Apparatus and method for adjusting a hearing aid

The present invention relates to a method and an Apparatus for individually adjusting a hearing aid for a hearing aid wearer.

Technical progress and new scientific evidence lead to a constant development of hearing aids. This applies to the signal processing algorithms used and the audiometric data of the calculated individual parameter sets for hearing aid settings. In new equipment these developments are often considered.

However, a hearing impaired accustomed by the constant wearing the hearing system to the transmission characteristics and thus For example, at the sound of that hearing. requires he, for example due to a deterioration of hearing a new Device, he feels often the unusual sound as foreign and rejects a new hearing instrument. This rejection is particularly In modern hearing systems before, as these due Advances in digital technology often very smooth Frequency characteristics can be realized. For this reason, at a replenishment often instead of a modern hearing system the same type of already worn hearing system used. characterized occurs no improvement for the hearing impaired and he does not benefit from a further the hearing.

Goods wearers nevertheless prepared to use a new device, so the hearing healthcare attempted previously by hand the acoustics of the old device with the new mimic, to facilitate the transition. Since modern hearing aids extremely are complex, it is thus not possible, the optimum find setting in which one part of the sound of the old device is modeled on the other hand, the benefits the new device yet come into play.

Another relief for a transition to a new Hearing aid system can be achieved, that is several acclimatization operated. The acclimatization cause a slow groping to actually prescribed gain of the hearing instrument independently the actual customer. Thus, in adjusting an new hearing initially a certain Akklimatisierungsstufe selected ( "for the inexperienced"). Has the hard of hearing over a period of several weeks at this setting used, then when the next visit to the acoustician the next Akklimatisierungsstufe set. On Thus, the actually desired, from audiological View reaches optimum setting. However, the sets multiple sessions ahead of the acoustician. During this Akklimatisierungszyklusses had at hard of hearing a new sound used. If this did not happen, so had the acoustician manually or supported by Questionnaires optimize the sound of the new hearing system.

The object of the present invention is thus, the setting of a hearing aid in consideration of a optimize customer request.

This object is achieved by a method for automatically adjusting a second hearing device by Analyzing a first hearing device to provide a Analytical result, determining setting parameters of second hearing with the analysis result of the first hearing device and adjusting the second hearing device on the basis the determined setting parameters.

In addition, the invention provides an apparatus for automatically adjusting a second hearing device with an analysis device for analyzing a first hearing device to provide an analysis result, a determination means for determining setting parameters of second hearing with the analysis result of the first hearing device and setting means for setting the second Hearing aid on the basis of the determined setting parameters.

Using the invention, the instrument may like the old hearing are set, the sound in a quiet environment is similar to the sound of the old auditory system. In noisier However, environment, the wearers of the benefits a new hearing instrument, such as speech recognition, Directional microphone, etc., benefit. Through the familiar Sound is the customer to get used quickly to the new hearing can.

Analyzing can be read out of setting parameters of the old or the first hearing device include. This Reading is a good tool to quickly analyze results to obtain.

Alternatively or additionally, the first hearing aid can be analyzed be by receiving sound signals presented and the examined output sound signals hearing aid output generated will. This also results in hearing aids the goal with a Readout device in terms of hardware or software are incompatible.

but can also be automatically analyzing a read-out of Setting parameters and simulating the behavior of the first Hearing aid include a simulation model. Through this Simulation can be dispensed consuming measurements.

After the second hearing device setting it should acoustically be measured. This is used to check the setting, on the basis of the setting parameters of the first hearing device was carried out.

Setting the second hearing, by contact-bound or contactless feeding of settings done. Thus, it is no longer necessary that an acoustician making the appropriate settings manually.

Furthermore, the adjustment of the second hearing device can reference a dynamic model take place. This facilitates the adjustment process, since the results of the settings already can be pre-modeled.

Here, a dynamic model against a static Model is a model with which the output audio signals of a Hearing aid can be simulated that of any Input signals originate. In particular with the dynamic considered model transient effects of the hearing aid will. In contrast, with a static model only steady states simulated. With a static Model are usually only recovered gain curves, which determines from the input spectral information can be.

Current audiological measurements should be considered when setting be the second hearing, however, always be considered. Based on these measurements, a target can be developed be, which then uses the setting parameters of the first can modify the hearing aid.

After the second hearing device with the determined setting can set parameters, the setting parameters in a given changed time to predefined setting parameters will. Thus it is possible, initially the old Hearing appropriate setting gradually to a new, progressive setting that allows only the new hearing aid, to change. By this time continuously extending fitting process is the acceptance of a new Hearing aid increases significantly. Here, the time period for the continuous automatic adjustment can be selected arbitrarily.

The present invention will now reference to the accompanying explained drawings, in which:<dl tsize="5"><dt>1 shows</dt><dd>a flow chart for optimization of hearing aid presetting at a secondary care;</dd><dt>FIG 2</dt><dd>a sketch of a first embodiment of an inventive adjustment;</dd><dt>FIG 3</dt><dd>a sketch of a second embodiment of the present invention adjustment;</dd><dt>FIG 4</dt><dd>a sketch of a third embodiment of the present invention adjustment; and</dd><dt>FIG 5</dt><dd>a sketch of a fourth embodiment of the present invention Adjustment.</dd></dl>

The embodiments described in more detail below preferred embodiments of the present invention represent.

To adapt a new hearing device to an old hearing aid under Maintaining the tonal characteristics of the old hearing device the transfer characteristics of the old hearing device are determined and serve as a target gain for setting the new Hearing aid. This means that both the sonic characteristics retained the old hearing aid, and the special fine-tuning of the old hearing device. Such an adaptation with respect to the acoustic characteristics of a old hearing aid, both in the transition to a hearing aid another manufacturer be helpful, as well as the replacement of a hearing aid with a newer or more complex Product from the same manufacturer, or in the transition on a different design (eg. B. from BTE to ITE device).

For a better understanding of the invention, again in the referenced prior art, after which the parameters of the old Hearing requested or the characteristics of the fitting software are displayed. The new hearing aid is then manually so adjusted so that the gain curves the old possible to come close. This manual process is very time consuming and results due to the complexity of modern hearing aids only with great effort and with sufficient expertise to a good correspondence. The transfer of the setting directly (eg., channel gain) usually leads not succeed because the same even with different hearing aids Family of a manufacturer setting parameters at different absolute gain characteristics lead.

According to the present invention is, therefore, an automatic Adaptation of the new hearing device to target amplification characteristics (Frequency and i. A. level-dependent target) provided wherein the targets not as conventionally from tonschwellenaudiometrisch based formulas are obtained (eg. B. NAL NL1, DSL [i / o]), but its gain characteristics represent the old hearing device. These targets can Thus the conventional, formula-based targets as input parameters substitute for a first-fit algorithm.

According to the invention, the gain characteristics of the old Hearing aid in the general case by measuring the hearing aid gain determined. This can be any reasonable carried measuring equipment, eg. as a coupler measurement, in-situ measurements, KEMAR, etc. can be used for the measurement of the characteristics of any Stimuli be used, but preferably a sprachsimulierendes noise. Where appropriate, the recorded Gain characteristics are not transformed, before going to the input in the first fit algorithm first fitting can form (z. B. would coupler recordings yet by RECD in Aided Response data is transformed, when the first fit algorithm on the basis of Aided Response Targets the hearing aid automatically adjusts).

The overall process of measurement of the old hearing device and the subsequent Setting the new hearing device is preferably carried out fully automatic. Alternatively, the characteristics of the can old hearing device semi-automatically (with interaction of the person performing) done. The setting of new Hearing aid on the basis of the determined curves are however automatically in each case, ie without an interaction would be required by the user.

In the special case that a software model of the hearing aid old exists, the measurement of the gain characteristics also be replaced by the corresponding simulation. This Case may occur, for example, if the old device be replaced by another device from the same manufacturer to (z. B. thereof better hearing aid or other design Hearing aid). In this case, the measurement of hearing aid characteristics the old hearing aid through a simulation of these Characteristics to be replaced. This reduces the potential Errors that may occur during the measurement, and accelerated generally the whole process, since the simulation normally perform faster than a measurement.

The reproduced in FIG 1 Block diagram showing principle the processes for setting a new hearing device. To this end, is the old hearing aid, to the accustomed of hearing aid users has, subjected to analysis 1st For the analysis 1 serves a sound sample 2 as an input signal. The in the automatic be analytical method 1 analysis data obtained 3 to determine the optimum setting of the new hearing aid used. In this case also be used as input signals used considered sound samples 2 for analysis. Of course, finds the attitude against the background audiometric data instead. 4 In addition, also used other values ​​for setting such. B. Experience of the hearing aid with a hearing aid, "auditory lifestyle ", etc., for a preset (" FirstFit ") of new hearing aid used.

A dynamic model of the new hearing device is used, specific to the operation of the hearing device in dependence Input variables to be modeled. This accelerates the Adjustment because omit certain complex measurements can be. Alternatively, instead of the dynamic used model of the new hearing device, the new hearing aid itself will. However, this is due to the programming time and measuring time very complicated.

Thus, one can in the calculation of a preset Hearing aid not only on audiometric and other data recourse hearing impaired, but also analyzes the previously worn hearing aid. In carrying out such analyzes not only static but also dynamic characteristics regardless of the hearing aid signal processing (number of channels etc.) determined.

As analytical methods All conventional hearing aids measurement method for "insertion gain", frequency response, transient response, Eingans- / output characteristics, etc., which throughout artificial test signals such as sine waves, chirps, noise, use artificial language, etc., are used. Particularly suitable is proving in the article "Perceptual Analysis of compression systems", Josef Chalupper, DGA 2002 presented method. In this method, can be any measurement signals, including speech and music, be used and the hearing aid output signals from considers the perspective of the human recipient. In contrast, all based on common methods physical modeling assumptions on the hearing aid. With this new method both Hörgeräteeingangs- and -ausgangssignale taking into account the characteristics of the human Recipient regarding time and frequency resolution, Rekruitment, Resting threshold and the like analyzed and an effective gain calculated. In calculating these effective gain can also results common incorporate methods.

Specifically, the analysis is carried out by first a Test signal, taking into account user preferences is selected. For this purpose, for example, when the user particularly satisfied with the sound of his old unit in Music is used as a test signal music. The hearing aid is then sonicated with this test signal. Here, existing devices, such. as measuring box, audio shoe, couplers etc., used. are input and output signals appropriately regarding equalization, synchronization and the like preprocessed. Subsequent perceptual Analysis by the above method finally provides the effective gain.

The effective gain describes the old hearing from the user's perspective (ie perceptual) almost completely. This does not correspond necessarily a physically full description.

When first fitting a new device is normally a target gain calculated. This target may gain are now aligned with the effective gain, wherein the features of the new device, for example, this with longer time constants causes less distortion, in addition be considered. Finally, the hearing aid parameters are the new device is set so that the adapted Target amplification is achieved as accurately as possible. For this purpose, the above-mentioned, preferably dynamic hearing aid model be used.

2 shows in a sketch a concrete realization of a first embodiment. An old hearing device 6 has a Programming socket, inserted into which a corresponding plug 7 becomes. This connector 7 is a Hörsystemprogrammierschnittstelle 8 is connected, which in turn by a PC is controlled. 9 owns The Hörsystemprogrammierschnittstelle 8 further comprising a connection to a programming plug 10, with which a new hearing device 11 is programmable.

With this configuration can be, based on the read Parameters, the frequency response and also the other properties the old auditory system 6 on the Hörsystemprogrammierschnittstelle 8 calculated on a model. The data saved by fitting software in an appropriate form and for the adjustment of the new hearing instruments 11 made available.

The computer-based reading of the setting of the old Hearing aid 6 is a relatively quick and easy Means the character of the old hearing device 6 on the new hearing aid to transmit 11th For this purpose, however, it is necessary that the old hearing aid required hardware and software with the analysis device 7, 8, 9 is compatible. Furthermore has a corresponding Umsetzsoftware available, with the old parameters in accordance with new parameters can be implemented for the new hearing 11th

When the determination of the properties of the old auditory system 6 8 via the programming interface is not possible, or the format of the properties are not compatible with the new auditory system 11 is, the frequency response and can The other properties of the old auditory system 6 metrologically are determined, as is indicated in Fig. 3 For this purpose, the PC 9 with a computerized measuring system 12 connected, which has a speaker 13 and a microphone fourteenth Conveniently, the measuring system is in a test box (Not shown) accommodated and arranged such that a hearing aid in the measurement box are automatically measured can.

In the measuring device or measuring box are first the acoustic properties of the old auditory system under Control of the measurement device 12 measured. The recovered Data are then used as target amplification curves in a taken appropriate fitting software for the new hearing system. The adjustment is then carried out by the PC 9 via the Hörsystemprogrammierschnittstelle 8, the corresponding adjustment parameters be imported into the new hearing 11th

4 shows schematically a third embodiment of the present invention Adjustment. The construction of this system corresponds in principle to that of FIG 3. The measuring device 12 However, in addition to terminals for another Speaker 15 and another microphone 16 fitted. These make it possible to the frequency response, and other acoustic Features of the new auditory system 11 after reprogramming to check. In this way, the setting the new hearing device 11 can be carried out refined, since the adjustment from the speaker 15 and the microphone 16 feedback on the reprogramming receives.

A fourth embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIG 5 outlines. The structure corresponds to the adjustment device essentially the 4th of FIG The new hearing aid 11 here, however, do not have a Hörsystemprogrammierschnittstelle 8 programmable. Instead, place the programming by Steller on hearing held, and the PC 9 with the Fitting software shows the changes to the actuator at. These changes are of the metrological values, obtained through the microphones 14 and 16, derived and optionally iteratively (ie for example, Steller change, measurement, Steller change, measurement, etc.) optimized. In this way are also new systems to legacy systems adaptable even if both systems in terms of hardware or software with one another or with the adjuster are incompatible.