Hearing-aid with operating device

p0001The invention relates to a hearing aid with at least one operating device.

p0002The advance in semiconductor devices and equipment, it is possible to miniaturize hearing aids ever. However, it is the problem that is less and less space for operating elements by decreasing housing. There are therefore on the operation of hearing aid devices frequently used remote controls. These have the disadvantage that they must also be accompanied to the hearing aid devices always.

p0003From the <patcit id="pcit0001" dnum="US20020068537A1"><text>US 2002/0068537 A1</text></patcit> discloses a mobile phone with a sensor (proximity sensor). 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 can be controlled.

p0004From the <patcit id="pcit0002" dnum="US5341433A"><text>US 5,341,433</text></patcit> a hearing aid is known, in which a pressure or position sensor is provided as a control element present in the film design. The sensor is mounted on the outside of the housing and reacts to light touch. The sensor switch has the disadvantage that it takes up relatively much space on the outside of the case and has to be touched directly to trigger a switching function.

p0005From the <patcit id="pcit0003" dnum="DE3109049A1"><text>DE 31 09 049 A1</text></patcit> discloses a hearing aid having for performing operating functions switch. Furthermore, in the known hearing aid magnetic switches are provided which have magnetic fields in their electrical conductivity can be influenced elements, such as reed contacts or magnetic semiconductor. May be triggered manually by moving a magnet, a switching function. The magnetically actuated switches can also serve, at the approach run an existing outside the device magnetic field, approximately that of a telephone receiver, the unit an additional device, such as such for improving the

p0006Recording a telephone conversation (inductor), automatically turn on.

p0007A disadvantage of the known hearing aid, that, similarly to the use of a remote control, here additional means (magnets) must be present to trigger a switching function.

p0008The object of the invention is therefore to improve the direct operation of a hearing aid by hand.

p0009This object is achieved by a hearing aid device with the features according to claim. 1

p0010The invention offers the advantage that for triggering a control function is no control on the hearing aid must be touched directly. Furthermore, it is also not necessary to carry a remote control or other technical means (magnets). A switching function is already triggered by the hearing aid wearer takes a hand and, in particular one or more fingers of the hand in the vicinity of the hearing aid. The present at the hearing aid device proximity sensor detects this and then performs the switching function associated with the proximity sensor from. In this case, both the occurrence of hand in the detection range of the proximity sensor to trigger the switching function as well as the leakage of the hand from the detection zone.

p0011To avoid faulty operations, is provided in one embodiment of the invention that a certain temporal sequence of inputs or leaking hand must be maintained in the detection area or from the detection zone so that a switching function is triggered. For example, a switching function only triggered when the hand after entering the detection area within a period of 2 to 3 seconds exits again from the detection range. A further embodiment of the invention provides that a certain time sequence of a multiple input and / or leakage must occur in order for the control function in question is triggered. For example, a switching function is triggered only when the hand of the hearing aid wearer once within 5 seconds three times in the detection range of the proximity sensor and re-emerges. Unintentional switching is thus largely excluded.

p0012The above times are preferably adjustable by programming the hearing aid. In particular, this also an adaptation to the needs of the hearing aid wearer with respect to the set times and the switching pattern is possible.

p0013The operation performed by the proximity sensor operating function preferably involves adjusting the active listening program or volume control. For example, as with any properly executed switching function, the program number (eg hearing 3) are increased by one, until the hearing has been set with the highest program number. Another switching function then leads to the setting of the hearing program with the lowest program number (Program 1).

p0014Another variant of the invention provides that various operations are performed by different temporal sequences of inputs and leakage Hand and out of the detection range of the proximity sensor at the same hearing aid. For example, the program number can be increased with respect to the hearing originally set by one at twice entering and leaving the hand within a specified period decreases the program number by one and three times, entering and leaving.

p0015Particularly when the volume control is advantageous not only records the ingress or egress of the hand in and out of the detection range, but also the distance and in particular a change in the distance of the hand from the proximity sensor during the changeover. Then, by a specific switching pattern, ie, a certain temporal sequence of the input or leakage of the hand, not immediately carried out a switching function, but the hearing aid is first converted into a state to be detected in the variations in the distance of the hand of the hearing aid wearer to the proximity sensor , For example, an increase in the distance cause an increase in the set volume. Conversely, the volume is reduced, when the hand is moved closer to the hearing aid. Similarly, the context switch, starting from a specific hearing program, are performed at a higher or lower listening program by a corresponding evaluation of the change in the distance.

p0016When executed in accordance with the invention, switching function of the hearing aid wearer can advantageously a detectable signal receive confirmation of a properly conducted operation of the hearing aid in conjunction with the proximity sensor. For example, beeps are generated and the hearing of the hearing aid wearer fed, let their number recognize the program number of the now active hearing program after a program switching. In particular, in the above described operation in several steps, in which the to-use hearing aid is first added in the first step in a state from which starting in a second step, a change in the distance of the triggering hand is registered, can advantageously also already that of the hearing aid recognized first step by an acoustic signal (eg single short beep) will be displayed, even if this means a signal processing in the hearing aid is connected respective parameter no change.

p0017To prevent accidental switching functions, the detection range of the proximity sensor used is relatively limited. Preferably, a switching function is triggered only when the hand is at a distance of a few centimeters to the proximity sensor. Only in exceptional cases, is carried out at a distance of the hand of more than 10 cm or a switching function. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the detection range of the proximity sensor can be set in the programming of the hearing aid and thus adapted to the needs of the hearing aid wearer.

p0018An embodiment of the invention provides that different switching functions are carried out depending on the distance in which the hand is moved in front of the proximity sensor. For example, triggers a first switching function in a very close to the ear out before the proximity sensor hand (more than 10 cm for example) led from the proximity sensor Hand triggered a second, different from the first switching function switching function at a relatively large distance from the ear.

p0019A further embodiment of the invention provides the use of a plurality of proximity sensors in a hearing aid, which differ with respect to their detection range relative to the hearing aid. Thus, a first proximity sensor may indicate a very close to the hearing aid (eg in a distance of less than 3 cm) zoom out hand react and trigger a switching function, while a second proximity sensor at a greater distance (eg greater than 8 cm) zoom out hand reacts and a second trigger a switching function. The detection areas of the proximity sensors in relation to the hearing aid device can distinguish the orientation not only in terms of the distance, but also with respect to. Thus, a first detection area in the viewing direction and a second detection area may be oriented in the opposite direction.

p0020It can also buy several proximity sensors are used to prevent false switching. Thus, a switching function is, for example, in a hearing aid with two proximity sensors only triggered if the hand is first detected by the first proximity sensor is then detected by the two proximity sensors, is then detected only again from the first proximity sensor and, finally, by any of the two proximity sensors more is detected, wherein the entire operation must occur within a short time (eg, 2 sec). It can therefore be generally determined in a simple manner, the direction from which the hand must be brought to the hearing aid and in which direction it needs to be removed in order to trigger a specific switching function. An accidental release of a switching function is largely excluded.

p0021In the case of CIC hearing aids, the distance of the hand is preferably adjusted for proximity sensor, that only a very small distance a switching function is triggered. For example, a switching function is only triggered when one engages with a finger directly in the concha of the ear in question and thus more or less covers the ear canal entrance. Unintentional switching is thus largely excluded.

p0022The proximity sensor is used in connection with the invention is not limited to a particular operating principle. All current proximity sensors, allowing its miniaturization, can be used in connection with the invention, such as infrared proximity sensors, ultrasonic proximity sensors, inductive proximity sensors or capacitive proximity sensors.

p0023The invention is not limited to a particular switching function. Rather, in principle all executable in hearing aids switching functions can also be executed in conjunction with the proximity sensor according to the invention. Further, it is possible, that is set by programming the hearing aid device, which switching function is performed in conjunction with the proximity sensor. It is also possible that, for a binaural supply with wear it on or in the left-ear hearing aid a different switching function is triggered, than wear it on or in the right-ear hearing aid. Preferably then affects the currently executed switching function through a coupling of the two hearing aids on both hearing aids.

p0024The invention will be explained below with reference to exemplary embodiments. Show it:<ul><li><figref idrefs="f0001">figure 1</figref> a portable in-ear hearing aid with a proximity switch in the block diagram,</li><li><figref idrefs="f0002">figure 2</figref> an ear with a portable in-ear hearing aid with a side view of the head and</li><li><figref idrefs="f0003">figure 3</figref> a longitudinal section through the external auditory canal, where a portable in-ear hearing aid is in accordance with the invention.</li></ul>

p0025<figref idrefs="f0001">figure 1</figref> shows a portable in-ear hearing aid 1 with its essential components. These are a microphone 2 with a sound inlet port 2A for receiving an acoustic signal and converting it into an electrical signal. The electrical signal is supplied for further processing and frequency-dependent amplification of a signal processing unit 3rd Finally, the further processed and amplified signal is converted back by means of a receiver 4 from an electrical signal into an acoustic signal and emitted via the sound channel 4A in the ear canal of a hearing aid wearer. To supply the electrical components of the hearing aid device 1 is a battery. 5

p0026The hearing aid 1 according to the embodiment is in its transmission characteristics to different listening situations (eg "quiet environment", "conversation", "conversation in noisy conditions", "driving in the car," etc.) customizable. The selection is made by setting certain parameter sets (hearing), which adapt the signal processing to the respective hearing situation. Between the individual hearing is switched by operation of the hearing aid. 1 When the hearing aid device 1 according to the invention, the operation for program change follows by means of a proximity sensor 6. This registers the entering and leaving an object in its detection range. To avoid inadvertent switching, the proximity sensor, an evaluation unit 7 6 is assigned. In this 1 specific switching pattern can be defined by programming the hearing aid, which must be complied with to perform a specific switching function. The hearing aid 1 according to the invention may for example be set so that the triggering object, preferably the hand of the hearing aid wearer, three times in a period of about 3 sec brought into the detection range of the proximity sensor 6 and must be removed therefrom again. If such a shift pattern is detected, can be carried out in the hearing aid device 1 briefly a task switcher. To this end, the hand must again be brought into the detection range of the proximity sensor 6, which is now also the removal of the hand is determined to the proximity sensor. 6 A reduction in the distance then turns over to a hearing with a lower program number, eg of hearing 4 on hearing 3. However, if the distance increases, this leads to a switch in a hearing at a higher program number, eg of hearing 4 on hearing 5 ,

p0027The hearing aid 1 according to the embodiment comprises, as further component, a transmitting and receiving unit 8 with an antenna 8A for wireless data exchange with a further hearing aid for binaural coverage of a hearing aid wearer. In embodiment in an evoked in the manner task switcher is also transmitted to the second hearing aid, which thus performs the same task switcher. In turn, at the second hearing aid device of the same design by means of a proximity sensor 6 corresponding proximity sensor effected analogously changing the volume setting, which is then transferred to the hearing aid 1 via the antenna 8A and the transmitting and receiving unit and causes there an analog volume change.

p0028As a further component, in the hearing aid 1 according to the embodiment, a key switch 9 is provided, by means of the direct contact is also a switching function can be triggered. For example, it may be at this switching function to the switching of an algorithm for noise suppression. By pressing the push-button 9, an operator by means of the proximity sensor 6 is temporarily not possible. This ensures that, upon actuation of the key switch 9, which is of course inevitably linked to the penetration of the hand into the detection range of the proximity sensor 6, unintentional switching operations are inhibited by the proximity sensor. 6

p0029By the use of the proximity sensor 6 can be performed without direct touch of an operating element in the hearing aid 1 according to the embodiment, a switching function. There is no technical aids (remote, magnets, etc.) are required, which should be carried with the hearing aid. The invention is therefore particularly in portable in the ear hearing aids and in particular ear canal devices advantageous since in this little space for mounting conventional controls exists and further conventional controls are also difficult to access. Nevertheless, the invention is not limited to portable in the ear hearing aids, but, in principle applicable to all known hearing aid device types.

p0030By means of <figref idrefs="f0002">figures 2</figref> and <figref idrefs="f0003">3</figref> should again be illustrated in a hearing aid according to the invention, the triggering of a switching process. <figref idrefs="f0002">figure 2</figref> this shows an ear 10 in a side view of the head. In the pinna 10 is a portable in-ear hearing aid 11, which projects (not shown) for the most part into the ear canal. The hearing aid device 11 according to the embodiment includes two to each other in a spaced-apart proximity sensors 12A and 12B. Now, the hand 13 of the hearing aid wearer in a certain, predefined rhythm brought close to the hearing aid 11 and then away, as is indicated by the double arrow 14, so characterized an operating function is triggered.

p0031To avoid faulty circuits, wherein the hearing aid device 11, however, always only triggered a switching function when the hand is first detected by the proximity sensor 12A, is subsequently sensed by two proximity sensors 12A and 12B, is then recorded again, only from the proximity sensor 12A, and then is not covered by any of the two proximity sensors more. A switching function is thus only initiated in the exemplary embodiment, when the hand is guided from the front (from the direction of the front of the head) in front of the ear and removed after the front. Furthermore, the switching function in question is only triggered if the triggering movement patterns within a short time, for example, is carried out within 2 sec.

p0032Of course, other patterns of movement can be set by means of two proximity sensors 12A and 12B and an associated control which must be executed to trigger a switching function by hand. For example, a switching function is at a different programming of the hearing aid 11 is only triggered if the hand 13 is first passed from the front to the back of the ear (until it is again outside of the detection areas of the two proximity sensors 12A, 12B) and then again at the back to front ear is passed.

p0033To perform different switching functions (increase program number, reduce program number, Volume Up, Volume Down, filter switch, etc.) may have different patterns of movement are specified that must be complied with to perform the respective switching function.

p0034Furthermore, the detection areas of the two proximity sensors can also be oriented differently so that the detection range of the proximity sensor 12A is still laterally directed forward while the detection range of the proximity sensor 12B is laterally directed towards the rear. Then, a front led to the ear hand trigger another switching function as a guided from behind the ear hand.

p0035<figref idrefs="f0003">figure 3</figref> shows the external auditory canal with the hearing aid therein 11 in longitudinal section. <figref idrefs="f0003">figure 3</figref> illustrates that in addition to a movement of the hand 13 in the direction of the double arrow 14 and a movement in the direction of the double arrow 15, ie towards the ear and away, is possible. As in the embodiment according to<figref idrefs="f0001">figure 1</figref> described, characterized the hearing aid 11 with the proximity sensors 12A and 1 may 2B (hidden) are first transferred to a mode in which then the distance of the hand 13 to the proximity sensors and in particular a change of this distance is evaluated. This can be, as in the comments on<figref idrefs="f0001">figure 1</figref> described, perform more complex functions (eg volume control).

p0036The invention further provides the possibility that different switching functions are carried out depending on the distance in which the hand 13 is performed before the proximity sensors 12A and 12B. For example, in a very close to the ear out before the proximity sensors Hand 13 a context switch is performed and once at a relatively large distance from the ear (for example, more than 10 cm) in front of the proximity sensors 12A and 12B guided hand 13, an algorithm for feedback suppression or . switched off.