Hearing-aid with operating device

0001The invention relates to a hearing aid with at least one Operating device.

0002The advance in semiconductor devices technology it is possible to miniaturize hearing aids and on. However, it is the problem that by shrinking housing less and less space for operating elements is available. There are therefore on the operation of Hearing aids commonly used remote controls. These have However, the disadvantage that they remain in addition to the hearing aid devices must be included.

0003From US 2002/0068537 A1, a mobile phone is equipped with a Sensor (Proximity sensor) known. This sensor measures the Distance between the phone and the user's head. With the sensor output signal, the gain of the loudspeaker or the microphone in dependence on this distance being controlled.

0004From US 5,341,433 a hearing aid is known, in which as Operating element of pressure or position sensor in film interpretation is available. The sensor is on the outside the housing is mounted and reacts to the lightest touch. The sensor switch has the disadvantage that it relatively take up much space on the outside of the housing and directly contacts to trigger a switching function must become.

0005From DE 31 09 049 A1 a hearing aid is known which for comprising performing control functions switch. furthermore Magnetic switches are provided in the known hearing aid, the magnetic fields in their electrical conductivity modifiable elements such as reed contacts or magnetic semiconductors, exhibit. Thus, by moving a Magnet be manually triggered a switching function. The actuable switch may also serve, when approaching Run an existing outside the device Magnetic field, such as that of a telephone handset, in the device an additional device, such as such for improving the

0006Recording a telephone conversation (inductor), automatically turn.

0007A disadvantage of the known hearing aid that, similar to when using a remote control, additional here Means (magnets) must be present to a switching function trigger.

0008The object of the invention is therefore, the direct operation of a Hearing aid by hand to improve.

0009This object is achieved by a hearing aid device with the features dissolved according to claim. 1

0010The invention offers the advantage that for triggering a control function not touched a control on the hearing aid directly must become. Furthermore, it is also not necessary a remote control, or other technical devices (magnets) carry. A switching function is already characterized triggered that the hearing aid wearer a hand and, in particular one or more fingers of the hand near the Hearing aid brings. The existing in the hearing aid Proximity sensor detects this and then performs the Proximity sensor associated switching function. You can specify both the occurrence of the hand into the detection range of the proximity sensor trigger the switching function and the escape hand from the detection zone.

0011To avoid faulty operations, in one embodiment, the invention provides for a certain time Sequence of inputs or leaking hand into the detection zone are respectively complied from the detection range must, therefore, a switching function is triggered. For example, a Switching function only triggered when the hand after Entering into the detection area within a period of 2 to 3 sec emerges again from the detection range. Another embodiment of the invention provides that a specific chronological sequence of multiple entry and / or Leakage must occur in order for the control function in question is triggered. For example, a switching function only triggered if the hand of the hearing aid wearer within 5 seconds three times in the detection area the proximity sensor and flows out again. unintentional Turn is therefore largely excluded.

0012The above times are preferably by programming the hearing aid set. In particular, is characterized an adaptation to the needs of the hearing aid wearer possible with respect to the set times and shift patterns.

0013The operation performed by the proximity sensor operating function relates preferably the setting of the active hearing program or the volume control. For example, as with any correctly executed switching function, the program number (Eg hearing 3) are increased by one until the hearing is set with the highest program number. A further switching function then leads to the setting of the hearing program with the lowest program number (Program 1).

0014Another variant of the invention provides that by different temporal sequences of inputs and the leakage Hand in or out of the detection range of the proximity sensor at one and the same hearing aid various operating functions to be triggered. For example, at twice inputs and Escape the hand within a specified period, the Program number decreased by one and three times on and Exiting the program counts from the original setup Hearing be increased by one.

0015Particularly when the volume control is advantageous not only the entry or exit of the hand into and from the Detection area registered, but also the distance and in particular, a change in the distance of the hand from the Proximity sensor during the changeover. Than it will be by a specific shift pattern, ie a certain time Sequence of inputs or leaking hand, not once performed a switching function, but the hearing aid is first converted into a state, in which changes the distance between the hand of the hearing aid wearer to be appreciated the proximity sensor. For example, an increase of the distance, an increase of the set bring volume. Conversely, the volume is reduced, when the hand is brought closer to the hearing aid. Similarly, the context switch, starting from a specific hearing program, lower to a higher or Hearing by an appropriate evaluation of the change be carried out in the distance.

0016When executed in accordance with the invention, switching function , the hearing aid wearer advantageously a perceptible Signal receive confirmation of a properly conducted Operation of the hearing aid in conjunction with the proximity sensor. For example, after a program switching Beeps generated and the hearing aid wearer of supplied, the number of the program number of the now active reveal hearing program. In particular, in the above- described operation in several steps, in which the to use hearing aid in the first step in a State is set, starting from which second in a Step, a change in the distance of the triggering hand is registered, can advantageously also already the of the Hearing aid recognized first step by an acoustic Signal (eg single short beep) are displayed also if so no modification of the signal processing is connected in the hearing aid that parameter.

0017In order to prevent inadvertent switching functions, the Detection range of the proximity sensor used relatively strict limits. Preferably, a switching function only triggered when at a distance from the hand a few centimeters to the proximity sensor is located. Only in exceptional cases is at a distance of more than hand 10 cm still running a switching function. In a preferred Embodiment of the invention, the detection area the proximity sensor during the programming of the hearing aid set and thus to the needs of the hearing-aid wearer be adjusted.

0018An embodiment of the invention provides that in dependence the distance, in the hand over the proximity sensor different switching functions is performed, executed will. For example, in a very close to the ear before the proximity sensor guided hand a first switching function triggered and at a relatively large distance from the Ear (eg more than 10 cm) owned before the proximity sensor A second hand different from the first switching function Switching function triggered.

0019Another embodiment of the invention provides the use more proximity sensors in a hearing aid before, the relative to the terms of their detection range Hearing aid differ. Thus, a first proximity sensor on a very close to the hearing aid (eg in a distance zoom out by less than 3 cm) hand and react trigger a switching function, while a second proximity sensor to a greater distance zoom out (eg greater than 8 cm) Hand reacts and a second trigger a switching function. The detection areas of the proximity sensors with respect to of the hearing aid can not be only in respect of Distance, but also with respect to the orientation differ. Thus, a first detection area in sight and a second detection area in the opposite direction be aligned.

0020It can also be used more proximity sensors to to prevent faulty circuits. For example, at a Hearing aid with two proximity sensors only a triggered switching function when the hand of the first first Proximity sensor is detected, then from the two Proximity sensors is detected, then only again the first proximity sensor is detected and finally None of the more two proximity sensors is detected, wherein the entire process is within a short time (eg, 2 sec) must occur. It can therefore generally easily are determined from which direction the hand of the hearing aid must be introduced and in what direction they must be removed to a certain switch function trigger. An accidental release of Switching function is largely excluded.

0021If CIC hearing aids, the distance of the hand is the proximity sensor preferably adjusted so that only one very small distance a switching function is triggered. For example, a switching function is only initiated, when a finger directly in the concha of the relevant Ear picks and to a certain extent the ear canal entrance covers. Unintentional switching is characterized largely excluded.

0022The proximity sensor used in connection with the invention, is not limited to a specific operating principle. All current proximity sensors, the corresponding one Allow miniaturization, may be related to of the invention are used, eg, infrared proximity sensors, Ultrasonic proximity sensors, inductive Proximity sensors or capacitive proximity sensors.

0023The invention is not limited to a particular switching function. Rather, in principle, all can in hearing aids executable switching functions in conjunction with the Proximity sensor are performed according to the invention. Further it is possible that by programming the hearing aid will determine which switching function in connection with the Proximity sensor is executed. It is also possible that at a binaural supply wherein on or in the left ear worn hearing aid triggered another switching function is, as in the worn on or in the right ear hearing aid. Preferably then affects the currently executed Switching function through a coupling of the two hearing aids to both hearing aids.

0024The invention is described by means of embodiments explained. Show it:<sl><li>Figure 1 is a portable in-ear hearing aid with a proximity switch in the block diagram,</li><li>2 shows an ear with a portable in-ear hearing aid in a side view of the head and</li><li>3 shows a longitudinal section through the external auditory canal, in where a portable in-ear hearing aid according to the invention is.</li></sl>

0025Figure 1 shows a portable in-ear hearing aid 1 with its essential components. These are a microphone 2 with a 2A sound inlet opening for receiving an acoustic Signal and converting it into an electrical signal. The electrical Signal for further processing and frequency-dependent Amplifying a signal processing unit 3 is supplied. Finally, the further processed and amplified signal is by means of a listener from an electrical signal 4 into a acoustic signal is converted back and the sound channel 4A discharged into the auditory canal of a hearing aid wearer. To supply the electrical components of the hearing aid 1 is a battery. 5

0026The hearing aid 1 according to the embodiment is in its Transmission characteristics to different listening situations (Eg "quiet environment", "week", "this week in interference-susceptible Environment "," driving in the car, "etc.) customizable. The selection is made by setting certain parameter sets (Hearing), the respective signal processing to the Adjust listening situation. Between the individual hearing is switched by operation of the hearing aid the first In the hearing aid 1 according to the invention follows the Operation for program change by means of a proximity sensor 6. This registers the entry and exit of an object in its detection range. An unintentional Switching to avoid the proximity sensor 6 is an evaluation unit assigned. 7 This can by programming the hearing aid set 1 specific shift pattern be used to run a particular switching function must be respected. The hearing aid 1 according to the invention for example may be adjusted so that the triggering Object, preferably the hand of the hearing aid wearer, three times in a period of about 3 seconds in the detection area brought the proximity sensor 6 and removed therefrom must become. If such a switching pattern is recognized, so can briefly at the hearing aid device 1 a context switch be made. To this end, the hand must again the detection range of the proximity sensor are housed 6, where now the distance of the hand to the proximity sensor 6 is determined. A reduction in the distance then causes switching to a hearing with a lower Program number, eg hearing on 4 hearing 3. Will on the other hand the distance increases, this leads to the switching in a hearing at a higher program number, eg Hearing on 4 hearing. 5

0027The hearing aid 1 according to the embodiment comprises, as Another component is a transmitting and receiving unit 8 with a 8A antenna for wireless data exchange with a further Hearing aid for the binaural supply of a hearing aid wearer. In the exemplary embodiment is characterized in a described manner caused context switch also transmitted to the second hearing aid device, which characterized the same task switcher performs. In turn, at the second hearing aid device of the same design by means of a the Proximity sensor 6 corresponding proximity sensor in analog , A change in the volume setting done, the then through the antenna 8a and the transmission and reception unit is transmitted to the hearing aid device 1, where a analog volume change causes.

0028As a further component, in the hearing aid 1 according to the Embodiment, a key switch 9 is provided by the means of direct contact also a switching function can be triggered. For example, it may at this switching function to the switching of an algorithm for act background noise suppression. By the actuation of the pushbutton switch 9 is an operation by means of the proximity sensor 6 momentarily impossible. This ensures that upon actuation of the key switch 9, which inevitably comes with the penetration of the hand into the detection range of the proximity sensor 6 is connected, inadvertent switching operations be prevented by the proximity sensor. 6

0029By the use of the proximity sensor 6, in the hearing aid 1 according to the embodiment, a switching function carried out without direct contact with an operating member will. There are no technical aids (remote control, Magnets, etc.) is required, with the hearing aid would have to be carried. The invention is therefore particularly in portable in the ear hearing aid and in particular Ear canal devices advantageous since in this little space for mounting conventional controls exists and continues Common Controls also difficult to access are. Nevertheless, the invention is not limited to portable in the ear Hearing aids is limited, but in principle, known to all Hearing aid types applicable.

0030By means of figures 2 and 3 is again triggering an Shift in a hearing aid according to the invention be clarified. Figure 2 shows this a pinna 10 at a side view of the head. located in the pinna 10 a portable in-ear hearing aid 11, for the most part in the ear canal (not shown) protrudes. The hearing aid device 11 according to the embodiment comprises two mutually spaced in a Proximity sensors 12A and 12B. Now, if the hand 13 of the hearing aid wearer in a certain, predefined rhythm brought close to the hearing aid 11 and again it removed, as indicated by the double arrow 14 is so characterized a control function is triggered.

0031To avoid faulty operations, in which hearing aid 11 However, only triggered a switching function when the hand is first detected by the proximity sensor 12A, then detected by two proximity sensors 12A and 12B is then detected again by only the proximity sensor 12A is followed by any of the two proximity sensors more is detected. A switching function is thus in Embodiment only triggered when the hand of front (from the front of the head) before the ear is out and removed to the front. Furthermore, the switching function in question only triggered when the initiating movement pattern within a short time, eg within 2 sec, is executed.

0032Of course, by means of two proximity sensors 12A and 12B and an associated control also other movement patterns are specified that for triggering a switching function with the hand must be performed. For example, in a different programming of the hearing aid 11 only triggered a switch function, when hand 13 initially passed from front to back on the ear is (until it moves outside the detection ranges two proximity sensors 12A, 12B is located) and subsequently is passed from back to front of the ear.

0033To perform different switching functions (program number increase, decrease program number, Volume Up, can reduce volume, filter switch, etc.) different Movement patterns are predetermined which to run must be adhered to the respective switching function.

0034Furthermore, the detection areas of the two proximity sensors can also be orientated differently so that the Detection range of the proximity sensor 12A side still ahead is directed, during the detection range of the proximity sensor 12B is laterally directed towards the rear. Then , a front led to the ear hand another Switching function trigger as a guided from behind the ear Hand.

0035Figure 3 shows the external auditory canal with the therein Hearing aid device 11 in longitudinal section. Figure 3 illustrates, in addition to a movement of the hand 13 in the direction of the double arrow 14 also a movement in the direction of the double arrow 15, ie toward the ear or away, is possible. As in the embodiment described in FIG 1, is characterized the hearing aid 11 with the proximity sensors 12A and 12B (obscured) initially in a mode to be transferred, in the then the distance of the hand 13 to the proximity sensors, and evaluated in particular a change of this distance becomes. This can be, as in the description of FIG 1 described, more complex functions (eg volume control) carry out.

0036The invention further offers the possibility that, depending the distance in which the hand 13 before the proximity sensors 12A and 12B is performed, different Switching functions are performed. For example, in very close to the ear out before the proximity sensors Hand made 13 a context switch and a in a relatively large distance in front to the ear (eg more than 10 cm) the proximity sensors 12A and 12B guided hand, an algorithm 13 on or off for feedback suppression.