EP1898670A2 - Method and device for determining an effective vent - Google Patents

Method and device for determining an effective vent Download PDF

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Publication number
EP1898670A2
EP1898670A2 EP07114361A EP07114361A EP1898670A2 EP 1898670 A2 EP1898670 A2 EP 1898670A2 EP 07114361 A EP07114361 A EP 07114361A EP 07114361 A EP07114361 A EP 07114361A EP 1898670 A2 EP1898670 A2 EP 1898670A2
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EP
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Prior art keywords
hearing aid
olg
comparison
measurement
gain
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EP07114361A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP1898670A3 (en
EP1898670B1 (en
Inventor
Matthias Fröhlich
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Sivantos GmbH
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Siemens Audioligische Technik GmbH
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    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04R—LOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; DEAF-AID SETS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS
    • H04R25/00—Deaf-aid sets, i.e. electro-acoustic or electro-mechanical hearing aids; Electric tinnitus maskers providing an auditory perception
    • H04R25/65—Housing parts, e.g. shells, tips or moulds, or their manufacture
    • H04R25/652—Ear tips; Ear moulds
    • H04R25/656—Non-customized, universal ear tips, i.e. ear tips which are not specifically adapted to the size or shape of the ear or ear canal
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04R—LOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; DEAF-AID SETS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS
    • H04R25/00—Deaf-aid sets, i.e. electro-acoustic or electro-mechanical hearing aids; Electric tinnitus maskers providing an auditory perception
    • H04R25/30—Monitoring or testing of hearing aids, e.g. functioning, settings, battery power
    • H04R25/305—Self-monitoring or self-testing
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04R—LOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; DEAF-AID SETS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS
    • H04R25/00—Deaf-aid sets, i.e. electro-acoustic or electro-mechanical hearing aids; Electric tinnitus maskers providing an auditory perception
    • H04R25/45—Prevention of acoustic reaction, i.e. acoustic oscillatory feedback
    • H04R25/453—Prevention of acoustic reaction, i.e. acoustic oscillatory feedback electronically
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04R—LOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; DEAF-AID SETS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS
    • H04R2460/00—Details of hearing devices, i.e. of ear- or headphones covered by H04R1/10 or H04R5/033 but not provided for in any of their subgroups, or of hearing aids covered by H04R25/00 but not provided for in any of its subgroups
    • H04R2460/11—Aspects relating to vents, e.g. shape, orientation, acoustic properties in ear tips of hearing devices to prevent occlusion

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a method for determining an effective vents and to a corresponding method for adjusting the amplification of a hearing device by performing an OLG measurement (open loop gain) of the hearing device in a worn state. Moreover, the present invention relates to a corresponding device for determining an effective Vents a hearing aid.
  • Hearing aids are portable hearing aids that are used to care for the hearing impaired.
  • different types of hearing aids such as behind-the-ear hearing aids (BTE), in-the-ear hearing aids (IdO), Concha hearing aids are provided.
  • BTE behind-the-ear hearing aids
  • IdO in-the-ear hearing aids
  • Concha hearing aids are provided.
  • the hearing aids listed by way of example are worn on the outer ear or in the ear canal.
  • bone conduction hearing aids, implantable or vibrotactile hearing aids are also available on the market. The stimulation of the damaged hearing takes place either mechanically or electrically.
  • Hearing aids have in principle as essential components an input transducer, an amplifier and an output transducer.
  • the input transducer is usually a sound receiver, z. As a microphone, and / or an electromagnetic receiver, for. B. an induction coil.
  • the output transducer is usually used as an electroacoustic transducer, z. As miniature speaker, or as an electromechanical transducer, z. B. bone conduction, realized.
  • the amplifier is usually integrated in a signal processing unit. This basic structure is shown in FIG 1 using the example of a behind-the-ear hearing aid. In a hearing aid housing 1 for carrying behind the ear, one or more microphones 2 for receiving the sound from the environment are installed.
  • a signal processing unit 3 which is also integrated into the hearing aid housing 1, processes the microphone signals and amplifies them.
  • the output signal of the signal processing unit 3 is transmitted to a loudspeaker or earpiece 4, which outputs an acoustic signal.
  • the sound is optionally transmitted via a sound tube, which is fixed with an earmold in the ear canal, to the eardrum of the device carrier.
  • the power supply of the hearing device and in particular of the signal processing unit 3 is carried out by a likewise integrated into the hearing aid housing 1 battery. 5
  • ear tips In the open hearing aid supply so-called "instant fit ear pieces" (ear tips) are customary instead of custom-made earmolds or earmolds. These ear pieces are not made individually. They are offered for an open hearing aid supply, but also for a closed hearing aid. The choice of the ear tip determines, among other things, the outflow of low frequencies from the ear canal. This outflow must be taken into account in the individual adaptation, in particular the gain adjustment, to the hearing aid wearer.
  • the object of the present invention is thus to take better account of the actual acoustic conditions when adapting a hearing device.
  • this object is achieved by a method for determining an effective vents of a hearing device by performing an OLG measurement of the hearing device in a worn state, comparing the OLG measurement with an OLG reference curve, Determining a value representing the degree of closure of the hearing aid or its earmold in the ear of the wearer, from the comparison. Correcting the gain of the hearing aid may be based on the determined value.
  • a device for determining an effective vents of a hearing device with a measuring device for performing an OLG measurement of the hearing aid, a comparison device for comparing the OLG measurement with an OLG reference curve and a computing device for determining a value that determines the degree of closure of the Hearing device or the earmold represents in the ear of the wearer, from the comparison obtained by the comparison device.
  • the computing device can be used to determine a gain correction value or a corrected gain value on the basis of the determined value.
  • the actual, individual degree of closure is thus taken into account by the ear piece for the adjustment even when using an instant fit earpiece.
  • An OLG measurement is used to obtain a measure of an effective vent, which then influences the adaptation accordingly.
  • the OLG measurement is preferably carried out in one or more predetermined band ranges of the audible frequency spectrum.
  • the consideration of the effective Vents can be made more targeted in the affected frequency ranges.
  • the OLG measurement and the comparison with an OLG reference signal may possibly only be carried out in a low-frequency range. Compared to a broadband analysis, this represents a simplified variant, since a vent is noticeable mainly in the low-frequency range up to approximately 1 kHz.
  • the comparison between the OLG measurement and the OLG reference curve can be made by distance measurement. The difference then allows conclusions to be drawn regarding the quantity or quality of the vents.
  • the comparison between the OLG measurement and the OLG reference curve can also be carried out on the basis of a cluster assignment or other linear or nonlinear assignments.
  • other acoustic properties of the vents can be taken into account, which do not arise from the pure distance determination.
  • the degree of closure of the earpiece can be explicitly determined and used for the correction of the gain. This gives the audiologist a value that provides information about the actual size of the vein. Thus, he can also incorporate his experience to what extent the actually resulting vent is favorable for the hearing aid wearer or not.
  • the hearing aid which is shown symbolically in FIG. 1, is connected wirelessly or by wire to an adaptation device.
  • it is mounted in / on the ear of the hearing aid wearer in the intended manner.
  • the essential idea of the invention is that from an OLG measurement on the degree of closure, with which an ear piece closes the ear canal, can be closed.
  • OLG measurement the open loop gain over the frequency is determined. This means that the feedback is separated at the amplifier of the signal processing unit 3 of the hearing aid and the maximum gain is measured as a function of the frequency at which there are not yet feedback whistles or other feedback artefacts.
  • step S1 of FIG. 2 an OLG measurement of the hearing device with an instant-fit earpiece or an earmold in which the vent is unknown is carried out.
  • the OLG measurement takes place in one or more special band areas.
  • typical reference OLG references are provided, for example, in a database according to step S2.
  • These OLG reference curves can refer to instant fit earpieces or custom earmolds, open and closed earmolds, etc.
  • the OLG measurement curve obtained in step S1 is compared with one or more OLG reference curves, which are provided according to step S2, in step S3.
  • the comparison is possibly only for a certain frequency range, z. B. only the low frequencies in the lower third of the audible spectral range.
  • the comparison may be based on simple, optionally frequency-weighted distance measures, z. For example, frequency-weighted rms (root means square) errors can be performed over certain curve areas.
  • the comparison can also be made by more complex, linear or non-linear assignments (cluster assignment, neural networks, etc.). The comparison finally leads to a comparison result.
  • step S4 The comparison result obtained from step S3 is used in a computing device in accordance with step S4 to determine a value which represents or represents a measure of the degree of closure.
  • the degree of closure is explicitly estimated from the comparison value. This means that an explicit mapping to an effective vent is performed in step S4. The result is thus an estimate of the current, individual degree of closure.
  • the shutter degree is now taken into account by correcting the gain according to the shutter degree in step S5.
  • the degree of closure is automatically set and taken into account in the fitting formula.
  • the OLG measurement data may be entered directly into a model for vent inflow and outflow.
  • the comparison according to step S3 and the determination of the degree of closure according to step S4 or a corresponding value take place indirectly.
  • the adaptation then takes place on the basis of the vent inflow and outflow. This eliminates an explicit mapping to the effective vent.
  • the embodiment of a method according to the invention or with a corresponding device of the individual degree of closure in the adaptation of the hearing aid can be considered by the described with reference to FIG 2, so that a better supply and acceptance can be achieved.
  • Another advantage of the approach described here, to determine the degree of closure with the aid of an OLG measurement is that the OLG measurement in hearing aids can be carried out easily and is frequently carried out anyway, in particular for so-called open-fit devices for open care, which are a major application for the Instant Fit ear pieces.

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  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Otolaryngology (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Neurosurgery (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Acoustics & Sound (AREA)
  • Signal Processing (AREA)
  • Manufacturing & Machinery (AREA)
  • Measurement Of The Respiration, Hearing Ability, Form, And Blood Characteristics Of Living Organisms (AREA)

Abstract

The method involves providing a measuring device for executing an open loop gain-measurement of a hearing device in a wear condition. The open loop gain-measurement is compared with an open loop gain-reference curve, where the comparison takes place through distance measurement between the open loop gain-measuring curve and open loop gain-reference curve. A value representing a closing degree of the hearing aid or otoplastic in the ear of a wearer is determined from the comparison. Independent claims are also included for the following: (1) a method for adaptation of amplification of a hearing aid with a determination of an effective vent (2) a device for determination of an effective vent of a hearing aid (3) a device for adaptation of the amplification of a hearing aid with a determination of an effective vent.

Description

Die vorliegende Erfindung betrifft ein Verfahren zur Bestimmung eines effektiven Vents und ein entsprechendes Verfahren zum Anpassen der Verstärkung eines Hörgeräts durch Ausführen einer OLG-Messung (Open Loop Gain) des Hörgeräts in einem getragenen Zustand. Darüber hinaus betrifft die vorliegende Erfindung eine entsprechende Vorrichtung zur Bestimmung eines effektiven Vents eines Hörgeräts.The present invention relates to a method for determining an effective vents and to a corresponding method for adjusting the amplification of a hearing device by performing an OLG measurement (open loop gain) of the hearing device in a worn state. Moreover, the present invention relates to a corresponding device for determining an effective Vents a hearing aid.

Hörgeräte sind tragbare Hörvorrichtungen, die zur Versorgung von Schwerhörenden dienen. Um den zahlreichen individuellen Bedürfnissen entgegenzukommen, werden unterschiedliche Bauformen von Hörgeräten wie Hinter-dem-Ohr-Hörgeräte (HdO), Indem-Ohr-Hörgeräte (IdO), Concha-Hörgeräte bereitgestellt. Die beispielhaft aufgeführten Hörgeräte werden am Außenohr oder im Gehörgang getragen. Darüber hinaus stehen auf dem Markt aber auch Knochenleitungshörhilfen, implantierbare oder vibrotaktile Hörhilfen zur Verfügung. Dabei erfolgt die Stimulation des geschädigten Gehörs entweder mechanisch oder elektrisch.Hearing aids are portable hearing aids that are used to care for the hearing impaired. To meet the numerous individual needs, different types of hearing aids such as behind-the-ear hearing aids (BTE), in-the-ear hearing aids (IdO), Concha hearing aids are provided. The hearing aids listed by way of example are worn on the outer ear or in the ear canal. In addition, bone conduction hearing aids, implantable or vibrotactile hearing aids are also available on the market. The stimulation of the damaged hearing takes place either mechanically or electrically.

Hörgeräte besitzen prinzipiell als wesentliche Komponenten einen Eingangswandler, einen Verstärker und einen Ausgangswandler. Der Eingangswandler ist in der Regel ein Schallempfänger, z. B. ein Mikrofon, und/oder ein elektromagnetischer Empfänger, z. B. eine Induktionsspule. Der Ausgangswandler ist meist als elektroakustischer Wandler, z. B. Miniaturlautsprecher, oder als elektromechanischer Wandler, z. B. Knochenleitungshörer, realisiert. Der Verstärker ist üblicherweise in eine Signalverarbeitungseinheit integriert. Dieser prinzipielle Aufbau ist in FIG 1 am Beispiel eines Hinter-dem-Ohr-Hörgerät dargestellt. In ein Hörgerätegehäuse 1 zum Tragen hinter dem Ohr sind ein oder mehrere Mikrofone 2 zur Aufnahme des Schalls aus der Umgebung eingebaut. Eine Signalverarbeitungseinheit 3, die ebenfalls in das Hörgerätegehäuse 1 integriert ist, verarbeitet die Mikrofonsignale und verstärkt sie. Das Ausgangssignal der Signalverarbeitungseinheit 3 wird an einen Lautsprecher bzw. Hörer 4 übertragen, der ein akustisches Signal ausgibt. Der Schall wird gegebenenfalls über einen Schallschlauch, der mit einer Otoplastik im Gehörgang fixiert ist, zum Trommelfell des Geräteträgers übertragen. Die Stromversorgung des Hörgeräts und insbesondere die der Signalverarbeitungseinheit 3 erfolgt durch eine ebenfalls ins Hörgerätegehäuse 1 integrierte Batterie 5.Hearing aids have in principle as essential components an input transducer, an amplifier and an output transducer. The input transducer is usually a sound receiver, z. As a microphone, and / or an electromagnetic receiver, for. B. an induction coil. The output transducer is usually used as an electroacoustic transducer, z. As miniature speaker, or as an electromechanical transducer, z. B. bone conduction, realized. The amplifier is usually integrated in a signal processing unit. This basic structure is shown in FIG 1 using the example of a behind-the-ear hearing aid. In a hearing aid housing 1 for carrying behind the ear, one or more microphones 2 for receiving the sound from the environment are installed. A signal processing unit 3, which is also integrated into the hearing aid housing 1, processes the microphone signals and amplifies them. The output signal of the signal processing unit 3 is transmitted to a loudspeaker or earpiece 4, which outputs an acoustic signal. The sound is optionally transmitted via a sound tube, which is fixed with an earmold in the ear canal, to the eardrum of the device carrier. The power supply of the hearing device and in particular of the signal processing unit 3 is carried out by a likewise integrated into the hearing aid housing 1 battery. 5

Bei der offenen Hörgeräteversorgung sind anstelle von individuell angefertigten Ohrpassstücken bzw. Otoplastiken so genannte "Instant Fit Ohrstücke" (Ear Tips) üblich. Diese Ohrstücke werden nicht individuell angefertigt. Sie werden für eine offene Hörgeräteversorgung, aber auch für eine geschlossene angeboten. Die Wahl des Ear Tips bestimmt unter anderem den Abfluss tiefer Frequenzen aus dem Ohrkanal. Dieser Abfluss muss bei der individuellen Anpassung, insbesondere der Verstärkungsanpassung, an den Hörgeräteträger berücksichtigt werden.In the open hearing aid supply so-called "instant fit ear pieces" (ear tips) are customary instead of custom-made earmolds or earmolds. These ear pieces are not made individually. They are offered for an open hearing aid supply, but also for a closed hearing aid. The choice of the ear tip determines, among other things, the outflow of low frequencies from the ear canal. This outflow must be taken into account in the individual adaptation, in particular the gain adjustment, to the hearing aid wearer.

Die Verwendung derartiger Instant Fit Ohrstücke bzw. Ear Tips bedeutet, dass der Sitz des Ohrstücks und damit auch seine akustischen Eigenschaften von der individuellen Physiognomie abhängen. Im Fall des Einsatzes eines offenen Ear Tips kann bei einem engen Ohrkanal tatsächlich ein nennenswerter Verschluss vorliegen, so dass effektiv eine weit geschlossenere Versorgung resultiert als beabsichtigt. Demgegenüber kann bei Verwendung eines "geschlossenen" Ear Tips im Fall eines weiten Ohrkanals oder bei fehlerhaftem Sitz ein starker Leck-Effekt auftreten. Es ergibt sich somit durch das Ohrstück stets ein individueller Verschlussgrad bzw. ein "effektives Vent".The use of such instant fit ear pieces or ear tips means that the seat of the ear piece and thus also its acoustic properties depend on the individual physiognomy. In the case of the use of an open ear tip, a tight ear canal may actually have a significant occlusion, effectively resulting in a far more closed restoration than intended. In contrast, when using a "closed" ear tip in the case of a wide ear canal or a faulty seat a strong leak effect can occur. This results in the earpiece always an individual degree of closure or an "effective Vent".

Bislang wurde dieses Problem nur unvollkommen gelöst. Da ein Vent zu einer Rückkopplung des Signals und damit zu Pfeifen führt, wenn die Verstärkung ausreichend hoch ist, kann die Verstärkung soweit begrenzt werden, dass kein Rückkopplungspfeifen auftritt. Hierzu werden Messungen des Open Loop Gains (OLG; offene Schleifenverstärkung) durchgeführt, um die maximal mögliche Verstärkung zu ermitteln und die Verstärkung in der Praxis entsprechend gering zu halten. Darüber hinaus wird üblicherweise die von der Anpassformel vorgeschriebene Verstärkung so modifiziert, dass die akustischen Effekte des vorliegenden Vents kompensiert werden. Bei der Verwendung von Instant Fit Ohrstücken wird jedoch davon ausgegangen, dass ein offener Ear Tip per Definition offen und ein geschlossener Ear Tip per Definition geschlossen ist. Der individuelle, tatsächliche Sitz des Ear Tips fließt in die Anpassformel nicht ein.So far, this problem has been solved only imperfectly. Since a vent leads to a feedback of the signal and thus whistling, if the gain is sufficiently high, the Reinforcement are limited so far that no feedback whistling occurs. For this purpose, measurements of the Open Loop Gain (OLG) are performed in order to determine the maximum possible amplification and to keep the gain correspondingly low in practice. Moreover, the gain prescribed by the fitting formula is usually modified to compensate for the acoustic effects of the present ventricle. However, when using Instant Fit ear pieces, it is assumed that an open ear tip is by definition open and a closed ear tip is by definition closed. The individual, actual fit of the ear tip does not flow into the fitting formula.

Aus der Druckschrift US 2002/0176584 A1 ist ein Gerät und ein Verfahren zur Messung der Leistungsfähigkeit, zur Anpassung und zur Initialisierung eines Hörgeräts bekannt. Für die Anpassung eines Hörgeräts, dessen Ohrstück einen Vent besitzt, wird zunächst untersucht, ob die Zielverstärkung unter einer maximalen, stabilen Verstärkung liegt. Wenn dem nicht so ist, wird untersucht, ob der Vent in dem Ohrstück zu groß ist und gegebenenfalls verkleinert werden muss. Daneben kann auch untersucht werden, ob die Undichtigkeit des Ohrstücks zu groß ist, indem die maximale, stabile Verstärkung bei verschlossenem Vent und bei offenem Vent gemessen wird. Falls bei verschlossenem Vent die maximale, stabile Verstärkung nicht deutlich höher ist, sollte das Ohrstück dem Ohrkanal besser angepasst werden.From the publication US 2002/0176584 A1 a device and a method for measuring the performance, for the adaptation and initialization of a hearing aid is known. To adjust a hearing aid whose earpiece has a vent, it first checks if the target gain is below a maximum, stable gain. If not, it is examined whether the vent in the earpiece is too large and may need to be downsized. In addition, it can also be examined whether the earpiece leakage is too great by measuring the maximum, stable gain with the vent closed and the vent open. If the maximum, stable amplification is not significantly higher when the vent is closed, the earpiece should be better adapted to the ear canal.

Die Aufgabe der vorliegenden Erfindung besteht somit darin, die tatsächlichen akustischen Gegebenheiten bei der Anpassung eines Hörgeräts besser zu berücksichtigen.The object of the present invention is thus to take better account of the actual acoustic conditions when adapting a hearing device.

Erfindungsgemäß wird diese Aufgabe gelöst durch ein Verfahren zum Bestimmen eines effektiven Vents eines Hörgeräts durch Ausführen einer OLG-Messung des Hörgeräts in einem getragenen Zustand, Vergleichen der OLG-Messung mit einer OLG-Referenzkurve, Ermitteln eines Werts, der den Verschlussgrad des Hörgeräts oder deren Otoplastik im Ohr des Trägers repräsentiert, aus dem Vergleich. Ein Korrigieren der Verstärkung des Hörgeräts kann auf der Basis des ermittelten Werts erfolgen.According to the invention, this object is achieved by a method for determining an effective vents of a hearing device by performing an OLG measurement of the hearing device in a worn state, comparing the OLG measurement with an OLG reference curve, Determining a value representing the degree of closure of the hearing aid or its earmold in the ear of the wearer, from the comparison. Correcting the gain of the hearing aid may be based on the determined value.

Darüber hinaus wird bereitgestellt eine Vorrichtung zum Bestimmen eines effektiven Vents eines Hörgeräts mit einer Messeinrichtung zur Durchführung einer OLG-Messung des Hörgeräts, einer Vergleichseinrichtung zum Vergleichen der OLG-Messung mit einer OLG-Referenzkurve und einer Recheneinrichtung zum Ermitteln eines Werts, der den Verschlussgrad des Hörgeräts oder deren Otoplastik im Ohr des Trägers repräsentiert, aus dem durch die Vergleichseinrichtung gewonnenen Vergleich. Durch die Recheneinrichtung kann im Rahmen einer Anpassung gegebenenfalls ein Ermitteln eines Verstärkungskorrekturwerts oder eines korrigierten Verstärkungswerts auf der Basis des ermittelten Werts erfolgen.In addition, a device for determining an effective vents of a hearing device with a measuring device for performing an OLG measurement of the hearing aid, a comparison device for comparing the OLG measurement with an OLG reference curve and a computing device for determining a value that determines the degree of closure of the Hearing device or the earmold represents in the ear of the wearer, from the comparison obtained by the comparison device. In the context of an adaptation, if necessary, the computing device can be used to determine a gain correction value or a corrected gain value on the basis of the determined value.

In vorteilhafter Weise wird somit auch bei Verwendung eines Instant Fit Ohrstücks der tatsächliche, individuelle Verschlussgrad durch das Ohrstück für die Anpassung berücksichtigt. Dabei wird durch eine OLG-Messung ein Maß für ein effektives Vent gewonnen, welches dann die Anpassung entsprechend beeinflusst.Advantageously, the actual, individual degree of closure is thus taken into account by the ear piece for the adjustment even when using an instant fit earpiece. An OLG measurement is used to obtain a measure of an effective vent, which then influences the adaptation accordingly.

Vorzugsweise erfolgt die OLG-Messung in einem oder mehreren vorgegebenen Bandbereichen des hörbaren Frequenzspektrums. Dadurch kann die Berücksichtigung des effektiven Vents gezielter in den betroffenen Frequenzbereichen erfolgen.The OLG measurement is preferably carried out in one or more predetermined band ranges of the audible frequency spectrum. Thus, the consideration of the effective Vents can be made more targeted in the affected frequency ranges.

Die OLG-Messung und der Vergleich mit einem OLG-Referenzsignal kann gegebenenfalls nur in einem tieffrequenten Bereich durchgeführt werden. Dies stellt gegenüber einer breitbandigen Analyse eine vereinfachte Variante dar, da sich ein Vent hauptsächlich im tieffrequenten Bereich bis ca. 1 kHz bemerkbar macht.The OLG measurement and the comparison with an OLG reference signal may possibly only be carried out in a low-frequency range. Compared to a broadband analysis, this represents a simplified variant, since a vent is noticeable mainly in the low-frequency range up to approximately 1 kHz.

Bei einer speziellen Ausführungsform kann der Vergleich zwischen der OLG-Messung und der OLG-Referenzkurve durch Abstandsmessung erfolgen. Die Differenz lässt dann Rückschlüsse auf die Quantität bzw. Qualität des Vents zu.In a specific embodiment, the comparison between the OLG measurement and the OLG reference curve can be made by distance measurement. The difference then allows conclusions to be drawn regarding the quantity or quality of the vents.

Alternativ kann der Vergleich zwischen der OLG-Messung und der OLG-Referenzkurve auch anhand einer Clusterzuordnung bzw. anderen linearen oder nichtlinearen Zuordnungen durchgeführt werden. Damit können auch andere akustische Eigenschaften des Vents berücksichtigt werden, die sich aus der reinen Abstandsbestimmung nicht ergeben.Alternatively, the comparison between the OLG measurement and the OLG reference curve can also be carried out on the basis of a cluster assignment or other linear or nonlinear assignments. Thus, other acoustic properties of the vents can be taken into account, which do not arise from the pure distance determination.

Bei einer weiteren Ausführungsform kann der Verschlussgrad des Ohrstücks explizit ermittelt und für die Korrektur der Verstärkung verwendet werden. Damit erhält der Audiologe einen Wert, der ihm Aufschluss gibt über die tatsächliche Größe des Vents. Somit kann er auch seine Erfahrung einfließen lassen, inwieweit der sich tatsächlich ergebende Vent für den Hörgeräteträger günstig ist oder nicht.In a further embodiment, the degree of closure of the earpiece can be explicitly determined and used for the correction of the gain. This gives the audiologist a value that provides information about the actual size of the vein. Thus, he can also incorporate his experience to what extent the actually resulting vent is favorable for the hearing aid wearer or not.

Die vorliegende Erfindung ist anhand der beigefügten Zeichnungen näher erläutert, in denen zeigen:

FIG 1
den schematischen Aufbau eines Hinter-dem-Ohr-Hörgeräts gemäß dem Stand der Technik und
FIG 2
ein Blockdiagramm zur Darstellung des erfindungsgemäßen Anpassverfahrens.
The present invention will be explained in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
FIG. 1
the schematic structure of a behind-the-ear hearing aid according to the prior art and
FIG. 2
a block diagram illustrating the fitting method according to the invention.

Die nachfolgend näher geschilderten Ausführungsformen stellen bevorzugte Ausführungsbeispiele der vorliegenden Erfindung dar.The embodiments described in more detail below represent preferred embodiments of the present invention.

Zur Anpassung wird das Hörgerät, das symbolisch in FIG 1 wiedergegeben ist, drahtlos oder drahtgebunden an eine Anpassvorrichtung angeschlossen. Außerdem wird es im/am Ohr des Hörgeräteträgers in der vorgesehenen Weise angebracht.For adaptation, the hearing aid, which is shown symbolically in FIG. 1, is connected wirelessly or by wire to an adaptation device. In addition, it is mounted in / on the ear of the hearing aid wearer in the intended manner.

Der wesentliche Gedanke der Erfindung besteht darin, dass aus einer OLG-Messung auf den Verschlussgrad, mit dem ein Ohrstück den Gehörgang verschließt, geschlossen werden kann. Bei einer OLG-Messung wird die offene Schleifenverstärkung über der Frequenz ermittelt. Dies bedeutet, dass die Rückkopplung an dem Verstärker der Signalverarbeitungseinheit 3 des Hörgeräts aufgetrennt und die maximale Verstärkung in Abhängigkeit der Frequenz gemessen wird, bei der es noch nicht zu Rückkopplungspfeifen oder anderen Rückkopplungsartefakten kommt. Es wird also gemäß Schritt S1 von FIG 2 eine OLG-Messung des Hörgeräts mit Instant Fit Ohrstück oder einem Ohrpassstück, bei dem der Vent nicht bekannt ist, durchgeführt. Die OLG-Messung erfolgt in einem oder mehreren speziellen Bandbereichen.The essential idea of the invention is that from an OLG measurement on the degree of closure, with which an ear piece closes the ear canal, can be closed. In an OLG measurement, the open loop gain over the frequency is determined. This means that the feedback is separated at the amplifier of the signal processing unit 3 of the hearing aid and the maximum gain is measured as a function of the frequency at which there are not yet feedback whistles or other feedback artefacts. Thus, according to step S1 of FIG. 2, an OLG measurement of the hearing device with an instant-fit earpiece or an earmold in which the vent is unknown is carried out. The OLG measurement takes place in one or more special band areas.

In der Anpassvorrichtung werden typische OLG-Referenzkuren beispielsweise in einer Datenbank gemäß Schritt S2 bereitgestellt. Diese OLG-Referenzkurven können sich auf Instant Fit Ohrstücke oder individuell angefertigte Ohrpassstücke, auf offene und geschlossene Ohrpassstücke usw. beziehen.In the fitting device, typical reference OLG references are provided, for example, in a database according to step S2. These OLG reference curves can refer to instant fit earpieces or custom earmolds, open and closed earmolds, etc.

In einer Vergleichseinrichtung wird die in Schritt S1 gewonnene OLG-Messkurve mit einer oder mehreren OLG-Referenzkurven, die gemäß Schritt S2 bereitgestellt werden, in Schritt S3 verglichen. Der Vergleich erfolgt gegebenenfalls nur für einen bestimmten Frequenzbereich, z. B. nur die tiefen Frequenzen im unteren Drittel des hörbaren Spektralbereichs. Der Vergleich kann anhand von einfachen, gegebenenfalls frequenzgewichteten Abstandsmaßen, z. B. frequenzgewichtete rms-Fehler (root means square), über bestimmte Kurvenbereiche durchgeführt werden. Alternativ kann der Vergleich auch durch aufwändigere, lineare oder nichtlineare Zuordnungen erfolgen (Clusterzuordnung, neuronale Netze, etc.). Der Vergleich führt schließlich zu einem Vergleichsergebnis.In a comparison device, the OLG measurement curve obtained in step S1 is compared with one or more OLG reference curves, which are provided according to step S2, in step S3. The comparison is possibly only for a certain frequency range, z. B. only the low frequencies in the lower third of the audible spectral range. The comparison may be based on simple, optionally frequency-weighted distance measures, z. For example, frequency-weighted rms (root means square) errors can be performed over certain curve areas. Alternatively, the comparison can also be made by more complex, linear or non-linear assignments (cluster assignment, neural networks, etc.). The comparison finally leads to a comparison result.

Das aus Schritt S3 gewonnene Vergleichsergebnis dient in einer Recheneinrichtung gemäß Schritt S4 zur Ermittlung eines Werts, der ein Maß für den Verschlussgrad darstellt bzw. beinhaltet. Im konkreten Beispiel von FIG 2 wird aus dem Vergleichswert explizit der Verschlussgrad geschätzt. Dies bedeutet, dass ein explizites Mapping auf ein effektives Vent in Schritt S4 durchgeführt wird. Das Resultat ist also eine Schätzung des aktuellen, individuellen Verschlussgrads.The comparison result obtained from step S3 is used in a computing device in accordance with step S4 to determine a value which represents or represents a measure of the degree of closure. In the concrete example of FIG. 2, the degree of closure is explicitly estimated from the comparison value. This means that an explicit mapping to an effective vent is performed in step S4. The result is thus an estimate of the current, individual degree of closure.

Bei der Anpassung wird nun der Verschlussgrad dadurch berücksichtigt, dass die Verstärkung entsprechend dem Verschlussgrad in Schritt S5 korrigiert wird. Hierzu wird beispielsweise in der Anpassformel der Verschlussgrad automatisch eingestellt und berücksichtigt.In the adjustment, the shutter degree is now taken into account by correcting the gain according to the shutter degree in step S5. For this purpose, for example, the degree of closure is automatically set and taken into account in the fitting formula.

In einem speziellen Ausführungsbeispiel können die Daten der OLG-Messung direkt in ein Modell für Vent-Zu- und -Abfluss eingegeben werden. In diesem Modell findet indirekt der Vergleich gemäß Schritt S3 und das Ermitteln des Verschlussgrads gemäß Schritt S4 bzw. eines entsprechenden Werts statt. Die Anpassung erfolgt dann aufgrund des Vent-Zu- und -Abflusses. Hierdurch kann ein explizites Mapping auf das effektive Vent entfallen.In a specific embodiment, the OLG measurement data may be entered directly into a model for vent inflow and outflow. In this model, the comparison according to step S3 and the determination of the degree of closure according to step S4 or a corresponding value take place indirectly. The adaptation then takes place on the basis of the vent inflow and outflow. This eliminates an explicit mapping to the effective vent.

In vorteilhafter Weise kann durch das anhand von FIG 2 geschilderte Ausführungsbeispiel eines erfindungsgemäßen Verfahrens bzw. mit einer entsprechenden Vorrichtung der individuelle Verschlussgrad bei der Anpassung des Hörgeräts berücksichtigt werden, so dass eine bessere Versorgung und Akzeptanz erzielt werden kann. Dies bedeutet, dass zumindest im Hinblick auf die Berücksichtigung des Verschlussgrads keine individuelle Otoplastik notwendig ist und ein Instant Fit Ohrstück verwendet werden kann. Ein weiterer Vorteil des hier geschilderten Ansatzes, den Verschlussgrad mit Hilfe einer OLG-Messung zu bestimmen, besteht darin, dass die OLG-Messung bei Hörgeräten einfach durchgeführt werden kann und häufig ohnehin vorgenommen wird, insbesondere für so genannte Open Fit Geräte zur offenen Versorgung, die eine Hauptanwendung für die Instant Fit Ohrstücke darstellen.Advantageously, the embodiment of a method according to the invention or with a corresponding device of the individual degree of closure in the adaptation of the hearing aid can be considered by the described with reference to FIG 2, so that a better supply and acceptance can be achieved. This means that, at least with regard to the consideration of the degree of closure, no individual otoplastic is necessary and an instant fit earpiece can be used. Another advantage of the approach described here, to determine the degree of closure with the aid of an OLG measurement, is that the OLG measurement in hearing aids can be carried out easily and is frequently carried out anyway, in particular for so-called open-fit devices for open care, which are a major application for the Instant Fit ear pieces.

Claims (9)

Verfahren zum Bestimmen eines effektiven Vents eines Hörgeräts durch - Ausführen einer OLG-Messung (S1) des Hörgeräts in einem getragenen Zustand, gekennzeichnet durch - Vergleichen (S3) der OLG-Messung mit einer OLG-Referenzkurve (S2), - Ermitteln (S4) eines Werts, der den Verschlussgrad des Hörgeräts oder deren Otoplastik im Ohr des Trägers repräsentiert, aus dem Vergleich. A method for determining an effective vents of a hearing aid Performing an OLG measurement (S1) of the hearing aid in a worn state, marked by Comparing (S3) the OLG measurement with an OLG reference curve (S2), - Determining (S4) of a value representing the degree of closure of the hearing aid or its earmold in the ear of the wearer, from the comparison. Verfahren nach Anspruch 1, wobei die OLG-Messung in mehreren vorgegebenen Bandbereichen erfolgt.The method of claim 1, wherein the OLG measurement is performed in a plurality of predetermined band ranges. Verfahren nach Anspruch 1, wobei die OLG-Messung und der Vergleich nur in einem tieffrequenten Bereich durchgeführt werden.The method of claim 1, wherein the OLG measurement and the comparison are performed only in a low-frequency range. Verfahren nach einem vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei der Vergleich durch Abstandsmessung zwischen der OLG-Messkurve und der OLG-Referenzkurve erfolgt.Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the comparison is effected by distance measurement between the OLG measurement curve and the OLG reference curve. Verfahren nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 3, wobei der Vergleich durch Clusterzuordnung erfolgt.Method according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the comparison is made by cluster assignment. Verfahren zum Anpassen der Verstärkung eines Hörgeräts mit einem Bestimmen des effektiven Vents nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche und einem Korrigieren (S5) der Verstärkung des Hörgeräts auf der Basis des ermittelten Werts bezüglich des Verschlussgrads.A method of adjusting the gain of a hearing aid comprising determining the effective vents of any preceding claim and correcting (S5) the gain of the hearing aid based on the determined value of the degree of closure. Verfahren nach Anspruch 6, wobei der Verschlussgrad explizit geschätzt und für die Korrektur (S5) der Verstärkung verwendet wird.The method of claim 6, wherein the degree of closure is explicitly estimated and used for the correction (S5) of the gain. Vorrichtung zum Bestimmen eines effektiven Vents eines Hörgeräts mit - einer Messeinrichtung zur Durchführung einer OLG-Messung (S1) des Hörgeräts, gekennzeichnet durch - eine Vergleichseinrichtung zum Vergleichen (S3) der OLG-Messung (S1) mit einer OLG-Referenzkurve (S2) und - eine Recheneinrichtung zum Ermitteln (S4) eines Werts, der den Verschlussgrad des Hörgeräts oder deren Otoplastik im Ohr des Trägers repräsentiert, aus dem durch die Vergleichseinrichtung gewonnenen Vergleich. Device for determining an effective vents of a hearing aid a measuring device for carrying out an OLG measurement (S1) of the hearing device, marked by a comparison device for comparing (S3) the OLG measurement (S1) with an OLG reference curve (S2) and - A computing device for determining (S4) of a value representing the degree of closure of the hearing aid or its earmold in the ear of the wearer, from the comparison obtained by the comparison means. Vorrichtung zum Anpassen der Verstärkung eines Hörgeräts mit einer Vorrichtung zum Bestimmen eines effektiven Vents nach Anspruch 8, wobei die Recheneinrichtung auch zum Ermitteln (S5) eines Verstärkungskorrekturwerts oder eines korrigierten Verstärkungswerts auf der Basis des ermittelten Werts dient.An apparatus for adjusting the gain of a hearing aid with an effective vents determining apparatus according to claim 8, wherein said calculating means also serves to obtain (S5) a gain correction value or a corrected gain value on the basis of the detected value.
EP07114361A 2006-09-07 2007-08-15 Method and device for determining an effective vent Revoked EP1898670B1 (en)

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US8036392B2 (en) 2011-10-11
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DE102006042083A1 (en) 2008-03-27
DE102006042083B4 (en) 2010-11-11
US20080175401A1 (en) 2008-07-24
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EP1898670A3 (en) 2011-04-13
EP1898670B1 (en) 2012-07-18

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