WO2012119639A1 - Diagnostic method for a hearing device and hearing device - Google Patents

Diagnostic method for a hearing device and hearing device Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2012119639A1
WO2012119639A1 PCT/EP2011/053373 EP2011053373W WO2012119639A1 WO 2012119639 A1 WO2012119639 A1 WO 2012119639A1 EP 2011053373 W EP2011053373 W EP 2011053373W WO 2012119639 A1 WO2012119639 A1 WO 2012119639A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
hearing device
maintenance
data
life cycle
diagnostic
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/EP2011/053373
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Ruedi Suter
Raoul Glatt
Original Assignee
Phonak Ag
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Phonak Ag filed Critical Phonak Ag
Priority to PCT/EP2011/053373 priority Critical patent/WO2012119639A1/en
Publication of WO2012119639A1 publication Critical patent/WO2012119639A1/en

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Classifications

    • 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
    • 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

Definitions

  • the present invention is related to a diagnostic method for a hearing device, to a hearing device and to further devices being operable according to said method such as a diagnostic device.
  • Hearing devices are usually very reliable. However, sometimes they may degrade or completely stop functioning. In this case, the user of the hearing device usually seeks assistance by a specialist for hearing devices, typically an audiologist. Typically, the audiologist carries out an error diagnostic in order to identify the cause of the problem, for example by visually inspecting the hearing device or by performing acoustical tests. Based on this diagnostic, the audiologist may initiate an appropriate maintenance action to restore the proper functioning of the hearing device.
  • a specialist for hearing devices typically an audiologist.
  • the audiologist carries out an error diagnostic in order to identify the cause of the problem, for example by visually inspecting the hearing device or by performing acoustical tests. Based on this diagnostic, the audiologist may initiate an appropriate maintenance action to restore the proper functioning of the hearing device.
  • the error diagnostic is carried out with the aid of a diagnostic device being located at the audiologist.
  • the hearing device is connected to the diagnostic device and computer program, known as diagnostic program, is executed on the diagnostic device for transferring data from the hearing device to the diagnostic device and for analyzing the transferred data.
  • the output of the diagnostic program i.e. the result of the analysis, is displayed on an output screen of the diagnostic device as diagnostic information.
  • the diagnostic information may support the audiologist for deciding on the subsequent maintenance action.
  • a diagnostic method may be based on a hardware specification, on user-specific parameters or on a wear state of the hearing device. For example, the
  • depositions may be determined by monitoring the spectral amplitude distribution of the microphone signal.
  • the audiologist may decide to immediately replace the covering by himself instead of sending the hearing device to a service center.
  • the present invention has the objective to propose an improved diagnostic method for a hearing device, an improved hearing device and to further devices that are operable according to said method.
  • hearing device a device is understood, which is worn in or adjacent to the user's ear with the objective to improve the user's acoustical perception.
  • hearing device refers to:
  • a hearing aid for improving the perception of a hearing impaired user towards the hearing perception of a user with normal hearing ability
  • a hearing protection for attenuating or baring acoustic signals from being perceived by the user
  • a communication device in particular to be used by a user with normal hearing ability, for assisting the hearing perception under difficult acoustical
  • a hearing device may be applied behind the ear, in the ear, completely in the ear canal or may be implanted.
  • this term includes any action for at least partly restoring the functionality or appearance of the hearing device as well as a disposal action of the hearing device, for example in the case that the costs of repairing the hearing device are inappropriate in relation to its value.
  • actions can be directly carried out by the user, for example the changing of batteries.
  • Second level The second level involves more complex
  • maintenance actions for example the above mentioned cleaning of the protective cover. These actions are typically carried out at the audiologist practice by the audiologist, also called a hearing specialist, a fitter or a dispenser.
  • the third level involves even more complex maintenance actions, which typically need elaborate work, special skills, special tools or uncommon spare parts. These actions are referred to as repair actions and are usually carried out by a service center, also called a regional center or a Group Company (GC) .
  • a service center also called a regional center or a Group Company (GC) .
  • GC Group Company
  • Forth level The maintenance actions typically carried out at the forth level are too complex for the third level, i.e. the service center. Therefore, these actions are carried over to an operating center (OC) such as a service department of the manufacturing company of the hearing device.
  • Such fourth level actions are referred to as refurbishing actions, also called overhaul actions. After the refurbishing action, the refurbished hearing device is generally placed in stock and provided, on request, to a different user as a second-hand device.
  • the invention proposes a diagnostic method for a hearing device, the method comprising the steps of:
  • life cycle data comprising a set of at least one parameter that relates to the lifetime of the hearing device or of a component thereof;
  • the proposed diagnostic method provides for improved, in particular precise, effective and well-founded, diagnostics, because the method includes considerations concerning the lifetime of the hearing device or of a component thereof.
  • the lifetime for example the past operating time or the estimated remaining operating time, is decisive for the organization of user- friendly maintenance actions.
  • the proposed diagnostic method provides a sound basis for the decision support and allows proposing an appropriate maintenance action.
  • the maintenance action may comprise one or more maintenance steps or tasks, in
  • hearing devices generally are highly adapted to user-specific characteristics, for example the hearing characteristics and/or anatomical characteristics of an individual user. Consequently, with the diagnostic method according to the invention, the number of maintenance actions can be reduced significantly. In particular, frequent visits to the audiologist, numerous interruptions of the normal operating time or tedious and time consuming adaptations to replacement devices can be reduced or avoided.
  • the above mentioned parameter may indicate that the lifetime of certain components exceeds a
  • predetermined threshold This allows forecasting that a corresponding number of replacements are likely to be due in the next future. By anticipating such maintenance cases, several replacements may be combined to a single
  • the method according to the invention has the advantage, that the involved parties have access to detailed and updated information concerning the lifetime of the hearing device. This proves to be surprisingly effective for providing adequate maintenance actions, which are tailored to suit the needs of the user.
  • the method is
  • the diagnostic information may serve as a decision support for a large number of involved parties, in particular for the user or for professionals such as the audiologist or persons working at the service center or at the operating center. Accordingly, the present invention is versatile useable and beneficial for multiple maintenance levels.
  • the number of parameters within the set of parameters is expressed by the number n.
  • This set may also be defined as a list or a vector with n elements.
  • the set of parameters comprises one or more parameters and
  • the number n is a natural number equal or greater than 1.
  • the set of parameters comprises a plurality of parameters. Therefore, the number n is a natural number equal or greater than 2.
  • the step of processing the life cycle data is carried out by a diagnostic program on a diagnostic device.
  • this step is carried out by a processing unit that is part of the hearing device. This decreases the dependency of the diagnostics from a specific type of diagnostic devices or its diagnostic program.
  • the life cycle data may be checked for consistency against a database.
  • This database may be provided by a further computer infrastructure such as a maintenance organization system or an enterprise resources planning system (ERP) , which in particular, is part of the central ERP system of the manufacturing company of the hearing device.
  • ERP enterprise resources planning system
  • This check for consistency increases the reliability of the life cycle data.
  • This check may be performed by an automatic process in order to reduce or to avoid manual operations.
  • the method according to the invention is particularly useful at locations, where such a database is not
  • life cycle data is available, regardless of the computer
  • the proposed diagnostic method is a particularly cost-effective and reliable solution.
  • the independence from a further computer infrastructure is particularly useful for hearing devices, because of their adaptation to user-specific characteristics. Consequently, the maintenance organization of these devices involves a high number of regionally distributed locations, such as all kind of different audiologist practices, numerous service centers and operating centers. Therefore, the diagnostic method according to the invention reduces or avoids incompatibility problems.
  • the life cycle data allows the manufacturing company to carry out a highly reliable analysis for
  • analysis is useful for designing hearing devices with lower production costs and higher reliability. Because of the independency from a central database, the analysis may be carried out even in the case that numerous incompatible computer systems are involved.
  • life cycle data may be used for a statistical analysis, for example for determining the expected lifetime of a component of the hearing device. This is particularly helpful for the manufacturing company to define
  • the life cycle data in particular the test results of a self testing, may be useful to determine the quality of the hearing device.
  • the life cycle data may also be kept for further analysis beyond the lifetime of the hearing device.
  • the diagnostic method according to the invention has an impact on the design of many other systems and subsystems.
  • the following systems may benefit directly: - programs known as fitting programs, which are used by the audiologist for determining data related to the fitting programs
  • the at least one parameter is indicative of at least one of:
  • the parameters may constantly be updated during the normal operation of the hearing device.
  • parameters in particular parameters relating to the estimated lifetime, may also be configured during the manufacturing process of the hearing device at the
  • the method according to the invention further comprises the step of transferring the life cycle data or the diagnostic information from the hearing device and/or from a data storage means to a diagnostic device.
  • the diagnostic device is usually located at locations such as the audiologist practice, the service center or the operating center.
  • the diagnostic device may directly read the life cycle data from the data storage means via a data connection. Therefore such a transfer prevents media discontinues at these locations and consequently avoids error prone, cost and time consuming re-entering of data.
  • the diagnostic device is identical to the computer system that executes the fitting program.
  • the diagnostic program is an integrated part of the fitting program or vice versa.
  • the life cycle data may be transferred together with the user-specific hearing data such as fitting parameters.
  • the data storage means is a memory unit being part of the hearing device, or a label, in particular comprising a bar code.
  • the life cycle data can be saved in the hearing device with very low requirements for storage space. For example, a slow memory with a low storing capacity may be sufficient. These low requirements are particularly advantageous for hearing devices, which in general dispose of limited resources only.
  • the diagnostic program may offer to print the life cycle data on the label, in particular as a 2D bar code.
  • This label may comprise exactly the same information as would have been stored in the memory unit, including the entire user-specific hearing information.
  • the life cycle data may then be read by scanning the label or the 2D bar code.
  • the method according to the invention further comprises the step of providing the life cycle data by at least one of the following steps:
  • the life cycle data may be defined by the audiologist by examining the hearing device or by questioning of the user and typing in the obtained information into the data input device. From the data input device the life cycle data is then transferred to the hearing device and/or to a data storage means. Usually, the data input device is a part of the diagnosis devise or identical to the latter. Also the diagnose program or the fitting program may include a function that allows writing life cycle data to the hearing device . Further, the life cycle data may be updated or fine tuned in a later phase, for example by performing a test during or after an initialization phase or test phase. The test may also provide an error code that may be communicated to the service center or to the operating center for assisting the organization of the maintenance actions.
  • the method according to the invention further comprises the step of determining the lifetime by time measurements and/or counting of cycles, in particular being clock signal cycles, machine cycles, use cycles or maintenance cycles such as repair or refurbishing cycles .
  • the life cycle data is transferred via a
  • life cycle data is directly available for further processing on a computer system that receives the data subsequently to the transfer, for example on the hearing device or on the diagnostic device.
  • life cycle data may be transferred via an optical interface, for example by scanning a label or bar code.
  • the interface may also be an optical interface such as beam of a scanner or an infrared connection.
  • the at least one parameter is indicative of at least one of:
  • the diagnostic information may indicate that the microphone will soon reach its end-of-life state and therefore it is advantageous to replace the microphone as well.
  • this type of diagnostic information is beneficial with respect to efficiency and convenience.
  • the method according to the invention has the further advantage that the maintenance request is stored in the storage device.
  • the request may be read from the storage device and the corresponding data is directly available for further processing. This is particular advantages in case multiple service locations such as a service center and an operating center are involved in the processing of the request.
  • a maintenance request may be initiated on request of the audiologist.
  • the audiologist may carry out the diagnostic method according to the invention for receiving the diagnostic information. Upon this information the audiologist may send the maintenance request to the service center.
  • a service request may be issued on request of the user, which may ask for an anatomical adaption of the hearing device, also called remake, because the hearing device does not fit mechanically into his ear.
  • the diagnostic method according to the invention may also assist the audiologist to correctly write a maintenance request, including shipping information to the appropriate service center. For example, the method helps to reduce the effort to gather complete and correct information from the user, e. g. the reason for return, and reduces the risk of faulty data inputs.
  • the method also improves the processing of a maintenance request that has been issued by the service center and that is directed to the operating center, for example a request for a
  • the maintenance history depends on at least one of:
  • the diagnostic information concerns at least one of:
  • the life cycle data may be updated after the repair action or the refurbishing action of the hearing device. This avoids storing of stale data, which is useful for a
  • the diagnostic information defines a course of maintenance actions, in particular a set of condition based response activities. This way, the maintenance actions can be organized efficiently, in particular by dividing the maintenance organization according to different maintenance levels . For example, at the service center, the diagnostic
  • the life cycle data may be read and processed for determining the maintenance history, in particular the number of refurbishing cycles.
  • the provided diagnostic information may help to answer
  • the diagnostic information provides a target- oriented guidance through appropriate maintenance actions, in particular the organization of the maintenance actions at the service center or at the operating center. This may be accomplished more efficiently than by using manual guidelines .
  • the life cycle data further comprises data concerning at least one of :
  • This data may be determined at an initialization phase, which is known as fitting and which is used for adapting the hearing device to the individual hearing or wearing characteristics of the user. This is advantageous for hearing devices, because these characteristics are very specific to the individual user. Therefore, this additional data enables to provide a decision support for a wide range of different users.
  • the data concerning the production may be obtained during production and may automatically be stored in the hearing device.
  • This information may include: place, date and time of production, batch information, date of all tests, results of all tests. This information is also useful for a statistical analysis.
  • the data concerning order processing and/or accounting may include accounting data such as BillTo, ShipTo, PayTo,
  • the audiologist may send the hearing device to the service center without enclosing any- additional information such as paper forms or
  • the life cycle data comprises at least one of the following sections:
  • a production section in particular comprising data concerning production date and/or batch information
  • a user section in particular comprising data concerning a last complaint, a wish list or an address
  • the invention proposes a hearing device comprising an interface for operationally connecting the hearing device to a diagnostic device, the hearing device further comprising a processing unit for processing data to be transferred from the hearing device via the interface to the diagnostic device.
  • the processing unit is configured to provide the data to be transferred as life cycle data comprising a set of at least one parameter that relates to the lifetime of the hearing device or of a component thereof.
  • the hearing device comprises a housing, an input transducer such as a microphone, a processing unit, an output transducer such as a loudspeaker.
  • the input and output transducers convert an acoustical input signal to an electrical signal or vice versa and can be implemented by a great variety of devices.
  • the transducers are sound transducers such as microphones or loudspeakers, which may be based on electromagnetic, electrodynamic, electrostatic, piezoelectric or piezoresistive technology.
  • the input transducer can also embraces remote devices such as remote microphones, stationary or mobile telephones, which receive and convert an acoustical input signal remotely and transmit the converted signal to the
  • the output transducer may also convert the intermediate signal into a mechanical signal such as mechanical vibrations.
  • the mechanical signal may then be applied directly to the hearing bone of the user. It may also be possible to convert the electrical signal into a further electrical signal that is applied directly to the acoustic organ of the user, e.g. by using a cochlear implant.
  • the processing unit is implemented by a digital component such as a DSP (Digital Signal Processor) or a digital filter.
  • a digital component such as a DSP (Digital Signal Processor) or a digital filter.
  • analog components may also be used.
  • the processing unit may be a programmable unit, for example a microprocessor or a FPGA, but it could also be implemented by using fixed wired circuits, for example discrete electronic components or ASICs (application specific integrated circuit) .
  • the hearing device comprises a memory unit for storing the life cycle data, the memory unit being operationally connectable via the interface to the diagnostic device.
  • This memory unit provides for a flexible updating of the life cycle data during operation.
  • the memory is nonvolatile to prevent a loss of the stored life cycle data in the case of a power supply disruption.
  • the hearing device comprises:
  • an input interface being operationally connectable to a data input device for receiving the life cycle data
  • the input interface is identical to the interface that is used for transferring the data from the hearing device to the diagnostic device.
  • the processing unit is configured to perform a test of the hearing device and to provide at least part of the life cycle data. In a further embodiment of the hearing device according to the invention, the processing unit is configured to provide diagnostic information. This reduces the dependency of the diagnostic method from a processing that is specific to a particular type of diagnostic device or diagnostic program.
  • the hearing device according to the invention comprises a counter, in particular a clock, for determining the lifetime by counting cycles, in
  • the hearing device according to the invention is a hearing-aid, a hearing protection device or a communication device.
  • the invention proposes a hearing system that comprises several constituents, which are operationally connectable and which may be located at different places. Typically, said constituents are meant to be worn or carried by the user.
  • the constituents of the hearing system can be constituents for the left or the right ear of the user, a remote control, a remote input transducer or a remote output transducer.
  • the invention proposes a diagnostic device comprising an interface for operationally connecting a hearing device to the diagnostic device for receiving data via the interface from the hearing device, the diagnostic device further comprising a processing unit for processing the data according to a diagnostic program to provide diagnostic information and an output unit for providing the diagnostic information as a decision support for a
  • the processing unit is configured to process the data to be received as life cycle data comprising a set of at least one parameter that relates to the lifetime of the hearing device or of a component thereof.
  • the invention proposes a data input device comprising an interface for operationally connecting a hearing device to the data input device, the data input device further comprising a processing unit for processing data to be transferred from the data input device via the interface to the hearing device.
  • the processing unit is configured to provide the data to be transferred as life cycle data comprising a set of at least one parameter that relates to the lifetime of the hearing device or of a component thereof.
  • the data input device is combined with a diagnostic device in order to provide a single compact device.
  • Fig. 1 a simplified block diagram illustrating an
  • Fig. 2 a diagram illustrating an embodiment of the
  • Fig. 3 a flow chart illustrating an embodiment of the method according to the invention, defining maintenance actions at an audiologist practice AU, a service center SC and an operating center
  • Fig. 1 shows a simplified block diagram illustrating an embodiment of a hearing device according the invention.
  • the hearing device 10 comprises a housing 11, a microphone 12 being an input transducer, a processing unit 14 such as a microprocessor, a sound transducer 16 being an output transducer, e.g. a loudspeaker, a memory unit 18 being a data storage means and a pluggable connector 15 that serves as interface for connecting the processing unit 14 to a data input device or to a diagnostic device.
  • the processing unit 14 is connected on its input side to the microphone 12 for receiving an electrical signal and on its output side to the sound transducer 16 for providing an electrical output signal as an intermediate signal. Further, in order to exchange data, the processing unit 14 is connected to the connector 15 as well as to the memory unit 18.
  • the microphone 12 provides an electrical signal that corresponds to an acoustical input signal.
  • the processing unit 14 receives this electrical signal and processes it according to a processing program to provide the intermediate signal.
  • the sound transducer 16 receives the intermediate signal and provides a sound signal to the user of the hearing device 10, wherein this sound signal is an output signal that corresponds to the intermediate signal.
  • Memory unit 18 serves to store life cycle data LD of the components of the hearing device 10, wherein this life cycle data LD can be accessed via the processing unit 14 for writing and reading.
  • the life cycle data LD comprises a set of two parameters [PI, P2], the first parameter PI relating to the lifetime of the
  • the first parameter PI comprises a first part Pl.l for indicating an actual operational time of the microphone 12, a second part PI.2 for indicating an expected lifetime of the microphone 12 and a third part PI.3 concerning a maintenance data for the microphone 12.
  • the second parameter P2 comprises a first part P2.1, a second part P2.2 and a third part P2.3 for indicating the actual operational time, the expected lifetime and the maintenance data for the housing 11, respectively.
  • each of the parameters PI and P2 is indicative of a component lifetime.
  • the life cycle data LD may comprise a complex set of data with numerous parameters .
  • Fig. 2 shows a diagram illustrating an embodiment of the method according to the invention with a data input device 30, a diagnostic device 40 and a hearing device 10
  • the hearing device 10 is plugged into the input device 30 via the connector 15.
  • the data input device 30 is located at a first location, for example at an audiologist' s practice.
  • life cycle data LD as described in Fig. 1 is transferred from the input device 30 to the hearing device 10 and stored in the memory unit 18.
  • the life cycle data LD may comprise updated values for the expected lifetime or a maintenance request.
  • the audiologist may have observed a deformation of the housing 11 (referring to Fig. 1) and may have used the keyboard of the data input device 30 to type-in the corresponding information, which is then transferred to the hearing device 10 and written into the memory unit 18.
  • the transferring of life cycle data LD is terminated and the hearing device 10 is unplugged from the data input device 30.
  • the hearing device is sent to a service center SC, e. g. by a postal service.
  • the hearing device 10 is connected to the diagnostic device 40, being located at the service center SC. As illustrated in Fig. 2 by the solid line, this is accomplished by plugging the hearing device 10 into the diagnostic device 40 via the connector 15.
  • the exchange of data is initiated and the life cycle data LD is read from the memory unit 18 of the hearing device 10 and transferred to the diagnostic device 40.
  • the life cycle data LD may comprise updated values of the actual operating time, in particular the accumulated operating time of the microphone 12 or and the housing 11 (referring to Fig. 1) .
  • a diagnostic program 42 being executed on the diagnostic device 40 processes the received life cycle data LD. This program 42 takes into consideration the received
  • the diagnose device 40 may indicate, that a repair of the deformation of the housing is not advisable, because the life cycle of the housing is close to an end.
  • the diagnose program may propose to replace the housing 11 and may further indicate that the microphone 12 should be replaced at the same time, because the microphone 12 is reaching its end of life.
  • the diagnostic information DI is used as a decision support for a maintenance action of the hearing device 10, in this case a replacement of the housing 11 as well as the microphone 12. This has the advantage that a repeated sending of the hearing device 10 to the service center within a short period of time can be avoided.
  • the life cycle data LD can alternatively be transferred from the input device 30 to the diagnose device 40 by means of a data label such as a bar code. This may be a useful option in case of a hearing device 10 being heavily defective such that its memory unit 18 is inaccessible.
  • constituents of the shown embodiments are at least in part merely functional units, which of course can be arranged in various ways, e.g., two or more of them can be united in one physical unit, or one or more of them can be distributed over two or more
  • Fig. 3 shows a flow chart illustrating an embodiment of the method according to the invention.
  • the method uses a hearing device according to the invention that comprises a memory unit for storing life cycle data.
  • the flow chart defines maintenance actions at different locations, namely at an audiologist practice AU, at a service center SC and a operating center OC. Each of the locations uses a
  • diagnostic device which may also be used as an input device.
  • the operating center OC has access to a central resources planning system (ERP) .
  • ERP central resources planning system
  • the audiologist and the persons working at the service center SC and the operating center OC use the diagnostic device as a decision support for a suitable maintenance action of the hearing device.
  • the diagnostic device provides diagnostic information that defines a course of maintenance actions and in particular a set of condition based on response activities.
  • This embodiment shows a course of maintenance actions with reference to the numbering of the blocks depicted in Fig. 3.
  • the course of maintenance actions comprises the
  • AU.l Initiating a maintenance action by connecting the hearing device to the diagnostic device and executing a program, a so called fitting program or fitting application, on the diagnostic device.
  • AU.3 With the fitting program, storing life cycle data in the memory unit of the hearing device, including data relating to the reason for a repair, a remark or a return.
  • hearing device including a time stamp.
  • SC.6 Determining whether the hearing device has been repaired or refurbished.
  • SC.8 Sending the hearing device to the audiologist practice AU.
  • AU.5 At the audiologist practice AU, connecting the hearing device to the diagnostic device and executing the fitting program.
  • AU.7 Terminating the activities, if the hearing device is a refurbished device.
  • AU.8 Communicating information concerning the repair from the audiologist to the user and terminating the activities.
  • SC.ll Storing data concerning the action taken at the service center SC as well as the place of the first service center SC and sending the hearing device to the second operating center OC.
  • SC.12 At the first service center SC, obtaining a refurbished hearing device from stock and
  • OC.l At the operating center OC, receiving the hearing device and reading out the life cycle data, in particular the reason for repair, and storing the data in an enterprise resources planning system (ERP) .
  • ERP enterprise resources planning system
  • OC.2 Checking how often the hearing device has already been repaired or refurbished.
  • OC.5 Repairing or refurbishing the hearing device.
  • OC.6 Increasing the repair or refurbishing counter and marking the hearing device as refurbished.
  • OC.7 Sending the hearing device to the service center

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Abstract

The present invention is related to a diagnostic method for a hearing device (10), to a hearing device (10) and to further devices that are operable according to said method. The invention proposes a diagnostic method comprising the steps of: - providing life cycle data (LD) comprising a set of at least one parameter that relates to the lifetime of the hearing device (10) or a component thereof; - processing the life cycle data (LD) to provide a diagnostic information (DI); - providing the diagnostic information (DI) as a decision support for a maintenance action of the hearing device (10).

Description

DIAGNOSTIC METHOD FOR A HEARING DEVICE AND HEARING DEVICE
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is related to a diagnostic method for a hearing device, to a hearing device and to further devices being operable according to said method such as a diagnostic device.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Hearing devices are usually very reliable. However, sometimes they may degrade or completely stop functioning. In this case, the user of the hearing device usually seeks assistance by a specialist for hearing devices, typically an audiologist. Typically, the audiologist carries out an error diagnostic in order to identify the cause of the problem, for example by visually inspecting the hearing device or by performing acoustical tests. Based on this diagnostic, the audiologist may initiate an appropriate maintenance action to restore the proper functioning of the hearing device.
Usually, the error diagnostic is carried out with the aid of a diagnostic device being located at the audiologist. Thereby, the hearing device is connected to the diagnostic device and computer program, known as diagnostic program, is executed on the diagnostic device for transferring data from the hearing device to the diagnostic device and for analyzing the transferred data. Further, the output of the diagnostic program, i.e. the result of the analysis, is displayed on an output screen of the diagnostic device as diagnostic information. Thus, the diagnostic information may support the audiologist for deciding on the subsequent maintenance action.
In order to come to an appropriate decision, it is highly desirable to have a precise and reliable diagnostic method available .
It is known from the prior art, for example from
EP 1414271 A2, that a diagnostic method may be based on a hardware specification, on user-specific parameters or on a wear state of the hearing device. For example, the
condition of a protective microphone covering, in
particular a degradation of the covering by dirt
depositions, may be determined by monitoring the spectral amplitude distribution of the microphone signal.
Accordingly, based on such diagnostics, the audiologist may decide to immediately replace the covering by himself instead of sending the hearing device to a service center.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention has the objective to propose an improved diagnostic method for a hearing device, an improved hearing device and to further devices that are operable according to said method.
This objective is reached by a method comprising the features specified in claim 1. Further embodiments of the method as well as devices being operable according to said method are specified in the further claims.
The term "user" refers to a person normally wearing the hearing device to improve his acoustical perception. Under the term "hearing device" a device is understood, which is worn in or adjacent to the user's ear with the objective to improve the user's acoustical perception. In particular, the term "hearing device" refers to:
a hearing aid for improving the perception of a hearing impaired user towards the hearing perception of a user with normal hearing ability,
a hearing protection for attenuating or baring acoustic signals from being perceived by the user, or
a communication device, in particular to be used by a user with normal hearing ability, for assisting the hearing perception under difficult acoustical
circumstances, for example in a noisy environment.
With respect to any application area, a hearing device may be applied behind the ear, in the ear, completely in the ear canal or may be implanted.
Under a maintenance action any kind of action is
understood, which involves the treatment of a
malfunctioning hearing device. In particular, this term includes any action for at least partly restoring the functionality or appearance of the hearing device as well as a disposal action of the hearing device, for example in the case that the costs of repairing the hearing device are inappropriate in relation to its value.
Maintenance actions are generally well distinguishable according to different levels of complexity:
First level: On the first level, simple maintenance
actions can be directly carried out by the user, for example the changing of batteries.
Second level: The second level involves more complex
maintenance actions, for example the above mentioned cleaning of the protective cover. These actions are typically carried out at the audiologist practice by the audiologist, also called a hearing specialist, a fitter or a dispenser.
Third level: The third level involves even more complex maintenance actions, which typically need elaborate work, special skills, special tools or uncommon spare parts. These actions are referred to as repair actions and are usually carried out by a service center, also called a regional center or a Group Company (GC) . Forth level: The maintenance actions typically carried out at the forth level are too complex for the third level, i.e. the service center. Therefore, these actions are carried over to an operating center (OC) such as a service department of the manufacturing company of the hearing device. Such fourth level actions are referred to as refurbishing actions, also called overhaul actions. After the refurbishing action, the refurbished hearing device is generally placed in stock and provided, on request, to a different user as a second-hand device.
In particular, the invention proposes a diagnostic method for a hearing device, the method comprising the steps of:
- providing life cycle data comprising a set of at least one parameter that relates to the lifetime of the hearing device or of a component thereof;
- processing the life cycle data to provide a diagnostic information;
- providing the diagnostic information as a decision
support for a maintenance action of the hearing device.
With such a set of parameters the proposed diagnostic method provides for improved, in particular precise, effective and well-founded, diagnostics, because the method includes considerations concerning the lifetime of the hearing device or of a component thereof. The lifetime, for example the past operating time or the estimated remaining operating time, is decisive for the organization of user- friendly maintenance actions. By considering the lifetime the proposed diagnostic method provides a sound basis for the decision support and allows proposing an appropriate maintenance action. Thereby, the maintenance action may comprise one or more maintenance steps or tasks, in
particular a series of maintenance steps or tasks.
These improvements are particularly advantageous for hearing devices, because hearing devices generally are highly adapted to user-specific characteristics, for example the hearing characteristics and/or anatomical characteristics of an individual user. Consequently, with the diagnostic method according to the invention, the number of maintenance actions can be reduced significantly. In particular, frequent visits to the audiologist, numerous interruptions of the normal operating time or tedious and time consuming adaptations to replacement devices can be reduced or avoided.
For example, the above mentioned parameter may indicate that the lifetime of certain components exceeds a
predetermined threshold. This allows forecasting that a corresponding number of replacements are likely to be due in the next future. By anticipating such maintenance cases, several replacements may be combined to a single
maintenance action, which may conveniently be scheduled according to the agenda of the user. The method according to the invention has the advantage, that the involved parties have access to detailed and updated information concerning the lifetime of the hearing device. This proves to be surprisingly effective for providing adequate maintenance actions, which are tailored to suit the needs of the user. Thus, the method is
beneficial with respect to efficiency and convenience. The diagnostic information may serve as a decision support for a large number of involved parties, in particular for the user or for professionals such as the audiologist or persons working at the service center or at the operating center. Accordingly, the present invention is versatile useable and beneficial for multiple maintenance levels.
The number of parameters within the set of parameters is expressed by the number n. This set may also be defined as a list or a vector with n elements. In one example, the set of parameters comprises one or more parameters and
consequently, the number n is a natural number equal or greater than 1. In a further example, the set of parameters comprises a plurality of parameters. Therefore, the number n is a natural number equal or greater than 2.
Typically, the step of processing the life cycle data is carried out by a diagnostic program on a diagnostic device. However, in one example, this step is carried out by a processing unit that is part of the hearing device. This decreases the dependency of the diagnostics from a specific type of diagnostic devices or its diagnostic program.
The life cycle data may be checked for consistency against a database. This database may be provided by a further computer infrastructure such as a maintenance organization system or an enterprise resources planning system (ERP) , which in particular, is part of the central ERP system of the manufacturing company of the hearing device. This check for consistency increases the reliability of the life cycle data. This check may be performed by an automatic process in order to reduce or to avoid manual operations.
The method according to the invention is particularly useful at locations, where such a database is not
available. In these cases, it is possible to independently obtain the needed life cycle data, for example by reading the maintenance history on a memory unit. Thus, the life cycle data is available, regardless of the computer
infrastructure in operation and regardless of a data connection to other locations. Therefore, the proposed diagnostic method is a particularly cost-effective and reliable solution. The independence from a further computer infrastructure is particularly useful for hearing devices, because of their adaptation to user-specific characteristics. Consequently, the maintenance organization of these devices involves a high number of regionally distributed locations, such as all kind of different audiologist practices, numerous service centers and operating centers. Therefore, the diagnostic method according to the invention reduces or avoids incompatibility problems. In addition, the life cycle data allows the manufacturing company to carry out a highly reliable analysis for
determining the quality of the hearing device. This
analysis is useful for designing hearing devices with lower production costs and higher reliability. Because of the independency from a central database, the analysis may be carried out even in the case that numerous incompatible computer systems are involved.
Further, the life cycle data may be used for a statistical analysis, for example for determining the expected lifetime of a component of the hearing device. This is particularly helpful for the manufacturing company to define
predetermined lifetime of that component. Further, the statistical analysis may help to improve the lifetime of the hearing device, for example by altering the design of error-prone components. The life cycle data, in particular the test results of a self testing, may be useful to determine the quality of the hearing device. The life cycle data may also be kept for further analysis beyond the lifetime of the hearing device.
The diagnostic method according to the invention has an impact on the design of many other systems and subsystems. In particular, the following systems may benefit directly: - programs known as fitting programs, which are used by the audiologist for determining data related to the
individual hearing characteristics of the user and for writing this data into the hearing device,
- computer systems in service centers or operating centers,
- configuring and testing systems in repair processes,
- configuring and testing systems in refurbishing
processes ,
- statistical analysis systems.
In a further embodiment of the method according to the invention, the at least one parameter is indicative of at least one of:
- an actual operating time,
- an estimated lifetime,
- a predetermined lifetime,
- a ratio between an actual operating time and an expected lifetime,
- maintenance data, in particular data concerning a repair action or a refurbishing action.
All these quantities relate to the lifetime of the hearing device or a component thereof. In particular, data
concerning the lifetime or the maintenance of a particular component indicates that the lifetime of this component has been changed, either by a replacement of an old component by a new one or by restoring the functioning of an existing component. In any case, such a component enters a new cycle of operation, which consequently has a direct impact on the lifetime of this component. Such a parameter allows for a decision support that it is based on measurements and/or comprehensible data.
Therefore, many lifetime related questions can easily be answered, for example: Is a component of the hearing device new or repaired? Is the hearing device new, repaired or refurbished? How many times has the hearing device been sent in for repair? In case of a repair, what has been replaced?
The parameters may constantly be updated during the normal operation of the hearing device. An initial set of
parameters, in particular parameters relating to the estimated lifetime, may also be configured during the manufacturing process of the hearing device at the
manufacturing company.
In a further embodiment, the method according to the invention further comprises the step of transferring the life cycle data or the diagnostic information from the hearing device and/or from a data storage means to a diagnostic device. This way, the life cycle data can efficiently be processed with increased processing power as well as with a corresponding diagnosis program or a fitting program being executed on the diagnostic device. The diagnostic device is usually located at locations such as the audiologist practice, the service center or the operating center. The diagnostic device may directly read the life cycle data from the data storage means via a data connection. Therefore such a transfer prevents media discontinues at these locations and consequently avoids error prone, cost and time consuming re-entering of data.
In an example, the diagnostic device is identical to the computer system that executes the fitting program. In another example the diagnostic program is an integrated part of the fitting program or vice versa. Thus, the life cycle data may be transferred together with the user- specific hearing data such as fitting parameters.
In a further embodiment of the method according to the invention, the data storage means is a memory unit being part of the hearing device, or a label, in particular comprising a bar code.
The life cycle data can be saved in the hearing device with very low requirements for storage space. For example, a slow memory with a low storing capacity may be sufficient. These low requirements are particularly advantageous for hearing devices, which in general dispose of limited resources only.
In case the hearing device is defective to an extent that it is not possible to store the life cycle data on the memory unit of the hearing device, the diagnostic program may offer to print the life cycle data on the label, in particular as a 2D bar code. This label may comprise exactly the same information as would have been stored in the memory unit, including the entire user-specific hearing information. At the service center or at the operating center, the life cycle data may then be read by scanning the label or the 2D bar code.
In a further embodiment, the method according to the invention further comprises the step of providing the life cycle data by at least one of the following steps:
- transferring from a data input device,
- inputting via a manual interface,
- performing a test of the hearing device,
- configuring during the manufacturing.
The life cycle data may be defined by the audiologist by examining the hearing device or by questioning of the user and typing in the obtained information into the data input device. From the data input device the life cycle data is then transferred to the hearing device and/or to a data storage means. Usually, the data input device is a part of the diagnosis devise or identical to the latter. Also the diagnose program or the fitting program may include a function that allows writing life cycle data to the hearing device . Further, the life cycle data may be updated or fine tuned in a later phase, for example by performing a test during or after an initialization phase or test phase. The test may also provide an error code that may be communicated to the service center or to the operating center for assisting the organization of the maintenance actions.
In a further embodiment, the method according to the invention further comprises the step of determining the lifetime by time measurements and/or counting of cycles, in particular being clock signal cycles, machine cycles, use cycles or maintenance cycles such as repair or refurbishing cycles . In a further embodiment of the method according to the invention, the life cycle data is transferred via a
wireless interface or via a wired interface, in particular being a pluggable connector. This way, the life cycle data is directly available for further processing on a computer system that receives the data subsequently to the transfer, for example on the hearing device or on the diagnostic device. In particular, life cycle data may be transferred via an optical interface, for example by scanning a label or bar code. Hence, this form of data transfer enables efficient data processing and avoids an error prone, costly and time consuming re-entering of data from a data
transportation media into a data processing system, e.g. the retyping of data from an order form. The interface may also be an optical interface such as beam of a scanner or an infrared connection.
In a further embodiment of the method according to the invention, the at least one parameter is indicative of at least one of:
- a maintenance history,
- a maintenance condition,
- a maintenance forecast,
- a maintenance request.
This is particularly advantageous for organization of the maintenance actions because such a parameter allows for recalling maintenance actions of the past, the so called maintenance history and/or for assessing the present situation and/or for anticipating upcoming maintenance actions. For example, during a repair of the housing of the hearing device, the diagnostic information may indicate that the microphone will soon reach its end-of-life state and therefore it is advantageous to replace the microphone as well. Thus, this type of diagnostic information is beneficial with respect to efficiency and convenience.
The method according to the invention has the further advantage that the maintenance request is stored in the storage device. Thus, there is no need for the audiologist to fill in an order form. At the service center the request may be read from the storage device and the corresponding data is directly available for further processing. This is particular advantages in case multiple service locations such as a service center and an operating center are involved in the processing of the request.
A maintenance request may be initiated on request of the audiologist. On suspicion that the hearing device is not working correctly, the audiologist may carry out the diagnostic method according to the invention for receiving the diagnostic information. Upon this information the audiologist may send the maintenance request to the service center. In another case, a service request may be issued on request of the user, which may ask for an anatomical adaption of the hearing device, also called remake, because the hearing device does not fit mechanically into his ear. The diagnostic method according to the invention may also assist the audiologist to correctly write a maintenance request, including shipping information to the appropriate service center. For example, the method helps to reduce the effort to gather complete and correct information from the user, e. g. the reason for return, and reduces the risk of faulty data inputs. In a similar way, the method also improves the processing of a maintenance request that has been issued by the service center and that is directed to the operating center, for example a request for a
refurbishing action.
In a further embodiment of the previous embodiment, the maintenance history depends on at least one of:
- an accumulated operating time, - a number of accumulated maintenance actions,
- a number of accumulated error occurrences,
- a date of an earlier maintenance action.
In a further embodiment of the method according to the invention, the diagnostic information concerns at least one of:
- a maintenance action to be carried out by a service
center,
- a repair action,
- a maintenance action to be carried out by an operating center,
- a refurbishing action.
These maintenance actions belong to the above mentioned third and forth maintenance level and involve actions of increased complexity. For these maintenance levels the life cycle data is particularly useful, mainly with respect to effectiveness and efficiency.
The life cycle data may be updated after the repair action or the refurbishing action of the hearing device. This avoids storing of stale data, which is useful for a
statistical analysis of the life cycle data.
In a further embodiment of the previous embodiment, the diagnostic information defines a course of maintenance actions, in particular a set of condition based response activities. This way, the maintenance actions can be organized efficiently, in particular by dividing the maintenance organization according to different maintenance levels . For example, at the service center, the diagnostic
information may help to answer questions such as: Is it possible to repair the hearing device or is a replacement needed with a refurbished hearing device? In case the hearing device is shipped from the service center to the operating center, the life cycle data may be read and processed for determining the maintenance history, in particular the number of refurbishing cycles. Thus, the provided diagnostic information may help to answer
questions such as: Is it economical to refurbish the hearing device or should it be disposed?
Accordingly, the diagnostic information provides a target- oriented guidance through appropriate maintenance actions, in particular the organization of the maintenance actions at the service center or at the operating center. This may be accomplished more efficiently than by using manual guidelines .
In a further embodiment of the previous embodiment, the life cycle data further comprises data concerning at least one of :
- the individual hearing characteristics of the user,
- the individual wearing characteristics of the user, - the production of the hearing device,
- order processing,
- accounting.
This is useful for a comprehensive diagnostic and decision support for providing an individually adapted and efficient maintenance service.
This data may be determined at an initialization phase, which is known as fitting and which is used for adapting the hearing device to the individual hearing or wearing characteristics of the user. This is advantageous for hearing devices, because these characteristics are very specific to the individual user. Therefore, this additional data enables to provide a decision support for a wide range of different users.
The data concerning the production may be obtained during production and may automatically be stored in the hearing device. This information may include: place, date and time of production, batch information, date of all tests, results of all tests. This information is also useful for a statistical analysis.
The data concerning order processing and/or accounting may include accounting data such as BillTo, ShipTo, PayTo,
DropShip, address, reason for sending the hearing device, expected return date, request for expedited processing, warranty situation. Therefore, the audiologist may send the hearing device to the service center without enclosing any- additional information such as paper forms or
electronically stored data.
In a further example, the life cycle data comprises at least one of the following sections:
- a production section, in particular comprising data concerning production date and/or batch information,
- a customization section,
- a user section, in particular comprising data concerning a last complaint, a wish list or an address,
- a process section, in particular comprising data
concerning a reason for repair, a defect description, a warranty, a repair counter, a repair location, repair parts, the last process step, the next process step or last test results.
This is advantageous for a decision support that considers various groups of aspects in order to provide a good overall diagnostic.
In particular, the invention proposes a hearing device comprising an interface for operationally connecting the hearing device to a diagnostic device, the hearing device further comprising a processing unit for processing data to be transferred from the hearing device via the interface to the diagnostic device. Thereby the processing unit is configured to provide the data to be transferred as life cycle data comprising a set of at least one parameter that relates to the lifetime of the hearing device or of a component thereof.
Typically, the hearing device comprises a housing, an input transducer such as a microphone, a processing unit, an output transducer such as a loudspeaker. The input and output transducers convert an acoustical input signal to an electrical signal or vice versa and can be implemented by a great variety of devices. Typically, the transducers are sound transducers such as microphones or loudspeakers, which may be based on electromagnetic, electrodynamic, electrostatic, piezoelectric or piezoresistive technology. The input transducer can also embraces remote devices such as remote microphones, stationary or mobile telephones, which receive and convert an acoustical input signal remotely and transmit the converted signal to the
processing unit of the hearing device via a wire or
wireless connection. Further, the output transducer may also convert the intermediate signal into a mechanical signal such as mechanical vibrations. The mechanical signal may then be applied directly to the hearing bone of the user. It may also be possible to convert the electrical signal into a further electrical signal that is applied directly to the acoustic organ of the user, e.g. by using a cochlear implant.
Typically, the processing unit is implemented by a digital component such as a DSP (Digital Signal Processor) or a digital filter. However, analog components may also be used. The processing unit may be a programmable unit, for example a microprocessor or a FPGA, but it could also be implemented by using fixed wired circuits, for example discrete electronic components or ASICs (application specific integrated circuit) .
In a further embodiment, the hearing device according to the invention comprises a memory unit for storing the life cycle data, the memory unit being operationally connectable via the interface to the diagnostic device. This memory unit provides for a flexible updating of the life cycle data during operation. In particular, the memory is nonvolatile to prevent a loss of the stored life cycle data in the case of a power supply disruption. In a further embodiment of the previous device embodiments, the hearing device comprises:
- an input interface being operationally connectable to a data input device for receiving the life cycle data,
- a manual interface for inputting the life cycle data. In an example, the input interface is identical to the interface that is used for transferring the data from the hearing device to the diagnostic device.
In a further embodiment of the previous device embodiments, the processing unit is configured to perform a test of the hearing device and to provide at least part of the life cycle data. In a further embodiment of the hearing device according to the invention, the processing unit is configured to provide diagnostic information. This reduces the dependency of the diagnostic method from a processing that is specific to a particular type of diagnostic device or diagnostic program.
In a further embodiment, the hearing device according to the invention comprises a counter, in particular a clock, for determining the lifetime by counting cycles, in
particular being clock signal cycles, machine cycles, use cycles or maintenance cycles such as repair cycles or refurbishing cycles. This allows for a precise and reliable determination of the lifetime.
In a further embodiment, the hearing device according to the invention is a hearing-aid, a hearing protection device or a communication device.
In particular, the invention proposes a hearing system that comprises several constituents, which are operationally connectable and which may be located at different places. Typically, said constituents are meant to be worn or carried by the user. For example, the constituents of the hearing system can be constituents for the left or the right ear of the user, a remote control, a remote input transducer or a remote output transducer. In particular, the invention proposes a diagnostic device comprising an interface for operationally connecting a hearing device to the diagnostic device for receiving data via the interface from the hearing device, the diagnostic device further comprising a processing unit for processing the data according to a diagnostic program to provide diagnostic information and an output unit for providing the diagnostic information as a decision support for a
maintenance action of the hearing device. Thereby, the processing unit is configured to process the data to be received as life cycle data comprising a set of at least one parameter that relates to the lifetime of the hearing device or of a component thereof.
In particular, the invention proposes a data input device comprising an interface for operationally connecting a hearing device to the data input device, the data input device further comprising a processing unit for processing data to be transferred from the data input device via the interface to the hearing device. Thereby, the processing unit is configured to provide the data to be transferred as life cycle data comprising a set of at least one parameter that relates to the lifetime of the hearing device or of a component thereof. In one example, the data input device is combined with a diagnostic device in order to provide a single compact device.
It is expressly pointed out that any combination of the above-mentioned embodiments, or combinations of combinations, is subject to a further combination. Only those combinations are excluded that would result in a contradiction .
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Below, the present invention is described in more detail by means of exemplary embodiments and the included drawings. It is shown in:
Fig. 1 a simplified block diagram illustrating an
embodiment of a hearing device according to the invention with a memory unit 18 for storing life cycle data LD;
Fig. 2 a diagram illustrating an embodiment of the
method according to the invention with a data input device 30, a diagnostic device 40 and a hearing device according to Fig. 1;
Fig. 3 a flow chart illustrating an embodiment of the method according to the invention, defining maintenance actions at an audiologist practice AU, a service center SC and an operating center
OC. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The described embodiments are meant as illustrating
examples and shall not confine the invention.
Fig. 1 shows a simplified block diagram illustrating an embodiment of a hearing device according the invention. The hearing device 10 comprises a housing 11, a microphone 12 being an input transducer, a processing unit 14 such as a microprocessor, a sound transducer 16 being an output transducer, e.g. a loudspeaker, a memory unit 18 being a data storage means and a pluggable connector 15 that serves as interface for connecting the processing unit 14 to a data input device or to a diagnostic device. The processing unit 14 is connected on its input side to the microphone 12 for receiving an electrical signal and on its output side to the sound transducer 16 for providing an electrical output signal as an intermediate signal. Further, in order to exchange data, the processing unit 14 is connected to the connector 15 as well as to the memory unit 18.
All connections may also be operationally connected to the processing unit 14, wherein the term "operationally
connected" is understood in the meaning that the operation of a second device being connected to a first device is depending on the operation of this first device, even with the presence of one or more interconnecting devices.
In normal operation of the hearing device 10 the microphone 12 provides an electrical signal that corresponds to an acoustical input signal. The processing unit 14 receives this electrical signal and processes it according to a processing program to provide the intermediate signal. The sound transducer 16 receives the intermediate signal and provides a sound signal to the user of the hearing device 10, wherein this sound signal is an output signal that corresponds to the intermediate signal.
Memory unit 18 serves to store life cycle data LD of the components of the hearing device 10, wherein this life cycle data LD can be accessed via the processing unit 14 for writing and reading. In this example, the life cycle data LD comprises a set of two parameters [PI, P2], the first parameter PI relating to the lifetime of the
microphone 12 and the second parameter P2 relating to the lifetime of the housing 11. Further, the first parameter PI comprises a first part Pl.l for indicating an actual operational time of the microphone 12, a second part PI.2 for indicating an expected lifetime of the microphone 12 and a third part PI.3 concerning a maintenance data for the microphone 12. Similarly, the second parameter P2 comprises a first part P2.1, a second part P2.2 and a third part P2.3 for indicating the actual operational time, the expected lifetime and the maintenance data for the housing 11, respectively. Thus, each of the parameters PI and P2 is indicative of a component lifetime. In another example, the life cycle data LD may comprise a complex set of data with numerous parameters . Fig. 2 shows a diagram illustrating an embodiment of the method according to the invention with a data input device 30, a diagnostic device 40 and a hearing device 10
according to Fig. 1.
In a first step as indicated in Fig. 2 by the dashed line, the hearing device 10 is plugged into the input device 30 via the connector 15. The data input device 30 is located at a first location, for example at an audiologist' s practice. In the following, life cycle data LD as described in Fig. 1 is transferred from the input device 30 to the hearing device 10 and stored in the memory unit 18. The life cycle data LD may comprise updated values for the expected lifetime or a maintenance request. For example the audiologist may have observed a deformation of the housing 11 (referring to Fig. 1) and may have used the keyboard of the data input device 30 to type-in the corresponding information, which is then transferred to the hearing device 10 and written into the memory unit 18.
In a next step, the transferring of life cycle data LD is terminated and the hearing device 10 is unplugged from the data input device 30. In the following step, as indicated in Fig. 2 by the dotted line, the hearing device is sent to a service center SC, e. g. by a postal service.
In a further step, the hearing device 10 is connected to the diagnostic device 40, being located at the service center SC. As illustrated in Fig. 2 by the solid line, this is accomplished by plugging the hearing device 10 into the diagnostic device 40 via the connector 15. In the
following, the exchange of data is initiated and the life cycle data LD is read from the memory unit 18 of the hearing device 10 and transferred to the diagnostic device 40. In addition to the above mentioned data, the life cycle data LD may comprise updated values of the actual operating time, in particular the accumulated operating time of the microphone 12 or and the housing 11 (referring to Fig. 1) .
A diagnostic program 42 being executed on the diagnostic device 40 processes the received life cycle data LD. This program 42 takes into consideration the received
information and provides a diagnostic information DI to the person that operates the diagnose device 40, e.g. by displaying figures, symbols or text on a display device such as a LCD screen. For example, the diagnose device 40 may indicate, that a repair of the deformation of the housing is not advisable, because the life cycle of the housing is close to an end. The diagnose program may propose to replace the housing 11 and may further indicate that the microphone 12 should be replaced at the same time, because the microphone 12 is reaching its end of life.
Thus, the diagnostic information DI is used as a decision support for a maintenance action of the hearing device 10, in this case a replacement of the housing 11 as well as the microphone 12. This has the advantage that a repeated sending of the hearing device 10 to the service center within a short period of time can be avoided.
As indicated in Fig. 2 by the dashed line, the life cycle data LD can alternatively be transferred from the input device 30 to the diagnose device 40 by means of a data label such as a bar code. This may be a useful option in case of a hearing device 10 being heavily defective such that its memory unit 18 is inaccessible.
It is readily understood that the constituents of the shown embodiments are at least in part merely functional units, which of course can be arranged in various ways, e.g., two or more of them can be united in one physical unit, or one or more of them can be distributed over two or more
physical units. Further, many of these functions may be implemented in form of software, e.g. as a program that is executable on a processor such as a signal processor or a microprocessor .
Fig. 3 shows a flow chart illustrating an embodiment of the method according to the invention. The method uses a hearing device according to the invention that comprises a memory unit for storing life cycle data. The flow chart defines maintenance actions at different locations, namely at an audiologist practice AU, at a service center SC and a operating center OC. Each of the locations uses a
diagnostic device, which may also be used as an input device. Further, the operating center OC has access to a central resources planning system (ERP) .
Usually, the audiologist and the persons working at the service center SC and the operating center OC use the diagnostic device as a decision support for a suitable maintenance action of the hearing device. Thereby, the diagnostic device provides diagnostic information that defines a course of maintenance actions and in particular a set of condition based on response activities.
This embodiment shows a course of maintenance actions with reference to the numbering of the blocks depicted in Fig. 3. The course of maintenance actions comprises the
following steps:
AU.l: Initiating a maintenance action by connecting the hearing device to the diagnostic device and executing a program, a so called fitting program or fitting application, on the diagnostic device.
AU.2: By means of the fitting program asking the
audiologist, whether to send the hearing device to the service center SC for a repair, a return or a remake.
AU.3: With the fitting program, storing life cycle data in the memory unit of the hearing device, including data relating to the reason for a repair, a remark or a return.
Sending the hearing device to a service center SC.
Reading out the life cycle data from the hearing device and storing the life cycle data in the local data base.
Storing the life cycle data into a device status read-out at the service center SC, including a time stamp.
Based on the life cycle data, in particular an error counter and a repair counter, deciding whether the hearing device can be repaired at service center SC and proceeding to step SC.9, i a repair is not possible.
SC.4: Repairing the hearing device.
SC.5: Storing data relating to the repair into the
hearing device, including a time stamp.
SC.6: Determining whether the hearing device has been repaired or refurbished.
SC.7a/b: If the hearing device has been repaired or
refurbished, testing the hearing device according to a full test, otherwise according to a
simplified test.
SC.8: Sending the hearing device to the audiologist practice AU.
AU.5: At the audiologist practice AU, connecting the hearing device to the diagnostic device and executing the fitting program.
AU.6: With the fitting program reading out the life
cycle data from the hearing device.
AU.7: Terminating the activities, if the hearing device is a refurbished device.
AU.8: Communicating information concerning the repair from the audiologist to the user and terminating the activities.
SC.9/10: If the value of the repair counter exceeds a
predetermined limit, disposing the hearing device and terminating the flow. SC.ll: Storing data concerning the action taken at the service center SC as well as the place of the first service center SC and sending the hearing device to the second operating center OC. SC.12: At the first service center SC, obtaining a refurbished hearing device from stock and
proceeding to step SC.6.
OC.l: At the operating center OC, receiving the hearing device and reading out the life cycle data, in particular the reason for repair, and storing the data in an enterprise resources planning system (ERP) .
OC.2: Checking how often the hearing device has already been repaired or refurbished.
OC.3/4: If a repair or a refurbishing is needed too
often, disposing the hearing device and terminating the flow.
OC.5: Repairing or refurbishing the hearing device. OC.6: Increasing the repair or refurbishing counter and marking the hearing device as refurbished.
OC.7: Sending the hearing device to the service center
SC and proceeding with step SC.12.

Claims

1. A diagnostic method for a hearing device (10), the
method comprising the steps of:
- providing life cycle data (LD) comprising a set of at least one parameter ([Ρΐ,.,,Ρη]) that relates to the lifetime of the hearing device (10) or a component thereof;
- processing the life cycle data (LD) to provide a diagnostic information (DI);
- providing the diagnostic information (DI) as a
decision support for a maintenance action of the hearing device (10) .
2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the at least one parameter (Ρΐ,.,,Ρη) is indicative of at least one of:
- an actual operating time,
- an estimated lifetime,
- a predetermined lifetime, - a ratio between an actual operating time and an expected lifetime,
- maintenance data.
3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, further
comprising the step of transferring the life cycle data (LD) or the diagnostic information (DI) from the hearing device (10) and/or from a data storage means
(18; 20) to a diagnostic device (40).
The method according to any one of the claims 1 to wherein the data storage means (18; 20) is a memory unit (18) being part of the hearing device (10), or label (20), in particular comprising a bar code.
5. The method according to any one of the claims 1 to 4, further comprising the step of providing the life cycle data (LD) by at least one of the following steps:
- transferring from a data input device (30),
- inputting via a manual interface,
- performing a test of the hearing device (10),
- configuring during the manufacturing.
The method according to any one of the claims 1 to 5, further comprising the step of determining the lifetime by time measurements and/or counting cycles, in
particular being clock signal cycles, machine cycles, use cycles or maintenance cycles such as repair cycles or refurbishing cycles.
The method according to any one of the claims 1 to 6, further comprising the step of transferring the life cycle data (LD) via a wireless interface or via a wire interface, in particular being a pluggable connector (15) .
8. The method according to any one of the claims 1 to 7, wherein the at least one parameter (Pl,..,Pn) is indicative of at least one of:
- a maintenance history,
- a maintenance condition,
- a maintenance forecast,
- a maintenance request .
9. The method according to claim 8, wherein the maintenance history depends on at least one of:
- an accumulated operating time,
- a number of accumulated maintenance actions,
- a number of accumulated error occurrences,
- a date of an earlier maintenance action.
10. The method according to any one of the claims 1 to 9, the diagnostic information (DI) concerning at least one of:
- a maintenance action to be carried out by a service center,
- a repair action,
- a maintenance action to be carried out by an
operating center,
- a refurbishing action.
11. The method according to any one of the claims 1 to 10, wherein the diagnostic information (DI) defines a course of maintenance actions, in particular a set of condition based response activities.
The method according to any one of the claims 1 to 1 the life cycle data (LD) further comprising data concerning at least one of:
- the individual hearing characteristics of the user
- the individual wearing characteristics of the user
- the production of the hearing device (10),
- order processing,
- accounting.
13. A hearing device (10), comprising an interface (15) for operationally connecting the hearing device (10) to a diagnostic device (40), the hearing device (10) further comprising a processing unit (14) for processing data to be transferred from the hearing device (10) via the interface (15) to the diagnostic device (40) ,
characterized in that
the processing unit (14) is configured to provide the data to be transferred as life cycle data (LD)
comprising a set of at least one parameter ([Pl,..,Pn]) that relates to the lifetime of the hearing device (10) or of a component thereof.
14. A hearing device (10) according to claim 13, comprising a memory unit (18) for storing the life cycle data
(LD) , the memory unit (18) being operationally
connectable via the interface (15) to the diagnostic device (40) .
15. The hearing device (10) according to claim 13 or 14, the processing unit (14) being configured to perform a test of the hearing device (10) and to provide at least part of the life cycle data (LD) .
16. The hearing device (10) according to any one of claims 13 to 15, comprising a counter, in particular a clock, for determining the lifetime by counting of cycles, in particular being clock signal cycles, machine cycles, use cycles or maintenance cycles such as repair cycles or refurbishing cycles.
17. The hearing device (10) according to any one of the
claims 13 to 16, the processing unit (14) being
configured to provide diagnostic information (DI) .
PCT/EP2011/053373 2011-03-07 2011-03-07 Diagnostic method for a hearing device and hearing device WO2012119639A1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
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Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PCT/EP2011/053373 WO2012119639A1 (en) 2011-03-07 2011-03-07 Diagnostic method for a hearing device and hearing device

Publications (1)

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Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4049930A (en) * 1976-11-08 1977-09-20 Nasa Hearing aid malfunction detection system
EP1414271A2 (en) 2003-03-25 2004-04-28 Phonak Ag Method for recording of information in a hearing aid and such a hearing aid
US20040190739A1 (en) * 2003-03-25 2004-09-30 Herbert Bachler Method to log data in a hearing device as well as a hearing device
WO2006136616A2 (en) * 2006-08-08 2006-12-28 Phonak Ag Methods and apparatuses related to hearing devices, in particular to maintaining hearing devices and to dispensing consumables therefore
EP2012556A1 (en) * 2007-07-06 2009-01-07 Siemens Audiologische Technik GmbH Method and system for exchanging data with a hearing aid

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4049930A (en) * 1976-11-08 1977-09-20 Nasa Hearing aid malfunction detection system
EP1414271A2 (en) 2003-03-25 2004-04-28 Phonak Ag Method for recording of information in a hearing aid and such a hearing aid
US20040190739A1 (en) * 2003-03-25 2004-09-30 Herbert Bachler Method to log data in a hearing device as well as a hearing device
WO2006136616A2 (en) * 2006-08-08 2006-12-28 Phonak Ag Methods and apparatuses related to hearing devices, in particular to maintaining hearing devices and to dispensing consumables therefore
EP2012556A1 (en) * 2007-07-06 2009-01-07 Siemens Audiologische Technik GmbH Method and system for exchanging data with a hearing aid

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