US007933419B2
`
`US 7,933,419 B2
`(10) Patent No.:
`a2 United States Patent
`Roecketal.
`(45) Date of Patent:
`Apr. 26, 2011
`
`
`(54)
`
`(75)
`
`IN-SITU-FITTED HEARING DEVICE
`4
`:
`Inventors: Hans-Ueli Roeck, Hombrechtikon (CH);
`Alfred Stirnemann, Zollikon (CH);
`HansLeysieffer, Meilen (CH)
`
`7,058,182 B2*
`6/2006 Kates ....ccccscseenen 381/60
`7,242,778 B2*
`7/2007 Csermak et al. 0. 381/60
`2003/0122578 Al
`7/2003 Masui
`et al.
`SAOHOLGSPAT MTR GAGGIAeer SainGA
`2004/0190739 Al
`9/2004. Bachler et al.
`2005/0129262 Al
`6/2005 Dillon etal.
`2005/0259829 A1* 11/2005 Van den Heuvel etal. ..... 381/60
`
`as
`fin
`*
`(*) Notice:
`
`s
`‘
`9
`2
`Subject to any disclaimer, the term of this
`patent is extended or adjusted under 35
`US.C. 154(b) by 1587 days.
`
`(21) Appl. No.: 11/243,587
`
`(22)
`
`Filed:
`
`Oct. 5, 2005
`
`(65)
`
`Prior Publication Data
`
`US 2007/0076909 Al
`
`Apr. 5, 2007
`
`(51)
`
`Int. Cl.
`(2006.01)
`HO4R 29/00
`(52) US.Ch w.. 381/60; 381/314; 381/320; 381/321
`(58) Field of Classification Search 0.0.0.0... 381/60,
`381/312-331
`See application file for complete search history.
`
`(56)
`
`References Cited
`
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`re5'5H: . isane Kopke & al;
`asa
`3972,
`angold
`et al... 381/31!
`4.989.251 A *
`1/1991 Mangold... 381/314
`
`5.266.919 A * 11/1993 Cooket ale cece. 340/384.7
`5,991,417 A
`11/1999 Topholm
`6,118,877 A *
`9/2000 Lindemannetal. ............ 381/60
`Oneeo, BD *
`:\soos wgyer Ot AL. ceeeeeesseee 381/314
`6674862 BI
`1/2004 Magilen
`6,826,286 BI* 11/2004 Arndl lal. vcs 381/312
`6,850,775 Bl
`2/2005 Berg
`7,006,646 B1*
`2/2006 Baechler ........ cece 381/314
`
`EP
`EP
`EP
`wo
`WO
`wo
`
`4/2003
`1301060 Al
`2/2004
`1414271 A2
`4/2004
`1414271 A2
`7/1999
`WO 99/49715
`9/1999
`9948323 A2
`7/2000
`WO 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 perceivedbythe userin 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
`«
`«
`7
`«
`set
`cer
`4
`;
`response to the signals perceived by the user in the fitting
`mode. Andit comprises a signal processor using the param-
`eter settings for correcting audio signals at least in the listen-
`ing mode. The user interface is comprised in the hearing
`device and the hearing device comprises an audio signal
`source, in which audio signal source the audiotest signals are
`‘stored or generated.
`
`21 Claims, 2 Drawing Sheets
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`HIMPP 1010
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`

`

`U.S. Patent
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`Apr.26, 2011
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`Sheet 1 of 2
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`US 7,933,419 B2
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`Pe 3
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`2|audio signals
`audio test signalstC id
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`guiding speech signals
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`recordingptiei 1
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`6
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`U.S. Patent
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`Apr.26, 2011
`
`Sheet 2 of 2
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`US 7,933,419 B2
`
`converting audio test signals stored in the hearing device
`into signals to be perceived by theuser
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`100
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`receiving user input via a user interface of the hearing
`device in responseto the signals perceived by the user
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`110
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`120
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` 130
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`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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`storing the parameter settings in the hearing device
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`Fig.2
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`Gain [dB]
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`(REIG)
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`Fig. 3
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`Input [dB]
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`1
`IN-SITU-FITTED HEARING DEVICE
`
`US 7,933,419 B2
`
`2
`Anotherobject of the invention is to provide for a hearing
`device, which can be reasonably wellfitted to a user’s needs
`BACKGROUNDOF THE INVENTION
`withinarelatively short period of time.
`Another object of the invention is to provide for a hearing
`device, which can befitted to a user’s needs, wherein main
`time-consuming steps during thefitting can be performed by
`the user himself.
`
`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 orthelike.
`
`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 adaptedto a user’s hearing preferences
`or hearing imperfections, more particularly to compensate for
`differences between the perceptionin theleft andthe right ear.
`The hearing device can be connected to a personal computer,
`which personal computerhas 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 atthat frequency until the sound1s 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 meansof the personal computer. The
`compensation coefficients can be downloadedto the hearing
`device and can be usedby a signal processorfor 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 Al a hearing aid is presented, which
`can be audio-fitted by the user himself. The user can make
`pairwise comparisons between parametersettings (settings of
`gains, compressionratios, frequency values andthe like) by
`toggling between the two different settings, and then choose
`that one setting which provides him with the better listening
`experience. Numeroussuch pairwise comparisons are neces-
`sary. By means of a genetic algorithm the numerousprefer-
`ences, as derived from the user’s choices, are converged and
`result in a single solution, which is expected to preciselyfit
`the user’s hearing needs.
`The fitting procedure disclosed in US 2003/0133578 Al
`requiresto store a very large numberoffinally unused param-
`eter settings. In addition,this fitting procedure is expected to
`take a considerable amount oftime, due to the large numberof
`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 inventionis to provide for a hearing
`device, which caneasily 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 befitted 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 befitted to a user’s needs even when no
`personal computeror similar meansis available.
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`Anotherobject of the invention is to provide for a hearing
`device, which can befitted to a user’s needs without measur-
`ing an audiogram or middle ear reflexes or brainstem
`responsesorthe like.
`Anotherobject of the invention is to provide for a hearing
`device, which can befitted to a user’s needs and requires only
`little memory space for storing parametersettings.
`Anotherobject of the invention is to provide for a hearing
`device, which can befitted to a user’s needs and does not have
`to store a large numberoffinally unused parametersettings.
`Anotherobject of the invention is to provide for a method
`forfitting a hearing device to a user’s needs withoutor largely
`without additional means.
`Anotherobject of the invention is to provide for a method
`forfitting a hearing device to a user’s needsfully or largely by
`the user himself.
`
`Another 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.
`Anotherobject 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 meansis available
`Anotherobject of the invention is to provide for a method
`forfitting a hearing device to a user’s needs within a relatively
`short period oftime.
`Anotherobject 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 thefitting can be performed by
`the user himself.
`Anotherobject of the invention is to provide for a method
`for fitting a hearing device to a user’s needs without measur-
`ing an audiogram or middle ear reflexes or brainstem
`responsesorthelike.
`Anotherobject of the invention is to provide for a method
`for fitting a hearing device to a user’s needs while using only
`little memory space for storing parametersettings.
`Anotherobject of the invention is to provide for a method
`forfitting a hearing device to a user’s needs withoutstoring a
`large numberoffinally unused parametersettings.
`These objects are achieved by a hearing device and by a
`method for fitting a hearing device according to the patent
`claims.
`
`
`
`
`The hearing device is operable in a fitting mode and ina
`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 userof the hearing device in
`the fitting mode;
`a user interface;
`a parameter memory meansfor storing parametersettings,
`which parameter settings are obtained from user input
`received through the user interface in response to the
`signals perceived by the userin 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-alonefitting (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 befitted 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 devicelike,
`e.g., aradio 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 meanscan,e.g.,
`be an algorithm implemented in a software or in a signal
`processor. This can makethefitting fully independent from
`external software and external deviceslike personal comput-
`ers. The means contains the rules for obtaining parameter
`settings from the user input. The meansfor obtaining param-
`eter settings can comprise look-up tables and/or rules for an
`interpolation between pre-programmed parametersettings.
`In one embodiment, the transduceris also used for receiv-
`ing, in the listening mode, audio signals, and for converting
`the audio signals into signalsto be perceived bythe userin the
`listening mode. This way, the transduceris usedin thefitting
`mode as well as in the listening mode, whichnotonly 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 anothertrans-
`ducer usedin the listening modeare 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 userin 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 thefitting
`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 orat least twoorat 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 averageuser.
`In another embodiment, the audio test signals comprise
`signals representing sounds knownto the user from everyday
`life. Those soundsshall stem from the environmentthe user
`(or a typical user) lives in. Due to such “natural” (notartifi-
`cial) sounds the user will be able to automatically adapt his
`hearing device in a waythat the user will considerthe overall
`soundas pleasant. Thus a significant part ofa 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 thefitting (prompt-
`ing for user input) can be achieved.
`Oftentimes, the signals to be perceived by the user in the
`fitting modeare acoustical sound.If, for example, the hearing
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`deviceis (partially) implanted, the signals to be perceived by
`the userin the fitting mode can be electrical signals for stimu-
`lating a nerve.
`Typically, the hearing device, or at least a part ofit, 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 advantageousfor 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 parametersettings from the user
`input recordedin the listening mode. In that case, an in-situ
`and autonomousfine-tuning of the acoustic properties of the
`hearing device can be performed. The means for obtaining
`parametersettings from the recorded user input can, e.g., be
`programmed suchthat, if the user of, e.g., a hearing aid has
`repeatedly reduced the volume(using, e.g., a volumedial) in
`some acoustical environments, in which a certain frequency
`bandis predominant, the gain forthat frequency band will be
`reduced.
`The methodfor 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 responseto 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 andat least one initial compres-
`sion value, upon a descriptionofthe 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 parametersettings (presets), and on the hearing
`deviceitself or on a hearing device’s package an indication or
`labelling identifying the initial parameter settings is provided,
`e.g., an imprinted “1”or “2”or “3”, wherein, e.g., in the case
`ofa hearingaid,“1” could indicate an initial parametersetting
`for a user with light hearingloss, “2” could indicatean initial
`parametersetting 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 providedorally or in
`writing by the user, whoreports, 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
`knownacoustic 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
`
`6
`processed and/orcorrected in a usually digital signal proces-
`sor 4 (DSP) and,after amplification (not shownin 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 thefitting mode, parameter settings 17 shall be found,
`whichare usedin the DSP 4 duringthe listening mode,sothat
`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, compressionratios (at different input levels), expan-
`sion ratios, frequency values like sampling frequencies,filter
`crossoverfrequencies, time constants, output limiting thresh-
`old values.
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`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 secondtest signal, the spectral
`contents of which, when converted into signals to be per-
`ceived by the user, are substantially representative ofa first
`and a second spectral band, respectively, which first and a
`second spectral bands are substantially different,
`i.c., the
`spectral bands do not or only partially (to a small extent)
`overlap. This allows for an efficient way of finding suitable
`values for gains for different frequency bands.
`In another embodiment, in thefitting 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 secondtest 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 tothefirst signal and from
`the user input in response to the secondsignalat least
`one gain value for the amplification ofthefirst spectral
`bandandat least one gain value for the amplification of
`the second spectral bandis obtained.
`The increasing or decreasing the perceived loudness of the
`(first and second) perceived signal will usually be accom-
`plished by adjusting the volumecontrol 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
`volumesetting is adjusted.
`Advantages of methods correspond to the advantages of
`corresponding hearing devices andvice versa.
`Further embodiments and advantages emerge from the
`dependent claims andthe figures.
`
`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 thefitting mode;
`FIG. 3 Real-Ear Insertion Gain for one frequency band in
`dependenceof the input powerandits changes with changes
`in the overall volume.
`The reference symbols used in the figures and their mean-
`ing are summarizedin 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
`
`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 DSP4, 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.
`Uponperceiving the signals 6, the user can respondto 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 loudor too soft, he can manipulate the volume
`wheel 13 until the sound6 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.
`Parametersettings 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) parametersettings 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 incomingsig-
`nals 5), storing one or two parameter settings 17 per hearing
`program in the hearing device will usually be sufficient.
`Atleast a part of the audiotest signals 9 stored in the audio
`signal source 8 can be sounds knownto the user from every-
`daylife. 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 soundsrepresentative of a specific spectral band
`each, which spectral bands may bepartially overlapping or
`subtantially not overlapping. Accordingly, the sounds are
`selected so as to containsufficient spectral density within the
`appropriate frequency band. The three sounds mentioned
`FIG. 1 shows a schematic diagram of a hearing device 1,
`above can be considered as a set of sounds representative for
`
`whichis operable in a fitting mode andinalistening mode. a high frequency band(triangle), a medium frequency band
`The hearing device 1 can be considered a hearing aid. The
`(telephone speech) and a low frequency band (ship horn),
`listening mode is the normal mode of operation, in which
`respectively. Their spectral bands are substantially not over-
`incoming sound5 is received by a microphone3 ofthe hear-
`lapping with the exception that the low frequency band ofthe
`ing device 1, converted into audio signals 7, which can be
`ship hornpartially overlaps with the medium frequency band.
`
`

`

`US 7,933,419 B2
`
`7
`Examplefor a relatively basicfitting procedure:
`A long press on the program change button 14 may toggle
`betweenthe listening modeandthefitting mode. Uponenter-
`ing thefitting 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 changeto the
`middle frequency band; the telephone speech sound will be
`playedto the user. Again, the user will manipulate the control
`13 (volumewheel) until a comfortable audibility ofthe sound
`is achieved. Another (short) press on the control 14 will
`initiate the sameactionsfor 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 andpossiblyalso in the listening mode. In the
`fitting mode the user will be guided throughthefitting pro-
`cedure by instructions given through the guiding speechsig-
`nals 10. E.g., “Please adjust the volume”or “If you want to
`terminatethe 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. Itis 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 listening
`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 whenthe perceived overall volumeis
`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 recordedin the listen-
`ing mode new parametersettings 17 can be obtained.
`For example, the hearing device may record soundsitua-
`tions (e.g., in form of amplitude histograms over frequency)
`and the thereby performed volume changes as madeby the
`user through the volume control. The recorded information
`may then be used to adapt gain settings or other parameters
`upon turning 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
`volumevia the volume wheel in such acoustical situations.
`
`20
`
`25
`
`35
`
`40
`
`45
`
`8
`Thusthe hearing device may learn from 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 Al are herewith incorporated by reference in
`this application.
`The means 15 and 20 may beidentical. One or both of the
`means 15 and 20 maybepart of the controller 18. The con-
`troller 18 maybepartially or in full be integrated in the DSP
`4. The parameter memory means16 maypartially 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 chooseinitial parameterset-
`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 numberof
`hearing devices a hearing device with pre-set parameterset-
`tings for the described hearing problem, which can, e.g. be
`labeled on a packagingofthe hearing device, or set the param-
`eter settings through a (simple) selection procedure via the
`userinterface.
`
`It is possible to use the above-describedfitting 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 duringfit-
`ting the hearing device.It is, alternatively, possible to use that
`methodas a part of a more extensive fitting. In that case,it is
`possible to add moreelaboratefitting steps, which, e.g., may
`make use of software on an external personal computer.
`The use of “natural” sounds (soundsalready knownto the
`user) not only has the advantagethat the user’s acceptance of
`such soundsis great and that the user readily feels comfort-
`able with such sounds (as opposed to sine wavesor thelike,
`whichare often usedin 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 knownpartial transfer functions like RECD(real-ear-to-
`coupler difference), MLE (microphonelocation effect), OEG
`(open ear gain) and others may be incorporated in the deriva-
`tion of gain parameters. An MPO (maximum power output)
`mayinitially or generally be set to standard values for unim-
`paired persons(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 outputvalues, and other parameters
`maybe pre-configured or derived from the parametersettings
`obtained from the user input.
`FIG. 3 schematically shows an example for a pre-config-
`ured REIG (real-ear insertion gain) (in dB), e.g., for one
`frequency band, dependenton the input power (in dB signal
`pressure level) and how it changes with changesin the overall
`volumeas selected by the user. The solid curve depi