EP4615005A1 - Procédé de fonctionnement d'un système d'aide auditive - Google Patents

Procédé de fonctionnement d'un système d'aide auditive

Info

Publication number
EP4615005A1
EP4615005A1 EP25157453.9A EP25157453A EP4615005A1 EP 4615005 A1 EP4615005 A1 EP 4615005A1 EP 25157453 A EP25157453 A EP 25157453A EP 4615005 A1 EP4615005 A1 EP 4615005A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
signal component
signal
hearing aid
user
amplification factor
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status 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 status listed.)
Pending
Application number
EP25157453.9A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
Inventor
Cecil Wilson
Jurek Föllmer
Christoph LÜKEN
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Sivantos Pte Ltd
Original Assignee
Sivantos Pte Ltd
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 Sivantos Pte Ltd filed Critical Sivantos Pte Ltd
Publication of EP4615005A1 publication Critical patent/EP4615005A1/fr
Pending legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • HELECTRICITY
    • H04ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04RLOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; ELECTRIC HEARING AIDS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS
    • H04R25/00Electric hearing aids
    • H04R25/40Arrangements for obtaining a desired directivity characteristic
    • H04R25/407Circuits for combining signals of a plurality of transducers
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H04ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04RLOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; ELECTRIC HEARING AIDS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS
    • H04R25/00Electric hearing aids
    • H04R25/43Electronic input selection or mixing based on input signal analysis, e.g. mixing or selection between microphone and telecoil or between microphones with different directivity characteristics
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H04ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04RLOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; ELECTRIC HEARING AIDS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS
    • H04R25/00Electric hearing aids
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H04ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04RLOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; ELECTRIC HEARING AIDS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS
    • H04R25/00Electric hearing aids
    • H04R25/50Customised settings for obtaining desired overall acoustical characteristics
    • H04R25/505Customised settings for obtaining desired overall acoustical characteristics using digital signal processing
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H04ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04RLOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; ELECTRIC HEARING AIDS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS
    • H04R2225/00Details of deaf aids covered by H04R25/00, not provided for in any of its subgroups
    • H04R2225/41Detection or adaptation of hearing aid parameters or programs to listening situation, e.g. pub, forest
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H04ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04RLOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; ELECTRIC HEARING AIDS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS
    • H04R2225/00Details of deaf aids covered by H04R25/00, not provided for in any of its subgroups
    • H04R2225/43Signal processing in hearing aids to enhance the speech intelligibility
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H04ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04RLOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; ELECTRIC HEARING AIDS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS
    • H04R2430/00Signal processing covered by H04R, not provided for in its groups
    • H04R2430/01Aspects of volume control, not necessarily automatic, in sound systems

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a method for operating a hearing aid system. Furthermore, the invention relates to a hearing aid and a method for commissioning such a hearing aid system.
  • a hearing aid People suffering from hearing loss typically use a hearing aid.
  • This device typically uses an electromechanical transducer to detect ambient sound.
  • the electrical signals generated from the ambient sound are amplified by an amplifier circuit and fed into the person's ear canal via another electromechanical transducer in the form of a receiver.
  • the detected sound signals are usually also processed, for which a signal processor in the amplifier circuit is typically used.
  • the amplification is adjusted to any hearing loss of the hearing aid wearer, who is also referred to as the user or wearer.
  • the invention is based on the object of specifying a particularly suitable method for operating a hearing aid system as well as a particularly suitable hearing aid system and a particularly suitable method for commissioning a hearing aid system, wherein in particular comfort for a user is increased and/or conversation is improved.
  • the method serves to operate a hearing aid system.
  • the hearing aid system comprises a hearing aid.
  • the hearing aid is a pair of headphones or comprises headphones, and the hearing aid is, for example, a headset.
  • the hearing aid is particularly preferably a hearing aid.
  • the hearing aid serves to support a person suffering from a reduced hearing ability.
  • the hearing aid is a medical device used to compensate for, for example, a partial hearing loss.
  • the hearing aid is, for example, a receiver-in-the-canal hearing aid (RIC), an in-the-ear hearing aid, such as an in-the-ear hearing aid, an in-the-canal hearing aid (ITC), or a completely-in-canal hearing aid (CIC), a pair of hearing glasses, or a pocket hearing aid.
  • the hearing aid is a behind-the-ear hearing aid that is worn behind one ear.
  • the hearing aid is intended and configured to be worn on the human body.
  • the hearing aid preferably comprises a holding device by means of which it can be attached to the human body.
  • the hearing aid is intended and configured to be placed, for example, behind the ear or within an ear canal.
  • the hearing aid is wireless and therefore intended and configured to be inserted at least partially into an ear canal.
  • the hearing aid preferably comprises a microphone used to capture sound.
  • ambient sound i.e., sound waves
  • the microphone is expediently arranged at least partially within a housing of the hearing aid and thus at least partially protected.
  • the microphone is suitably an electromechanical sound transducer.
  • the microphone may, for example, comprise only a single microphone unit or multiple microphone units that interact with one another.
  • Each of the microphone units expediently comprises a membrane that is set into vibration by sound waves, with the vibrations being converted into an electrical signal by a corresponding recording device, such as a magnet moved in a coil.
  • the microphone units are designed to be capacitive, exploiting the fact that an applied electrical voltage changes when the distance between the membrane and a static surface of the microphone unit changes.
  • the electrical voltage is applied, in particular, between the membrane and the static surface.
  • the microphone units are preferably designed to be omnidirectional. In this or other ways, it is at least possible to generate or at least provide an input signal by means of the microphone which is based on the sound impinging on the microphone, namely in particular the ambient sound.
  • the hearing aid expediently has a receiver for outputting an output signal.
  • the output signal is in particular an electrical signal, and for example, digital or suitably analogue.
  • the receiver is preferably an electromechanical sound transducer, for example a loudspeaker.
  • the receiver is at least partially arranged within an ear canal of a user of the hearing aid, i.e. a person who is also referred to as the wearer, user or hearing aid wearer, or is at least acoustically connected to this.
  • the hearing aid serves in particular primarily to output the Output signal is transmitted through the earpiece, creating a corresponding sound. In other words, the primary function of the hearing aid is to transmit the output signal.
  • the hearing aid suitably comprises a signal processing unit by means of which the microphone, if present, and the receiver, if present, are connected for signal processing purposes.
  • the hearing aid expediently has a signal processor, which, for example, forms the signal processing unit or is at least a component thereof.
  • the signal processor is, for example, a digital signal processor (DSP) or is implemented using analog components.
  • DSP digital signal processor
  • the signal processor or at least the signal processing unit is used, in particular, to adapt the input signal generated by the microphone.
  • the signal processing unit is at least suitable, in particular provided and configured, for this purpose.
  • An A/D converter is expediently arranged between the microphone and the signal processing unit, for example, the signal processor, provided the signal processor is configured as a digital signal processor.
  • the hearing aid additionally comprises an amplifier, or the amplifier is at least partially formed by the signal processing unit. For example, the amplifier is connected upstream or downstream of the signal processor in terms of signal processing.
  • the hearing aid system is formed, for example, solely by means of the hearing aid.
  • the hearing aid system is particularly preferably formed from two such hearing aids, which are in particular structurally identical to one another.
  • one of the hearing aids is assigned to the user's left ear and the other hearing aid to the user's right ear. Consequently, the hearing aid system is designed as a binaural hearing aid system.
  • the hearing aid system comprises, for example, another device that is expediently portable.
  • the additional device is, for example, a smartphone or other wearable.
  • the individual components of the hearing aid system are connected to one another via signal technology, for example wired or preferably wirelessly.
  • each of the devices of the hearing aid system has a microphone by means of which the ambient sound can be detected.
  • the method provides for the input signal to be generated based on the ambient sound.
  • the ambient sound is captured, and the input signal is generated based on this.
  • the input signal is suitably an electrical signal, and the generation is expediently carried out using the microphone(s).
  • the input signal corresponds, for example, to the unprocessed ambient sound or has already been processed.
  • the input signal expediently has a specific directional characteristic so that a specific part of the environment is captured with amplified frequency, i.e., in particular, sound from a specific spatial angle.
  • the input signal is split into a first signal component and a second signal component.
  • the input signal includes further components that are assigned neither to the first nor to the second signal component.
  • the input signal be completely split between the first signal component and the second signal component, so that no further components are present.
  • the first signal component corresponds to the user's speech
  • the second signal component does not correspond to the user's speech.
  • the part of the ambient sound that is caused by the user speaking is assigned to the first signal component.
  • the other components are assigned to the second signal component.
  • the second signal component does not contain any portion corresponding to sound that was caused by the user speaking.
  • a spatial analysis is performed to determine where the ambient sound originated.
  • the split is carried out, for example, using a frequency analysis or in another way. In this case, it is possible that at least one of the signal components is not present, at least temporarily. If the user is silent, the first signal component, in particular, is not present.
  • a first processed signal is created using the first signal component and a first gain factor.
  • the first signal component is amplified using the first gain factor, creating the first processed signal.
  • the first gain factor is, for example, a constant value.
  • the first amplification factor is, for example, not constant and in particular depends on a frequency of the respective individual components of the first signal component.
  • the first amplification factor relates to amplification, compression and/or directionality. Alternatively or in combination with this, the first amplification factor relates to noise suppression.
  • At least the first signal component is processed by means of the first amplification factor, so that the first processed signal is created.
  • the first amplification factor suitably corresponds to a parameter set by means of which the first signal component is processed, so that the first processed signal is created.
  • the processing takes place by means of the first amplification factor, or, for example, further processing steps take place in order to create the first processed signal.
  • a second processed signal is created based on the second signal component and a second amplification factor.
  • the second amplification factor is, for example, simply a constant value. Alternatively, it depends on a frequency of the individual components of the second signal component.
  • the second amplification factor describes a compression, a directionality and/or a noise suppression setting.
  • At least the second signal component is processed using the second amplification factor in such a way that the second processed signal is created.
  • the second processed signal is created solely as a result of processing using the second amplification factor, or further processing steps are carried out for this purpose.
  • the two processed signals are combined to form the output signal.
  • the two processed signals are added together or combined in some other way, for example, by weighted addition.
  • the first signal component, the second signal component, the input signal, and the output signal are, in particular, electrical signals.
  • the corresponding processing is expediently carried out using the signal processing unit, if applicable, suitably the digital signal processor.
  • the output signal is expediently output, for example by means of the earpiece, so that in particular output sound is created which is suitably introduced into the user's ear canal.
  • the first and second amplification factors are, for example, always positive, negative, or can, for example, be both negative and positive, expediently depending on specific requirements.
  • the second amplification factor is preferably predetermined depending on any hearing loss of the user. Alternatively or in combination with this, the second amplification factor is predetermined by the user or, in particular, adapted to the user. Preferably, the second amplification factor is selected depending on the ambient sound and/or a classification of the environment.
  • the first amplification factor is selected depending on a ratio of the first signal component to the second signal component. In particular, the first amplification factor depends on the ratio of the level of the first signal component to the level of the second signal component.
  • the user perceives the sound resulting from their speech in a different way.
  • the ratio of the first signal component to the second signal component is different than when the benefit is perceived in a relatively noisy environment.
  • a different first amplification factor is selected. This makes it possible to exploit the Lombard effect, which describes the fact that people in a relatively noisy environment also (unconsciously) speak louder.
  • the first amplification factor is advantageously reduced when the ratio of the first signal component to the second signal component is comparatively small and/or below a certain threshold, i.e., when the user speaks comparatively quietly compared to the environment.
  • a certain threshold i.e., when the user speaks comparatively quietly compared to the environment.
  • the user perceives himself as comparatively quiet, which is why he subsequently (particularly unconsciously) speaks louder.
  • the user can The conversation partner can be heard reliably even in a relatively noisy environment.
  • the first gain factor is reduced, so that the user's own speech is comparatively less perceptible. As a result, the user will speak louder, making it easier for the conversation partner to understand the user.
  • the first amplification factor is preferably increased so that the user can perceive their own speech as comparatively loud. As a result, the user will speak more quietly, so that the conversation is more pleasant for the conversation partner. Because of the quieter speech, despite the increased first amplification factor, the first signal component is not excessively present in the output signal, so that comfort for the user is not reduced. In summary, conversations with conversation partners are improved without overexertion for the user, so that comfort for them is increased.
  • a manufacturer of the hearing aid system for example in the signal processing unit, stores how the first amplification factor is selected depending on the ratio, i.e., in particular, its dependency.
  • the dependency is adjusted, for example, by a specialist.
  • the dependency is determined using a method for commissioning the hearing aid system. This occurs, in particular, when the hearing aid system is used by the user, i.e., expediently after the hearing aid system has been handed over to the user.
  • the input signal is split into only the first and second signal components.
  • the second signal component is particularly preferably split into a third signal component and a fourth signal component. This splitting occurs, for example, after prior processing of the second signal component, or expediently the division takes place in one step with the division of the input signal into the first signal component.
  • the third signal component corresponds to a desired sound source, in particular sound produced by a conversation partner or the like.
  • the third signal component corresponds to (ambient) sound from a specific spatial area, into which, for example, a directional lobe of the microphone is directed.
  • the fourth signal component corresponds to a source of interference noise.
  • a third processed signal is created using the third signal component and a third gain factor
  • a fourth processed signal is created using the fourth signal component and a fourth gain factor.
  • the third and/or fourth gain factors are components of the second gain factor and are configured, for example, according to the first gain factor.
  • the third and/or fourth gain factors are each a value that is constant or dependent on specific frequencies of the respective signal component, and/or a specific set of parameters by means of which compression or the like is set.
  • the third processed signal and the fourth processed signal are combined to form the second processed signal.
  • the combination of the third and fourth processed signals preferably takes place in the same work step in which the combination with the first processed signal takes place, so that the second processed signal is created in particular only implicitly.
  • one of the individual signal components it is possible for one of the individual signal components to be absent, at least temporarily, for example the fourth signal component, if there is no noise source. Due to the division into the third and fourth signal components, it is possible to present noises, in particular sound, that are of no interest to the user with a lower amplification, so that the user is not distracted by the noise source. This further increases comfort.
  • the first amplification factor is selected depending on the ratio of the first signal component to a combination of the third and fourth signal components.
  • the first amplification factor is particularly preferably selected solely, or at least also, depending on the ratio of the first signal component to the fourth signal component.
  • the first amplification factor is selected solely as a function of the ratio of the first signal component to the fourth signal component.
  • the first amplification factor is particularly preferably selected solely or preferably additionally as a function of the ratio of the third signal component to the fourth signal component, i.e. in particular the level of the individual signal components to one another. If the desired sound source corresponds to a conversation partner, the Lombard effect also applies to this partner. If the conversation partner only understands the user relatively poorly, the conversation partner will speak louder, so that the ratio of the third signal component to the fourth signal component is increased.
  • the first amplification factor is reduced, particularly in comparison to the selection resulting from the ratio of the first signal component to the fourth signal component.
  • the user therefore subsequently speaks louder, so that the conversation partner understands the user better.
  • the first amplification factor which also depends on the ratio of the third signal component to the fourth signal component, it is monitored whether, for example, the first amplification factor is initially selected sufficiently for the conversation partner to understand the user. In this case, the ratio of the third signal component to the fourth signal component is reduced and corresponds, in particular, to a certain expected value. If, however, the ratio continues to be above a certain limit, The user's voice is comparatively difficult to understand for the other person. In this case, the first gain factor is reduced, allowing the user to speak louder, thus improving intelligibility for the other person.
  • the first amplification factor is independent of the noise source.
  • the noise source is assigned to one of several specific categories. For example, it is checked whether the noise source is due to the operation of a machine, or whether the noise source corresponds to a conversation between several other people that the user does not want to follow. Alternatively, or in combination, it is checked whether the noise source corresponds to driving noise due to the use of a vehicle.
  • the first amplification factor is expediently selected depending on the categorization.
  • the amplification factor is only selected once, in particular if a specific environment is present. In other words, it is checked whether the environment changes, and after a change, the first amplification factor is selected accordingly. If, on the other hand, the environment does not change, the first amplification factor is not adjusted any further. However, it is particularly preferred that the first amplification factor is adjusted continuously. This is done, for example, continuously over time or in certain discrete time intervals, for example every second, every 5 seconds or every 10 seconds. Thus, it is checked in particular whether the possible change/adjustment of the first amplification factor leads to a changed ratio of the first The signal component leads to the second signal component. If this corresponds to a certain expected value, the first gain factor is appropriately reused and not changed. However, if the ratio deviates from the expected value by more than a certain amount, the first gain factor is (further) adjusted, causing the user to also change their speaking volume.
  • the hearing aid system comprises a hearing aid.
  • the hearing aid is, for example, a headset or, particularly preferably, a hearing aid.
  • the hearing aid is a receiver-in-the-canal (RIC) hearing aid, an in-the-ear hearing aid, such as an in-the-ear (ITC) hearing aid, or a completely in-canal (CIC) hearing aid, a pair of hearing glasses, or a pocket hearing aid.
  • the hearing aid is a behind-the-ear (behind-the-ear) hearing aid that is worn behind an auricle.
  • the hearing aid system is formed by the hearing aid or comprises at least one other device, such as another hearing aid that is, in particular, structurally identical.
  • the other device is another device that is, in particular, portable, such as a smartphone.
  • the hearing aid system has a microphone. This is, for example, omnidirectional, or suitably, it is possible to change the directional characteristic of the microphone.
  • the microphone preferably has two or more microphone units.
  • the microphone is suitable, in particular provided and configured, for detecting ambient sound. An input signal is expediently generated by the microphone when the ambient sound is detected.
  • the hearing aid system in particular the hearing aid, further has a signal processing unit, which is preferably connected to the microphone for signal processing purposes. In particular, the input signal is fed to the signal processing unit during operation.
  • the hearing aid system operates according to a method in which the input signal is generated from the ambient sound.
  • the input signal is split into a first signal component and a second signal component, whereby the first signal component corresponds to a user's speech and the second signal component does not correspond to the user's speech.
  • a first processed signal is created using the first signal component and a first amplification factor
  • a second processed signal is created using the second signal component and a second amplification factor.
  • the two processed signals are combined to form an output signal.
  • the first amplification factor is selected depending on a ratio of the first signal component to the second signal component.
  • the signal processing unit is expediently suitable, in particular provided and configured, to at least partially carry out the method.
  • the procedure for commissioning the hearing aid system is performed before the procedure for operating the hearing aid system is performed.
  • the procedure for commissioning the hearing aid system is used to determine the dependency of the first amplification factor. For example, the procedure for commissioning the hearing aid system is repeated several times, particularly at periodic intervals. Alternatively, the procedure is performed only once or after initialization by a user.
  • the input signal is generated based on ambient sound.
  • the microphone is also expediently used for this purpose.
  • the input signal is split into the first signal component and the second signal component, with the first signal component corresponding to the user's speech and the second signal component not corresponding to the user's speech.
  • the input signal is expediently generated and/or split into the two signal components in the same way as during subsequent operation of the hearing aid according to the (other) method.
  • the ratio of the first signal component to the second signal component is determined.
  • the respective input signal is conveniently created in different, different environments based on the respective ambient sound, and then The signal components are divided and the ratio is determined.
  • the first gain factor is expediently determined using linear regression so that a desired ratio is formed. In particular, the ratio is formed for each environment, for which the respective levels are used. After this has been done several times, the linear regression is carried out.
  • a histogram is expediently first created and the median of the gradient as well as the offset of the associated straight line are determined. The gradient then corresponds to the dependence of the first gain factor on the ratio.
  • the gradient of the straight line is preferably limited to a value between 0.3 dB and 0.7 dB.
  • the first amplification factor is constant above a certain ratio, so that excessive change in the first signal component is prevented.
  • the first amplification factor or at least the change in the first amplification factor corresponds to the minimum of 0 or any value and the quotient of a difference and an auxiliary value.
  • the expected value is subtracted from the ratio of the two signal components.
  • the auxiliary value is preferably adapted to the user and is preferably between 0.3 dB and 0.7 dB.
  • the auxiliary value is preferably determined using linear regression.
  • the initial amplification factor is selected appropriately for different users, as the Lombard effect differs from person to person. Consequently, no adjustment by the manufacturer and/or a specialist, such as an audiologist, is required, while the procedure is still relatively precisely tailored to the user.
  • a hearing aid system 2 is shown in a simplified schematic detail, comprising a hearing aid 4.
  • the hearing aid 4 has a housing 6, within which a microphone 8 is arranged.
  • the microphone 8 has a plurality of microphone units (not shown in detail), each of which is designed as an electromechanical sound transducer or a capacitive sound transducer.
  • a signal processing unit 10, which has a control unit 12, is connected downstream of the microphone 8.
  • a receiver 14 is connected downstream of the signal processing unit 10, by means of which receiver it is possible, when used as intended by a user, to output sound into an ear canal of the user (not shown in detail).
  • the hearing aid 4 has a communication device 16, which is also connected to the signal processing unit 10.
  • the hearing aid system 2 comprises two such hearing aids 4, which are signal-linked to each other during use via their respective communication devices 16.
  • a Bluetooth standard is used for the signal-linking connection.
  • One of the hearing aids 4 is assigned to the user's left ear and the other to the user's right ear, so that the hearing aid system 2 is designed binaurally.
  • FIG. 2 a method 18 for operating the hearing aid system 2 is shown, which is carried out at least partially by means of the signal processing unit 10 of each hearing aid 4 is carried out.
  • a first work step 20 an input signal 24 is created based on ambient sound 22.
  • the ambient sound 22 striking the respective microphone 8 from outside the housing 6 is recorded by each of the microphones 8 and converted into the electrical input signal 24, which is passed to the signal processing unit 10.
  • the ambient sound 22 is composed of three components, one of the components representing the speech 26 of the user himself. Another component of the ambient sound 22 is present due to a conversation partner and is thus present due to a desired sound source 28.
  • the third component is caused by an interference noise source 30 and is of no interest to the user.
  • the input signal 24 is split into a first signal component 36 and a second signal component 38 by means of a splitting unit 34 of the signal processing unit 10.
  • the second signal component 38 is composed of a third signal component 40 and a fourth signal component 42, so that the input signal 24 is split directly into the first signal component 36, the third signal component 40, and the fourth signal component 42 by means of the splitting unit 34.
  • the first signal component 36 corresponds to the user's speech 26, and the second signal component 38 does not correspond to the user's speech. In other words, the first signal component 36 contains only the speech 26 of the ambient sound 22. The second component 38, however, comprises the remaining part of the ambient sound 22.
  • the third signal component 40 corresponds to the desired sound source 28, whereas the fourth signal component 42 corresponds to the noise source 30. In other words, the third signal component 40 denotes the part of the ambient sound 22 that was caused by the desired sound source 28, whereas the fourth signal component 42 corresponds to the portion of the ambient sound 22 that is present solely due to the noise source 30.
  • a spatial analysis is used to check where the individual components of the ambient sound 22 originate. For this purpose, the directional characteristics of the microphones 8 of the two hearing aids 4 are adjusted/checked, for which the communication devices 16 of the two hearing aids 4 are used.
  • the noise sources 30 are also categorized, for which the fourth signal component 42 is checked. This check determines whether the noise source 30 corresponds to a conversation between other people, or whether the noise emitted by the noise source 30 is wind noise from a vehicle or is caused by the operation of a machine.
  • a first amplification factor 46 is selected. This is dependent on a ratio 48 of the first signal component 36 to the fourth signal component 42, namely, the level of the first signal component 36 to the level of the fourth signal component 42.
  • the first amplification factor 46 is dependent on the ratio of the first signal component 36 to the second signal component 38, namely, the fourth signal component 42 to the second signal component 38.
  • the dependence of the first amplification factor 46 on the ratio 48 is shown, with the level of amplification indicated on the ordinate.
  • the first amplification factor 46 is determined using a formula, namely the minimum of a specific/specified value, such as 0, and a quotient.
  • the quotient is formed from a difference and an auxiliary value that lies between 0.3 dB and 0.6 dB and is adapted to the user. To form the difference, an expected value is subtracted from the current ratio 48.
  • the first amplification factor 46 has an at least partial/section-wise linear dependence on the ratio 48.
  • the categorization of the noise source 30 is taken into account when selecting the first amplification factor 46. Depending on the category, a different auxiliary value is used, so that the gradient is different, as can also be seen in the graph in figure 3
  • the first amplification factor 46 is also selected depending on the categorization of the noise source 30.
  • the first gain factor 46 is also selected depending on the ratio of the third signal component 40 to the fourth signal component 42, which also has a linear relationship. A correspondingly adapted formula is used for this purpose.
  • a fourth work step 50 is carried out.
  • the first signal component 36 is processed using the first amplification factor 46, so that a first processed signal 52 is created.
  • the first signal component 36 is multiplied by the first amplification factor 46.
  • the third signal component 40 is processed using a third amplification factor 54, so that a third processed signal 56 is created.
  • the third amplification factor 54 is adapted to the user's hearing loss.
  • the fourth signal component 42 is processed using a fourth amplification factor 58, so that a fourth processed signal 60 is created.
  • the fourth amplification factor 58 is comparatively low, so that the ratio of the third processed signal 56 to the fourth processed signal 60 is increased compared to the ratio of the third signal component 40 to the fourth signal component 42.
  • the third processed signal 56 is created using the third signal component 40 and the third gain factor 54
  • the fourth processed signal 60 is created using the fourth signal component 42 and the fourth gain factor 58.
  • the third gain factor 54 and the fourth gain factor 58 together form a second gain factor 62, by means of which the second signal component 38 is processed.
  • a subsequent fifth step 66 the third processed signal 56 and the fourth processed signal 60 are combined, namely added, to form a second processed signal 64 by means of an adder 65 of the signal processing unit 10.
  • the combination of the The second processed signal 64 created in this way is combined with the first processed signal 52 to form an output signal 70 which is output by means of the adder 65.
  • the output signal 70 is output via the handset 14 and thus presented to the user. Due to the corresponding selection of the first amplification factor 46, the user's own speech is presented to the user at a modified volume, so that the user adjusts their speech volume due to the Lombard effect.
  • the hearing aid system 2 thus takes the Lombard effect into account/exploited, so that the user of the hearing aid system 2 adjusts their speech volume (speech volume) such that the ratio of the first signal component 36 to the fourth signal component 42, i.e., their speech volume to the volume of the noise source 30, reaches a specific expected value. This increases intelligibility for the user's conversation partner.
  • the method 18 is carried out continuously, so that the first amplification factor 46 is continuously adjusted.
  • a method 74 for commissioning the hearing aid system 2 is shown.
  • the input signal 24 is provided based on the ambient sound 22.
  • the seventh work step 76 is essentially the same as the first work step 20.
  • the input signal 24 is divided into the first signal component 36 and the second signal component 38.
  • the eighth work step 78 is essentially the same as the second work step 32.
  • the possible noise source 30 is categorized.
  • the seventh and eighth work steps 76, 78 are carried out several times in different environments, in particular if different categories of noise sources 30 are present.
  • a subsequent ninth work step 80 based on the respective ratios 48 of the first signal component 36 to the second signal component 38 the first amplification factor 46 is determined for the different categories of noise sources 30, namely those in Figure 3
  • the graph shown here is used to determine the predefined expected value, and the respective auxiliary value is determined, particularly for the different categories of noise sources 30.
  • a histogram of the determined ratios 48 is created, and the median is used as the respective auxiliary value.

Landscapes

  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Neurosurgery (AREA)
  • Otolaryngology (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Acoustics & Sound (AREA)
  • Signal Processing (AREA)
  • Circuit For Audible Band Transducer (AREA)
  • Headphones And Earphones (AREA)
EP25157453.9A 2024-03-07 2025-02-12 Procédé de fonctionnement d'un système d'aide auditive Pending EP4615005A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE102024202131.8A DE102024202131A1 (de) 2024-03-07 2024-03-07 Verfahren zum Betrieb eines Hörgerätesystems

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP4615005A1 true EP4615005A1 (fr) 2025-09-10

Family

ID=94637478

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP25157453.9A Pending EP4615005A1 (fr) 2024-03-07 2025-02-12 Procédé de fonctionnement d'un système d'aide auditive

Country Status (4)

Country Link
US (1) US20250287158A1 (fr)
EP (1) EP4615005A1 (fr)
CN (1) CN120614559A (fr)
DE (1) DE102024202131A1 (fr)

Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20120128186A1 (en) * 2010-06-30 2012-05-24 Panasonic Corporation Conversation detection apparatus, hearing aid, and conversation detection method
WO2014075195A1 (fr) * 2012-11-15 2014-05-22 Phonak Ag Formation de la propre voix d'un utilisateur dans un instrument d'aide auditive
US11902747B1 (en) * 2022-08-09 2024-02-13 Chromatic Inc. Hearing loss amplification that amplifies speech and noise subsignals differently

Family Cites Families (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE102020201615B3 (de) * 2020-02-10 2021-08-12 Sivantos Pte. Ltd. Hörsystem mit mindestens einem im oder am Ohr des Nutzers getragenen Hörinstrument sowie Verfahren zum Betrieb eines solchen Hörsystems

Patent Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20120128186A1 (en) * 2010-06-30 2012-05-24 Panasonic Corporation Conversation detection apparatus, hearing aid, and conversation detection method
WO2014075195A1 (fr) * 2012-11-15 2014-05-22 Phonak Ag Formation de la propre voix d'un utilisateur dans un instrument d'aide auditive
US11902747B1 (en) * 2022-08-09 2024-02-13 Chromatic Inc. Hearing loss amplification that amplifies speech and noise subsignals differently

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
US20250287158A1 (en) 2025-09-11
DE102024202131A1 (de) 2025-09-11
CN120614559A (zh) 2025-09-09

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
EP3222057B1 (fr) Procédé et dispositif de détection rapide de la voix naturelle
DE10146886B4 (de) Hörgerät mit automatischer Umschaltung auf Hörspulenbetrieb
DE60037034T2 (de) Hörhilfegerät mit signalverarbeitungstechniken
EP1489885B1 (fr) Procédé pour l'opération d'une prothèse auditive ainsi qu'une prothèse auditive avec un système de microphone dans lequel différents caractéristiques de directivité sont sélectionnables
EP2164283B1 (fr) Appareil auditif et fonctionnement d'un appareil auditif doté d'une transposition de fréquence
EP3104627B1 (fr) Procédé d'amélioration d'un signal d'enregistrement dans un système auditif
EP3873108A1 (fr) Système auditif pourvu d'au moins un instrument auditif porté dans ou sur l'oreille de l'utilisateur, ainsi que procédé de fonctionnement d'un tel système auditif
EP1906701B1 (fr) Procédé de réglage semi-automatique d'un dispositif auditif et dispositif auditif correspondant
EP1931172A1 (fr) Prothèse auditive avec suppression du bruit et procédé correspondant
EP4615005A1 (fr) Procédé de fonctionnement d'un système d'aide auditive
DE102006015497B4 (de) Audiosystem und Verfahren sowie Computerprogramm und Datenträger der das Computerprogramm enthält zur Anpassung der Übertragungsfunktion eines Audiosystems mittels Sprachsteuerung
EP4149121B1 (fr) Procédé de fonctionnement d'un appareil auditif
DE602006000772T2 (de) Hörinstrument
EP2658289A1 (fr) Procédé de commande dýune caractéristique de guidage et système auditif
EP3448063A1 (fr) Procédé de réglage d'un dispositif de correction auditive
EP4661433A1 (fr) Procédé de fonctionnement d'un dispositif auditif
EP3913618A1 (fr) Procédé de fonctionnement d'un appareil auditif et appareil auditif
DE102024205064B4 (de) Verfahren zum Betreiben eines Hörgeräts
EP4311269B1 (fr) Procédé de fonctionnement d'un appareil auditif binaural, appareil auditif binaural et logiciel
EP2009955B1 (fr) Dispositif auditif avec réduction du bruit passif dépendant du niveau d'entrée
EP4686227A1 (fr) Procédé de fonctionnement d'un dispositif auditif
DE102023200412B3 (de) Verfahren zum Betrieb eines Hörgeräts
DE102022202266A1 (de) Verfahren zum Betrieb eines Hörgeräts
EP4518357A1 (fr) Procédé de traitement de signal directionnel pour système auditif
WO2024104945A1 (fr) Procédé de fonctionnement d'une prothèse auditive, et prothèse auditive

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
PUAI Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: THE APPLICATION HAS BEEN PUBLISHED

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC ME MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: REQUEST FOR EXAMINATION WAS MADE

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 20250915