US0079334l9B2
`
`(12) Ulllted States Patent
`Roeck et al.
`
`(10) Patent No.:
`(45) Date of Patent:
`
`US 7,933,419 B2
`Apr. 26, 2011
`
`(54)
`
`IN-SITU-FITTED HEARING DEVICE
`
`(75)
`
`Inventors: Hans-Ue1_iRoeck, Hombsechti1<on(CH>;
`Alfred Stlrnemann, Z01111<0I1 (CH);
`Hans Leysieffer, Meilen (CH)
`
`7,053,132 132 *
`5/3005 K3105 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~ 331/60
`7,242,778 B2*
`7/2007 Csermak et al.
`.............. .. 381/60
`§883,§3}§§§§§ :11 33883, 11:13‘ f“j‘f‘.;....................H 381/60
`2004/0190739 A1
`9/2004 Bachler et al.
`2005/0129262 Al
`6/2005 Dillon et al.
`2005/0259829 A1* 11/2005 Van den Heuvel et a1.
`
`381/60
`
`( * ) Notice:
`
`Subject. to any disclaimer, the term ofthis
`patent is extended or adjusted under 35
`U-SC 154(b) by 1587 days
`
`(21) APP1. No; 11/243,537
`.
`Filed:
`
`Oct. 5, 2005
`
`(22)
`
`(65)
`
`Prior Publication Data
`
`US 2007/0076909 A1
`
`Apr. 5, 2007
`
`(51)
`
`Int. Cl.
`(2005-01)
`H04R 29/00
`(52) U.S. Cl.
`......... .. 381/60; 381/314; 381/320; 381/321
`(58) Field of Classification Search .................. .. 381/60,
`381/312”331
`See 31313119311011 1119 for 00111131919 Search h15101'Y-
`_
`References Cited
`
`(56)
`
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`281/? I 5
`§[0P1<0 10$ 31 I
`1?;
`jag;1s1‘;1 1: *
`
`‘381/31;‘
`1/1991 Mzfiggld
`4:989:251 A *
`5,266,919 A * 11/1993 Cook etal. ............... .. 340/384.7
`5,991,417 A
`11/1999 Tophohn
`.......... .. 381/60
`6,118,877 A *
`9/2000 Lindemann et al.
`gagggaggf, 3;
`15333;
`§,1§g;““~”11~ rrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr as 381/314
`6,674,862 B1
`1/2004 Magilen
`6,826,286 B1 * 11/2004 Arndt C1211.
`6,850,775 B1
`2/2005 Berg
`7,006,646 B1 *
`2/2006 Baechler ..................... .. 381/314
`
`................. .. 381/312
`
`EP
`W0
`WO
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`W0
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`1 A1‘
`1414271 A2
`W0 99/49715
`9948323 A2
`
`4/2004
`7/1999
`9/1999
`
`7/2000
`W0 00/44198
`OTHER PUBLICATIONS
`
`European Office action for 05 021 704.0-2225 dated Jun. 21, 2010.
`.
`.
`* cited by examiner
`
`Primary Examiner — Curtis Kuntz
`Assistant Examiner — Ryan Robinson
`(74) Attorney, Agent, or Firm — Pearne & Gordon LLP
`
`ABSTRACT
`(57)
`The hearing device is operable in a fitting mode and in a
`listening mode and comprises a transducer for receiving, in
`the fitting mode, audio test signals, and for converting the
`audio test signals into signals to be perceived by the user in the
`fitting mode. It comprises a parameter memory means for
`storing parameter settings, Which parameter settings are
`obtained from user input received through a user interface in
`response to.the signals perceived by the user in the fitting
`111000141110 11 001111311505 3 51g11a1P10005501115111$1110P%11a111'
`eter settings for correcting audio signals at least in the listen-
`ing mode, The user interface is compfised in the hearing
`and use hearlng
`campuses
`sgnai
`source, in Which audio signal source the audio test signals are
`5101011 01 g01101a10d~
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`21 Claims, 2 Drawing Sheets
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`P15
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`1.- -_
`audio signals /
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`audio
`signal
`source
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`____________
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` DSP
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`audio test signals
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`guiding speech signals
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`recording
`means
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`HIMPP 1010
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`HIMPP 1010
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`

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`U.S. Patent
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`Apr. 26,2011
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`Sheet 1 of2
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`US 7,933,419 B2
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`user
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`interface
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`audio test signals
`audio
`signa1—fl
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`source
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`guiding speech signals
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`DSP
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`E
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`6
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`recording
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`' . means
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`1
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`14
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`11
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`15
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`U.S. Patent
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`Apr. 26,2011
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`Sheet 2 of2
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`US 7,933,419 B2
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`converting audio test signals stored in the hearing device
`into signals to be perceived by the user
`
`receiving user input via a user interface of the hearing
`device in response to the signals perceived by the user
`
`obtaining parameter settings from the user input, which
`parameter setting are to be used for correcting audio
`signals in the listening mode
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`100
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`110
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`120
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`130
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`storing the parameter settings in the hearing device
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`Fig. 2
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`Gain [dB]
`(REIG)
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`Fig. 3
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`Input [dB]
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`US 7,933,419 B2
`
`1
`IN-SITU-FITTED HEARING DEVICE
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`
`1. Field of the Invention
`
`The invention relates to a hearing device, which can be
`fitted to a user’s hearing preferences, and to a method for
`fitting a hearing device. The hearing device can be a hearing
`aid, worn in or near the ear or implanted, a headphone, an
`earphone, a hearing protection device, a communication
`device or the like.
`
`2. Description of Related Art
`From U.S. Pat. No. 6,668,204 two-channel hearing
`devices, in particular a headphone and a hearing aid, are
`known, which can be adapted to a user’ s hearing preferences
`or hearing imperfections, more particularly to compensate for
`differences between the perception in the left and the right ear.
`The hearing device can be connected to a personal computer,
`which personal computer has a user interface and contains a
`sound source as well as computation means. The user can
`choose a frequency and will thereupon hear an according
`sound from the sound source, downloaded to the hearing
`device. Via the user interface the user can then adjust the
`balance at that frequency until the sound is perceived centered
`between the left and right channels. This can be done for
`different frequencies, and thereafter the user can equalize the
`system to compensate for perceived differences in amplitude
`between different frequencies. After that, compensation coef-
`ficients are obtained by means of the personal computer. The
`compensation coefiicients can be downloaded to the hearing
`device and can be used by a signal processor for providing for
`real-time equalization for each ear, so as to obtain corrected
`analog audio signals according to the user’s hearing prefer-
`ences.
`
`In US 2003/0133578 A1 a hearing aid is presented, which
`can be audio-fitted by the user himself. The user can make
`pairwise comparisons between parameter settings (settings of
`gains, compression ratios, frequency values and the like) by
`toggling between the two different settings, and then choose
`that one setting which provides him with the better listening
`experience. Numerous such pairwise comparisons are neces-
`sary. By means of a genetic algorithm the numerous prefer-
`ences, as derived from the user’s choices, are converged and
`result in a single solution, which is expected to precisely fit
`the user’s hearing needs.
`The fitting procedure disclosed in US 2003/0133578 Al
`requires to store a very large number of finally unused param-
`eter settings. In addition, this fitting procedure is expected to
`take a considerable amount oftime, due to the large number of
`required comparisons.
`
`BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`
`An object of the invention is to provide for a hearing
`device, which can easily be fitted to a user’s needs without or
`largely without additional means.
`Another object of the invention is to provide for a hearing
`device, which can easily be fitted to a user’s needs fully or at
`least in major parts by the user himself.
`Another object of the invention is to provide for a hearing
`device, which can be fitted to a user’s needs without or sub-
`stantially without the help of a professional hearing device
`fitter.
`
`Another object of the invention is to provide for a hearing
`device, which can be fitted to a user’s needs even when no
`personal computer or similar means is available.
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`Another object of the invention is to provide for a hearing
`device, which can be reasonably well fitted to a user’s needs
`within a relatively short period of time.
`Another object of the invention is to provide for a hearing
`device, which can be fitted to a user’s needs, wherein main
`time-consuming steps during the fitting can be performed by
`the user himself.
`
`Another object of the invention is to provide for a hearing
`device, which can be fitted to a user’ s needs without measur-
`ing an audiogram or middle ear reflexes or brainstem
`responses or the like.
`Ano her object of the invention is to provide for a hearing
`device, which can be fitted to a user’s needs and requires only
`little memory space for storing parameter settings.
`Ano her object of the invention is to provide for a hearing
`device, which can be fitted to a user’ s needs and does not have
`to store a large number of finally unused parameter settings.
`Ano her object of the invention is to provide for a method
`for fitti 1g a hearing device to a user’s needs without or largely
`withou additional means.
`
`Ano her object of the invention is to provide for a method
`for fitti 1g a hearing device to a user’ s needs fully or largely by
`the user himself.
`
`Ano her object of the invention is to provide for a method
`for fitting a hearing device to a user’s needs without or sub-
`stantially without the help of a professional hearing device
`fitter.
`
`Ano her object of the invention is to provide for a method
`for fitting a hearing device to a user’s needs even when no
`personal computer or similar means is available
`Ano her object of the invention is to provide for a method
`for fitti 1g a hearing device to a user’ s needs within a relatively
`short period of time.
`Ano her object of the invention is to provide for a method
`for fitting a hearing device to a user’s needs, wherein main
`time-consuming steps during the fitting can be performed by
`the user himself.
`
`Ano her object of the invention is to provide for a method
`for fitti 1g a hearing device to a user’s needs without measur-
`ing an audiogram or middle ear reflexes or brainstem
`responses or the like.
`Ano her object of the invention is to provide for a method
`for fitti 1g a hearing device to a user’s needs while using only
`little memory space for storing parameter settings.
`Ano her object of the invention is to provide for a method
`for fitti 1g a hearing device to a user’ s needs without storing a
`large number of finally rmused parameter settings.
`These objects are achieved by a hearing device and by a
`methoc for fitting a hearing device according to the patent
`claims.
`
`The hearing device is operable in a fitting mode and in a
`listening mode, and the device comprises
`a transducer for receiving, in the fitting mode, audio test
`signals, and for converting the audio test signals into
`signals to be perceived by a user of the hearing device in
`the fitting mode;
`a user interface;
`a parameter memory means for storing parameter settings,
`which parameter settings are obtained from user input
`received through the user interface in response to the
`signals perceived by the user in the fitting mode;
`a signal processor using the parameter settings for correct-
`ing audio signals at least in the listening mode; and
`an audio signal source, in which the audio test signals are
`stored or generated.
`This way a stand-alone fitting (audio-fitting) ofthe hearing
`device can be achieved. The hearing device can be adapted to
`
`

`

`US 7,933,419 B2
`
`3
`the user’ s hearing needs in-situ and without additional means
`like a personal computer or an external module. The hearing
`device can be fitted autonomously by, the user.
`A hearing device can be, e.g., a hearing aid, worn in or near
`the ear or implanted, a headphone, an earphone, a hearing
`protection device, a communication device. The hearing
`device may comprise a remote control, an add-on device like,
`e.g., a radio frequency receiver pluggable onto an ear piece of
`the hearing device, or other associated devices belonging to
`the hearing device.
`The hearing device may comprise means for obtaining
`parameter settings from the user input. This means can, e.g.,
`be an algorithm implemented in a software or in a signal
`processor. This can make the fitting fully independent from
`external software and external devices like personal comput-
`ers. The means contains the rules for obtaining parameter
`settings from the user input. The means for obtaining param-
`eter settings can comprise look-up tables and/or rules for an
`interpolation between pre-programmed parameter settings.
`In one embodiment, the transducer is also used for receiv-
`ing, in the listening mode, audio signals, and for converting
`the audio signals into signals to be perceived by the user in the
`listening mode. This way, the transducer is used in the fitting
`mode as well as in the listening mode, which not only allows
`to design the hearing device more compact, but also improves
`the quality of the fitting, since possible differences between
`one transducer used in the fitting mode and another trans-
`ducer used in the listening mode are intrinsically eliminated.
`In another embodiment, the user interface has controls,
`which are, at least in part, identical with controls of the
`hearing device to be used by the user in the listening mode.
`This allows for a more compact design of the hearing device.
`The hearing device may comprise a remote control or
`another separatable device, and such a device may comprise,
`fully or in part, the user interface. Such a separable device
`may also comprise, fully or in part, the audio signal source
`and/or the parameter memory means.
`In another embodiment,
`the signal processor uses the
`parameter settings for correcting audio signals in the fitting
`mode and in the listening mode. An increased quality of the
`fitting can be achieved if those parameters are used in the
`listening mode, which have been obtained from and used in
`the fitting mode.
`In another embodiment, the parameter settings comprise
`values for gains for at least one or at least two or at least three
`different frequency bands. Gains for different frequency
`bands are often times important parameters, in particular in
`hearing aids. And the influence of such gains can usually be
`reasonably well judged by an average user.
`In another embodiment, the audio test signals comprise
`signals representing sounds known to the user from everyday
`life. Those sounds shall stem from the environment the user
`(or a typical user) lives in. Due to such “natural” (not artifi-
`cial) sounds the user will be able to automatically adapt his
`hearing device in a way that the user will consider the overall
`sound as pleasant. Thus a significant part of a fine-tuning of
`the hearing device is readily achieved. In one embodiment,
`digitally sampled sounds are comprised in the audio test
`signals.
`In another embodiment, the audio test signals comprise
`speech signals. In particular, the speech signals can (also) be
`used for guiding the user in the fitting mode. This way, a
`comfortable guidance of the user during the fitting (prompt-
`ing for user input) can be achieved.
`Oftentimes, the signals to be perceived by the user in the
`fitting mode are acoustical sound. If, for example, the hearing
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`device is (partially) implanted, the signals to be perceived by
`the user in the fitting mode can be electrical signals for stimu-
`lating a nerve.
`Typically, the hearing device, or at least a part of it, is to be
`worn by the user in or near the user’s ear.
`The hearing device may comprise, in addition to an ear
`piece, which is a part of the hearing device to be worn by the
`user in or near the user’s ear, a separable device. Such a
`separable device may be or comprise a remote control.
`In another embodiment, the hearing device comprises a
`means for recording, during the listening mode, user input
`received through controls of the hearing device used in the
`listening mode. This is very advantageous for a further fine-
`tuning of the hearing device, which may be done with an
`external device for evaluating the recorded data, or within the
`hearing device. In one embodiment, the hearing device com-
`prises means for obtaining parameter settings from the user
`input recorded in the listening mode. In that case, an in-situ
`and autonomous fine-tuning of the acoustic properties of the
`hearing device can be performed. The means for obtaining
`parameter settings from the recorded user input can, e.g., be
`programmed such that, if the user of, e.g., a hearing aid has
`repeatedly reduced the volume (using, e.g., a volume dial) in
`some acoustical environments, in which a certain frequency
`band is predominant, the gain for that frequency band will be
`reduced.
`
`The method for fitting a hearing device, which is operable
`in a fitting mode and in a listening mode, comprises, in the
`fitting mode, the steps of
`converting audio test signals stored or generatable in the
`hearing device into signals to be perceived by a user of
`the hearing device;
`receiving user input via a user interface of the hearing
`device in response to the signals perceived by the user;
`obtaining parameter settings from the user input, which
`parameter settings are to be used for correcting audio
`signals in the listening mode; and
`storing the parameter settings in the hearing device.
`In one embodiment, the method comprises furthermore the
`step ofchoosing initial parameter settings, which may include
`at least one initial gain value and at least one initial compres-
`sion value, upon a description of the user’s hearing situation.
`Said initial parameter settings may, e.g., be chosen by
`manipulating at least one control of the user interface during
`a booting process (switching on) of the hearing device. Or
`said hearing devices are available with one of various pre-
`programmed parameter settings (presets), and on the hearing
`device itself or on a hearing device’s package an indication or
`labelling identifying the initial parameter settings is provided,
`e.g., an imprinted “l” or “2” or “3”, wherein, e.g., in the case
`ofa hearing aid, “ l ” could indicate an initial parameter setting
`for a user with light hearing loss, “2” could indicate an initial
`parameter setting for a user with moderate hearing loss, and
`“3” could indicate an initial parameter setting for a user with
`severe hearing loss. Depending on the description of the
`user’s hearing situation, a hearing aid with suitable preset
`initial parameter settings could be chosen. Said description of
`the user’s hearing situation can, e.g., be provided orally or in
`writing by the user, who reports, e.g., in the case of a hearing
`aid, e.g., which kind of everyday-life sounds he perceives
`under which circumstances. And/or said description of the
`user’ s hearing situation can, e.g., be obtained by exposing the
`user (at that time not provided with the hearing device), with
`known acoustic stimuli (e.g., sounds from a musical instru-
`ment, or sounds played to the user via loudspeakers) and
`determine therefrom the user’s hearing situation (degree of a
`
`

`

`US 7,933,419 B2
`
`5
`possible hearing loss, possible problems with high frequen-
`cies, typical hearing situations the user is exposed to, and the
`like).
`In one embodiment, of the method the audio test signals
`comprise at least a first and a second test signal, the spectral
`contents of which, when converted into signals to be per-
`ceived by the user, are substantially representative of a first
`and a second spectral band, respectively, which first and a
`second spectral bands are substantially different,
`i.e., the
`spectral bands do not or only partially (to a small extent)
`overlap. This allows for an efiicient way of finding suitable
`values for gains for different frequency bands.
`In another embodiment, in the fitting mode, firstly
`the first test signal is converted into a first signal to be
`perceived by the user; and
`the user input in response to the first signal comprises
`increasing or decreasing the perceived loudness of the
`first perceived signal;
`and secondly
`the second test signal is converted into a second signal to be
`perceived by the user; and
`the user input in response to the second signal comprises
`increasing or decreasing the perceived loudness of the
`second perceived signal;
`wherein
`
`from the user input in response to the first signal and from
`the user input in response to the second signal at least
`one gain value for the amplification of the first spectral
`band and at least one gain value for the amplification of
`the second spectral band is obtained.
`The increasing or decreasing the perceived loudness of the
`(first and second) perceived signal will usually be accom-
`plished by adjusting the volume control of the user interface
`appropriately.
`It
`is possible to foresee that the user, by
`manipulating a control of the user interface, e.g., pressing a
`switch, acknowledges to the hearing device that the correct
`volume setting is adjusted.
`Advantages of methods correspond to the advantages of
`corresponding hearing devices and vice versa.
`Further embodiments and advantages emerge from the
`dcpcndcnt claims and thc figurcs.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`Below, the invention is illustrated in more detail by means
`of embodiments of the invention and the included drawings.
`The figures show:
`FIG. 1 a schematic diagram of a hearing device;
`FIG. 2 a block diagram of a method to operate a hearing
`device in the fitting mode;
`FIG. 3 Real-Ear Insertion Gain for one frequency band in
`dependence of the input power and its changes with changes
`in the overall volume.
`The reference symbols used in the figures and their mean-
`ing are summarized in the list of reference symbols. Gener-
`ally, alike or alike-functioning parts are given the same or
`similar reference symbols. The described embodiments are
`meant as examples and shall not confine the invention.
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
`
`FIG. 1 shows a schematic diagram of a hearing device 1,
`which is operable in a fitting mode and in a listening mode.
`The hearing device 1 can be considered a hearing aid. The
`listening mode is the normal mode of operation, in which
`incoming sound 5 is received by a microphone 3 of the hear-
`ing device 1, converted into audio signals 7, which can be
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`processed and/or corrected in a usually digital signal proces-
`sor 4 (DSP) and, after amplification (not shown in FIG. 1), be
`converted, by means of a loudspeaker 2, into sound 6 to be
`perceived by a user of the hearing device 1.
`In the fitting mode, parameter settings 17 shall be found,
`which are used in the DSP 4 during the listening mode, so that
`the signal 6 provided to the user is adapted to the user’s
`hearing requirements. Such parameter settings may include,
`but are not limited to, one or more of the group consisting of
`overall amplification gain, gains for different frequency
`bands, compression ratios (at different input levels), expan-
`sion ratios, frequency values like sampling frequencies, filter
`crossover frequencies, time constants, output limiting thresh-
`old values.
`
`The hearing device comprises an audio signal source 8,
`which contains or generates audio test signals 9, which can
`be, optionally after having been processed in the DSP 4, fed
`into the loudspeaker (transducer) 2 in order to generate sig-
`nals 6 to be perceived by the user. Step 100 of the block
`diagram of FIG. 2, which depicts steps performed in the
`fitting mode, illustrates this.
`Upon perceiving the signals 6, the user can respond to that
`by using a user interface 12 of the hearing device 1. In the
`hearing device of FIG. 1 the user interface 12 for use in the
`fitting mode is identical with the user interface, which the user
`uses in the listening mode. The user interface 12 comprises
`controls 13,14, which are identical with a volume wheel 13
`and a program change knob 14. If, e.g., the user perceives the
`sound 6 as too loud or too soft, he can manipulate the volume
`wheel 13 until the sound 6 is perceived in a pleasant volume.
`Step 110 of FIG. 2 depicts this step.
`From the user’s input 11 in response to one or several
`perceived signals 6 parameter settings 17 can be obtained
`through a means 15 for obtaining parameter settings from
`user input. The means 15 can, e.g., be integrated in a control-
`ler 18 of the hearing device 1. Step 120 of FIG. 2 depicts this
`step.
`Parameter settings 17 can be stored in a parameter memory
`means 16 of the hearing device 1. Step 130 of FIG. 2 depicts
`this step. The (new) parameter settings 17 will then be used in
`the DSP 4 in the listening mode and, optionally, also in the
`fitting mode.
`It will usually be sufficient to store one or two parameter
`settings 17 in the hearing device 1. If the hearing device has
`several hearing programs (usually for different incoming sig-
`nals 5), storing one or two parameter settings 17 per hearing
`program in the hearing device will usually be sufficient.
`At least a part of the audio test signals 9 stored in the audio
`signal source 8 can be sounds known to the user from every-
`day life. E.g., a triangle sound, some telephone speech and a
`ship horn could be suitable sounds. In one embodiment, at
`least part of the audio test signals 9 are digitally sampled
`sounds.
`In one embodiment, at least a subset of the audio test
`signals 9 are sounds representative of a specific spectral band
`each, which spectral bands may be partially overlapping or
`subtantially not overlapping. Accordingly, the sounds are
`selected so as to contain sufficient spectral density within the
`appropriate frequency band. The three sounds mentioned
`above can be considered as a set of sounds representative for
`a high frequency band (triangle), a medium frequency band
`(telephone speech) and a low frequency band (ship horn),
`respectively. Their spectral bands are substantially not over-
`lapping with the exception that the low frequency band ofthe
`ship horn partially overlaps with the medium frequency band.
`
`

`

`US 7,933,419 B2
`
`7
`Example for a relatively basic fitting procedure:
`A long press on the program change button 14 may toggle
`between the listening mode and the fitting mode. Upon enter-
`ing the fitting mode, the triangle sound is played to the user
`(possibly repeatedly). The user manipulates the control 13
`(volume wheel) until a comfortable audibility of the sound is
`achieved. Pressing the control 14 (shortly) will change to the
`middle frequency band; the telephone speech sound will be
`played to the user. Again, the user will manipulate the control
`13 (volume wheel) until a comfortable audibility ofthe sound
`is achieved. Another (short) press on the control 14 will
`initiate the same actions for the low frequency band. It may be
`foreseen that nother (short) press on the control 14 leads back
`to the high frequency sound. Finally, a long press on control
`14 can initiate the calculation and storing of the new param-
`eter settings 17, which in that case would at least comprise
`one gain value for each of the three frequency bands repre-
`sented by the three sounds. The listening mode is engaged,
`and the new (improved) parameters are used.
`It is also possible to calculate new parameter settings 17
`immediately after each (short) press on the control 14 and to
`use the new parameter settings 17 from then on (already
`during the fitting).
`In one embodiment, the audio signal source 8 comprises
`guiding speech signals 10, which also is depicted in FIG. 1.
`Such signals may be synthezised or be sound samples of the
`human voice. The guiding speech signals 10 can be used in
`the fitting mode and possibly also in the listening mode. In the
`fitting mode the user will be guided through the fitting pro-
`cedure by instructions given through the guiding speech sig-
`nals 10. E.g., “Please adjust the volume” or “If you want to
`terminate the fitting procedure, press and hold the button” or
`the like.
`
`The guiding speech signals 10 (or a part ofthem) can, at the
`same time, be used as audio test signals 9.
`Another feature is depicted in FIG. 1 in conjunction with
`the items 19 and 20. It is possible to foresee a recording means
`19 in the hearing device 1 for recording, during the listening
`mode, user input received through controls 13,14 of the hear-
`ing device 1 used in the listening mode. I.e., when in listemng
`mode, the user will from time to time, usually depending on
`the acoustical environment in which he is, make manipula-
`tions with controls of the hearing device, which are meant for
`such purposes. E. g., the user will reduce the volume by means
`of the volume wheel 13 when the perceived overall volume is
`too high. Such user input may be recorded constantly, peri-
`odically or upon request, in the recording means 19. Con-
`stantly, periodically or upon request, possibly also with the
`aid of an external computer or similar device, the recorded
`data can be evaluated, and through a means 20 for obtaining
`parameter settings from the user input recorded in the listen-
`ing mode new parameter settings 17 can be obtained.
`For example, the hearing device may record sound situa-
`tions (e.g., in form of amplitude histograms over frequency)
`and the thereby performed volume changes as made by the
`user through the volume control. The recorded information
`may then be used to adapt gain settings or other parameters
`upon tuming on the hearing device or upon changing into a
`certain hearing device program used in a respective sound
`situation.
`
`“Intelligent” changes in parameter settings may be forseen,
`like, e.g., turning on a beamformer for focused reception of
`sound 5 in a speech-in-noise environment instead of increas-
`ing a gain value, when the user repeatedly requests a higher
`volume via the volume wheel in such acoustical situations.
`
`10
`
`15
`
`20
`
`25
`
`30
`
`35
`
`40
`
`45
`
`50
`
`55
`
`60
`
`65
`
`8
`Thus the hearing device may learn froin the actions (ma-
`nipulations of the controls of the hearing device) of the user
`and takes his sound perception in real day-to-day situations
`into account.
`In EP 1 414 271 A2 and US 2004/0190739 A1 it
`
`is
`
`described in great detail, how such information may be
`recorded and evaluated. Therefore, EP 1 414 271 A2 and US
`2004/0190739 A1 are herewith incorporated by reference in
`this application.
`The means 15 and 20 may be identical. One or both of the
`means 15 and 20 may be part of the controller 18. The con-
`troller 18 may be partially or in full be integrated in the DSP
`4. The parameter memory means 16 may partially or in full be
`integrated in the DSP 4 or in the controller 18.
`The incoming signal 5 may be sound 5 or electromagnetic
`waves to be received by the hearing device 1 (e.g., wireless
`headphone, implanted hearing aid with wireless transmitter
`(wireless reception), or hearing aid in the respective mode).
`Before the actual fitting and before the insertion of the
`hearing device 1 or a part of the hearing device 1 into the
`user’s ear (if the hearing device 1 is designed accordingly), it
`is possible to add an inspection step, in which a fundamen-
`tally-educated person inspects the user’ s ear for obstructions.
`Furthermore, it is possible to choose initial parameter set-
`tings, in particular initial gain settings, e.g., according to a
`user’s self-described hearing problem (e.g., light loss, mod-
`erate loss, severe loss) by either choosing from a number of
`hearing devices a hearing device with pre-set parameter set-
`tings for the described hearing problem, which can, e.g. be
`labeled on a packaging ofthe hearing device, or set the param-
`eter settings through a (simple) selection procedure via the
`user interface.
`
`It is possible to use the above-described fitting method (cf.
`FIG. 2) as the only audio-fitting to be done with the hearing
`device. In that case it is possible to use at no stage an addi-
`tional device not belonging to the hearing device during fit-
`ting the hearing device. It is, alternatively, possible to use that
`method as a part of a more extensive fitting. In that case, it is
`possible to add more elaborate fitting steps, which, e.g., may
`make use of software on an external personal computer.
`The use of “natural” sounds (sounds already known to the
`user) not only has the advantage that the user’s acceptance of
`such sounds is great and that the user readily feels comfort-
`able with such sounds (as opposed to sine waves or the like,
`which are often used in fitting procedures). Since such “natu-
`ral” sounds are never extremely narrowband, e.g. sinusoidal,
`a certain interpolation over different frequency bands can
`automatically be achieved. Nevertheless, it is possible to
`interpolate or extrapolate parameter settings for additional
`(e.g., intermediate) frequency bands from the settings for a
`smaller number of actually tested frequency bands like the
`three bands discussed above. Known frequency relationships
`like known partial transfer functions like RECD (real-ear-to-
`coupler difference), MLE (microphone location effect), OEG
`(open ear gain) and others may be incorporated in the deriva-
`tion of gain parameters. An MP0 (maximum power output)
`may initially or generally be set to standard values for unim-
`pairedpersons (e.g., 100 dB) or may be automatically adapted
`according to the user-defined gain settings, or may be set by
`the user either explicitly (upon tests with appropriate test
`audio signals) or implicitly (through evaluation of the user’s
`manipulations of the user interface during listening mode as
`described above).
`Any or a group of the parameters knee-point levels, knee-
`point gains, expansion slopes, compression slopes, maximum
`
`

`

`US 7,933,419 B2
`
`9
`gain settings, maximum output values, and other parameters
`may