;e a seção de saída de áudio disposta no interior <*' de pelo menos um dos abrigos, em que a seção de saída de áudio destina-se a receber e amplificar os sinais de áudio 13/16 digital;and the audio output section arranged inside <* 'of at least one of the shelters, where the audio output section is intended to receive and amplify the audio signals 5 analog signals, generating audible sound based on them and providing audible sound to the person. 5 analógicos emitidos, gerando som audível com base neles e fornecendo o som audível para a pessoa.
- 21PROGRAMMABLE APPLIANCE, according to 21. APARELHO PROGRAMÁVEL, de acordo com a 15 claim 16, characterized by the fact that the multipurpose control device is additionally operable in a configuration mode in which the multipurpose control device is operable by the person to change configuration settings of the programmable device. 15 reivindicação 16, caracterizado pelo fato de que o dispositivo de controle multiuso é adicionalmente operável em um modo de configuração no qual o dispositivo de controle multiuso é operável pela pessoa para alterar definições de configuração do aparelho programável. 20 22. PROGRAMMABLE APPLIANCE TO INCREASE PERCEPTION 20 22. APARELHO PROGRAMÁVEL PARA AUMENTAR A PERCEPÇÃO DE SOM POR UMA PESSOA, caracterizado por compreender:OF SOUND BY A PERSON, characterized by understanding: one or more shelters configured for use behind or inside the person's ear, or over it;um ou mais abrigos configurados para uso atrás ou dentro da orelha da pessoa, ou sobre ela;memory disposed within at least one memória disposta no interior de pelo menos um
- 2225 shelters, where the memory is intended to store a k 25 dos abrigos, em que a memória destina-se a armazenar uma k series of audio processing programs that can be used to process digital audio signals;série de programas de processamento de áudio que podem ser utilizados no processamento de sinais de áudio digitais;a digital spinning wheel control device arranged over one of the shelters, where the device um dispositivo de controle digital de roda girante disposto sobre um dos abrigos, em que o dispositivo
- 2330 digital spinning wheel control is intended for operation in a program switching mode in which the digital spinning wheel control device is operable by the person to switch from one of the audio processing programs 30 de controle digital de rodas girantes destina-se a operação em um modo de comutação de programas no qual o dispositivo de controle digital de roda girante é operável pela pessoa para comutar de um dos programas de processamento de áudio 15/16 • V available for another of the available audio processing programs, where the digital spinning wheel control device is additionally intended for operation in a volume control mode in which the digital spinning wheel control device is operable by the person to adjust the volume of audible sound generated by an audio output section;15/16 •V disponíveis para outro dos programas de processamento de áudio disponíveis, em que o dispositivo de controle digital de roda girante destina-se adicionalmente a operação em um modo de controle de volume no qual o dispositivo de controle digital de roda girante é operável pela pessoa para ajustar o volume de som audível gerado por uma seção de saída de áudio;a key placed on one of the shelters and operable by the person;uma tecla disposta sobre um dos abrigos e operável pela pessoa;a processor disposed inside at least one of the shelters and connected to the memory, the digital rotary wheel control device and the key, in which the processor is operable to execute one of the audio processing programs available to process the audio signals digital;um processador disposto no interior de pelo menos um dos abrigos e conectado â memória, ao dispositivo de controle digital de roda girante e à tecla, em que o processador é operável para executar um dos programas de processamento de áudio disponíveis para processar os sinais de áudio digitais;quando no modo de comutação de programas, o processador destina-se a selecionar um atualmente ativo dentre os programas de processamento de áudio para que seja um programa de processamento de áudio selecionado quando a tecla é pressionada por um período de tempo estendido, em que o programa de processamento de áudio atualmente ativo foi determinado por meio da operação do dispositivo de controle digital de roda girante pela pessoa, em que o processador destina-se a alterar do modo de comutação de programa para o modo de controle de volume mediante seleção do programa de processamento de áudio selecionado;e quando no modo de controle de volume, o processador destina-se a alterar do modo de controle de volume para o modo de comutação de programas quando a tecla for pressionada por pelo menos algum período de tempo estendido;when in program switching mode, the processor is intended to select one currently active from among the audio processing programs so that it is an audio processing program selected when the key is pressed for an extended period of time, in which the currently active audio processing program was determined by the person's operation of the digital spinning wheel control device, where the processor is intended to change from program switching mode to volume control mode by selecting the selected audio processing program;and when in the volume control mode, the processor is intended to change from the volume control mode to the program switching mode when the key is pressed for at least some extended period of time;a digital-to-analog converter arranged inside at least one of the shelters, where the digital-to-analog converter is intended to generate signals um conversor de digital para analógico disposto no interior de pelo menos um dos abrigos, em que o conversor de digital para analógico destina-se a gerar sinais 16/16 analog audio output based on digital signals;and the audio output section arranged in at least one of the shelters, in which the 16/16 de áudio analógicos emitidos com base nos sinais digitais;e a seção de saída de áudio disposta no de pelo menos um dos abrigos, em que a seção de 5 Audio is intended to receive and amplify the analog signals emitted, generating audible sound based on providing audible sound to the person. 5 áudio destina-se a receber e amplificar os sinais analógicos emitidos, gerando som audível com base fornecendo o som audível para a pessoa. audio inside audio output on them and de áudio interior saída de de áudio neles e 1/12 α / τχ 1/12 α/τχ
Independent claims14
266 paragraphs in 8 sections, as filed
(54) Title: PROGRAMMABLE APPLIANCE TO INCREASE SOUND PERCEPTION BY A PERSON, METHOD OF IMPROVING SOUND PERCEPTION BY A PERSON, METHOD OF IMPROVING SOUND PERCEPTION BY A PERSON THAT USES AN AUDITORY AUXILIARY DEVICE, A METHOD OF CONTENT AUDIT AUXILIARY DEVICE DISPLAYED IN A SHELTER AND METHOD OF CONTROL OF THE CONFIGURATION OF AN AUDIT AUXILIARY DEVICE (51) Int. Cl .: H04R 25/00 (30) Unionist Priority: 14/03/2008 US 61 / 036,594, 14/03/2008 US 61/036, 59421/01/2008 US 12 / 017,080, 14/03/2008 US 61 / 036,59421 / 01/2008 US 12/017. 08025/04/2007 US 11 / 739,781 (73) Holder (s): DANIEL R. SCHUMAIER (72) Inventor (s): DANIEL R. SCHUMAIER (74) Attorney (s): DAVID DO NASCIMENTO ADVOGADOS ASSOCIADOS S / C ( 86) International Application: PCT US2008061235 of 23/04/2008 (87) International Publication: WO
2008/134345 of 06/11/2008
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PROGRAMMABLE APPLIANCE TO INCREASE SOUND PERCEPTION BY A PERSON, METHOD OF IMPROVING SOUND PERCEPTION BY A PERSON, METHOD OF IMPROVING SOUND PERCEPTION BY A PERSON USING AN AUDITORY AUXILIARY DEVICE INTO A CONTROLLING DEVICE. A SHELTER AND METHOD OF CONTROL OF THE CONFIGURATION OF AN AUDIT AUXILIARY DEVICE
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to the field of hearing aid devices. More specifically, the present invention relates to a system for programming the operation of a hearing aid device based on the use of the device by a patient.
BACKGROUND
Hearing loss varies widely in type and severity from one patient to another. As a result, the acoustic characteristics of a hearing aid must be selected in order to provide the best possible result for each person with hearing difficulties. Typically, these acoustic characteristics of a hearing aid are adapted to a patient through a prescription procedure. Generally, this involved measuring the patient's calculation of the hearing characteristics of the required amplification characteristics based on the measured hearing characteristics. The desired amplification characteristics are then programmed in a digital signal processor in the hearing aid, the hearing aid is used by the patient and the patient's hearing is re-evaluated while the hearing aid is in use. Based on the results of the audiometric assessment and / or the patient's comments regarding improvement in hearing or lack of hearing, an audiologist or liberator adjusts the hearing aid's schedule to improve the hearing.
2/59 result for the patient.
As you would expect, the fitting procedure for a hearing aid is generally an interactive and iterative process, in which an audiologist or deliverer adjusts the hearing aid's schedule, receives feedback from the patient, re-adjusts the schedule, and so on, until the patient is satisfied with the result. In many cases, the patient needs to assess the hearing aid in changing situations in real time outside the audiologist's or liberator's office, observe their performance in these situations, and then return to the audiologist or liberator to adjust the hearing aid's programming with based on the understanding of the patient's comments with reference to the patient's experience with the hearing aid by the audiologist or deliverer.
One of the significant factors in the price of a hearing aid is the cost of the services of the audiologist or liberator in adjusting and programming the device, along with the necessary equipment, such as software, computers, cables, hi-boxes etc. If the necessary participation of the audiologist and / or releaser and the fitting equipment can be eliminated or at least significantly reduced, the cost of a hearing aid can be significantly reduced.
The complexity and cost of adequacy of hearing aid devices in general also apply to the adequacy of tinnitus mask devices. Tinnitus is a condition in which a person experiences a noise sensation (such as a bell or roar) that is caused by a condition (such as auditory nerve disorder, hair cells, temporal mandibular joint or medications, to name a few). 0 tinnitus is a significant problem for about fifty million people
3/59 every year and some people only find relief with tinnitus masks. A tinnitus mask resembles a hearing aid, but instead of amplifying the perceived sound, it produces a sound, such as a narrow band noise, that masks the patient's tinnitus. Some of these instruments have a potentiometer that is used to change the frequency of the masking noise. These instruments can also have a volume control, so that the user can select the masking intensity that works best.
Most tinnitus masks are prescribed for patients who do not have significant hearing loss and the masking sound is designed to be more acceptable to the patient than tinnitus. For most patients who have significant hearing loss, hearing aids can also provide relief from tinnitus. There are, however, some patients who need tinnitus amplification and masking.
The most appropriate masking stimuli to be generated by a tinnitus masker are usually determined by an audiologist or deliverer during an adjustment procedure. Like the suitability of a hearing aid, the suitability procedure for a tinnitus masker also tends to be an iterative process that significantly increases the overall cost of the masking device.
What is needed, therefore, is a programmable hearing aid device that does not require an adjustment procedure conducted by an audiologist or deliverer. To eliminate the need for programming equipment and the need for an audiologist or releasing adjustment procedure, a programmable hearing aid device is required that is programmed
4/59 automatically based on selections made by a patient using the device or based on patient usage patterns. This need applies to hearing aids, as well as tinnitus masking devices.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The above and other needs are met by a programmable device to increase the perception of sound by a person. In one embodiment, the device includes a processor, digital to analog converter, audio emission section and means of generating first and second control signals. The processor runs one or more available digital audio signal processing programs based on control signals. The digital to analog converter generates analog audio signals emitted based on digital audio signals. The audio output section receives and amplifies the analog audio signals emitted, generates audible sound based on them and provides audible sound to the person. The memory stores programs for processing digital audio signals according to various acoustic configurations or with tinnitus masking stimuli. Based on a person's action, a first control signal is generated to switch from one available program to another available program. Also based on a person's action, a second control signal is generated to designate at least one of the available programs as a selected program. Based on the first control signal, the processor ends the execution of one of the available programs and starts the execution of another of the available programs. Based on the second control signal, the processor designates at least one of the available programs as a program selected for continuous use.
In preferred embodiments, the means of generating
5/59 first and second control signals comprise a transient key and a controller. When activated by the person, the transient key changes from a first state to a second state. The controller generates the control signals based on periods of time during which the transient key is kept in the second state. The controller generates, for example, the first control signal when the transient key is held in the second state for a period of time that exceeds the first time. The controller generates the second control signal when the transient key is held in the second state for a period of time that exceeds a second time.
In one embodiment, the programmable device is a hearing aid and the one or more available programs comprise acoustic configuration programs. In another embodiment, the programmable apparatus is a device for masking tinnitus and the one or more programs available comprise masking stimulus programs. In yet another embodiment, the programmable device is a combination hearing aid and device for masking tinnitus and the one or more available programs comprise acoustic configuration programs and masking stimulus programs.
In some embodiments, the programmable device includes a timer to record the time that each of the available programs is used in the processing of digital audio signals. Based on the time that each of the available programs is used, the processor designates at least one of the available programs as a program selected for continuous use.
In another aspect, the present invention provides a method of increasing a person's perception of sound. The method includes the steps of (a) storage on a device
6/59 memory of one or more available programs for processing digital audio signals, (b) processing digital audio signals based on the execution of one or more available programs, (c) generating analog audio signals output with based on digital audio signals, (d) receiving and amplifying the analog audio signals emitted to generate audible sound over them, (e) generation of a first control signal to switch from an available program to another available program based on a person's action, (f) generation of a second control signal to designate at least one of the available programs as a selected program based on a person’s action, (g) end of execution of one of the available programs and start of execution of another of the available programs based on the first control signal and (h) designation of at least one of the available programs as a program selected based on the second control signal .
In yet another aspect, the present invention provides a programmable hearing aid that comprises a processor, digital to analog converter, audio output section, memory and counter. The processor runs one or more available digital audio signal processing programs. The digital to analog converter generates analog audio signals output based on digital audio signals. The audio output section receives and amplifies the emitted analog audio signals, generates audible sound based on them and provides audible sound to a person using the hearing aid. The memory stores the one or more available programs for processing digital audio signals. The counter generates a counter value based on a count of events that indicate the application of power to the programmable device or the removal of power from it. After a predetermined time has elapsed, the processor
7/59 determines which of the one or more available programs was most used in the processing of digital audio signals. Preferably, the determination of the elapsed time is based, at least in part, on the meter value.
In some embodiments, the programmable apparatus includes a battery to supply power and the meter is operable to count occurrences of events that are indicative of battery removal and replacement. In a preferred embodiment, the apparatus includes a battery compartment door and a contact key attached to the battery compartment door. The counter of this realization is operable to count a number of times when the contact switch is opened or closed electrically.
In some embodiments, the programmable apparatus includes a voltage level detection circuit to detect a voltage through the battery. In these embodiments, the meter is operable to count a number of times that the voltage across the battery increases by a substantial amount that indicates that a low battery has been replaced by a new battery.
Some preferred embodiments include an on / off switch to turn the device on and off. In these embodiments, the counter is operable to count the number of times the on / off switch is operated by a user.
Some embodiments of the present invention include a configuration mode that can be accessed to change certain device configurations. When in the configuration mode, several configuration settings, such as enabling / disabling the volume control, enabling / disabling the directional function, enabling / disabling the telephone coil and restarting the device, can be changed using one or more keys, the control volume, the battery door and a key
8/59 on / off. Entering the configuration mode, a doctor or patient can easily change the configuration settings manually, without the need to connect the device to a computer or other programming interface.
In another embodiment, the present invention provides a programmable device to enhance a person's sound perception. The device includes one or more shelters configured to be worn on, or behind, a person's ear. It is arranged inside one or more of the memory shelters, a processor, a multipurpose control device, a digital to analog converter and an audio output section. The memory stores a number of available audio processing programs that can be used to process digital audio signals. The processor is operable to run one or more of the audio processing programs available to process digital audio signals. The multipurpose control device, which can be a digital wheel control, can be used in a program switching mode or in a volume control mode. In program switching mode, the user can use the multipurpose control device to switch between the available audio processing programs. In the volume control mode, the user can use the multipurpose control device to adjust the volume of audible sound generated by the audio output section. The combination of these functions in a control device simplifies operation and reduces the number of control devices required.
The device may also include a key connected to the processor. The processor switches between the program switching mode and the volume control mode when the key is pressed for at least some extended period of time. If the device is in switching mode
9/59 programs when the key is pressed for at least ten seconds, the processor selects the currently active audio processing program so that it is a selected audio processing program and the processor is switched from program switching mode to volume control. If the device is in volume control mode when the key is pressed for at least ten seconds, the processor is switched from volume control mode to program switching mode to allow the user to switch between audio processing programs and select them.
Additional details of each of these and other embodiments of the present invention are provided in the figures and in the detailed description.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
Additional advantages of the present invention are evident by reference to the detailed description together with the figures, in which the elements are not to scale, in order to more clearly display the details, in which similar reference figures indicate similar elements along from all the different views, where:
Fig. 1 illustrates a functional block diagram of a hearing aid device in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;
Figs. 2 and 3 illustrate a functional flowchart of programming a hearing aid device according to a first embodiment of the present invention;
Figs. 4 and 5 illustrate a functional flowchart for programming a hearing aid device in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention;
Fig. 6 illustrates a functional block diagram of a device to mask tinnitus as per an embodiment
Preferred 10/59 of the present invention;
Fig. 7 illustrates a functional flowchart of programming a device to mask tinnitus according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;
Fig. 8 illustrates a functional block diagram of components of a hearing aid device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;
Figs. 9A and 9B illustrate state diagrams for programming modes for selecting a hearing aid device in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;
Fig. 10 illustrates a state diagram of a way of configuring a hearing aid device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; and Fig. 11 illustrates a hearing aid device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Fig. 1 illustrates an embodiment of a hearing aid device 10 to improve the hearing of a patient with hearing loss. The device 10 of Fig. 1 is also presently indicated as an aid to hearing. Another embodiment of a hearing aid device is a device to mask tinnitus as shown in Fig. 6 which is discussed in more detail below.
In the following description of various embodiments of the present invention, certain manual operations are described as being preferably performed by a user (or patient) and certain manual operations are described as being preferably performed by an audiologist (or physician, or deliverer). It will be appreciated, however, that the user, audiologist or both can perform any of the manual operations described herein and that the present invention does not
11/59 is limited to the contribution of no specific person to the performance of these operations.
As shown in Fig. 1, the hearing aid device 10 includes one or more microphones 12a-b for checking the sound and converting the sound to analog audio signals. Analog audio signals generated by microphones 12a-b are converted to digital audio signals by analog to digital (A / D) converters 14a-14b. The digital audio signals are processed by a digital processor 16 to shape the frequency envelope of the digital audio signals to increase these signals in a way that increases the hearing capacity for the user of the hearing aid device. Further discussion of various programs for processing digital audio signals by processor 16 is provided below. In this way, processor 16 generates digital audio signals that are modified based on the programming of processor 16. The modified digital audio signals are provided to a digital to analog converter (D / A) 18 that generates analog audio signals with based on the modified digital audio signals. The analog audio signals at the output of the D / A converter 18 are amplified by an audio amplifier 20, where the amplification level is controlled by a volume control 34 coupled to a controller 24. The audio signals amplified at the output of the amplifier 20 are supplied to a sound generating device 22, which can be a loudspeaker or other type of transducer that generates sound waves or mechanical vibrations that the user perceives as sound. The amplifier 20 and the sound generating device 22 are collectively referred to herein as an audio output section 19 of the device 10.
In some embodiments of the present invention, the volume control 34 comprises a volume control
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<td>digital</td><td>in</td><td>wheel</td><td>rolling</td>
<td>external</td><td>in</td><td colspan="2">a shelter 50 d</td>
<td>in Fig.</td><td> 11.</td><td>On a</td><td>example</td>
<td>digital</td><td>in</td><td>wheel</td><td>rolling</td>
ã Fig. include some coil
1, an a is a model number DCU 193 manufactured by Pulse Engineering, Inc. The control for the digital volume of the roller wheel 34a is also called a multipurpose control device, as it can be used as a volume control and as a switching control. between available audio processing programs. As described in more detail below, it can also be used in configuration mode to change various device configuration settings 10.
With continuous reference realizations of the present telephone invention 30. Telephone coil 30, also called telephone coil, is a small coil of wire to capture the magnetic field emitted by the hearing part of some telephone devices or circuit induction systems when the hearing assistance 10 is arranged near a telephone set or circuit induction system. The signals generated by the telephone coil 30 are converted into digital signals by an A / D converter 14c and are supplied to the processor 16. As discussed in more detail below, the digital signals converted from the telephone coil 30 can be used in some embodiments of the present invention to restart or reprogram the processor 16 or control the operation of the hearing aid device 16 in other ways.
Some embodiments of the present invention also include a wireless interface 32, such as a Bluetooth interface, for receiving wireless signals to restart or reprogram the processor 16. In some embodiments, wireless interface 32 is also used to control the
13/59 operation of device 10, including the selection of acoustic configuration programs or masking stimulus programs. Wireless interface 32 can also be used to wirelessly provide an audio signal to device 10, such as a music signal transmitted by a wireless transmitter connected to a CD player or the audio portion of a broadcast television program by a wireless transmitter connected to a television receiver. In various embodiments, the wireless interface 32 comprises a WiFi link according to the IEEE 802.11 specification, an infrared link or another wireless communication link.
As shown in Fig. 1, a manually operated input device 28, also called a temporary key or key, is provided to allow the user to control various aspects of the operation and programming of the hearing aid device 10. The key 28 is preferably very small and located on an external surface of a shelter associated with the device 10. The key 28 is positioned on a part of the shelter that is accessible to the user while the user is using the device 10.
Device 10 can be configured, for example, as an instrument for use behind the ear (BTE), as shown in Fig. 11, or an instrument for use inside the ear (ITE), with the key 28 located on an accessible surface. of the BTE or ITE instrument. An example of a hearing aid that contains BTE and ITE parts is described in U.S. Patent Application No. 2006/0056649, where reference number 34 in Fig. 1 of that publication indicates a possible location for a key switch on the BTE part of a hearing aid. The key 28 can also be located on the ITE part. It will be appreciated that the present invention is not limited to any specific configuration of the device 10. In
In various embodiments, device 10 may comprise an open-fit hearing aid, a channel hearing aid, a half-shell configuration, a BTE device, an ITE device or a device for use entirely in the channel (CIC).
The key 28 is electrically connected to a controller 24 that generates digital control signals based on the state (open or closed) of the key of the key 28. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the digital control signals are generated by the controller 24 with based on the time the key 28 is pressed. In this regard, a timer is included in the controller 24 to generate a time signal to measure the duration of the key press 28. Additional aspects of the operation of controller 24 and key 28 are described in more detail below.
A second key 328 can be included in embodiments of the present invention that combine hearing aid functions with tinnitus masking functions. In these embodiments, a 328 key is used to control the selection of tinnitus masking programs as described in more detail below. Alternatively, a single key can be used to program the hearing aid functions first and then program the tinnitus masking functions.
Non-volatile memory 26, such as read-only memory (ROM), programmable ROM (PROM), automatically erasable PROM (EEPROM) or flash memory is provided to store programming instructions and other operating parameters for device 10. Preferably, the memory 26 is accessible by processor 16 and / or controller 24.
According to preferred embodiments of the present invention, the hearing aid device 10 is operable in
15/59 several different modes, as determined by your schedule. As the terms are used in the present, programs and programming indicate one or more sets of instructions that are conducted by processor 16 in modeling the frequency envelope of digital audio signals to amplify the signals and increase the listening capacity of the device hearing aid 10. Programs and programming also designate instructions conducted by processor 16 in determining which of the various stored improvement programs provides the best improvement for the user. Figs. 2 to 5 illustrate the process flow of some examples of methods for selecting the most effective hearing
<td>program</td><td>in</td>
<td>user.</td><td></td>
<td></td><td>At</td>
<td colspan="2">according to one</td>
<td>the selection</td><td>of</td>
<td colspan="2">in a method</td>
and 3 illustrate a process flow where the device user evaluates various options for enhancement programs and selects one or more programs that provide the best enhancement for the individual user. As shown in Fig. 2, a first step in the method is the storage in memory 2 6 of some number (N) of primary acoustic configuration programs to model the acoustic characteristics of the hearing aid device 10 (step 100). This step can be performed at the time of manufacture of the hearing aid device 10 or later, such as during a reprogramming procedure. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, seven programs of configuration of primary acoustic characteristics are loaded into memory 26 (N = 7). It will be appreciated, however, that any number of programs can be loaded initially into memory 26 and the present
16/59 invention is not limited to any specific number.
As the phrase is used in the present, “primary acoustic characteristics configuration program is an algorithm that defines the audio frequency modeling or compensation provided in the processor 16. These programs or algorithms can also be called by the audiologists or prescribers frequency gain response. Examples of generally accepted primary acoustic configuration programs include
NAL (National Acoustic Laboratories; Bryne & Tonisson, 1976), Berger (Berger, Hagberg & Rane, 1977), POGO (Prescription of Gain and Output; McCandless & Lyregaard, 1983), NAL-R (NALRevised; Byrne & Dillon, 1986 ), POGO II (Schwartz, Lyregaard & Lundh, 1988), NAL-RP (NAL-Revised, Profound; Byrne,
Parkinson & Newall, 1991), FIG6 (Killion & Fikret-Pasa, 1993) and NAL-NL1 (NAL nonlinear; Dillon, 1999). It will be appreciated that other primary acoustic configuration programs may be used in association with the methods described herein and the above list should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present invention in any way.
A program for the configuration of secondary acoustic characteristics, in the form in which the expression is used at present, designates a variation of one of the primary programs. In one of the primary programs, for example, a gain parameter at 1000 Hz can be set to a value of 20 dB, which is considered to be in the center of a range for a patient with or near average hearing loss. In a related secondary program example, the 1000 Hz gain parameter can be set to a value of
25 dB, which is just above the standard value.
Consequently, another relative secondary program may have the 1000 Hz gain parameter set at a value of 15 dB, which is just below the standard value. Could have
17/59 preference, auditory 10 any number of secondary programs that include several variations of parameters that, in the associated primary program, are set to a mean or standard value. Preferably, 2xN number of secondary acoustic configuration programs are loaded into memory in step 100. There may, for example, be two secondary programs associated with each primary program.
In a preferred embodiment, a number of acoustic configuration programs loaded on the device 10 10 are designed for use in quiet environmental situations (called Q programs), some for use in noisy environmental situations (called N programs) and some for use when the coil 30 is activated (called T programs). In a larger realization, the assist device's memory 26 is previously loaded with five primary versions of the Q programs (Q1-Q5), five primary versions of the N programs (N1-N5) and five primary versions of the T programs (T1-T5 ). In addition, secondary programs, which are 20 variations of the primary programs, are in device memory 10 for fine tuning.
In some embodiments, a feedback-canceling algorithm is also stored in memory 26 of device 10. An example of a feedback-canceling algorithm is described in 25 U.S. Patent Application No. 2005/0047620 by Robert Fretz. As described in more detail below, this algorithm is used to define the acoustic gain levels in processor 16 and / or amplifier 20 to avoid audio feedback in device 10.
At some point after the device's initial programming (step 100), a user inserts device 10 into the ear canal (in the case of an ITE device) or places device 10 behind the ear (in the case of a device
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BTE) with the connections associated with the ear canal (step 102). When device 10 is in position, the user presses key 28 for an extended period of time T1, such as sixty seconds, to activate device 10 and start the feedback cancellation program (step 104). According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the feedback canceling program generates and stores acoustic coefficients that will be applicable to all primary and secondary acoustic configuration programs stored in memory 26.
After the feedback canceling program has performed its initial procedure, device 10 is in an initial setting mode. In this mode, the user can cycle through the N number of available primary acoustic configuration programs and try each one to determine which provides the best improvement for the user's hearing loss. 0 The user does this by pressing key 28 for at least some time T2, such as one second, to switch from one program to the next (step 108). A first program can be executed by processor 16, for example, when device 10 is turned on for the first time. When the user presses key 28 for at least one second, a second program is executed by processor 16 (step 120). In some embodiments, device 10 generates two beeps (step 118) to indicate the selection of the second program. When the user presses key 28 again for at least one second, a third program is executed by processor 16 (step 120) and device 10 generates three beeps to indicate that the third program is selected. This continues until the user has cycled through the N number of programs (such as seven). If the user presses key 28 again for at least one second, the first program is
19/59 loaded again. This process is represented by steps 108 to 122 of Fig. 2. To cycle through the programs quickly, the user can press the key 28 consecutively several times until the desired program is selected. At this point, a number of beeps are generated to indicate which program is selected.
If it is determined that key 28 is pressed for less than one second (step 110), no new programs are loaded and the process waits for the next key press (step 122). This avoids inadvertent switching from one program to the next due to an accidental press of key 28.
In a preferred embodiment, different types of announcement sounds are used to indicate which type of program (quiet program, noisy program or telephone coil program) has been selected. When one of the quiet programs is selected, for example, a number of pure tone beeps are output by the audio output section 19, where the number of beeps indicates which of the quiet programs is selected. When one of the noisy environment programs is selected, a number of noise pulses are output by the audio output section 19, where the number of noise pulses indicates which of the noisy environment programs is selected. When selecting the telephone coil program, a telephone signal or ring tone pulse is emitted by the audio output section 19.
After the user has had a chance to evaluate all available primary programs, the user may find that some smaller number of programs, such as two, are apparently more used because they provide the best auditory improvement for the user in various situations. One of the programs can provide, for example, the best
20/59 performance in normal quiet conversation environments. Another program can provide the best performance in a noisy environment, such as in a crowded room. A preferred embodiment of the present invention allows the user to eliminate programs that are not used or are rarely used and to evaluate some secondary programs that are variations of the best performing programs. As described below, this is accomplished by pressing key 28 for a time T3, such as thirty seconds, which is longer than time T2.
As shown in Fig. 2, if it is determined that key 28 is pressed for a T3 or longer time (step 124), such as thirty seconds, processor 16 sets a mark or stores a value that indicates that the primary program is currently selected program was selected (step 126). At this point, device 10 generates a distinctive sound (step 128) to indicate to the user that a program has been selected. In a preferred embodiment, device 10 allows the user to select two from the number N of primary acoustic configuration programs. It will be appreciated, however, that device 10 can accommodate the designation of more or less than two primary acoustic configuration programs as selected. If it is determined in step 130 that two programs have not yet been selected, the process awaits the next press of key 28 (step 122).
In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, instead of pressing key 28 to select a program, the user presses key 28 at least for the time T3 to disable an unselected program. It will be appreciated, therefore, that the present invention is not limited to the way in which programs are designated as selected or unselected.
If it is determined in step 13 that two programs
21/59 of primary acoustic configuration were selected, the primary programs that were not selected are disabled (step 132 of Fig. 3). The deactivation in this sense indicates that the unselected programs become unavailable for selection and execution using the procedure of repeated pressing of key 28. Thus, at this point, two primary programs are available for selection and execution.
After using the device 10 by the user for some extended period of time T4 (step 134), such as eighty hours, two secondary acoustic configuration programs are activated for each of the prioritized primary programs. If two primary programs were selected through the user selection process in steps 124 to 130, for example, four secondary programs are activated in step 136, which results in a total of six programs available (N = 6). Activating a program in this sense indicates making a program available for selection and execution. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, each of the two newly added secondary programs is a variation of a corresponding selected primary program. This allows the user to make a more refined selection, in order to fine tune the desired acoustic reaction. At this point in this example, the user has six programs available to evaluate and the user can cycle through the six programs, using the keystroke procedure illustrated in steps 138 to 152 of Fig. 3. This procedure is essentially the same procedure from steps 108 to 122 of Fig. 2.
After the user has had a chance to try and compare the six available programs (two primary and four secondary), the user can select
22/59 two programs that provide the best performance and disable the rest. This can be accomplished by pressing key 28 for a time T3, such as thirty seconds. As shown in Fig. 3, if it is determined that the key 2 8 is pressed for a time T3 or longer (step 154), processor 16 sets a mark or stores a value that indicates that the program currently loaded has been designated as selected (step 156). At this point, device 10 generates a distinctive sound (step 158) to indicate to the user that a program has been selected. In a preferred embodiment, device 10 allows the user to select two from the N number of available programs. It will be appreciated, however, that device 10 can accommodate the selection of more or less than two programs.
If it is determined in step 160 that two programs have not yet been selected, the process awaits the next press of key 28 (step 152). If it is determined in step 160 that two programs were selected, the other four unselected programs are disabled (step 162 of Fig.
3). At this point, the two programs with the best performance, as determined by the user, are available for continuous use (N = 2, step 164). The user can now switch between the two available programs, using the key press procedure of steps 138 to 152.
In some embodiments of the present invention, there is no process for activating and selecting secondary acoustic configuration programs. In these achievements, the user selects some number of primary or secondary programs with better performance (such as N = 2) and then the user can switch between these selected programs. This is represented by the dashed line in box 132 in Fig. 2, continued in step 122. Thus, in these embodiments, processing does not proceed to step 134 in Fig. 3.
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In preferred embodiments of the present invention, the programming of the hearing aid device 10 can be <sup>1</sup> reset to standard (factory) conditions by the user or hearing aid release professional. In one embodiment, the reset is initiated by pressing key 28 for an extended period T5, such as two minutes, which is significantly longer than T3. In another embodiment, the restart starts by closing a battery compartment door and simultaneously pressing key 28. This embodiment can include a key attached to the battery compartment door, where the key position is provided to the controller 24 or can be activated by means of battery power to the processor. In another embodiment, the restart starts with a phone code of
Multiple Frequencies and Dual Tone (DTMF) received by telephone coil 30 or microphone 12a or 12b. In yet another embodiment, the restart begins with an encrypted wireless signal received by wireless interface 32. In another embodiment, the restart begins with a configuration setting accessible in a hearing aid configuration mode. The configuration mode is described in more detail below. In some embodiments, more than one of the above procedures is available to restart programming the device 10.
As described above, in preferred embodiments of the present invention, a user switches between available programs and selects programs using the manually operated key 28 mounted on a device housing 10. In alternative embodiments of the present invention, the user switches between available programs and selects programs using a wireless remote control device 33, such as an infrared, radio frequency or acoustic remote control. In these alternative embodiments, a key is provided on the remote control device 33 and the process of
24/59 program selection and choice is carried out in the same manner as described above, except that the user uses the key of the remote control device 33 and not a key mounted on the housing of the device 10. In an embodiment that includes a acoustic remote control, coded acoustic signals, such as a series of clicks in a machine-recognizable pattern, can be used to provide commands to the device 10. These acoustic control signals can be received by one or both microphones 14a through 14b and supplied to processor 16 for processing.
In yet another realization that incorporates voice recognition technology, the user switches between the available programs and selects programs by speaking certain passwords that are received by one or more of microphones 12a and 12b, converted into digital control signals and processed by processor 16 for control the operation of the device 10. The spoken phrase changing program, for example, can be interpreted by processor 16 in the same way as pressing the key 28 for a time T2 and the spoken phrase selecting program can be interpreted by processor 16 in the same way as pressing the key 2 8 for a T3 time.
Figs. 4 and 5 illustrate a process flow according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention in which the designation of the most effective improvement programs is based on a method in which the device evaluates several improvement options and device 10 keeps track of how long the user uses each program. With this realization, the basic premise is that the program that provides the best performance for the user will be the most used program during the evaluation period. As described by the user of the
25/59 below, a variation of this realization allows the user to override the designation process based on time and <sup>1</sup> manually select one or more programs that provide the best performance. This overlay function can be provided as an optional operating mode.
As shown in Fig. 4, a first step in the method is the storage in memory 26 of some number (N) of primary acoustic configuration programs and a 2xN number of secondary programs (step 200). This step can be performed at the time of manufacture of the hearing aid device 10 or later, such as during a reprogramming procedure. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, seven primary programs and fourteen secondary programs are loaded into device memory 26 (N = 7, 2xN = 14). It will be appreciated, however, that any number of programs can be loaded initially into memory 26 and the present invention is not limited to any specific number. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, a feedback canceling algorithm is also stored in the memory 26 of the device 10 in step 200.
At some point after initial device programming (step 200), a user inserts device 10 into the ear canal (in the case of an ITE device) or places device 10 behind the ear (in the case of a device
BTE) with the connections associated with the ear canal (step 202). When device 10 is in position, the user presses key 28 for an extended period of time T1, such as sixty seconds, to activate device 10 and start the feedback cancellation program (step 204).
According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the feedback cancellation program generates and stores acoustic coefficients that will be applicable to all primary and secondary acoustic configuration programs stored in the
26/59 memory 26.
After the feedback cancellation program has completed its initial procedure, the user can cycle through the N number of available primary acoustic configuration programs * 5 and try each one to determine which provides the best loss enhancement. hearing loss. The user does this by pressing key 28 for at least some time T2, such as one second, to switch from one program to the next (step
208). A first program can be executed by processor 16, for example, when device 10 is turned on for the first time. When the user presses key 28 for at least one second, a second program is executed by processor 16 (step 220). In some embodiments, device 10 generates two beeps (step 218) to indicate the selection of the second program. When the user presses key 28 again for at least one second, a third program is executed by processor 16 (step 220) and device 10 generates three beeps to indicate that the third program is selected. This continues until the user has cycled through the N number of programs (such as seven). If the user presses key 28 again for at least one second, the first program is loaded again. This process is represented by steps 208 to 228 of Fig.
4. To cycle through the programs quickly, the user can press the 28 key consecutively several times until the desired program is selected. At this point, some beeps are generated to indicate which program is selected.
As with the performance described above, if it is determined that key 28 is pressed for less than one second (step 210), no new programs are loaded for execution and the process awaits the next one.
27/59 key press (step 228). This avoids inadvertent switching from one program to the next due to a
Accidental pressing of key 28.
In carrying out Fig. 4, a timer circuit is used to measure how long each selected primary program is used (step 222). The total usage time of each primary program is recorded in memory and updated continuously as the user switches from one program to another. After the user has used the device
10 for some extended period of time T5, such as eighty hours (step 226), a calculation is performed based on the recorded time information to determine which two primary programs were most used during the T5 period (step 230). The two primary programs that have the highest usage time are then designated as chosen (step 232) and the remaining primary programs are disabled (step 234). The user then uses device 10 with the two selected primary programs activated for a period of time T6, such as eighty hours (step 236). During this period, the user can switch between the two programs as desired.
At the end of the T6 period, the user used device 10 for a total time of T5 + T6, such as a total of 160 hours. At this point, two secondary acoustic configuration programs are activated for each of the two active primary programs, which results in a total f of six available programs (N = 6) (step 238). In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, each of the two newly added secondary programs is a variation of one of the two corresponding most commonly used primary programs. This allows the user to make a more refined selection, in order to fine tune the desired acoustic reaction. At this point in this example, the
28/59 the user has six programs available to evaluate and the user can cycle again through the available programs, using the keystroke procedure illustrated in steps 208 to 228 of Fig. 4.
During the evaluation period of the N number of available primary and secondary related programs, the timer circuit is again used to measure how long each program is loaded for use (step 222). The total usage time of each program is recorded in memory and updated continuously as the user switches from one program to another. After the user has used device 10 for a total period of time T7 (such as 240 hours, which is significantly greater than the sum of T5 + T6 (step 224), a calculation is performed based on the recorded time information to determine which two of the N number of available programs have been used since the activation of the secondary programs (step 240). The two programs that have the highest usage time are then designated as chosen (step 242) and the remaining programs are disabled (step 244). At this point, the two most used programs, as determined by the time recording procedure, are available for continuous use (N = 2, step 246). The user can now switch between the two available programs, using the keystroke procedure of steps 208 to 228.
As mentioned above, a preferred embodiment of the present invention allows a user to override the time-based selection process and manually select one or more programs that provide the best performance for the
0 user. This overlapping option is illustrated in Fig. 5 and in the dashed box part of Fig. 4. In step 248, if it is determined that key 28 is pressed for a time T3 or longer, such as thirty seconds, processor 16 defines
29/59 marks or stores a value that indicates that the program currently loaded has been designated as selected (step 250 in Fig. 5). At this point, device 10 generates a distinctive sound (step 252) to indicate to the user that a program '5 has been selected. In a preferred embodiment, device 10 allows the user to select two of the available acoustic configuration programs. It will be appreciated, however, that device 10 can accommodate the selection of more or less two acoustic configuration programs.
If it is determined in step 2 54 that two primary programs have not yet been selected, the process awaits the next press of key 28 (step 228 of Fig. 4). If it is determined in step 254 that two primary programs have been selected, the primary programs not selected are disabled (step 256 of Fig. 5). Thus, at this point, two primary programs are available for use. If the user has not yet used device 10 for at least a total period of time T6 (such as eighty hours) (step 258), processing continues at step 236 in Fig. 4.
After using the device 10 by the user for a T6 time (such as eighty hours) with two primary programs designated as selected, two secondary programs are activated for each of the two active primary programs, resulting in a total of six programs available (N = 6) (step 238). At this point in this example, the user again has six programs available for selection and the user can again cycle through the six available programs, using the keystroke procedure illustrated in steps 208 to 228 of Fig. 4.
In this realization, the time recording processing proceeds as described above, unless and until the user overrides the procedure by pressing key 28 for more than the T3 time (step 248). This transfers the
30/59 processing back to step 250 of Fig. 5, in which processor 16 sets a mark or stores a value that 'indicates that the program currently loaded has been designated as selected. After selecting two programs (step 254), the unselected primary and secondary programs are disabled (step 256), leaving two programs available for selection.
At this point, the user has used device 10 for at least a total period of time T6 (such as eighty hours) (step 258), so processing continues at step 246 of Fig. 4. Two programs are now available for use continuous. These two programs were selected based on the time recording procedure, the overlap procedure or a combination of both. The user can now switch between the two available programs as desired, using the key press procedure of steps 208 to 228. If desired, the programming of device 10 can be restarted to standard conditions as described above using the key
28, wireless interface 32 or telephone coil 30, as described above.
Fig. 6 illustrates an embodiment of a hearing aid device 300 to mask tinnitus. Device 300, which is also referred to in the present tinnitus masker, includes a digital processor 316 for processing digital audio signals, such as masking stimulus signals. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, masking stimulus signals comprise narrowband audio noise. The audio frequencies of these noise signals generally fall within the range of audible frequencies by the human being, such as in the range of 20 to 20,000 Hz. In one sense, the processing of these masking stimulus signals indicates access to data files.
31/59 digital audio (such as. Wav or. Mp3 files) from a 326 digital memory device and executing the files to generate corresponding digital audio signals. In another sense, the processing of the masking stimulus signals indicates the determination of which digital audio files should be accessed by memory 326 based on which narrowband noise frequency bands have been designated as selected. In yet another sense, the processing of the masking stimulus signals indicates the generation of the masking stimulus signals using an audio masking stimulus generator program executed by the 316 processor. In any case, the masking stimulus signals are provided for a 318 D / A converter that converts them into analog audio signals. The analog audio signals at the output of the D / A converter 318 are amplified by an audio amplifier 320, where the amplification level is controlled by a volume control 334 coupled to a controller 324. The audio signals amplified at the output of the amplifier 320 are supplied to a 322 sound generation device, which can be a speaker or other type of transducer that generates sound waves or mechanical vibrations that the user perceives as sound. The amplifier 320 and the sound generating device 322 are collectively referred to herein as an audio output section 319 of the device 300.
In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, masking stimulus signals comprise narrowband noise signals. It will be appreciated, however, that other types of masking stimuli can be generated in accordance with the present invention, including frequency modulated noise or murmured speech noise. Thus, the present invention is not limited to any specific type of masking stimulus.
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As shown in Fig. 6, a manually operated temporary switch 328, also referred to as a 328 key, is provided to allow the user of the device 300 to control various aspects of the operation and programming of the device 300. The key 328 is preferably very small and located on an external surface of a shelter associated with device 300. In an embodiment where the device 300 is worn over the user's ear or inside it, the 328 key is located over a part of the shelter that is accessible to the user when the user is using the device 300. The device 300 can be configured, for example, as an instrument for use behind the ear (BTE) or inside the ear (ITE), with the 328 key located on an accessible surface of the instruments. In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, the user switches between available masking stimulus programs and selects programs using a 333 wireless remote control device, such as an infrared, radio frequency or acoustic remote control.
In an alternative embodiment, the tinnitus masking device 300 is arranged in a shelter suitable for table use, such as on a table next to the bed. In this table arrangement, the 328 key and the 334 volume control can be located on any surface of the shelter that is easily accessible to the user. The sound generating device 322 in accordance with the present embodiment is preferably a standard loudspeaker as can typically be used in a table clock radio device. You may also have a pillow speaker extension.
The 328 key is electrically connected to a controller 324 that generates digital control signals based on
33/59 in the state (open or closed) of the key of the 328 key. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the "digital control" signals are generated by the controller 324 based on the time the key 328 is pressed. In this particular, a timer is included in the controller 324 to generate a time signal to measure the duration of the pressure of the key 328. Additional aspects of the operation of the controller 324 and the key 328 are described in more detail below.
326 non-volatile memory, such as 10-read-only memory (ROM), programmable ROM (PROM), automatically erasable PROM (EEPROM) or flash memory, is provided to store programming instructions, digital audio sound files and other operational parameters for device 300. Preferably, memory 326 is accessible by one or both of processor 316 and controller 324.
Fig. 7 illustrates a process flow according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention in which the selection of the most effective masking stimulus for tinnitus masking is based on an interactive and iterative trial and error method, in which the user of the device 300 evaluates various noise frequency options and selects a frequency range that provides the best masking experience for the individual user. As shown in Fig. 7, a first step of the method is the storage in memory of several parameters for generating some number (N) of programs to generate narrow band noise using the device 300 (step 350). When referring to the operation of the buzz masking device 300, a program can indicate various commands, values, settings or stored parameters that are accessed by masking stimulus generation software or firmware to make the software or firmware generate stimuli masking in a specific frequency range or masking that
34/59 has specific spectrum aspects. In another sense, the program can indicate a specific digital audio file (.wav, .mp3 etc.) that contains masking stimuli, such as audio noise in a specific frequency range or that has specific spectrum aspects. Step 350 can be performed at the time of manufacture of the device 300 or later, such as during a reprogramming procedure.
A user of the 300 tinnitus masking device can cycle through a number of N masking stimulus programs available and evaluate each to determine which provides the best masking for the user's tinnitus condition. The user does this by pressing the 328 key for at least some time T2, such as one second, to switch from one masking program to the next (step 356). A first masking program can be activated, for example, when the device 300 is first turned on. When the user presses the 328 key for at least one second, a second masking program is loaded from memory 326 to processor 316 and device 300 generates two beeps (step 366) to indicate to the user that the second masking program is loaded . When the user presses the 328 key again for at least one second, a third masking program is loaded from memory 326 to processor 316 and the device 300 generates three beeps to indicate to the user that the third masking program is loaded. This continues until the user has cycled through the number N of masking programs. If the user presses the 328 key again for at least five seconds, the first program is loaded for execution. This process is represented by steps 356 to 370 in Fig. 7.
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If it is determined that the 328 key is pressed for less than one second (step 358), no new masking program is loaded and the process waits for the next key press (step 370). This avoids inadvertent switching from one masking program to the next due to an accidental press of the 328 key.
After the user has had a chance to evaluate all available masking stimulus programs, the user may find that some smaller number of programs, such as one or two, are apparently more used because they provide the best masking performance for the user. in different situations. One of the masking stimulus programs can provide the best masking, for example, when the user is trying to sleep. Another masking stimulus program can provide the best masking when the user is focused while reading. A preferred embodiment of the present invention allows the user to eliminate masking stimulus programs that are not used or rarely used and to evaluate some additional masking stimulus programs that are variations of the best performing programs. This is accomplished by pressing the 328 key for a time T3, such as thirty seconds, which is longer than the time T2, as described below.
As shown in Fig. 7, if it is determined that the 328 key is pressed for a T3 or longer time (step 372), processor 316 sets a mark or stores a value that indicates that the currently loaded masking stimulus program has been designated as selected (step
374). At this point, device 300 generates a distinctive sound (step 376) to indicate to the user that a preferred masking stimulus program has been selected. Unselected masking programs are disabled
36/59 thereafter (step 378). Disabling in this sense indicates that unselected programs are no longer available<sup>J</sup> for selection using the 328 key press procedure.
After the user has used device 300 for an extended period of time T4 (step 380), such as forty hours, the frequency range of the selected program is divided to provide two additional masking stimulus programs (step 382). In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the two new programs provide masking stimuli in two frequency bands that are sub-bands of the frequency range of the selected masking stimulus program. In a case where the selected program provides masking stimuli in the 1000 to 3000 kHz range, one of the newly activated programs can cover 1000 to 2000 kHz and the other newly activated program can cover 2000 to 3000 kHz. At this point, three masking stimulus programs are available for continuous use and evaluation (N = 3, step 384).
0 The user can now switch between the three available masking stimulus programs, using the keystroke procedure of steps 356 to 370 to decide which of the three provides the best masking performance. As described above, the user designates one of the three masking stimulus programs as selected by pressing key 328 at least for time T3 (step 372). Process steps 374 to 384 are then performed based on the newly selected masking stimulus program. This selection procedure can be repeated for any number of times to allow the user to tune in to the most effective masking stimulus program.
When the user is satisfied with a program
37/59 of specific masking stimulus, the user presses the 328 key for a T4 time, such as thirty seconds (step 3 86), at which point all unselected stimulus programs are removed or disabled (step 388) . From this point on, the humming masking device 300 operates indefinitely, using the selected masking stimulus program.
In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, instead of pressing the 328 key to select a masking stimulus program, the user presses the 328 key for at least T3 time to disable an unselected program. It will be appreciated, therefore, that the present invention is not limited to the way in which masking stimulus programs are designated as selected or unselected.
As with the hearing aid 10, the buzz masking device 300 can be reset to the standard (factory) conditions by the user. In one embodiment, the reset is initiated by pressing the 328 key for an extended period T5 that is significantly longer than T4, such as two minutes. In another realization, the restart starts by closing the battery compartment and simultaneously pressing the 328 key. In yet another embodiment, the restart begins using the 333 wireless remote control device.
In an alternative embodiment, the present invention provides a hearing aid that is a combination of a hearing aid and tinnitus masking. The present embodiment comprises components as illustrated in Fig. 1, which includes key 28 for controlling the selection of acoustic configuration programs for hearing aids for the hearing aid function (as described in Figs. 2 to 5) and a second key 328 to control the selection
38/59 of masking stimulus programs for the tinnitus masking function (as described in Fig. 7). Alternatively, a single key can be used to program the hearing aid functions first and then program the tinnitus masking functions. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that processor 16 and controller 24 can be programmed to implement the hearing aid functions and tinnitus masking functions simultaneously.
In some preferred embodiments of the present invention, instead of or in addition to using a clock signal to determine the elapsed operating time of the hearing aid device 10 (or tinnitus masking device 300), the elapsed time is determined based on the count of the number of times multiple events occur over the life of the device. As the battery of a hearing aid device needs to be replaced periodically, it is possible to count the number of times the battery is replaced to approach the elapsed operating time of the device. In addition, as hearing aid devices are typically removed and turned off every night, you can count the number of times a device has been turned on and off, either by opening the battery compartment or by operating an on key. -off, to calculate the approximate elapsed operating time.
Several batteries used in hearing aid devices have operating lives ranging from about three days to about thirty days, where the exact life depends on the capacity of the specific battery and the power requirement of the hearing aid device. Consequently, if the expected life of a specific battery in an assistive hearing device
39/59 specific is ten days and the battery has been replaced three times, it can be estimated that the hearing aid device has been in use for about thirty days. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the expected battery life is a value that is stored in the memory 26 of the hearing aid. This value can be updated, depending on the specific battery model in use and the expected energy requirement of the specific hearing aid.
As shown in Fig. 8, opening and closing the battery compartment door contacts 42 provides an indication that the battery compartment door has been opened and closed. A set of electrical contacts is provided that are closed when the battery compartment door is closed and opened when the compartment door is opened. A port contact detection module 44 monitors battery compartment contacts 42 and generates a high or high logic signal when contacts 42 are open and a low or low logic signal when contacts 42 are closed. This logic signal is provided for a counter 40 which is increased whenever the signal becomes high. A count value of n indicates that the battery compartment door has been opened n times, indicating that n the number of battery replacements or n the number of times the device has been switched off by opening the battery compartment. The count value is preferably stored in the non-volatile memory device 26. For a typical device (which does not have a separate on / off switch) that is turned off at the end of each day by opening the battery compartment door, a value n can indicate a total usage time of n days. If a device has a separate on-off switch and the battery is typically removed only when
40/59 replaced, a value n can indicate a total usage time of nxx days, where x is the expected battery life in <sup>THE</sup> days.
Also as shown in Fig. 8, a voltage level detection module 38 that monitors battery voltage 36 can be provided. The voltage level detection module 3 8 can generate a connected or high logic signal whenever the battery voltage increases by some number of volts, indicating that an old battery has been replaced with a new one. This logic signal is supplied to counter 40 which is increased whenever the signal becomes high. Similar to the battery replacement example above, a count value of n indicates that the battery has been replaced n times, which indicates a total usage time of n xx days.
With continued reference to Fig. 8, a temporary power switch 48 can be provided to switch the hearing aid device 10 on and off. Key 48 can be pressed once, for example, to switch the device on and again to switch the hearing aid off. device. An on / off switch detection module 46 monitors the on / off switch 48 and generates a high or high logic signal whenever the switch 48 is operated. This logic signal is supplied to counter 40 which is increased whenever the signal becomes high. A count value of n indicates that device 10 (or device 300) has been turned on and off n / 2 times. If a device is typically turned on and off once a day, for example, a count value of n indicates that the device has been in use for n / 2 days.
Consequently, in each operation illustrated in the
Figs. 2 to 5 and 7 where a value of the total elapsed operating time of the device is required, this time value can be determined based on the count value generated
41/59 by counter 40. The count value can be used, for example, to determine the time value in step 134 of Fig. 3, the time value in step 222 of Fig. 4, the time value in step 258 of Fig. 5 and the time value in step 380 of Fig. 7.
It will be appreciated that a combination of two or more contrary values can be used to calculate an elapsed operating time value. A count value can track, for example, the number of times the battery compartment door contacts opened / closed and another count value can track the number of times the battery voltage goes from a low value. for a high value. In this example, if a count value indicates that the battery compartment door has been opened / closed once and the other count value indicates that the battery voltage has not changed significantly, it may indicate that the battery compartment door has been changed. open to turn off the device, but the battery has not been replaced.
In another example, the on-off counter value may indicate that the device has been in operation for thirty days and the battery voltage level counter value may indicate that the device has been in operation for forty days. In various embodiments, an average of these two time values, the greater of these two time values or the lesser of these two time values can be selected as the elapsed operating time value.
Fig. 8 illustrates detection modules 38, 44 and 45 and counter 40 as components of controller 24. It will be appreciated that, in other embodiments, any and all of these components can be provided in a circuit that is separate from controller 24 .
ALTERNATE REALIZATION OF INITIAL CONFIGURATION MODE
When device 10 is turned on for the first time
42/59 after delivery to the patient, device 10 enters the Initial Configuration Mode in a state of 'Selection Home'. In this mode, programs Q1 to Q5 are available to the patient by pressing the 28 key. Whenever the user presses the 28 key, the loaded configuration program skips a program and the audio output section 19 emits an audible indicator of the selected program, such as some number of pure tone beeps indicating the program number. At any time during the use of the Q programs, the patient can select the Q program for normal use by keeping the 28 key pressed for five seconds during the program. After five seconds, hearing aid 10 recognizes the selection by emitting a pure long tone beep. After this period, the selected program (called QS for the purposes of this specification) is activated and unselected programs are deactivated. In preferred embodiments, unselected programs are not deleted, but are available for reactivation by starting the Configuration Mode described below. Device 10 is now in the selected state_Q.
Once in the selected state_Q, six programs are available: QS, NI, N2, N3, N4 and N5. The patient can now use key 28 to cycle through these programs. When selecting QS, a pure tone beep is emitted through the audio output section 19. When any of the noisy environment programs (N1-N5) is selected, a noise pulse train is output via audio output section 19, in which the number of pulses corresponds to the selection of N1-N5 (such as a pulse for NI, two pulses for N2 etc.). When one of the preferred N1-N5 noise programs is active, the patient can select the preferred noise program by pressing and holding key 28 for five seconds. After five seconds, device 10 recognizes the selection
43/59 emitting a pure long tone beep through the audio output section 19. After this period, the selected noise program (called NS for the purposes of this specification) is activated and the unselected noise programs are disabled . Preferably, deactivated programs are not deleted, but are available for reactivation by starting the Configuration Mode described below. Device 10 is now in the selected N state.
In the selected N state, three programs are activated: QS, NS and one of the telephone coil programs (TlT5). The selected telephone coil program (called
TS for the purposes of this specification) is automatically selected based on the program selection
QS, with program selection T1-T5 corresponding to program selection of Q1-Q5. If QS = Q5, for example, TS = T5. The patient can rotate through the three active programs (QS, NS and TS) by pressing the 28 key. If the QS program is selected, a pure tone beep is emitted through the audio output section 19. If the NS program, a noise pulse is emitted. If the TS program is selected, a ringing tone or ringing tone is emitted. Device 10 is now in the state of gross tuning.
FINE TUNING MODE
In a preferred embodiment, two options are available with regard to fine tuning the hearing aid device 10. In a first option, device 10 continues to operate in Initial Configuration Mode until
0 the patient returns to the doctor's office and a Fine Tuning Mode is activated by the doctor. At this point, the physician enters the Configuration Mode to initiate Fine Tuning Mode. In a second option, the Fine Tuning Mode is
44/59 automatically activated after seventeen on-off cycles have occurred since entering Initial Configuration Mode.
When device 10 enters Tuning Mode £
Fine, two new programs of calm environment are activated (QSL and QSH). This provides the patient with five available programs (QS, QSL, QSH, NS and TS) to be able to try indefinitely. After the patient has developed a preference for one of the calm environment programs (QS, QSL or QSH), the patient can select the preferred program by pressing key 28 for five seconds. After five seconds, device 20 recognizes the selection by emitting a long pure tone beep via the audio output section 19. After that period, the selected Q program (which is now called QS) is active and the Q programs not selected are disabled. The TS program is automatically updated and activated to match the selected QS program.
At this time, two other noise environment programs (NSL and NSH) are activated. This provides the patient with five available programs (QS, NS, NSL, NSH and TS) to try indefinitely. After the patient has developed a preference for one of the noisy environment programs (NS, NSL or NSH), the patient can select the preferred program by pressing key 28 for five seconds. After five seconds, device 20 recognizes the selection by emitting a long noise pulse through the audio output section 19. After that period, the selected N program (which is now called NS) is active and the unselected N programs are disabled.
At this point, the Fine Tuning Mode is terminated and the device 10 is in a Fine Tuning state with three active programs: QS, NS and TS. From this point on, device 10 operates with these three programs active, the
45/59 unless device 10 is restarted using Configuration Mode.
* Preferably, the QSL, QSH, NSL and NSH programs are created using fixed parameter compensations for <
program sets Q and program N stored based on previously defined specifications.
CONFIGURATION MODE
In preferred embodiments, you enter the configuration mode by pressing key 28 while the battery compartment door is closed simultaneously and keeping key 28 pressed for a period of time, such as ten seconds. The entry into the configuration mode is indicated by a long pure tone beep emitted by the audio output section 19 (Fig. 1). Once in the configuration mode, each press of the 28 key will go to the next configuration setting in a sequence of configuration settings and will eventually complete the cycle and start over the sequence as it passes through the last configuration setting. Each configuration setting is announced with a series of beeps emitted by the audio output section 19 according to Table I, which shows a preferred realization. In addition to the configuration settings listed in Table I, other configuration settings may be available in the configuration mode, such as gain / decrease gain, noise reduction on / off and the
fast / slow feedback canceller, to name a few.
Table I
<td>Advertisement</td><td>Setting configuration</td><td>Available settings</td>
<td>1 beep</td><td>Allow physician-assisted fitness mode</td><td>Volume Control (VC) up = jump to physician-assisted fitness mode</td>
<td>2 beeps</td><td>Maximum power setting</td><td>VC up = a beep sounds and the MPO level is increased by one</td>
46/59
<td>Advertisement</td><td>Configuration setting</td><td>Available settings</td>
<td></td><td>issued (MPO)</td><td>step. VC down = a beep sounds and the MPO level is reduced by one step. If the highest or lowest step is reached, the VC command is ignored.</td>
<td>3 beeps</td><td>Adjust to enable VC</td><td>VC up = VC on VC down = VC off</td>
<td>4 beeps</td><td>Adjustment to enable telephone coil</td><td>VC up = telephone coil connected VC down = telephone coil disconnected</td>
<td>5 beeps</td><td>Adjust to enable directional mode</td><td>VC up = directional on (using two microphones) VC down = directional off (using isolated microphone)</td>
<td>6 beeps</td><td>Empower reading / audience</td><td>VC up = sets the number of tone bits to indicate which silent listening program is selected. VC down = triggers the number of noise pulses to indicate which noisy environment program has been selected.</td>
<td>7 beeps</td><td>Restart</td><td>VC up = device is reset to factory default settings.</td>
<td>8 beeps</td><td>Enable fine tuning mode</td><td>VC up = fine tuning mode on</td>
Figs. 9A and 9B illustrate state diagrams for programming modes for selecting a hearing aid device (such as the device 300 in Fig. 6) according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Fig. 9A, when the device is turned on (step 400), processor 316 determines the current state of Suitability (step 402), which can be Initial Suitability or Fine Tuning (when device 10 is turned on by
4Ί / 59 first time after delivery to the user, Suitability Status - Initial Suitability). If Suitability Status = Fine Tuning on power-up (step 406), processor 316 performs the process illustrated in Fig. 9B and described below.
i
If Suitability State = Initial Suitability when powering on (step 404), the processor determines the current status of FI State (step 414), which can be Start Selection, Q Selected or N Selected. If FI State = Start Selection (step 416), the processor loads some amount of acoustic condition programs (step 422) from non-volatile memory 326. In a preferred embodiment, five quiet acoustic condition programs Q1 to Q5 are available. These programs are also referred to in the present tuning programs or primary acoustic programs. When using the device, the user can switch from one of programs Q1 to Q5 to the next by pressing key 28 once for a relatively short period (step 424), such as less than five seconds. Button 28 is also referred to in the present control of button 28. When switching from one Q program to the next, the audio output section 319 emits an audible indicator of the active program, such as some number of pure tone beeps indicating the program number. At any time while using the Q programs, the user can select one of the programs Q1 to Q5 to be designated as a selected or preferred program by pressing and holding the 28 key for five seconds or more (step 426). The selected program is called a QS quiet acoustic condition program. At this point, a long tone sounds to indicate to the user that the QS program is selected and the Start Selection state is ended (step 428). When selecting QS, unselected Q programs are deactivated. In preferred embodiments, unselected Q programs are not deleted, but are
48/59 available for reactivating the device using the Configuration Mode described below. At this point, IF status is set to Selected Q (step 430).
With continuous reference to Fig. 9A, if State of FI = Q Selected (step 418), the processor loads the selected QS program and some number of loud noise programs (step 432) from the non-volatile memory 326. In one embodiment preferred, five loud noise condition programs NI to N5 are available. These programs are also referred to in the present tuning programs or primary acoustic programs. When using device 300, the user can switch from one of the NI programs to N5 to the next by pressing the 28 key once for a relatively short period (step 434), such as less than five seconds. When QS is activated, a pure tone beep sounds through the audio output section 319. When any of the noisy environment programs (N1-N5) is selected, a noise pulse train is emitted through the audio output section 319, in which the number of pulses corresponds to the selection of N1-N5 (such as a pulse for Nl, two pulses for N2 etc.). Any of the programs N1 to N5 can be designated as a selected or preferred program by pressing and holding key 28 for five seconds or more (step 436). The selected program is named in the present NS environment program. When selecting NS, the unselected noisy environment programs are disabled (but not cleared) and are available for reactivation by restarting the device using the Configuration Mode described below. At this point, a long tone sounds to indicate to the user that the NS program is selected and the Selected Q state is ended (step 438). IF state is then defined as N Selected (step 440).
49/59
If State of IF = N Selected (step 420), the processor loads from the non-volatile memory 326 the program of calm environment selected QS, the program of one of the coil programs 442). The selected telephone coil program (called TS for the purposes of this specification) is automatically selected based on the selection of the QS program, with the selection of a noisy ambient program and telephone (T1-T5) (step
<td>Corresponding T1-T5</td><td>The</td><td>selection</td><td>in</td><td>program of</td><td>Q1-Q5</td><td>. Case</td><td>QS</td>
<td>= Q5, for example,</td><td>TS</td><td>= T5.</td><td>To</td><td>use the</td><td colspan="2">device,</td><td>The</td>
<td colspan="2">user can switch</td><td>in between</td><td>the</td><td>Software</td><td>QS,</td><td>NS and</td><td>TS</td>
pressing key 28 once for a relatively short period (step 444), such as less than five seconds. If the QS program is selected, a pure tone beep is emitted through the audio output section 319. If the NS program is selected, a noise pulse is emitted. If the TS program is selected, a ringing tone or ringing tone is emitted.
If the device is operating with automatic mode off, which is the preferred factory default setting, the device continues to operate in the initial tuning mode until the device is activated in Configuration Mode, which is described in more detail below ( step 448). Using the Configuration Mode options, Automatic Mode can be turned on or off by an audiologist / releaser. If the device has been installed by an audiologist or releaser for operation with Auto Mode on, the device continues to operate in an initial tuning mode (with selected programs QS, NS and TS available) until the battery compartment door has been opened and closed more than X number of times (step 446).
With reference to steps 4 00 to 4 04 of Fig. 9A, if
50/59 when switching on Suitability Status = Initial Suitability, Auto Mode is on, initial QS, NS and TS selections have been made and the battery compartment door has been opened and closed more than an X number of times, the processor determines the current FT status (step 450), which can be FT Start or FT Selected Q. If FT State = FT Start (step 452), the processor loads from the non-volatile memory 326 a pair of additional quiet acoustic condition programs QSL and QSH which are slight variations of the QS program (step 456). This provides the user with five available programs (QS, QSL, QSH, NS and TS) to be able to try indefinitely. In a preferred embodiment, the QSL and QSH programs are secondary acoustic configuration programs, as described above. These programs are also now referred to as fine-tuning programs. When using the device 300, the user can switch between the programs QS, QSL, QSH, NS and TS by pressing key 28 once for a relatively short period (step 458), such as less than five seconds. After the user has developed a preference for one of the calm environment programs (QS, QSL or QSH), the user can designate the preferred calm environment program as a selected program by pressing and holding key 28 for five seconds or more (step 4 60). The program selected in this way is called the QS program and the two unselected Q programs are deactivated. The TS program is automatically updated and activated to match the selected QS program. At this point, a long tone sounds to indicate to the user that the FT Start program is terminated (step 462) and FT Status is set to Q Selected FT (step 464).
If FT State = Q Selected FT (step 454), the processor loads from the noisy ambient noise programs NSL from the 326 non-volatile memory and
51/59
NSH which are slight variations of the NS program (step 466). This provides the user with five available programs (QS, NS, NSL, * NSH and TS) to try indefinitely. In a preferred embodiment, the NSL and NSH programs are secondary acoustic configuration programs, as described above. These programs are also referred to in the present fine tuning programs. When using the device 300, the user can switch between the QS, NS, NSL, NSH and TS programs by pressing the 28 key once for a relatively short period (step 468), such as less than five seconds. After the user has developed a preference for one of the noisy environment programs (NS, NSL or NSH), the user can designate the preferred noisy environment program as a selected program by pressing and holding key 28 for five seconds or more ( step 4 70). The program selected in this way is called the NS program and the two unselected N programs are deactivated. At this point, a long tone sounds to indicate to the user that the Q Selected FT state is ended (step 472) and FT State is set to Fine Tuning (step 474).
With reference to steps 400 to 406 of Fig. 9A, if when switching on Adequacy Status = Fine Tuning, the processor loads from the non-volatile memory 326 the selected quiet program QS, the noisy program NS and the program telephone coil selected. TS (step 476 of Fig. 9B). When using the device, the user can switch between the QS, NS and TS programs by pressing key 28 once for a relatively short period (step 478), such as less than five seconds. In a preferred embodiment, the device continues to operate in that state (Suitability State = Fine Tuning) until the device is restarted (step 480). Restarting the
52/59 device can be performed in the Configuration Mode as described below.
Fig. 10 illustrates a status diagram for the Configuration Mode of a hearing aid device (such as the 300 device in Fig. 6) according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. In Configuration Mode, an audiologist or deliverer can configure several options that determine how the device operates. These options are described in more detail below. Although anyone, including the user of the hearing aid device, can perform the operations described herein to change the configuration of the device, it is anticipated that, in most cases, an audiologist or device deliverer will perform these operations for the user.
0 device enters the Configuration Mode when the audiologist / releaser presses key 28 when closing the battery compartment door and continues to press key 28 for at least thirty seconds (step 500 of Fig. 10). A long, pure tone beep sounds to indicate that the device
0 entered the Configuration Mode (step 5 02). Once in the Configuration Mode, the device option to be configured can be selected based on how many consecutive times the key 28 is pressed. Each press of the key 28 will proceed to a next configuration option in a sequence of options, eventually completing the cycle and will start over the sequence when passing through the last configuration option.
If the audiologist / releaser presses key 28 only once after entering configuration mode, the option
Read / Listen is selected (step 504). Using this option, the audiologist / liberator can determine which of the fifteen quiet environmental condition programs (Q1-Q5 and two fine-tuning programs QSL-QSH for each Q1-Q5 program) is the
53/59 current QS selected program and which of the fifteen noisy environmental condition programs (N1-N5 and two NSL-NSH fine-tuning programs for each N1-N5 program) is the current NS selected program. If the rf volume increase control
334a is pressed, some number of tone beeps sounds to indicate which of the fifteen quiet environment programs is the current selected program QS (step 506). If the Q3 program is the selected QS program, three tone beeps may sound when the volume up control 334a is pressed.
Similarly, if the volume reduction control 334b is pressed, a number of tone beeps will sound to indicate which of the fifteen noisy environment programs is the current selected NS program (step 508). If the battery compartment door is opened and closed, the device exits the Configuration Mode (step 510). If key 28 is pressed once while the Read / Listen option is selected, the Volume Control Configuration option (step 512) is selected.
If key 28 is pressed only twice after entering the Configuration Mode, the Volume Control Configuration option (step 514) is selected. Using this option, the audiologist / liberator can control whether the volume control 334 will be activated or deactivated when the device is subsequently operated in standard operating mode. If the volume increase control 334a is »
pressed, volume control 334 will be activated (step, 516). Similarly, if the volume reduction control
334b is pressed, the volume control 334 will be disabled (step 518). If the door to the
0 battery is opened and closed, the device exits the Configuration Mode (step 520). If key 28 is pressed once while the Volume Control Setup option is selected, the
54/59
Telephone coil (step 522).
If key 28 is pressed only three times' after entering Configuration Mode, the Telephone Coil Configuration option (step 524) is selected. Using «
With this option, the audiologist / liberator can control whether the telephone coil 30 (Fig. 1) will be activated or deactivated when the device 300 is subsequently operated in standard operating mode. If the volume increase control 334a is pressed, the telephone coil 30 will be activated (step 526).
Similarly, if the volume reduction control 334b is pressed, the telephone coil 30 will be disabled (step 528). If the battery compartment door is opened and closed, the device exits Configuration Mode (step 530). If key 28 is pressed once while the Telephone Coil Configuration option is selected, the Directional Mode Configuration option (step 532) is selected.
If key 28 is pressed only four times after entering the Configuration Mode, the Directional Mode Configuration option (step 534) is selected. Using this option, the audiologist / liberator can control whether Directional Mode is activated, in which the device uses two microphones, or deactivated, so that the device uses a single microphone. If the volume up control 334a is pressed, directional mode will be activated)
(step 536). Similarly, if the volume reduction control 334b is pressed, the directional mode will be disabled (step 538). If the battery compartment door is opened and closed, the device exits Sleep Mode.
Configuration (step 540). If key 28 is pressed once while the Directional Mode Configuration option is selected, the Maximum Power Emission Configuration option (step 542) is selected.
55/59
If key 28 is pressed only five times after entering configuration mode, the option 'Configuration Maximum Power Emission (step 544) is selected.
Using this option, the audiologist / liberator can control the maximum level of power emitted from the audio section 319 (Fig. 6). Each time the volume up control 334a is pressed, the maximum power output level is increased by one step and a beep sounds (step 546). Each time the volume reduction control 334b is pressed, the maximum power output level is reduced by one step and a beep sounds (step 548). If the battery compartment door is opened and closed, the device exits Configuration Mode (step 550). If key 28 is pressed once while the Maximum
Power is selected, the Automatic Mode Configuration option (step 552) is selected.
If key 28 is pressed only six times after entering configuration mode, the Automatic Mode Configuration option (step 554) is selected. Using this option, the audiologist / liberator can control the event that triggers the transition from the initial tuning mode to the fine tuning mode. As described above with reference to Fig. 9A, if Automatic Mode is activated, the device automatically transitions from initial tuning mode to fine tuning mode after opening and closing the battery compartment door some X times. If Automatic Mode is not activated (which is the preferred default condition), this automatic transition does not take place. When selecting the Automatic Mode Configuration option, the audiologist / releaser can activate the Automatic Mode by pressing the volume increase control 334a (step 556). If desired, by activating Auto Mode, the audiologist / deliverer can make the device transit
56/59 from initial tuning mode to fine tuning mode by opening or closing the battery compartment door X number of times. If Automatic Mode is activated and the volume reduction control 334b is pressed, Mode
Automatic will be disabled (step 558). If the battery compartment door is opened and closed, the device exits Configuration Mode (step 560). If key 28 is pressed once while the Auto Mode Setting option is selected, the option is selected
Restart (step 562).
If key 28 is pressed only seven times after entering Configuration Mode, the Reset option (step 564) is selected. Using this option, the audiologist / releaser can reset the device to its factory settings by pressing the volume control upwards 334a (step 566). If the battery compartment door is opened and closed, the device exits Configuration Mode (step 568). If key 28 is pressed once while the Reset option is selected, the device cycles to the Reading / Audience Configuration option (step 570).
In some embodiments, a Physician Assisted Suitability Mode is also provided as an option accessible through the Configuration Mode. In these achievements, the Physician Assisted Adequacy Mode can be activated to r
allow a doctor to assist a patient in fine-tuning the hearing aid device. In this mode, the doctor can use the 28 or 328 key to select an ideal set of calm environment, noisy environment and telephone coil programs for the patient. Other configuration settings can be available in the Configuration Mode, such as gain / decrease gain, noise reduction on / off and fast / slow feedback canceller, for
57/59 indicate some examples.
In some embodiments of the present invention, the hearing aid • device 10 can be used to record audio memos. A record function (* memo can be activated using one or more keys, such as key 28 and volume control 34. With reference to Fig. 1, microphone 12a receives the user's vocal sounds, A / D 14a converts the microphone signal into a digital audio signal, processor 16 converts the digital audio signal into a digital audio file format suitable for storage, such as a .wav file, and memory 26 is used to store the digital audio file. Subsequently, one or more keys, such as key 28, and volume control 34 can be used to access the stored digital audio file and play through the audio output section 19. This function would be very useful for easy recording and quick information for a new call later when other means of registration are not easily available. The memo function, for example, can be used to register a list of items for purchase at the grocery store or a phone number for a friend or acquaintance.
In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the digital scroll wheel volume control 34a is used for switching between available quiet environment programs and switching between available noisy environment programs. If, for example, during normal operation, the user presses the button 28 for some extended period of time, such as ten seconds, a pure tone beep sounds and the roller wheel 34a becomes operational to allow the user to switch between the calm environment programs available. If the QS program is active and the roller wheel 34a is turned down one step, for example, the program
58/59 active changes from QS to QSL. Similarly, if the QS program is active and the roller wheel 34a is turned up one step, the active program changes from QS to QSH. As the user continues to turn the roller wheel 34a in one direction, the programs continue the cycle, such as from QS to QSL, to QSH, to QS and so on. It will be appreciated that the rolling wheel can be used to cycle through any of the quiet environment programs that are available at a specific programming stage. Thus, it is not limited to the QS, QSL and QSH programs. The user can select or lock the currently active quiet program by pressing the 28 key again for an extended period of time, such as ten seconds. A pure tone beep then sounds to inform the user that the currently active quiet program has been selected. At this point, the roller wheel 34a becomes functional again as a volume control that allows the user to adjust the audio gain up or down for the selected quiet environment program.
At this point, if the user presses key 28 again for an extended period of time, such as ten seconds, a noise pulse train sounds and the roller wheel 34a becomes operational to allow the user to switch between the environment programs noisy available. If the NS program is currently active and the roller wheel 34a is turned one step down, for example, the active program changes from NS to NSL. Similarly, if the NS program is active and the roller wheel 34a is turned up one step, the active program changes from NS to NSH. As the user continues to turn the roller wheel 34a in one direction, the programs continue the cycle, such as from NS to NSL, to NSH, NS and so on. It will be appreciated that the rolling wheel can be used to cycle along
59/59 any of the noisy environment programs that are available at a specific programming stage. Thus, it is not limited to the NS, NSL and NSH programs. The user can select or lock the currently active noisy environment program by pressing key 28 again for an extended period of time, such as ten seconds. A noise pulse train then sounds to inform the user that the currently active noisy environment program has been selected. At this point, the roller wheel 34a again becomes functional as a volume control that allows the user to adjust the audio gain up or down for the selected noisy environment program. The next time the user presses the key 28 for ten seconds or more, the roller wheel 34a becomes functional again to scroll through the available quiet environment programs.
The above description of preferred embodiments of the present invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive, nor to limit the present invention to the precise form described. Obvious modifications or variations are possible in light of the above teachings. The achievements are selected and described in an effort to provide the best illustrations of the principles of the present invention and their practical application, in order to allow ordinary persons skilled in the art to use the present invention in various embodiments and with various modifications as appropriate for use. specific contemplated. All such modifications and variations are within the scope of the present invention.
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Contents8
1 sheet
Sheet 1
15 priority claims, no other members on record
Priority claims15
| Document | Office | Kind | Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| 11739781 | United States of America | – | |
| 73978107 | United States of America | A | |
| 12017080 | United States of America | – | |
| 1708008 | United States of America | A | |
| 3659408 | United States of America | P | |
| 61036594 | United States of America | – | |
| 2008061235 | United States of America | W | |
| 11739781 | – | – | – |
| 12017080 | – | – | – |
| 2008061235 | – | – | – |
| 61036594 | – | – | – |
| US20070739781 | – | – | – |
| US20080017080 | – | – | – |
| US20080036594P | – | – | – |
| WO2008US61235 | – | – | – |
3 legal events, as the office reported them to INPADOC
Over the term
Point at a mark for the eventEvents
| Event | Code | |
|---|---|---|
| Decision: refusalB09B | B09B | |
| Decision: refusalB09B | B09B | |
| Technical examination (opinion): publication of technical examination (opinion)B07A | B07A |
Numbers
- Publication
- PI0809710
- Publication, DOCDB
- PI0809710
- Publication, EPODOC
- BRPI0809710
- Application
- 9710
- Application, DOCDB
- PI0809710
- Application, EPODOC
- BR2008PI09710
Titles2
- Portuguese
- APARELHO PROGRAMÁVEL PARA AUMENTAR A PERCEPÇÃO DE SOM POR UMA PESSOA, MÉTODO DE APRIMORAMENTO DA PERCEPÇÃO DE SOM POR UMA PESSOA, MÉTODO DE APRIMORAMENTO DA PERCEPÇÃO DE SOM POR UMA PESSOA QUE UTILIZA UM DISPOSITIVO AUXILIAR AUDITIVO, MÉTODO DE CONTROLE DE UM DISPOSITIVO AUXILIAR AUDITIVO DISPOSTO EM UM ABRIGO E MÉTODO DE CONTROLE DA CONFIGURAÇÃO DE UM DISPOSITIVO AUXILIAR AUDITIVO
- English
- PROGRAMMABLE APPARATUS TO INCREASE SOUND PERCEPTION BY A PERSON, METHOD OF IMPROVING SOUND PERCEPTION BY A PERSON, METHOD OF IMPROVING SOUND PERCEPTION BY A PERSON USING AN AUDITORY AUXILIARY DEVICE A CONTENT DEVICE IN A CONTROLLED DEVICE. A SHELTER AND METHOD OF CONTROL OF THE CONFIGURATION OF AN AUDIT AUXILIARY DEVICE
Classification
- CPC, 4
- H04R25/70
- H04R25/603
- H04R2225/39
- H04R2225/61
