Anti-theft system for hearing aid

0001The present invention relates to a hearing aid according to the Preamble of claim 1st

0002Such hearing aids come in a variety known different types, often after genus between outside of the ear arranged hearing aids, in-ear hearing aids and implants a distinction. at the programmable hearing aids are based settings and functions respectively by appropriate settings. Programming the individual requirements and Requirements of the user adjusted. This occurs during an adjustment phase during which the user in the Usually during several sessions at the audiologist (resp. Hörgeräteakustiker) the hearing aid in each set, respectively. is adjusted.

0003As a rule, the user will become a fully delivered functioning hearing aid, wherein regardless of the intended use, as For example, selective part selecting functions, all functionality is open.

0004From DE 199 16 900 is now such a hearing aid known in which to activate and / or blocking of Functions, features or programmable Settings keys are used. It can both hardware key as well as pure software key be used. can only by entering the key used the affected functions resp. to be blocked. For example, certain functions by the Users are tested and then either permanently remain unlocked or be deactivated again. It will also suggested these functions after Activation only via a specific, defined period left unlocked to and then automatically re lock. The aim is primarily an improper, incorrect or unauthorized use of the hearing aid be prevented.

0005The use of hardware keys is due to the order associated space required for practical reasons to outside of the ear is limited to carrying hearing aids.

0006The use of software keys can also greatly be provided miniaturized hearing aids, but sets always one to appropriate, individualized hearing aid belonging key advance. The Handling and using of such key places high demands in Terms of logistics, as well as handling. Especially with larger maintenance intervals or when Change of residence of the user the possibility to problems with lost, forgotten or no longer available Key occur which at least the replacement require programming module, if a lock or Activation of a function is necessary.

0007In DE 199 16 900 is described, such as the activation resp. Deactivation of a function by a timer is triggered, ie after a predefined time triggered an action, for example, an additional activated function or is disabled. Such Specifications on a time basis, however, just provide the Matching process is a strong limitation and are too little flexible to different requirements to cover.

0008Besides the problem of the activation of single, certain functions generally consists in hearing the Problem that each user in the Adjustment phase a full-featured hearing aid is delivered. In order to prevent that during this adaptation phase, in which the user in the Usually no payments or at least not full payment has done, the hearing aid in gets lost working order, to the Functioning of the entire hearing aid under the will control the audiologist enabled or disabled can.

0009The object of the present invention consists, to find a hearing aid, which is a simple but flexible activation or blocking of some or all Functions allowed.

0010This object according to the invention is achieved by a hearing aid with the features of claim 1 dissolved. Other preferred Embodiments result from the features of further claims 2 to fourteenth

0011According to the invention in a hearing aid with at least a programmable signal processing device for temporary or permanent activation resp. deactivation of functions of the hearing aid at least one counter for the Detection of discrete processes available. Next is at least one such operation assigned Threshold value is stored and the counter to the Signal processing means connected such that when Reached or exceeded this threshold by the A counter in the signal processing means directed action is triggered. As long as the threshold the counter is not reached, the hearing aid works according to its predetermined resp. programmed Functions without restrictions. Only when crossing the threshold will trigger an action, which a Effect on the signal processing means exerts, and thus any, adjustable reaction of Hearing aid triggers. This reaction can now as a kind of Antitheft be used by the impaired functionality of the hearing, disturbed or is even impossible. Thus the user has with this Hearing mandatory for audiologists, hearing aid which the delivered, or at a suitably equipped Service center of hearing aids suppliers get to the establish functionality again or another Hearing aid delivered to obtain.

0012Preferably, a plurality of separate counters are available and is respectively each of these counter a specific threshold assigned. Thus, according to the need of Audiologists not only a threshold to be defined, but at best defined several such thresholds be with when crossing the first threshold value the designated action is triggered.

0013Preferably, the counter has a reset function and after triggering the action of the counter in question reset. Thus, a temporary action be triggered, which the after triggering accordingly limited functionality independently reactivated. This prevents that the Hearing aid for the user fails permanently, but by each extending temporary repeating again and again Actions it will still go to the audiologist, the either completely remove functionality or definitely to activate.

0014Preferably, a reset circuit is further provided which when activated, one, several or all counters resets. Resetting one or more counter can be performed either hardwired, as already described, or it can have its own reset circuit be provided for this purpose. Such a circuit can be configured advantageously programmable so that For example, the reset intervals by lowering the respective thresholds can be shortened. The Circuit can be either a stand-alone circuit in be modular form adapted or part of the make hearing aids and software as a pure software solution be formed.

0015Preferably, the reset circuit is connected to the on / off switch coupled hearing aid, preferably as Software designed circuit. The most effective means to Antitheft has the complete disabling resp. Turning off the hearing aid proved. Here, the be hearing aid turned off temporarily, ie it can turned on by the user then again be, or the software can permanently disabled be, so that the hearing device without engagement by the Audiologist or a service unit no longer used can be respectively. no longer be put into operation can.

0016Preferably, the threshold values ​​are in a non-volatile Storage area of ​​the hearing aid is stored. Me This the threshold even with a longer battery failure or removal of the battery stored indefinitely and can not easily influenced by the user. This is particularly important if the user relative large intervals are admitted where high Probability replaced the battery of the hearing aid Need to become.

0017Preferably, the counter as a pure software counter is in the signal processing means is formed. Advantageous are thus no own counting modules used, but the counter can be used as part of the already existing software will be realized.

0018Preferably as discrete switching operations the hearing aid and / or change the battery and / or the falling below a certain voltage level of the Battery and / or the number of program changes Hearing aids Software and / or the number of feedback detections and / or the number of activities mechanical, electrical, magnetic or chemical Interfaces detected on the hearing aid itself. This list covers some for a hearing typical operations from which just one hand in the adaptation phase of a new Hearing aid are relevant, and on the other hand also for the Testing of other, later possibly with costs the disconnecting function of the hearing aid is important are. Thus, the clinician can no cost risk the Users Certain Potential Functions for Testing Unlock, which this then either costs can be en- abled permanently, or which are locked automatically without any Another visit to the audiologist would be necessary.

0019Preferably as discrete transactions exceeding recognized certain points in time, preferably measured in With respect to a timer in the hearing aid and / or to the Hearing aid from an external device the transmitted time. This allows not only a pure interval, but the number of the achievement of certain time intervals as Threshold be used. For this purpose, either on a resorted most in the hearing Integrated clock be or to an external timer, as For example, a clock with an always exact Time indication.

0020as directed action occurs Preferably, the blocking a part or all of the software of the hearing aid. If only part of the software is disabled, loses the While hearing some of its functionality, but can still a part of its basic function (eg the meet amplification of the microphone signal), and thus the Allow user to the next appointment Audiologists not quite at the hearing to waive have to. When complete blocking of the entire software the hearing aid is made practically useless until it by an audiologist or a service point with the be reactivated required for this device can.

0021as directed action occurs Preferably, the activation an additional tone or the background noise, preferably permanently, periodically or randomly. In order to is basically the full functioning of the Hearing aid retained, but the user an audible issued regard to the reaching of a threshold value. This acoustic signal, instead of the beep or disturbing noise also an identifiable announcement include which exact I identifica- tion or includes instructions for the appropriate threshold.

0022as directed action occurs Preferably, the reduction the gain or the elimination of the reinforcement. indeed thus remains the basic functionality of the hearing aid by still preserved, but by reducing the gain fulfills the hearing aid to the user only very limited (ie, a lesser number of Environments) his job.

0023Preferably used as directed action the blowing one or more fuses triggered. Thus a permanent elimination of one, several or all Functions of the hearing aid causes that only by Repair by the audiologist or a service center can be reversed by the corresponding affected fuse is replaced.

0024Preferably, the forward action is permanently or triggered temporarily. In a temporary action, the Device by the user itself without any intervention by the Audiologist or a service point to be used again, for example, by switching off / on the hearing aid. In a permanent action this will also subsequently recognizable to the audiologist or the service center, it is by switching off the functionality of the hearing aid or by storing a corresponding identifier For example, in non-volatile memory of the hearing aid, which by the audiologist or the service center can be read.

0025It is clear that the present invention not only on hearing aids of the kind mentioned in order to compensate or correction of hearing loss relates. Rather leaves The invention also be used for any hearing aids, serve to improve the communication.

0026An embodiment of the present invention is explained in more detail with reference to the single figure. It shows<dl tsize="6"><dt>Fig. 1</dt><dd>the diagram of the inventive hearing aid.</dd></dl>

0027In Figure 1 is the scheme of an inventive Hearing aid shown. A signal processing device 1 is a microphone and a loudspeaker 2 3 connected. The video input from the microphone 2 Sound is processed by the signal processing device 1 and finally reproduced through the speakers. 3 This illustration depicts a purely schematic and highly simplifies the process of recording and basic Reproduction of audio signals in hearing aids are.

0028As signal processing devices 1 are now often programmable electronic modules used, which the individual needs of the users of hearing aids can be adjusted and thus allow optimum to achieve benefits. Frequently, such hearing aids are also not only to compensate for or correct a Hördefektes the user used, but also to improve uses or support the audio communication.

0029According to the invention it is now provided that a counter 4 on which can affect signal processing device 1 to their functionality influence. This influence is According to the invention always take place when the counter 4 reaches or exceeds a certain threshold value.

0030The counter 4 can, for example as a separate Electronic module may be formed, for example, or in a programmable module as software counters respectively. as pure software circuit be formed.

0031By using a counter 4 can be any, quantifiable processes in resp. detected by the hearing aid be and compared with the associated threshold. these thresholds can advantageously for each hearing aid individually defined and, for example, in non-volatile Memory of the hearing aid are stored. Thus a individual control of the influence on the Functionality of the signal processing device 1 is possible and, for example, as a targeted anti-theft protection be used.

0032The inputs respectively. Off this basic functionality, ie the activation of the resp. the counter 4 is advantageously carried out by a service center or by the audiologist, For example, with the software to adapt the Hearing aid, as in the conventional programmable is hearing usual. The activation resp. deactivation the counter 4 by this software can also by a Password be secured.

0033For example, it is also possible to test or extradite Demonstration Hearing instruments, their functionality For example, after a certain number switch on / off is completely turned off. In order to is a high rate of return of such expected demonstration devices, as these by the Deactivation no longer the entire functionality can be used.

0034Another advantage of this device consists in that the action of the counter 4 to the Signal processing device 1 or permanent may be temporary. In a permanent Action is the functionality of the hearing permanently limited or completely eliminated. For example this may by a permanent destruction of hearing aid components, such as by blowing of fuses, take place. The hearing aid must therefore to regain its functionality in a Service center to be repaired.

0035A permanent identifier of reaching respectively. crossing a threshold value of a counter 4 can advantageously Storing a corresponding key figure in non-volatile memory of the hearing take place. By Reading the corresponding memory area can in this Afterwards by the audiologist or in the service center be easily found.

0036In the case of a temporary exposure of the counter 4 to the Signal processing device 1, the Functional restriction, for example through the Users are even canceled. This can for example by switching off / on the hearing aid made or by operating a space provided Switch. Such a switch can be either on Hearing aid are themselves or possibly by the Hearing provided remote control can be simulated.

0037With temporary action may on Influencing the functionality to dispense, but the user, for example, acoustically a signal or Communication spoken are received, which the Reaching or exceeding a threshold value indicates. Thus, although in principle the functionality of Hearing aid does not affect what particular comfort or the use of non for the user affected, but the user is a permanent Use perceive these messages as disturbing.

0038Advantageously, for example, also the threshold in changed depending on the attainment of the threshold value will. For example, the threshold value after each Reaching respectively. Exceeding reduced by the counter will. Thus, with multiple, repeated Exceeding the threshold value is a function of Hearing aid possibly be shut down permanently.

0039The inventive hearing device thus allows the audiologist and possibly the service center, while respecting their legitimate commercial interests of a fully Anpassphase provide functional hearing aid and possibly also to offer testing and / or demonstration equipment. On the other hand, just one to at temporary exposure severe impairment to the user can be avoided, has the sufficient time, the state without or only with little use restrictions set by the audiologist or To resolve a service point.

0040It is clear to the skilled person that the in the scheme of figure 1 illustrated counter 4 directly in the Signal processing device 1 may be integrated, and that several counters 4 parallel or one another can be used independently.