EP0917397A1 - Method of determining a set of parameters of a hearing aid - Google Patents

Abstract

In a method for determining a parameter set of a hearing aid, a macro call is determined, the macro call is converted into at least one actuating command (84-94) according to a macro definition (74), and the parameter set is determined as a function of the at least one actuating command (84-94). Such a method is powerful, yet flexible and easy to use. <IMAGE>

Description

The invention relates to a method for determining a Parameter set of a hearing aid.

With a modern hearing aid, such as that from the EP-B-0 064 042 is known, the gain and transmission properties adjustable with a variety of parameters. Several parameter sets are stored in the hearing aid, which are called hearing programs. These hearing programs by a hearing care professional when fitting the hearing aid certainly. Choosing when wearing the hearing aid the user, depending on the current listening situation, one of the Hearing programs.

However, with increasing hearing aid performance, it grows also the number of parameters to be set. With powerful Devices with digital signal processing are up to 32 or more parameters and up to 8 programs intended. The parameters also referred to as "actuators" relate Features like reinforcement of the hearing aid in several frequency ranges, corner frequencies to delimit them Frequency ranges, properties of an input level dependent Gain (AGC - automatic gain control) in several Frequency ranges, controller for setting the noise suppression and channel coupling and so on.

The parameters mentioned are based on the technical structure of the hearing aid oriented so that the audiological effect of a change one of the parameters often not easy to overlook is. In addition, some parameters influence each other, for example the adjuster for amplifying the hearing aid in certain frequency ranges and the so-called NH / NL actuators, which is the amplification for low or high frequencies affect. There are also dependencies between the individual Hearing programs in such a way that changes in a Parameters in one hearing program to the other hearing programs impact.

Because of these difficulties and because of the high number of parameters to be set, moreover for each hearing aid type are different, the optimal adjustment is one Hearing aid a very complex and time consuming task that Extensive knowledge and knowledge on the part of the hearing aid acoustician Experience with the specific hearing aid type is required. In the Practice shows that many hearing aids are not optimally adjusted become. Similar difficulties arise when a given parameter set is to be changed to a to remedy the existing deficiency. Again, depending on the hearing aid type, very different approaches sensible, so that special knowledge is also required.

A hearing aid setting program is known for adapting a hearing aid to use the fixed fitting and correction algorithms contains. Such programs are very inflexible and are only updated at relatively long intervals. New experiences therefore only flow with one Software update in the program. Experienced also criticize Hearing aid acousticians on programs such that the Algorithms cannot be changed by the user and he therefore cannot bring in his own know-how.

The invention accordingly has the task of addressing the problems mentioned to avoid and a method for determining a parameter set to provide a hearing aid that is powerful and yet flexible and easy to use.

According to the invention, this object is achieved by a method solved the features of claim 1. Preferred configurations the invention are the subject of the dependent claims.

The invention is based on the basic idea that the user Possibility to provide macro calls. By these macro calls can be set several commands for parameters summarize the hearing aid into command sequences, the one perform a function that the user can understand. Means a suitable set of macro definitions can therefore Hearing aid technology-related meaning of the individual parameters and control commands in a user or task-oriented Meaningfulness are implemented. Every macro call can perform a relatively complex setting function. This facilitates both the setting of the hearing aid by the hearing care professional as well as by a technician savvy user.

Macro definitions are usually not an integral part of a program but they are from the program logic and the actual program flow separately. In the They can therefore be used in a hearing aid setting program can be changed quickly without a new version of the Hearing aid setting program would have to be created. When a suitable tools are made available, existing ones Macro definitions with relatively little effort and can be modified within a short training period. For example a hearing care professional or a sales organization Macro definitions specified by the hearing aid manufacturer adapt to your own needs. The individual Know-how are taken into account. Also for new hearing aid types suitable macro sets can be designed quickly.

In some embodiments of the invention, some Dependency between the hearing aid setting program and the Macro definitions exist, for example in that all these components are combined into a common file. However, the macro definitions are preferably independent of the hearing aid setting program changeable, and in more preferred Embodiments are even in one of them Hearing aid setting program separate file or data table saved. This creates a particularly good separation between the actual hearing aid setting program, which cannot be changed by the user and by the user (if necessary using of a utility) customizable macro definitions.

Preferred are convenient ways to organize and Structure of the individual macros and to be called up by the user intended. In preferred embodiments a macro call depending on a problem description of the user and / or in that the user has a control panel operated. The problem description by the user can in the selection of a question asked and / or one the answer offered to him. In preferred embodiments these are also with the user interface and user guidance related functions at least in part Can be changed independently of the hearing aid setting program. This creates a particularly high level of flexibility and adaptability achieved to the individual ideas of the user. Information about these functions is preferably in at least one separate from the hearing aid setting program File or data table saved.

In preferred embodiments, a macro call is made if there is a corresponding macro definition, in several Control commands implemented so that complex functions with one single macro call can be executed. In one particularly preferred further development of the invention are in a Macro definition potentially multiple control command groups provided, one of which was selected for the corresponding macro call becomes. This selection is preferably dependent of the executability of the control commands and / or of a weighting of the control commands, the executability the positioning commands in turn from the current parameter values is determined. So it is the individual command groups, that each correspond to a problem-solving strategy, assigned a higher or lower chance of success, and the instruction sequence becomes the one with the highest chance of success chosen. This results in a quasi-intelligent behavior of the system that takes into account the current hearing aid setting.

In preferred embodiments, the method is used for changing of a previous parameter set to more precisely adjust the user's hearing loss. The process can run several times, with the current one Parameter set changed in small increments (incrementally) becomes.

Fig. 1 eine Darstellung eines Systems zum Einstellen eines Hörgerätes,

Fig. 2 eine beispielhafte Darstellung einer Bildschirmanzeige mit Bedienfeldern,

Fig. 3 eine beispielhafte Darstellung einer Bildschirmanzeige mit Fragen, vorgeschlagenen Antworten und Makroaufrufen,

Fig. 4 eine Darstellung der Datenbeziehungen bei dem Verfahren, und

Fig. 5 eine beispielhafte Darstellung einer Makrodefinition.

An embodiment of the invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the schematic drawings. Show it:

1 is an illustration of a system for adjusting a hearing aid,

2 shows an example of a screen display with control panels,

3 shows an exemplary representation of a screen display with questions, suggested answers and macro calls,

4 shows a representation of the data relationships in the method, and

5 shows an exemplary representation of a macro definition.

In the system for setting a (enlarged ) hearing aid 10 is a known per se personal computer (PC) 12 via a programming device 14 connected to the hearing aid 10. The programming device 14 is through multi-core cables to the computer 12 and the hearing aid 10 connected. The computer 12 has a main unit 16, a screen 18 and input devices such as a keyboard 20 and a mouse 22 on. The computer 12 runs under one suitable, graphically oriented operating system and leads a hearing aid setting program. Using this setting program a user can set a parameter for the hearing aid 10 create or change. In a manner known per se can parameter sets over the multi-core cables and Programming device 14 between the computer 12 and the hearing aid 10 can be transmitted in both directions.

This provides for creating and changing a parameter set Hearing aid setting program macro calls. Every macro call depending on the assigned macro definition in implemented one or more control commands. The control commands in turn determine the parameter set by either change a given parameter set or a new one Generate parameter set.

When operating the hearing aid setting program, the Users call a macro in different ways. Of the User can either use the mouse 22 on the screen Operate 18 shown control panel, or he can call a macro that responds to a problem description is proposed. The first of these options is illustrated in Fig. 2. There is a section of one shown on the screen 18 in which several control panel groups 24, 26, 28, 30, 32 are arranged.

The control panel group 24 relates to the amplification of quiet input signals. A first control panel 34 is for increasing this Gain provided in the entire frequency range. If the User of this control panel 34 operated by a mouse click, a corresponding macro is called that contains several control commands for setting several parameters. Corresponding a second control panel 36 serves to reduce the gain quieter signals in the entire frequency range. eight additional control panels to increase and decrease the gain in individual frequency sections are in one area 38 arranged. The control panel groups 26 and 28 serve analogously to call macros that have the gain properties for set all input signals or loud input signals.

With the two control panels of control panel group 30 Macros called to increase feedback suppression and decrease. The panel group 32 has three as Radio buttons designed control panels to a voice recognition function of the hearing aid by calling one each suitable macros or switch to a medium or switch maximum value. From these examples it can be seen that each control panel is a catchy, at the desired Has impact-oriented meaning. Through the macro calls are thus technical details of the to be executed Control commands hidden from the user.

3 illustrates the second of the possibilities mentioned above a macro call by the user. The hearing aid setting program puts several on the screen 18 Index cards 40, 42, 44 graphically represent each a problem group affect. For example, the index card 40 is used Solving problems with the volume of noise related, the index card 42 concerns problems of Feedback and the index card 44 problems of sound quality.

There is a tree-like structure of questions on each index card and responses presented by the user a sufficient can give a precise description of the problem. So on the index card 40 a question 46 about the overall volume and provided a question 48 about the volume of quiet noises. The hearing aid setting program offers answers 50, 52, 54, 56 in both cases the options "too quiet" and "too loud". Other questions are more nuanced Answers possible, for example to the question of the occurrence a feedback the answers "always", "in calm Environment "," when chewing / speaking "or" when phoning ".

In the example shown in Fig. 3, the user has the question 48 and the answer 54 selected with a click of the mouse and thus described the problem of making quiet noises transmitted too quietly. The hearing aid setting program in this case proposes two solutions, one for each macro call correspond. The solutions are presented in two suggested windows 58, 60 displayed. If the user is now one of the confirmation buttons 62, 64 is pressed, the associated macro, whose identifier matches the proposed solution, executed.

The user interface shown by way of example in FIGS. 2 and 3 as well as the individual macro definitions are not through the hearing aid setting program specified. Rather takes effect this program to multiple files or data tables, in which all the necessary information regarding the user interface and the macros are saved.

The structure of these files is shown schematically in FIG. 4. A question file 66 contains those to be presented to the user Questions, for example the questions shown in Fig. 3 46, 48. An answer file 68 points for each question in the question file 66 one or more possible responses from the user on, for example for question 48 the two answers 54, 56. Finally, a macro file 70 with a variety of macro definitions provided, with each answer in the Answer file 68 assigned one or more macros are.

Information relating to the control elements shown in FIG. 2 are stored in a control element file 72. in the generally form several related control panels an entry in the control element file 72, and the individual control panels each correspond to an answer in the answer file 68. For example, the two control panels 34, 36 in the control element file 72 to a control element summarized and in the answer file 68 with two answers "increase gain" and "decrease gain" connected. Likewise, the three radio buttons of the control panel group 32 a single entry in the control element file 72 and three responses are assigned in the response file 68. Other types of Control elements, for example checkboxes, selection lists and so on. It also contains information on the grouping and arrangement of the controls the screen 18 included.

Files 66, 68, 70, 72 are not part of the actual one Hearing aid setting program. You can in particular created or modified separately from this program, without the hearing aid setting program therefore having to be recompiled should be. For this purpose, an aid program for comfortable editing of files 66, 68, 70, 72 provided. With this help program new knowledge can be obtained fast in the user interface, user guidance and the macro definitions flow in without a new version the hearing aid setting program would have to be generated. The files 66, 68, 70, 72 can both from the manufacturer of the overall system as well as from third-party providers or hearing care professionals created and / or changed.

5 shows an example of one contained in the macro file 70 Macro definition 74. An identifier 76 describes the Function of the macro, here increasing the gain and compression for high frequencies. The macro definition 74 also has three alternative control command groups 78, 80, 82 on. The first actuating command group 78 contains six actuating commands 84, 86, 88, 90, 92, 94, while the content of the two no further control command groups 80, 82 in FIG. 5 is shown. In the embodiment described here each macro definition 74 has one, two, or three Set command groups 78, 80, 82, and each set command group 78, 80, 82 can contain up to 64 control commands 84, 86, 88, 90, 92, 94 included.

(BEFEHL, UNTERBEFEHL, WERT1, WERT2, GEWICHTUNG)

In general, a control command 84, 86, 88, 90, 92, 94 can be written down as a 5-tuple as follows:

(COMMAND, SUB COMMAND, VALUE1, VALUE2, WEIGHTING)

The COMMAND component gives the type of control command on. For example, for each of the 32 parameters of the hearing aid 10 a separate control command is provided to this parameter to set or change in a targeted manner. The component SUB COMMAND specifies the control command more precisely, for example by specifying the direction of a change Parameters and the degree of change (in steps, in Decibels, to a maximum or minimum value, to an absolute value Value and so on). The components VALUE1 and VALUE2 contain arguments for the control command, for example the number the steps or the new parameter value to be set. Finally, the WEIGHTING component is provided, the one

Indicates and uses the measure of the importance of this positioning command is used to switch one of select several alternative control command groups 78, 80, 82. This is described in more detail below. For example 5 causes an increase in the Gain parameters for frequency channel 3 ("Gain ch3") one step.

In addition to the previously described control commands for one Parameters of the hearing device 10 exist control commands, which are several Change parameters at the same time. For example with the command (BestFit, 0, 0, 0, w) all parameters according to a predetermined, heuristic algorithm an audiogram of the patient. Further is a ChannelAdjust command is provided which sets the gain and Compression parameters of the hearing aid 10 influenced. This Command differs from the form described so far because it has twelve parameters that indicate which channels and which changes have been made for which input level should be.

(if, Gain, GT, 5, w1)
   (Gain, dBUp, 12, 0, w2)

(else, 0, 0, 0, w3)
   (Gain, dBUp, 3, 0, w4)

(endif, 0, 0, 0, 0)

Finally, positioning commands for conditionally executing parts of a macro are provided. For example, the following control commands increase the total gain by 12 dB if it was originally greater than 5 dB and otherwise only increase by 3 dB:

(if, Gain, GT, 5, w1)
(Gain, dBUp, 12, 0, w2)

(else, 0, 0, 0, w3)
(Gain, dBUp, 3, 0, w4)

(endif, 0, 0, 0, 0)

The user releases when the hearing aid setting program runs by operating a control panel 34, 36 in Fig. 2 or one Confirmation keys 62, 64 in FIG. 3 execute a macro call. The assigned macro definition 74 becomes from the macro file 70 read. If the macro definition is only one command group has, the control commands contained therein Executed in order to complete the previous parameter set change or overwrite. However, it contains the macro definition 74, as shown in FIG. 5, several alternatives Command groups 78, 80, 82, so one of them automatically selected by the hearing aid setting program.

All control commands in the control command groups are used for this selection 78, 80, 82 with regard to their feasibility examined. An actuating command is then considered not or only for Part executable if it requires changing a parameter a predetermined setting range of this parameter would exceed. Such commands can also be used not run, the illegal side effects on other hearing programs would result. For each command group 78, 80, 82 the weightings (component WEIGHT) of the executable control commands (and proportional weights for the only partially executable control commands) summed up. For control commands that assign a parameter to a set a fixed value, the weighting can also depend on the measure of Depend on the change compared to the previous parameter value.

The command group 78, 80, 82 with the highest weighting sum executable control commands are executed. Consequently Macros can be defined, the effect of which from the current Configuration of the hearing aid 10 depends.

Claims (12)

Method for determining a parameter set of a hearing aid (10), with the steps: a) determining a macro call, b) converting the macro call into at least one actuating command (84-94) according to a macro definition (74), c) determining the parameter set as a function of the at least one actuating command (84-94). Method according to claim 1, characterized in that the method is carried out by a computer (12) controlled by a hearing aid setting program. Method according to Claim 2, characterized in that the macro definition (74) can be changed independently of the hearing aid setting program and that the macro definition (74) is preferably stored in a file (70) or file table which is separate from the hearing aid setting program. Method according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that in step a) an actuation of a control panel (34, 36) is recognized in order to determine the macro call. A method according to claims 2 and 4, characterized in that the properties of the control panel (34, 36) at least can be changed independently of the hearing aid setting program in part, and that the properties of the control panel (34, 36) preferably at least partly in a separate file (72) or file table from the hearing aid setting program. Method according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that in step a) the macro call depending on a problem description of the user and / or on an input by the user to a question asked (46, 48) and / or an offer offered to him Answer (50 - 56) is determined. Method according to claims 2 and 6, characterized in that the questions (46, 48) and / or the answers (50 - 56) offered to the user can be changed independently of the hearing aid setting program, and that the questions ( 46, 48) and / or the answers (50-56) are preferably stored in at least one file (66, 68) or file table which is separate from the hearing aid setting program. Method according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that in step b) the macro call is converted into a plurality of setting commands (84-94). Method according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that in step b) the macro call is converted into several alternative positioning commands (84-94) or alternative groups (78-82) of positioning commands (84-94). Method according to Claim 9, characterized in that a selection from the alternative actuating commands (84-94) or alternative groups (78-82) of actuating commands (84-94) is dependent on the executability of the actuating commands (84-94) and / or is weighted by the control commands (84-94). Method according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that in step c) the parameter set is determined by changing a previous parameter set in accordance with the at least one actuating command (84-94). Method according to Claim 11, characterized in that steps a) to c) are carried out repeatedly, the parameter set determined in each run being changed in the next run in accordance with the at least one actuating command (84-94) determined in this run.

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